Top 10 Best Guitar Models: A Comprehensive Guide to Guitar Shopping.
Are you a beginner guitar player looking for the perfect model to learn with? Are you an experienced shredder searching for an upgrade from your old trusty axe? Whichever camp you fall into, you’ve come to the right place: our comprehensive guide to the top 10 best guitar models is about to take you on a journey of musical exploration!
To help ensure you make the most informed decision when buying a guitar, we’ve broken down this guide into three key categories. First we look into the essential factors you should consider when searching for a guitar, followed by a deep dive into the various guitar body types and features available on the market. Lastly, we list the top 10 best guitar models, ranging from vintage classics to modern-day masterpieces. Let’s begin.
What to Consider When Shopping for a Guitar
Your budget : This is the initial factor to consider when looking for the right guitar. Set an amount of money that is comfortable for you to spend, taking into account upcoming maintenance and repair costs. Establishing a budget at the start will help you to limit your search and focus on guitars within your price range.
Size & weight : Depending on your body type and desired playing position, you may want to consider the size and weight of the guitar body. Make sure to move around in the different positions when considering size and weight factors.
Guitar body & neck style : Guitars come in a variety of body and neck styles, ranging from Ultra-strats, to LP designs, to cutaway acoustics and beyond. Understanding the differences between them, and the associated benefits, is important in helping make a decision.
Tonewoods : Tone woods are an important factor to consider when shopping for guitars, as they help to determine the tone profile of the instrument. Different types of woods such as mahogany, maple, and rosewood, will affect the sound, sustain, and even the weight of a guitar.
Pickups & electronics : Pickups and electronics are one of the major differences between electric guitars. Whether you’re after humbucker warmth, single-coil brightness, active control, passive powers, or a mixture of both, ensuring that you have the right combination for the sound you’re after is key.
Guitar Hardware & Accessories : Last but not least, hardware and accessories can greatly enhance your guitar experience. From strap locks and picks, to guitar stands and amplifiers, there are a wide range of options to explore.
Now that we’ve looked into the key factors to consider when shopping for a guitar, let’s continue our guide by diving deeper into the various types of guitar styles available on the market.
The Varied Guitar Body Styles & Features
When shopping for the right guitar it’s important to consider the various bodystyle and features available on the market. In this next section we’ll be looking at the seven main types of guitar bodies and the associated features that come with each.
1. Semi-Hollow & Hollow-Body
Semi-hollow and hollow body guitars have a unique tone profile, with a resonance and warmth from the middle cavity formed between the top and back. They often feature a thinline design, and some models will come with F-holes instead of the traditional sound holes found on acoustic guitars.
2. Solid Body
Solid body guitars are the most popular type of instrument by far. Without any resonant cavities or body shapes, these instruments are able to provide far more versatility in terms of sound and style. Most electric guitar models can be divided into four key categories: double cutaways, single cutaways, offset bodies, and carved top styles.
3. Acoustic
Acoustic guitars are the original and most traditional type of guitar. Unlike electric models, acoustic guitars are able to produce sound naturally, without the amplification from pickups or an external amplifier. Acoustic guitars will come in both traditional and cutaway styles, some with F-holes and some with sound holes.
4. Travel
Travel guitars are smaller guitars designed for use on-the-go, often with collapsible design, lightweight parts, and onboard mini amps. Because of the convenience, travel guitars are becoming increasingly popular.
5. 12-String
12-string guitars offer a unique sound resulting from twice as many strings when compared to its 6-string counterpart. These instruments are typically incorporated as a part of a band’s lead/rhythm section and teams two notes together per string.
6. Left-Handed
Left-handed guitars are specifically designed for left-handed players, with the controls and tuning knobs reversed allowing easy access.**
7. Signature & Custom
Signature and custom guitars are designed with the artists vision in mind, with the specifications and looks tailored around the musicians’ needs. Offering the most distinct features, these individual models will look and sound like no other.
Now that we’ve looked into the various types of guitar bodies and features out there, let’s move onto the next section of our guide where we take a look into the 10 best guitar models available on the market.
The 10 Best Guitar Models
Gibson Les Paul Standard
A classic from the 50s, the Gibson Les Paul Standard is a timeless model that has to be included in the list of the best guitar models. With its exceptional playability, unique sound and iconic looks, the Les Paul is a staple for any guitar player looking for a little rock-n-roll.
Fender Stratocaster
Another classic, the Fender Stratocaster has been an iconic model of the electric guitar family since its introduction in 1954. Featuring a traditional single cutaway design, the Strat has become a favourite amongst blues, country, and rock legends alike.
G&L Legacy
The G&L Legacy is a timeless instrument with an extended tonal range and an array of additional features. Utilizing the classic single cutaway design, this axe focuses more on the modern tone with its classic strokes.
Ibanez RG Series
The Ibanez RG Series of guitars is designed for the modern player, offering a sleeker construction and extensive tonal options. With its mahogany body and active pickups, this model is perfect for hard rock, shredding and metal shredding.
PRS Custom 24
The PRS Custom 24 is a stunning instrument, featuring a traditional single-cutaway design with a unique sound and feel. The PRS Custom 24 would be a great choice for those looking for an angular and modern tone.
Gibson SG Standard
The Gibson SG Standard is a classic guitar with an iconic look. It is known for its smoking hot tone, perfect for heavier rock and metal genres, as well as its unique design featuring two cutaways.
Fender Jazzmaster
The Fender Jazzmaster is not only a classic instrument, but also one of the most versatile models out there. Designed with a traditional single cutaway body, and a tonal palette designed for jazz, blues, and indie/alternative genres, the Jazzmaster is a great all-rounder.
Gibson ES-335
The Gibson ES-335 is a half-hollow electric guitar with a classic double cutaway design. With a slightly heavier feel and a vintage tone with sparkling highs and a moderate low end, this is a great mid-range option for classic jazz, blues, and rock.
PRS SE 245
The PRS SE 245 is a great budget choice that packs a lot of power for its price. With a sleek double cutaway design, a mahogany body, and a range of active pickups, this is a great option for heavier rock and metal styles.
G&L USA Patriot
The G&L USA Patriot is a modern classic, designed to mimic the traditional single cutaway style with a heavy metal twist. With a mahogany body, Seymour Duncan pickups, and gold-plated components, this is a great option for classic rock and all out metal.
Conclusion
Shopping for the perfect guitar can be a daunting task, but with our comprehensive guide to the top 10 best guitar models, we hope you now have a better understanding of all the different guitars available on the market. From semi-hollow and hollow-body styles, to travel models and signature instruments, there is a model out there for everyone. Now it’s time for you to take the next step in your musical journey and start considering the guitar that’s right for you.
Good luck, and happy playing!