Established 1970

Featured Inventory Archives 1999-2012

Gruhn Guitars D'Angelico Excel

1937 D'Angelico Excel "T.J."


In 1937, only a year after John D'Angelico began making his Excel models, a guitarist named Tom Johnston bought one and had his initals, "T.J." engraved on the pickguard.

This instrument, which is pictured on page 202 of Acoustic Guitars and Other Fretted Instruments by George Gruhn and Walter Carter, has a transitional tailpiece, with the diagonally situated string anchors but without the stairstep feature thatbecame a D'Angelico trademark. The back and neck are of highly figured maple, and the fingerboard inlays feature attractive engraving.

This instrument (inv. #AR3649) is in VG+ condition. With original hard case it is offered at $20,000.

This instrument is SOLD

For further enjoyment...

Close of body
Pickguard
Fingerboard
Headstock
Back of headstock
Full back view
Back of neck
Back of body