We also have the inclusion of a coil-split, which allows you to turn this hard rocker into the ultimate clean machine with a pull of the tone control. The Narrowfield delivers the single-coil clarity and bite, with the added benefit of zero hum, whereas the two humbuckers could easily bring the house down. Price: 895 / $849 Build: Alder body with bolt-on maple neck, 9.5 radius maple fretboard, 22 frets The Alnico Classic PRO humbuckers do a surprisingly good job at recreating the PAF tone, and the rounded neck profile is incredibly satisfying to play. The popular "deep C" neck now sports rolled edges for a more comfortable feel, making it even easier to play those Jimi chords with your thumb. The Jazzmaster hasn't changed all that much since it made its debut in 1958 - quite the year for the electric guitar! It just wouldnt be a Gretsch if it didnt sport the iconic Bigsby, and the one on offer here works very well-staying in tune beautifully - and adds just the right amount of wobble to your chords and lead lines. 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Despite the fully-hollow construction, this definitely isnt an old-school, full-size jazz box, with the slimmer body and neck offering an agile playing experience for the modern player. The pickups here are actually mini-humbuckers, which have their own very unique tonality thanks to their smaller footprint along the length of the string. While it can absolutely nail traditional jazz tones, it still has some tricks up its sleeve: mainly, the Tri-Sound switch, which operates on the neck pickup only. This years version of the iconic guitar features a 60s rounded neck profile, bound rosewood fingerboard, long tenon, and of course a solid mahogany body. The electric guitar can cover a massive range in terms of musical genres, and as a result, different players are likely to want different things from their instrument. It's not all about the looks, though. Hardware: Either a two-piece hardtail bridge and tailpiece or a Wilkinson Stratocaster vibrato, Tusq nut, Grover locking tuners Scale Length: 25.5 / 648mm, + Timeless Telecaster design Hardware: VT06 floating tailpiece, Ibanez tuners Electronics: 3x Player Plus Noiseless Strat pickups, five-way blade selector switch, volume, tone (middle and neck), push/pull bridge tone (adds neck pickup to positions one and two) Suhrs Classic S inspiration is work proudly on its sleeve, but given that the shape is one of the most common on the market its no surprise that Suhr brings its own twists and modernisations to the format. This is the type of guitar you could play for hours and hours without fatigue - which you will want to do once you plug it in! This has to be one of the most unique-looking guitars on the market today. The smooth mahogany neck isnt too dissimilar to a vintage style Gibson and feels suitability reassuring in your hands. Well, in fact, the feel and - more importantly - sound completely different. You have to constantly remind yourself that this guitar is under $/500 while playing it. There are no hard and fast rules about using certain guitars for specific types of music; in a nutshell, any guitar can be used for anything - its all down to the player. The fretboard is also carved to a relatively flat 12-inch radius, meaning playing all the way up the board is a breeze. While the tapered neck heel allows unprecedented access to the higher frets. Sometimes you just need a guitar that will allow you to stand out from the crowd - and the Squier Paranormal Offset Telecaster certainly does that. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). Well, here are the. In terms of the playing experience, the neck carve is consistently slim and comfy, with rolled fretboard edges to present minimal interference with your hands. These Alnico V pickups are dripping with vintage mojo and offer a clear, punchy tone that can't help but invoke sounds of rock royalty. The bridge options here also can be tailored to suit your needs it comes either with a Gibson-style two-piece hardtail, or with a Wilkinson vintage Stratocaster-style vibrato. For example, a guitar with two humbuckers and a three-way pickup selector might have everything you need. This new and improved entry-level Yamaha is as simple as it comes, choosing to forgo fancy features in favor of a fairly no-nonsense approach. The Okoume body - similar to the more traditional mahogany - is complemented by the figured roasted maple neck and jet black ebony fingerboard. This Mex-made Vintera Tele is a great replication of the renowned 60s models, with the addition of a Bigsby tailpiece (though if that trem unit isnt your thing, its also available as a hardtail). Suppose you are in the market for a reliable, well-built, gorgeous semi-hollow guitar. Gibson has taken a back-to-basics approach with the Les Paul Standard '60s and released a guitar that harkens back to the golden era of this stunning single-cut. The addition of the center block gives the Gretsch an added power and aggression not present in the fully hollow options. This isnt a metal-focused shredder, but the generous heel carve, the 22 jumbo frets and the relatively-flat 12-inch radius make this a fast-playing dream. published 19 May 22, We run down the best electric guitars for all budgets currently available from the likes of Gibson, Fender, PRS, Reverend and more. Before writing about guitars for a living as a Junior Deals Writer on Guitar Player, I worked in music retail for 7 years, giving advice on guitars, basses, drums, pianos, and PA systems. Wont convert Strat purists. Tony Hawk surprises fans at a London pub by jumping on stage to sing with a Tony Hawks Pro Skater soundtrack cover band, Derek Trucks on David Gilmour: Hes created his own universe. We provide insight and opinion about gear, artists, technique and the guitar industry for all genres and skill levels. Pickups might be too vintage-voiced for some. The love child of a Telecaster and Les Paul, with maybe a little offset thrown in there for good measure, this is a truly striking looking guitar. Some might want a solid workhorse to gig night after night. Watch: Metallica and Stranger Things star play Master Of Puppets backstage at Lollapalooza 2022. Price: 2,399 / $2,999 Might be too stripped-back for some. The AZ-2204-HRMs combination of the sleek, thin design approach Ibanez is known for, and the more vintage take on the S-type make this an excellent choice for neo soul. The ebony fingerboard carries on the theme of high-end and luxury, while the split block inlays clearly take inspiration from the likes of the ES-345. The gunstock oil and hand-rubbed special wax gives the neck an incredibly smooth feel. The key takeaway is to look for a guitar that can convey harmonies well. Fender applies the Ultra treatment to this underground classic, turning it into the ultimate modern Jazzmaster. The newly updated V-Mod II single-coil pickups offer all the tones you'd expect from a high-quality Strat, while the redesigned 2-point tremolo with a cold-rolled steel block increases sustain and clarity. GuitarPlayer is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. This absolutely gorgeous guitar is Ibanezs take on the double-cut hollowbody. Hardware: Tusq nut, Suhr locking tuners, Gotoh 510 vibrato + Super-modern update to a classic design + Gorgeous aesthetics Pickups play the biggest part in your guitars sound. Electronics: 3 635JM S single-coil pickups, volume and two tone controls, 5-way blade pickup switch Its hour-glass figure is reminiscent of the Gibson Firebird but more angular and futuristic - maybe if Ray Dietrich designed hover cars, this is the guitar he would have made. The Gibson SG - the horned devil that has been the best-selling Gibson Guitar of all time. Price: 719 / $849.99 The Les Paul Studios humbuckers are voiced after the famously restrained PAF pickups, however, theyve got a little more upper-midrange bite that works really well with clean sounds There are also push-pull volume pots that let you split the two pickups, giving you easy access to single-coil sounds and massively expanding your tonal palette. This striking guitar certainly has a bold look but also has the tone to match - and with such a wallet-friendly price, it's hard not to fall in love with this crooked axe. Scale Length: 25.5 / 648mm, + Weight relief adds some much-needed ergonomics to the Les Paul Electronics: 490R humbucker (neck) 498T humbucker (bridge), two push-pull (coil-split) volume controls, two tone controls Build: Alder body, bolt-on maple neck, 9-12 radius Indian rosewood or maple fretboard, 22 frets + Noiseless pickups The South Korean guitar not only looks different but is also concealing a number of tone-shaping features, such as a treble bleed circuit to maintain your high-end when rolling off the volume and a passive bass roll-off control for tightening up the low-end. Its fitted with a pair of 57 Classic humbuckers, and while they cant be coil-split, their low output and articulate voicing will keep things sounding punchy and clear for your clean tones. It offers superb build quality, a wide range of clear and defined quintessential Strat tones, amazing playability and some great finishes. The chambered mahogany body is light and resonant so is ideal for gigging, while the reshaped neck profile is a joy to play. Hardware: ABR-1 tune-o-matic bridge and aluminium hardtail, Grover Rotomatic tuners, Say if youve already got a Les Paul, then going for a Strat or Tele, for example, is going to provide you with a whole different palette of tones. The Telecaster truly is a timeless guitar; nothing exemplifies this more than how little has changed over the years - if we don't count a name change and a very brief stint with no name at all. First and foremost, I'm a guitar enthusiast a fanatic, some might say. Thanks to their lower output and brighter sound, these are ideal for ringing out spectacular chords and pushing biting melodies. While you could get through a full set without having the same tone on two songs, it really means that you can achieve some really interesting clean tones thanks to the non-standard switching. The humbucker is medium output, with strong bass frequencies and a slight mid-scoop. At the center of this guitar is a trio of gold-foil-ish pickups. Players; beginners and pros alike, often ponder on what is the best electric guitar, if there is one at all. The September 2021 issue of Guitar Magazine is out now. This lightweight starter guitar draws inspiration from the classic 72 Fender Deluxe Telecaster and is loaded with a set of Squier humbuckers, delivering bags of rich, rock tones. + Three voices for the neck pickup The mini-humbucker in the bridge, a little like the Silhouettes, gives you plenty of snap, rather than risking overwhelming the sound with a full humbuckers heftier bass response. Heres why you can trust us. So if a traditional guitar simply wont cut it, then its worth considering this surprisingly budget-friendly offset. Shredders will rejoice at the hand-rubbed, speed neck profile and heel cut, while its more traditional body style and overall aesthetic appeal to a much wider audience. As they say; beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and this can be applied when looking for the best electric guitar. + Unique features This striking guitar has a pretty impressive list of specs. Hardware: 2-point steel vibrato, vintage-style tuners, PRS composite nut John Mayers Strat-inspired PRS Signature model caused a stir when it was released, and another even bigger stir when the affordable SE version was announced. Like most second installments, this guitar is very similar to its predecessor, with a few minor changes. This solid mahogany guitar has not just been a firm favorite of Angus Young, but also Derek Truck, Tony Iommi, and Frank Zappa. Well, were here to answer that age-old question with a rundown of the best electric guitars currently on the market. Price: 1,299 / $1,299 There was a problem. High quality hardware, including locking tuners ensure great tuning stability and plenty of resonance. If you are looking for a back-to-basics rock and roll machine that would break the bank, then definitely consider the Yamaha Revstar RSE20. Modern, ergonomic touches such as all-access neck heels, flatter fretboard radii and so on are also going to be more common on this list than vintage-correct specs just because of the sheer amount of fretboard acrobatics neo soul requires. Having a pickup with a restrained sound will help the audience focus on the playing better than a muddy, distorted tone. Read more on how we test gear and service at Guitar Player. Price: 1,299 / $1,599 We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices, The straight-shooting rock and roll machine, For those seeking a single cut on a budget, An affordable option for the country gent, A double agent that won't double-cross you, Humbucker and P-90 combination very effective, The bass contour control not useful to every player, A shred-friendly guitar, thats more versatile than you might think, A Mex-made Tele bursting with vintage mojo, There are more versatile guitars out there, For the player seeking elegance and class, At this price, some players might want a Gibson. For those on a budget - or indeed a newcomer to guitar - it's worth considering the quirky nature of the Squier Paranormal Offset Telecaster (opens in new tab). Gretsch guitars can sometimes get overlooked by many players who think that they are just a one-trick pony used for country twang. Both the V60LPs and the SSVs are renowned for their dynamic, lively take on the sounds of vintage pickups: perfect for articulate cleans and warm, singing drive sounds. There are no hard and fast rules, but in this guide, well be looking at more models in the single-coil domain. While not as overtly modern as the Player Plus Telecaster offerings, the standard Player Telecaster keeps things stripped-back yet not overly vintage. Hardware: 2-point six-saddle vibrato, Fender rear-locking tuners There are various different styles of pickup, all with their own unique tonal characteristics, but they can largely be split up into single-coils, humbuckers and P-90s. Most important for this list however are the pickups a pair of Player Series Alnico VTelecaster pickups, which have a slightly softer voicing than the most modern single-coils on this list, but are by no means underpowered. Looking for a new axe to make some neo soul? The pickups themselves are Ibanez Super 58s the same favoured by George Benson, Pat Metheny and John Scofield on their signature models. Its a classic for a reason and Gibsons Original series harks back to the companys golden era, with vintage style tones, looks and feel. This striking horned axe is reminiscent of the old-school Yamaha SG, giving you the look and vibe of this cult classic at a far more affordable price. Initially, you might think that the best electric guitar has to be expensive - this isnt the case, as proven by some of the great, more budget-friendly options on our list. (Neck Pickup, S1 Switch), Volume 2. The American Pro II is the sequel to the acclaimed guitar released in 2017. So if you are looking for something a little different, then you should definitely check one of these out. The guitar boasts a period-correct and comfortable early 60s C neck profile, vintage style frets and a 7.25 fingerboard radius lending it a vintage-style feel. The Fender Stratocaster is arguably the most versatile guitar of all time. The mahogany neck feels thin, fast, and insanely playable. Super high-output pickups are more likely to present problems for the rest of the signal chain, and thats because ts easier to get sparkling cleans when your pickups arent hammering the front of your pedals or amplifier. The dedicated bridge tone control is a nice touch, too, letting you tame the ice-pick attack that can occur with a single-coil in the bridge position. All the guitars on this list, regardless of price or style, are gig-worthy, can record well and are built to a good standard, so if youre seeking a selection of the most killer electric guitars out there right now, then read on. Price: 939 / $1,099.99 All three pickup positions offer plenty of spank. This guitar is available in a jaw-dropping 19 finishes! Housing two pretty high output humbuckers, the Revstar RSE20 most definitely brings the noise, making it the perfect choice for hard rock, punk, or even metal. Fingerboard radius can also play a part in how the guitar feels in your fretted hand, so thats worth keeping an eye on too. Guitar.com is the worlds leading authority and resource for all things guitar. This kept everything players loved about its big brother but shrunk the body down to a more manageable size. Neo soul guitar tones are most often clean and articulate, with a focus on clarity so those beautifully complex chord voicings really sing rather than power. The fretboard isnt quite as flat as the Player Plus 12 inches, instead measuring in at 9.5 inches. As such, weve covered a lot of ground in our list of the best electric guitars currently available. Build: Weight-relieved mahogany body, maple top, Slim Taper profile mahogany neck, rosewood fretboard, 22 frets This is capped off with the classic Tune-O-Matic bridge, aluminum stop bar tailpiece, Grover Rotomatic "Kidney" tuners, and gold top-hat knobs with silver reflectors completing the 1960s aesthetic. Scale Length: 25.5 / 648mm, + Slimmer than many fully-hollow guitars The single-coils here are Suhrs own V60LPs, and the humbucker is a Suhr SSV. The HSS arrangement is also handy, offering a wide selection of sounds. The October 2021 issue of Guitar Magazine is out now! This guitar doesnt just look the part, but its also primed for neo soul playing. Some even feature different pickup types within the same guitar allowing you to get a range of different sounds all in one instrument. The best electric guitar might also look different to a professional player with a few decades worth of experience under their belt, than it will to a beginner seeking their first entry into the world of guitars. Electronics: 2x Player Series Alnico V Telecaster pickups, three-way blade switch, volume and tone control + More ergonomic than a full 335 You will receive a verification email shortly. That's why Gibson introduced the ES-339 in 2007. Hardware: Gotoh T1802 vibrato bridge, Gotoh Magnum Lock machine heads with height adjustable posts Electronics: Two Super 58 humbuckers, individual tone and volume controls, Tri Sound split/series/parallel switch for the neck pickup The Epiphone ES 339 may not be the flashiest - or indeed the most expensive guitar on this list - but its tasteful looks, unmatched comfort, and glorious tone mean it can most definitely hang with the big boys in this guide. Featuring Gibson's tried and true combination of a solid mahogany body, an elegant flame-maple top, and a highly playable slim taper neck. Well, maybe dive-bombs but they arent particularly common in neo soul. Hearing Yourself Too Well Is Almost as Bad as Not Hearing Yourself Well Enough: Gretchen Menn Talks Stage Volume. When overdrive is heard in neo-soul, its more often a light crunch than a blistering high-gain fusion tone. Scale Length: 24.72/628mm, + Classic looks with modern specs Electronics: 2x or 3x V60LP single coils, SSV humbucker if HSS chosen, 5-way blade switch, one volume, two tone controls 2021 Guitar.com is part of NME Networks. In that case, Yamaha SA2200 is one of the best around. This guitar behaves exactly how you would expect for a Gibson Les Paul, offering an intense amount of sustain, and righteous mid-range bark. Might be aimed too far towards traditional jazz for some. This small toggle switch gives you three different pickup voicings for the neck pickup, meaning it doesnt all have to be warm jazz if you dont want it to be you can split the coils or run them in parallel for two extra tonal options. One of the most popular from this range is the G5622T - and its easy to see why. New York, In pure EQ terms, this is a very trebly guitar, but that doesnt mean its shrill theres a snappiness to clean tones, especially when digging in on chords, that has the character of a compressor without the need for any pedals. Scale Length: 25.5 / 648mm, + Classic Gibson ES looks + Lots of ergonomic touches. Theres also a Dry switch that enhances the top end a little, and controls the low end. - and the Fender American Ultra Jazzmaster might just be the most technologically advanced the offset has ever been. 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Superfast S-type look might not be for you. Daryl Robertson From forward-thinking modern guitars to vintage classics. Its enough for chunky metal tones, but dynamic and responsive enough for blues, rock, soul - even pop. Epiphone now offers the pint-sized hollow-body at a far more affordable price and doesn't scrimp on the quality. Whats best for you boils down to personal preference, though many fast lead or shred-style players feel more at home with a thinner neck profile, while others find a chunkier, more vintage or rounded profile better. No coil-split for the humbuckers. The ESP Eclipse may have started life as a tribute to another very famous single-cut - and the guitar that takes our number one slot - but it has gone on to develop a following all of its own. The Charvel DK24 is super versatile and boasts amazing playability and great looks, earning its place on our list of the best electric guitars. The Harmony Silhouette, despite its slightly offset looks, has a little more in common with a traditional T-type than with something like a Jazzmaster, thanks to its two pickups and three-saddle bridge. When humbuckers do appear, theyre more often voiced more on the vintage end of the spectrum, with mellow brightness from the bridge pickup and warm woodiness from the neck pickup.
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