DAngelico Excel 16 Amber

DAngelico Excel 16 Amber: Construction and Materials

The DAngelico Excel 16 Amber belongs to the upper midrange hollow body class, positioned at a price of $1,599. DAngelico has gone with a laminated spruce top combined with flamed maple for the back and sides. The multi-layer construction is protected by seven-ply binding around the body, offering both visual separation and structure. The body has a single cutaway, providing easier access to the upper register.

The neck follows a three-piece pattern: maple flanking a walnut core. This technique not only looks refined but also provides extra stability across the 635 mm scale length. The ebony fingerboard is appointed with 22 frets and features mother-of-pearl split block inlays, a classic touch associated with premium archtop guitars. The overall fretboard radius and "C" profile neck make the neck neither too chunky nor too thin, falling within the comfort zone for traditional jazz players and more contemporary hands alike.

One small yet notable detail is the use of a Graphtech TUSQ nut, precisely cut to a width of 43 mm. The 5-ply black Scalini pickguard offers robust protection and integrates nicely with the gold-plated hardware. Tuners are Grover Rotomatics, a reliable choice for stable tuning. The instrument comes in an amber gloss, giving prominence to the figured maple and accenting the overall vintage visual language. A hardshell case is included.

Pickup System and Controls

This model forgoes the typical dual pickup setup in favor of a single Seymour Duncan Johnny Smith floating mini humbucker. "Floating" means that the pickup is mounted off the body, usually attached to the neck or pickguard instead of the spruce top, in order to enhance the natural acoustic response of the instrument. Controls are as straightforward as it gets: just one volume and one tone. This minimalist approach is by design, aimed at purists who appreciate a transparent, feedback-resistant jazz sound.

Playability: Setup and Comfort

Initial reports on quality control have been inconsistent. One user noted receiving a poorly set up instrument, issues like an ill-fitting bridge and warped pickguard interfered with playability. However, after a swift return and exchange, a second example arrived in perfect shape, backing up the retailer's reputation for handling issues quickly and efficiently.

Setup appears crucial with the Excel 16 Amber. Once properly dialed in and fitted with flatwound strings (such as 12-50 gauge, as one user preferred), the action can be set remarkably low with no buzz, enhancing both playability and comfort. The "C" profile neck and modest nut width contribute to an overall intuitive playing experience, making both chords and single-note runs accessible up to the 22nd fret.

Sound: Acoustic and Amplified

Unplugged, the Excel 16 Amber projects with a dry, woody resonance due to the maple back and sides and laminated spruce top. The structure is lively, as expected from a traditional hollow body jazz box, but more controlled than a fully carved acoustic.

Plugging in, the Seymour Duncan floating mini humbucker delivers a transparent, articulate tone with just a hint of warmth, enough to mellow harsh top-end but without the blanket effect some neck-mounted humbuckers produce. Fingerstyle dynamics come through clearly, and comping retains definition, even with heavy chord voicings. The minimalistic circuit (one volume, one tone) avoids coloring the tone path, keeping everything direct and noise-free. There is a notable absence of feedback at moderate volumes, likely helped by the pickup's isolation from the soundboard. This is a benefit for both jazz ensemble work and solo settings where clarity is crucial.

Hardware and Accessories

DAngelico has focused on premium appointments throughout. Gold hardware is standard, from tailpiece to tuners. The Grover machine heads are dependable, with smooth rotation and solid grip. The included case is heavy-duty, providing outright protection for transport or storage; there is no gigbag included in the package.

Verdict: Who Is the Excel 16 Amber For?

The DAngelico Excel 16 Amber is prepped for players seeking faithful archtop tradition with a modern reliability edge. The floating mini humbucker suits those who want a pure jazz tone without fuss. While this guitar does require careful setup out of the box, it is capable of salon-level string action and outstanding comfort. For jazz, classic pop, and blues, the dynamic range and responsive neck will not disappoint. If ornate features or numerous pickups are important, other models might be preferable, but as a focused, no-nonsense hollow body, the Excel 16 Amber stands out in its class.

• Hollow maple body with laminated spruce top
• Three-piece maple and walnut neck for improved stability
• Ebony fretboard with mother-of-pearl inlays
• Seymour Duncan Johnny Smith floating mini humbucker
• Streamlined, vintage-inspired hardware package
• Hardshell case included

With the right initial inspection and setup, the DAngelico Excel 16 Amber is a strong contender for professional and advanced hobbyist guitarists looking for a classic archtop with contemporary dependability.