The D'Angelico Excel 16 hollowbody electric guitar w/ Seymour Duncan Johnny Smith floating mini humbucker is a refined archtop built for players who demand rich tone and timeless craftsmanship. With a 16" wide body and 2.75" depth, this model offers a comfortable playing experience without sacrificing the full-bodied resonance expected from a hollowbody guitar. The laminated spruce top and flame maple back and sides produce a warm, punchy tone, ideal for intricate jazz voicings and expressive solo work. The floating Seymour Duncan Johnny Smith mini humbucker ensures exceptional clarity, while the 3-piece maple-walnut neck and ebony fingerboard provide smooth playability. With its amber gloss finish, gold hardware and meticulous build quality, the Excel 16 is a stunning instrument for discerning musicians.
Seymour Duncan Floating Mini Humbucker for Superior Clarity
This Excel 16 comes fitted with a Seymour Duncan Johnny Smith mini humbucker designed to preserve the guitar's natural acoustic resonance. Positioned as a floating pickup, it maintains the full-bodied depth and woody resonance of the hollowbody while delivering exceptional clarity and articulation. With Alnico V magnets, this humbucker produces a warm midrange, sparkling highs and balanced dynamics. Paired with a straightforward volume and tone control layout, this pickup offers precise sound shaping without compromising the guitar's organic voice. Whether comping rich chord voicings or executing intricate lead lines, the Johnny smith mini humbucker ensures that every note rings with pristine definition.
Floating Ebony Bridge for Enhanced Sustain
The Excel 16 features a floating ebony bridge—a hallmark of classic archtop design. This bridge maximizes the natural resonance of the laminated spruce top by allowing the soundboard to vibrate freely. Ebony's dense composition contributes to a sharp attack and long sustain, ensuring every note rings with clarity and precision. Combined with the D'Angelico Stairstep tailpiece, this bridge configuration enhances tonal richness while maintaining stable intonation. Together, these components create a responsive playing experience that complements the guitar's acoustic depth and dynamic range.
Premium Materials and Refined Craftsmanship
Built with meticulous attention to detail, this hollowbody guitar features a laminated spruce top and flame maple back and sides bound in stunning 7-ply binding for added durability and elegance. The 3-piece maple-walnut neck is topped with a 22-fret ebony fingerboard, adorned with mother-of-pearl split block inlays for a touch of sophistication. The gold Grover Rotomatic tuners provide reliable tuning stability, while the Graphtech Tusq nut enhances string-to-neck resonance. Every element, from the satin ebony Macassar pickguard to the locking strap buttons, showcases D'Angelico's commitment to craftsmanship and performance.
Comfortable Neck Profile for Smooth Playability
The slightly thicker C-shaped neck on this guitar strikes the perfect balance between heft and speed, offering a comfortable grip for extended playing sessions. The ebony fingerboard provide a smooth, natural feel, while the 12" fingerboard radius ensures fluid transitions between chords and single-note lines. The dual-action truss rod allows players to make precise adjustments to accommodate their playing style, ensuring optimal performance in any condition. This thoughtful design enhances hand fit and mobility, making it an excellent choice for technical players seeking effortless playability.
A Classic Archtop Built for Jazz Players
The D'Angelico Excel 16 hollowbody electric guitar offers a balance of comfort and tonal depth that will appeal to jazz musicians and archtop enthusiasts of all stripes. Its 16" body size, paired with premium craftsmanship and a Seymour Duncan mini humbucker, creates a guitar that is both easy to handle and incredibly expressive. Whether you're sitting in for a session at the jazz club or laying down tracks in the studio, the Excel 16 delivers the rich tone and refined elegance to inspire your next masterpiece.