TRM is proud to present another original D'Angelico archtop guitar, built by the master himself, John D'Angelico, in 1945. This superb playing example offer the cut and singing tone one expects in one of these beautiful instruments. This one has a tone that is shifted more toward the high mids than some of the other D'Angelicos we have experience with more shimmering highs than most archtops have. If that's what you're looking for, this may be the perfect guitar for you.
The neck has a larger C-shaped carve which fits beautifully in larger hands or for those who just prefer a larger carve. The action can be set quite low for an acoustic guitar with strings still ringing out clearly. The bridge also has room for adjustment up or down as the player prefers.
The top is a beautifully carved piece of spruce, while the neck, back and sides are made of highly flamed maple. The fretboard is ebony with engraved inlays. The headstock shows the classic D'Angelico art deco shape with finial and the classic Excel inlay pattern.
The original bridge is a beautifully shaped piece of ebony. The tailpiece is original to the guitar with a replacement endpin. I believe the pickguard and tuners to be original to the guitar. The tuners are not like those seen on most D'Angelicos, but with the United States coming out of World War 2 at the time of this build, it doesn't surprise me that what was available was used. These tuners work very well.
The base of the headstock shows a distant crack repair which requires one to look closely to see. There is also a stable center seam separation which can be seen underneath the tailpiece. There is overspray in the area of the heastock repair, and I believe the rest of the guitar also has a light overspray of lacquer. There are some scratches and finish chips which can be seen mainly in the area of the lower bout top, consistent with playwear. The bass side of the fingerboard extension has screw holes from a past DeArmond floating pickup installation. There is also typical, light weather checking of the finish.
Weight - 6.6 pounds
Nut width - 1.75 inches
1st fret depth - 0.99 inches
10th fret depth - 1.09 inches
The guitar comes with the original hardshell case which is in good condition. All hinges and latches are functioning.
Ships free in the United States and for reasonable rates worldwide.