-
This guitar needs no introduction on this forum.
If you search Heritage D'Angelico you will find many threads discussing this guitar as two esteemed forum members have owned it Patrick 2 ( The late Pat D'Amato) and Joe DeNisco. If you read Joe's threads, you will find a post where I told Joe that he better keep this one for life else I would have to buy it. Well folks, Joe decided not to keep it for life and I bought it.
Furthermore, if you read the many threads where this guitar is mentioned, you will find a post where I mentioned having played a Heritage built DA way back when. Life is loopy, I am pretty sure that this is the one I played. Here is the story: In 2005, my band, Hot Club Pacific opened for the John Jorgenson Quintet in Laguna Beach, CA. The next day, my wife and I took a ride to Carlsbad CA to check out Buffalo Brothers guitars, a massive guitar store that is now gone. They had two D'Angelico II's, this one and one made by Jim Triggs. I found the Triggs guitar to be dead acoustically, the Heritage one was much better, but not on the level of real DA's that I had played. Both were priced at about 7 K. I never plugged either guitar in.
A quick rundown on the history of this guitar is now in order:
Back before the Arizona Iced Tea family purchased the D'Angelico brand (and cheapened the name by putting the name on the headstocks of average at best Asian made instruments) the D'Angelico brand was used for guitar strings made by the GHS company. In the early 90's GHS decided to let a master luthier build replica's of John D'Angelicos fabled instruments. At first these guitars were built by Arturo Valdez and later they were built by Michael Lewis. This replica program ended when the brand name was sold. I spoke to Michael Lewis once about one of his guitars that I had played (which was superb BTW) and he told me that GHS charged him 3K (per guitar) for the rights to use the name.
At the same time a CPA from the New York area named Marty Turman approached the GHS string company about producing replicas. Marty formed a company and called the guitars D'Angelico II's. He offered both carved top models and laminated models. Over a 4 year period, Marty sold about 35 guitars in total about 15 of which were carved. Marty had a suggested retail price list (That Jabberwocky posted in another thread). These guitars were sold to dealers at 60% of suggested list and direct to customers at 80% of list. GHS received a 10% commission on all of the 35 guitars that were made. Jim Triggs made the first 3 (all carved) and Heritage made the rest. Marty told me that it was his intention to have the guitars be at the quality level of the best Gibson archtops. Final assembly, setup and some of the parts were made by Ron DeMarino in New York, a luthier who knew John D'Angelico quite well. This particular guitar is numbered 1027. I am guessing that it was the 27th guitar of the 35 or so that were produced by Marty's enterprise. This one was sold to Tom Holman of Laguna Beach, CA who died quite young in 2004. I suppose that his estate sold or consigned it to Buffalo Brothers and that explains why I played this one in 2005. Somehow the guitar ended up in the personal collection of Jay Wolfe, a Florida guitar dealer, who is perhaps the world's largest Heritage dealer. I talked to Jay and he indicated that he would like the opportunity to buy it back. He might have to wait a bit, I plan on living another 30-40 years and have no plans on selling this guitar. It is a keeper for me.
Pat Amato made Jay Wolfe an offer he could not refuse and the guitar moved to New Jersey. When Pat died last year (way too soon), the guitar was sold to Jo DeNisco. Joe was unable to bond with the guitar's 60's neck profile and now the guitar is with me in San Francisco CA. This guitar has traveled! Jay Wolfe told me that JP Moats used a 61 DA New Yorker as a guide and carved the neck and top to emulate the real thing. Jay told me that this guitar was warmer than any Heritage Super Eagle that he ever played as the top was carved thicker.
This is as beautiful a guitar as I have ever owned and the playability is superb. The body dimensions are more Heritage than Gibson or D'Angelico and it is a 25.5 scale (John D'Angelico mostly used a 25 inch scale). The plugged in sound is wonderful. The hand made Kent Armstrong PUP is outstanding. The heavily silked top and the beautiful flamed back are top notch and the tri burst finish is as good as it gets. It is not a real D'Angelico (I own two real ones so I should know the difference). It does not have that thick even response of the real thing, but at 10 percent of the price of the real thing, that is OK. It is a first rate, hand carved archtop. I am proud to be it's new caretaker.
Buying a guitar from Joe D. is as good as it gets. He bought it right and sold it to me right. It was packed with amazing care and arrived safe and sound. Anyone buying a guitar from Joe is in for a treat. He is the best!
I guess I should post some pics....
Here is the guitar:
The Headstock:
The D'Angelico II with my 1937 D'Angelico Style A:
In Closing this post, I want to say that I am honored to own one of Patrick's guitars. He was a good man and we all miss him, and I want to express deep thanks to Joe D, my brother from another mother. You are a good man Bro!Last edited by Stringswinger; 06-22-2016 at 01:26 AM.
-
06-22-2016 01:00 AM
-
Wow Marc,
So happy for you. It's gorgeous!!! And what a fabulous story to go along with it. There's something reassuring about such a great instrument staying within this circle. And we all know that you are one who will truly appreciate - and play - it.
It looks to be in spectacular shape. Sure makes your '37 Model A look small in that futon shot.
Congrats and enjoy.
Chris
-
Thanks Chris! I love the neck profile on this guitar. It is going into the rotation and will be played on gigs. For me, guitars are functional art.
Originally Posted by cgratham
-
I literally said "fuck" when I saw the first picture. Not too horrible, man. And it's great that it has a history that includes the forum.
But maybe now that you have two dangelicos, you can start saving up for a couch.
I'd love to hear some clips of both if possible.
-
I spend all my money on guitars (and Harley -Davidson motorcycles), so, no money is left over for furniture. One of these days, I will start posting video clips of all my guitars. Stay tuned... Originally Posted by feet
I literally said "fuck" when I saw the first picture. Not too horrible, man. And it's great that it has a history that includes the forum.
But maybe now that you have two dangelicos, you can start saving up for a couch. I'd love to hear some clips of both if possible.
When I first opened the case, I said "wow" about a dozen times...
-
Marco,
4:30am here in NJ and I am basically in tears. I am looking at my left hand asking it why did you fail me?
The HDA is one of the most beautiful guitars I've ever owned. I've said here many times it's the best guitar I've ever played.
You are going to make the HDA sing. Because of you, it will be seen by 100's of thousands of people. Somewhere, somehow, a young boy will see it, and his lifelong quest to own one will begin. Just like it did for us.
Play it well Marco. I couldn't be happier for you bro.
I, am the one who is honored to know you. Just as much as I was honored to own that guitar.
Joe D
-
That was a great read, Marc. Happy it is staying within the family.
Talking about Patrick, what happened to his other Heritage-made D'Angelico, the Natural Excel?
-
Stringswinger,
Gorgeous guitar and a wonderful story. I remember the Marty / Heritage/ Triggs / DeMarino days quite well. In fact, in 1993 I was at the Dallas guitar show with Jim DAquisto and we played one of the early Triggs DA copies. That was a fun period for Archtop guitars. Enjoy the guitar it's a beauty.
-
Guitars & motorcycles, hmmm, you're alright man.
Congratulations on a beautiful instrument!
-
Steve,
That's a cool story.
I have the picture you sent me of you and Jimmy at a restaurant.
Can you tell me who the guy was on the right? He looked very familiar to me.
There is also one other thing I'd like to add to the wonderfully written story that Marco told. Originally Posted by Steve Longobardi
The tailpiece was fabricated by the Joseph Schaffner Co. The same place Mr D'Angelico got them from.
Marco, Enjoy the guitar.
JD
-
Joe, you are not the first guy that I have heard complain about hand pain from shallow necks. For me this neck is perfect. You are quite correct that this guitar has the same neck profile as the Ibanez JP-20. Now that you have sold your Ibanez copy of a D'Aquisto and your Heritage copy of a D'Angelico, what's next? I am betting that you will soon have a NGD and the guitar will say Gibson on the headstock. Originally Posted by Joe DeNisco
I hope that by playing jazz in public I help to keep the tradition alive. It could just as well be a young girl who sees this beautiful guitar on my gig and begins her quest. We need more female jazz guitarists.
Thanks again bro!
-
Steve, I enjoyed talking to Marty about his enterprise. He told me that he has 150 guitars in his personal collection. I am now up to 22 and after talking to Marty I am thinking that I am not a hoarder. He is. Originally Posted by Steve Longobardi
-
Thanks rabbit. Here is a picture of me with my latest two-wheeler, a 2016 Heritage Softail Classic: Originally Posted by rabbit
For me it has always been about motorcycles, guitars and chicks. And always will be.
-
I'm not a motorcycle enthusiast, but I have a feeling if you lived in central Kentucky we'd be friends! Originally Posted by Stringswinger
Thanks rabbit. Here is a picture of me with my latest two-wheeler, a 2016 Heritage Softail Classic:
For me it has always been about motorcycles, guitars and chicks. And always will be.
I used to say I lived by the 4 G's: Girls, Guitars, Guns and God.
Not sure what God thought about all that...
-
Wow! I had no idea Heritage made motorcycles too! I am impressed. (kidding) Originally Posted by Stringswinger
Thanks rabbit. Here is a picture of me with my latest two-wheeler, a 2016 Heritage Softail Classic:
For me it has always been about motorcycles, guitars and chicks. And always will be.
I agree that we need more females playing Jazz Guitar. And like soccer, they will probably do it better then the boys do..
Emily Remler was about as good a Jazz/Bop player as anybody.. I loved her, just loved her.
JD
-
Lawson, didn't you know, God rides a Harley. If he made anything better he kept it for himself! Originally Posted by lawson-stone
I am a life member of the NRA and a longtime registered Republican. Here in San Francisco, I am kind of an odd duck. And that is Ok, I have never run with the crowd. In fact I hate crowds. That might explain why I play jazz.
-
Right on! Originally Posted by Stringswinger
My Vulcan.
-
Yep.. I am working on it.. Originally Posted by Stringswinger
No, thank you Marco. Thank you. I really planned on having that Guitar forever..
Do you realize how cool it is to sell a really special guitar to someone who appreciates it just as much as you did? Well, I do.
Thanks, JD
-
That, could very well be the quote of year! Originally Posted by Stringswinger
I have never run with the crowd. In fact I hate crowds. That might explain why I play jazz.
Its so good, that I...
-
Ha! Originally Posted by Stringswinger
Lawson, didn't you know, God rides a Harley. If he made anything better he kept it for himself!
I am a life member of the NRA and a longtime registered Republican. Here in San Francisco, I am kind of an odd duck. And that is Ok, I have never run with the crowd. In fact I hate crowds. That might explain why I play jazz.
Sometimes I am in that area. I periodically speak at a family camp up in Boulder Creek (near San Jose). Next time I'm over there I'll have to say hello. Then there will be two NRA Life/Republicans (for a moment) in SF!
-
From one great player to another. All in the family, I love it ! Congrats Marc ! Also on the new HD. I have had 2 Heritage Softails. A 1988 and a 2004. They are great scooters. Life is good for Mr.S. We all rejoice with you my friend. Enjoy :-)
-
Actually their will be 3. Originally Posted by lawson-stone
-
WOW Marc
What a great read, I need to read a lot more about these HDAs. Thank you so much !! Joe's a great guy, I've been in touch with him a lot lately. A real brother from another mudder...
BigLast edited by BigMikeinNJ; 06-22-2016 at 12:37 PM.
-
Lawson, I have homes in SF and Santa Cruz (where most of my gigs are), so I am quite familiar with Boulder Creek. I used to have a steady gig at the Brookdale Lodge in fact. Originally Posted by lawson-stone
When you are in the area, give me a shout. Perhaps you, me and Vinny could have a meetup....
-
Thanks Vinny, Originally Posted by vinnyv1k
This one is my third Heritage Softail. I had a 96, a 2006 and now this one. I know what I like! If I live as long as I intend to, and Harley keeps making them, there will be a couple more in my future. I still have my 83 FLH, which I bought brand new. It was the "Heritage" model of its day.
Patrick was a Harley enthusiast as well. It is fitting I suppose, that one of his "babies" ended up in my care. It is the most beautiful guitar I have ever seen. I have to share this one with the world for sure.
Reply With Quote
What Ear plugs for hearing protection in loud...
Today, 05:23 AM in From The Bandstand