D'Angelico Guitars

The legendary NY based luthier John D'Angelico (1906-1964.) inherited the great Italian string instrument making tradition that produced some of the world's best luthiers (i.e. Jimmy D'Aquisto, John Monteleone, Bob Benedetto, Mario Maccaferri, Jacques Favino, B.Busato, etc.) Active during the golden era of jazz, D'Angelico helped to perfect the uniquely American archtop guitar to meet the demands of its role as a rhythm, and later lead instrument, in the jazz bands of the day. Nearly fifty years after his death, D'Angelico remains the preeminent figure in the history of archtop guitar making. His instruments are arguably some of the most collectable of all time and his work is still the standard by which all contemporary archtop luthiers judge themselves.