D’Angelico New Yorker NYL 2

Made in Japan, these instruments are produced in very low numbers – akin to a limited edition, and offer an almost unmatched quality of build. Not to be confused with the Korean-made Excel models made for D’Angelico guitars of America, these instruments are made by a small team of luthiers who clearly know their onions. The New Yorker has a full 17-inch body with a 3-inch depth and delivers a gloriously smooth, well balanced rich tone. The fine grained, solid spruce pressed top is liberally endowed with cross silking, which can just be seen through the strong colouration. Both the back and sides are of matched Flame Maple, with the whole being brought together with a multi-ply black and cream binding.

The neck is a shallow ‘C’ three piece maple and is topped by an ebony fingerboard set with 22 frets, the ends of which follow into the neck binding for that extra smooth finish. Beyond the 43mm bone nut and the ornate D’Angelico trussrod cover is the standard D’Angelico “crown” headstock and half a dozen Imperial gold plated Grover machine heads. At the tail end, the individually intonated adjustable ebony bridge, carries the strings onto the original New Yorker- engraved brass “stairstep” tailpiece – stepped for optimum string length and less tension on the lower register. The floating “house” humbucker offers a warmth and smoothness that is clearly modelled on the Kent Armstrong products, as fitted to earlier models. This is complemented by the pick guard mounted tone and volume controls, with pots that have plenty of head. Plug this baby in and you’ll be in seventh heaven, this is one of the most responsive instruments we’ve ever had the pleasure of playing. For info: www.ivormairants.co.uk