Any Experience with new D’Angelico Deluxe SS?

[Grappelli]

I’m in the market for a semi-hollow. I have very little experience with D’Angelico, but I’ve read some polarizing things online.

I was going to purchase as AS113, but I’ve been offer a mint Deluxe SS made in ‘21 for $1050.

I unfortunately don’t have the ability to try out the DA, and I’m hoping someone can provide some input. I like the aesthetics of the DA and it seems great on paper. Ibanez, imo, is a very consistent maker of excellent and affordable guitars, but all else equal, I would probably have bought the DA had I not seen so much variety of opinion on DA quality.

At the end of the day, it’s not the guitar, it’s the player. I just don’t want to be tragically disappointed with my purchase…

Any thoughts?

[Cunamara]

The D'Angelico name (the modern era, not the originals) has apparently had several different owners. In the early 2000s, their guitars were made in Japan by Vestax and of generally quite good quality. I have played several of these and they were very nice instruments. Change in ownership resulted in uneven quality for a number of years, and I believe was another change in ownership; the recent guitars seem to be more consistent and better made. I haven't played this particular model, but no doubt there are members here who have and will chime in.

[burchyk]

My experience with them is limited to 1 late 2000s Excel SS in blonde which was really nice, and I still kick myself for not buying. Some time later tried a few Premier series, which was night and day mediocre, dull and lifeless. From what I hear, the Deluxe series are supposed to be fancy Excels in terms of quality level.

Their resale is not great, so going used is a smart move. I'd check prices on recent sales to make sure you won't have a problem selling if it does not click.