DAngelico Excel DC Viola

DAngelico Excel DC Viola review

The Excel DC Viola is a semi-hollow electric guitar with a center block, a laminated maple top, back, and sides, and two Seymour Duncan 59 humbuckers. Its listed price is $1,499. The model has been available since May 2021, and the included case makes it ready to store or transport without requiring a separate purchase. There is no gig bag included.

The combination of semi-hollow construction and a center block gives this guitar a clear identity within the category. Player feedback describes a lively response, with one owner noting that the instrument vibrates in a way that feels almost acoustic. That is a subjective impression rather than a measurable specification, but it fits the reported appeal of the guitar: a resonant feel alongside the control and amplified sound expected from a solidly built electric instrument.

Construction and playing feel

The maple body is paired with a three-piece maple, walnut, and maple neck. The rosewood fingerboard has 22 frets and mother-of-pearl split-block inlays. A slim C neck profile and 43 mm nut width define the main dimensions at the fretting hand, while the 628 mm scale is relatively compact. The neck construction and dimensions are concrete reasons to consider it if a comfortable, easy-to-navigate neck matters more to you than a larger, longer-scale feel.

Owners consistently praise the playing comfort and finish. One reviewer reports that the neck feels comfortable, the frets have smooth edges, and access to the upper frets is good. Another says the guitar arrived ready to play, with only a small bridge adjustment needed to suit a preference for lower string action. That account suggests a good setup out of the case, though individual preferences and instrument setup can vary. The five-ply body binding adds a defined edge detail, while the five-ply tortoiseshell Scalini pickguard gives the front a contrasting visual accent.

The Viola finish is listed as red, although one owner expected a lighter shade and needed time to get used to its appearance. Color perception can vary with lighting and display settings, so prospective buyers should check current product images if the exact shade is important. Gold-plated hardware, Grover 150 Imperial tuners, an EG2P output jack, a Tune-O-Matic bridge, and DAngelico's Stairstep tailpiece complete the hardware specification.

Pickups and control options

The two Seymour Duncan 59 humbuckers are a central part of the Excel DC's appeal. Player feedback describes them as clear and capable across a wide range of sounds, with useful results from different pickup positions and combinations. Owners report using the guitar for rock, blues, and jazz, and one specifically praises the warmth of its sound. These are listening impressions, not guarantees of a particular result: amplifier settings, playing style, and effects will all shape the final tone.

The control layout offers two volume controls and two tone controls, with push-pull functions on the tone controls, plus a three-way pickup switch. That setup gives players several ways to adjust the sound from the guitar itself. The available specifications do not detail the exact switching behavior of each push-pull control, so buyers should confirm the wiring configuration if a particular coil-splitting or pickup option is essential to their setup.

Who should consider it?

The Excel DC Viola makes the strongest case for players looking for a comfortable semi-hollow guitar with a center block, a compact scale, and versatile humbuckers. Feedback highlights its smooth finish, accessible upper frets, and broad tonal range. A player using modeling gear and a quality jazz-style amplifier reports that the 59 pickups retain considerable clarity, while other owners describe the instrument as effective across several familiar electric-guitar styles.

Its listed price of $1,499 places it in a range where construction quality and hardware details deserve close attention. The supplied feedback is strongly positive about both, but it does not establish that every example will arrive with identical action or setup. If you prefer a lighter-looking red finish, check the color carefully before ordering. If you value a comfortable neck, responsive semi-hollow construction, and the flexibility of two humbuckers with push-pull tone controls, the Excel DC Viola has a persuasive set of practical strengths.

Verdict

The DAngelico Excel DC Viola combines a laminated maple semi-hollow body, a maple and walnut neck, rosewood fingerboard, and Seymour Duncan 59 humbuckers in a well-equipped package with a case. Reported playing impressions emphasize comfort, smooth fretwork, and clear, warm sounds across multiple styles. Its specifications and owner feedback make it a strong candidate for players seeking a versatile semi-hollow electric guitar, provided the finish and control wiring suit their preferences.