Guitar Gear ReviewsDAngelico Excel EXL1 Amber
A refined hollow-body jazz guitar with premium specs and striking looks, but limited in tonal variety and priced at a premium.
★★★☆☆ 3/5 · 2 buyer reviews · 4 min read · updated 2026-09-20 · Tested by Cal Whitaker
Shipping and duties
The retailer ships from its warehouse in Germany. Prices are shown in US dollars and do not include import duties. Orders under roughly $800 usually clear US customs without duty; above that, a duty of a few percent may be collected on delivery. 30-day money-back and a 3-year warranty apply.
Scores by area
Where it shines, where it stumbles
What convinced me
- Premium materials throughout, including an ebony fretboard and laminated spruce top
- Elegant aesthetic with flamed maple body and gold-plated hardware
- Versatile Seymour Duncan 59 humbucker pickup delivers warm, dynamic tones
- Includes a hard case for safe transport and storage
What bugged me
- No tremolo system for players seeking vibrato options
- Only one pickup limits tonal variety
- High price may be prohibitive for entry-level buyers
Is it the right one for you?
Good pick if
Ideal for experienced jazz, blues, and fingerstyle guitarists looking for a instrument with premium craftsmanship and a traditional single-cut hollow-body sound. Recommended for professionals who value both tone and appearance, and players performing in studio or on stage environments.Look elsewhere if
Not suitable for beginners due to the price and single pickup simplicity, nor for players needing a wide range of tones or those who require a tremolo for vibrato effects. Those in heavy rock or metal will likely find it too specialized.Suggested level: Professional
Specifications
- Color
- Amber
- Body
- Maple
- Top
- Spruce
- Neck
- Maple, Walnut, Maple
- Fretboard
- Ebony
- Frets
- 22
- Scale
- 648 mm
- Pickup system
- H
- Tremolo
- No
- Including case
- Yes
- Incl. gigbag
- No
Up close
Questions players ask
Does the DAngelico Excel EXL1 Amber come with a case?
Yes, a hard case is included with the purchase of this guitar.
What type of pickup is installed on this model?
It features a Seymour Duncan 59 humbucker pickup positioned at the neck.
Is this guitar suitable for styles other than jazz?
While designed for jazz, its hollow body and humbucker can also suit blues and clean classic styles, though modern, high-gain genres are less suited.
Can I install a tremolo system on this guitar?
No, the design does not accommodate a tremolo system, and there is no factory option for one.
Is the neck profile comfortable for smaller hands?
The C-shaped neck profile and 43 mm nut width provide balanced comfort for most hand sizes, but those with very small hands may wish to try it first.
Hands-On Test: DAngelico Excel EXL1 Amber Hollow Body Guitar
Body and Construction
The DAngelico Excel EXL1 Amber presents a classic hollow body design with a single cutaway, constructed from flamed maple for the back and sides and a laminated spruce top. This combination aims for resonance, visual appeal, and solid structural integrity. The seven-ply body binding stands out as a premium detail, framing the Amber finish and underlining the guitar's high-end aesthetic. DAngelico couples these materials with a 648 mm scale (just under 25.5 inches), offering a familiar feel for players accustomed to traditional full-scale jazz guitars. The instrument's substantial construction is further anchored by gold-plated hardware, adding both visual impact and corrosion resistance.
Neck and Playability
The three-piece neck design, maple, walnut, and maple, targets enhanced stability while introducing subtle tonal complexity. The C-shaped profile caters to a wide audience, providing a comfortable grip for both chordal work and single-note runs. An ebony fingerboard, featuring 22 frets and split block inlays in mother-of-pearl, offers a smooth, fast-playing surface that resists wear over time. The 43 mm nut width is standard for this type of instrument, providing enough space for expressive fingerstyle and complex chord voicings without feeling unwieldy.
- Neck construction: Maple, walnut, and maple three-piece laminate
- Fingerboard: Ebony with mother-of-pearl split block inlays
- Frets: 22
- Scale length: 648 mm (full scale)
- Nut width: 43 mm
- Profile: C shape
Electronics and Hardware
The Excel EXL1 Amber relies on a single Seymour Duncan 59 humbucking pickup in the neck position. This pickup is a staple for its balanced output and clarity, capturing the nuance expected in a premium hollow body. Electronics are streamlined: a single volume and a single tone control paired with an EG2P jack socket. The absence of a tremolo system and additional pickups leans into traditional jazz archtop territory, favoring simplicity and signal integrity over versatility. Gold-plated Grover 150 Imperial machine heads promise reliable tuning, while the D'Angelico Stairstep tailpiece provides stable string anchoring and echoes the brand's signature art deco styling.
- Pickup system: Single humbucker (Seymour Duncan 59, neck position)
- Controls: 1 volume, 1 tone
- Jack socket: EG2P compatible
- Tailpiece: D'Angelico Stairstep, gold-plated
- Machine heads: Grover 150 Imperial, gold-plated
- Pickguard: 5-ply black
Fit, Finish, and Case
The Amber finish works with the flamed maple to create strong visual character. The seven-ply binding and mother-of-pearl inlays contribute to a cohesive upmarket look. DAngelico includes a fitted hard case with the instrument, suitable for safe transport, though no gigbag is provided by default.
Summary: Excel EXL1 Amber Technical Evaluation
The DAngelico Excel EXL1 Amber follows the heritage formula for a hollow body jazz guitar while introducing premium appointments. Its maple (back/sides, neck) and spruce (top) combination aims for warmth, with the ebony fingerboard enhancing clarity and attack. Playability is grounded in its C-shaped profile and standard nut width. DAngelico keeps the electronics minimal: a single Seymour Duncan humbucker in the neck, one volume, and one tone, reflecting the focused, genre-specific intent of the model. Gold-plated hardware, mother-of-pearl inlays, Grover tuners, and the distinctive stairstep tailpiece justify the upmarket price. The inclusion of a hardshell case rounds off the package.
For those seeking a technically refined hollow body with jazz styling, stable neck construction, and premium hardware, the Excel EXL1 Amber embodies DAngelico's blend of tradition and craftsmanship.
The last word from the bench
The DAngelico Excel EXL1 Amber stands out as a sophisticated choice for players who appreciate high-grade construction and classic jazz tones. The single Seymour Duncan humbucker pickup provides rich, full-bodied sounds ideal for traditional genres. While the instrument excels in tone and aesthetics, the absence of a tremolo and limited pickup configuration might not suit everyone. This model is most appealing to dedicated jazz or blues guitarists comfortable with its premium price point.
Hanging next to it
Before you decide
DAngelico Excel EXL1 Amber
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