The Jazz Guitar Chord Dictionary
  1. #1

    User Info Menu

    Hi fellas, Im thinking about getting a D’Angelico Premier SS, guitar looks really cool, good price and seems versatile for a player like myself who plays a bit of jazz, blues, funk...covers, weddings...you know so Im wondering me if you might suggest another model, kinda 335 vibe but with this cool 15 body type shape. Im planning to put a set of pups I already have, Duncan 59/JB so I care more about the built quality and I prefer medium jumbo or jumbo frets.

    Thanks!


  2.  

    The Jazz Guitar Chord Dictionary
     
  3. #2

    User Info Menu

    I'm not sure it helps much but I have two natural EX-SS models one made earlier that in most aspects had the Vestax appointments and a later EX-SS with solid markers.

    Both are extremely well made but the newer SS models are so much less expensive than the original and even the later Excel models I have to wonder where they cut corners?

  4. #3

    User Info Menu

    Quote Originally Posted by GNAPPI
    I'm not sure it helps much but I have two natural EX-SS models one made earlier that in most aspects had the Vestax appointments and a later EX-SS with solid markers.

    Both are extremely well made but the newer SS models are so much less expensive than the original and even the later Excel models I have to wonder where they cut corners?
    They have a (much) cheaper “Premier” line made in Asia and the “Excel” line (still) made in Korea. The Excels are still very nice. The one Premier I tried, not so much. I have a very early MIK EX DC (2005) with block inlays (and a lam spruce top). Later ones have split inlays (I think they’ve switched back and forth a couple of times).

  5. #4
    Have a look at the Excel Tour line, very close to Indo prices but made in Korea. Korean D'Angelicos are really well made, but for me they lack a bit of mojo or 'feel'

  6. #5
    Yeah thats true, they do look and sound good but no mojo at all, kida cold, what about Ibanez AR520 VLS? seems 335 vibe, light weight and they sound cool on demos.

  7. #6

    User Info Menu

    Same experience with Premier vs Excel. Excels I've tried were really nice, Premier meh.

    SS are somewhere between 335 and a 330.

    Other options off the top of my head:
    - Eastman T145/T146
    - Eastman T185/T186
    - Guild Starfires (not sure about 1 series though)
    - Guild T-50
    - Epiphone Dot
    - Epiphone Casino
    - Epiphone Sheraton

  8. #7

    User Info Menu

    I had a couple. The more expensive NY-SS, and the nice older EX-SS. The NY has a 15-fret neck, the EX a 16. Both were impeccably made, great sustain, but I didn't like the large D-neck. (Note the ebony saddle I put on the NY.)

    D’Angelico Premier SS or?-dsc02738-jpg