Few bands have left a mark on music history like the Grateful Dead—and few instruments embody their spirit quite like the D’Angelico Premier Grateful Dead DC semi-hollow electric guitar. Adorned in a striking red, white and blue lightning bolt finish inspired by the band’s iconic "Steal Your Face" logo, this semi-hollow double-cutaway celebrates 60 years of the Dead’s long, strange trip through iconoclastic rock, folk-tinged psychedelia and beyond. It’s a visual tribute packed with stage-ready tone and refined playability. From its versatile D’Angelico humbuckers to its slim C-shaped neck and smooth rosewood fingerboard, this model invites you to explore endless melodic detours and improvisational grooves. Deadheads and tone chasers alike will feel right at home with this stunning tribute to one of rock music’s most influential and idiosyncratic acts.
Bold Semi-Hollow Design With Signature Dead Style
The Premier Grateful Dead DC features a 16"-wide laminated maple body with a 1.75" depth and centerblock construction for a balanced blend of warmth and clarity. Its signature lightning bolt finish runs across the body in vivid red, white and blue, immediately evoking the band’s legendary iconography. Five-ply binding adds an elegant frame, while the lack of a pickguard keeps the aesthetic clean and uninterrupted. With its refined double-cutaway silhouette, this model provides smooth playability for expressive Jerry-style leads and extended chord shapes alike—an ideal companion for weaving through jam sessions or exploring improvisational spaces that the Dead made famous.
Comfortable C-Shaped Maple Neck and Rosewood Fingerboard
Built for long sets and extended grooves, the Premier DC’s maple neck sports a slim C-shaped profile that’s comfortable in any position. Finished in gloss, it glides effortlessly under the hand while offering enough grip for dynamic control. The 24.75" scale and 14" fingerboard radius strike a familiar chord for many players, while medium vintage nickel-silver frets offer smooth articulation across the rosewood fingerboard. Block inlays in white pearloid add a bold, classic touch, and with 22 frets at your disposal, you’ve got ample range for solos, runs and melodic exploration. Whether you're comping rhythm or pushing sonic boundaries, the neck is built to follow your lead.
Versatile D’Angelico Humbuckers With Vintage-Inspired Tone
At the heart of the Premier Grateful Dead DC are two D’Angelico humbuckers—voiced to offer the clarity, punch and warmth needed for the Dead’s dynamic range. Clean tones shimmer with natural overtones, while higher-gain settings yield creamy sustain and harmonic richness. The familiar 2-volume/2-tone control layout and 3-way toggle switch allow for precise tonal sculpting on the fly. Whether you're laying down tight rhythmic patterns, exploring ambient textures or channeling the expansive jams of “Eyes of the World,” these pickups respond with the musicality and headroom to match your intent.
Grateful Dead Signature Details and Road-Ready Appointments
From the stage-ready construction to the thoughtful cosmetic touches, this guitar is built to inspire. Gold hardware, ebony knobs and signature Stairstep tuners provide premium feel and functionality, while the Graph Tech NuBone nut ensures tuning stability during long performances. The headstock proudly wears a custom mother-of-pearl “Steal Your Face” inlay—a direct nod to Deadhead culture and the band’s long-standing legacy. Paired with a custom gig bag featuring the same red, white and blue bolt motif, this model delivers a full aesthetic experience from headstock to strap button. It’s more than a tribute—it’s a tool for musical storytelling.
A Stunning Semi-Hollow Celebrating 60 Years of the Grateful Dead
Whether you're a lifelong Deadhead or simply drawn to expressive, road-worthy guitars with vintage soul, the D’Angelico Premier Grateful Dead DC semi-hollow electric guitar hits the mark. It merges stage-ready performance with iconic visual identity, all while honoring the band’s history of fearless musical exploration. With its solid build, versatile tone and custom detailing, this semi-hollow is ready for anything—from studio takes to festival sets. And with its striking finish and Dead-exclusive appointments, it’s a guitar that stands out as both a functional instrument and a collector's piece. Let your tone wander—and find your voice along the way.