Is this guitar ugly?

[JefferySmith]

I started reading comments about this D'Angelico solid-body singlecut. Many of the responders seemed to think it was butt-ugly.

 

 

The head is, as usual, a bit garish, but I didn't think the Venetian cutaway was hideous. What say you?

[Just Strum]

I'm with you on this one, my exact feelings.

[Randy1281734003]

That thing is fugly!

[rafaelh]

I've always though D'Angelico's where some classy looking guitas, including the headstock. Maybe no accounting for taste on my part, but I like it allot.....I know my wallet probalby wouldn't though.

 

Anyhow I'm with you and Just Strum on this.

[Funkwire]

No. Next question?

[brad1]

The headstock is hideous!

[Just Strum]

Just curious - for those that think it's ugly or just don't like it - why?

 

I can understand the headstock, but what is it about the rest that you don't like - color? shape?

[brad1]

I don't think I like those inlays either. They seem too big. Can't see much of the neck.

[rlajack1217]

They say beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. I say the who build that guitar must have been blind!

 

Actually the only thing I see wrong is the head.

[TheX]

I like it, it's refreshing to see something different.

[RotcanX]

We tend to get used to certain standards and unfortunately the immediate reaction to this guitar is to compare it to the Gibson Les Paul. While it is true that the Les Paul has managed to capture arguably one of the most esthetically pleasing body contours of all time, the d'Angelico is also very striking and obviously made from top quality materials and a masterpiece of the luthier's art. It's a very stylish and attractive guitar in its own right. While I also tend to be more attracted to simple design elements and would judge various elements of the d'Angelico as 'over the top', as for example the complex pickguard design, I can see that everything on the d'Angelico fits within the whole while reflecting its respectable pedigree.

[RotcanX]

I don't think I like those inlays either. They seem too big. Can't see much of the neck.

Interesting. Have you checked out a Gibson Les Paul Supreme lately?

 

[TheX]

I just went to the site and have to say that there are some beautiful guitars there. It would be a shame to be closed minded and miss out on instruments that are *outside* of the norm.

[brad1]

Interesting. Have you checked out a Gibson Les Paul Supreme lately?

 

Don't like the inlays.

The rest is fine.

Not a big fan of the gold.

[snookelputz]

I've seen Peerless, Korea use that headstock on several guitars, and while I like the cut, it always seemed to me it pulled the headstock out to long, like somebody put a 12 string headstock on a 6 string neck. Out of proportion -- sorry to say, a lot of Epi headstocks leave me the same though it never stopped me from buying one. I've always been a fan of venetian cutaways, but gotta agree with Spud. That pickguard belongs with winged radiators and stuff like that. They could certainly do better even if they wanted a standout design.

[Bluesbrekr1281734000]

I'm in the minority. I like all of it. It's the traditional style D'Angelico headstock. I only wish I could afford one of them.

[JefferySmith]

To me, the guitar has a familiar shape, like a Byrdland or a Gretsch Tennessean, only smaller and a solid body. D'Angelico does go over the top a bit with the pickguards and the headstock. But the guitar and neck look good to me. I'd probably just remove the pickguard.

[Ron G]

Although a bit blingy, I think it's rather handsome.

[RotcanX]

I think the thing with the pickguard is that it is a traditional d'Angelico shape, just like the finial in the headstock. The market for which that guitar was made would most likely reject it if it didn't come with these traditional d'Angelico appointments; it's similar to the way we attach ourselves to the traditional Gibson 'moustache' headstock design.

[Suicidehummer]

We tend to get used to certain standards and unfortunately the immediate reaction to this guitar is to compare it to the Gibson Les Paul. While it is true that the Les Paul has managed to capture arguably one of the most esthetically pleasing body contours of all time' date=' the d'Angelico is also very striking and obviously made from top quality materials and a masterpiece of the luthier's art. It's a very stylish and attractive guitar in its own right. While I also tend to be more attracted to simple design elements and would judge various elements of the d'Angelico as 'over the top', as for example the complex pickguard design, I can see that everything on the d'Angelico fits within the whole while reflecting its respectable pedigree.[/quote']

 

Couldn't have said it better.

[tele63]

That guitar is a textbook example of art-deco design popularized in the 1930's ( think of the Chrysler bldg. in NYC ). D'Angelico has been producing high-end jazz boxes for many years and for good reason, their craftsmanship is impeccable. Yes, it may seem a little garish but I think we should be open-minded enough to appreciate the work that went into it. just my 2cents.

[copper1281734000]

I think the guitar looks nice. It's pretty handsome. But I will agree, the headstock is pretty annoying.

[JefferySmith]

That guitar is a textbook example of art-deco design popularized in the 1930's ( think of the Chrysler bldg. in NYC ). D'Angelico has been producing high-end jazz boxes for many years and for good reason' date=' their craftsmanship is impeccable. Yes, it may seem a little garish but I think we should be open-minded enough to appreciate the work that went into it. just my 2cents.[/quote']

Good point. I like the art-deco look. We have an old stretch of highway down here (Airline Highway) that was the only highway between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Much of the architecture of drive-in restaurants and hotels was vintage art-deco. Alas, much of it is gone now, but the remnants still bring nice memories. D'Angelico does like the 1930's Empire State building look. Not surprisingly, the model of that guitar is one of the "New Yorkers".

[Just Strum]

I'm not a big fan of gold hardware either, but it fits this guitar nicely.

[3 Chord Hippie]

I like it, kind of a Porter Wagoner vibe.