Author : Jennifer Stone
Image Source : guitarworld.com
Guitars have always been significant instruments for music artists for every genre and when it comes to electric guitars, you simply cannot get over it. The blistering compositions of electric guitars and the mind-blowing performances of various guitarists and music artists have affirmed the need for this instrument even more and more. Whether it is rock, metal, pop, or jazz and blues; electric guitar can adapt to every soundscape. However, it is not just the creativity of the music artists but also the unwavering tools that enriched this music industry.
Through all these years electric guitars have fundamentally altered the course of music and history. There are many well-revered brands in the market that can offer you the exact electric guitar you are looking for. So, if you are confused; here are the top 5 guitar brands in 2023 to embark on your blistering journey.
1. Fender – (Best Overall)
Fender is one of the most acclaimed brands for electric guitars, well revered as the best guitar manufacturer of all time. Due to its supreme quality, tuning, and ease of use; the brand has always been a prior choice for most legendary guitarists. This brand was established by Clarence Leonidas “Leo” Fender in Southern California in 1946. It has been reigning in the industry for around 80 years now with a worldwide influence that is hard to beat for any other brand.
The Broadcaster was the most famous solid-body electric guitar by this brand that has been mass-produced. After Three years of success, Fender came up with another guitar called, the Fender Stratocaster. The brand continued to create more variations of electric guitars to help guitarists from different genres find a more rich and individual test. Its commitment to high-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail, makes this brand stand out. Offering the highest standards of playability and produced sound; Fender is the favorite brand for most. The best part is that every guitar comes at different pricing ranges in order to help both beginners and seasoned professionals.
2. Gibson – (The King of Hard Rock)
The history of Gibson rolls back to the late 19th century when the founder of the brand, Orville Gibson decided to craft his own guitar and set a new standard for electric guitars in the market. In 1902, Mr. Gibson established Gibson Mandolin-Guitar Manufacturing, the company set a benchmark in the industry for the coming years. The brand crafted the archtop guitar, carved top just like violins.
In 1936, the company came up with the first commercially successful electric guitar named the ES-150. Other than that, there was another iconic guitar named Gibson Les Paul which was introduced in the early 1950s while establishing the brand status even further. Offering premium craftsmanship and the best materials, the company takes pride in its products that are embraced by millions of guitarists around the world. Producing rich resonant sound and attractive tonal quality; Gibson guitars are considered to be the king of hard rock as it is heavily used for that genre as well as blues and jazz.
However, Gibson guitars are fairly costly due to their extremely good quality of tool and sound. However, you can also find those iconic guitars within your pocket pinch through Gibson’s sub-brand, Epiphone.
3. PRS – (Best Craftmanship)
Founded by Paul Reed Smith, PRS is best known for its craftsmanship that satisfies every guitarist’s individual needs. Paul used to work in a guitar company named Alembic where he used to craft custom guitars for legendary artists like Jerry Garcia and Carlos Santana. In 1985, he started creating high-quality and hand-crafted guitars as his own line-up. Within two years, the company developed to produce guitars in large numbers. In 1987, the company released its first mass-produced model, the PRS Custom 24. The guitar became an instant favorite for many and it is still used in the modern days.
PRS is one of the most appreciated brands in the market, best known for its unparalleled craftsmanship. Each of their guitars is produced by skilled luthiers along with premium materials to ensure top-of-the-line playability and the best tonal quality. PRS guitars also offer a wide variety of guitar models based on the preferences of each guitarist. Not only it’s fine technicality and rich sounds, but PRS guitars are also one of the most beautiful guitars in the market that comes with an aesthetic and perfect finish.
4. Ibanez – (Best Playability)
Ibanez was started back in 1908 when the musical instrument sales division of bookstore chain Hoshino Shoten was opened, named Hoshino Gakki company. In 1935, the company started producing Spanish-style acoustic guitars with the name Ibanez as a tribute to Spanish luthier Salvador Ibañez. The booming season of guitars came in the 1960s and at that time, the company was criticized for copying some of the famous models available in the market.
However, Ibanez soon started making their styles such as Ibanez JEM and Universe models that popularized the classic design and tone. The best selling point for Ibanez guitars is their excellent playability that comes from the thin and fast neck profiles; perfect for shredding and adding other finger-styles. The price for Ibanez can range from high to low based on the needs of the player. However, it is best recommended for intermediate music artists.
5. Gretsch – (Bring Back the Retro)
German immigrant Friedrich Gretsch founded this music shop in in Brooklyn, New York, in 1883 that used to craft drums, banjos, and tambourines. However, he died within 12 years leaving the shop in his son Fred’s hand. Young Fred made sure to reach the top of success with Gretsch into America’s leading manufacturer and importer of musical instruments by 1916.
The company started creating its unique guitars that could produce rich and warm sounds which offer a major emphasis in the midrange. The tonal quality is perfect for the vintage-oriented retro styles that can captivate everyone, even the modern-day listeners. Models like White Falcon, Gretsch Duo Jet, Country Gentleman, etc. are heavily used in the music industry.
Other than these top 5 brands, there are also ESP/LTD, Epiphone, Strandberg, Jackson, Yamaha, and many other brands that you can also check.
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