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D 'Angelico first opened his doors in Manhattan's Lower East Side community of Little Italy in 1932. His hand-crafted archtop designs caught prominence in passing by the hands of guitar legends, namely Joe Pass and Chuck Wayne, both of which were pioneers of the '40s preeminent jazz scenes. The thing that kept those musicians playing these robust, hollow-bodied instruments was that they always have been uncompromising, playable works of artistry. Unsurprisingly, the concept for the beautiful designs of their premier catalog was inspired by the 1930's Art-Deco visual craze, architectural remnants of which can be seen in the city's skyline, such as the spire of the Chrysler Building. To this day, D'Angelico factories go through an extensive authentication and MRI- scanned replication process, all to maintain the integrity of their product. After going the rounds and sitting in the spotlight of the most prominent East Coast music festivals, D'Angelico guitars became a trophy piece for any touring professional, the 'guitarist's guitar'. The master luthier had built just over a thousand of his prized works before passing in 1964. While only 32 years had past since inception, the instruments and name became revered in the music community, aided by the elusive exclusivity afforded to an "original D'Angelico" and so forth. Everyone simply had to have one, which gave rise to knock-offs and the arrival of imitation companies. Some of these companies filed legal countersuits claiming stake to the trademark. Without adequate financial backing, the company went off the grid and remained a lost relic for nearly four decades. VUE ON LIFESTYLE V U E N J . C O M 88

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