A New York Classic With a Darker Edge
The D'Angelico Excel SS is the kind of guitar that turns heads before you play a note — and the Grey Black finish with matching black hardware makes it look even more striking than the usual gold-clad versions. If you've been curious about what a semi-hollow archtop can do across different styles, the Excel SS has been the answer for a lot of players since the brand's revival. It's compact, lightweight, and surprisingly versatile for a guitar with such a classic silhouette.
This is a 2016-production Excel SS with the Grey Black finish and full black hardware package, including a black Tune-o-Matic bridge, black Stairstep tailpiece, and black Grover Super Rotomatic tuners. The all-black hardware gives this guitar a look that's a bit moodier and more contemporary than the standard gold-fitted versions — while everything under the hood is still vintage-leaning and stage-ready.
Whether you're comping jazz chords at a gig, dialing in warm blues-rock tones at home, or just looking for a guitar that plays well across a wide range of styles, the Excel SS is a smart choice with genuine pedigree.
This item is a B-Stock guitar sourced directly from the manufacturer. It is new and has never been previously owned. The photos shown are of the exact instrument you will receive. Before shipment, our licensed technician will inspect and professionally set up the guitar to ensure it is playing its best. During our inspection, we noticed no specific cosmetic issue was found on this unit — it may have been a display piece at an event or trade show. This does not mean that there is no possibility of a defect but, that we were unable to find one.. (see pictures) Please note, these may not be the only cosmetic imperfections. As a B-Stock instrument, there may be additional minor blemishes that are small in nature and do not affect playability or performance.
A 15-Inch Semi-Hollow That Doesn't Get in Your Way
The Excel SS body is 15 inches wide and just 1.75 inches deep — compact enough to feel comfortable for long playing sessions, but still shaped like a proper archtop. The laminated flame maple body runs top, back, and sides, with a solid center block that controls feedback and keeps things tight even with gain dialed up. The single-cutaway design gives your upper-fret access without the guitar fighting you.
The body's semi-hollow construction is what gives the Excel SS its characteristic warmth and resonance — the kind of woody, open sound you won't get from a fully solid guitar — while the center block keeps things practical for live use. D'Angelico's 7-ply body binding and the Scalini pickguard round out the visual detail, reflecting the brand's Art Deco roots without going overboard.
Neck, Fingerboard, and Playability
The neck is a 3-piece maple/walnut/maple construction with a slim C-shape profile. It joins the body via a set-thru joint, landing at the 16th fret — that's important for upper-register access on a single-cutaway body. The rosewood fingerboard has a 16-inch radius, which is fairly flat and makes string bending comfortable across the board. Mother-of-pearl block inlays add a classic touch.
Scale length is 25 inches, and the nut is bone at 1 11/16 inches wide. Fret count is 22, all medium-jumbo, so there's plenty of range and plenty of material for any future leveling or fretwork. The slim C neck profile and flat radius work together to make chord playing and single-note lines feel equally comfortable.
Pickups, Hardware, and Controls
This version of the Excel SS comes equipped with Kent Armstrong Vintage 57 humbuckers — note that this differs from the current production model, which uses Seymour Duncan pickups. The Kent Armstrong units are warm, articulate vintage-voiced humbuckers well suited to the guitar's semi-hollow character. Controls are two volume and two tone pots, with a 3-way toggle selector and ebony knobs. Output is via a Switchcraft jack.
Hardware is all black: black Tune-o-Matic bridge, D'Angelico's signature Stairstep trapeze tailpiece in black, and black Grover Super Rotomatic tuners. The Grovers are solid performers known for reliable tuning stability. The truss rod is dual-action for precise neck adjustment. Nut material is bone.
Product Features:
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Body: Laminated flame maple top, back, and sides; semi-hollow with solid center block; 15" wide, 1.75" deep, single-cutaway
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Neck: 3-piece maple/walnut/maple, slim C-shape profile, set-thru neck joint
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Fingerboard: Rosewood, 16" radius, 25" scale length, 22 medium-jumbo frets, bone nut at 1 11/16"
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Pickups: Kent Armstrong Vintage 57 humbuckers (neck and bridge)
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Controls: 2 volume, 2 tone, 3-way toggle selector switch; Switchcraft output jack
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Hardware: Black Tune-o-Matic bridge, D'Angelico Stairstep trapeze tailpiece, Grover Super Rotomatic tuners — all black
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Finish/Color: Grey Black with 7-ply body binding and Scalini tortoise pickguard
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Truss Rod: Dual-action
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Year: 2016
Brand: D'Angelico
Model: Excel SS
SKU: DAESSGRBBTPO-2ND|W1600410
Condition: B-Stock
Since 1872, C.A. House Music has been helping musicians across the Ohio Valley find the right gear -- with real advice from a team that actually plays. We're your authorized dealer of all the big names in guitars, keyboards, band instruments, drums, pro audio, and more. With four family-owned and operated locations in Ohio and West Virginia (plus a full online store), you don't have to go far for instruments, lessons, rentals, and repairs. No matter your musical needs, our team of musicians wants to help you Play Music for Life.
