D'Angelico Guitars was founded in Manhattan in 1932 by master luthier John D'Angelico. Known for his archtop electric guitars, D'Angelico became renowned for producing high-quality instruments with exceptional tone and playability.

In 2011, the D’Angelico brand was revived with the mission of continuing John D’Angelico’s legacy of building “the world’s finest guitars.” The Premier Series represents D’Angelico’s foray into the acoustic guitar market, offering players premium all-solid guitars at an accessible price point.

The D’Angelico Premier Tammany is an acoustic-electric guitar from the Premier Series. It aims to capture John D’Angelico's obsession with tone while incorporating modern build techniques and aesthetics. As an all-solid acoustic-electric, the Tammany promises rich, resonant acoustic tone along with stage-ready amplified performance.

Construction

The D'Angelico Premier Tammany acoustic-electric guitar features a solid Sitka spruce top with scalloped X-bracing, giving it a rich, full-bodied tone. The back and sides are made from solid mahogany, adding warmth and resonance to the sound.

The neck is also mahogany, with a smooth satin finish that allows for easy playability up and down the fretboard. The fretboard itself is ebony, known for its hardness and ability to bring out articulation. It has 20 frets and a 25.5" scale length.

Overall, the use of solid tonewoods like spruce and mahogany give this D'Angelico guitar a balanced sound across the tonal spectrum, with the spruce providing sparkling highs and the mahogany offering a solid low end. The all-solid-wood construction makes this an instrument built to last, with its tone improving over time.

Sound

The Premier Atlantic Dreadnought produces a bright yet balanced tone that works well for a wide range of musical genres. The solid spruce top contributes to the guitar's clear, ringing treble, while the mahogany back and sides add warmth and depth to the low end.

When strummed, the DAPLSOMAGDCP delivers sparkling highs with a pleasing midrange. The bass tones are punchy but not overpowered. Fingerstyle playing brings out the guitar's balanced tone, with each string ringing out clearly. The overall sound is vibrant and responsive.

The guitar's dreadnought body provides impressive projection and sustain. Players can achieve both rich rhythms and singling leads. From upbeat strumming to intricate fingerpicking, the DAPLSOMAGDCP's acoustic sound shines. The bright yet balanced tone makes this an excellent guitar for solo performers and those who need to cut through a mix.

The DAPLSOMAGDCP's acoustic tone pairs well with amplification. Players can easily dial in a variety of tones, from sparkling clean to overdriven crunch. The balanced acoustic sound takes effects pedals nicely. Chorus, reverb, and delay all enhance the guitar's inherent tone without muddying it up.

In comparison to other dreadnought acoustics, the DAPLSOMAGDCP sits right in the middle - not too bright and not too bassy. This makes it versatile for playing different musical styles. The projection is strong enough for stage use without being overbearing. Solo singer-songwriters will appreciate how the guitar provides rhythmic support without drowning out vocals.

The DAPLSOMAGDCP's premium tonewoods give it a maturity beyond its price point. Many guitars use laminate back and sides in this range, but the solid mahogany gives the DAPLSOMAGDCP added resonance. The hand-scalloped X-bracing provides tonal enhancement while maintaining structural integrity. Overall, players get impressive bang-for-the-buck.

From the practice room to the stage, the DAPLSOMAGDCP delivers excellent acoustic tone. The balance of sparkling highs and robust lows suits a wide range of musical needs. Paired with quality amplification, this guitar can handle anything from coffee shop gigs to arena shows. The versatile sound makes the DAPLSOMAGDCP a great choice for developing musicians looking to upgrade their gear.

Playability

The D'Angelico Premier Tammany has a slim C-shaped neck profile that makes it very comfortable and easy to play, even for long periods of time. The action is set low from the factory, which reduces hand fatigue and makes chords and single notes easy to fret.

The neck is also topped with a smooth satin finish, which enhances playability. Your hand can easily glide up and down the neck thanks to the silky feel. The low action, slim profile, and satin neck make this an extremely playable acoustic-electric guitar right out of the box.

You don't need to press down hard on the strings or struggle to form chords. It's an effortless playing experience ideal for beginners and veterans alike. The top-notch craftsmanship ensures comfortable action and an enjoyable playing feel that will keep you motivated to practice and play for hours.

The slim neck and low action also make it easier to play barre chords and quickly move around the fretboard. Whether you're a beginner working on open chords or an advanced player incorporating complex jazz chords, this guitar will accommodate your playing style and abilities.

Some other notable acoustic-electric guitars with great playability include the Fender FA-115. This is an affordable option with a slim neck, low action, and smooth satin finish. The lightweight body with a contoured backrest makes it very comfortable for extended playing sessions. The FA-115 has a spruce top and mahogany back and sides for balanced tone. Overall, it's an excellent beginner acoustic-electric guitar with playability rivaling more expensive models.

In summary, the D'Angelico Premier Tammany offers top-notch playability right out of the box. The slim neck profile, low action, and satin finish facilitate smooth chord changes and fast fretting across the neck. Whether you're a beginner or expert, this acoustic-electric guitar will accommodate your playing style and keep you engaged. It's effortless to form chords and play melodic lines without fatigue. If you're looking for buttery playability in an acoustic-electric model, the D'Angelico Premier Tammany is an excellent choice to consider.

Electronics

The D'Angelico Premier Tammany features the acclaimed L.R. Baggs Anthem pickup system which provides excellent sound reproduction and flexibility. The Anthem system utilizes an undersaddle transducer along with an internal microphone to capture the true acoustic tone from multiple sound sources.

The undersaddle pickup captures the guitar's top vibration and strings, conveying warmth and body. The internal microphone adds air and room ambience to the amplified signal. Together they recreate the full and nuanced acoustic sound.

The onboard preamp allows for blending between the microphone and pickup, and comes with a tuner and phase switch. There is also a discrete volume control mounted on the side of the upper bout. The preamp runs on a 20 hour battery or can be powered phantom from a PA system.

The Anthem electronics offer the versatility to shape your amplified acoustic tone, from a studio quality DI signal direct to a mixer, to a realistic acoustic sound for performing live. Reviewers praise the D'Angelico Premier Tammany's Anthem system for its natural sound quality and reliable performance.

Aesthetics

The D'Angelico Premier Tammany acoustic-electric guitar features beautiful and ornate visual appointments, including exquisite mother of pearl and abalone inlay work.

The pearl and abalone inlays provide elegantly designed visual flair across the front of the guitar. Intricate floral patterns adorn the fingerboard, headstock, and soundhole rosette. The abalone purfling lines outlining the top and back of the guitar body also showcase masterful and artistic attention to visual detail.

The Premier Tammany lives up to D’Angelico’s reputation for stellar craftsmanship and artful design. The pearl and abalone inlays require painstaking precision and skill to execute properly. Visually, the guitar achieves an opulent yet tasteful aesthetic appeal.

Overall, the ornate inlay work gives the D’Angelico Premier Tammany a sense of beauty and visual sophistication worthy of the D’Angelico brand’s storied legacy spanning back to the early 1900s. Players attracted to not just great sound but also elegant styling will find much to admire in the Tammany model's aesthetic appointments.

Accessories

The D'Angelico Premier Tammany comes with several useful accessories right out of the box. Most notably, it includes a high-quality hardshell case to protect your instrument when not in use or while traveling. The included case features plush interior lining to prevent scratches and dings, locking latches for security, and a compact form factor for easy transport.

Many comparable acoustic-electric guitars at this price point do not come with a case, so the included hardshell case adds excellent value. Having a durable case to store the instrument safely is essential for maintaining its condition and resale value over time. The case also provides peace of mind that your guitar will be protected from the elements, impacts, and other damage when not being played.

Overall, the hard-shell case bundled with the D'Angelico Premier Tammany is a very useful accessory that enhances the value of this guitar package. For guitarists wanting to take their instrument on the go, having this case included right out of the box is a major perk.

Pros

The D'Angelico Premier Tammany acoustic-electric guitar has several excellent qualities that make it a great option for players looking for a high-end instrument.

• Quality materials and construction - The Tammany features solid spruce and mahogany construction, resulting in a guitar that is both lightweight and highly resonant. The build quality is superb, with attention paid to details like binding and purfling that give the instrument a clean, elegant aesthetic.

• Great sound - The combination of tonewoods produces a rich, balanced acoustic tone that projects well. The spruce top offers crisp highs while the mahogany back and sides provide warm low-mid range. It's a very versatile guitar suited to various playing styles and genres.

• Elegant design - Drawing inspiration from archtop jazz guitars, the Premier Tammany has refined art-deco style appointments. Visually it makes a statement, with pearl/abalone rosette and fingerboard inlays, gold hardware, and graduated top binding. Those who appreciate fine craftsmanship will love the look and feel.

Cons

The D'Angelico Premier Tammany has a few drawbacks to consider.

• Higher Cost Than Other Acoustics in its Class: This is one of the more expensive options among acoustic-electric guitars in the sub-$1000 price range. While the build quality and tone may justify the extra cost for some players, it does put the Tammany out of reach for more budget-minded buyers. There are comparable acoustic-electrics available for $200-300 less.

Conclusion

The D'Angelico Premier Tammany is an impressive acoustic-electric guitar that offers notable features for both on-stage and studio use. It has a sturdy laminate construction with a spruce top and mahogany back and sides that produces balanced tone and good projection. The slim neck and low action facilitate smooth playability across the fretboard, making this a very playable instrument.

TheFishman Presys Blend electronics and built-in tuner provide quality plugged-in sound and easy tuning convenience. Visually, the Premier Tammany has an elegant, vintage-inspired design with mother-of-pearl acrylic block inlays and striking orange finish options. It comes with a hardshell case for safe transport and storage.

Overall, the D'Angelico Premier Tammany is highly recommended for gigging musicians and recording artists looking for a quality, professional-grade acoustic-electric guitar with great tone, playability, and versatile functionality. Its build quality and electronics make it a reliable choice for on-stage plugged-in performances as well as off-stage practice and recording sessions.