AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best DAngelico Jazz Guitars 2026
The top pick is DAngelico Excel EXL1 Dark Iced Tea Burst ($1,507). Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 5 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 31, 2026
Top 5
Full detail for the 5 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets22 frets
- Neck profileC-shape neck
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This Excel EXL1 is a seriously gorgeous instrument, built for players who want that classic, warm jazz tone. The Johnny Smith pickup is a real winner, offering plenty of clarity and a touch of grit. It's a premium-priced guitar that feels like a vintage find, perfect for gigging jazz musicians and serious hobbyists.
Pros
- Stunning flamed maple back provides exceptional warmth and sustain.
- Seymour Duncan Johnny Smith delivers articulate jazz tones with surprising bite.
- Ebony fingerboard offers a smooth, fast playing experience and excellent clarity.
Cons
- The shorter 648mm scale might feel cramped for players used to longer scales.
- Hollow body construction means feedback can be an issue at higher volumes without careful amp selection.
64AudioFu
Index↓ 20.6%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$1,898 · Aug 17$1,507 now$1,507€1,349 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale628 mm (24.72")
- Frets20 frets
- Neck profileC-shape neck
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
The D'Angelico Excel Style B Amber is a seriously cool jazz guitar—it nails that vintage vibe. The hollowbody construction and DeArmond pickup give it a beautiful, airy tone perfect for comping and mellow solos. If you're a jazz, blues, or classic rock player looking for a refined instrument with character, this is a great choice.
Pros
- Laminated Spruce top delivers a warm, resonant tone with excellent projection.
- DeArmond Rhythm Chief 1000 pickup provides a classic, vintage-voiced, airy character.
- Ebony fingerboard offers a slick, fast playing experience and excellent note definition.
Cons
- Non-cutaway design limits upper fret access, a consideration for lead players.
- Laminated construction, while structurally sound, lacks the tonal complexity of solid wood.
46AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,675 now$1,675€1,499 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale628 mm (24.72")
- Frets20 frets
- Neck profileC-shape neck
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This D'Angelico Excel Style B is a beautifully crafted instrument, perfect for jazz, blues, and mellow swing players who appreciate vintage aesthetics and a warm, articulate tone. The neck profile is comfortable and the overall build quality is impressive for a premium-priced guitar. It’s a great option for players seeking that classic hollowbody vibe without the ultra-high-end price tag.
Pros
- The DeArmond 1000 pickup delivers a warm, vintage, and uniquely mellow tone.
- Walnut in the neck adds stiffness and a pleasing resonance; feels very stable.
- Ebony fingerboard provides a smooth playing experience and excellent note definition.
Cons
- The non-cutaway design can slightly hinder access to higher frets.
- Laminated construction, while structurally sound, lacks the ultimate resonance of solid wood.
46AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,786 now$1,786€1,599 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale635 mm (25")
- Frets22 frets
- Neck profileC-shape neck
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
The D’Angelico Excel 16 is a seriously gorgeous instrument, built with premium materials and a fantastic humbucker for a warm, powerful tone. It's a fantastic choice for jazz guitarists or anyone seeking a refined, vintage-inspired feel and look, though its weight is something to consider. This is a great step up for players wanting a hollow body experience without the premium price tag of their higher-end siblings.
Pros
- Stunning flamed maple back delivers rich, resonant tone
- Seymour Duncan DA59 humbucker provides powerful, articulate output
- Ebony fingerboard offers exceptional clarity and playability
Cons
- Hollowbody construction makes it somewhat heavier than solid-body guitars
- Limited pickup options restrict versatility beyond jazz and blues
46AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,954 now$1,954€1,749 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale635 mm (25")
- Frets22 frets
- Neck profileC-shape neck
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
The D’Angelico Excel 16 Amber is a beautifully crafted hollow body, built for serious jazz players. Its warm, focused tone, comfortable neck profile, and quality hardware make it a joy to play. This guitar delivers a premium feel and sound without the ultra-high-end price tag, perfect for the discerning jazz or blues musician.
Pros
- Seymour Duncan Johnny Smith delivers warm, articulate jazz tones.
- Ebony fingerboard offers exceptional clarity and smooth playing feel.
- Maple/walnut/maple neck construction provides stability and resonance.
Cons
- Hollow body design makes it somewhat prone to feedback at higher volumes.
- Limited pickup options restrict versatility beyond jazz and blues styles.
44AudioFu
IndexStablesince Aug 17$1,842 · Aug 17$1,842 now$1,842€1,649 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
Jazz Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 54 models we track, not a sample.
Median $1,786 — half of all jazz guitars here cost less.
median of 45 models · 42.8 mm (1.69")–44 mm (1.73")
median of 52 models · 628 mm (24.72")–648 mm (25.51")
most common · 36 models
median of 30 models · 20–22
How to choose the best jazz guitars
Heritage & Design
D'Angelico's early instruments were legendary, known for their ornate inlays and robust construction. The modern interpretations carry that visual flair - sometimes a little too much - but the core design philosophy of comfortable ergonomics and a focus on projection remains. It's a statement piece, no doubt.
Tone Characteristics
Expect a warm, woody tone with a pronounced low-end thump. These aren't shred machines; they're built for comping and soloing with that classic jazz articulation. The pickup voicing tends towards a mellow, almost vocal quality, which can be a plus or minus depending on your desired sound. They can lack some aggressive bite when pushed hard.
Build Quality
Generally solid. The hardware is usually decent, though some earlier models had issues with tuners. The finish quality can vary - some are flawless, others show minor blemishes. It's worth checking carefully before you commit. The necks are typically well-done, though the neck profiles can be a bit thick for some players.
Construction & Wood Choices
Most D'Angelico jazz guitars utilize maple bodies, often with a figured top (flame or quilt maple). The back and sides are typically mahogany or occasionally other tonewoods. This combination delivers that balanced tone - warm but still able to cut through a mix, though they aren't as naturally resonant as all-mahogany builds.
Aesthetics & Inlays
Let's be honest, the inlays are a big draw. They're ornate, sometimes bordering on excessive, but they're undeniably eye-catching. However, be mindful - the elaborate designs can sometimes drive up the price, and the visual flash might not be your thing.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're looking at a D'Angelico jazz guitar? Smart move. These aren't your grandpa's hollowbodies, though they certainly respect the tradition. D'Angelico has a serious history, and while they've had some... interesting... periods, their modern instruments offer a unique blend of vintage vibe and modern playability - assuming you know what to look for.
Look, a D'Angelico jazz guitar isn't a budget buy. You're paying for the name and the aesthetics as much as the instrument itself. Be wary of models with overly elaborate inlays - they're often where corners get cut to keep the price down.
Focus on the feel and the core tone; if it doesn't resonate with you, the fancy inlays won't make up for it. Play before you buy, always.
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 8 jazz guitars from the Thomann catalogue (of 54 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 D'Angelico guitars worth the money?
That's subjective. They offer a distinctive look and a decent tone, but you're paying a premium for the brand and the aesthetics. There are other guitars in the same price range that might offer better value depending on your priorities.
What's the deal with the different model names (New Standard, Premier, SS etc.)?
Essentially, it's a tiered system. 'New Standard' is the entry-level, 'Premier' offers higher-end appointments and wood, and 'SS' (Solid Series) represents their higher-end, all-solid wood instruments. Expect a jump in quality and price with each tier.
I've heard some complaints about D'Angelico's quality control. Is that true?
There have been reports of finish issues and hardware inconsistencies, especially on some older models. Quality control has improved in recent years, but it's still worth inspecting the instrument thoroughly before purchasing.
Are D'Angelico guitars good for blues or other genres besides jazz?
Absolutely. That warm, articulate tone translates well to blues and even some rock styles. Just be aware that they aren't designed for high-gain distortion - that fat midrange honk will quickly become muddy.
What kind of amp do I need to get the most out of a D'Angelico?
A clean, warm amp is your best bet. Think Fender Deluxe Reverb, Vox AC15, or similar. You want an amp that lets the guitar's natural tone shine through. A little bit of tube warmth is great, but avoid anything overly bright or aggressive.
