Acquired of the angels

by Paul William Schmidt

John D'Angelico and James L. D'Aquisto have long been considered the Stradivaris of guitar makers - crafting musically precise, richly resonant, and beautifully decorated instruments that are considered works of art themselves. The first part of this book explores the life of the relatively secretive John D'Angelico through reminiscences, photographs, and interviews with his apprentice and protege, the late James L. D'Aquisto. Later chapters provide biographical information and chart the artistic techniques of D'Aquisto. Photographs taken in their New York workshop reveal never before explained construction techniques for the arch-top guitar.