Semi Hollows with rounded backs? Like D’angelico Ex-ss

[MHoranzy]

Hi all - I recently played a D’angelico Ex-ss that was pretty nice, but didn’t have the build quality I’d like. What I noticed that I liked a lot was even though it was a 1.75 rim depth, the center of the body was much deeper because the back was rounded and the top had a bit of an arch to it as well. With no large center blocks (except just under the bridge) it was very acoustic. Is there a name for this? And are there other guitars you can recommend that have this?

[GNAPPI]

Hi all - I recently played a D’angelico Ex-ss that was pretty nice, but didn’t have the build quality I’d like. What I noticed that I liked a lot was even though it was a 1.75 rim depth, the center of the body was much deeper because the back was rounded and the top had a bit of an arch to it as well. With no large center blocks (except just under the bridge) it was very acoustic. Is there a name for this? And are there other guitars you can recommend that have this?

I haven't played recent builds from the last 4 years or so, and I will take it you're talking new? I say it because the older ones were superior to other brands I have in most every way. If you want a top notch EX-SS look for one that is almost identical to a MIJ model... ebony FB with split inlays, and a stinger and pearl diamond in rear of the head. More recent models have solid FB inlays in some some sort of rosewood and a sprayed back of the head that doesn't blend with the neck

[MHoranzy]

Hey Gary - the one I had played was this one pictured. Has the block inlays but definitely isn’t one of the Vestax ones (I want one of those quite badly haha). I never knew before playing it that the back of the body had a very pronounced turtle-shell-like curve to it, almost like an Ovation haha. Nothing like an Es-335 or any of its competitors I’ve played.

I’m wondering if there are other semi hollows (or fully hollow thinlines) out there doing the same thing? I liked it.

[GNAPPI]

This one is the closest in quality (and unfortunately price) as a Vestax. No affiliation with the owner, but if i didn't already have one, I'd have snapped it up already.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/D-Angelico-EX-SS/313217541076

[MHoranzy]

This one is the closest in quality (and unfortunately price) as a Vestax. No affiliation with the owner, but if i didn't already have one, I'd have snapped it up already.

D’Angelico EX-SS | eBay

this appears to be the same as the sunburst ones that seem to be more popular at a lower price

[GNAPPI]

this appears to be the same as the sunburst ones that seem to be more popular at a lower price

Nope, that one is an early production MIK with Ebony FB.

[MHoranzy]

It looks fishy. The first picture has the stair step tail piece while the others don’t. And no holes in the body of the first pic. Also the price in the description is different from the listing. Also it claims to be from GnJ in Jersey, yet it’s not on their website or reverb page. Assuming this is real, I can’t find any info about D’angelico making a Made in Korea Excel SS with those inlays and ebony board??

[grandstick01]

I have the Premier SS. The fit and finish of this guitar is perfect. It is the nicest playing guitar I have.


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[MHoranzy]

I have the Premier SS. The fit and finish of this guitar is perfect. It is the nicest playing guitar I have.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

i believe I played a black one of these at GC. It has a full center block covering the space beneath the pickups, unlike the one I’m discussing. The acoustic nature was immediately different. Much more warmth in the one with just the small bridge block.

[GNAPPI]

It looks fishy. The first picture has the stair step tail piece while the others don’t. And no holes in the body of the first pic. Also the price in the description is different from the listing. Also it claims to be from GnJ in Jersey, yet it’s not on their website or reverb page. Assuming this is real, I can’t find any info about D’angelico making a Made in Korea Excel SS with those inlays and ebony board??

I received a letter from the seller and the one with the stairstep was sold. Why they did not remove the pic is unknown.

However I've seen a half dozen so far all are exactly the same. I think they ran for maybe a year, and D'A is close lipped about production of everything they make. Call them and see for yourself. Also a call to Lou at GnJ will answer why the discrepancies in the listing.

Mine is a KS serial number (Incheon) other than the maple top and what appears to be a mahogany block it's as close to a MIJ AS I've seen.