Back to the main page Back to category Guitar Builder or Luthier Supply

musical instrument details

RARE, D’Angelico NYL-2 DH (Dual Pickups) Guitar VESTAX Japan - SOLID TOP

Estimated price for orientation: 4 225 $

Category: Guitar Builder or Luthier Supply
Class:











Description
Brand: D'Angelico of New York MPN: NYL-2 DH
Material: Spruce, Ebony, Maple Type: Archtop Electric Jazz Guitar
Suitable For: Electric Guitar Bundle Listing: No
Model: D’Angelico NYL-2 DH (Dual Humbucker Pickups) Country/Region of Manufacture: Japan
UPC: Does not apply


DESCRIPTION:  The D’Angelico NYL-2 DH features DUAL Humbucker Kent Armstrong Pickups.  The AAA Sitka Spruce top is SOLID (Not Laminate).  The top is pressed into shape rather than carved as the original D’Angelico’s.   According to a Guitar Player Magazine article, the non-carved top produces a more uniform tone but is slightly less responsive than a carved top.  Official D’Angelico NYL-2 DH Brochure Description:Neck Specifications:Selected Maple, White neck binding25"1/2 scale Ebony fingerboard, 22fretsPearl Zig zag position marker14°pitch peghead with pearl "D'Angelico"and "New Yorker" inlays,multiple blackand white bindingBody Specifications:Full sized original "New Yorker"style body(17")Press curved solid spruce top,5 ply flame maple back and rimsMultiple black and white body bindingF sound holes with white and black bindingElectrical / Hardware Specifications:Grover Imperial type machine headOriginal 2 dual coiled pickups mounted on bodyControls : 1 PU selector, 2 volume, 2 toneOutput : 1/4 phone jack mounted on body sideAdjustable ebony saddle on ebony bridge caseOriginal "New Yorker" style brass trapeze tailpieceOriginal "New Yorker" style pickguardwith black and white bindingFinish:  Tobacco SunburstBrief D’Angelico HistoryA little history for those unfamiliar with this jazz icon: John D’Angelico hand-built guitars in his New York shop for some 40 years until his death in 1964.  His lifetime production was around 1150 guitars and his premier model was the New Yorker, of which he made about 300 examples.  After his death, his family licensed with VESTAX of Tokyo, employing the legendary Japanese guitar luthier Hidetato Shiino, to replicate and hand-build the various D’Angelico models.  The fit and finish of these guitars are impeccable, inside and out – not surprising given the Japanese tradition of uncompromising quality and the reputation of Shiino. These exquisite guitars were eagerly accepted by serious guitarists.   They are played by Phil Upchurch, Russell Malone, and Kurt Rosenwinkel among other notable players.Unfortunately these beautiful guitars became difficult to find due to the demand.  I had been searching for a NYL-2 DH but only a handful had been produced.   According to a dealer (guitar dealer) I spoke with, in early 2005 there became disagreement and on-going friction between VESTAX of Tokyo and D’Angelico of NY.  D’Angelico, I was told, wanted VESTAX to speed up production to meet the high demand but they refused to compromise their quality by resorting to automated equipment.  Consequently production was discontinued and D’Angelico re-licensed with other companies to build guitars with more modern high-production methods.Fortunately, I was finally able to locate and purchase this gorgeous NYL-2 DH in 2005.  I have only ever seen one or two offered for resale since that time.Because of changes in my life and a hand injury it’s time for me to pass this beautiful instrument on to a serious musician or collector who can appreciate it for its exceptional workmanship, beauty, and musical potential.I only played this guitar regularly for about 3 years.  The rest of its life has been spent as a closet queen.  It has never been gigged and has never been exposed to smoke. SOUND: Amplified, it has the “Fat” sound familiar of vintage Humbuckers.  It has “opened up” with its 12 year age producing a rich warm tone across the register making it versatile for different types of music and playing styles.   It has great playability for plectrum or finger style players.  Unamplified, it is quite playable but lacks significant volume because of the inset pickups.NOTE: In the photo showing the back, what appears to be a large Blemish or Scratch is a reflection.  Any questions, please don't hesitate to ask! More photos available.PAYMENT:  Full payment with PayPal within 24 Hours Please!SHIPPING: Because of the value and fragile nature of this instrument, it will be meticulously packaged in the original shipping carton and shipped UPS 3 Day Ground to minimize exposure and fully insured. RETURNS: 14 Day (See Returns Note Below)