During his 30-plus years as an independent guitarmaker, James L. D’Aquisto was acclaimed as the premier maker of archtop guitars. He gained the title initially as the successor to his mentor, New York maker John D’Angelico. Then, after carrying on and embellishing the D’Angelico tradition for more than 20 years, D’Aquisto suddenly changed direction, as if to prove that his reputation was not simply inherited, but well-deserved. Like an artist moving from one stylistic period into another, D’Aquisto shed the restraints of traditionalism and began to design modernistic new models.

This Excel guitar epitomizes the exceptional quality for which James L. D'Aquisto is renowned. Crafted with a solid carved spruce top, highly figured maple back and sides, and a maple neck with an ebony fingerboard, it delivers a rich and balanced tone with outstanding projection. While maintaining all its original components, this instrument has undergone essential repairs—specifically, rebinding and touch-ups to the finish—reinvigorating it for a renewed life of musical excellence.

This guitar comes in a HSC.