The Best Guitar Models for Every Player: The Definitive Buyer’s Guide .
Are you in the market for an upgrade on one of your beloved guitar models? Are you unsure which model best suits your playing style? You’ve come to the right place. This blog post is your definitive guide to the best guitars in each category.
Guitars come in many shapes, sizes and price tags, making it tricky to pinpoint the exact model that’s right for you. Ultimately, your needs as a guitarist must be considered when you’re browsing through the many options, so let’s put aside all the buzzwords and brands and, most importantly, trust your playing and individual preference.
To make things easier, we’ll break the various guitar models into segments according to body type and playing style. That way, you can more easily identify the ideal model for you – no matter what type of music you’re playing.
Let’s start off with electric guitars.
Electric Guitars
Fender Stratocaster
The Fender Stratocaster is a timeless classic and the quintessential electric guitar. It features three single-coil pickups (instruments with three single-coil pickups are often referred to as ‘Strat-style’), a tremolo (or whammy) bar for added expression, and a contoured body for comfort and easy playing.
The Stratocaster is super versatile – it can comfortably be used across all types of genres, and greats like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughan were all big fans of the Strat.
Gibson Les Paul
The Gibson Les Paul is the other iconic electric guitar and has become a household name in musical circles. This model features two humbucker pickups (often referred to as ‘Les Paul-style’), a set of volume and tone knobs and a chunky-yet-effective body shape for comfort and style. Both Jimmy Page and Slash are well known ambassadors of this model.
The Les Paul is heavier in sound than the Strat and sports a thicker,-rockier- bite. It’s the perfect choice for genres such as rock, metal and blues.
Semi-Hollow & Hollow Bodies
Gretsch G6122-1962
The Gretsch G6122-1962 is possibly one of the best semi-hollow body guitars ever built. Its classic design, dual volume and tone controls, two single-coil pickups and a Gretsch Bigsby B6C vibrato system give this model the ability to adapt to any style of music.
The G6122 has been made for over 50 years, and artists such as Neil Young and Chet Atkins have used this model to give their sound a classic twist. The tone of the G6122 is best described as warm and mellow – perfect for genres such as jazz and blues.
Gibson ES-335
The Gibson ES-335 is the quintessential hollow body electric guitar. Its iconic shape and tone give this model a timeless sparkle, making it perfect for blues, jazz, rock and classic soul. The Gibson ES-335 comes affixed with two humbucker pickups and offers two volume and tone knobs.
The unique tone created by the Gibson ES- 335 has been used by blues legends such as BB King and jazz artists such as Wes Montgomery. Its warm and jangly sound will take any performance to the next level.
Acoustic Guitars
Martin D-18
The Martin D-18 is a classic acoustic guitar in every sense of the word and is widely considered the gold standard in steel-string acoustic guitars. It has a classic dreadnought shape and a unique combination of rosewood and Sitka spruce, giving it a warm and rich tone.
The D-18 has been around since the 1800s and is popular amongst legendary musicians such as Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton and Neil Young. The classic sound of the Martin D-18 will satisfy any acoustic player – no matter their genre.
Taylor GS Mini
The Taylor GS Mini is one of the most versatile and affordable models on the market today. It combines a smaller-scale design, a solid construction and great sound, making it ideal for beginners, advanced players and travellers alike.
The Taylor GS Mini features a Sitka spruce top and a rosewood body, and an innovative bracing system helps magnify the unique sound of the GS Mini. Its “small but mighty” design is attractive to guitarists at all levels.
Bass Guitars
Fender Precision Bass
The Fender Precision Bass is a timeless classic. Since its debut in 1951, it has become a staple in the bass guitar world. It features a classic shape, a single pickup, a two-band equalizer, and master volume and tone controls.
This model is a favourite amongst legendary bassists such as John Entwistle, Sting and John Paul Jones. The Precision Bass is the perfect instrument for genres such as rock, pop, jazz, funk and more.
Fender Jazz Bass
The Fender Jazz Bass is the other classic bass option from Fender. It features a sleek body and two single coil pickups, giving it a warm and punchy tone. It also features a two-band equalizer, a master volume and master tone control.
The Jazz Bass has been an integral part of popular music genres such as rock, funk and metal. Flea, Geddy Lee and Marcus Miller are just some of the many artists who consider this model to be their main instrument.
Conclusion
There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to the best guitar models. It all boils down to the individual needs and preferences of each musician. Consider the type of sounds and music you want to create and make sure that the model you choose is a great fit.
Now that you know all the advantages and disadvantages of each model, we’re sure that you’ll make the right decision for your playing style and performance.