Top 10 Best Guitar Brands

I am a "professional listener," as I cannot play instruments myself. Yet nothing can replace that 3D, creamy, rich sound of a Gibson Les Paul. Listen to Eric Clapton or Mark Knopfler. When playing a Strat, the sound is "flatter" than when performing the same piece on a Les Paul. Perhaps it's in the pickup, but it feels as if the sounds linger a bit longer, hang around outside, and have a conversation before they finally depart.

Regarding bass, a certain Mr. P. McCartney used to play a Gibson bass that was just awesome to look at and fantastic to listen to.

But we can never leave a Strat out in the cold. It can be played to produce the tiniest little notes, each in its own time and space.

Just think about taking your Gibson Custom Les Paul home with you for the first time. It makes you feel like a 10-year-old on Christmas morning all over again. There is nothing like it. Period.

Fenders have their ability to hit those bright sounds, and most PRS guitars you spend some money on are going to be works of art. Other brands excel in their own way. However, nothing compares to the first time you hold that Les Paul, hit a note, and think to yourself, I can really FEEL the sustain from this bad boy. Wow! I've never felt a guitar reverberate through my arm and into my body like this.

Fender and Gibson are quite different, and therefore impossible to compare with any real accuracy. Not to sound cliché, but it really is like comparing apples and oranges. A Les Paul is built with different wood, different electronics, and different pickups. Gibson guitars use humbuckers, which are much more mid-range than Fender's single-coil system. They are both great brands and deserve to share the top spot.

However, if I had to choose, I would go with a Fender. The range of tones you can get from the single-coil combinations is much greater than what Gibson's humbucking systems can offer. I play a 20th-anniversary Les Paul, an American Strat, and a Nashville Telecaster (my preference). I love the Les Paul's deep tone and low action, which make it so simple to play. But the Les Paul just doesn't achieve the bright tones that a Fender can produce. That being said, I can adjust the tone of the pickups and use the 5-way switch on my Telecaster to get almost any sound. I can make my Telecaster sound like a Gibson Les Paul or a Strat, but I have never been able to make my Les Paul sound like a Fender.

People like Gibsons and Fenders for their tones, and I won't argue with that - it's a matter of opinion. But when it comes to playability, Ibanez is king. The necks are faster, the action is much better, and the pickups are usually hotter. They are normally equipped with better tremolos. If you're playing with a lot of effects or distortion, the natural tone of the guitar isn't going to matter as much. The combination of all these factors makes Ibanez ideal for heavy metal and virtuoso types like Satriani, Vai, and originally Petrucci (although he has moved on to an Ernie Ball Music Man). But they also make good jazz and acoustic guitars. For playing quickly, precisely, and accurately, Ibanez beats everyone else by a mile. And their better models are no slouch on tone, either. They're arguably as good as Fender and Gibson.

Comparison is always a subject of debate. Everyone has their own opinion. What's impressive about Ibanez is that they are working very hard to improve and exceed expectations. I'm very impressed with their sound quality, even when compared to Gibson and Fender. They have a very modern look with a rich tone and sound. Sometimes I wonder if they should hit the #1 spot. Is it just because they're made in Asia that they're not qualified to hit number one? They have more quality, style, and rich tone compared to Gibson and Fender - although that can depend on the genre. I find them very well-balanced and comfortable to hold. Their design facilitates fast play. It's awesome. I have 4 Fenders, 5 Gibson Les Pauls and Customs, 3 PRS SEs, and guess what... 12 Ibanez guitars, 11 of which are Prestiges and 1 RG. Yeah, I agree that Ibanez should be number one. It's awesome in every way.

I've owned Gibsons, Fenders, PRS, Jackson, Taylor, and other guitars over more than 45 years and have played many of them live. For many years, I played a Gibson Les Paul for its lead tone and sturdiness. Honestly, Fenders have not worked well for me. My American-made Strat was always going out of tune on stage, and the pickups were thin-sounding and difficult for me to tweak through my different amps.

In the end (so far), PRS is the best. The guitars are very versatile for all kinds of different music styles. They never go out of tune on stage, even with a lot of whammy action, and rarely need to be set up. Adding to its utility, they also look beautiful. PRS gets my vote. They are also relatively light, which is important for real-world use.

Top 3, yes. None of the other two will ever have the tone, simplicity, or price of a Fender. Gibson and PRS are really overpriced for machine-made guitars. I've played PRS guitars with a 25-inch scale, and to me, they fall short. They tried to create something new by going in between the Fender and Gibson sound.

That said, I own a lot of Fenders and Gibsons. You really can't compare them head-to-head. When I want to play rock or need that rich low-to-mid sound, I grab my Gibsons. But when I want to play blues, whether slow or with fast twang, nothing will ever come close to a Fender.

You can ask Eric Clapton, a true Gibson player in the old days, why he's been playing only Fenders for the last 15-20 years. I'll tell you why: it's about the type of music you're playing. The right guitar for the right tone, period. So, three different scale lengths cannot be compared. Compare each guitar in their own scale categories. It's a no-brainer, people.

In one of the comments, someone wrote that Epiphone started as a Gibson knockoff, which is unbelievable. These two companies are closely intertwined through their history. In fact, the first Gibson Les Paul was constructed at Epiphone. To me, if the companies share the same designs, that's okay. Many Epiphone guitars are equipped with Gibson parts, which shows how close these two companies are. As for the claim that Epiphone started as a knockoff company - excuse me, but Epiphone was already around for three decades before Gibson started. So, who helped whom get started? To all you haters out there, show some respect.

I have an Epiphone SG 50th edition, and it serves me well in everything I do. I play a lot of '60s music and pretty much anything else I want. It's very versatile, and the cherry red wood grain finish makes it look really awesome. Everyone I've ever met has complimented it, and I've been offered all kinds of guitars, from Washburns to Fenders.

Just recently, I visited an experienced guitar player who has been playing for 30 years in my grandfather's neighborhood, and he absolutely loved the tone and playability. He said the only thing that might improve it was a professional setup, which I'll be getting soon. When I first got the guitar, I complained that the strings were a bit hard to press down due to the longer scale of the neck. The neck on it is pretty long. However, if you work with it for about two days on and off, it's no problem. I love Epiphone, and judging from what I've played on Ibanez guitars, I might invest in one of them soon.

I think Jackson guitars, particularly the USA models, are truly the most versatile of all the high-end electric guitars. The build quality is second to none, as they are made at the custom shop by very experienced luthiers. The woods used are exotic and tonally superb. The hardware, featuring Floyd Rose and Seymour Duncan components, is the best around, and the action/playability is fantastic.

All in all, even though they are expensive, you feel like you're getting your money's worth. The great thing is that they produce an incredible array of sounds, covering all aspects of musical style. This ranges from the beefed-up classic grind of a Gibson to the stringy, percussive violin sounds of a Strat, and everything in between. I have two USA models - an SL 1 and an SL 2 - and given the enjoyment and reliability they have provided, they owe me nothing.

The most essential thing to look for when choosing your guitar is how it feels to play. Jackson guitars always feel so natural in your hands. The quality of the workmanship is truly world-class. The cutting-edge design not only offers eye-catching visuals but also includes small details, such as the angle of the headstock, that go a long way toward perfecting the playability and sustain of the finished product. Jackson guitars have it all: the looks, the sound, reliability, playability, and that indistinguishable X-factor.

Seriously, Yamaha above ESP? Japanese-made ESP guitars are among the best in the world. No wonder so many people play them. They have great designs, and an ESP standard is not too high in price compared to a USA Jackson or a custom shop guitar. Ibanez Prestige models are very nice too (I personally hate the necks), but the build quality is really good. ESP blows Gibson out of the water by a VERY large margin.

Gibson has faced lawsuits for selling "USA" made guitars that were discovered to be imports from cheap labor offshore factories. All ESP and Ibanez Prestige guitars are made in Japan and are immaculate in terms of quality and consistency. ESP is more of a metal guitar, but they have much better tone than any of the others listed. The only one that might have a sweeter tone is PRS, but for $8,000 and only a fractionally better tone that is subjective, they can keep it.

I personally like ESP and Schecter best, but Jackson is really good too. Not to knock Ibanez, but their necks are way too thin and flat, and they cramp my hands. If you like the necks, they are a good option. I just think ESP is the company that has it all, and the LTD Deluxe line is fantastic as well.

Yamaha guitars generally offer exceptional value across a broad range of price points. Let's face it, their top-end guitars are as good as, or even better than, anyone else's.

The SG2000, and the recent SBG2000 reissues, have top-notch build, finishing, and appointments directly comparable to similar guitars from Gibson, but for far less money. They also feature unique elements like thru-neck construction, seldom seen on a Gibson, Fender, or PRS. They combine things like a double cutaway with a thick body and a maple cap. They've even made double-cut Les Pauls. Try finding one for a good price. It won't be as elegant if you do.

Don't get me wrong. The Les Paul set the standard. It is beloved by countless players worldwide and has an iconic look and sound. I love my Gibson Les Paul. It's like a sirloin steak with a distinctly American flavor all its own. But my Yamaha SG2000 is like Kobe steak with onion soup AND shrimp, and the waiter doesn't expect an extra-large tip!

When played well, it is the best sounding and most versatile guitar. Absolutely playable and beautifully made. The Chet Atkins Country Gentleman captures the early Beatles' sound gracefully. It's not only for rockabilly. With serious gain, it distorts and sustains with a singing tone. Amazing. I love Filtertrons. Pedro Arizmendi - George Harrison fan.

Beautiful, deep-sounding hollow and solid body guitars. Strong and rich tone with overdrive and smooth, reversed clean sound. Pickups are amazing, good value, lightweight, and authentic! A no-crap, beautiful-looking and playing quality guitar!

It's such a beautiful instrument. Just looking at it gives me a thrill. When I saw George Harrison playing his in the early to mid-sixties, I desperately wanted one but couldn't afford it. Two years ago, I bought the Country Gent, and I just love the sound it makes.

It's very obvious that very few people on this list have ever picked up a guitar in their lives. This looks like a what brand does my favorite band play list. Considering that Gibsons these days are garbage and were only good for a few styles to begin with, there's no way they're number one. Fender has a very solid build quality, but diversifying them to play numerous styles requires heavy modification.

As far as electric guitars are concerned, there are a number of brands that could top the list. Schecter, ESP, and Jackson are too low on the list, and I've heard good things about Rickenbacker. Ibanez is also excellent. It's really a toss-up for me. I haven't played much ESP, so I've phased them out. I have extensive time with Ibanez, Schecter, and Jackson.

Ibanez is out of the running because the build quality is no better, and the playability is pretty much the same as Jackson. However, Jackson gives you far more bang for the buck. As for Schecter and Jackson, they produce some fully loaded guitars that might only cost you a week's pay. Schecter sounds great and is very comfortable to hold for rhythm playing. They also sound great for all styles. On the other hand, Jackson guitars have all the sound, but I feel they are more for lead players who love shredding. The action is insane, and the neck is thin. I play mostly rhythm but have a Jackson on hand, though I'd go with Schecter by a hair.

I've owned Gibson Les Pauls and a Fender Strat, as well as a Fender Lead I. The action on the two Rickenbackers I have owned is better than that of Gibson and Fender. Don't get me wrong. I like Gibson Les Pauls for their sound quality. However, if you're looking for action on the neck that is easy to play, this one is it.

I've owned my latest Rickenbacker for 12 years now and will never sell it. I made the mistake of selling my 1966 335 to its fourth owner in 1976, only to find out it's worth somewhere in the vicinity of $10,000 at this point. This is something I have always lamented. So if you are fortunate enough to get hold of a Rickenbacker, don't let it go!
DDW

It's sad to see Rickenbacker and Martin outside the top 10. Definitely classic guitars! Nothing looks or sounds like them. They've never made a guitar outside of the United States either.

I play a 325c64, which is a reissue of John Lennon's guitar, and have received many compliments on it. A lot of people associate Rickenbackers with the Beatles, which I understand, but they can be used for so much more! John Fogerty also used a 325 with Creedence, and his style of playing is completely different. You go from the jangling sound of the early Beatles to the gritty sounding riffs with CCR. Tom Petty, too. Rickenbackers are what give his music that really large sound.

So many guitarists have used them that it's hard to list. Today, you don't see many being played, however.

Mosrites were handcrafted, fast-action, electric guitars with driving sound made famous by the Ventures. Their low speed, zero frets, made playing a breeze. Their finishes appeared miles deep and are now prized by collectors.

These guys who have never owned nor played a Mosrite will never know what a great guitar plays and looks like. I own a Mosrite 1963 #1 Ventures model Sunburst, with the original case and bill of sale where I purchased it.

I have a '67 Celebrity. Super low action, thin narrow neck. Great for small hands. You can effortlessly barre chord and play rhythm all night with almost no pressure.

I generally play folk rock, so I use an acoustic guitar. At first, I only had a Martin D15M, but when I turned 18 and was allowed to start playing gigs, I got a BCr3 electro-acoustic just to have a travel instrument. When I got that guitar, I literally could not put it down. It sounds better than a Gibson J-45! Now it's my gig guitar, my practice guitar, and essentially my go-to for everything. A friend of mine has one for metal and it sounds great, but I'd rather rave about the unexpected brilliance of a $150 acoustic.

I just picked up a Warlock Metal Master Tribal for a very low price. The kid who had it didn't take care of it, and it needed some real TLC. I got it as a project guitar but also as a second guitar for drop D or C tuning. Once it was repaired, I immediately fell in love with it. It has the most comfortable neck, and the playability and sound are great. It's the best lower-priced guitar I've found. I love it even more than my Epiphone SG400.

B.C. Rich is way better than any other guitar brand. There have been so many tests showing that B.C. Rich sounds better than any other guitar, including Gibson. They also look way better! I'm not an owner of one, but I am a guitar teacher, and B.C. Rich is totally underestimated. B.C. Rich should be at least second in the rankings.

Gibson and Fender have been ripping the public off for years. They're not even close to being worth what they charge, especially Fender, with its mass-produced bolt-on neck and lame finish designs. Carvin is a superior guitar in every way. What people fail to mention is that you can choose what wood and finish you'd like, as well as bolt-on neck, set neck, or neck-through designs. Their pickups are impeccable. Carvin is a truly great guitar company with excellent customer relations. Real musicians will all show respect for Carvin when mentioned, if not already owning one.

The person who made up the Top Ten list of best guitars has it all wrong! Of all the guitar companies listed, Carvin is the only company that still uses ebony as a standard material for the fretboard. This is because most other companies refuse to take the time and expense for this type of production. The others all use rosewood because it is cheap, relatively soft, and can be assembled quickly by machine, which is an indication of how they make their guitars in general.

No other company making guitars even comes close to using the hand-selected grade of wood (from start to finish) that Carvin does. Take a hint from someone who knows how great guitars are made step by step: if you want a guitar made from the best materials you can get, with critical operations still done by hand, order one from Carvin. Try it for ten days. If you really don't like it, just return it. No questions and no hassles - really.

If you are not the type of person who cares, or are not willing to do your homework, or simply are willing to settle for less, take the advice of so many uninformed people. Just buy your guitar from one of the big-name companies at one of the big box stores and join the ranks of all the other "sheeple."

I have played an ASAT Telecaster Bass for about thirteen years. I keep purchasing other bass guitars for various reasons, but I have sold them all. Now, I'm down to just one bass, and that's all I need with my G&L. It's very responsive and offers many options with pickups. The action is good as well.

It took a long time for me to figure out how to use the pickups because there are so many different ways you can adjust them. These basses are built with better quality parts than a Fender. They are numbered from the factory in America. However, watch out for the Tribute series. They are fake or cheap imitations of G&L. A real G&L will be a little more expensive, but the quality is excellent.

I have played an ASAT Telecaster Bass for about thirteen years. I keep purchasing other bass guitars for various reasons, but I have sold them all. Now, I'm down to just one bass, and that's all I need with my G&L. It's very responsive and offers many options with pickups. The action is good as well.

It took a long time for me to figure out how to use the pickups because there are so many different ways you can adjust them. These basses are built with better quality parts than a Fender. They are numbered from the factory in America. However, watch out for the Tribute series. They are fake or cheap imitations of G&L. A real G&L will be a little more expensive, but the quality is excellent.

George Fullerton and Leo Fender crafted instruments that are better built and packed with innovations. This is what FMIC should have been. I own 6 G&Ls, and their quality is excellent - better than Fenders in the same range. They offer excellent woods, smart hardware, and good value for the price.

This ranking must concentrate on electric guitars. The idea that Taylor and Martin, as guitar companies, would not be in the top five is ridiculous. Taylor's innovation, quality control, and consistency of design and production are without question one of, if not the top in the industry. Unfortunately for most, Taylor doesn't produce cheap products. Therefore, they end up in fewer hands.

Taylors have a "happier" sound, and I like the feel of them. I am a novice, but from what I have seen, for a beginner with an acoustic guitar, they felt and sounded warmer and less tinny than the laminated wood ones. A good rosewood Taylor isn't on the cheap side of things, but it feels like you can play better than you actually can. The model I looked at had strings that were nice and close to the frets, so you didn't feel like you were pushing in deep like the keys of an old typewriter.

Go into a Guitar Center or somewhere you can actually feel what you are getting before you buy anything. I bought a cheap Gibson online less than a month ago and got what I paid for when it arrived with the bridge completely missing and a brassy sound when played. Buy your stuff in person. I think that Gibson is probably still a good brand, but the quality control of the cheaper models they put their name on is something I might question from my first experience with them.

The first-ever guitar I played was an old semi-acoustic Kramer. The electronics didn't work, so it was essentially a shallow-bodied acoustic. It sounds beautiful, and I just love playing it. Because of my experience with this guitar, I'm all for Kramers. They're just cool.

I have an '87 Kramer Pacer II Custom American - that's a mouthful. It was made in the USA when Kramer was Kramer. The solid ash body makes my GLP Custom Studio feel cheap. The Kramer is at least as good, and the longer fretboard gives it a fatter sound. I love the GLP, but I put the Kramer American one up.

I love Kramer! I know most of you probably don't know Kramer, but check it out anywhere, and most likely on YouTube (maybe not their Korean models). I have a vintage 600ST. It's an H-S-S superstrat style, and I love it (it is not a Korean model).

Music Man makes the best regular production (i.e., non-custom shop) guitars on the planet. Nobody else comes close. This is the quality that everybody else should be reaching for. The fit and finish and playing comfort are second to none. And the oil finish on the necks is to die for! These guys don't just churn out minor variations on the same 60-year-old theme. They actually innovate, challenge, and dare. Wonderful new designs made for real players. The results are outstanding. Roasted maple and all-rosewood necks, new chambering, and tonewood construction ideas. They are so far ahead of the game it makes you wonder why the rest of the industry stays so stagnant. Music Man is the only brand of guitars I will buy now. I'm so proud to support them!

These guitars have the smoothest necks. Their oiled and waxed naked necks are the most comfortable necks I have ever played on. They offer a lot of great options, but they especially accommodate those of us with smaller hands. Every Music Man is fully loaded with ergonomic and functional features. There's no fatigue. They stay in tune well and are easy to set up.

Great clean tones are a given, but if you want metal, grab a John Petrucci model or throw in a new bridge pickup to make them scream. All of their guitars can work across genres.

USA-made Ovation guitars are still built by hand using only the best materials and guitar-building techniques. The difference between them and other guitar manufacturers is that Ovation has mastered the art of combining traditional guitar-building techniques with modern technological advances in materials and proven scientific research. The result is an instrument that equals or surpasses any of the other top-named brands in tone, playability, reliability, and awesome looks, all while keeping prices down below their competitors. And they keep the work and workmanship here in the USA.

I've been playing basic acoustic Fenders, Gibsons, etc., my entire life. Just recently, I purchased my first Ovation! It offers a different feel, as if you're holding an electric guitar while still having an acoustic sound. If you're trying to switch to acoustic from electric, then this would be a great guitar for you! It's also, in my opinion, the greatest show guitar because they look great on stage. New favorite brand!

White Summer/Black Mountain Side, Kashmir, In My Time of Dying - all these songs have this little percussion in the sound. And they are all played with his Danelectro. So it's just your preference of sound, but I think it sounds very good. Not to forget, Syd Barrett also had one!

I've recently purchased a 2005 Danelectro 56 Pro and I must say it's a great guitar from the most underrated brand. 10/10, everyone should have a Dano, and there is definitely something for everyone, e.g., Hodad, U2, DC, Dead On, Longhorn, Wild Thing, etc. Amazing!

Mark Knopfler, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, Pete Townshend, and John Entwistle all used it. Usually, the 59DC. Amazing guitar for the money and amazing guitar period.

Charvel guitars are quality instruments, used even by guitar gods like Guthrie Govan. Even the entry models have a great feel and tone. They are the best guitars that stand out from the usual Ibanezes and Les Pauls, both Gibson and Epiphone (both of which have amazing guitars). Charvel has an '80s vibe, but the magic is in your hands!

A Charvel is the best guitar for the best price. The Floyd Rose on it is killer. It is always in tune, and I've never had any problems with it. The neck is smooth and totally made for shredding. Charvel guitars are the holy grail.

Charvel is so awesome! It's very light and lasts a long time. It has a lot of power, like a Gibson. The strings are easy to bend, and my Charvel has EMG automatic pickups, which are really good. It's very good for its low price. I have a Charvel Desolation DC-1-ST.

Cort, like Samick, makes most of the guitars you think your brand made. But their own guitars are just as good and offer incredible value. My Gold 06 OM acoustic is all-solid, at half the price a name-brand would demand, and I'm buying it from the company that actually builds them. Its beautiful and full-bodied sound is only going to improve over the years.

I have a Cort, and it sounds fantastic. What I like most about Cort is the fact that they offer different builds of guitar as variations of the same design. This is great for me, as I prefer slimmer-bodied guitars with a cutaway. They're also very affordable - mine is made out of wood that's available only once every three years, and it cost $400 in Aussie money.

I have a Cort VX 4V, and it's absolutely amazing. It produces great metal tones. In terms of its price and performance, I think it's definitely better than the Jackson Randy Rhoads. I haven't played many guitars, so this is my favorite for now.

I am an amateur guitarist and have been taking lessons for four years. I don't yet own a Takamine, and I don't plan on buying one. This is not because I dislike the quality of the guitar. It's solely because I am still a young teen and don't have the money or a job to afford a Takamine guitar. However, my teacher is a very advanced guitarist, and she owns a Takamine, which she likes very much. I also enjoy the sound of her guitar.

What is it with Takamine? It also has a really good sound and is the perfect guitar for the stage or just for playing for fun. You make a really good decision if you buy this guitar. It sounds so soft that you'll dream when you hear it.

I got a Koa Takamine guitar - yes, Koa - for $600! It's acoustic-electric, and the sound is incredible. It sounds the same, if not better, than any acoustic Taylor has to offer, and the price is way cheaper. The quality of their guitars is great.

Compound neck, perfect finishing, and tone! That's the one which fits me better.

Of all the guitars I have owned, there is none like my Cobra! The sound, the feel, and the quality are unmatched.

It's a really nice guitar with great sound, optimal weight, and lots of features. It's 25 years old and still works perfectly. The quality is impressive!