A vintage spin on our flagship model, the Excel EXL-1 Throwback embodies the legacy of fine archtops. A 17-inch-wide, 3-inch-deep body emanates warm, woody archtop tone propelled by a single floating Seymour Duncan Johnny Smith mini-humbucker. And visually—it's hard to look away. Old-school full-fret mother-of-pearl fingerboard inlays on an ebony fingerboard lead to a scroll-style headstock designed by John D'Angelico in the 30s, while a satin ebony pickguard meets a spruce top featuring multi-bound Throwback f-holes. Available in Vintage Natural and Viola.
Throwback Scroll-style Headstock
Designed by John D'Angelico in the 1940s, the new Throwback Scroll-style headstock design offers a more minimalistic, contemporary take on the opulent D'Angelico headstock design.
Ebony Fingerboard with Full Fret Mother-of-Pearl Blocks
Traditionally used on archtops for its notable articulation, the Excel Throwback Collection features ebony fingerboards, resulting in the unmistakable "woody" tone heard across the history of fine archtops.
Macassar Ebony Pickguard
Matching the new Throwback Collection scroll-style headstock, a satin-finished macassar ebony pickguard adds comfort, style, and old-school swag.
Throwback F-Holes
Further aiding in the "woody" tone of the archtops found in the Throwback Collection, throwback-style f-holes are more contoured and slightly wider, emanating more tone and offering greater projection.
USA Seymour Duncan Johnny Smith Pickup
Modeled after the tone of the great jazz guitarist Johnny Smith, Seymour Duncan Johnny Smith mini-humbucker elevates archtop tone. A lot of tone in a little pickup.
