D'Angelico DAPLSG212AGDCP Acoustic-Electric Guitar: Full Review

The D'Angelico DAPLSG212AGDCP is a high-end 12-string acoustic-electric guitar that combines traditional design with modern playability. Part of D'Angelico's Premier Series, this guitar features a solid Sitka spruce top and mahogany back and sides for a balanced and articulate tone. The 25.5" scale mahogany neck has a smooth satin finish that promotes effortless playability across the bound rosewood fingerboard.

Other appointments include a pearl rosette and body purfling, chrome die-cast tuning machines, and a pinned ebony bridge. The DAPLSG212AGDCP is equipped with a D'Angelico humbucking pickup and preamp system that accurately reproduces the guitar's natural acoustic tone when plugged in. This professional instrument delivers the rich, jangly sound that 12-string players love with D'Angelico's signature modern style and attention to detail.

Body & Neck

The D'Angelico Premier Guild acoustic-electric guitar has a classic look and feel, with a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides providing warm, balanced tones. The mahogany neck adds stability and sustain, while the rosewood fingerboard offers smooth playability.

The solid spruce top provides crisp highs and excellent resonance. Spruce is a popular choice for acoustic guitars, valued for its lightweight strength and impressive sound projection. It creates clear treble tones while still allowing the mahogany back and sides to shine through.

The back and sides are made from mahogany, which gives this guitar a rich, warm sound with excellent midrange presence. Mahogany is a dense tropical hardwood that adds depth and body to each chord. It provides a balanced tone across the tonal spectrum.

The mahogany neck gives this guitar stability and sustain. Mahogany necks have a comfortable profile and help transfer vibrations efficiently from the body to the headstock. This adds resonance and character to the overall sound.

Finally, the rosewood fingerboard looks attractive and feels smooth during fast runs up and down the neck. Rosewood is a favorite fingerboard wood prized for its hardness and oiliness, which enhances sound quality and helps notes ring out.

Overall, the tonewood combination makes this an excellent choice for fingerstyle players who want warmth and balance. The mahogany and rosewood offer rich overtones, while the spruce provides the sparkling high-end response that makes 12-string guitars shine.

If you're looking for a quality, affordable acoustic-electric guitar, check out the Donner DAG-1C EC984. This guitar has a laminated spruce top, mahogany back and sides, mahogany neck, and rosewood fingerboard and bridge. It produces a balanced, warm tone with good projection thanks to the spruce top. The Fishman pickup and preamp system provides quality plugged-in sound with built-in tuner and EQ controls. The slim neck profile is comfortable for playing chords and single notes. This guitar punches above its weight class in terms of looks, playability, and tone. For intermediate players or beginners looking to upgrade, the Donner DAG-1C EC984 is an excellent choice that won't break the bank.

Electronics

The D'Angelico DAPLSG212AGDCP features a top-of-the-line LR Baggs Anthem pickup system, providing pristine amplified tone and flexibility. The Anthem system utilizes an undersaddle piezo pickup combined with an internal microphone, blending both signals to create a rich, nuanced acoustic-electric sound.

The undersaddle piezo excels at picking up the guitar's natural acoustic resonance and string vibration. Meanwhile, the microphone captures the instrument's organic ambience and three-dimensional body sound. Together, they deliver the guitar's true voice at both high and low volumes.

The Anthem system includes volume and tone controls with a 3-band EQ for dialing in your optimal amplified tone. There's also a phase switch to prevent feedback at high volumes. The preamp is discreetly mounted just inside the soundhole for easy accessibility while playing.

Overall, the LR Baggs Anthem system makes this an extremely versatile stage and studio acoustic-electric guitar. It's very responsive to playing dynamics and allows shaping your tone - from accurate uncolored reproduction to more sculpted effects. This is a pro-level pickup system that faithfully conveys the D'Angelico's vibrant voice.

When looking for a quality acoustic-electric guitar, the Ortega Guitars RST5MBK is an excellent option to consider. This full-size electro acoustic guitar produces a balanced and nuanced amplified tone thanks to its onboard preamp and pickup system. It has a solid cedar top with mahogany back and sides for a well-rounded sound profile. The slim neck and low action facilitate intricate fingerpicking and fast lead playing. The RST5MBK has a stylish look with its matte black finish, chrome tuners, and mother of pearl rosette. For an acoustic-electric guitar with pro features at a very affordable price point, Ortega delivers impressive value and quality with the RST5MBK model.

When shopping for an acoustic-electric guitar, you'll want to evaluate several key factors to make sure you get the right instrument for your needs. First, consider the body shape and size - a deeper body will give more bass response while a shallower design is easier to handle. The tonewood combination affects the tonal balance and resonance. Solid wood tops like spruce or cedar vibrate freely for excellent projection while laminate tops offer more durability. The back and sides tonewoods such as mahogany, rosewood or maple also influence the sound. Next, look at the neck width and profile for playability along with the string action height for comfort. Onboard electronics like the preamp and pickup system greatly impact the amplified tone. So testing different acoustic-electrics to hear these elements directly is recommended. Lastly, the aesthetics like color finishes, binding, inlays and accents contribute to the overall style and appeal. Weighing all these aspects will help find your ideal acoustic-electric to match your playing needs and musical goals.

Hardware

The hardware on this model is designed to provide smooth and accurate tuning while matching the retro aesthetic. It features chrome die-cast tuners that hold tune precisely. The traditional-style tortoise binding on the headstock and body give it a vintage vibe.

The die-cast tuners are high quality, with a gear ratio of 18:1 for fine tuning control. Each string feeds through an individual post and roller, keeping the string in place. The chrome finish gives them an elegant look.

Overall, the hardware combines modern tuning performance with classic styling. This allows you to dial in your desired tuning easily while complementing the instrument's aesthetic.

Sound

The D'Angelico DAPLSG212AGDCP produces a balanced tone with crisp, clear highs and a tight low end. The pairing of the solid spruce top with mahogany back and sides results in warm mids, bright treble, and a focused bass response. This all-mahogany construction gives the guitar a pleasing resonance across the frequency spectrum.

When plugged in, the custom Seymour Duncan electronics and preamp provide excellent amplification that accurately captures the 12-string jangle and chime. The pickup system has impressive dynamic range, responding well to both light fingerpicking and aggressive strumming. The preamp includes volume, bass, and treble controls, allowing you to shape the amplified tone to your liking. Overall, this guitar sounds just as good plugged in as it does unplugged.

Playability

The D'Angelico DAPLSG212AGDCP has a fast, comfortable playing feel thanks to its low action and wide nut width. The action (string height above the fretboard) is set nice and low from the factory, making it very easy to press the strings down to the frets. This allows fast riffs and complex chords to be played with ease.

The nut width (width of the neck at the nut) is a generous 1 11/16", giving your fingers more room to move around. This additional space is especially helpful for fingerstyle players who need to fret notes and pluck multiple strings at the same time. The roomy neck makes the guitar very comfortable for fingerpicking techniques.

Between the low action and wide neck, this D'Angelico acoustic-electric guitar provides excellent playability right out of the box. It's easy to play fast or intricate passages thanks to the quick and comfortable feel.

Pros

The D'Angelico DAPLSG212AGDCP offers several advantages that make it stand out in the crowded 12-string acoustic-electric guitar market.

• Great build quality and materials: The guitar features a solid mahogany top, back and sides which give it a warm, balanced tone and inherent structural stability. The neck is mahogany as well, providing strength and resonance. The overall fit and finish is superb, with no sharp frets or cosmetic blemishes. You can tell this guitar is built to last.

• Impressive electronics from L.R. Baggs: The guitar comes equipped with an L.R. Baggs Anthem pickup system, providing excellent amplified tone and allowing for easy plug-and-play live performance or recording. The EQ controls give you flexibility to shape your amplified sound.

• Excellent playability right out of the box: The action, intonation and overall setup on this guitar are ideal, allowing fast and comfortable playing up and down the neck. The slightly wider nut width makes fingerpicking easier as well. The guitar is comfortable to play seated or with a strap.

Cons

The D'Angelico Excel Dreadnaught 12-string acoustic-electric guitar has a few potential drawbacks depending on your needs and budget.

• Higher cost than similar guitars - With a list price around $1,000, this D'Angelico costs significantly more than many comparable 12-string acoustics. Beginners or those on a tight budget may want to consider more affordable options first.

• Electronics may be more than a beginner needs - The Excel comes loaded with high-end electronics like the L.R. Baggs Anthem pickup system. For a new player who doesn't plan to plug in often, these professional electronics may be overkill. A guitar with simpler electronics could potentially save you some money.

Overall the Excel Dreadnaught is a premium, pro-level acoustic-electric guitar. The higher price tag reflects the quality components, ornate appointments, and attention to detail. While not the most economic choice, it delivers outstanding tone and playability.

Who It's For

The D'Angelico Acoustic-Electric 12-String is best suited for intermediate to advanced players looking for a premium amplified acoustic guitar. With its solid Sitka spruce top and mahogany back and sides, this guitar delivers warm, balanced tone that projects beautifully when plugged in.

The onboard Fishman electronics provide excellent acoustic amplification that retains the nuance and character of the guitar's unplugged tone. The guitar's playability also lends itself well to more seasoned players who will appreciate the comfortable neck, easy upper fret access, and overall excellent craftsmanship.

While beginners may find this guitar a bit advanced and expensive for their needs, the D'Angelico Acoustic-Electric 12-String is an excellent choice for gigging musicians and guitarists who want great amplified acoustic tone in a stage-ready package. The quality materials and Fishman electronics make this an acoustic-electric that sounds as good plugged in as it does unplugged.

Bottom Line

The D'Angelico DAPLSG212AGDCP acoustic-electric 12-string guitar is well-made and features top notch electronics, making it ready for the stage.

The guitar's solid Sitka spruce top and mahogany back and sides produce a full, rich acoustic tone. The Fishman Presys electronics accurately amplify the guitar's natural sound while cutting out feedback. The flexible EQ controls and built-in tuner provide even more versatility for live performance or recording situations.

Overall, this is an excellent choice for a gig-ready 12-string acoustic. It has impressive sound and playability straight out of the box, combined with high quality electronics that let it hold its own on stage. The craftsmanship and attention to detail make this a 12-string any guitar player would be proud to own.