AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best DAngelico Alternative Design Guitars 2026
The top pick is DAngelico Deluxe Bedford DG ($1,515). DAngelico Premier Bedford Black Flake gives you the most for the money at $729. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 4 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 22, 2026
Top 4
Full detail for the 4 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale628 mm (24.72")
- Frets22 frets
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
The D’Angelico Bedford DG is a seriously cool instrument. It nails that vintage vibe with the P90s and tremolo, and the build quality feels surprisingly solid for the price point. This is perfect for players wanting a unique aesthetic and a warm, punchy tone – think blues, garage rock, or indie – without a premium-priced tag.
Pros
- Walnut/Maple neck provides excellent sustain and comfortable feel.
- Seymour Duncan P90s deliver thick, warm, and articulate tones.
- Ebony fingerboard offers smooth playability and note clarity.
Cons
- Alder/Maple construction can feel slightly top-heavy for some players.
- The narrow 'C' neck profile isn't ideal for all hand sizes or playing styles.
47AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,515 now$1,515€1,349 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale628 mm (24.72")
- Frets22 frets
- Neck profileC-shape neck
This guitar feels solid thanks to its matching basswood top and back. The maple neck slides smoothly under your fingers, and the three pickups give you bright clean tones plus a bit of warmth when you need it. It's great for players who love classic Strat vibes but want a little grit on the bridge. Perfect for anyone wanting a simple, affordable instrument that sounds good out of the box.
Pros
- Solid basswood top matches basswood back and sides for consistent resonance.
- Maple neck with satin finish offers smooth playability under fingers.
- Two single coils and one mini humbucker provide varied tone options.
Cons
- No pickup selector switch allows only single coil or humbucker selection.
- Lack of volume/tone knobs limits EQ control compared to full-featured models.
37AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$729 now$729€649 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale628 mm (24.72")
- Frets22 frets
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
The D’Angelico Bedford is a seriously cool, well-equipped guitar. The P90s give it a raw, vintage vibe, while the Wilkinson tremolo adds a touch of modern flair. This is a fantastic option for players seeking a distinctive look and a powerful voice, especially those into rock, blues, and alternative styles.
Pros
- Alder body provides a balanced, resonant tone with good sustain.
- Seymour Duncan P90s deliver thick, creamy tones perfect for rock and blues.
- Ebony fingerboard offers a slick, fast playing experience and excellent note definition.
Cons
- Alder body might feel a little on the lighter side for some players.
- P90 pickups can be noisy at higher gain settings without proper shielding.
37AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,010 now$1,010€899 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Frets22 frets
The D’Angelico Bedford SH is a seriously cool instrument, blending vintage aesthetics with modern appointments. It’s got a fantastic feel, a surprisingly versatile voice thanks to the Duncan pickups, and the offset body offers a comfortable, unique playing experience. This is ideal for players who want a stylish, high-quality guitar with a distinctive character and a touch of class.
Pros
- Alder top provides a balanced, resonant tone with good sustain.
- Seymour Duncan STR52-1/SM-1b combo delivers a versatile range of tones.
- Ebony fretboard offers a smooth playing experience and excellent note clarity.
Cons
- Offset design may not appeal to players preferring traditional guitar shapes.
- Semi-hollow construction can introduce feedback at higher volumes.
35AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,122 now$1,122€999 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
Alternative Design Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 248 models we track, not a sample.
median of 202 models · 41.3 mm (1.63")–43 mm (1.69")
median of 229 models · 610 mm (24.02")–648 mm (25.51")
median of 154 models · 21–24
most common · 186 models
How to choose the best alternative design guitars
Heritage & Aesthetics
The Alternative Design line draws heavily from the golden age of Dangelico - the 60s and 70s - but reimagined for today. That means those iconic shapes like the Semi-Hollow and the Deluxe are still there, but with modern construction and appointments. It's a statement piece, no doubt.
Pickup Voicing
These guitars typically come equipped with D'Angelo's own humbuckers, which lean towards a warm, slightly compressed tone. They're not shred-machine pickups; think more bluesy grit, fat rhythm tones, and a usable, vocal-like lead sound. They handle a bit of overdrive exceptionally well, revealing a nice, controlled breakup.
Neck Profile & Playability
Dangelico AD guitars generally have comfortable, modern "C" shape necks - not too thick, not too thin - making them accessible to a wide range of players. The action is usually set up well from the factory, though a professional setup can always elevate the experience.
Build Quality & Hardware
The build quality is solid for the price point. You're not getting all-mahogany construction or nitro finishes, but the hardware is generally reliable, and the bodies are well-bound. The tuners are decent enough for most players, although an upgrade down the line could improve tuning stability.
Sonic Character
Expect a balanced tone with a noticeable low-end thump - not boomy, but present. The semi-hollow bodies contribute to a warmth and resonance that cuts through a mix nicely, especially in a band setting. You'll find a surprising amount of sustain, too, thanks to the generally well-chosen woods.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're digging that D'Angelo vibe - the quirky shapes, the oversized headstocks, the unapologetic flash. But maybe those vintage models are a bit out of reach, or you're just looking for something a little more modern. Dangelico Alternative Design guitars are the answer, offering a slice of that classic eccentricity with contemporary playability and a surprisingly versatile voice. Let's break down what makes them tick, and if they're right for your gig or studio.
These guitars offer a lot of visual flair and a unique voice for the money. The biggest trade-off is the hardware - the stock tuners and bridge aren't top-tier, but they're functional. If you're serious about gigging, budget for an upgrade.
Also, be aware that the finish, while attractive, is a gloss polyester - it's durable, but it doesn't have the same depth and complexity as a nitro finish. It's a great option for players who want something different and don't want to break the bank.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 5 alternative design guitars from the Thomann catalogue (of 248 in the category). Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
Are Dangelico Alternative Design guitars made in the USA?
No, they're manufactured in Indonesia, which is pretty standard for guitars in this price range. The designs are American, though, and quality control is generally good.
How do they compare to a Gibson ES-335?
They're not in the same league in terms of overall build quality or materials, but they capture a similar aesthetic and offer a comparable semi-hollow warmth. Think of them as a more accessible, and visually distinctive, alternative.
Can I get a humbucker upgrade?
Absolutely! The pickup cavities are standard size, so swapping out the stock pickups is straightforward. It's a common mod to further tailor the tone.
What kind of music are these guitars best suited for?
Blues, rock, classic rock, and even some jazz styles work really well. They're versatile enough for a wide range of genres, but they really shine when you want that warm, slightly gritty tone.
Are the necks prone to warping?
Like any guitar, they're susceptible to humidity changes, but the necks are generally well-constructed and stable. A good quality case and a humidifier are always a good idea, especially in dry climates.
