Weight: 5 lbs 10 oz
Neck Depth 1st fret: .95"
Neck Depth 12th fret: 1.02"
1936 D'Angelico Style A #1229
When most people think of holy grail guitars you often hear people talk about the quintessential American electrics. You know the ones, the 52' Blackgaurd, 59' Slab Board Strat (we got one of those ;), and the one that everyone dreams about, one of those elusive and exorbitant late 50's Bursts. Not me though. I've always had my eye on another class of instruments, ones that dawned the back of bandstands across the country long before amplification set guitar at the forefront of popular music. The American acoustic archtop. Today we get to present an example of these very fine instruments by one of the total masters of modern guitar building, John D'Angelico. This Style A was built in 1936, just four years into John's existence as an independent builder. He was still developing standardization of his instruments and this model was meant to be a more affordable option to the ultra elegant New Yorker and Excel models. This instrument, though not built with all the bells and bling, still has all of the attention to detail and consideration of craft as its bigger and more refined siblings. A true piece of piece of American musical history and a wonderful example from one of the greatest guitar builders on earth.
Condition Notes:
Replaced Reproduction Open Gear Waverly Tuners (Originals are included but not functioning)
Two small holes on treble side of neck block as evidence of previously installed pickup.
A strap button has been added to the treble side of the neck heel.
Small repaired chip in headstock veneer just behind A string nut slot.
There are 3 small doweled holes approx. 1/8th in diameter on the back of the guitar located near the neck joint, the end block, and one located on the treble side lower bought. Reason unknown.
Finish is in excellent condition with slight to mild signs of degradation and checking. Two areas of note on the top are near the bass side waist and treble side between bridge and tailpiece. There is some rub through of the finish on the back of the neck and feels incredibly comfortable and well played in.
The celluloid binding has some slight areas of degradation but is in otherwise in very good condition and does not show any signs of repair, this includes body, neck, and head stock binding.
The celluloid custom inlayed pickguard is original and in very good condition without warping or significant shrinkage.
The guitar also retains its original hand carved ebony adjustable bridge and Grover De Luxe tailpiece.
There is no evidence of any cracks or crack repairs anywhere on the guitar.
Playability is excellent with perfect neck relief with 12 gauge phosphor bronze strings and room on the bridge to go either up or down. Action is currently set at 1/16" at the 12th fret on both treble and bass side.
This guitar comes with two separate cases, the original period brown hardshell case, as well as a custom made Hoffee Case with upgraded thermal protection.
Specifications:
Body Size: 16 5/8" Lower Bout
Body Material: Figured Maple Back and Sides
Top Material: Spruce
Binding: 5 Ply Celluloid
Bracing Pattern: Parallel
Neck: 5 Ply Laminate Flame Maple
Fretboard: Bound Ebony with Pearl Block Inlays
Neck Profile: Large Rounded "C"
Tuners: Non-Original Waverly Open Back (Originals included)
Nut Width: 42mm
Bridge: Hand Carved Adjustable Ebony
Tailpiece: Grover De Luxe
This is a vintage guitar and consignment, there are no returns accepted on this instrument. All sales final. Please ask any and all questions prior to purchase. Additional photos can be provided upon request. This guitar has gone through two separate respected Cleveland luthiers and all information is verified to the best of our knowledge.
Shipping is available at buyers expense through Fedex Express only. Shipping quote will be given prior to purchase. Continental U.S. shipping only, all others must make their own arrangements.
