The D'Angelico Excel SS semi-hollow electric guitar is a standout blend of old-school elegance and pro-level performance, designed for players in search of modern versatility with vintage flair. With its sleek, 15"-wide single-cutaway body and centerblock construction, the Excel SS delivers rich, resonant tone with tight low end and articulate highs. Its premium appointments—including all-gold hardware, ebony knobs and a tortoiseshell Scalini pickguard—exude a refined, Art Deco–inspired aesthetic that's unmistakably D'Angelico. And with USA-made Seymour Duncan pickups, push/pull coil splitting and a silky-smooth ebony fingerboard, this guitar punches well above its class, whether you're comping jazz chords or ripping blues-rock leads.
Semi-Hollow Maple Body Delivers Resonant Tone With Reduced Feedback
The Excel SS features a laminated maple body with a 15" width and 1.75" depth, making it lightweight and comfortable without sacrificing tonal depth. Its semi-hollow design with a solid centerblock reduces feedback while preserving the acoustic resonance and woody character players expect from a hollowbody. The laminated maple top, back and sides contribute bright, focused attack and clarity, while the elegant five-ply binding and gloss finish add a layer of high-end polish. Whether clean or overdriven, the SS's voice is bold and balanced, equally suited for chordal textures and melodic lines.
Three-Piece Neck With Fast Ebony Fingerboard
Crafted from a three-piece maple/walnut/maple laminate, the Excel SS's neck is set into the body for maximum sustain and smooth upper-fret access. It's shaped in a comfortable C profile with just enough heft for a vintage feel without getting in your way. The ebony fingerboard has a 16" radius and is adorned with mother-of-pearl split-block inlays for classic visual appeal. Jescar 47/104 medium-jumbo fretwire ensures excellent intonation and effortless bending, while the 25" scale length strikes a perfect balance between tension and playability. With its premium materials and fast feel, this neck is built to inspire extended sessions and expressive playing.
Seymour Duncan Pickups With Coil-Splitting Push/Pull Knobs
Loaded with a pair of USA-made Seymour Duncan humbuckers—a '59 in the neck and an SH-4 in the bridge—the Excel SS offers a tonal palette that ranges from warm and smoky to bright and aggressive. These iconic pickups are known for their dynamic responsiveness and clarity, making them ideal for everything from clean jazz and soul to gritty blues and hard rock. With the push/pull tone knobs, you can instantly tap into single-coil sparkle, expanding your sonic options without needing to swap guitars. A 3-way toggle and 500k pots round out the versatile control scheme, giving you intuitive access to a wide range of expressive tones.
Elegant Hardware and Refined D'Angelico Craftsmanship
Every detail on the Excel SS speaks to D'Angelico's commitment to premium craftsmanship and timeless design. From the Grover 509 Super Rotomatic locking tuners to the gold Tune-o-matic bridge and signature Stairstep tailpiece, the hardware choices are both functional and visually striking. The cupola headpin, aluminum Skyscraper truss rod cover and mother-of-pearl Excel shield logo elevate the aesthetic further. Locking strap buttons provide added security for live performance, while the four ebony knobs feel substantial and smooth under your fingers. These high-end touches come together to make the Excel SS feel like a true boutique instrument.
A Stunning Semi-Hollow Guitar With Sophisticated Versatility
The D'Angelico Excel SS semi-hollow electric guitar is a thoughtfully designed instrument for players who demand tonal flexibility, striking aesthetics and premium playability in one complete package. Whether you're a jazz traditionalist, a blues aficionado or a genre-hopping session player, the Excel SS offers the tools to express your full range. With boutique-level appointments, dependable electronics and an unmistakable voice, it's ready for the studio, the stage and everything in between.