The Best Electric Guitar Models: Ultimate Guide.
Are you looking to buy a new electric guitar? With so many different models, it can be difficult to know where to start. Don’t panic. This guide is designed to give you all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, selecting the right guitar for your playing style and budget can be a daunting task. From Fender to Gibson and everything in between, there is a bewildering array of electric guitar models all vying for your attention.
At the heart of the process is understanding the different types of electric guitar, what they are best suited to and the range of prices they come in at. This guide will provide you with all the details you need to make an informed decision when it comes to choosing the electric guitar model that’s right for you.
Understanding Electric Guitar Models
Before you choose an electric guitar model, it’s important to understand the various types available and their features. Here’s a quick run-through of the main types of electric guitar.
The Stratocaster
The Fender Stratocaster has been the electric guitar of choice for many of the world’s greatest players since its introduction in 1954. Famous users include Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Eric Clapton.
The Stratocaster is an iconic instrument that is characterised by its double-cutaway body, one-piece neck, three single-coil pickups, and synchronised tremolo system. The tone is bright, vibrant and full of character, with plenty of bite and bite.
The Telecaster
The Fender Telecaster was the world’s first commercially successful solid-body electric guitar and was introduced in 1951. It was originally designed with a traditional shape, including a single-cutaway body, one-piece neck, and two single-coil pickups.
Over the past 70 years, the Telecaster has evolved into the ‘do-everything’ workhorse of the electric guitar world. From country to blues, rock and jazz, the Telecaster’s tone is instantly recognisable.
The Les Paul
The Gibson Les Paul was designed in 1952 by Gibson president Ted McCarty and rose to prominence as a versatile rock and blues guitar during the 1950s and 1960s. Recently, the Les Paul has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity as a result of its popularity with modern-day rock and metal artists.
The Les Paul features a mahogany body and neck, along with two humbucker pickups with the classic combination of a warm neck pickup and a bright bridge pickup. Its unique tone and sustain have made the Les Paul a favourite of players such as Jimmy Page, Slash and Ace Frehley.
The ES-335 & ES-339
The Gibson ES (Electric Spanish) Series is a range of semi-hollow and solid-body electric guitars. The ES-335 is Gibson’s original semi-hollow model and was introduced in 1958. This model was closely followed by the ES-339, which was introduced in 1962.
The ES-335 features a three-piece mahogany/maple body which gives it a unique tone – a warm and mellow tone with plenty of sustain. The ES-339 offers a slightly more focused and punchy tone, while still retaining its warmth. Both models have been favoured by players such as Robben Ford and Larry Carlton.
The SG
The Gibson SG (Solid Guitar) was introduced in 1961 as a reworking of the Les Paul. It featured a double-cutaway mahogany body and set neck construction, along with two mini humbucking pickups.
The SG quickly developed its own unique tone, focused mainly on the midrange and treble frequencies. It has also become an iconic rock guitar, favoured by artists such as Angus Young, Tony Iommi and Pete Townsend.
The Superstrat
The Superstrat is an electric guitar design based on the Fender Stratocaster, but with added features for heavier rock and metal playing. Superstrats usually feature locking tremolos, high-output pickups and extra switches for selecting pickups and switching between different modes.
These guitars are designed for speed and versatility, allowing players to shred, wail and dive-bomb. Superstrat models are favoured by guitarists such as Steve Vai, John Petrucci and Joe Satriani.
The Jazzmaster and Jaguar
The Fender Jazzmaster and Jaguar were introduced in the mid-1950s as “student” instruments and became popular among surf-rock and garage pop bands. They feature a unique offset body and a floating tremolo system with two pickups.
The Jazzmaster and Jaguar have seen a resurgence in popularity among indie and alternative rock bands due to their unique tone and style. They are often associated with players such as R.E.M.’s Peter Buck, Television’s Tom Verlaine and The Velvet Underground’s Lou Reed.
The Archtop
Archtop guitars are designed for jazz and blues and are usually acoustic/electric. They feature a curved top and bottom, a hollow body and a floating bridge. Archtop guitars offer a warm, mellow sound with a smooth attack and plenty of sustain.
Archtop models are favoured by jazz, blues and folk players such as B.B. King and Chet Atkins. Recently, the archtop has seen a resurgence in popularity among the indie and alternative rock scene.
How to Choose the Right Electric Guitar Model
Now that you’ve learnt about the different types of electric guitar, let’s consider the factors you should consider when it comes to choosing the right model.
Style and Tone
The first thing to think about is the type of music you want to play and the associated tones you need. Are you looking for a warm, mellow tone suited to jazz and blues? Or do you need bright, cutting tones for rock and metal?
It’s important to select a model that is suitable for the type of music you want to play, as the type of instrument you choose can have a huge effect on your tone.
Budget and Quality
When it comes to buying a guitar, it’s important to consider your budget. Electric guitars come in a wide range of price points, so it’s important to select a model that is in your price range.
At the lower end of the market, there are some really great budget models that offer great value for money. However, if you’re looking for a higher-end instrument, it’s best to buy from a reputable dealer and make sure you do some research to ensure you’re getting quality for your money.
Design and Feel
Finally, consider the design and feel. The type of gauges strings you use, the scale length of the instrument and neck profile all have a huge effect on how the instrument feels in your hands. It’s important to select an instrument that feels comfortable to play.
In addition to the actual design of the instrument, consider the aesthetic. If you’re looking for an eye-catching model, then you may want to select a more customised model such as a Superstrat or archtop with flashy finishes.
Conclusion
Choosing the right electric guitar model can be a daunting task. But by doing your research and considering factors such as style, tone, budget, quality, design and feel, you will be able to make an informed decision and select the model that is right for you. Good luck!