
A sweet and sultry jazzbox from 1940 built by the archtop master, John D'Angelico. The A-1 is a less ornate, earlier model in D'Angelico's design offerings, with a slightly smaller body (17" lower bout) that makes it a joy to play. Fans of Mary Kaye might recognize this model as the first D'Angelico she was photographed playing. Originally owned by her ex-husband, she played it on the recording of the Mary Kay Trio's live album "On the Sunset Strip" and it was the guitar that ignited her passion for D'Angelico's archtops.
This instrument has an Adirondack spruce top, and curly/flame maple back and sides. The natural flame on the back (especially on the back of the neck) is absolutely stunning. The real winning quality of this guitar, though, is its tone: woody and jazzy, somehow both old-timey and modern. We've tried this guitar with both flatwound and roundwound strings and it always performs beautifully. Originally offered by D'Angelico as an "entry-level" model along with the Style A, the A-1 doesn't fetch as high a price as its New Yorker or Excel counterparts, making it even more tempting for those hoping to own a true work of art and a piece of New York music history.
Serial #1502 was completed on Oct. 23, 1940. Comes with what is most likely its original hardshell case.