Guitars come from a long lineage of craftsmen and innovators. Generations of builders paved the way for modern luthiers, carrying traditional instrument-making techniques forward while introducing new ideas that helped shape the instruments behind so much of the music we know and love today. Among the most influential of these builders was John D'Angelico, who drew upon his family's long tradition of violin making and applied that expertise to the art of guitar construction.
D'Angelico went on to create what many consider the ultimate jazz archtop, combining meticulous craftsmanship with a deep understanding of musicality. His guitars elevated the archtop from a simple acoustic stringed instrument into a sophisticated and highly refined musical tool. That legacy lives on in this A-1, one of his more understated yet highly respected designs.
With a 17-inch lower bout, it is similar in size to a Gibson L-5. The neck is exceptionally comfortable, and the guitar plays beautifully. While certainly at home in jazz settings, its rich, full-bodied archtop voice extends well beyond that genre. It offers a lively, articulate character with a focused and expressive midrange that sits wonderfully in a variety of acoustic ensembles.
This particular A-1 shows honest wear consistent with a lifetime of use. It remains almost entirely original. The pickguard, along with what may be the original DeArmond pickup, has been removed but is included in the case.
Instruments like this occupy an important place in the history of modern lutherie, serving as reminders of the builders whose vision and craftsmanship helped shape the guitars we know today.
Includes a modern Ameritage hardshell case (HSC).
