Guitar Models: The Ultimate buying Guide.
Guitar enthusiasts, amateurs, and professionals have one thing in common – the search for the perfect axe. Whether you’re rockin’ out with the latest deluxe model, picking up a classic from the bygone era or looking for the perfect first guitar to start your musical journey, there’s a seemingly endless list of makes, models and styles to choose from.
Finding your perfect guitar can be a challenge, so we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to all the different types of guitar models out there. From solid body electrics to hollow bodies to acoustic-electric hybrids, there are lots of options to quench your thirst for the right tone and feel. Here’s the lowdown on each type of guitar, plus a few of the most popular models to get you started.
Solid Body Electric Guitars
Solid body electric guitars are the most popular type of guitar today. While they do come in several distinct styles, almost all feature the same basic design: one or more pickups mounted in a wood body and connected to either a hardware control panel or sometimes directly to the guitar’s wiring.
The pickups are usually magnetic, which means they will pick up sound from the strings themselves. When the strings vibrate, they create an electrical signal which is amplified and sent to the amp. Most solid body guitars feature two or three pickups, although some models include just one.
One of the Hallmarks of the electric guitar is the ability to control the tone. This is done via the pickup selector switch and the tone and volume controls. Most electric guitars also have a pickup switch so the player can select which pickup or pickups will be in use at any given time.
Some of the most well-known and widely used solid body electric guitars are the Fender Stratocaster, the Gibson Les Paul and the Gibson SG. These guitars have been gigged and recorded by some of the biggest names in music and have become icons in the guitar world.
The Fender Stratocaster is perhaps the most iconic of solid body electric guitars. It was designed in 1954 by Leo Fender, and was one of the first commercially available solid body electric guitar models. It is known for its distinctive double-cutaway design, which makes it perfect for producing those bright, jangly tones and twangy country strums.
The Gibson Les Paul is the answer to the Stratocaster’s combination of mellow warmth and spanky twang. It’s a mahogany solid body with two humbucker pickups, and it’s known for its thick and sustained tone. It’s a favorite among shredders, metalheads and hard-rockers.
The Gibson SG is a slightly more streamlined version of the Les Paul and features a thinner body design with two humbucker pickups. It has a higher output than the Les Paul and is slightly better for solos and bluesy playing.
Hollow Body Electric Guitars
Hollow body electric guitars are an interesting hybrid between solid body electrics and acoustic guitars. As their name implies, they feature a hollow cavity instead of a solid wood body. This allows them to produce sound without the need for an amplifier – that sound is then electronically amplified.
Hollow body guitars are known for their warm, thick tones with lots of resonance. They also have an iconic look and feel, due to their thin bodies and archtop design.
One of the most popular models is the Gibson ES-335. This iconic hollow body guitar is known for its signature semi-hollow design, with two f-holes in the top of the guitar’s body. It’s typically equipped with two side-by-side humbucking pickups and is a favorite among classic rockers, blues players and jazz musicians alike.
The Gretsch White Falcon is another iconic hollow body guitar. It was designed in the late 1950s as an updated version of a similar Gibson model. The White Falcon is usually equipped with three DeArmond DynaSonic single-coil pickups for a bright and twangy sound.
Acoustic Guitars
Acoustic guitars are one of the oldest types of guitar, and they’re still popular today. Unlike solid body and hollow body electrics, acoustic guitars use a hollow body to amplify the sound of the strings.
Acoustic guitars come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from the traditional body shapes like the dreadnought and concert body shapes, to the more unconventional shapes like the jumbo and grand concert.
The dreadnought body shape is the most popular and has been around since the early 20th century. It’s known for its loud and balanced tone, making it ideal for strumming and fingerpicking. Popular models include the Taylor Dreadnought, the Martin D-28, the Gibson J-45, and the Seagull S6.
The concert body shape is smaller than the dreadnought and produces a slightly warmer sound. Popular models include the Taylor 114ce, the Martin 15 Series, and the Gibson J-35.
The jumbo body shape produces a loud, bright sound and is great for fingerstyle playing and strumming. Popular models include the Taylor 814ce, the Martin D-41, and the Gibson J-200.
Electric-Acoustic Guitars
Electric-acoustic guitars are another popular choice for those who want the convenience of an electric guitar with the ability to plug in and amplify their sound. Electric-acoustic guitars feature a combination of both electric and acoustic components, such as a pickup or piezo pickup, and a volume or tone control.
Popular models include the Taylor T5z Custom, the Martin OMC Aura, and the Gibson ES-335 Dot. Each produces a unique hybrid sound that’s perfect for both amplified and acoustic performance.
Conclusion
Selecting the right guitar model is an important part of the buying process. Each type of guitar offers unique tone and feel, so it’s important to take the time to consider what kind of sound you’re looking for. With so many models available, there’s sure to be one that fits your needs perfectly. Happy shopping!