What Are the Best Guitar Models? Here Are the Top Picks.
For those who play guitar, choosing the right guitar model is essential to ensure they get the best sound available. There is a plethora of guitar models on the market, each offering different levels of sound and performance. However, certain models stand out from the rest, earning them the label of ‘best’. This blog post aims to explore some of the most popular guitar models available and reveal why each model is considered the best.
Guitarists will already understand the importance of selecting the right guitar for their style of playing. Each guitar model is designed for a different purpose, meaning that choosing the wrong model could hinder an artist’s playing ability. Therefore, it’s essential to research the various models available in order to make an informed purchase decision. Here’s a breakdown of the top guitar models, what they have to offer, and their unique features.
Fender Stratocaster
The Fender Stratocaster has been around since 1954 and is considered one of the best models of electric guitar. As a solid-body electric guitar, the Stratocaster’s design combines a maple neck and body with two pickups placed at the neck and bridge positions. This versatile guitar is extremely popular among rock and blues musicians, allowing them to produce the classic sounds heard in many famous songs. The Stratocaster has since spawned countless versions of itself, from limited editions to artist models, giving guitarists a great selection of options when choosing their next guitar.
Gibson Les Paul
The Gibson Les Paul is yet another classic electric guitar model. This model made its first appearance in the 1950s and has been one of the most popular guitar models ever since. The Les Paul features a mahogany body with a maple top, along with two humbucking pickups at the neck and bridge positions. It is primarily used for hard rock, blues and jazz, producing a unique sound that many guitarists describe as ‘thick and warm’.
Fender Telecaster
The Fender Telecaster is the oldest of the trio of electric guitar models, first appearing in 1951. As the name suggests, the Telecaster features a ‘ Tele’ style of body and two single-coil pickups at the neck and bridge positions. It has a bright sound and is often used for guitar solos and country-style music. This design is very basic and has been imitated by numerous guitar makers over the years as a popular and affordable electric guitar.
Ibanez RG
The Ibanez RG is an evolution of the classic Gibson Les Paul guitar. This electric guitar was developed in 1987 for the electric guitar market and has since become one of the most popular models for guitarists who prefer a shredding style of playing. The RG features a double-cutaway body with a solid mahogany core and a choice of various bridge and neck options. Its bright sound and distinct tone has made it a popular choice with guitarists across various genres, from metal to hard rock.
Gibson SG
The Gibson SG, or ‘Solid Guitar’, was first released in 1961 as an alternative to the Les Paul. The SG featured a double-cutaway body with two humbucking pickups and a maple neck, which gave this guitar a bright and powerful sound. This guitar was used in numerous rock/metal bands from the late 1960s onwards and is still a popular choice for players of this genre. Its compact body and classic design make the SG perfect for guitarists who like to move around on stage.
Gretsch G6122
The Gretsch G6122 is a unique guitar model that brings vintage styling with modern features. This double-cutaway electric guitar features a classic ‘sparkle’ finish and a unique body shape with two humbucker pickups at the neck and bridge positions. The G6122 produces a bright and punchy sound that is great for rock and blues, while its vintage style has earned it the nickname ‘the rockabilly guitar’.
PRS McCarty
The PRS McCarty is one of the most luxurious electric guitar models on the market. This guitar is finely crafted from mahogany and maple woods and features two single-coil pickups and a master volume and tone knob. This is a very versatile guitar, suitable for most styles of playing, from bluesy sounds to dark overdriven tones. The McCarty has a classic look that attracts many guitarists, while its craftsmanship gives it a superior performance.
ESP LTD EC
The ESP LTD EC is a top-quality electric guitar that offers excellent craftsmanship for a mid-range price tag. This double-cutaway guitar features two humbucker pickups at the neck and bridge positions and a three-way blade that lets you switch between various tones. ESP is a popular choice amongst rock and metal guitarists, offering them a hard-hitting sound and fast action that won’t let them down on stage.
Acoustic Guitar Models
The acoustic guitar is a classic instrument that can be heard in every era of music. This versatile guitar is perfect for strumming melodic chords or being utilized in a full band setting. The acoustic guitar comes in a variety of models, including steel-string and classical guitars. Portability is also a perk, meaning that guitarists can travel with their acoustic and still continue to practice and write music. Let’s take a look at the top acoustic guitar models:
Seagull Coastline Grand
The Seagull Coastline Grand is a high-end acoustic guitar that stands out in the mid-price range. This steel-string guitar is crafted from Canadian wild cherry and has a solid spruce top. It also comes with a semi-gloss finish and a rosewood fingerboard for smooth playing. The Coastline Grand produces an impressive sound that is great for both soft and heavy strumming.
Martin D-35
The Martin D-35 is one of the most iconic acoustic guitars around and has been heard in the music of countless artists over the years. This classic dreadnought guitar features a spruce top and rosewood back and sides. It produces a bright and powerful sound with plenty of warmth that makes it great for strumming and fingerpicking. The Martin D-35 is a great choice for serious musicians who demand a superior performance.
Taylor 614ce
The Taylor 614ce is one of the most popular acoustic guitars available and is praised for its beautiful craftsmanship. This grand concert-size guitar is constructed from a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides. It’s well-balanced sound is great for a range of styles, from soft strumming to fast fingerpicking. The 614ce also features Taylor’s ‘Expression System’ pickups, allowing guitarists to plug in for a true studio-like sound.
Gibson J-45
The Gibson J-45 is a classic dreadnought guitar with a solid spruce top and rosewood back and sides. This iconic guitar has been around since 1942 and is still one of the most popular acoustic guitar models. Its strong, deep tone and balanced sound has made it the perfect choice for many guitarists through the years, including Bob Dylan and Paul McCartney. The Gibson J-45 is a time-tested classic that produces the sound and feel of the great acoustic guitarists of the past.
And there you have it – a rundown of the best guitar models available. Whether you’re looking for an electric or acoustic, you’re sure to find a model that suits your own style of playing. However, this list is far from exhaustive and there are many other excellent guitar models on the market. So, don’t be afraid to explore and experiment until you find the perfect guitar for you!