D'Angelico EX-SS - But is it original?

[rsclosson]

Well I found a really nice D'Angelico EX-SS; the one with the stairstep tailpiece and humbuckers. My mystery is that it is not like the specs described by D'Angelico. The superb sounding humbuckers are not coil tapped and the center block is not a true center block. It is just a block directly under the bridge. The quality of construction and wood seems to indicate that it is not likely a counterfeit. I do wonder if it is original. Are there any D'Angelico experts here who can tell me if this kind of EX-SS was ever produced?

[vinnyv1k]

Yes the very 1st run of those in the early 2000's were like that. Just a bridge block. When the Korean DA's 1st came out after Vestax they were quite good. Better than now for sure.

[Spook410]

My Excel SS was purchased in February of 2018. It came with the pre-Seymour Duncan pickup and did not have a coil tap. Believe the pickup was a fairly hot Kent Armstrong model. I put P-Rails in mine and it's been awhile. There is an under bridge block rather than a center block. Something I believe they have gone back and forth on. Except for the headstock being on the heavy side (don't use a slippery strap) I've got nothing but good things to say about it.

[rsclosson]

I found this in the D'Angelico discontinued section of their website:
Excel SS (Discontinued) | Excel Series | D'Angelico Guitars

This is probably what I found. It is in pristine condition.

[Jimmy blue note]

I have one. Spec'd out like you say. I have to say it's one of the most responsive guitars, acoustic decay and a very good balance of weight and fast neck. It seemed a bold departure from the conventional models, the comfort and fat sound of a 330 or casino with high fret access, a really comfortable body and neck. I was sorry when a few years later I looked for another for a student and found out they were a short run.
Try it, see if you like it. There aren't a lot out there like them.

[rsclosson]

I have one. Spec'd out like you say. I have to say it's one of the most responsive guitars, acoustic decay and a very good balance of weight and fast neck. It seemed a bold departure from the conventional models, the comfort and fat sound of a 330 or casino with high fret access, a really comfortable body and neck. I was sorry when a few years later I looked for another for a student and found out they were a short run.
Try it, see if you like it. There aren't a lot out there like them.

Tried it. Fantastic and pristine condition. No need to change pickups IMHO. Fantastic neck and action. Dead flat neck with no relief and not a dead spot to be found. Put her on layaway.

[Woody Sound]

Yes they made them with just a little block under the bridge. Those are wonderful semis, very resonant.

[rsclosson]

Yes they made them with just a little block under the bridge. Those are wonderful semis, very resonant.

Yes. Just the block under the bridge. Some have said that the pickups were kind of muddy. I did not have that experience when I tried it out.

[rsclosson]

Well, I can't believe I am doing this, but as great as the guitar is, I cannot bond with it. I have no idea why but it just isn't for me. Fortunately, the guy I swapped my Eastman for feels the same way about the Eastman. So we are swapping back and I think both of us are. happier for it.