D'Angelico - Excel 16 Amber

The Excel 16 Amber does not make a subtle entrance. Its glossy amber finish, pearlescent binding and Throwback headstock exude a confident New York elegance even before the first note is played. The low end is round, the treble sings without harshness, and the 406.4 mm wide hollow-body resonates like an acoustic guitar that has been carefully electrified.
The Korean craftsmanship behind this instrument leaves nothing to chance. The three-piece neck, set into the body using the Set Neck method, features a thick C-profile measuring 21 mm at the first fret and 23 mm at the twelfth — a generous grip, designed for jazz playing as much as for more modern solos. The ebony fingerboard, with a radius of 304.8 mm, glides beneath the fingers with a smoothness that only a dense wood can guarantee, and its 22 Jescar 47/104 frets withstand even the most vigorous playing without flinching.
The floating ebony bridge, paired with the Stairstep tailpiece, transmits the vibration of the strings directly to the laminated spruce top: every attack gains warmth, every sustain retains its body. The Seymour Duncan Johnny Smith Mini Humbucker pickup, mounted as a floating unit with its Alnico V magnet, captures the acoustic richness of the wood rather than overwhelming it — a choice that appeals to crooner enthusiasts as well as guitarists seeking a more rock-oriented sound.
The gold-coloured finishes, from the Grover 109 system to the Mini Hexagon knobs, complete an instrument tailored for both the cosy jazz club and the more high-profile stage. Supplied in its Deluxe Hardshell case, the Excel 16 Amber is just waiting to be plugged in.