DAngelico DLX Atlantic Bariton Solid BLK

Overview: A Baritone for Players with D'Angelico Flair

The DAngelico DLX Atlantic Bariton Solid BLK presents a uniquely styled baritone electric guitar in D'Angelico's deluxe line-up. With its solid black finish, pronounced Art Deco touches, and hardware highlights in gold, this instrument stands out visually and sonically. The model features a shortened baritone scale length, a sophisticated neck assembly, and a pair of specially-voiced dual-coil pickups offering versatile electronics. At a price of $1,333, it competes directly with boutique baritone models while delivering its own take on comfort and tonal scope.

Build and Finish: Art Deco Precision

• Body and Top: The entire body uses alder, providing balanced resonance and clarity. Seven-layer binding traces the offset body, lending a high-end look. The matching headstock and neck segment in body color enhance the streamlined aesthetic.
• Neck: The neck sandwiches walnut between two harder maple pieces for stability and visual interest. The thin satin finish ensures comfortable movement with no sticky sensation. The narrow C-shaped profile feels speedy but supportive, accommodating players accustomed to shorter or slimmer necks.
• Fingerboard: Ebony was chosen for the fingerboard, and 22 medium frets are seamlessly installed. Split block inlays in mother-of-pearl and abalone finish the look with understated luxury.
• Hardware: Locking Super Rotomatic tuners by Grover deliver tuning stability and sit in the expected D'Angelico Deco housings. The stopbar tailpiece and bridge (both gold-plated) are robust, with no movement or rattle, and look at home against the deep black body.

Assembly and surface treatment score highly. Satin on the neck avoids drag, and all plastic and metal work is free from rough edges or visual flaws. Reports confirm the factory setup is exemplary: correct string height, precise nut slotting, ideal neck relief, and fully intonated on arrival. This is a rare level of detail outside of custom shops, especially in this price segment.

Baritone Design: Shorter Scale for Better Playability

The scale measures just under 26.75 inches, only about 1.25 inches longer than a typical Fender double-cut. As a result, the DLX Atlantic Bariton is more inviting for players with smaller hands or those new to extended range instruments. The neck's narrow C shape fits most hands comfortably and requires almost no acclimatization, players can move from a standard electric without feeling out of place.

The result is an instrument that feels familiar but offers the extended low range necessary for modern styles, heavy genres, or experimental work. The playability, especially out of the box, earns consistent high marks in user feedback.

Electronics and Controls: Versatility at Your Fingertips

• Pickups: Two Seymour Duncan Seth Lover Alnico IV dual-coil pickups, designed after vintage P.A.F. Units, cover a spectrum from nuanced jazz to punchy rock tones.
• Controls: Separate volume and tone controls for each pickup allow fine balancing. Both tone knobs include a push-pull coil split per pickup, clean tactile feedback confirms switching. The three-way blade selector clicks smoothly and securely, though one user flagged a slight mechanical noise when toggling, which could warrant warranty support if persistent.
• Electronics Compartment: The cover is countersunk for a flush fit and internally shielded, and the wiring and pot selection demonstrate care and organization.

Tonal Spectrum: Focused, Assertive, and Surprisingly Broad

The Seth Lover pickups deliver a tone that is tight, articulate, and powerful, especially in low tunings. Each note punches clear with impressive authority, suitable for high-gain work as well as clean passages. Coil splitting opens up a spectrum of eight distinct pickup and split combinations. Unlike many coil split designs, both split and full dual-coil modes are highly usable: split tones have clarity and cut, not just thinness. Full humbucking delivers warmth, punch, and a strong midrange presence that sits well in a mix.

The tone controls operate across their entire range, lending flexibility for both subtle shaping and more dramatic sweeps. This range of options covers jazz, pop, metal, or alternative genres. Player reports consistently highlight how inspiring and musical the split sounds are, rare for many modern dual-coil equipped guitars.

Accessories and Case: Ready to Gig

The package includes a robust rectangular case, setup tools, and gold-finished strap locks. No gig bag is included, but the hard case provides solid protection for both travel and storage. The inclusion of setup keys and matched gold strap locks signals attention to player needs and quality control beyond the minimum.

Verdict: A Baritone with Usability and Prestige

The DAngelico DLX Atlantic Bariton Solid BLK is recommended for those seeking a playable, versatile baritone with both aesthetic flair and tonal capability. The short baritone scale makes it uniquely approachable, and the electronics system encourages tonal exploration. Apart from a minor selector switch quirk, the instrument is finely crafted, and its feel out of the box compares favorably with more expensive boutique models. It is a strong option for anyone considering a baritone, especially those interested in covering broad tonal ground with superior comfort and style.