Are you looking for the Best Guitar For Punk? If so, you’ve come to the right place.
Choosing the Best Guitar For Punk can be difficult as there are so many considerations, such as Fender, Gibson, Ibanez, Epiphone, Jackson, Dean, Yamaha, ESP, PRS, Schecter Guitar Research. We have done a lot of research to find the top 20 Best Guitar For Punk available.
The average cost is $775.45. Sold comparable range in price from a low of $130.00 to a high of $1699.99.
Based on the research we did, we think Fender American Professional II Telecaster Rosewood, Dark Night is the best overall. Read on for the rest of the great options and our buying guide, where you can find all the information you need to know before making an informed purchase.
20 Best Guitar For Punk (20 Sellers)
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Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Attractive . Lightweight . Well made . Durable
Features:
- Colour: dark night
- Construction type: solid body/solid body
- Body shape: telecaster
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Attractive . Lightweight . Well made . Durable
Features:
- Fiesta red finish
- Alder body
- Humbucker in the bridge, single coil in the neck position
$499.00
4.8
Reviewers Noted:
Weight . Durability
Features:
- Dean dime (dimebag darrell) 6-string electric guitar, in a cream-white pearl finish.
- Any questions, please ask before buying.
- Stand not included.
Reviewers Noted:
Attractive . Good sound quality . Well made . Durability . Lightweight
Features:
- Lots of guitar for the money
- Classic dinky design
- Ideal for beginners or as a backup
Reviewers Noted:
Attractive . Good sound quality . Weight . Well made . Durable
Features:
- This item is in very good condition.
- This item has been tested and is 100% functional.
- Please message us with any questions.
$1149.99
4.7
Reviewers Noted:
Attractive . Good sound quality . Well made . Durable . Weight
Features:
- Unleash your creativity with the innovative jackson pro soloist sl2m mah.
- Fast and streamlined, this ergonomic instrument opens up new horizons of playability, resetting the bar of what s possible in guitar design.
- This is a pre-loved instrument in great condition.
$1149.99
4.7
Reviewers Noted:
Attractive . Good sound quality . Well made . Durable . Weight
Features:
- Fingerboard radius: 12"-16" compound radius (304.8 mm to 406.4 mm)
- Pickup: seymour duncan distortion tb-6 (bridge), seymour duncan distortion sh-6n (neck)
- Bridge: jackson ht6 string-through-body hardtail
$209.99
4.9
Reviewers Noted:
Well made . Sound quality . Visual appeal . Weight
Features:
- Mahogany body
- Maple neck with rosewood or walnut fingerboard
- Humbucker and two single-coil ceramic pickups
$999.99
4.5
Reviewers Noted:
Sound quality
Features:
- Wizard c 3pc roasted maple/bubinga neck.
- Jescar evogold frets.
- Nyatoh body.
$1149.99
4.6
Reviewers Noted:
Attractive . Sound quality . Durability
Features:
- Fingerboard material: maple
- Neck construction: 4-bolt standard
- Body: alder
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Attractive . Well made . Durable . Weight
Features:
- In excellent condition, this telecaster has been upgraded with a high end seymour duncan bridge pickup.
- Minor wear and tear as pictured, however it is out of sight.
- Comes with a gig bag and the original pickup.
$309.99
4.7
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Well made . Attractive . Durability . Lightweight
Features:
- Description
- Specification
- 1 : 5p pickup selector
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Attractive . Well made . Durable . Weight
Features:
- Excellent electric guitar from the renowned manufacturer fender
- Play with high quality with this sublime electric guitar
- Smart design with modern and classic elements
Reviewers Noted:
Attractive . Good sound quality . Well made . Durable . Lightweight
Features:
- Three v-mod ii single-coil stratocaster pickups
- Upgraded 2-point tremolo with cold-rolled steel block
- Deep "c&rdq
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Attractive . Well made . Lightweight . Durable
Features:
- Designed to offer the tone, feel, looks, and quality that professional musicians need, while still being affordable
- Has all of the classy ltd deluxe features that set it apart in this range of guitars
- Features abalone inlays and purfling, full body/neck/headstock binding, and premier components
Reviewers Noted:
Attractive . Good sound quality . Well made . Durable . Heavy
Features:
- Pure jet power
- Chambered mahogany bodies loud and clear
- Black top filter'tron pickups quintessential power and clarity
Reviewers Noted:
Attractive . Sound quality . Lightweight . Durable . Well made
Features:
- Get that classic jackson tone, looks and playability without breaking the bank
- Powered by jackson high-output humbucking pickups
- Includes 2-point fulcrum tremolo bridge for excellent stability
$699.00
4.7
Reviewers Noted:
Attractive . Good sound quality . Lightweight . Well made . Durable
Features:
- Description
- Specification
- Dimensions: h: 110.5 x w: 45 x d: 12 cm
$130.00
4.3
Reviewers Noted:
Lightweight . Good sound quality . Attractive . Lacks durability . Well made
Features:
- Has minimal wear and light scratches from being played.
- Original owner only played it a few times.
- More information and pictures available upon request.
$359.99
4.3
Reviewers Noted:
Sound quality . Attractive . Durability . Well made . Weight
Features:
- Body shape: double cutaway
- Body type: dinky
- Body material: solid wood
1. Fender American Professional Ii Telecaster Rosewood, Dark Night
Product Details:
Looks exactly as it did when i first purchased it a few months ago. only difference is the plastic wrap on the pickguard bubbling up. lightly played. never gigged with. i changed the strings 12/26/2021 to same gauge as stock. 9-42 but they are now steel strings instead of nickel. same tuning. standard e. smoke free and pet free home.comes with the fender case that goes standard with american professional guitars as well of course. that too is in mint condition.i can t afford to keep the guitar. it plays and sounds like heaven.
Specifications:
| Body Shape | Telecaster |
| Body Finish | Gloss Urethane |
| Neck Shape | Deep "C" |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Scale Length | 25.5" (648 mm) |
| Fingerboard Material | Maple |
| Fingerboard Radius | 9.5" (241 mm) |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Fret Size | Narrow Tall |
| Nut Material | Bone |
| Nut Width | 1.685" (42.8 mm) |
| Position Inlays | Black Dot |
| Side Dots | Black |
| Bridge Pickup | V-Mod II Single-Coil Tele |
| Neck Pickup | V-Mod II Single-Coil Tele |
| Control Knobs | Knurled Dome |
| Controls Type | Master Volume, Master Tone |
| Guitar Pickup Configuration | S-S |
| Hardware Finish | Nickel/Chrome |
| Tuning Machines | Fender Standard Cast/Sealed Staggered |
| Pickguard Description | 3-Ply Black |
| Case/Gig Bag | Deluxe Molded Case (Included) |
| Neck Plate | 4-Bolt |
| Auxiliary Switching | Push-Push Tone Control Activates Series Mode |
| Switch Tip | Black |
Reviews:
I'm not employed by Fender, have many terrific guitars from Gibson, Fender, Martin – most US, some Fender made in Mexico which are nice playing, quality instruments. They all need their tweaks here and there to get to your personal level of playability and satisfaction. As for Telecasters, currently have 3 including this new one in Miami Blue (we'll get to that in a moment) and this is hands down, the absolute best Telecaster I've ever played or owned. It is SO comfortable – out of the case (which is a new style and impressive on its own merit) was flawless. Put a strap on, tuned and felt something odd – nice lightweight alder, it felt different, smaller, more comfortable . . . it's the same size of course but the edges of the body are more rounded than the typical hard flat Tele body I've been familiar with for so long. The neck heel is contoured, the fretboard edges are rolled and fret wire are like butter! Pickups and push button which activates both pickups in series make the tone range so wide. Very impressed to say the least. Now, the Miami blue shown in stock photos here and elsewhere looks much lighter and brighter than in person. The actual color is darker with a greenish tint to it. Either way, the guitar is not going anywhere but would like you to be aware and search for pics on Google until you see or have a grasp of what the range of photos capture. It's not a traditional Fender color but looks fantastic – I know you will not be disappointed.PJ
In my previous review I stated that four saddles kill tone… but I meant six saddles. Four have way better sustain, brightness, and punch… but less adjustable for intonation. Six saddles on the American professional II killed the tone. For that reason the performer sounds way better, plus the push push option just sounds muddy… not worth the added cost except sounds decent for gain on the middle position. The neck on both the professional II and performer are both great it just comes down to personal taste on thickness. I have the performer, a Classic Vibe, and just bought the professional II. Returning the professional II and keeping my others that I think sound quite a bit better for clean playing. But the professional II is very well but and sounds good… just not as good… again probably because of the six saddles…or wimpy sounding pickups… I'm not sure why. But still a very well made guitar… just try them all before buying…Thad
There's no such thing as a perfect guitar and because of that I don't like to give 5 stars in any review but this Telecaster is exceptional. I own 20+ guitars including high end Strats, Les Paul customs, a Lucille and an outstanding USA made vintage Gretsch. I love all those instruments but this Telecaster is something special. It's the most versatile guitar I own. This Telecaster can play as sweet or as nasty twangy as you want. It can do any genre with style. This telecaster is the only instrument I've ever owned that didn't need any adjustment after purchase. It came out of the box in absolutely perfect intonation. There were No sharp fret ends like on cheaper models and the action was perfect. I couldn't find any imperfections anywhere. The neck is smooth as butter, slick and fast, very nice. The V-Mod pickups are outstanding, with all the punch you would ever need. I also like the angle molded heel cut where the neck meets the body. All I did was put on a new set of Fender Bullet 9-42s and she was ready to go. I can't recommend this guitar highly enough if you need or want an exceptional Telecaster. I've played virtually all the other models and brands of the Tele and while some of those were excellent guitars, some were cheaper, some more expensive but none were as good as this version of the Telecaster in my opinion. It's just an outstanding guitar. I'm thinking about buying another one for my son because he won't leave mine alone. You need to play it through a good tube amp to get the most out of it but it still sounds great out of lesser amps like say a Fender Champion 100. I use a tube screamer pedal and a vintage tube Fender Reverb and vintage Gibson tube Dual medalist amps mostly. This Tele still sounds very good even when using some of my digital practice amps. I can't find anything wrong with this guitar. I just wish that I had found it sooner.Dennie
2. Fender Kurt Cobain Jag-Stang – Fiesta Red
Product Details:
The fender kurt cobain jag-stang is product of cobain's personal design. the guitar is a combination of both the features and look of both the fender mustang and jaguar, both of which were personal favourites of kurt's. while the instrument wasn't publicly available until after kurt's untimely passing, he did use a prototype whilst touring for third album 'in utero'. it is a difficult task to recreate the tone that captivated a generation, but the jag-stang succeeds. equipped with a custom jag-stang humbucking pickup at the bridge and a single coil pickup at the neck, producing nirvana's iconic, powerful chordal textures and soaring lead lines. a smooth rosewood fretboard provides efficient playability, allowing your hand to glide from power chord to power chord. this is paired with a slim "c" maple neck, which ensures you have a comfortable grip and allows you to accurately position your fingers without any strain. a stunning, unique aesthetic, built directly from kurt cobain's own depictions of his ideal guitar, a symbiotic design is created marrying all the features kurt favoured from his two favourite guitar models, the fender jaguar and mustang. all of this results in a unique guitar built for alternative rock's most iconic figure.
Specifications:
| Country Of Origin | MX |
| Orientation | Right-Hand |
| Fingerboard Material | Rosewood |
| Fingerboard Radius | 7.25" (184.1 mm) |
| Neck Construction | 4-Bolt Standard |
| Neck Finish | Gloss Polyurethane |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Neck Shape | Slim "C" |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Nut Material | Synthetic Bone |
| Nut Width | 1.575" (40mm) |
| Position Inlays | White Pearloid Dot |
| Side Dots | White |
| String Nut | Synthetic Bone |
| Bridge | 6-Saddle Vintage-Style Mustang Tremolo |
| Control Knobs | Vintage Style Black Plastic Jazz Bass |
| Hardware Finish | Nickel/Chrome |
| Neck Plate | 4-Bolt |
| Pickguard | 4-Ply Aged White Pearloid |
| Pickup Covers | White |
| Strap Buttons | Vintage-Style |
| Tuning Machines | Vintage-Style |
| Body Finish | Gloss Polyester |
| Body Shape | Jag-Stang |
| Bridge Pickup | Jag-Stang Humbucking |
| Controls | Master Volume, Master Tone |
| Neck Pickup | Jag-Stang Single-Coil |
| Pickup Configuration | HS |
| Dimensions | 4.50×15.70×41.90 IN |
| Fret Size | Vintage |
| Scale Length | 24" (610 mm) |
Reviews:
what a great bass! It's beautiful, light, and sonically versatile. the different pickup modes have 3 radically different tones which makes this bass right for lots of situations. I've seen some reviews that mentioned so issues with some fret roughness but mine showed up in perfect condition. I couldn't be happier with the bass. I also want to mention the customer service. I used the chat feature to confirm whether this bass came with a bag or case. the agent let me know that it does not but pointed me to the bundle that includes the bag and they set me up with a price I could not pass up. once I completed the purchase the item was shipped within 90 minutes. Other music stores I've done business with are not nearly as responsive. CME killed itShaun M.
This is a great short scale bass. It is a quality instrument. The finish is excellent. Playability straight out of the box was very good. Nicely set up.I love the pick-ups and the ability to blend the two with their individual volume controls. Great range of tones available. It looks good too ! Highly recommended. The only gripe is that at this price it should come in a hard case and not a bag !Reviewed by Andertons Music Co.
Really good guitar for nirvana type music. Only issue is that you need to set it up for it to be playable but once it's set up it's a great instrument. Pickups are pretty articulate but not to bright either just perfectly balanced. If you get one I recommend to lock the bridge down to improve its tuning stability and sustain. Note it DOES NOT sound like a kc style mustang, it has its own sort of sound to it. Fretboard is pretty nice same with the low radius which I prefer. Overall it's one of my favorite guitars I've ever bought and I cannot recommend it enough if you play grunge and nirvana music.Preston
3. Dean Dean Dimebag Razorback Db Electric Guitar – Classic Black
Product Details:
Dime bag darrell is well respected for having one of the greatest tones of all time. his legacy lives on with the dime bag razorback db electric guitar. the body has an eye-catching, yet well-balanced design. the maple neck boasts a rosewood fretboard with a pearl razor inlay at the twelfth fret to evoke dime's famous necklace. dean-designed humbucker pickups unleash vicious tone that's sure to put a smile on any dime bag fan's face. this very affordable dime bag razorback db electric guitar is finished off with black hardware, grover tuners, a tune-o-matic bridge and dime bag traction knobs.
Specifications:
| Dexterity | Right Handed |
| Top Material | Mahogany |
| Top Contour | Flat Top w/Bevels |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Scale Length | 24 3/4" (629mm) |
| Construction | Bolt-On Neck |
| Neck Shape | V |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Inlays | Pearl Dime Razor |
| Number of Frets | 22 Jumbo |
| Fretboard Radius | 12" (305mm) |
| Nut | Korea DAE IL (Graphite) |
| Nut Width | 1 11/16" (43mm) |
| Tuners | Grover |
| Knobs | DBD Traction (Black) |
| Bridge | Tune-O-Matic |
| Pickup (Neck) | DMT Design |
| Pickup (Bridge) | DMT Design |
| Binding | Single Ply Black Neck |
| Finish | Classic Black |
| Case Options | LL RZBACK / DHS RZBACK |
| Truss Rod | Dual Action |
| Controls | Vol/Vol/Tone/3-Way |
| Strings | DR DBG-9 High Voltage (.009-.042) |
Reviews:
This was the first guitar I ever bought with my own money. It's a tad bit heavy, so you might want to get a padded strap. It's surprisingly comfortable when you sit down to play it. This beauty can handle any tuning you give it, but if you continue to go lower, then it tends to slip out of tune sometimes. The stock pickups aren't the best, but they get the job done. I recommend upgrading to Seymour Duncan Hot Rods or Blackouts, then this thing really shows you what it can do. One big problem is that you need to be careful when moving it. It's a V-body, so your bound to put at least one chip in it. Overall, I love this guitar and I play it more than my ESP or my Fender. If you're willing to upgrade it, don't hesitate to buy it.
best guitar I've ever had. takes time to adjust to the body style but after you have any other guitar than this style it feels insufficient. the strings are close to the fret which is great if you slide up an down between frets a lot, the strings are d'addario which are kinda cheaply, but they last long and are great after you break them in a bit. I prefer playing this guitar over any epiphone or whatever. might wanna get a hardshell case if travelling, probably find a bass case cheaper than the actually case which is kinda costly.Oxide
4. Jackson Js Series Dinky Arch Top Js32 Dka – Satin Black
Product Details:
Swift, deadly and affordable, jackson js series guitars take an epic leap forward, making it easier than ever to get classic jackson tone, looks and playability without breaking the bank. the js series dinky arch top js32 dka has a poplar or nato (natural oil only) body with arched top, bolt-on maple speed neck with graphite reinforcement and a 12”-16” compound-radius amaranth fingerboard with 24 jumbo frets and pearloid sharkfin inlays. a pair of jackson high-output humbucking pickups with ceramic magnets cranks out clear tone with plenty of girth, and can be shaped with a three-way toggle switch and single volume and tone controls. available in several striking finishes, the js32 dka also features white neck binding and all-black hardware including a jackson-branded floyd rose double-locking tremolo bridge, standard strap buttons and die-cast tuners.
Specifications:
| Body shape | Double cutaway |
| Body type | Solid body |
| Body wood | Poplar or nato, depending on finish |
| Body finish | Satin |
| Orientation | Right handed |
| Neck shape | Speed neck |
| Neck wood | 1-piece Maple |
| Joint | Bolt-on |
| Scale length | 25.5 in. |
| Truss rod | Graphite reinforced |
| Neck finish | Satin |
| Radius | Compound 12–16" |
| Fret size | Jumbo |
| Number of frets | 24 |
| Inlays | Sharkfin |
| Configuration | HH |
| Neck | High output humbucker Ceramic |
| Bridge | High output humbucker Ceramic |
| Active or passive pickups | Passive |
| Series or parallel | Parallel |
| Piezo | No |
| Active EQ | No |
| Control layout | Master volume, tone |
| Pickup switch | 3-way |
| Coil tap or split | No |
| Kill switch | No |
| Bridge type | Tremolo/vibrato |
| Bridge design | Floyd Rose Licensed |
| Tuning machines | Die-cast sealed |
| Number of strings | 6-string |
| Country of origin | China |
Reviews:
I bought this guitar to serve as a backup while my main guitar, an Ibanez Premium RG1070FM, is gone several weeks for warranty repair. I needed a practice guitar with the same scale length and double-locking tremolo, and after three days, it's doing great. It's my first guitar with a poplar body, and tonally it seems similar to basswood but slightly brigher; this combination of woods and pickups makes the guitar nice for mid-heavy soloing without sounding brittle. The neck and fretboard rivals guitars costing three times as much, like the Charvel Pro-Mod DK24 HH FR I had. The neck joint and heel is less clunky than the Charvel's when it comes to reaching frets 19-24; although playing the upper frets is better on the JS32DKA, I still prefer the All-Access Neck Joint on late model Ibanez RGs. I've been an Ibanez RG devotee for 23 years, but thanks to the JS32DKA, I'll give Jackson guitars serious consideration when I'm in the market for a gigging gutiar. I'm thinking Soloist SL2 or SL3. A few negative: 1. There was too much play in the tremolo arm, despite the inner hex screw and arm collar being fully tightened. Sadly, I've played enough entry-level guitars to know that this is a fact of life. I had spare parts, so I replaced the arm socket with and arm with Floyd Rose branded one I had lying around. The collar still needs to be tightened down after every song, but the socket itself no longer wobbles in the base plate when you pull or push the bar. 2. My bridge pickup squeals with moderate gain dialed in on my Blackstar HT Club 40 MKII amp. I have DiMarzio pickups on my Ibanez and Seymour Duncans in my Schecter, and I get no feedback with those guitars; this leads me to believe the stock pickups in the JS32 are not wax potted to prevent feedback.Indiana_Tim
I needed a comfortable guitar to record some song ideas, and this one seemed to fit the bill. The finish is really nice, although it's a lot darker in person than it is in the pictures. It's really comfortable sitting down. It seems to stay in tune, so I don't have to put locking tuners on it just yet. And now for the downsides… There's a few minor blemishes on the back of the neck, but they can probably be easily sanded out, or them might smoothen out after significant playing time. The fretboard is incredibly dry, so I recommend conditioning it with some mineral oil right away. The pickups are low quality. As in, they kinda hurt your ears when playing them. No big deal, I'm gonna switch them out for some EMG 81/60 I got lying around, so I didn't expect them to be good from the start. No big deal, really. What IS a big deal is the quality control on the frets. They are very rough, they make a scraping sound when you bend strings (which can be heard even through heavy distortion) and kills the notes real fast. I can't play it until I get them properly polished, so I get to dump some more money into it. Despite the low price, I expected more from Jackson, honestlyThijs
I love jackson guitars. I recently purchased the js32 and not being picky at all. First thing out of the box, impressed that it was really close to in tune yet immediately it had fret buzz, Could see runs in the paint as well. Ended up adjusting the truss rod, to help with fret buzz, adjusting the bridge to combat overly high action then adjusting springs in the back to compensate. By the time i had done that i also had to run the pick-ups way down due to strings touching. Literally nothing left un-adjusted in order to make it playable compared to their higher dollar guitars. 2 hours into it i could enjoy it. I think i blame fender takeover. Side note, bought a 700 dollar jackson and everything was horrible, turned out brand new, the strings were way too thick and had excessive pressure on the bridge, impossible to play.Randall Tadych
5. Esp Ltd Ec-256 Black Satin Electric Guitar
Product Details:
Incredible tone, quality performance. the esp ltd ec-256, black satin gives you a fantastic overall sound in a model that looks and feels extremely luxurious. a stunning instrument. experience complete freedom. never again will your playing be restrained by poor tonal range. the ec-256's powerful esp-designed humbuckers deliver supremely versatile tones, allowing you to capture the playing style of any genre. enjoy maximum playability with a "u"-shaped mahogany neck. this will provide you with complete comfort and a superbly smooth playing experience. you'll never want to put this guitar down. offering high quality tones and performance, the ltd ec-256 guitar is an exceptional instrument that suits a wide range of musical styles. at a fantastic price, this is a remarkable electric guitar perfect for aspiring guitarists and experienced players on a budget.
Specifications:
| Weight | 10 lb |
Reviews:
Overall: In a YouTube review of this guitar, there was one guy that said he didn't understand why any experienced and knowledgable guitar player would want THIS guitar over something more high-end (i.e., a "real" Eclipse), because of the differing body design features. I, myself, am not anything of a virtuoso player, nor do I have the fattest wallet at the moment, which is why I settled on something more in the midrange for my first relatively decent guitar. I've been playing for years, writing songs on "piece of crap" guitars, and it didn't matter to me that my instrument was nothing to show off when that's all that I was using it for (i.e., to write songs). Before I am an instrumentalist, I am a vocalist and songwriter… but I digress. Anyhow, coming from someone that has a limited span of what truly "decent" is in this department, I, personally, found this guitar to be worth the price. I am not the most knowledgable about guitars, no, but I know what feels right to me as a player. This one is pretty nice. The body is lightweight and thin without feeling or looking cheap or flimsy, and the playability is fantastic. There is little strain on your fingering hand due to how easy it is to press the strings down, unlike on cheaper guitars. Had I learned to play on this one, I would have been totally spoiled! Maybe like that guy with the YouTube review. Haha. The sound is nice and crisp… and the color is beautiful. I went with the Cobalt Blue, because it matches with my room. I have no complaints about it, under the circumstances. It is everything that I needed it to be. The available payment plan was the cherry on top. Just two more payments! Thanks, zZounds!Note: I was required to rate "Manufacturer Support" when I submitted this review, even though I never made any direct contact with the manufacturer. I couldn't give it less than 5 stars when there was never a problem with it. *shrug*Emha
IT WAS WORTH THE WAIT! It was on backorder. It took round-a-bout 5 months to get it in my eager hands. I bought the Purple Burst version. What their online photos do not properly convey is that the back and the neck are purple as well (how purple depends on each guitar-having seen two in person). The 1st appeared almost black in most lighting. The 2nd is defiantly purple but when photographed there is a color mismatch between the back and front that is NOT noticeable in person (see photos) This is my first Les Paul body style and my first guitar with split coil capability. The jumbo frets are awesome. I haven't been playing long (2-ish years). They cut down on my mis-fretting. The ease & sound of bending the strings + the sound of the pick-ups are more than I was expecting. The neck is super slim. I have size S/M woman hands. I love the size. There is not a lot of stretching to reach around for the low end strings. The neck also has a lovely coating that allows me to slide up and down easy without sticking- if you have played a matte coated neck, you know what I mean. The fret board and the inlays are leveled out very well but the fret board was a bit thirsty when I got it. A fret board oil & cloth buff were all it needed. The frets are very well placed & filed (no snags or fret spouts). The "Set-Up" was really good straight out of the box. The string height was set really well. Low enough (esp. at the nut) that It was not a finger killer to fret but there was no fret buzz at any frets when playing. The intonation was pretty spot on as well. Took slight adjustment when it got new strings (mostly at the Low E and A). The top pick-up was a touch high for my taste but if that is the worst I can say… The neck was straight and ready to play. The tuners work well and I love the keystone buttons on them that match the headstock style. It is heavier than I expected 7.5lbs- 8.4lbs. To sum things up, I cannot believe I got this beauty for this price point.Elaine, K
As far as Les Paul-style guitars go, this is everything I wish Epiphone offered. It certainly fits the role I wanted it to fill as well as a passive LP model between my active EMG Washburn Parallaxe and my Strat. At sale price I'm perfectly happy with it. At the full MSRP though I would be thinking hard about returning it. The tummy cut and bevel at the neck are certainly better than the Epiphone's I've owned and address my primary complaint with the Gibson Studio I had. They don't come anywhere close to the Washburn Parallaxe I currently own though. Unfortunately the comfort is somewhere between the parallaxe and a classic LP. despite having the same number of frets and a similar scale length, the EC 256 feels incredibly cramped in the higher end compared to the Washburn. The fret spacing is only a millimeter or so shorter at the 22nd fret on the LTD, so maybe it's ergonomics, maybe it's fret wire. I'm not sure. The electronics are good and certainly deliver plenty of good tones. I get everything from a nice sweet blues tone to a good crunch out of my little Vox practice amp with nothing more than gain, bass, mid, treble and volume. I particularly like the coil tapping, since it allows a quick way to cool everything off without a pedal and gives you some very different sounds than the standard dual hum-buckers. It is not a strat stand-in. You're not going to get the chime or twang or anything close to a strat. It just isn't going to happen. I have to say, the 3 adjustment system is my least favorite part of this guitar. When I think of a Les Paul, separate tone and volume controls for the neck and bridge pickups is really elegant in its simplicity and this doesn't cut it. Non-issues: Lots of people have mentioned fret buzz. The action seems to be a bit low from the factory, it's gotten lower adjusting to the humidity where I live. They included a hex wrench. It's not a big deal. The intonation seems to have been done well already but needs a little workDrew the not runner
6. Jackson Pro Series Sl2m Mah Soloist Magenta
Product Details:
You're not an average guitarist. so why settle for an average guitar? play with style and versatility thanks to the jackson pro sl2m mah soloist. this premium axe has been designed with flexibility in mind, going from snarling crunch to pristine high end with pick attack alone. explore an iconic sonic palate from two seymore duncan humbuckers. whether you're riffing up high or laying down chords, you'll always get a warm tone with plenty of prowess and punch. all on a neck that was built to be played at lightning speed. jackson are no ordinary brand. their legacy of unique design, solid build quality, and modern style has redefined the game for metal, rock, and blues guitarists. the pro sl2m mah soloist lets you become a part of the history.
Specifications:
| Body shape | Double cutaway |
| Body type | Solid body |
| Body wood | Mahogany |
| Body finish | Gloss |
| Orientation | Right handed |
| Neck shape | Soloist |
| Neck wood | 1-piece Maple |
| Joint | Neck-through |
| Scale length | 25.5 in. |
| Truss rod | Standard |
| Neck finish | Oiled |
| Radius | Compound |
| Fret size | Jumbo |
| Number of frets | 24 |
| Inlays | Piranha tooth |
| Nut width | 1.68 in. (42.67 mm) Locking |
| Configuration | HH |
| Neck | SH-6N Distortion |
| Bridge | TB-6 Distortion |
| Active or passive pickups | Passive |
| Series or parallel | Parallel |
| Control layout | Master volume, tone |
| Pickup switch | 3-way |
| Bridge type | Tremolo/Vibrato |
| Bridge design | 1000 Series Double-Locking Tremolo (Recessed) |
| Tuning machines | Die-cast |
| Number of strings | 6-string |
| Country of origin | Indonesia |
Reviews:
I had played one of these in a store and liked the feel. After having one for a few weeks, I like it even more. I'm slightly taller than the average guy. Hence my fingers are a bit longer than the average guy. Maybe it is just because the neck seems to get thinner as you get up to the higher notes, but it seems like the neck is a little wider than the rest of my guitars up around the 15th to 24th frets. ("rest of my guitars" include Les Paul, Strat, Ibanez RG550, EVH Wolfgang, and others for reference). Aside from how great the paint job LOOKS, it does not have a gloss coat on it. This is a good thing since the paint job extends up the back of the neck allowing your hand to slide quite freely on the back of the neck. The bridge humbucker is fantastic. It screams the notes clearly with ZERO noise or hum when not playing. I'm not that impressed with the neck humbucker, but that's comparing it to the neck hum on my Les Paul, Carvin, and PRS Custom. AND, for about 90% of the 80s hair band songs you are never using that pickup anyway. The Floyd Rose is great! I got tired of waiting for it to need minor tuning adjustments naturally, so I'm to the point of TRYING to make it go out of tune even slightly and it STILL stays locked in tune. Overall, this guitar is now my GO TO for anything 80s (the biggest chunk of my playing preference).Steve
Having tried playing MANY of these in my hands, it seems that the quality control out of the Jackson Indonesia factory is hit-or-miss. If you get a good unit without problems, it is a great guitar with a great sound for a great price! And the looks are so nice as well. The neck thru body construction is so smooth and sweet. However, you might get a dud that sounds horrible. Or it might have severe defects in the neck or locking nut. In my experience, about 50% are of poor quality.
I was keen to find a 6 string that had a fixed bridge that I could use for covers and so I can retune to alternate tunings easily without having to get the screwdrivers and spending a lot of time retuning like a Locking Tremolo guitar. Thankfully the guitar already had Seymour Duncan pick ups in which are essential to having a aggressive tone but as well allow good expression so this meant it would be a case of getting the guitar out the box and playing rather than buying separate pick ups having to fit them in and so on. As I wanted a guitar that wasn't black or brightly colored the desert sand finish on the guitar really stood out and attracted me. Most of the SLP2's have a great selection of finish's. As for the neck and wood finish it is very smoothly and allows you to get quick access from from end of the neck to the other. Behind each the tuners on the headstock, there is this interesting circular turning device to help lock in the strings. This may help keep it in tune more but I also just attribute it staying in tune due to the general quality of the guitar. I bend the strings a lot for my lead playing and I play very aggressively with thick picks and rhythmically so once I put some heavier strings on (my preference) and configured the bridge saddles with a very small L shaped Allen/hex key the guitar stayed in tune.Tom H.
7. Jackson Pro Series Sl2a Mah Ht Soloist Unicorn White
Product Details:
Unlock your full potential as a player with the innovative jackson pro series soloist sl2a mah ht, the final word in high-tech guitar design. a high-performance evolution of the electric guitar, this ergonomic instrument opens up new horizon sof playability, resetting the bar of what's possible in guitar design. the pro sl2a mah ht's premium features include a mahogany body with ash top and a through-body maple neck with scarf joint for reduced playing fatigue, graphite reinforcement rods for stability and oiled back finish for smooth playability. its 12"-16" compound radius bound ebony fingerboard with 24 jumbo frets is designed for highly technical lightspeed playing-more curved by the nut for comfortable chording, it flattens out as you move up the neck for increasingly fast playing speed and wide bends without fretting out. designed for aggressive playing styles, modern seymour duncan distortion bridge and neck humbucking pickups combine for highly balanced, flexible tone, with plenty of high output while retaining clarity. think pristine cleans, crunchy rhythms, snarling distortion and searing leads. explore this instrument's versatile voice with three-way pickup toggle switching and single volume and tone controls, and enjoy sustain for days from the jackson ht6 string-through-body hardtail bridge. jackson has a history of adding striking style to its high performance instruments, and this axe is no exception. its mystical unicorn white finish features a matching jackson pointed 6-in-line headstock, 2-ply black and celluloid pearl binding, pearloid piranha tooth inlays and black nickel hardware.
Specifications:
| Body Type | Double Cutaway Solid Body |
| Top wood | Ash |
| Body wood | Mahogany |
| Body finish | Gloss |
| Neck wood | Maple |
| Joint | Neck-through |
| Scale length | 25.5" |
| Truss rod | Standard |
| Neck finish | Oil |
| Radius | Compound |
| Fret size | Jumbo |
| Number of frets | 24 |
| Inlays | Pearloid piranha tooth |
| Nut width/material | 1.687"/Plastic |
| Configuration | HH |
| Neck | Seymour Duncan Humbucker |
| Bridge | Seymour Duncan Humbucker |
| Control layout | Master volume, Master tone |
| Pickup switch | 3-Way |
| Bridge type | Fixed Bridge |
| Tailpiece | String thru body |
| Tuning machines | Sealed Die-cast |
| Number of strings | 6 String |
| Orientation | Right-Handed |
| Country of Origin | Indonesia |
Reviews:
I had played one of these in a store and liked the feel. After having one for a few weeks, I like it even more. I'm slightly taller than the average guy. Hence my fingers are a bit longer than the average guy. Maybe it is just because the neck seems to get thinner as you get up to the higher notes, but it seems like the neck is a little wider than the rest of my guitars up around the 15th to 24th frets. ("rest of my guitars" include Les Paul, Strat, Ibanez RG550, EVH Wolfgang, and others for reference). Aside from how great the paint job LOOKS, it does not have a gloss coat on it. This is a good thing since the paint job extends up the back of the neck allowing your hand to slide quite freely on the back of the neck. The bridge humbucker is fantastic. It screams the notes clearly with ZERO noise or hum when not playing. I'm not that impressed with the neck humbucker, but that's comparing it to the neck hum on my Les Paul, Carvin, and PRS Custom. AND, for about 90% of the 80s hair band songs you are never using that pickup anyway. The Floyd Rose is great! I got tired of waiting for it to need minor tuning adjustments naturally, so I'm to the point of TRYING to make it go out of tune even slightly and it STILL stays locked in tune. Overall, this guitar is now my GO TO for anything 80s (the biggest chunk of my playing preference).Steve
Having tried playing MANY of these in my hands, it seems that the quality control out of the Jackson Indonesia factory is hit-or-miss. If you get a good unit without problems, it is a great guitar with a great sound for a great price! And the looks are so nice as well. The neck thru body construction is so smooth and sweet. However, you might get a dud that sounds horrible. Or it might have severe defects in the neck or locking nut. In my experience, about 50% are of poor quality.
I was keen to find a 6 string that had a fixed bridge that I could use for covers and so I can retune to alternate tunings easily without having to get the screwdrivers and spending a lot of time retuning like a Locking Tremolo guitar. Thankfully the guitar already had Seymour Duncan pick ups in which are essential to having a aggressive tone but as well allow good expression so this meant it would be a case of getting the guitar out the box and playing rather than buying separate pick ups having to fit them in and so on. As I wanted a guitar that wasn't black or brightly colored the desert sand finish on the guitar really stood out and attracted me. Most of the SLP2's have a great selection of finish's. As for the neck and wood finish it is very smoothly and allows you to get quick access from from end of the neck to the other. Behind each the tuners on the headstock, there is this interesting circular turning device to help lock in the strings. This may help keep it in tune more but I also just attribute it staying in tune due to the general quality of the guitar. I bend the strings a lot for my lead playing and I play very aggressively with thick picks and rhythmically so once I put some heavier strings on (my preference) and configured the bridge saddles with a very small L shaped Allen/hex key the guitar stayed in tune.Tom H.
8. Yamaha Pac012 Metallic Red
Product Details:
For an inexpensive yet high-quality introduction to the world of rock guitar, you’ll not find better value than the pacifica 012. modelled on the best-selling pacifica 112, the new, even more affordable 012 has a similarly contoured double-cutaway body, and the firepower of a raunchy bridge-position humbucker plus two clear-toned single-coil pickups. the five-position pickup switch allows selection of those classic ‘in-between’ sounds, while the vibrato bridge is a well-proven vintage design with six individually adjustable saddles for accurate intonation and a slinky set-up. tonewoods rosewood, maple, and agathis/nato used throughout the construction giving a balanced sound with even and clear response from both the highs and the lows important for developing good technique from the start. pick-ups (humbucker and single coils) offering a sound to suit any style, you'll never get bored: rock, funk, blues, country, jazz are all possible with the click of the 5 position selector switch and a simple turn of the easily accessible tone and volume controls. quality tuning gearing – for simple, stable and reliable tuning. neck slim fast neck expertly contorted for easy accurate playing and comfort. even and accurate fret positioning means that it sounds in tune as you play further down the neck. it's also important to be in tune when learning as a group. through lacquer finish protects from humidity keeping the adjustment stable and maintaining its lustre for years to come.
Specifications:
| Made In | Indonesia |
Reviews:
Just bought a Yamaha Pacifica Electric Guitar for my sons 18th Birthday and what a beauty it was, not to mention the free online lessons included in the price. Ordering was easy, quick delivery and fabulous customer service, would highly recommend. Well done Rimmer Music, I will be back!Kelly
Excellent service. Very quick delivery and well packaged.Reviewed by Andertons Music Co.
9. Ibanez Ichika Signature Ichi10 – Vintage White Matte Guitar
Product Details:
The ibanez ichi10 ichika nito q series headless guitar will have you tapping and shredding like a maniac. it has been built to the specifications of ichika, a youtube phenomenon who has taken the world by storm with his insane tapping skills and guitar mastery. you'll find that this guitar is as unique as he is, with a headless design offering perfect weight balance as well as a tight, crisp tone. a trio of r1 single coils also help produce the bright, glassy, sparkling tones which lend themselves to ichika's style of playing and many more. shred with ease. no matter what your style, the legendary wizard c roasted maple and bubinga neck will prove incredibly easy to handle. its neutral shape is not too thin or fat, so it can accommodate a vast array of styles. and a roasted birdseye maple fretboard, complete with jescar evo gold frets, has a tight, snappy response with tonnes of sustain to bring out the best in your notes and playing. naturally, a godly guitar like this demands superb protection, so there's a handy gigbag included too.
Specifications:
| Number of Strings | 6 |
| Neck Type | Wizard C |
| Neck Joint | Bolt-on |
| Neck Material | 3pc Roasted Maple/Bubinga |
| Neck finish | Satin Polyurethane |
| Nut width | 42mm |
| Number of fret | 24 |
| Fretboard | Roasted Birdseye Maple |
| Fretboard Radius | 12" (305mm) |
| Fret Type | Jescar EVO Gold |
| Inlay | Mother of Pearl off-set dot |
| Body Material (For Solid) | Nyatoh |
| Body finish | Satin Polyurethane |
| Bridge | Ibanez Mono Tune |
| String spacing | 10.8mm |
| Nut | Plastic |
| Machine Head | Ibanez Custom String Lock |
| Hardware color | Satin Chrome |
| Neck and Middle Pickup | R1 (S) |
| Bridge Pickup | R1 (S) |
| Controls, Pickup selector | 1 Volume, 1 Tone, 5-way lever switch |
| Other Switchs | dyna-MIX8 switching system w/Alter Switch |
| String Gauges | .010/.013/.017/.026/.036/.046 (from top to bottom) |
| Tuning | 1E,2B,3G,4D,5A,6E (from top to bottom) |
| Handedness | Right-Handed |
| Body Type | Solidbody |
| Neck Construction | Bolt-On |
| Strings | 6 String |
Reviews:
Love the guitar. Neck is the highlight. However, the pickups are garbage. Bridge pickup is good but the neck pickup is unusable….muddy. Any combo of split coils is very noisy as well. Not a deal killer on the guitar but for a grand I'd expect pickups that were not as bad as they are.Rhode Island Firearms Owners' Le
Je suis très content de la guitare. Elle est très confortable, la qualité des micros et les possibilités de réglages sont incroyables. Avantage du headless sans tremolo, la tenue de l'accordage est incroyable. Même en C Standard toutes les notes sont justes à chaque case et l'accordage ne bouge pas de toute la session Les cordes frisent beaucoup mais je vais l'emmener chez un luthier pour la régler. J'ai été déçu par certaines finitions de la guitare. Elle est arrivé avec une griffures et des pocs sur le manche. Les vides au bord des frettes n'ont pas été comblés. le système de blocage des cordes et le potard de tonalité étaient complètement desserré Ma squier standard était fini avec plus de soin. J'en aurai souhaité autant de la part de Ibanez et même plus au vu du prix. Pour autant je suis satisfait car cela fait 1 ans que j'attendais cette guitareDylan
10. Fender Player Plus Meteora Hh 3-Color Sunburst
Product Details:
Fusing innovative fender design with player-centric features and exciting new finishes, the player plus meteora delivers superb playability and unmistakable style. a set of powerful fireball humbucking pickups blend the perfect amount of gain with great string-to-string note clarity. an s-1 switch activates the coil-split, delivering crystal-clear single-coil tones. the silky satin modern “c” neck fits your hand like a glove, with smooth rolled edges for supreme comfort. the 12” radius fingerboard and 22 medium jumbo frets facilitate fluid leads and choke free bends. smooth and responsive, the 2-point tremolo provides classic vibrato effects, while the locking tuners provide rock-solid tuning and make string changes quick and easy. with classic fender style, advanced features and stunning new finishes, the player plus meteora is the perfect tool to spark your creativity and let you stand out from the crowd.
Specifications:
| Orientation | Right-Hand |
| Fingerboard Material | Maple |
| Fingerboard Radius | 12" (305 mm) |
| Neck Construction | 4-Bolt Standard |
| Neck Finish | Satin Urethane with Gloss Urethane Headstock Face |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Neck Shape | Modern "C" |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Nut Material | Synthetic Bone |
| Nut Width | 1.685" (42.8 mm) |
| Position Inlays | Black Pearloid Dot |
| Side Dots | Black |
| String Nut | Synthetic Bone |
| Truss Rod | Single Action, Head Adjust |
| Body Finish | Gloss Polyester |
| Body Shape | Meteora |
| Bridge Mounting | 2-Point Modern |
| Control Knobs | Knurled Flat-Top |
| Hardware Finish | Nickel/Chrome |
| Neck Plate | 4-Bolt |
| Pickguard | 3-Ply Mint Green |
| Pickup Covers | Chrome |
| Strap Buttons | Locking |
| Switch Tip | Aged White |
| Tuning Machines | Deluxe Cast/Sealed Locking (all short posts) |
| Auxiliary Switching | S-1 Switch on Volume (For Coil Split) |
| Bridge Pickup | Fireball Humbucking |
| Neck Pickup | Fireball Humbucking |
| Pickup Configuration | HH |
Reviews:
I have the Player Plus Nashville Tele and wanted another guitar in the series. I've been enamored with the Meteora since it first came out. This thing is amazing. It is the right mix between a Strat and a Jazzmaster. I love the fireball pickups and the S1 switch gives some awesome tonal options for single coil twang. Weight wise it feels like a strat or a jaguar. Rolled fretboard feels great, neck is a c shape similar in feel to a Les Paul but with a super nice satin finish. Overall this thing is an absolute beast!Dave
11. Fender Player Telecaster Black / Maple
Product Details:
Real deal sound bold, innovative and rugged, the player telecaster is pure fender, through and through. the feel, the style and, most importantly, the soundtheyre all there, waiting for you to make them whisper or wail for your music. versatile enough to handle almost anything you can create and durable enough to survive any gig, this workhorse is a trusty sidekick for your musical vision. player series pickups designed for authentic fender tonewith a bit of an edgethe player series pickups keep a foot in the past while looking to the future. block-steel bridge saddles this string-through-body telecaster bridge features block-steel saddles to add a bit of zing to your tone. modern c neck profile this neck is designed for comfort and performance, with a modern c-shaped profile and a smooth back finishideal for almost any playing style. 22 frets adding another fret lets you bend the highest d up to an e, giving you access to four octaves of musical possibilities. more traditional body radii the player telecaster body is hand-shaped to original specifications. f-stamped neck plate each player telecaster includes an f-stamped neck plate, leaving no doubt as to the instruments pedigree.
Specifications:
| Body shape | Single cutaway |
| Body type | Solid body |
| Body wood | Alder |
| Body finish | Gloss |
| Orientation | Right handed |
| Neck shape | C modern |
| Neck wood | Maple |
| Joint | Bolt-on |
| Scale length | 25.5 in. |
| Truss rod | Dual-action |
| Neck finish | Satin |
| Radius | 9.5 in. |
| Fret size | Medium jumbo |
| Number of frets | 22 |
| Inlays | Dot |
| Configuration | SS |
| Neck | Player Series single-coil Alnico |
| Bridge | Player Series single-coil Alnico |
| Active or passive pickups | Passive |
| Series or parallel | Parallel |
| Piezo | No |
| Active EQ | No |
| Control layout | Master volume, tone |
| Pickup switch | 3-way |
| Coil tap or split | No |
| Kill switch | No |
| Bridge type | Fixed |
| Bridge design | 6-saddle string through body |
| Tuning machines | Die-cast sealed |
| Number of strings | 6-string |
| Country of origin | Mexico |
Reviews:
I got this guitar on September 14th, 2021, and have had some minor issues with it. When I receive this guitar, it was perfect. Not a single case of fret buzz, the nut was perfect, and it was an all around great guitar. However, after about a month. I realized the tuners were a bit out of wack. I would be a bit flat, and turn the tuning peg over and over and over, only to not tighten the string at all. Then when I finally did one last turn, I'd be sharp by a whole note! Whatever, just replace the tuners. I had been putting that off. The next issue was a bit weird. I play really hard, and over time, the bridge pins were starting to get loose, and eventually a whole screw came out, and I had to take the guitar to a tech. I know this is probably user error, but still. I eventually just decided to turn it into a Jonny Greenwood tele, with lace sensors, a kill switch, and all. And let me tell you, this guitar is perfect now. The neck is (and always was) exactly what I was looking for. It's a bit thinner that my Squier Affinity Strat, but I like a thinner neck. Bottom line, I would recommend this guitar if your okay with getting new tuners. No one else I know has had problem with the bridge, so consider that. (P.S. I forgot to say that the stock pickups are amazing! I almost just kept them, they sound really good)Cory
As attested to by all the reviews on the Capri Orange MX Player Tele, it is a great playing guitar in its original factory form. However, I chose this guitar as the platform for Sweetwater to custom mod. In collusion with friend and Sales Engineer Jeff Jent, we determined the component upgrades of choice for the project. The oem wiring harness was replaced with the Emerson 4way switch Tele wiring harness. The additional switch position allows for the pups to play in series. The oem pups were replaced with Fender Custom Shop Twisted Tele pups. All this modification under the hood was covered up by a Fender black pearloid moto pickguard. The oem string guide was replaced with the Fender American Standard string guide. The oem control plate and knobs were kept as was the oem bridge with box saddles. I prefer the 6 box saddles bridge to the 3 saddles bridge – just a personal choice. Upon receipt of the Tele, from my personal parts box I installed Fender all short post locking tuners and Fender locking strap buttons. Since the MX Player Tele doesn't come with either a case or gig bag, I had the guitar shipped in a new Fender Elite hard case. I provided Jeff with my preferred set-up specs by the numbers and he forwarded those to the guitar technician for the final modified product set-up. Guitar technician Brandon Harper did exemplary work in putting the mod guitar together and tech supervisor Marty Flaley verified the completed modifications "nailed" by Brandon. If you desire modifications on a new guitar, don't be hesitant to turn the Sweetwater guitar technicians loose on your vision project. The techs know their trade. But in full disclosure, modified guitars are non returnable so be sure of the modifications you desire. The standard Sweetwater warranty is in place though. All of these details can be gone over with your Sales Engineer to be certain, just in case I have misspoken the rules of engagement. Thanks to Brandon for his tech expertise and Marty for the oversight (prior to his promotion, Marty was my tech of choice for set-ups on new guitar purchases). Can't say enough about my excellent relationship with my Sales Engineer Jeff Jent. He knows his gear! If you don't have an assigned Sales Engineer, call Sweetwater and ask for Jeff. If you are ever on the Sweetwater campus, ask to personally meet your Sales Engineer and guitar tech. I've had that pleasure and glad to call them friends. OH, and what about the orange Tele? It feels, handles and plays great. It is on par with my Elite and Ultra Teles (except slightly less expensive) as a fine crafted guitar. If you have ever wanted to do a mod guitar, pick any platform and turn the guitar techs loose. My new Tele is a Sweetwater Custom Mod!
This is a really great deal. Unless you get lucky on Reverb or whatever you won't find a deal like this anywhere else. And let's face it–you need a Telecaster! It's as basic as a Stratocaster. Even more so. It's so versatile and has a bright (but not too bright) sound. It's HIGHLY customizable. The shape of the neck is very comfortable for both rhythm and lead play. I'd even go so far as to tell you to make this your kids' (or YOUR) first guitar. For one thing, it's a Fender. The build quality is rock solid. It's really designed to be a lifetime instrument. Cons–really just the shade of the neck itself. It's a little pale. But that's just me. Not only that, but later on you can purchase another Fender neck and just replace it. (It's easy.) Don't let this absolute steal for a real Fender Tele get away from you. You'll thank me.
12. Yamaha Pac112v Electric Guitar Old Violin Sunburst
Product Details:
From the pacifica series, this yamaha pac112v electric guitar really steps it up, offering a solid alder body with pro-level hardware and electronics – an amazing value in its price range. it comes with a classic comfort-contoured body, bolt-on maple neck – body: solid alder – neck: maple – construction: bolt-on – fingerboard: rosewood – frets: 22bridge: vintage-style tremolo with block saddles – pickups: 2 single-coil and alnico v magnet humbucker – pickup switch: 5-position with humbucker coil-splitting – controls: master volume, master tone – hardware: metal "dome" knobs – pick guard: 3-ply white/black/white – scale length: 25-1/2" (648mm)fretboard radius: 13-3/4" (350mm)warranty: yamaha limited lifetime – case sold separately
Specifications:
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 2010 – 2022 |
| Made In | Taiwan |
| Body Shape | Double Cutaway |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Tremolo Bridge |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Neck Construction | Bolt-On |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Offset Body | No |
| Pickup Configuration | HSS |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 25.5" |
| Wood Top Style | Opaque |
Reviews:
I have bought several guitars in the 100 to 300 range. I was surprised on the quality of this guitar and felt it was superior to many other brands in this range. From neck joint to fret polish & leveling and finish this guitar is quality except the tuners, however the guitar stays in tune and rarely goes out. The neck is not a Fender Strat or Tele neck so don't expect it to play like one, Its its own thing. It is not wide at the nut so if you need a wide neck at the nut it may not be for you. I find it fine and would not consider it narrow. The neck is slightly fatter than a Squire neck but it is still a C shape and a bit thicker as you go up the neck to higher frets. It plays great. Its set up well for Rock and Blues playing, neck adjusted with a light bow and strings set low (but not to low to buzz). Bridge saddles are stainless steel and this make the strings ring out bright and loud even when not plugged in. Intonation was spot on. Frets are tall enough to allow for string bending (there not super low). As regards pickups this is a personal thing. Pickups are very basic and do okay, one may want to upgrade them to ones own liking other wise there fine.pchapm
I was hesitant when ordering the guitar, but after I received it worry washed away from a single glance. I'm not good at instruments, I never played anything than doing ukulele club when I was a kid so I didn't expect myself to buy a guitar. It's delicate and beautiful, feels great to hold and sounds just as good. I do not regret buying this guitar at all, in fact I'm greatful that I'm able to own it. I strive to become great at playing it, little by little . Thank you!Nazma B.
It's a beautiful guitar and really well made. I bought it for my 9 year old daughter and she loves it. I don't know anything about guitars as I'm a pianist myself, but her guitar teacher was absolutely delighted with it. It's definitely worth paying the extra for the upgrades. I can definitely see it lasting her as it feels really solid, and the knobs and twiddly bits etc feel really solid. I genuinely can't get over how nice it is. Makes me want to learn the guitar myself!Reviewed by Andertons Music Co.
13. Fender Player Jazzmaster Pau Ferro Buttercream
Product Details:
With a fat, thick sound all its own and sleek, elegant style, the player jazzmaster stands out under the spotlight. it's an inspiring instrument with a flexible, authentic fender tone and voice that works with any kind of music. the jazzmaster keeps turning up in the hands of musical visionaries and rebels; it's the ideal foundation for your sound. rugged, raw and powerful, this guitar is ready to throw down. respecting fender heritage while maintaining innovative spirit, the pair of player series humbucking pickups sound huge and warmit's authentic fender tone with a modern edge. for even more tone-shaping included a push/pull potentiometer to split the coils of the bridge pickup, unlocking authentic fender single-coil sound. the "modern c"-shaped maple neck's comfortable contours and smooth finish are ideal for almost any playing style. by adding a 22nd medium jumbo fret to the contemporary 9.5"-radius fingerboard made it easier to express yourself musically. the six-saddle, vintage-style adjustable bridge sports a floating tremolo tailpiece and screw-in arm, perfect for adding an extra bit of personal expression to your sound. other features include master volume and tone controls, a 5-way pickup switch, 3-ply pickguard, synthetic bone nut, dual-wing string tree, sealed tuning machines and four-bolt "f"-stamped neck plate that marks this instrument as the real dealas fender as it gets.
Specifications:
| Body shape | Double-cutaway offset |
| Body type | Solid body |
| Body wood | Alder |
| Body finish | Gloss |
| Orientation | Right handed |
| Neck shape | C modern |
| Neck wood | Maple |
| Joint | Bolt-on |
| Scale length | 25.5" |
| Truss rod | Dual-action |
| Neck finish | Satin |
| Radius | 9.5" |
| Fret size | Medium jumbo |
| Number of frets | 22 |
| Inlays | Dot |
| Configuration | HH |
| Neck | Player Series humbucker Alnico |
| Bridge | Player Series humbucker Alnico |
| Active or passive pickups | Passive |
| Series or parallel | Parallel |
| Piezo | No |
| Active EQ | No |
| Control layout | Master volume, tone |
| Pickup switch | 3-way |
| Coil tap or split | No |
| Kill switch | No |
| Bridge type | Tremolo/Vibrato |
| Bridge design | Vintage-style |
| Tailpiece | Vintage Style Floating Tremolo |
| Tuning machines | Die-cast sealed |
| Number of strings | 6-string |
| Country of origin | Mexico |
Reviews:
Great buying experience! CME does a tremendous job checking the guitar over and making sure it’s totally right. This Fender short run exclusive was exactly what I was looking for! It does what a Jazzmaster is supposed to do … once you take the time to dial in your setup! The setup is a bit tricky for sure because everything has to be balanced and intonated just so to prevent the strings from buzzing on the adjustment screws OR on the bridge itself. It also helps to have the absolute tiniest amount of relief possible in the neck and to raise the bridge and angle it to the sweet spot for ideal string vibration and a high enough break angle to anchor the strings within the slots. Once you do these things and set the pickup height, the guitar truly sings, rocks, plays great, and stays completely in tune, even with serious tremolo arm use! My pickups are set to spec: 3.5 mm on the bass side and 3.2 mm on the treble side. If you aren’t comfortable doing a detailed setup, be prepared to locate a professional. I have set up MANY Fenders so I was able to do it myself in a couple hours of tinkering. The 65 pickups sound amazing! Cleans are shimmery and huge. Dirty sounds are fat and ringing. Perfect for indie and shoegaze styles. You can also roll off the tone for a darker, blues or jazz lead tone and, unlike the original jazzmaster bridge, the strings will stay PUT and allow you to pick hard and bend as much as you like even with 9 gauge. No need for a rhythm circuit in my opinion. This wiring setup keeps it simple, lowers the cost, and still gives you the full Jazzmaster experience. Buy one before they are gone! Love it!Joseph
Mine arrived looking beautiful but had a lot of hum/noise and I figured it had something to do with the pickups or 1 meg pots. I opened it up to shield it and the bridge ground wire was never soldered to the ground wire on the pot. After soldering it I plugged it back in and it was silent. I went from thinking it was ok to being my favorite guitar at the moment. This guitar looks, sounds and plays great and its priced very low too. It nails that classic Jazzmaster tone and does what a Jazzmaster should do. Before you jump into the Jazzmaster pool understand that these guitars require tinkering with. Saddle rattle can be fixed by adjusting the screws on the saddles. They tend to loosen and tighten when changing strings and if they're even slightly uneven they will rattle. Another way to fix this is to shim the neck so there's a slight backbow to it like a Les Paul. This will increase the break angle and put more pressure on the bridge preventing rattle. Using 11's or 12's helps too but the nut on these ones is perfect for 10-46. The 4th position is actually very usable and I find myself using this position more than I thought I would. This is a great guitar at a great price and CME is the gold standard in online purchases. Besides the ground wire mine came set up perfectly and almost in tune. The ground wire was never even tinned so I know it was never attached but again, it took me 5 minutes and 0 dollars to fix. I'm sure had I complained they would have fixed it for me. I bought the Silver Blue Metallic. The Shell Pink was definitely my favorite color but I wasn't secure enough to buy a pink guitar.john g.
I just received this guitar today. There is a lot of negative talk about the noiseless pickups, but it sounds phenomenal to me. Many complaints include that it sounds too "dark", but it sounds terrific through my 1966 Bassman. There is a tremendous range of fantastic tones that are possible with this guitar, but it is definitely not for metal. It gets a great tone for classic rock, alt rock/indie, jazz, funk, and stoner rock. I've gotten a great Gilmour tone to Hendrix to QOTSA, and it honestly doesn't take long to learn the guitar's wide tonal capabilities. The neck plays so well that I found myself inspired to get into new sonic territories and genres. I own a lot of guitars, and this is my favorite one currently. It's my pick over my Les Paul Traditional, Telecaster, Ibanez S Premium, and the others. Do yourself a fiver and try it out with an open mind. Don't listen to the naysayers. This thing rocks!The Hammer
14. Fender American Professional Ii Stratocaster Maple, Dark Night
Product Details:
From its original form, fender's american professional ii stratocaster provides a number of improvements. the lightweight, curved body creates a tonal foundation that is well-balanced and very resonant. the pickup selection on this solidbody electric guitar is the first big change. the v-mod ii single-coil pickups on the american professional ii stratocaster produce a classic tone with modern enhancements. a cold-rolled steel block and an improved 2-point tremolo bridge work together to provide lots of sustain and brightness. a contoured heel joint, a "super-natural" silky neck finish, and updated electronics are among the other performance enhancements. the american professional ii stratocaster is worth considering if you're seeking for a guitar with a classic voice and a contemporary feel.
Specifications:
| Body Type | Double Cutaway Solid Body |
| Body wood | Alder |
| Body finish | Gloss Urethane |
| Neck shape | C |
| Neck wood | Maple |
| Joint | Bolt-on |
| Scale length | 25.5" |
| Truss rod | Standard |
| Neck finish | Satin Urethane |
| Radius | 9.5" |
| Fret size | Narrow-Tall |
| Number of frets | 22 |
| Inlays | Dot |
| Nut width/material | 1.687 in. (42.8 mm) Bone |
| Configuration | SSS |
| Neck | Proprietary Single Coil |
| Middle | Proprietary Single Coil |
| Bridge | Proprietary Single Coil |
| Control layout | Master volume Individual tone |
| Pickup switch | 5-Way |
| Special electronics | Tone bypass |
| Bridge type | Tremolo/Vibrato |
| Bridge design | 2-point Fulcrum tremolo Individual saddle |
| Tuning machines | Sealed High-ratio |
| Number of strings | 6 String |
| Orientation | Right handed |
| Country of Origin | United States |
Reviews:
I have wanted an American made Strat for the longest. Not just any American Strat, but The One built to my specs from the looks right down to the pots and of course the feel and sustain. This is it and AMS made it easy and in reach just as they've helped me to make other musical dreams to come true! This guitar feels great, sounds amazing, beyond my hopes & expectations, and even the price tag was a pleasant surprise! Tech has come a long way, but in a lot of ways we've lost craftsmanship. Well, not out of Corona California. Crisp tones, nuanced variation, and that wonderful Fender sustain! I have some other expensive guitars, which I love, but at under their price point the Professional II is going to be a close lifetime friend. If you are looking at these and don't need boutique trimming of the Ultra line or the royal treatment of the Custom Shop, look no further and pay no more. Strat-Halla is right here at a reasonable price point for a heritage worthy instrument. I won't waste time going over the specs. It's all here. Get acquainted with your new best friend!Pete
This is my second American Stratocaster. My first is from 2007 and it has a rosewood fretboard. I wanted a maple neck strat as well. I bought the Miami blue version and love it. To me, Strats are each very unique in the way they play and sound. My other Strat has Dimarzio Area pickups in it (which I love), so I’m having to get used to the stock single coils. I love the bridge, but to my ears the neck pickup it too muddy. The trem system is good, and the overall construction is good. I had to re set it up because I use heavier strings. I may end up changing pickups before it’s all said and done. Only time will tell. I wish Fender would have put Locking tuners on from factory! That’s a must for me.Justin
I purchased this guitar about 3 weeks ago (working with Zach), it has quickly become my favorite guitar I own. The full rosewood neck is incredibly smooth and the the deep C shape is extremely comfortable. I mostly play through a Helix Stomp and have been really happy with the sound and tone variability I can get with it using the various pickup selections especially with the push/push for adding the top pickup to the mix for positions 1 and 2. The pictures in the listing look great, but it looks much better in person. The pictures have a lot of light which makes the blue appear lighter than it would in a normal room. The picture where the guitar is positioned in the case is a great representation of the color in a normally lit room.Kevin
15. Esp Ltd Ec-1000 Electric Guitar (Black)
Product Details:
Black guitars in the ltd ec-1000 series are designed to offer the tone, feel, looks, and quality that working professional musicians need in an instrument, along with the pricing that typical musicians can still afford. the ec-1000 (blk) has all of the classy ltd deluxe features that set it apart from other guitars in its range, such as abalone inlays and purfling, full body/neck/headstock binding, and premier components like ltd locking tuners, a tonepros locking tom bridge and tailpiece, and the aggressive punch of active emg 81/60 pickups. it also offers set-neck construction with a mahogany body, 3 pc. mahogany neck, and 24-fret rosewood fingerboard.
Specifications:
| Finish | Amber Sunburst |
| Year | 2002 – 2022 |
| Made In | Korea, Republic of |
| Body Shape | Single Cutaway |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Stop-Bar |
| Finish Features | Matching Headstock |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Ebony |
| Fretboard Radius | 12" |
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Number of Frets | 24 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Nut Width | 1.65" |
| Offset Body | No |
| Pickup Configuration | HH |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 24.75" |
| Top Material | Maple |
| Wood Top Style | Flamed |
Reviews:
Sound: A sign of a good electric guitar is how well it sounds unplugged. This 1000BV is loud, full, and sustains very well before it's even plugged in. I bought the 1000BV with EMG pickups. Most people associate EMG with metal, and yes it goes a long way in that genre but they are equally adept and great sounding for blues, jazz, rock, and clean tones. I am very happy with the tonal versatility of this guitar. Cleans are clear and full, heavy drive has the chunk you want, and in between they just growl like they should. Features: I appreciate the locking tuners and Tone Pros bridge. The tuners are ESP branded but are smooth and seem to stay in tune quite well. The TOM bridge was easy to adjust and lock back into place.Active pickups are a matter of taste. I chose EMG because I like the sound they give, and I already have another guitar with the Duncan JB's. Ease of Use: The guitar came out of the box set up perfectly to ESP specs. Having said that, ESP thinks low action is 2mm at the 12th fret for low E, and 1.5mm on the high. This is way too high for my tastes. Adjusting the truss rod, string height, and intonation was a breeze. In a world filled with Floyd Rose, you lose appreciation for how easy a TOM bridge is to work with!The neck is definitely thinner than a Les Paul, but not super thin like a Jackson or Ibanez neck. It is similar to the PRS Wide Thin carve. Very playable if shredding or legato is your thing, and equally comfortable with the thumb over style. The neck finish is matte and feels as smooth as an unpainted neck. Moving up and down the fretboard is comfortable and easy. Quality: The quality of this instrument is superb. I have gone over it with a fine tooth comb and cannot find even the slightest imperfection in fit and finish. If you were to hand this to me blindfolded, I would easily believe it to be a guitar costing twice the price. It was that good. Fret work was spectacular and on par with my American PRS CE-24. Rolled off edges, no burrs or sprouts, smooth all the way up and down the neck. Value: This guitar is a tremendous value. For a list price of $899 you get every penny worth and more. I would put this up against any American made instrument costing 2 or 3 times more. High quality name brand components installed on a beautifully constructed instrument are what this guitar is about. Manufacturer Support: I have not had to deal with ESP directly yet, but they did suspend my account from their support forum for no known reason lol That's why everyone has more than one email right 🙂 The Wow Factor: It's an unassuming looking guitar that would fit on stage playing metal or smooth jazz. It sounds amazing clean or dirty and is a great alternative for someone who loves the traditional look of a single cutaway guitar but desires a more playable neck and less heft. Overall: I had been eyeing this guitar for quite awhile. I admit that when I found out production of the 1000 series moved from Korea to Indonesia I was very disappointed. The internet is full of horror stories about instrument quality dropping after models start getting produced in different countries, especially after having a great reputation for quality at the previous factory. I wavered back and forth and had second thoughts even after ordering. Thankfully zZounds has a great return policy so I took a chance.I AM SO GLAD I DID!!!!!!!If you are looking for a solid body single cut guitar you HAVE to give the EC-1000 a look. For half the money of most other domestic single cutaways you get a great playing and great looking guitar that is just a joy to play. Build quality is absolutely top notch and on par with or better than some of the best domestic instruments I've owned over 4 decades of playing.Allan
Where do I start? I love everything about this guitar and it is my favorite that I own. If you’re looking for something that sounds very sweet and beautiful clean, this is not the guitar for you. That’s not to say that you can clean it up a bit with maybe some stereo chorus reverb or delay but as this guitar stands on its own, it truly suits one purpose for me , it is true metal madness euphoria. Not only do the pick up scream but this guitar is not only beautiful but constructed perfectly. It is the best most comfortable neck I’ve ever played and it is rocksolid!!! The satin finish on the back of the neck makes it effortless to slide up and down. I’m typically not a fan of gold on guitars but with the black matte finish it actually is pretty sharp and not too Goddy in my opinion. I am mediately replace the strings on this guitar with some nice thick ones for drop C tuning. Even with the 24.75 scale it Plays drop tuning nicely without string floppige. As long as you have the right strings on this exit is no problem. This current model has the EMG pick ups. I am seriously considering getting another EC 1000 with the Pegasus sentiment pick up combo. It’s a little heavier than I thought it would be but in a good way. This guitar is perfectly balanced and the body is definitely thinner than a Les Paul. That’s one thing I didn’t like about Les Pauls is it was thick bulky heavy and a baseball bat neck. I honestly couldn’t be more pleased with this guitar. Love the EC 1000 and the great service I always get at American musical supply. I’ll be honest, i’ve went through about half a dozen brand new guitars and returned every single one of them except for this one. I believe I am pickier than most, if I spend $1000 on a guitar I want to fall in love with it and not settle. If you like playing James Taylor and Crosby stills and Nash I suggest you look elsewhere. If you want to rip some faces off get this guitar!!!!Brett m
I bought this LTD EC-1000 after playing it at the shop for over an hour. This guitar delivers in spades the metal tone I was looking for. (I tried against Duncan Seymour version) With the right setup, it will CHUG! The chugs that is produced is so satisfying and inspirational to downstroke riffs like Papa Het for hours. Action is set at 2mm low E and 1.5mm at high E. A bit higher than I am used to but easy to get used to. This guitar is a beauty and plays and sounds great! You can't go wrong!Kalyan R.
16. Gretsch G5230t Electromatic Jet Ft Single Cut With Bigsby – Cadillac Green
Product Details:
In its 65 year existence the gretsch jet has been the hallmark sound for iconic players. the all-new g5230t electromatic jet ft single-cut with bigsby captures that essential jet power and fidelity at an incredible price. classic jet tone begins with a chambered mahogany body with maple top that produces full lows and mids with an exceptionally smooth and present high end. the result is a deep acoustic foundation that is robust, yet balanced. black top filter'tron pickups amplify and accentuate the electromatic jet ft's chambered body to produce a wide, balanced and transparent tone. loud and punchy, this jet sounds out with remarkable definition at any level of gain. together, the body and pickups thunder with full, responsive lows and mids with a high end that sparkles without spikes. the electromatic jet ft is equipped with essential features that give you complete tonal control. the combination of individual pickup volume controls, master tone and master volume with treble bleed circuit provides intuitive global control over your pickup and tone settings.
Specifications:
| Body shape | Single cutaway |
| Body type | Semi-hollow or chambered body |
| Body wood | Mahogany |
| Body finish | Gloss |
| Orientation | Right handed |
| Neck shape | Not specified |
| Neck wood | Mahogany |
| Joint | Set-in |
| Scale length | 24.6” |
| Truss rod | 2-way adjustable |
| Neck finish | Gloss |
| Radius | 12” |
| Fret size | Medium jumbo |
| Number of frets | 22 |
| Inlays | Pearloid block |
| Nut width | 1.687” (42.8 mm) |
| Configuration | HH |
| Neck | Blacktop Filter'Tron |
| Bridge | Blacktop Filter'Tron |
| Active or passive pickups | Passive |
| Series or parallel | Series |
| Piezo | No |
| Active EQ | No |
| Control layout | Volume 1, volume 2, master tone |
| Pickup switch | 3-way |
| Kill switch | No |
| Bridge type | Fixed |
| Bridge design | Adjusto-matic |
| Tailpiece | Bigsby |
| Tuning machines | Die-cast |
| Number of strings | 6-string |
| Country of origin | China |
Reviews:
Gretch has so many awesome and different style guitars and I have wanted one for a while, I came across this beautiful guitar in Airline Silver! It is stunning! The finishes are impeccable it looks like a 5k guitar Im not even joking. The guitar came setup pretty good but Im very picky, I set the intonation and lowered the action to my taste, and this thing flies! so many great sounds and tone scapes, a very versatile guitar I would pit against any Les Paul, but Im am really happy with the craftsmanship and quality of this instrument. Picked up the case as well. I dont know how you couldn’t be blown away by this guitar. On the last note, Stock tuners seem good no tuning issues. Glad I bought this beast of a guitar, Its a little heavy, but it doesn’t bother me.Perryman
Overall: …at least in my case. I ordered numerous semi hollows from a well known maker, and had to send them all back for poor set up/fit/finish. Finally gave up and ordered this Electromatic Jet, mostly because the quality control got rave reviews and I was just tired of rolling the dice on the 335s. The rumors were true. For the price, this is just a great guitar. Yes, the Bigsby is a little gripey. I ordered some nut sauce and that should take care of it. I've read of some other fixes if it still needs a little love. In the meantime, I take it easy on the Bigs. Gigged with it right away. Looks totally pro and classy to all but total guitar snobs – of which I am one, for sure. So, at that level it's not a total love affair, but I will say that as of right now, I guess rather than saving for a 'real' 335, I'm saving for a 'real' Gretsch. For sheer umph, you can't beat the 335 – I know it – and the down market 335 sounded great – sent it back for having a totally unprofessional nut job. Not to mention fret sprout and truth be told, the finish is just not that good looking. Not to rag on the big E. I have a 339 that's a total gem. But this Gretch – just at the basic level of fit and finish, it smokes the 335s I've been sent. And then just the look of the thing. Heads turn, people gather to check it out. It's just good looking. Not all pretty girls are rich girls. I've heard of people preferring these Electromatics over the Player series. Sounds like a stretch to me, but on a cost/benefit comparison I could totally get that. Playability – it's totally playable, but such a different feel from the LP I usually play, that it was like learning to play all over again. I even got new blisters. It some ways it's actually easier to play than my LP. In some ways, mostly in not having a chunkier neck under my hand, not as enjoyable as the LP. I haven't picked up the Gibby in two weeks. The LP is a better guitar in pretty much every way, but it had better be, right? Then again, one thing it can't do is sound like a Gretsch, and even though I'd rather be playing the high end Jet (mostly for the thicker neck), I feel like I'm getting a good dose of 'Great Gretsch Sound' at a killer price. The Jet has a thinner neck and a slightly shorter scale, but it has a very different feel. It's very easy to play. And feels very well built. Neck feels great. Headstock looks so cool. The neck is not overly thin, objectively speaking. It's got a little meat on it.The Sound – woah! It's spanky! You will cut through! If you are a player who feels a little exposed if your sound is too out front, well, playing this baby is the sonic equivalent of wearing a Speedo with holes. You will be heard. Personally, I'm digging it. I'm used to fighting with PAF style pickups to get my sound out there. Problem solved. No EQ necessary. Don't get me wrong: it's a beautiful sound – smoky and airy and raspy with a ton of vibe and attitude. You can get a wide range of sounds out it, but it's a very different palette of colors for a Gibson guy to get used to. And it's a great palette. The notes come off with an immediacy that is just great. I find myself digging out pedals that I didn't really use with a Gibson. I'm putting away the Marshall type pedals. Pulled out a Fulldrive 3, which is kind of dark with PAFs.Anyhow, not to ramble. The Electromatic Jet is the real deal, the reviews are real – I think you can't count on receiving a good guitar when you order this. Oh yeah, I wanted to mention the volume control sucks… no taper… it's either off, then with a tiny little twist of the knob you are at full volume. Something that I imagine is easily remedied. Having gigged with this guitar now, for a few weeks, I will say this: why are there 3 volume knobs? That is just silly, I'm going to just put in a new Master Volume pot and totally bypass the two other volumes. I don't find myself using the tone knob a whole lot either. Partly because it doesn't really seem to do anything, partly because it just sounds so freakin' good at full knob. Anyhow, like I said, I'm a wicked guitar snob, on something of a budget, and I'm keeping this baby, and loving it.Many salaams and hat tips and thank yous to zZounds. Or is it zZounds? I've bought a ton of guitars from them and all kinds of other stuff. They've been very patient with the returns. And of course, I wouldn't have half this stuff without Pay to Play. Bless you ZZOUNDS!
I'm an experienced player and musician having been playing for the last 15 years and being in multiple bands. This is my first Gretsch guitar as I am more of an Epiphone fan, however I am a huge Nick 13 and Tiger Army fan and as you know this is his signature model so I couldn't help myself. The guitar itself is beautiful and plays like a dream. I'm a Punk musician however I dabble in Psychobilly, Rockabilly, Ska, and Reggae and this guitar has no problem adapting to any style of music. The bridge pickup is nice and bright with the perfect amount of twang you would expect from a filtertron. The neck pickup and smooth, warm, and most importantly satisfying. However, a few days ago my toggle switch unfortunately went out and I can no longer switch between the bridge and the neck pickup. I bought this Gretsch in December and while it isn't 100% "new" anymore I am very gentle with my toggle switches so it is a bummer that it is already on the fritz. I'll be bringing it into my local GC to have the technician (Josh) to look at it and see if we can get her back into 100% working order. The other negative that I have is that the fret ends are a little sharp but that is an easy fix. Overall I am extremely happy with my Tiger Jet.Michael, C.
17. Jackson Js22 Dka Dinky Arch Top Electric Guitar – Snow White
Product Details:
Swift, deadly and affordable, jackson js series guitars take an epic leap forward, making it easier than ever to get classic jackson tone, looks and playability without breaking the bank. the js series dinky arch top js22 dka has a poplar or nato (natural oil only) body with arched top, bolt-on maple speed neck with graphite reinforcement and a 12-16 compound-radius bound amaranth fingerboard with 24 jumbo frets and pearloid sharkfin inlays. a pair of jackson high-output humbucking pickups with ceramic magnets cranks out clear tone with plenty of girth, and can be shaped with a three-way toggle switch and single volume and tone controls. this model also features all-black hardware including a synchronized fulcrum tremolo bridge, standard strap buttons and die-cast tuners. delivering more for less, the js22 dka is available in metallic blue, natural oil, satin black or snow white finishes. one-piece bolt-on maple neck with graphite reinforcement and scarf joint a type of neck constructed with a scarf joint for an angled back headstock, which in turn increases the tension behind the nut eliminating the need for string trees and/or string retainer bars. the bolt-on neck joins the neck to the body of the guitar with screws or bolts, allowing for more control, attack and sustain. jackson high-output humbucking pickups these jackson high-output humbucking pickups are painstakingly voiced for full, rich tone while providing maximum overdrive and sustain.
Specifications:
| Body shape | Double cutaway |
| Body type | Solid body |
| Body wood | Poplar |
| Body finish | Satin |
| Orientation | Right handed |
| Neck shape | Speed neck |
| Neck wood | 1-piece Maple |
| Joint | Bolt-on |
| Scale length | 25.5 in. |
| Truss rod | Graphite reinforced |
| Neck finish | Satin |
| Radius | Compound 12–16" |
| Fret size | Jumbo |
| Number of frets | 24 |
| Inlays | Sharkfin |
| Configuration | HH |
| Neck | High output humbucker Ceramic |
| Bridge | High output humbucker Ceramic |
| Active or passive pickups | Passive |
| Series or parallel | Parallel |
| Piezo | No |
| Active EQ | No |
| Control layout | Master volume, tone |
| Pickup switch | 3-way |
| Coil tap or split | No |
| Kill switch | No |
| Bridge type | Tremolo/Vibrato |
| Bridge design | 2-point Fulcrum tremolo |
| Tuning machines | Die-cast sealed |
| Number of strings | 6-string |
| Country of origin | China |
Reviews:
Never played a seven before (20+ guitar owner) and actually was looking more towards a 6-baritone. But cripes, the sale price and hearing about how nice Jackson was making stuff…? Pulled the trigger. Still not too sure what the heck I am doing, but having a great time with it. Maybe I AM a nu-metal head after all. Regardless, it is fun to play. I was amazed that the fret ends weren't garbage, the they needed a bit of a polish, but were otherwise really nice. With the specs like carved top, compound radius, neck reinforcement (I think?), and maple board, the value is incredible. I'm a sucker for maple board too, really wish I wasn't, but I am and this thing is cool. Am I gonna play it all the time? No. But I might play it every day for a bit. Was really impressed with the pickups as well. Figured it would be a mud bath. Maybe the B gets more lost than I was expecting, but was way more articulate overall that I was expecting. I am assuming ceramics, and zero hangups about that. Cons: The tuning machines are poop. If you change direction, expect a 1/4 turn before anything moves. I mean they are pretty poor. And since it is a seven string, that is a touch more complicated to replace.Josh G
Got this guitar to get back into shredding again. Hadn't played metal since the early 90s and shredding is a good way to keep the arthritis from destroying the joints in my fingers and wrists. For the money, this is an overall great guitar. It does what I want it to and that's what matters. The only real gripe I have is the tuners. This is a guitar I can do a lot of mods on and not worry about lowering the value. For those who are beginners, this guitar is an excellent choice to get started on. For those who want to get into shredding – or get back into it as I am – you can do so without breaking the bank. This instrument is not on par with an American made Fender or Gibson but it will most certainly do the job it's designed to. A great buy!Chris S.
The Jackson JS22 Dinky is the best Sounding, and the best feeling guitar I own. I have used Washburn, Schecter, and a few more brands, but this one felt and sounded the best in my opinion. It has sharkfin inlays, amaranth fretboard, and the Jackson speed neck. My only complaints is that the stock tuners suck, and the pickups could be better, but still good enough for some Slayer songs. But get locking tuners. I will see if I can get some Seymour Duncan Invaders, or EMG H4 Pickups.Kawliga
18. Epiphone Les Paul Prophecy Electric Guitar (Olive Tiger Aged Gloss)
Product Details:
Fantastic example of a fantastic instrument. i got this on trade in mint condition and have only played it for about two weeks, at home (smoke-free). the plastic wrap is still on the rear access panels. one of the few lps with a belly cut, this is almost as comfortable to play as a strat. comes from the factory with fishman fluence pickups, locking grovers, push/pull tone and volume pots, bound body, neck, and (newly redesigned) headstock features abound. i really like this guitar, but 1. i m just not a fishman guy and 2. i just don t have room for it.
Specifications:
| Body Type | Single Cutaway Solid Body |
| Top wood | Flame Maple |
| Body wood | Mahogany |
| Body finish | Aged Gloss |
| Neck shape | Asymmetric |
| Neck wood | Mahogany |
| Joint | Set-in |
| Scale length | 24.75" |
| Truss rod | Standard |
| Neck finish | Aged Gloss |
| Radius | 12" |
| Fret size | Jumbo |
| Number of frets | 24 |
| Inlays | Pearloid Abalone |
| Nut width/material | 1.69 in. (43 mm) GraphTech |
| Configuration | HH |
| Neck | Fishman Humbucker |
| Bridge | Fishman Humbucker |
| Control layout | Master volume Master tone |
| Pickup switch | 3-Way |
| Special electronics | Coil-tap Coil-split |
| Bridge type | Fixed Bridge |
| Bridge design | Individual saddle |
| Tailpiece | Stopbar |
| Tuning machines | Vintage-style Locking |
| Number of strings | 6 String |
| Orientation | Right Handed |
| Country of Origin | China |
Reviews:
I am basically play for my own entertainment, and this LP Modern is rapidly becoming my favorite, even though I also really like my G&L Tele and Strat models. The shorter scale makes a difference and I find the neck fits my hand really nicely. The sound is great, as is the finish. Having said that, I would have given it 5 stars, but my guitar came with 5 areas of light scratches and scuffs, including under the protective plastic on the pick guard, but I was able to polish all of them out to where all but one area is completely gone. The worst spot was by the toggle switch, which is all but disappeared and probably with a little more polishing, would go away completely. I didn't want to take the chance of going thru the clear, but am happy with the results. Someone else who is uncomfortable with that process may find it unacceptable, but I doubt those issues are common on Epiphones and MF's return/exchange policy would certainly cover that as I was assured if I wished to do so. The Sparkling Burgandy finish is a real eye catcher and now it makes me want to pick up the guitar and play it, which is the whole point. The added weight relief makes it enjoyable hanging on your shoulder. This is a very nice guitar for the price and then some. And Devan Miller has been great during the whole process and follow up. Very knowledgeable, patient, and extremely helpful in answering all my questions. Highly recommend him as a rep.Steve R
Overall: The Epiphone Les Paul Modern sounds great and looks amazing. The new/old Kalamazoo headstock is a game changer for the overall look of the instrument. With push/pull coil split and phase switching there are a wide variety of useful sounds over and above the traditional Les Paul. Any differences between Epiphone and Les Paul pickups can be compensated for with EQ, especially while using overdrive. There is a bit of noise similar to single coils when using the coil split function.The guitar came with a great setup from the factory. Action and intonation are about the best I have seen of any of the dozen or so guitars I have owned. Tuning stability is exceptional. This is noteworthy for an Epiphone as there are often issues with tuning stability on Gibson LP's due to the angle of the headstock being greater than the Epiphones. The locking tuners are an excellent upgrade, and should be standard on most guitars these days. Regarding quality control, I identified three high frets that are causing some minor fret buzz, but not enough to send it back. Some minor fret work will resolve this, but you should take this into consideration if you are not inclined to spend extra money on a brand new guitar for fret leveling. I have read that this is a common issue with 2020-2021 Epiphones. Fret ends have some sharpness to them. The black pickguard has a gap around the neck pickup. Not very noticeable unless you are looking for it, but I am not sure why this is an issue. I have seen it on other guitars of this model. Though it is an Epiphone, this seems to be one area that would not be difficult to fix in design. Finally, there are minor quality control issues on the finish mostly around the binding with paint bleed or similar. Overall, at this price point, the guitar is a great purchase for the hobbyist, considering the Gibson version will cost about $3,000. However, with so many quality guitar choices in the $1,000 price range, I am not sure I would pay much more for an Epiphone, and am glad they kept the price point in this range.Shanon
Overall: The Good: took a chance to save some money on a "blemished" deal. Have had good luck with these in the past with zZounds, and as before, could not find any blemishes in regard to the finish. The setup, however, was abyssal. Once setup, the guitar is fantastic. Lighter weight than my other Epi, and.my.Gibson. The Probuckers are amazing. Great clarity and I see or hear no reason to replace them. Liking them better than my 57+ classics. Black guitars and me don't get along, as I have always sold them off. The graphite black and plain back on this guitar is gorgeous. Most likely a keeper. Neck feel is perfect. Coil split and tone controls really make a difference. Many sounds can be had. May soon become my #1 guitar. Plays effortlessly. The Bad: guitar setup was non existent. Tuners were crooked, nut slots too high, pickup height too low, pick guard installed incorrectly, uneven frets, action set for limbo, and scratchy pots. After cutting deeper nut slots, leveling and crowning the frets, lowering the action, adjusting truss rod, readjusting tuning pegs and pick guard, spraying the pots, and installing quality knobs, the guitar is now fantastic. I can understand why it was returned as it took a lot of work to get it playable. Luckily, I do that all myself so no extra $. Sadly, although great luck with zZounds in the past, this will be my last order until either:1) zZounds offers shipping options other than FedEx. Or2) Fedex gets their s**t together and figures out how to deliver packages to the correct address, with accurate tracking, and without damage.
19. Dean Evo Xm Electric Guitar Natural Mahogany
Product Details:
Dean's evo xm is a perfect blend of vintage design, old world craftsmanship, and decades of guitar building technology. this affordable yet stylish member of that family has a lightweight basswood body in a mahogany stain for a "high-end" look, making it ideal for the beginning guitarist who wants an attractive model as their first guitar. the dean evo series: evolved from vintage origins the evo is a perfect blend of vintage design, old world craftsmanship and decades of guitar building technology. the dean evo is truly the "evolution of guitar design" at its finest. with a deep dished, carved, ultra-thick solid wood top, the evo achieves incredible sustain and astonishing tones. the evo also features a neck joined at the body with dean's exclusive angular neck joint, which was specially designed to attain the optimum in playability and ultimate resonance. basswood body basswood is commonly used for solid body electric guitars and basses because of its strong and durable character, desirable tonal characteristics, and how well it takes paint finishes. basswood has a warm sound, with a strong, cutting mid-range and is an excellent tonal material for both beginner and advanced players. bolt-on construction the evo xm uses bolt-on construction, an affordable alternative to set-neck or thru-body designs. the advantage of this design is that if you do have any neck trouble down the line, you can easily replace it. the maple neck features an ultra-playable 24-fret rosewood fingerboard, with classic pearl dot inlays.
Specifications:
| Weight | 9 lb |
Reviews:
You can't expect any guitar at this price point to sound great. You can't expect any guitar with a bolt on neck to sound great. You can't expect any guitar with a basswood body to sound great. But this guitar is definitely worth the tiny bit I paid for it. It stays in tune, the frets don't have any sharp edges, the action is not high. It may sound better if I changed the pickups, but most guitarists like to try out different pickups, so that's not a big deal. The important thing is that this is comfortable to practice on at home, which is a big expectation for a guitar at this price pointtheLonnie
Had to file sharp fret ends and raise bridge one turn. Then it played as well as many of my other guitars. The pickup switch doesn't always make good contact and has to be jiggled – which seems to be common in this kind of toggle. The finish appears to be opaque brown stain over wood, with a flat polyurethane(?) finish. The grain is barely visible but it's there. If you end up filing the fret ends like I did, protect the rosewood fret board with tape or something and use a very fine file. Makes a good beach and party guitar – If it's damaged at this price, who cares?Uncle Willie
First off, i have to say if i say anything negative, it should be taken with a grain of salt because in its price range, this is a great guitar. Right out of the box, i found the color not matching the image, however personally i found its true color pleasing. The guitar has a comfortable feel, not overly heavy, but not cheap feeling either. The neck feels comfortable, the tuners generally stay well in tune. i like the adjustable bridge, its a nice feature. The tone control is decently dynamic. the selector is a bit sticky sometimes, and that can become annoying. Also i find that the pickups are a bit close in range so as not to give the greatest differentiation, but still, its not an expensive guitar. So all in all, i recommend this model for the price, it has a good sound and i find it pleasing. it also has a lot of potential. I made just go crazy and drop some P-90's in there, who knows. lol 🙂 great for starter, or just a base for a custom.JDubya
20. Jackson Js34q Dinky Dka-M Transparent Red
Product Details:
Jackson js34q in transparent red. has all original hardware including a jackson-licensed floyd rose tremolo and trem arm. some light wear after several years of play. there is a small, barely visible bump mark on the back side of the bottom horn. an otherwise gorgeous finish with a beautiful curly maple top. 2 screws are missing from the back plate, guitar is in need of a setup and intonation. the b string buzzes just a bit after sitting for a few months in it's case. after setup this guitar is super playable and shreddy. very comfortable weight. includes a premium hard case and a very nice crimson seatbelt strap from couch straps.
Specifications:
| Body shape | Double cutaway |
| Body type | Dinky |
| Body wood | Poplar |
| Body finish | Gloss Black |
| Orientation | Right handed |
| Neck shape | Speed neck with graphite reinforcement |
| Neck wood | Maple |
| Joint | Bolt-on |
| Scale length | 25.5" |
| Truss rod | Dual Action |
| Neck finish | Satin |
| Radius | 12" -16" Compound radius |
| Fret size | Jumbo |
| Number of frets | 24 |
| Inlays | Black plastic sharkfin |
| Nut width | 1.687" (42.8 mm) |
| Configuration | HSS |
| Neck | Black High Output Single-Coil |
| Middle | Black High Output Single-Coil |
| Bridge | Jackson High-output Humbucking |
| Active or passive | Passive |
| Series or parallel | Series |
| Piezo | No |
| Active EQ | No |
| Control layout | Volume, Tone |
| Pickup switch | 5-way |
| Coil tap or split | No |
| Kill switch | No |
| Bridge type | Tremolo |
| Bridge design | Floyd Rose Licensed Jackson Double Locking Tremolo |
| Tuning machines | Jackson Sealed Die-Cast |
| Number of strings | 6-string |
| Country of origin | China |
Reviews:
I would suggest both the JS34Q (this purchase) and the similarly priced and same model series JS32QM for, in my judgement, an all around reliable and capable instrument at a moderate to economical price. The pick up configuration is the only difference between these two models. The price is about the same as well. I've had and used my Jackson JS32QM for about a year now. It stays in tune (I use the tremolo a lot) and has never failed me. But I was seeking a backup. That is why I purchased this Jackson JS34Q (here). So I expect to have the same experience with the new JS34Q as it physically is the same build as my JS32QM. So far I've had no issues, plus I think the JS34Q was already set up. I am absolutely not saying that generally any guitar brand comes set up new. It is no big deal anyway to set up a guitar. For me Floyd Rose guitars are the easiest to set up due to access and hex tools. Hard tails often have easy to damage little slot things, hard to get to and length limited range. Beginners take note. I have a hard tail Jackson Kelli too. It plays a lot like a mix of my SG and my '58 LPJr., which means great bends and chording. So therefore I can say I've had all types of guitars over the last 45 years and with all the past experience I'm a dedicated Jackson user now. So I can unreservedly suggest a Jackson, at least those I mentioned. I was expecting this new Jackson JS34Q to pretty much be a close twin to my current JS32QM, but was pleasantly surprised to find the difference in sound and play feel with just a different pickup configuration and maple neck. Both guitars have humbuckers in bridge position, but they sound totally different. I'm thinking maybe it is the maple neck? Anyway, it is a good thing, now I get that Hendrix-Trower-SRV-on sound. The Floyd Rose licensed tremolo systems are a treasure, to me anyway. Beginners take note again.Cryton Havoc
Got to GC to return something and already have enough guitars and am actually selling some to make room. Well, I don't have a purple or a Jackson, and I love the HSS configuration and had a Fishman set I wanted to try, so I grebes this guitar off the wall to test it out. I'm not an import guitar snob, so I don't judge Chinese guitars harshly unless there are QC issues. I had played the red and the blue colors of this model around Thanksgiving and literally cut my hand to bleeding because I didn't check the fret ends before playing the guitars. Well needless to say, this purple one's fret job had no razor ends and was built incredibly well with a tight finish. Stock pickups are very solid, though an aftermarket upgrade is always the way to go for more articulation. I'm partial to actives now, but I think I might swap it's Fishman's I installed with my Banshee's DMZ Protrack, Alumitone, Andy Timmons AT-1 Bridge. I love the Schecter also for its Thick D neck and larger radius, but this Jackson just has this awesome bright, yet not harsh tone that comes off the strings and the neck is extremely playable. I can't say enough good things about this guitar and I'm hoping to score a mid-tier Jackson now as they belong right up there with Schecter and ESP as far as brands I can expect a consistently playable guitar, no matter the price range. Make sure to check the frets first, but play one of these next time in the store. I guarantee that if the frets are clean, this sexy beast is coming home with you.BlackwatchMei
I'm very impressed with this guitar for the price. Out of the box, the action was quite low and the intonation was almost perfect. There's no buzzing anywhere on the fretboard. The fit and finish on my guitar was flawless, even in usual problem areas like around the tremolo and pickups. Playability is excellent with one exception: when bending strings, it feels like the frets are sandpaper. Oddly, they feel perfectly smooth to the touch. This has already improved somewhat after an hour of playing, and I suspect they'll smooth out with use. This is very subjective, but through an amp it doesn't sound as good as my other electrics. I can't quite put my finger on it, it just falls flat. Not too surprising given that these are inexpensive pickups. Or maybe it's simply different than what I'm used to. Your mileage may vary. As with any three-pickup guitar, the middle single coil falls right in the way of my pick when palm muting. Again, your mileage may vary. All things considered, this is an exceptional value and would be great for any beginning or intermediate player. I suspect examples can vary widely depending on who assembled them and did the final setup, and I'm sure there are some lemons out there as evidenced by some other reviews, but mine is excellent.Ross
