What is it?
So many cool new thinline semi-hollow electric guitars have emerged recently that it would be safe to say that we’re in the middle of a semi-hollow renaissance.
D’Angelico has played a big part in that development, with the company currently offering 22 different semi-hollow models across its entire line, from the upscale Deluxe series to the affordable Premier series.
The single-cutaway Premier SS model has been part of the D’Angelico lineup for a while now, but they’ve made a few tweaks along the way – so it’s worth consideration if it hasn’t already crossed your semi-hollow radar.
Priced between $699 and $899 depending on finish option, standard or figured maple top and use of D’Angelico or Supro humbuckers, it’s also D’Angelico’s most affordable semi-hollow and one of the few single-cutaway models on the market.
Playability and sounds
The D’Angelico Premier SS is built from quality woods that include laminated maple top, back and sides, maple neck and pau ferro fingerboard.
In typical D’Angelico style, it’s no shrinking violet thanks to stylistic embellishments like its fancy headstock design, stairstep tuners, pearloid block fretboard inlays, ebony controls knobs, five-ply body binding and floating Scalini five-ply black or tortoise pickguard.
The body measures 15 inches across the widest portion of its lower bout and thickness is 1.75 inches – larger than a Les Paul but still on the slim and comfortable side when it comes to semi-hollow designs.
The 22-fret set neck has a fast-playing 14-inch radius and C-shape profile with ample but not excessive mass, and the scale length is 25 inches.
Our test example was the most affordable Premier SS version, featuring a standard maple top, Burnt Red finish (other options at this price are Surf Green and Solid Black) and D’Angelico humbuckers. The pickups are vintage-style with resistances measuring 8.03 kilo-ohms (bridge) and 7.41 kilo-ohms (neck).
Each pickup has its own distinct character, with the bridge pickup providing an aggressive, full-bodied midrange growl that’s ideal for rock while the neck pickup has bouncy, round punch that’s great for blues or funk. The treble is clear but not thin or piercing, providing excellent clarity and note separation.
Verdict
Thanks to the body’s semi-hollow construction with full-size centerblock, the tone has the distinct barking midrange resonance of a semi-hollow but it can be played though a cranked up amp without unwanted feedback.
The single cutaway shape enhances overall warmth and slightly extends the range of the bass frequencies. It certainly has its own distinct vibe and voice.
Guitar World verdict: The D’Angelico Premier SS is a great choice for guitarists seeking an affordable semi-hollow electric that both looks and sounds different from most of the other models available, providing big, full-bodied tones ideal for a wide range of styles.
Specs
LAUNCH PRICE: $699 / £749 / €649
ORIGIN: Indonesia
TYPE: Single-cutaway semi-hollow electric guitar
BODY: Laminated maple with centerblock
NECK: Maple, C profile, glued in
SCALE LENGTH: 635mm (25”)
NUT/WIDTH: Graph Tech NuBone XL/43mm
FINGERBOARD: Walnut, 14" radius with white pearloid block inlay
FRETS: 22, medium vintage nickel silver
HARDWARE: Tune-o-matic bridge, Stairstep tuners, nickel
ELECTRICS: 2x D'Angelico humbuckers, 2x volume, 2x tone controls (500K pots), 3-way pickup selector
OPTIONS: Brown Burst and Dark Brown Burst with spruce veneer, Black Flake, all $899
LEFT-HANDERS: No
FINISHES: Burnt Red [as reviewed] Solid Black, Surf Green, Black Flake
CONTACT: D'Angelico
