The best guitar brands stay on top for good reason so if you’re looking for a new acoustic or electric guitar it’s smart to start with the big names. These companies have built up their reputations over the years by producing high-quality instruments used by some of the best guitar players in the world.Some of these guitar manufacturers have even been around over a hundred years! You’ve probably heard of most of them, but there are also some less-famous names out there making amazing instruments.If you’re new to guitar, or if you’re just now taking an interest in the different instrument makers for the first time, this guide is intended to help you sort out what makes each manufacturer unique and decide whether or not their products are a good match for your needs.You can think of this article as a directory of sorts. There’s a lot of information presented here, but then again there are a lot of guitars out there in the world.
I started this project a few years ago with the idea of creating a page where new and veteran players alike can find information about different guitar builders.I’ve got over thirty years of experience behind me, so maybe my opinions can help you make a better decision if you are looking for a new instrument. I've included high-end guitars as well as here, so there is something for every level of player.This is a long article, and you may find it easiest to scroll around to the different sections you are interested in. Or you may prefer to read this whole article from start to finish. In my opinion it’s probably best to bookmark this page and come back to it later, instead of trying to digest the whole thing in one shot.Note: If you don't see your favorite guitar brand listed here, don't freak out!
Japan 'non manufacturer' guitar production companies: (some have been manufacturers for a portion of their long histories) Arai Co., Ltd = Aria = 1956 - 1980's Fernandes = Burny, Fernandes 1969 - date = Osaka Hoshino Gakki Ten = Ibanez = 1929 - date = Nagano, Quindao (2005) Kanda Shokai = Greco = 1960 - date = Tokyo. Matsumoto Guitars (Guitar manufacturers in Matsumoto City) (in Japanese). Matsumoto: Junk Guitar Museum. Individual person & manufacturers. Nathaniel DeMont. Guyatone (GuyatoneUS.com). — One of the earliest steel/electric guitar manufacturers in Japan. Michael Wright. 'Jack Westheimer — Pioneer of Global Guitarmaking'. Vintage Guitar (July 1999).
(People seem to freak out over this for some reason.) This list is always evolving, so if you think there is a company unjustly omitted here just mention it in the comments and I may add it on the next update.Remember, too, that this is all based on my opinion, Feel free to post your own list of your favorite guitar brands in the comments section.Good luck on your guitar journey, and I hope you find this page helpful! Below you’ll find the 36 most prominent guitar manufacturers, listed alphabetically. Some specialize in one type of guitar (acoustic or electric), while others do well with both.Some focus on a specific genre, such as, metal or jazz, and some do it all. I’ve tried to give a good overview of each brand, along with a few notes on any significant changes for 2019.And be sure to check out the manufacturer websites for the latest info on their gear. Thing are always changing in the guitar world, and the best place to get accurate info is straight from the source.If you have any questions feel free to ask in the comments section! Alvarez builds primarily acoustic instruments, but a few cool archtop semi-acoustics as well. They’ve been around for over 50 years, and their acoustic and acoustic-electric instruments are widely respected in the guitar world.
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This is also a company that covers every level of guitar players, from beginner to pro.New players will want to check out guitars such as the AD60, which I picked for my list of. For players will deeper pockets and a few years of experience under their belts, check out the Masterworks Series. Rich specializes in guitars for the heavy metal and hard rock crowd. These days they focus on amazing USA-made guitars.They’ve produced some of the most legendary designs in the history of metal, including the Warlock, Bich, Virgin, and Mockingbird. Their instruments helped to mold the hard rock and thrash revolution of the 1980s and B.C. Rich is still a great choice for any guitarist looking for an instrument that looks and sounds as edgy as possible.Along with their classic designs, in recent years B.C. Rich introduced their Villain line of electric guitars.
These guitars look incredible, with a classic superstrat style. The is an affordable way to grab a Villain, or one of the more well-known B.C.
Rich designs suck as the Warlock, Mockingbird and even the ferocious Warbeast.Of course there are other series as well, from Mk1 for beginners, all the way up to Mk11 for professional players. If you play metal, B.C. Rich should be high up on your list of guitar companies to consider. Blueridge makes some excellent acoustic guitars, many of them based on historic designs. So, what does that mean? Many players feel that acoustics made in the early days after the dreadnought design had been created used better construction methods, qualities and materials compared to guitars produced today.
In their historic designs, Blueridge attempts to capture some of that magic.Blueridge builds some modern designs in their Contemporary Series as well. This is a company that has earned some serious respect over the past several years when it comes to offering unexpected quality and appointments. I’ve been enamored with Breedlove guitars since I discovered them at a local guitar shop a couple of years back, and I really think they are one of the out there. They look cool, with the sharp lower-bout cutaway, but most importantly they sound good, and incorporate some interesting build ideas.One of those ideas is the Breedlove Pinless Bridge design. This not only eliminates the need to yank out bridge pins when you change your strings, but also improves the sound of the guitar due to fewer holes in the soundboard.New guitarists will want to check out Discovery Series, where more advanced players can look to the Oregon Series for premium instruments with some really cool tonewood choices. Kiesel (formerly called Carvin) is a guitar company with a different business model than the rest.
You won’t find them at your local music store because Carvin only makes custom guitars. Their instruments are based around a handful of templates and each feature components that are individually chosen by the buyer. For this reason, it’s very rare to find two Carvins that are completely identical.There’s a Carvin model for just about every musical style, from metal to jazz to country to plain old rock and roll.
These are high-quality, American-made instruments, and pretty good deals too. If you’re a guitar player looking to stand out from all the rest, Carvin is a great option.A few years ago we saw a change to the Carvin company, as their guitars and basses took on the Kiesel brand name.
So, Carvin is Kiesel now. But they are still Carvin. So what gives?In a nutshell: Lowell Kiesel is the name of the guy who founded Carvin. He originally sold guitars under his own name, but later changed the company name to Carvin, a melding of the first names of his two sons. So, when Carvin changed the name on their guitars to Kiesel, they were actually reverting back to their roots.
Kiesel is Carvin, and Carvin has always been Kiesel.Got it?Check out my personal experience with Carvin guitars here:. A few decades ago, during the Golden Age of Shred, Charvel guitars were front and center as one of the best guitar brands for hard rock, metal, and brain-melting soloing. Then came the 1990s and the grunge revolution, and for a time anyway all things shred were out, in favor of droning guitars and melancholy lyrics.But the universe could only take so much of that, so it was only a matter of time before brands like Charvel came back to power. That time is now.Charvel’s So Cal and San Dimas models are just as hot as their ancestors of the ‘80s. In my opinion, these are still at the top of the list of. Cordoba is one of my favorite guitar companies when it comes to classical and nylon-string acoustic instruments. They make everything from student-sized guitars for beginners, all the way up to pro-level gear.
They even have acoustic-electric nylon string guitars, for players who need to amplify their sound.I always recommend the Cordoba C5 for beginners who are looking for their first classical or nylon string guitar. It’s comes at a very wallet-friendly price, but it sounds and plays exceptionally well for a guitar in its price range. More experienced players can look to other C-Series Cordoba guitars like the C12, which is built for advanced guitarists.
Cort is a company that has been around for a long time. I remember they made some excellent beginner guitars way back when I first started playing. In fact, they’ve been around since the early ‘70s. While they fly under the radar a bit in the United States, they are actually one of the biggest guitar makers in the world.You’ll still find excellent starter-level guitars in Cort’s lineup such as the X100, but these days they also produce some pretty impressive mid-level and pro-level guitars. The X500 is a gorgeous double-cutaway design that’s built for speed and shred, and the X700 Duality takes things a step further with an upgraded finish and appointments.If you’re into something a little more classic check out the single-cut CR Series, which give Epiphone Les Pauls a run for their money. The flagship is the CR Custom, with a pretty quilted maple top and a Seymour Duncan JB/’59 pickup set.Cort makes some excellent acoustic guitars as well, ranging from traditional dreadnoughts to concert-bodied acoustic-electric and even classical guitars. Like their electrics, they range from beginner-level instruments to guitars that are good enough for the pros.
If this sounds like guitars for girls or something, it is. S a company dedicated to empowering girls and young women and giving them the resources they need to learn to play the guitar. They have starter, short-scale acoustic guitars for little girls, and some really cool electric guitars in the shapes of hearts, butterflies, and flowers.But don’t think they’re all about foofy shapes and pastel colors.
Daisy Rock also produces some really high-grade stuff: guitars with professional-style appointments like the Stardust and Rock Candy models. This is company that really has a great mission statement. We need more girl guitar heroes! Danelectro saw a surge in popularity about twenty years ago, and they are known for making pretty good guitars at reasonable prices. They’re also a little retro with their “lipstick tube” pickups and a little funky in their design.
This makes them very popular with certain niche guitar players looking for a vintage vibe.These guitars are certainly daddy-o cool, but when I think of Danelectro I think of one of the, and one of the greatest hard rock bands of all time. Did you know that Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin played a Danelectro?Yes, Page is best known for his ’59 Gibson Les Paul, and played Telecasters prior to that, but he also played a budget-level Danelectro 3021 at times, mostly for slide guitar. A similar guitar is available today in the form of the Danelectro ‘59M.The other thing I think of when it comes to Danelectro is the baritone guitar. Baritone guitar are tuned much lower than standard guitars. In the case of the Danelectro ’56 Baritone it is tuned from B to B rather than E to E. Remember that this was an idea that came way before all of these metal guitarists started detuning. If you are into metal, Dean is a guitar company you’ll want to check out.
Their classic ML design has become an icon in the extreme rock genre, thanks to the late Darrell Abbott of Pantera and Damageplan. In the 1990s Dime brought the old ML back to life, and Dean expanded the concept with some sharper, more modern designs.These days there are several versions of the ML to choose from. Plus, Dave Mustaine of Megadeth endorses Dean with his signature V, and the Dean Vendetta Series is worth a look for any level of guitar player.Dean also makes some great guitars for rock, blues, country, and even some quality acoustics. They are now owned by Gibson, but at one time was one of Gibson’s biggest competitors. Nowadays they are considered Gibson’s budget-minded little brother.Even so, Epiphone is one of the best electric guitar brands, known for producing quality instruments in the Gibson mold. You might think choosing an Epiphone Les Paul means you are compromising tone and quality, but it may surprise you to know that many veteran guitar players hold their Epis right up their with their Gibsons.Epi makes both electric and acoustic guitars and many of their models are based around Gibson designs.
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In fact, they are the only guitar company allowed to use Gibson specs to make, Explorers, SGs, Flying Vs, and other Gibson classics.Some of Epiphone's entry-level guitars like the Les Paul Special II and the Les Paul 100 place them among the best guitar brands for beginners. This is good news for young players and anyone looking to get a great guitar that looks like a Gibson, sounds a lot like a Gibson, but doesn’t cost nearly as much as a Gibson.For serious beginners and intermediate players, the Epiphone Les Paul Standard is a quality instrument that will get you through practice sessions and gigs alike. From there, take things up a notch with the Les Paul PlusTop PRO and the gorgeous but very affordable Les Paul Custom PRO.It is no wonder Epiphone is considered one of the best electric guitar brands for beginners and intermediate players in the world today! If you’ve been around the guitar world a little while the first name that comes to mind when you think of Ernie Ball Music Man is John Petrucci, guitar wizard of Dream Theater. You might also think if Steve Lukather of Toto.This is a guitar company that makes some amazing high-end guitars, and signature models for these legendary players are only a few of them.
The Axis is another amazing instrument, and if you are my age you might think of another famous guitarist associated with this guitar.Check out the Ernie Ball Music Man collection, but if you don’t have the coins turn your attention to Sterling, Ernie Ball’s brand for beginners and intermediate players. You know Eddie Van Halen, that legendary guitar player who pretty much knocked the music world on its ear with his innovative sounds and playing style back in the late ‘70s. For years he partnered with brands such as Kramer, Ernie Ball and Peavey to create signature models of his guitars, as well as the real guitars he used onstage. Now he has his own company: EVH.Through the EVH brand we see not only several versions of the Wolfgang, Eddie’s personal guitar, but also the Striped Series, which recreates guitars he has used in the past.I’ve said it before: While I’m not generally a fan of signature gear, Eddie’s stuff is top notch. EVH isn’t some kind of novelty; these are awesome guitars with quality components.
During the ‘80s and early ‘90s, ESP was a guitar company known for creating incredible custom-shop instruments and high-quality original designs.They still do that, and ESP guitars are used by some of the best professional musicians on the planet, especially in the hard rock and metal genres. But when they branched out to their ESP-LTD designs, ESP brought their legendary guitars to the masses.ESP LTD guitars feature ESP designs like the Eclipse in a more budget-friendly package, such as the EC1000. The ESP-LTD EC-1000 is an amazing rock guitar with quality appointments.
It is quickly becoming a classic. If you are looking for a great, the EC-1000 might be the right choice for you.You’ll also find some original and innovative designs in the ESP LTD lineup. These are great guitars for the money and feature many top-shelf components. Along with Gibson, is probably among the most recognized guitar names out there.
Models like the Stratocaster and Telecaster are etched into history as some of the greatest guitars ever made. Their USA-made instruments have shaped just about every genre of music for over 60 years.On of the biggest changes going into 2019 is the introduction of the Fender Player Series. These are the new MIM or 'made in Mexico' Fenders, and the upgrades are subtle but significant.
I've been playing an MIM Fender Strat for years and I highly suggest checking out the if you are looking for a pro-level guitar at a very good price point.And, like USA Fenders, you can choose between maple or rosewood fingerboards, HSS or SSS pickup configuration, and from an array of colors. There are also models available with a Floyd Rose tremolo and with pretty 'plus' tops.But for many players nothing but an American Fender, and for that you'll want to check out the American Original Series.
These are pro guitars with premium components and vintage features that take us back to legendary designs of the past.At Fender, it seems the more things change the more they stay the same. If it ain't broke don't fix it, it seems. Fender is one of those brands that somehow manage to be both classic and cutting-edge at the same time. The most famous guitar is the Les Paul, which has been a mainstay in the music world for decades. The Gibson Les Paul is a high-end, made-in-the USA instrument, and it comes in a few different variations. Like Fender, Gibson has remained fairly consistent with their styles and designs. In addition to the Les Paul, other famous Gibson electric guitars include the SG, Flying V, Explorer, ES-335, and Firebird.
Their classic acoustics include the Hummingbird.As mentioned above, many of these models are available as Epiphone copies, but that doesn’t detract from the mystique of Gibson. Gibsons are legendary for their tone and craftsmanship, and for many players nothing else will do except a real Gibson guitar.Gibson has made some interesting changes in their lineup in recent years, including the return of the classic Les Paul Studio design in the form of the Studio T, and the affordable Les Paul Studio Tribute. G&L is a guitar company founded by Leo Fender.
Yup, that Leo Fender. Many of the design are reminiscent of Fender classic instruments, with some improvements to form and design. Because of this, some guitar players feel G&L is a solid.No doubt you’ll see Leo Fender’s mind at work when looking at guitars like the ASAT and Legacy. But look a little deeper and you’ll find some innovative hardware and electronics designs, plus a few models that separate G&L from any of the other guitar brands out there. Godin is a Canadian company, the same folks who bring us Seagull acoustic guitars. Under the Godin brand they make some excellent electric and acoustic electric instruments, and even a few bass guitars.
These are classy-looking instruments, and Godin covers a lot of ground with their lineup.For rock and blues players there are gorgeous single and double-cut designs like the Summit and Sessions. I think the archtop and semi-hollow instruments like the 5 th Avenune are what really make Godin stand out. Gretsch is a guitar company that makes some truly beautiful instruments, especially if you are into. The Gretsch White Falcon is a legendary instrument with a price tag to match its reputation, but there are other models in the Gretsch lineup and something right for any level of player.From the signature Chet Atkins and Brian Setzer models, to the Jet and Duo Jet, Gretsch is to rockabilly and jazz what Jackson is to metal. The Electromatic Series offers some very affordable options for intermediate players and working pros. Guild is an American guitar company that makes some amazing semi-hollow electric guitars such as the Starfire and the Aristocrat. These are guitars that nail the retro-rock sound and have the looks to match.
Many classic Guild models have been revived through the Newark Street collection. While these guitars are cool beyond words, where Guild really shines is in the acoustic arena.Guild acoustic guitars are played by some of the best professional musicians in the business. From this standpoint, Guild is on par with Martin and Taylor, and completes the triumvirate of American acoustic guitar titans. As you’d expect, the prices follow suit. However, the GAD series offers a way for intermediate players to get a Guild acoustic for a reasonable price. Started out as a Japanese company specializing in quality copies of famous American guitars.Today it is known to many as a great guitar company in its own right, mainly for metal and hard rock players. In truth they make guitars for just about every style and genre, but heavy music is definitely where they shine, and the metal crowd has flocked to Ibanez for decades.The RG is probably their most iconic instrument, but the S series is also beloved by shredders.
Of course they've also been innovators in the field of 7-string guitars, starting back in 1990 with the Universe, the first 7-string guitar on the market. Another brand that is well-known among metal players is. Back in the 1980s, it seemed like Jackson guitars were in the hands of just about every metal and hard rock player on the planet. That tradition continues today, and models like the King V, Kelly, Rhoads, Soloist, and Dinky are still coveted for their great sound and performance.Jackson models are available in very expensive custom-shop and made-in-the-USA versions, as well as less expensive guitars with downgraded appointments aimed more at beginning and intermediate players. This means metal guitarists of any level and budget are able to own a Jackson and get started the right way.
Back in the ‘80s Kramer was one of the premier names in metal and hard rock. In fact, even played a Kramer for a short period of time.In the ‘90s things took a weird turn, and Kramer was eventually bought up by Gibson. Anyone who remembers Kramer during this period probably also remembers a website called MusicYo, where Kramer guitars could be purchased direct and at bargain-basement prices.These days, Kramer has seen something of a resurgence. Many players remember those glory days of the 1980s and models like the Beretta, with its single-pickup design and double-locking tremolo.
If that’s your bag, give Kramer guitars a serious look. Is an American guitar company specializing in acoustic guitars. Most of their instruments are still built at their facility in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, and their legacy dates back all the way to 1833. Martin, in many ways, has helped to shape the look and sound of the American acoustic guitar.
In fact, they invented the now-classic dreadnought shape in an effort to help American country musicians who wanted more projection out of their guitars onstage.Martin makes some incredibly beautiful (and expensive) instruments like the D-28 and D-45, along with more affordable guitars that will fit into the budgets of up-and-coming players. It’s also worth noting that Martin is playing a big role in spearheading the effort to protect endangered forests by seeking out alternate tonewoods where possible.The is an outstanding acoustic guitar for well under $1000, and it incorporates some environmentally friendly build techniques. I grabbed one a while back and couldn't be happier with it. It sounds fantastic, with the kind of rich, full tone Martin dreadnoughts are known for.
Ovation acoustic-electric guitars are unique, innovative and, for some players, almost addictive! Once you’ve played an Ovation, no other guitar may do. They have a different look and feel than most other acoustic guitars due to their design, which incorporates a wood top with a rounded, synthetic bowl shape instead of the traditional back and sides.The result is a light, comfortable guitar with a distinctive sound. For players who prefer the feel of an electric guitar but need to play an acousitc, an Ovation is often the perfect compromise.Ovation makes some incredible professional-level instruments, featuring some quality components and electronics.
They also have the entry-level Applause series of reasonably priced guitars for beginners or those who are looking to get their feet we with the Ovation design. PRS is a guitar company founded by luthier Paul Reed Smith. Today these instruments are recognized as some of the finest guitars in the world, on par and often surpassing high-end Gibsons.PRS really took off back in the ‘90s when it seemed just about everyone had swapped out their Les Paul for a PRS. Eventually they capitalized on this trend and made the PRS more accessible by introducing the SE line of lower-budget guitars. But these aren’t beginner’s guitars.
Even though they cost less than a standard PRS, they’re still high-quality instruments.PRS guitars are used by players of every genre. They’re a classy, if somewhat expensive, alternative to some of the more traditional brand names in the guitar industry. This is a very unique guitar company, known for high-level acoustic instruments. If there is any company that derails the tonewood debate it is Rainsong. They make their guitars from stuff other than wood – carbon fiber. The result is an instrument with better tuning stability, better resistance to climate changes and excellent craftsmanship.But, you’re thinking, they must sound bad because they aren’t made of wood.
I’ve played a few of them, and they really do sound amazing. Rainsong guitars can be a little pricey, but they are certainly worth it, especially for musicians looking for something a bit off the beaten path. Rickenbacker may be a name more closely associated with bass guitar, but it is a brand that makes some of the best acoustic and electric guitars as well. Like their four-stringed brothers, Rickenbacker guitars feature some space-aged designs that have now become classic.This is a guitar company that has been around since the 1930s, and they played a key part in the early days of rock and roll. Bands like the Beatles helped to bring the Rickenbacker name to the forefront.These days, Rickenbacker guitars are a unique choice for guitarists looking for something with a vintage style that’s a bit off the beaten path.
Schecter Guitar Research is a company that has really established themselves as one of the best guitar brands out there in recent years. Many of their guitars are focused on the heavy metal market, but players of any genre can find a Schecter that meets their needs. With superb craftsmanship and high-end appointments you’d expect to find on much more expensive guitars, they are also among the best values in the guitar world.Many of their guitars are based around the Schecter “C” body shape model. This is a great design that’s not only aesthetically pleasing, but also easy to play and sonically effective.While Schecter is one of the best guitar brands for metal out there today. One design I’ve been really impressed with lately is the Sun Valley Super Shredder. With hot pickups, fast necks and Floyd Rose tremolo systems, these guitars take me back to a time when everything was good and right in the world.
Acoustic guitars are among the best values you are going find. They’re made in Canada, and there’s an attention to detail and craftsmanship here you may not expect in guitars at these price points. The Seagull Artist series is the top of the lineup. You’ll find unique tonewoods and high-quality construction techniques at an affordable price.Further down the Seagull line, looking at models outside of the Artist Series, the components and woods aren’t the same but we still see an impressive attention to detail. The Seagull S6 Original is a bare-bones acoustic, perfect for beginners and intermediate players. This is a guitar worth checking out if you need a solid acoustic and don’t want to break the bank.
Is the baby brother of Fender and makes inexpensive guitars players based on classic Fender models. Along with Epiphone, they’re one of the best guitar brands for beginners or newbies looking for their first real guitar.The quality varies, but some of these are very good instruments. Squier also make starter packs that come with a guitar, amp, and all the accessories you’ll need to get started playing.A few Squiers that stand out above the rest are the Classic Vibe and the Vintage Modified Series. These Stratocasters and Telecasters feature better components than typical Squier instruments, and some are even on par with lower-priced Fenders.If you are thinking of starting out in guitar, it is a smart idea to choose a.
These kits have everything you need to start playing today, including the guitar, amp, cable, strap, picks, and even some materials to help you learn to play! What about Takamine?
Whenever I write about acoustic guitars there always seem to be a few people that are furious that I forgot Takamine. I will make sure they are on this list so we can avoid any rioting in the streets.Takamine is a Japanese guitar maker.
They have long been a very popular acoustic guitar brand, and obviously those who own one of their guitars think very highly of them. I can say that the Takamines I have played were all excellent instruments.In fact, I have always been impressed with their beginner-level gear as much as their pro-level guitars.
Newbies would do well to check out the GD10 dreadnought. It features a mahogany back and side and a spruce top along with a rosewood fingerboard, which is impressive considering how many budget guitars are utilizing alternative woods these days.On the other end of the spectrum Takamine offers guitars in their top-of-the-line Pro Series. These instruments are made in Japan, and quite expensive. They are constructed with premium tonewoods and appointments, and rival some of the better guitars made by classic American brands such as Martin and Taylor. Taylor guitars are among the best in the world.
This American guitar company makes some incredible acoustic guitar designs and a few cool electrics too. Taylor guitars don’t come cheap, but like Martin, they are worth every penny.Taylor and Martin are really the upper esheclon when it comes to American-made acoustic guitars. Like Martin, Taylor makes many acoustic and acoustic-electric instruments that find their way into the hands of professional musicians onstage. But they make a few that are more suited for working players as well.Their 200-series is reasonably priced, and a great value for a Taylor guitar. They also make the Baby and Big Baby, and the GS Mini—smaller-bodied guitars perfect for intermediate players and beginners with a few extra bucks in their pockets.These are awesome acoustic guitars with a big sound. They might be small, but veteran guitar players love them for the tone and portability. In the 1980s it seemed like Washburn guitars were everywhere, and they were leaders in the hard rock and metal guitar genre.
Even though they aren’t quite as prominent as they once were, they still feature some nice guitars in their lineup. From metal to jazz and anywhere in between, Washburn has you covered. With signature models for Paul Stanley and Nuno Bettencourt, they still have strong name recognition in the rock world.It’s not likely Washburn is going anywhere anytime soon. They’re one of the oldest American guitar makers in the business, with roots going all the way back to 1883! Yamaha makes a little bit of everything, from organs and bass guitars to electric guitars and band instruments. Their acoustic guitars are always excellent, and there are options for all levels of guitar experience.Beginning and intermediate players especially can find some outstanding instruments in the Yamaha lineup. This is a Japanese company that has stood the test of time over the years.The Yamaha FG800 is widely considered one of the, not only because of its surprising sound qualities but also for its ease of play.
Moving up the line, the L Series offers high-level craftsmanship and solid-wood designs.There is a reason Yamaha has been around for so long, and is so revered in the music world. Though the brands listed above are the best-known guitar companies out there, there are many others.
If you come across a guitar manufacturer you have never heard of, it always pays to check it out. You never know what kind of hidden gem you may uncover, and you might find yourself on the leading edge of a new guitar revolution!Finding the right guitar is a process, and it pays to take your time, consider your needs, and learn as much as you can about the different options.
It’s always smart to start with the big names. Remember, there’s a good reason they’re the best guitar brands in the world!So who are the best of the best? Below you'll find my ranking of guitar companies, sorted by electric and acoustic guitar. It's based on my opinion after 30+ years playing guitar, but of course you will form your own opinions on who is the best. Still stumped when it comes to figuring out which guitar brands make the instruments you need to get the sound you want?
Here are a few more articles that may help, based on your playing style and favorite genres:. Check out some of the top guitars for heavy metal and hard rock from brands like Jackson, B.C.
Rich, and Schecter. Pointy shapes only get you so far. These guitars have what it takes under the hood. The right guitar brand for country and Southern rock can make the difference between great tone and, well, something else. Which would you rather have when you get up there onstage?. Check out your best bets if you are looking for a guitar brand to play the blues. Hey, you can play the blues on almost anything, but grabbing the right instrument sure helps your sound!.
The perfect jazz guitar should sound warm, woody, and clean. Here are some guitar companies that make great guitars for the jazz musician, or anyone who wants to sound like one. If guitar acrobatics are your idea of a good time, check out these guitars built for speed and precision. Of course they're from some of the top guitar brands in the metal world! When it comes to acoustic guitars, I suggest Yamaha.
They make a couple of instruments – the FG800 and FS800 – that are fantastic first guitars. They are affordable, well made and easier to play than most guitars in their price range.The FG800 has what is called a dreadnought-style body. This gives an instrument excellent projection and a deep, rich sound. It is also the style I recommend for most beginners. The FS800 has a smaller concert-style body. It, too, sounds excellent, but with a little less volume and depth.Fender makes some good acoustic guitar for beginners as well, and if you are into classical music, you will want to check out Cordoba.
Other brands of note include Ibanez, Washburn, Dean and Applause.As for electric guitars, I recommend two brands for most beginners. The first is Epiphone. This is a company owned by Gibson, and they make a couple of affordable beginner guitars that take after more expensive Gibson models. The Epiphone Les Paul Special II is one, and the SG Special the other.Both guitars have simple designs that will allow a beginner the opportunity to experiment with different sounds without too much complexity.
I usually point newbies toward the Epiphone Les Paul Special II, but either is a smart choice for a beginner.The other electric guitar brand I recommend for beginners is Squier; specifically the Squier Affinity Stratocaster and Telecaster. Squier is to Fender as Epiphone is to Gibson, and so they make affordable versions of classic Fender guitars. They’re pretty good too, for the price range.Some other electric guitar brands to check out include Jackson, Ibanez, ESP LTD and Dean.Remember that this is all based on my own opinions.
I encourage you to do your own research and draw your own conclusions. The Gibson Firebird immediately comes to mind. This is a smaller, more rounded Explorer-style guitar first produced back in 1963, and it has undergone a wide range of incarnations since. The modern Gibson Firebird HP has a neck-through design with mahogany body wings, a mahogany/walnut neck with a rosewood fingerboard, 495R/T mini humbuckers, and a reverse headstock.Gibson has produced many version of the Firebird, including some under their Epiphone brand. There is also the bass version, which is called the Thunderbird. 'Daisy Rock also produces some really high-grade stuff' C'mon man.
If you ever battled with a setting up a Daisy Rock guitar, you would know that they're about as cheap as it gets.It's also pretty obvious that the writer has a Gibson electric and a Martin acoustic and he loves both of them. That's all good but trying to list guitar brands in numeric order from the best down is as pointless as trying to rate guitar players in order from the best down. That's something pre-teens try to do on YouTube.Gibson is my favorite brand, I own a few of them (along with seven others) and, in my opinion, Gibson makes the best guitars.
Of course, like the writer, my opinion is biased and, like the writer, it's not worth publishing because one's personal preference doesn't make it the best available. I'm surprised that he hasn't heard of 'Suhr' or 'Chapman': because, if he had, they would both be listed among the Best 36.Regarding acoustics, the brand name is a much less significant variable than construction, shape, and materials. I ordered 6 top-rated acoustics and the one I kept is a Seagull with a cedar top, cherry neck, sides, and back, and superior electronics.
I fact, I haven't found a Martin, a Taylor, or a Gibson, that comes close in tone or playability.If we were to collectively choose the 'best brand' for the masses, Epiphone is probably the brand we would choose. Today's Epiphone electrics and acoustics sound and play beautifully, they're built exceptionally well, they're priced reasonably, and Epiphone offers the best value available. Hello there GuitarGopher! I want to thank you for the time that you invested in creating this article! Too bad from where I'm from, quite frankly nearly all of the guitars mentioned are unavailable where I'm from:(Anyway, I wanted to hear from you about the brand L. Luthier, have you tried them/is is available at wherever you are? Personally I love them, and I think you should try them too!Another brand I'd like to recommend is Jeffery Yong guitars.
Jeffrey Yong is a renowned luthier from where I'm from, but sadly it's far too expensive for me to afford. Interestingly, what made him famous is that he uses mangowood for his guitar (I forgot the model, sorry about that). I'd like to know more about it!. @Sarah - That's a tough one. If it has any unique features you can try looking for images of similar guitars online. You can also bring it to a guitar a shop and see if they have any idea.Acoustic guitars sometimes have information stamped or pasted inside the guitar body.
You might try peeking in there with a flashlight to see if you can spot anything.Electric guitars sometimes have information stamped on the guitar body where the neck bolts on. It you don't have experience working on guitars I'd advise leaving that search to a guitar tech.Most guitars also have the maker name on the headstock. If not, it is possible the neck and headstock were replaced at some point with aftermarket pieces.Good luck!.
Guitar Gopher! You HAVE to find a way to play a Rockbridge Guitar. All made custom to order. 4 friends in their basement in Charlottesville, Virginia. I stopped by the house and got to play Dave Matthew's guitar and this was my experience: Once getting over the shock of being handed Dave's guitar, I gingerly sat it on my leg, took Dave's guitar pick into my hand, fretted an open G chord and just strummed downward once. My cousin, who knows nothing about guitars, was filming and in the video I strum it and my mouth opens, it's silent, then my cousin goes 'wow' and I just started laughing. It was the most phenomenal sound I have ever heard.
Deep and High all at once, pure, easy to play, asodfja;fj. It's crazy. Very informative you should have mentioned the Godin subsidiaries like Art & Lutherie they are one of my favorite affordable acoustic guitars. I own a Spruce topped Wild Cherry which is absolutely amazing, very similar to Martin, made in Canada of 95% Canadian sourced woods and under $400. It has a solid spruce or cedar top wild cherry back and sides with a maple neck. The only imported wood is the Brazilian Rosewood for the fingerboard.
The Art & Lutherie line up is definitely worth checking out. They are slightly more expensive than true beginner guitars but they are a great option for an affordable intermediate to professional level player. Some models come with acoustic pickups or you can add your own pickup to it. I have a Fishman Neobuster humbucker soundhole pickup in my Art & Lutherie Wild Cherry and it sounds absolutely amazing. Highly reccomend this Godin owned guitar company, Art & Lutherie. Guitar Gopher,What a great article, you've put a lot of helpful information in here.
I have just got back into playing acoustic-electrics after a long absence. I am enjoying playing as much today as I did back in the '60's. The technology and consistency in manufacturing due to CNC technology has made a world of difference what your money will buy.After reading all the comments to your article, it's clear, as with everything.everyone has an opinion.What works/sounds/feels right to me, doesn't mean it will for you. Looking forward to reading more of your articles.Keep up the great work!. Have you ever tried PRS acoustics before?
They come with their SE line, and are fantastic quality guitars for the price. And their American acoustics are built by a small team of acoustic professionals. They only do 'private stock' American acoustics now, but they used to have it as a regular lineup with about the same price tag as their custom 24.
I've only ever heard them in video, but they sound amazing, and I've only ever heard good things about them. I would argue that PRS should have made that top 10 acoustic list at least over Fender or Epiphone.I have a slight bias I must admit, as I own a PRS SE acoustic, but I can say from my experience that it easily stands up to - or if not, tops over - Martins or Taylors of the same price range. Given that, I would have at least ranked them. But that's just my opinion.
Hi Learmonth! I always recommend Yamaha acoustics for beginners. The FG and FS Series both offer affordable, quality instruments. The question is what size you need to get. Some smaller kids do better on small-bodied guitars like the Yamaha JR2. Of course he would outgrow this by the time he is a teenager, though it would still be a cool guitar to have around.
If you feel he can handle a full-size guitar look at something like the FG700S. It's a great starter guitar that will last him a long time, as long as he takes care of it. Good luck and let me know if you have any more questions. Sure, I'll comment on Ibanez.:-) My first 'real' guitar was an 1985 Ibanez PR1660, which was like a Rhoads copy kind of thing.
I loved it, and though it has undergone some extensive modifications I still have it today. In fact, even today the neck is one of the sweetest of any guitar in my collection.I like Ibanez a lot, for both guitar and bass. They have a few very affordable guitars in the S and RG lineups that are great choices for the money, and their high-end gear is up to the standards of anybody in the industry. For beginner instruments they are tough to beat too.
I highly suggest checking them out. I don't understand why everyone is so 'Gibson is the best'. They have been going downhill for years. Unless it's a custom shop job, it is hit or miss. The same with Fender. Everyone likes them because of the mystique of the players that played them over the last decades. It's a 'lifestyle cult' with name recognition.
If you want a guitar that plays and sounds like a Gibson of Fender is supposed to but want to be guaranteed of the quality you are receiving and spend for a fraction of the money, then get a used USA Custom Shop made Washburn. You will never look back. I say used because the Chicago custom shop has apparently closed.
Anything made there from about 1993 - 2008 that looks like a competitors guitar will outmatch the competitors version every time. You will notice that it is hard to find a used custom shop Washburn around. That's because they are the guitar worlds best kept secret. The people in the know get them - at a massively reduced price - and keep them. People hang onto their USA Washurns for the most part and there i a reason for that. They are that good. Who are you to state that Taylor guitars are among the best in the world?
Are you from California? I don't and many other don't feel that way. Taylor just does not have the sound of other fine acoustical guitars.
I'm not putting Taylor down. It's a well built acoustic but I don't quite like the sound of them. That's a biased and very bold statement you made about Taylor and it's not true. There are so many great acoustic guitar builders around this planet that do build superb guitars.
Please, lets not put a Californian Company biasedly on top of everything on the planet. Can we do this please? I apologize for this email but what you stated is so unfair for all of the others guitar companies that build outstanding guitars, worldwide.
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