I love d’angelico guitars a lot. I’ve owned two of the old Bedford deluxes and currently have a Bedford deluxe. I agree that some of their hardware is shoddy to say the least though. 2/3 of my pickup selectors had failed by the time the guitars were in my hands. What’s worse their customer service is dreadful. They couldn’t tell me what switches they use and when pressed the sent me links to the obviously wrong switches (strat style then tele style when the only switches they used at the time were les paul style). To add to it I wanted to change the bridge on one to a graph tech and when I asked if they use imperial or metric they said imperial. I purchased an imperial bridge only to discover they in fact use metric. Wonderful guitars but a few small problems and terrible customer service. I hope they see this comment because they need to improve to keep a good image during these competitive times
I’ve found this is true with many Far East made stuff because they take care of everything over there. For example even Squier was unable to tell me the tuning keys used in a strat when one failed. They sent me new ones that didn’t fit. Sent them back and they said the only option was to replace the guitar, as they don’t stock parts for their guitars in the us. This is a common scenario.
@@michaelraimondi4448 I'm gonna put my 2 cents in here. That excuse used to work for far east guitars because they were cheap. They could get away with it. When you're charging near 4 figures for a "far east" made guitar, you no longer have that cheap product excuse.
Thanks, Phil. They seem to be doing well with this lower-priced re-emergence of the brand. Something I look at in semi & hollow bodies is how well the f-holes are finished around their edges. It's an area even quite expensive guitars seem to have issues with. This one looks clean enough from what I saw in the video. Sharp edges, but no apparent paint issues or wood shavings hanging off.
I've tried the premier Bedford and loved it but I was on the hunt for a 335 style guitar. I wound up with the Excel Series and it is fantastic. Seymour Duncan 59s, beautiful quilt top, rosewood fretboard, it even has ebony knobs. The attention to detail is fantastic. Yes it's a pricey import, but my gosh it's good. I have plenty of US guitars in my collection well north of 4k. The only difference I see and feel is poly vs nitro. D'angelico is knocking it out of the park.
I got the Deluxe Mini DC in Sapphire from the same run as this Bedford. Nowadays you can get a Deluxe for as low as $850 shipped. They seem to be trying to get rid of these at Guitar Center, Pro-Audio Star, and such.
D'Angelico makes great guitars. I got a Deluxe SS for a great deal and it's one of my favorites. Has a 6-way switch (3x2) where each normal pickup position has an alternate single coil setting.
I really respect D'Angelico for designing original guitars that aren't just Fender or Gibson rip offs. If I want a Fender type guitar, I get a Fender (or a G&L). If I want a Gibson style guitar, I get a Gibson. I would absolutely consider buying a D'Angelico because they aren't just taking someone else's design. I do wish they would use nitro at this price range though.
I've been thinking about picking up a dangelico for YEARS. Family grew up in NYC and I've always liked their quirky designs and the headstock/trussrod look. Classy with a little bit of individuality.
I know the design doesn't do it for everyone but the art deco vibe makes me love it - I'm not from NYC originally but it has adopted me and the DA design always makes me happy, thinking about the Chrysler Building etc.
This was a next level review - Phil informed us, in 1'50" what takes 20 minutes to explain for most and he did it s SO well while so many others do it poorly,
I caught the premiere, just wanted to say thanks for the review on my way out. I've been interested in getting a semi-hollow for a while and D'Angelico is definitely on my radar.
I just bought the CG Special edition about 5-6 weeks ago as I also was interested in a semi-hollow. (The metallic ice that always seems to be on sale, not the ivory one that's on sale at the time of posting.) I love it. I still need to take the ends of the frets down some as they are a little pointy and sharp. And I had to loosen the electronics plate to eliminate some buzzing in the lower 2 switch positions. I've enjoyed it thoroughly. I'm getting a nice range of sounds out of the pickups.
I have a D'Angelico Bob Weir signature guitar and it is amazing. It's the lower priced version, but it is so good that I can't imagine how the more expensive version could possibly be better. I will definitely buy more D'Angelico guitars.
I might have to use that headstock design on a kit build. It's looks like it could open beers and hold a lit blunt while I'm jamming. j/k Always enjoy these videos to see Phil's expressions. He loves his work and we should thank him for it. " From music friendships flourish." ;p
I purchased the Deluxe Bedford SH HSS in Vintage Cream (Sweetwater exclusive color) about 2 months ago. The neck feels great and the 5 position pickup switch provides the variety I want for tones. The Seymour Duncan pickups (mini humbucker and single coils) are very well balanced. I can go from humbucker to single coil and do not experience any noticeable loss in my volume. Absolutely a great guitar!!!
@@calvinevans6347 I blame my wife for this purchase. She was looking through the Sweetwater catalog and saw it on the last page. Her comments were “You’re going to love this”. I am truly blessed!😊
Hi Phil, from the moment you began to play, I could tell it was going to be a unique sound, I found it ‘vintagy’ & ‘surfy’. I love different guitars from the norm. Great review. Cheers ✌️🎸
I like the way P90 pickups sound, somewhere between a Single Coil and Humbucker, and the Art Deco, whimsical look of the D'Angelico guitar. Wide pickups are something I try to avoid. I found P90-SC · STRAT SIZED P90 pickups at MagnetoDesignLab. They have a bunch of sound samples on their site, and they sound good to my ears.
Was just wondering if someone out there made single coil sized p90's... Thanks. I think an HSS Strat with a single coil sized p90 in the neck would be quite a unit.
@@TurbulentJuice Don’t think they can do that. From what I’ve read, the construction and dimensions of the P90 make it what it is, a wide, flat single coil.
Funny you posted this review. I bought one of these a year ago in Desert Gold (HSS model). It’s been sitting in its case since. You’ve given me inspiration to pull it out again. Mine is meticulously made with none of the binding bleed and my pickguard is flat. Great review btw, super interesting.
Sitting here after running 2 of my fingers through a band saw and having them reattached on Monday so I won't be playing anything (maybe I can attach a slide) for a few weeks. Kind of fun to watch but makes me real itchy to get through rehab therapy. Maybe I can use guitar in my therapy as long as I don't snap the tendon they reattached. Good motivation. Thanks for the distraction.
a real good guitar bring joy to the heart of the player... this one clearly does the trick for you really like to see enjoy yourself like that much love
Looks nice and think you sold me on one with the distinctive tones ... reminds me of a Gretsch headstock/tuners type of deal on the looks side of things👍
Could really see you enjoying those pickups on this one Phil. I play one of these about once a week in my local store… keep swearing to the guy I’ll have it one day. Now I can bore him with my knowledge of the internals too… lovely stuff!
I Love it! if i could have only 1 d`angelico it would be this model that large F`hole is just insane. love the pearly block inlays, pickguard, crazy headstock, P90s! D`angelico is a bit on the pricey end though even for their midrange guitars. def a dream guitar
Have you seen the DA that Bobby has been playing with Dead & Co. lately ? I think it's different from his Bedford signature model... it is a beauty though - has this really cool darker green (I think) color...
I had a Premier Brighton and loved the way it played and felt. The only guitars that were it's match have been my PRS guitars. Unfortunately, like most D'Angelicos, I can't get past the gaudy, over the top looks. I think people either love or hate the looks of D'Angelicos and unfortunately, I fall into the latter category, which is too bad since they are really nice guitars.
I have a D'Angelico Premier Mini DC semi-hollow... I favor my Strat a lot of the time and sometimes the DA will get set aside for days at a time when the mood strikes me...then when I play the DA again I always think "damn, this is so nice..." haha... It really is a super nice guitar.
Love those SD P90's, offset body, not so much. I have 3 pine tele bodies that have been aging for about 6 years, I may try a set in 1 of those! 8) --gary
but is it the 55' amp or the guitar? we will only know f you plug it into a crap amp, but your setup with this amp and guitar perfectly captures the pinnacle of the 60's sound!
I've had literally hundreds of guitars come and go in the last 48 months and every single of them in the $1000-2500 range had flaws except one, a Fender Antique Olive American Strat. Support local builders is my advice for those who want flawless instruments.
What am i saving up for this time?
I love d’angelico guitars a lot. I’ve owned two of the old Bedford deluxes and currently have a Bedford deluxe. I agree that some of their hardware is shoddy to say the least though. 2/3 of my pickup selectors had failed by the time the guitars were in my hands. What’s worse their customer service is dreadful. They couldn’t tell me what switches they use and when pressed the sent me links to the obviously wrong switches (strat style then tele style when the only switches they used at the time were les paul style). To add to it I wanted to change the bridge on one to a graph tech and when I asked if they use imperial or metric they said imperial. I purchased an imperial bridge only to discover they in fact use metric. Wonderful guitars but a few small problems and terrible customer service. I hope they see this comment because they need to improve to keep a good image during these competitive times
I’ve found this is true with many Far East made stuff because they take care of everything over there. For example even Squier was unable to tell me the tuning keys used in a strat when one failed. They sent me new ones that didn’t fit. Sent them back and they said the only option was to replace the guitar, as they don’t stock parts for their guitars in the us. This is a common scenario.
This ^
@@michaelraimondi4448 I'm gonna put my 2 cents in here. That excuse used to work for far east guitars because they were cheap. They could get away with it. When you're charging near 4 figures for a "far east" made guitar, you no longer have that cheap product excuse.
Thanks for showing some D'Angelico product. I own a number of them and couldn't be happier with each.
Thanks, Phil. They seem to be doing well with this lower-priced re-emergence of the brand. Something I look at in semi & hollow bodies is how well the f-holes are finished around their edges. It's an area even quite expensive guitars seem to have issues with. This one looks clean enough from what I saw in the video. Sharp edges, but no apparent paint issues or wood shavings hanging off.
I've tried the premier Bedford and loved it but I was on the hunt for a 335 style guitar. I wound up with the Excel Series and it is fantastic. Seymour Duncan 59s, beautiful quilt top, rosewood fretboard, it even has ebony knobs. The attention to detail is fantastic. Yes it's a pricey import, but my gosh it's good. I have plenty of US guitars in my collection well north of 4k. The only difference I see and feel is poly vs nitro. D'angelico is knocking it out of the park.
I got the Deluxe Mini DC in Sapphire from the same run as this Bedford. Nowadays you can get a Deluxe for as low as $850 shipped. They seem to be trying to get rid of these at Guitar Center, Pro-Audio Star, and such.
Awesome! Sounds very much like a vintage Mosrite!! (think "The Ventures...")
D'Angelico surely knows how to design a guitar that looks classic but feels new
D'Angelico makes great guitars. I got a Deluxe SS for a great deal and it's one of my favorites. Has a 6-way switch (3x2) where each normal pickup position has an alternate single coil setting.
I have the deluxe ss as well, it’s awesome, got mine in powder blue
I really respect D'Angelico for designing original guitars that aren't just Fender or Gibson rip offs. If I want a Fender type guitar, I get a Fender (or a G&L). If I want a Gibson style guitar, I get a Gibson. I would absolutely consider buying a D'Angelico because they aren't just taking someone else's design. I do wish they would use nitro at this price range though.
I've been thinking about picking up a dangelico for YEARS. Family grew up in NYC and I've always liked their quirky designs and the headstock/trussrod look. Classy with a little bit of individuality.
I know the design doesn't do it for everyone but the art deco vibe makes me love it - I'm not from NYC originally but it has adopted me and the DA design always makes me happy, thinking about the Chrysler Building etc.
I love my Bedford Delux, I have the HSS model with the mini jb 59 with Gold Hardware and Torti Pickguard. It plays and looks to me, amazing.
This was a next level review - Phil informed us, in 1'50" what takes 20 minutes to explain for most and he did it s SO well while so many others do it poorly,
I caught the premiere, just wanted to say thanks for the review on my way out. I've been interested in getting a semi-hollow for a while and D'Angelico is definitely on my radar.
I just bought the CG Special edition about 5-6 weeks ago as I also was interested in a semi-hollow. (The metallic ice that always seems to be on sale, not the ivory one that's on sale at the time of posting.) I love it. I still need to take the ends of the frets down some as they are a little pointy and sharp. And I had to loosen the electronics plate to eliminate some buzzing in the lower 2 switch positions. I've enjoyed it thoroughly. I'm getting a nice range of sounds out of the pickups.
Nice. No frills. Great tone.
That Bad Cat paired really well!
I have a D'Angelico Bob Weir signature guitar and it is amazing. It's the lower priced version, but it is so good that I can't imagine how the more expensive version could possibly be better. I will definitely buy more D'Angelico guitars.
Hey Robbie, so you don’t regret not getting the middle Lollar pickup? Or just that the price was way too much?
@@timnewsom6422 l have the middle pickup. I just don't have the gold coloured hardware or the wooden knobs.
@@Robbie63 did you replace the stock pickup with the loller? As in the more expensive model?
@@timnewsom6422, no. The guitar is stock, as I bought it. The pickups are great, especially the P90s.
I just wanna say how much I appreciate the geeky stuff segment in your reviews! Makes the budding builder in me happy 😊
I might have to use that headstock design on a kit build. It's looks like it could open beers and hold a lit blunt while I'm jamming. j/k Always enjoy these videos to see Phil's expressions. He loves his work and we should thank him for it.
" From music friendships flourish." ;p
D'Angelicos all have a very unique vibe
I own a D'Angelico Atlantic Deluxe. I sold my Les Paul shortly there after. I'm Very happy with the guitar ZERO buyer's remorse.
I purchased the Deluxe Bedford SH HSS in Vintage Cream (Sweetwater exclusive color) about 2 months ago. The neck feels great and the 5 position pickup switch provides the variety I want for tones. The Seymour Duncan pickups (mini humbucker and single coils) are very well balanced. I can go from humbucker to single coil and do not experience any noticeable loss in my volume. Absolutely a great guitar!!!
@@calvinevans6347 I blame my wife for this purchase. She was looking through the Sweetwater catalog and saw it on the last page. Her comments were “You’re going to love this”. I am truly blessed!😊
That guitar looks rad on you! That's an A+ gigging guitar
Hi Phil, from the moment you began to play, I could tell it was going to be a unique sound, I found it ‘vintagy’ & ‘surfy’. I love different guitars from the norm. Great review. Cheers ✌️🎸
Your guitar playing has been making guitars sound good, thanks for the good work
Man those pickups sound awesome clean and distorted still have a very distinct quality tone to them
I like the way P90 pickups sound, somewhere between a Single Coil and Humbucker, and the Art Deco, whimsical look of the D'Angelico guitar. Wide pickups are something I try to avoid. I found P90-SC · STRAT SIZED P90 pickups at MagnetoDesignLab. They have a bunch of sound samples on their site, and they sound good to my ears.
Was just wondering if someone out there made single coil sized p90's... Thanks. I think an HSS Strat with a single coil sized p90 in the neck would be quite a unit.
@@TurbulentJuice Don’t think they can do that. From what I’ve read, the construction and dimensions of the P90 make it what it is, a wide, flat single coil.
I think I like the way this looks.
I'm in love with the Mini Humbucker Single Single model
That’s what I have, the vintage cream model from Sweetwater. A great guitar at a great price for the Deluxe Bedford SH. It has become my main guitar.
I love your no bulldhit approach your one of us 🖤👍🏻🤘🏻
Funny you posted this review. I bought one of these a year ago in Desert Gold (HSS model). It’s been sitting in its case since. You’ve given me inspiration to pull it out again. Mine is meticulously made with none of the binding bleed and my pickguard is flat. Great review btw, super interesting.
That Angel can really sing. A fine personal setup on hee and its a match made in heaven Phil!
I got the Premier version of this for $499 on sale Christmas time at Guitar Center and it is really good. It sounds great unplugged.
Definitely a surf vibe going on. I was hoping for some Pipeline or Hawaii 5 - 0
Glad to see a D'Angelico on here Phil! Loved the video, keep 'em coming!
Great video man thanks
I have the Premier Bedford and definitely one of my favorites
Those pickups sound incredibly good to my ear.
I really like these deepdive videos. Lots of knowledge.
Thank you for converting inches to millimeters for European people, it is very much appreciated. 👍
Have the Bob Weird Bedford. The P90's are friggin awesome. Hope D'Angelico sells a ton of these so they become more well known.
Great to see the reviews in this price range. Thanks Phill
Saw one in GC a few months back and thought it was the coolest guitar in recent memory
Sitting here after running 2 of my fingers through a band saw and having them reattached on Monday so I won't be playing anything (maybe I can attach a slide) for a few weeks. Kind of fun to watch but makes me real itchy to get through rehab therapy. Maybe I can use guitar in my therapy as long as I don't snap the tendon they reattached. Good motivation. Thanks for the distraction.
a real good guitar bring joy to the heart of the player...
this one clearly does the trick for you
really like to see enjoy yourself like that
much love
Wow what a great demo Phil !!! That thing sounds amazing and it's beautiful !!! Thanks buddy !!! 😎🎸👍
I like the new ending disclaimer thingy
i like that it has some of the funk sounds of a strat
I believe Phil`s in love with this one😍
I have a 2015 Ex-SS and love it, mine has the Kent Armstrong 57 classic pickups and all blacked out hardware on a black guitar
Phil, at 3:26 I thought you were going to say that it had the vibe of Rush's intro for A Passage To Bankok. Great review, thanks.
If these had a 6 in line headstock they would look soooo much more appealing
I have not tried any of their electrics, but their acoustics play GREAT!!!
Looks nice and think you sold me on one with the distinctive tones ... reminds me of a Gretsch headstock/tuners type of deal on the looks side of things👍
Could really see you enjoying those pickups on this one Phil. I play one of these about once a week in my local store… keep swearing to the guy I’ll have it one day. Now I can bore him with my knowledge of the internals too… lovely stuff!
I’ve been wanting a D’Angelico for a long time now.
Good review as always. Still can't get myself to pick one up though. Something about the look of D'Angelico guitars that I dislike.
Those P90s sound awesome. What great tones. I’m definitely going to check these out!!
Recently bought a Premier model of this guitar & somehow hadn't seen this video. Thanks Phil!
That guitar sounds awesome!!! I want one!!!
Thanks for your honest review Phil, you don't miss much if anything which is reassuring to any prospective buyers. 👍🥃Respect to you mate.
I only have an 1998 Squier and an Art & Lutherie acoustic, so I'm no expert, but I think P90s are awesome!
I'm a straight metal guy! But there is something so sexy about deangelico's there just gorgeous and well thought out. And those p'90's sound fantastic
I have 3 D'Angelico guitars 2 Bob Weir Premier models (Bedford & SS) I also have a double cutaway Semi-Hollow SS. All 3 are awesome guitars.
Great review Phil now i want one !!
Beautiful guitar! Love it's unique looks and it sounds fantastic.
cool guitar! Wasn't sure about the big F-hole in the beginning but I think it contributes to the cool sound.
Saw one for $499 Daily Pic today on Guitar Center page. SSH in cream.
the amount of p90s artist were using at glastonbury this year was definitely more than normal. great guitar
With distortion kickd in, sounds like you were channeling Mountain era Leslie West ;^)
If I could describe the tone coming out of this beauty, it would be a hot fudge sundae.
I Love it! if i could have only 1 d`angelico it would be this model
that large F`hole is just insane. love the pearly block inlays, pickguard, crazy headstock, P90s!
D`angelico is a bit on the pricey end though even for their midrange guitars. def a dream guitar
Thanks for this review. I'd be very interested in your take on the Bob Weir signature.
I would like your take on the Bob Weir Premier signature, also.
Have you seen the DA that Bobby has been playing with Dead & Co. lately ? I think it's different from his Bedford signature model... it is a beauty though - has this really cool darker green (I think) color...
@@scottenglert4083 I'm curious about that, alright! Please spill if you find any details.
P90's in semi hollow guitars are just so, so good. Especially when it's a baritone, uncommon as they may be.
I had a Premier Brighton and loved the way it played and felt. The only guitars that were it's match have been my PRS guitars. Unfortunately, like most D'Angelicos, I can't get past the gaudy, over the top looks. I think people either love or hate the looks of D'Angelicos and unfortunately, I fall into the latter category, which is too bad since they are really nice guitars.
Great sounding guitar, not for everyone, but I love it!
I feel like a bigsby would be the more appropriate sounding and looking trem
Great reviews 👌👍
I have a D'Angelico Premier Mini DC semi-hollow... I favor my Strat a lot of the time and sometimes the DA will get set aside for days at a time when the mood strikes me...then when I play the DA again I always think "damn, this is so nice..." haha... It really is a super nice guitar.
Looks too Willy Wonka to me. Sounds great!
I saw Bob Weir digs D’Angelico guitars, so they are Certified Groovy.
Seems like it inspired you to play a bit differently. I have a new 2022 solid body deluxe Bedford on its way to me today. Unbelievably excited
Nice I’ve been eyeing that guitar
Two shows a week? Yes please
That's a well-rounded sounding guitar.
That first reaction was one of the best ever. If D’Angelico doesn’t ad that clip to their site they are dummies!!! LOL
Love those P90 pu’s, unusual looking guitar but really nice.
Nice guitar. Not one you see every day. Thanks for the review Phil.
Very crisp
Great review, thank you
I've been looking for a P90 Style Guitar.. Wow.. This might be the ticket..
Day Tripper on that bridge ...pretty close!
Love those SD P90's, offset body, not so much. I have 3 pine tele bodies that have been aging for about 6 years, I may try a set in 1 of those! 8) --gary
but is it the 55' amp or the guitar? we will only know f you plug it into a crap amp, but your setup with this amp and guitar perfectly captures the pinnacle of the 60's sound!
I've had literally hundreds of guitars come and go in the last 48 months and every single of them in the $1000-2500 range had flaws except one, a Fender Antique Olive American Strat. Support local builders is my advice for those who want flawless instruments.
Sound's Great !
Great review, nice guitar!
That thing makes me want to pick it up and play Holiday in Cambodia
Could the trem plate have overlapped the hollowed out area and that be the reason they didn’t recess it.
The guitar definitely sounds nice...
It sounds like a nice jazz guitar.