Are you looking for the Best Guitar For R&B? If so, you’ve come to the right place.
Choosing the Best Guitar For R&B can be difficult as there are so many considerations, such as Glarry, Fender, Gibson, Ibanez, Martin, Epiphone, Jackson, Yamaha, PRS. We have done a lot of research to find the top 20 Best Guitar For R&B available.
The average cost is $1088.86. Sold comparable range in price from a low of $239.99 to a high of $2599.99.
Based on the research we did, we think Fender American Ultra Stratocaster , Maple Fingerboard, Ultraburst 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 R&B (20 Sellers)
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Reviewers Noted:
Attractive . Good sound quality . Well made . Durable . Lightweight
Features:
- American ultra is our most advanced series of guitars and basses for discerning players who demand the ultimate in precision, performance and tone.
- This versatile, state-of-the-art instrument will inspire you to push your playing to new heights.
- Other features include sealed locking tuning machines, chrome hardware and bone nut. includes premium molded hardshell case.
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 . Lightweight . Well made . Durability
Features:
- Made for the stage
- Rosewood back and sides
- Savarez strings
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Attractive . Lightweight . Well made . Durable
Features:
- Colour: dark night
- Construction type: solid body/solid body
- Body shape: telecaster
$1449.99
4.8
Reviewers Noted:
Attractive . Good sound quality . Durable . Well made . Weight
Features:
- Accepting offers!
- This guitar has some minor pick marks and the electronics work as they should.
- All original parts!
$289.99$239.99
4.6
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Attractive . Durability . Well made . Weight
Features:
- It features a spruce top with nato back & sides and cutaway dreadnought body design for volume and easy access to the upper registers
- It has a nato neck with rosewood fingerboard and a 25" scale length
- The fx335c comes ready to plug in with its yamaha 1-way piezo pickup and preamp
Reviewers Noted:
Attractive . Good sound quality . Well made . Durable . Lightweight
Features:
- Sn: mx22064906
- Finish: silver
- Pau ferro fingerboard
$909.99
4.6
Reviewers Noted:
Attractive . Good sound quality . Well made . Durable . Weight
Features:
- Alder body with gloss finish; flame maple top
- One player series humbucking bridge pickup; two player series single-coil stratocaster middle and neck pickups
- Modern c"-shaped neck profile
$699.00
4.9
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Attractive . Well made . Durability . Heavy
Features:
- Bypass position 2.
- 5db at 1950 hz position 3.
- 12db at 1100 hz position 4.
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Attractive . Well made . Durable . Lightweight
Features:
- Mahogany body.
- Wizard iii profile jatoba on maple/walnut neck-thru construction.
- Ibanez quantum humbuckers with 5-way switching.
Reviewers Noted:
Attractive . Good sound quality . Well made . Durability . Weight
Features:
- Selling this epiphone les paul inspired by gibson range, 2020 like new
- Has a great neck and in comparison to some really has its own character
- Just had a full set up, fret polish, and a fresh set of ernie ball 9 s
Reviewers Noted:
Attractive . Good sound quality . Well made . Durable . Weight
Features:
- Comes in hard shell case.
- This item is in very good condition.
- This item has been tested and is 100% functional.
Reviewers Noted:
Attractive . Good sound quality . Well made . Durable . Weight
Features:
- Accessories: please confirm the picture.
- Please note!
- Not all of …
Reviewers Noted:
Attractive . Good sound quality . Well made . Durability
Features:
- This item is in very good condition.
- This item has been tested and is 100% functional.
- Please message us with any questions.
$2199.99
4.6
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Attractive . Well made . Durable . Weight
Features:
- Authorized fender dealer
- Out of box for photos and set up only
- Free fender knit cap and fender ball cap with purchase 2020
$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
$749.00
4.8
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Attractive . Lightweight . Well made . Durability
Features:
- On display in store
- Since been restring with standard clear nylons
- Fishman preamp
$2599.99
4.8
Reviewers Noted:
Attractive . Good sound quality . Well made . Durable . Weight
Features:
- Body color: mystic black
- Body style: telecaster
- Body type: solid body
$1099.99
4.8
Reviewers Noted:
Attractive . Good sound quality . Durability . Weight
Features:
- Body: alder
- Fingerboard: pau ferro; fingerboard radius: 7.25" (184.1 mm); number of frets: 21
- Pickup configuration: sss
$829.99
5.0
Reviewers Noted:
Durability . Visual appeal . Craftsmanship
Features:
- Fender has modernised a classic western guitar
- The guitar is suitable for acoustic playing, as the guitar's tones are clear and beautiful
- Has a very nice classic design
1. Fender American Ultra Stratocaster , Maple Fingerboard, Ultraburst
Product Details:
The american ultra stratocaster is the perfect choice for professional guitarists who want a unique and comfortable instrument with amazing tonal possibilities. its modern d neck profile is incredibly comfortable to play, while the ultra rolled fingerboard edges make it easy to solo for hours on end. the tapered neck heel also makes accessing the highest register a breeze, and the 10-inch to 14-inch compound-radius fingerboard provides impressive accuracy and comfort when playing fast solos. plus, the ultra noiseless vintage pickups provide a vintage tone without any hum. the advanced wiring options allow you to create any tone imaginable. finally, the sculpted rear body contours provide functional comfort and sophisticated looks. alder or ash body with sculpted rear contours. three ultra noiseless vintage strat single-coil pickups. "modern d"-shaped neck with ultra satin finish. 10"-14" compound-radius fingerboard; 22 medium-jumbo frets. includes premium molded hardshell case.
Specifications:
Body Shape | Stratocaster |
Body Finish | Gloss Urethane |
Neck Shape | Modern "D" |
Neck Material | Maple |
Neck Finish | Ultra Satin Urethane with Gloss Headstock Face |
Scale Length | 25.5" (648 mm) |
Fingerboard Material | Maple |
Fingerboard Radius | 10" to 14" Compound Radius (254 mm to 355.6 mm) |
Number of Frets | 22 |
Fret Size | Medium Jumbo |
Nut Material | Bone |
Nut Width | 1.685" (42.8 mm) |
Position Inlays | Black Pearloid Dots |
Bridge Pickup | Ultra Noiseless Vintage Strat |
Middle Pickup | Ultra Noiseless Vintage Strat |
Neck Pickup | Ultra Noiseless Vintage Strat |
Control Knobs | Aged White Soft Touch Knobs |
Guitar Pickup Configuration | S-S-S |
Hardware Finish | Nickel/Chrome |
Tuning Machines | Deluxe Cast/Sealed Locking |
Pickguard Description | 3-Ply Aged White |
Case/Gig Bag | Elite Molded Case (Included) |
Neck Construction | 4-Bolt Standard |
Neck Plate | 4-Bolt Asymmetrical |
Truss Rod | Bi-Flex |
Switch Tip | Aged White |
Reviews:
Sound: The vintage tone noiseless pickups are perfect for what I wanna play on this guitar. All my other are humbuckers, high gain passive and active humbuckers at that, so the vintage tone single coils give me that sound I simply cannot get from my other guitars. Granted, my other guitars have split coil options, but there is a noticeable difference between a split humbucker and a noiseless single coil. Features: The S1 switch serves me no purpose, just turns the tone into mud. Ease of Use: It's not rocket science, but I'm used to 3way pickup selectors, and an all or almost nothing attitude when it comes to my other guitars volume controls, and never touch the tone controls, so for me personally there is a learning curve when it comes to all the tonal possibilities that come with a typical Strat setup.If I could change one thing on the guitar, it would be using 6100 jumbo frets, but generally speaking the guitar is a breeze to play, after a day or so… It's very stiff out of the box.The tremolo has a very nice feel to it, and the pop in arm should be standard on all trems at this point. Quality: The guitar is very well made. This is a professional guitar! Value: This is where my issue is… I just can't see how this guitar is worth $400 more than the Professional series. With everything being made on CNC machines, that little contour on the cutaway and the compound radius fingerboard seem like an unjustified mark up, the only thing on this guitar that should be a logical price mark up are the locking tuners and the pickups, neither of which equate to $400 in parts… But I liked the finishes more, and didn't feel like swapping out tuners and bridge saddles. Manufacturer Support: Never had to deal with Fender customer service. Overall: This guitar is a purists nightmare, but it's a dream to me. Compound radius fingerboard and satin neck finish are up my alley.Rob
First things first, the manager and the guys at Guitar Center in Pensacola were very helpful. About 3 weeks ago I bought the Plus Top Stratocaster and I loved the guitar but wanted to upgrade to the Ultra so I started shopping around for one and found one at a different music store down the street for a significantly lower price than what was advertised at the local Guitar Center. So I figured I would have to return my guitar to the store. When I got there I asked about the price match guarantee that Guitar Center provides and I brought it up to them that I found the Cobra Blue Ultra guitar at a lower price at another store and after a few minutes and the manager doing some research he pretty much told me " if you're are going to buy this guitar, I would rather you buy it from us " I was very surprised. In my mind I thinking that he was going to come up with some sort of excuse to not match the price. That is what customer service is all about!!!! Middle finger to other stores! From here on out I am a lifelong customer of Guitar Center. Oh and this guitar is the best of the best!! It's like being handed the keys to a brand new Corvette ( or a Ford Cobra, whichever you prefer). So, hands down the best guitar and the best customer service you could ask for!! I'm already looking forward to getting an Ultra Tele this year!Steve
This is my third Fender. I previously owned an "standard" Ultra that I traded towards another guitar, and I also currently own a Lincoln Brewster model strat. While those guitars are very good, the Ultra Luxe is next level. The craftsmanship, feel and sound of this guitar truly deserves the "Luxe" name. Before ordering, my biggest concerns were how the stainless steel frets would affect the tone and how the new neck shape would feel. But I have ordered from Musicians Friend off and on since the late 90's and have always had excellent service, so I figured I could return the guitar it I didn't like it. Both concerns were put to rest within moments after plugging in. The tone is definitely that unmistakable Fender strat sound and I had no trouble dialing a nice funk and a very serviceable SRV tone. You can also get a pretty good variety of other tones thanks to the switching. I was kind of expecting a thin neck shape based on reviews/descriptions that I read, but it is pleasantly thick without being too chunky. I can't stand thin Ibanez style necks and thankfully the neck on the Luxe is not like that. It fits the hand nicely. Not a chunky as the Lincoln Brewster model (which I also really like) but feels a little thicker than the neck on the standard Ultra. I believe it has the same bridge found on the standard Ultra model which is the push-in style. So no thread to wear out over time. Overall, I am so happy that I bought this and it has already become my new #1 guitar.Matt
2. 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
3. Cordoba Gk Studio Negra Acoustic-Electric Guitar
Product Details:
Built with a solid european spruce top, rosewood back and sides, soft cutaway and fishman presys blend preamp, the gk studio negra is the ultimate gigging instrument and a córdoba best-seller. made for the stage, the gk studio negra is constructed with a slightly thinner body depth, neck and nut width than a traditional spanish guitar. the neck is designed to have little or no relief, offering low action for ease of comfort and quick playability. flamenco players choose this model for a bassier and more robust tone in contrast to the bright, snappy sound of ‘blanca’ flamenco guitars. however, any guitarist looking for a new tone will feel right at home. like every córdoba guitar, this model has a two-way truss rod built into the neck. other premium features include a high gloss finish, clear flamenco-style tap plate, and savarez strings. case sold separately.
Specifications:
Build | Flamenco |
Construction | Solid Top |
Body Top | Solid European Spruce |
Top Bracing Pattern | Fan |
Soundhole Diameter | 84mm (3 1/3") |
Rosette | All Wood Traditional |
Top Purfling Inlay | 3-ply Maple and Black |
Top Binding | Maple |
Back and Sides Wood | Rosewood |
Neck Material | Mahogany |
Scale Length | 648mm (25 1/2") |
Neck Shape | C Shape |
Nut Width | 50mm (2") |
Neck Thickness 1st Fret | 21mm |
Neck Thickness 9th Fret | 24mm |
Truss Rod | Dual Action |
Truss Rod Wrench | 4mm Allen Key |
Fingerboard Material | Rosewood |
Frets Total | 19 |
Finish | Gloss Polyurethane |
Bridge Material | Rosewood |
Saddle Material | Bone |
Nut Material | Bone |
Tuning Machines | Cordoba Gold and Black with Black Buttons |
Tap Plate | Yes |
Electronics | Fishman Presys Blend |
Strings | Savarez Cristal Corum High Tension 500CJ |
Included Case | Case Sold Separately |
Upper Bout Width | 286mm (11 1/4") |
Lower Bout Width | 368mm (14 1/2") |
Body Depth Upper Bout | 85mm (3 1/3") |
Body Depth Lower Bout | 90mm (3 1/2") |
Body Length | 489mm (19 1/4") |
Overall Length | 984mm (38 3/4") |
Reviews:
The Córdoba GK Studio Negra is a rare gem among acoustic classical guitars. Once you hold it and hear the incredible tones it offers your ears, you not want to put it down. Pure ear candy that plays like soft golden butter as you easily slide your fingers on the fretboard and bend the strings. After playing many other acoustic and classical guitars over the years as a professional musician, the GK Studio Negra was ‘the one’ I’d been searching for. It just feels good and the woods are so well balanced not only in tones but beautifully designed. It’s truly a work of art and has much character. The value is unbelievable for what you get because this remarkable guitar plays and has the appearance of one three times it’s cost. There’s no other way to say it except that you will fall in love with it. I did. For classical, jazz, folk or blues it’s a wonderful companion on or off the stage plugged in or not. With dynamic rich low end and gorgeous sustain, you will be inspired to play this versatile guitar for many years. The Córdoba GK Studio Negra is a graceful friend that you will cherish.KH singer songwriter and produce
This was my upgrade from a Lucero 150se and what a difference it made. In terms of playability there's no comparison, the Cordoba is superior in every way. Start with the tuners/nut which are perfectly smooth allowing you to make small adjustments even on steel strings. Playing the Cordoba is simply easier and there were things I could not do well on the Lucero due to the thickness of the wood neck. Mind you I'm not talking about the nut width which is 50mm on both, I'm talking the actual thickness of the wood neck itself below the fret board. The slimmer profile of the Cordoba meant reaching certain chords easier, changing chords faster, and giving my hands the ability to put pressure when needed. The factory strings on the Cordoba appear to be superior as well although I would still upgrade them if you can afford it; the steel strings on the Lucero wore out at about 85hrs. No fret noise of any kind on the Cordoba (so long as you play the chord right) whereas on the Lucero I would get buzzing on frets 5 & 6 from both 5th and 4th strings with anything other than light strumming, even with perfect finger placement. The sound of the Cordoba is more sharp, crisp, and clear than the Lucero. My only con is that the shallower body does create a slightly more "twangy" sound than I'm used to but its a negligible difference I quickly settled with in exchange for the other qualities. You get what you pay for. This is a very solid guitar for the price. I would recommend nothing less for serious beginners.Joe T
This guitar is great. I've had no real qualms with it so far, albeit I've only had it since April 1st. I used to play about a decade ago, but life happened and I stopped playing consistently. I bought a Jasmine S34-C about a month back to start up playing again, but it didn't revitalize my love for guitar quite like this one did. I had only played an acoustic before up until I picked up this GK Studio. As soon as I saw it I knew I had to have it. The ebony/gold tuning keys look very refined and the guitars "negra" or black style looks sooooo good. The contrast between the lighter and darker colors does a lot for me. The sound(for me) is just right. Not too soft, but not excessively punchy. I am not someone to perform at gigs as I've only ever played at home, but this guitar definitely has made me want to give it my all and try new things! When things finally get back to 100% here in the states I'll be giving this guitar a shot at a few spots. I've seen a few reviews online that suggest that this is a great gig guitar as well and has a great sound when plugged in so I can't wait to try that out even more so! The only (minor)thing I can think of that I would call a "con" is the Fishman tuner built onto the side of the guitar. I have not had a chance to test out the different options when it is plugged into an amp, but the on-hand guitar tuner setting can be a bit fidgety at times. Its not anything severe as I usually just tune by ear, but I personally only use it for a guide to get back to standard when I'm done messing about with other alt. tunings. I wouldn't say it docks a star from this review, but its just something to look out for if anyone is wondering about it.Ruben S
4. 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
5. Fender American Performer Stratocaster Hss – Aubergine
Product Details:
Born in corona, california, the american performer stratocaster hss delivers the exceptional tone and feel you expect from an authentic fender-with new enhancements, like the doubletap humbucking pickup, that make it even more inspiring to play. the american performer stratocaster hss includes the yosemite single-coil pickups-designed for rich, expressive tones-and a doubletap humbucking bridge pickup. this unique, patent-applied-for design combines humbucking and single-coil voices, while eliminating volume loss in single-coil mode. with flat-staggered pole pieces to increase output and the single-coil pickups' shellac coating and humbucking pickup's wax potting that lets the coil breathe while controlling feedback, yosemite and doubletap pickups produce dynamic sounds ideal for any musical situation. the american performer stratocaster hss also features greasebucket tone circuitry, along with a push-pull tone control to control the doubletap humbucking pickup. the "modern c"- shaped neck sports a 9.5"- radius fingerboard that's comfortable for almost any playing style, along with 22 jumbo frets for effortless and accurate bending.
Specifications:
Body shape | Double 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 | Jumbo |
Number of frets | 22 |
Inlays | Dot |
Nut width | 1.65 in. (42 mm) |
Configuration | SSS |
Neck | Yosemite single-coil |
Middle | Yosemite single-coil |
Bridge | DoubleTap humbucker |
Active or passive pickups | Passive |
Series or parallel | Parallel |
Special electronics | Push/pull split coil |
Control layout | Master volume, tone 1, tone 2 |
Pickup switch | 5-way |
Coil tap or split | Coil split |
Bridge type | Tremolo/Vibrato |
Bridge design | 2-point synchronized |
Tuning machines | Fender ClassicGear |
Number of strings | 6-string |
Country of origin | United States |
Reviews:
I bought the Honey Burst because I didn't have a burst and honestly not a big fan of "bursts." But when I saw this honey, and it lacking a really dark edge like most bursts do I decided to play it. Sounded fantastic, played so sweetly, just as fine as my Miami Blue American Pro II, and my American Showcase. Don't spend the extra money on one of those if you're on a budget, tryin to save some money, but want USA made, this performer stacks right up with them, you won't be missing much if anything. I uploaded a YT vid, its my American Showcase, In the process of making a vid of this Performer, like sub and stay tuned! If you mention this review and leave a link to on of your vids I will reciprocate!CHARLES
Manufacturer Support: Did not contact manufacturer. Overall: I just got done demoing the floor model at my local big box store and I have to same I'm really impressed. For comparison, my main Strat is an American Special with three single coil Texas Special pickups and the new Yosemite pickups and the Doubletap humbucker have a lot more output. I used a floor model Boss Katana amp (distortion) as well as a Marshall amp (clean). The Doubletap humbucker sounds great with light to heavy distortion. Even with max distortion, it is very clear and pronounced and I was able to distinguish all the notes being played without it sounding muddy (first position and coil split off.) The second position (coil split off) sounds amazing. Even with heavy distortion, I was able to get some great sounding blues solos with the first and second position. With positions three, four and five, I was able to get those classic Strat tones that everyone loves. Going from humbucker to the single coil via coil split, the pickup still seemed to have a higher output than the Texas Specials. Just to make sure it wasn't the coil split, I also demoed the traditional three single coil setup and still, they seemed very hot. I played the opening riff and the solo to Paranoid and was very happy by the sounds the guitar made but the clean sounds are what really sold me. I played various chords (major, minor, 7th, different positions, coil split on/off, etc.) and was not disappointed at all by what I heard. To me, it sounds very different from any other Strat I've played. I use my current Strat as an all round guitar but that's soon to change. The finish is satin and for those who haven't played a guitar with a satin finish, the finish may feel a little rough as if it needs to be sanded but it doesn't. I prefer a gloss finish myself but that aspect can be easily overlooked if you want an amazing sounding guitar.Russell
Tim Shaw double tap humbucker with yosemite pickups great combo! Covers a wide range. The humbucker in the bridge gives you that fat extra distortion. And when you want that single coil sound pull up on the tone knob and split the coils. Well balanced. Plus you can still get that Sweet Home Alabama sound in position 2 with the HB in single coil mode ! Yosemite Pu's have classic Strat tone in clean channel. The rosewood neck plays and feels good. Came set up out of the box. Fender did a nice job on their Performer Series. Definitely worthy. Kudos!Mikeb
6. Yamaha Fx335c Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar Black
Product Details:
Specifications:
Reviews:
After trying to use a no-drilling-required pickup on my dreadnought and getting obnoxious buzzing noises, I saw one of these on the wall at my local Guitar Center. I liked the feel, and was really surprised at the sound when I tried it through a PA. I saw one in their Used section online and got it for a giveaway price. Like another reviewer said, this thing plays like an electric; a soft-V neck with great action. Big secret: Whether you pay $250 or $3,000, acoustic-electric guitars all sound about the same through a PA. So why bankrupt yourself? I'm going to open mics and playing next to people with very high-dollar guitars and sound just as good! Yamaha is also far and away my favorite brand of acoustic; I have five. Now, this thing DOES have a few finish flaws you don't see on my Yamaha FG730s guitars, like one speck under the finish and a drip on the upper bout. However this is their absolute entry-level electric acoustic so I guess they train new guys on this line, and for how well it plays and sounds, and the price I paid, I have no complaints. Thank you, sir, may I have another!Art's Tunes
Bad – This guitar came without the usual Yamaha Factory Box and Accessories (truss rod, inspection tag, instructions). It looked like it was 'reboxed' by Guitar Center to fulfill Musician's Friend's order. And it shipped from a Guitar Center store rather than a warehouse. This happens way too often with Musician's friend, and they never seem to label the guitar as 'open box' or 'used.' Although the guitar was re-packed with lots of bubble wrap, the guitar was obviously damaged at the store. There were cracks on the top and side of the guitar. That probably explains why Guitar Center repackaged the guitar-the original shipping box from Yamaha would have been an obvious clue to the damaged guitar. Good-All Yamaha guitars go through a quality control process. And when I purchase them from other retailers, they all come with the proper accessories and inspection tags and are factory-packaged in the sealed Yamaha boxes. So, just make sure you are getting a new product, not a showroom or return-recycle when you order a Yamaha product from Musician's friend. Ugly-This guitar has a laminate top and the tonal balance of the guitar isn't top notch. Plugged in for performance or recording *and* when just played unplugged you can hear the difference between a Yamaha laminate vs solid top acoustic. I would recommend going for the solid top. I'm not sure if the Musician's friend website clearly specifies this is a laminate top guitar. Okay, if you get a new one with the inspection tags and truss rod tool, it's good for learning guitar or campfire use, where you might get caught in a rainstorm or you might be gifting a guitar and aren't sure how it will be taken care of. Moving up to the Yamaha solid top guitars, you are going to be happier in the long run, if you are a serious guitarist. I recommend trying this guitar out in a retail store, to make sure you get one fresh from the factory with the inspection tags and barcode on the factory box to prove it.Seasoned Musician
7. Fender Player Stratocaster Hsh Silver
Product Details:
The fender player hsh is a perfect guitar for you to display your individuality and unique sound. this guitar is versatile enough for any genre or style of music and ready for you to experiment and create your own tone, sound and style. while giving you creative freedom, the player also holds the same authentic feel. fender's bright and crisp tone still shines through in your music. this fender guitar comes with a structure built for perfection. the neck is well-crafted from smooth maple wood and boasts a satin urethane finish, allowing you to slide between frets with unparalleled ease. this is a great touch for aspiring shredders. another great feature is the 2-point tremolo, which provides more freedom when creating your new sound. add pitch bends and vibratos to complete your solos. this is the ideal model for those who want to explore new styles.
Specifications:
Body shape | Double 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 | Gloss |
Radius | 9.5 in. |
Fret size | Medium jumbo |
Number of frets | 22 |
Inlays | Dot |
Configuration | HSH |
Neck | Player Series Stratocaster humbucker |
Middle | Player Series Stratocaster single coil |
Bridge | Player Series Stratocaster humbucker |
Active or passive pickups | Passive |
Series or parallel | Parallel |
Piezo | No |
Active EQ | No |
Control layout | Master volume, tone 1, tone 2 |
Pickup switch | 5-way |
Kill switch | No |
Bridge type | Tremolo/Vibrato |
Tuning machines | Die-cast sealed |
Number of strings | 6-string |
Country of origin | Mexico |
Reviews:
This is the first Acoustic/electric that I have owned that I actually love playing. The action is great even with the large gauge acoustic strings on it. Comes with a very nice gig-bag/case. I love the way the neck and back of the guitar looks. I also love the Strat 5-way switch that selects the degree and type of acoustic sound. The only downside with this guitar is the cover that serves as a cover for the electronics and pick guard. It looks cheap, more like a decal than a cover. I think Fender can do better on this detail for the price of the guitar. However, if you can get past that then it is a fine playing and sounding guitar. I have owned several Acoustic and Acoustic/Electric guitars. The action on even high-priced acoustics was so terrible I just ended up selling them. I also do not like the large back ends of most acoustic and acoustic electric guitars, but this guitar is small and easy to play. I would give it an A-.Bill
The research I did on trying to learn more about this instrument via general internet, YouTube, assorted standard Music Company's like Sam Ash; Sweetwater; Guitar Center; Alamo; and other assorted Music Guitar critics provided a good array of opinions and product test results that produced a positive majority with impressive perspectives for the instrument I purchased. The Fender American Acoustasonic Stratocaster Acoustic-Electric Guitar Cocobolo I purchased from Sam Ash was not a disappointment. Aside from the 10 different options of Guitar unique sounds it provides from Acoustic and Electric mixes. The one-of-a-kind Cocobolo wood identifies a further fingerprint in supporting its own private one-of-a-kind signature sound with relationship to the Cocobolo wood unique to it alone. That just blows me away with how special the sound of specialty signature sound it produces with the ten different built in technical sounds the Fender Guitar company developed with this special edition. I feel overwhelmed in learning to continue how to play this guitar. It allows me so many more possibilities with playing soft country to hard rock a really strong guitar enjoyment experience.Guitar Enthusiast
Overall, I am very happy with this guitar. It exudes classic Fender looks and tone. The quality and craftsmanship are decent for the price point. I have a US Tele and, after putting some TLC into this player strat, it feels and plays almost as good as the Tele. I would give it five stars if it were not for fretwork that was needed. Body – The finish and surf pearl color are gorgeous. The wood grain is barely visible (raised) so I would not say the finish is flawless, but the grain is very subtle and adds character in my opinion. The routed cavities for the electronics (top) and the tremolo springs (back) are precisely cut and clean. The electronics cavity was even finished with black paint. Neck – The finish and appearance are great. However, all 22 frets had sprouted; some as much as 1/32". I can't say this is a craftsmanship issue as the frets were probably fine when it was assembled. It must have been a very high humidity environment, though. Nevertheless, after painstakingly filing and redressing all 44 fret ends it feels good. The frets themselves were well seated and leveled. The 3rd and 11th frets were a few thousands of an inch high, but not enough to cause any buzzing issues. The frets were well rounded and polished. Hardware – The tuners are just okay. One of them feels a little rough turning, and they seem to have a low turning ratio making it very touchy to dial in perfect pitch. The 2-point fulcrum tremolo bridge seems like a better design than the traditional (six screw) bridges, but I did not test it. I prefer to block them for more stable tuning, which worked great with this bridge. I have upgraded electronics I had planned to install in this guitar, but the stock pickups aren't bad. They are very quiet and have good tone – there is no rush to replace them. Setup was a breeze. Truss rod adjustment was smooth, nut slots were to spec, and intonation was perfect. The action needed adjustment since I blocked the tremolo, but that was easy.Dave S.
8. Fender Player Stratocaster Hss Plus Top Pau Ferro Tobacco Sunburst
Product Details:
The inspiring sound of a stratocaster is one of the foundations of fender. featuring this classic soundbell-like high end, punchy mids and robust low end, combined with crystal-clear articulationthe stunning player stratocaster hss plus top is packed with authentic fender feel and style. its ready to serve your musical vision, its versatile enough to handle any style of music and its the perfect platform for creating your own sound. respecting our heritage while maintaining our innovative spirit, the player series humbucking bridge pickup sounds huge and warm, while the player series single-coil middle and neck pickups are crisp and articulateits authentic fender tone with a modern edge. the modern c-shaped maple necks 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 weve made it easier to express yourself musically. the updated 2-point tremolo design has smoother travel for enhanced playing feel while simultaneously giving you rock-solid tuning stability since theres less friction against the posts. 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. own the spotlight and create something new with the player stratocaster hss plus top.
Specifications:
Body shape | Double cutaway |
Body type | Solid body |
Top wood | Flame Maple |
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 | Gloss |
Radius | 9.5 in. |
Fret size | Medium jumbo |
Number of frets | 22 |
Inlays | Dot |
Configuration | HSS |
Neck | Player Series Stratocaster single coil |
Middle | Player Series Stratocaster single coil |
Bridge | Player Series Stratocaster humbucker |
Active or passive pickups | Passive |
Series or parallel | Parallel |
Piezo | No |
Active EQ | No |
Control layout | Master volume, tone 1, tone 2 |
Pickup switch | 5-way |
Kill switch | No |
Bridge type | Tremolo/Vibrato |
Tuning machines | Die-cast sealed |
Number of strings | 6-string |
Country of origin | Mexico |
Reviews:
1 month review with guitar being setup professionally: Great pickups and tone and overall good sounding guitar after a proper setup, gorgeous nitro finish and paintjob. Relic effects are beautiful. The nitro finish feels thin enough for you to eventually make your own marks from repeated playing – a perfect way to tell a story and give the guitar character. Worn in neck feels amazing to play and not sticky to touch. Worth noting that the Pure Vintage 59 pickups on these don't have a reverse-wound middle pick, so there will be hum including positions 2 and 4. If you are easily annoyed with single coil hum, these pickups might not be for you. Also worth noting that these pickups do sound a bit warmer than a stock Fender Player pickups. These respond so MUCH better to high gain type of playing, all while still sounding amazing on low-gain and clean playing. Despite the pros, there are still some areas are lacking and needs improvement. The guitar had razor sharp frets along the binding that could easily cut you, meanwhile I have a $700 MIM fender player didn't have this problem straight out of the box. It's crazy to think that $700 guitar went through better QA than a $1200 guitar, but whatever, the frets are bound to be polished and worked on anyway with your initial setup regardless. CME's shipping page policies say "Every guitar gets a full inspection, as well as basic setup." Guitar came with an inspection card that had overall playability specs checked but some of it was questionable. The guitar was not playable at all out of the box despite letting it acclimate for over a day before opening BUT that is a given considering it spent time in a delivery truck trunk in freezing winter. However, it was a bit bogus how they even checked off volume output when the pickups were NOWEHERE near the appropriate height out of the box and there was BARELY any audible output on the treble side of the guitar. I highly doubt weather and temperature fluctuation will make the pickup screws spin by themselves to the degree at which the pickups came out of the box. Secondly, the tremolo springs at the back also weren't ******* in the appropriate depth for a either a floating or flushed trem setup – it was just sort of in the middle of the cavity. Weather fluctuation from their shop and may have affected string tension, but I also don't think it would make the claw springs in the back unscrew themselves to the degree the guitar came. Makes me wonder how thorough the inspection was. These might not matter as much to some especially those who will get their new guitars setup anyway, but it's good to note that you may still need to budget for a setup if you aren't doing it yourself. Although there could've been improvements on Fender and CME's part that I don't think could be blamed on external factors such as weather and climate fluctuations, overall, I would still 100% recommend this guitar, and it's a gem. The guitar played well after a proper setup, so I'm happy with it now. The price may be too expensive for some considering it's not made in USA, but it must be considered that this is the cheapest proper nitro-finish guitar you will currently find. The next best thing are Fender custom shop, so this guitar is perfect for those looking to enjoy vintage style paint/nitro body finish, and vintage specs without paying custom shop prices. The appearances are just a plus, since they sound and play amazing after a proper set up.Carlos T.
I've been playing for a little while, I rehearse with my band once/twice a week so my guitars definitely get played quite a bit, I've preferred Stratocasters from an early age. The shape is legendary and the tone is versatile. I own Chinese, Japanese, U.S. and Mexican Strats. This one is very comparable to my American Professional Stratocaster, the neck profile, the weight and intonation. Electronics are great, single coils produce a sweet twangy clean tone and the humbucker roars really nice with the right amount of gain/distortion. Makes it a very comfortable instrument that plays as easy as mantequilla on a hot tortilla. Only issue, (hence the 'almost comparable to MIA strats comment in the headline) are the frets… They are a little bit on the sharp side, I'm guessing it comes down to a player's preference? A competent luthier can dress the fret ends and make this one a real player/main axe. Other than the sharp frets, everything else is pretty solid and straight, the vatos down in Ensenada MX do great work producing these!Benjamin
So my story goes like this, I flew into Portland Oregon for work and immediately drove from the airport to Guitar Center. Upon walking in, someone was shredding on a guitar and it went on for a good 10 minutes. The guitar he was playing was the Candy Red Burst Fender Stratocaster Player Series. After he was done, I grabbed it and saw why he played it so long. It felt just solid in the hands. The strings, fret board and neck were silky smooth; Super easy to glide up and down with no fret buzz. The pickups are all Fender Player Stratocaster series which I have had no issue with and perform great out of the box. Also, just holding the guitar is a treat in the hands. It's a beautiful guitar. The Candy Red Burst has a very high functioning coat that gives a deep black fade anyway you turn it. It also fit my bill for something to remember Oregon by since the guitar is a deep Rose Red and Portland is know as the City of Roses.The Pau Ferro fingerboard is also eye candy as it has black veins that run through the grain matching the black hardware of the guitar. Other then that, I have had this guitar for 5 months as of this review and absolutely love it. The guitar holds its tune very well I enjoy playing it every time. Wait, you still reading this? Go get one already!Allan
9. Epiphone B.b. King Lucille Electric Guitar
Product Details:
The epiphone b b king lucille, ebony is a signature guitar from b.b. king that is inspired by his own guitars that he named 'lucille'. his lucille guitars mainly consisted of black gibson es-335 guitars, and he requested that his signature semi-hollow model featured no 'f'-holes with the aim to reduce feedback. just like the original, the body is crafted from maple, which delivers exceptionally bright and balanced tones with ringing sustain. the neck is also made from maple, and it is paired with a rosewood fingerboard which enhances the tone with soft, warm articulation. powered by a pair of alnico classic humbuckers, the epiphone b.b. king lucille produces a powerful and wonderfully vintage sound. the signature lucille guitar is also equipped with a versatile varitone selector, that is loaded with 5 pre-set notch filters and a bypass; for a total of 18 unique tones to sculpt your ideal sound. the b.b. king signature lucille wouldn't be complete without a sleek ebony finish, gold hardware and a tortoiseshell pickguard, to create the perfect tribute to the king of blues.
Specifications:
Body Shape | ES-335 |
Bracing | Spruce |
Centerblock | Maple |
Body Finish | Gloss |
Neck Material | Maple |
Scale Length | 628.65 mm / 24.75 in |
Fingerboard Material | Ebony |
Fingerboard Radius | 304.8 mm / 12.00 in |
Fret Count | 22 |
Frets | Medium Jumbo |
Nut Material | Graph Tech |
Nut Width | 43 mm / 1.69 in |
Inlays | Pearloid Blocks |
Joint | Glued in, Set Neck |
Hardware Finish | Gold |
Bridge | Epiphone LockTone Tune-O-Matic |
Tailpiece | TP-6 Stop Bar with Fine Tuners |
Tuning Machines | Grover Rotomatic with Keystone Buttons |
Pickguard | 5-ply ES-335 style Bound Tortoise Pickguard |
Truss Rod | 2-way Adjustable |
Truss Rod Cover | Brass Bell; Engraved "BB King" |
Switch Tip | Cream |
Switchwasher | Gold Varitone Washer |
Control Covers | Black; PVC |
Strap Buttons | 2 – Bottom and Back of Heel |
Mounting Rings | Black |
Pickup Covers | Gold |
Neck Pickup | Alnico Classic PRO |
Bridge Pickup | Alnico Classic PRO |
Pickup Selector | 3-way Epiphone Toggle |
Reviews:
I bought this guitar shortly after Mr. King passed away as a not so subtle nod to his influence on my playing style, and I must say that it is an absolute blast to play! Out of the box, it was setup and intonated almost perfectly, I just needed to tune it. After a string change and a couple days out playing it, I noticed that I rarely had to tune it and when I did have to, it wasn't very far off. Holds tune very well..haven't even had to use the fine tuners. I should also add that the "E" on the pickguard is only lightly glued on and can be removed and put away, or removed and glued more securely or left alone to stay and/or fall off eventually. Not sure why Epiphone does it, but it's there and can be dealt with/ignored based on your personal tastes. The Varitone makes this very versatile, however you will lose some volume as you go, but that can be adjusted for. The finish is of good quality, the frets were dressed nicely, no snags. The neck feels good and the action was great all out of the box. The pickups are good and handle distortion fairly well from what little I've played with distortion. The clean tones are good. There's a little boominess to the neck pickup, but you can either use the varitone or back the pickup itself down away from the strings. The bridge pickup sounds really good as well. A nice change of pace for someone whose played single coils since they started playing. You're paying for nice hardware and the name as another reviewer said, but this guitar is definitely worth the money…especially if you can't afford to buy the Gibson but can manage this. Glad I bought it!Josh
This is a very nice instrument and a good value for the money. After a quick setup, the guitar plays very easily. It is well built, looks great, and sounds great. It is a well-balanced instrument and the neck feels very smooth and comfortable. The fretwork and intonation are spot-on. The VariTone control does offer multiple tone shapes, but most of the time I'll probably stick with the first position and use the pickup selector and standard tone knobs to color my sound. Buy a hardshell case for this and you have an instrument that should last for many years of playing classic rock, jazz, and blues. I am very satisfied with this purchase.JMP
Lucille is a beautiful guitar. Sounds very nice, feels great to the touch. Teamed up with my Marshall MG30CFX and BOSS Blues Driver, I gave it a quick tune and it was magic! The fact that it came with the hardcase was a huge plus. Very plush interior. Just an all out pleasure to look at, pick up, etc. I definitely suggest anyone in the market for a classy guitar with that blues flair and sound, look into this one.askari_xfactor
10. Ibanez Rgrt421 Electric Guitar (Weathered Black)
Product Details:
For years the rg series has been one of the most recognisable lines in the ibanez arsenal, delivering hard rockin' metal machines with precision, speed and power. the new ibanez rgrt421-wk is something pretty special from this highly regarded line. with a beautiful weathered black mahogany body, you not only get stunning looks but rich, tight, natural tone. the ergonomic body shape feels smooth, well balanced and poised for action. a 5 piece maple/walnut wizard iii neck features a jatoba fingerboard with white dot inlays. it's designed for speed and precision, perfect for today's metal players. with a rich history of crushing tones and sweeping solos to live up to, the rgrt421-wk is loaded with a duo of quantum pickups. in the traditional hh configuration, they combine to deliver an insane dynamic range and note definition. with unrivalled clarity and power, you can unleash crushing riffs and soaring solos, whatever you need, it can handle it! with its powerhouse specs and exotic aesthetics, the ibanez rgrt421-wk is one cool cat!
Specifications:
Body shape | Double cutaway |
Body type | Solid body |
Body wood | Mahogany |
Orientation | Right handed |
Neck shape | Wizard III reverse headstock |
Neck wood | Maple/walnut |
Joint | Neck-through |
Scale length | 25.5 in. |
Truss rod | Yes |
Radius | 15.75 in. |
Fret size | Jumbo |
Number of frets | 22 |
Inlays | Dot |
Nut width | 1.69 in. (43 mm) Not specified |
Configuration | HH |
Neck | Quantum (H) |
Bridge | Quantum (H) |
Active or passive pickups | Passive |
Series or parallel | Series |
Piezo | No |
Active EQ | No |
Special electronics | 5-way switch with coil splitting |
Control layout | Master volume, tone |
Pickup switch | 5-way |
Kill switch | No |
Bridge type | Fixed |
Bridge design | 6-saddle string through body |
Tailpiece | String thru body |
Tuning machines | Not specified |
Number of strings | 6-string |
Reviews:
Sound: The stock pickups sound great especially with high gain. Nice crunch and break up. Features: For me the reason that I bought this model is that it is the least expensive way to get a real Edge tremolo. I can do subtle things with the Edge that I can’t do on an Original Floyd Rose. The bar is easier to position and it stays where ever you put it. As long as the torsion bushings on the bar aren’t worn out, the pop in bar is neither too tight or too sloppy. Value: This guitar is worth every penny. Manufacturer Support: I did not use Ibanez customer service and I did order half a dozen sets of torsion bushings, but had to order them from different places. The Wow Factor: I love the color of this one, Desert Sun Yellow. Overall: In the last 2 months I’ve bought 5 different Ibanez guitars, both lower and higher price. I must say that this guitar is the most bang for the buck out of any of my 21 guitars that I own.Got more than 200 bucks off on mine as it was sold as a slight blemish. When the guitar arrived, I noticed it did have a hairline crack in the paint on the bass side at the neck pocket. That was the only flaw I could find and it probably would have happened anyway if I would have got a “new” one.This is the shreddiest guitar that I have. The only thing that I had to address is that the 6th fret was a little proud. Other than that the fret job was good. All the frets were shiny and smooth and no fret sprout.This is the guitar that is at the price point where if you spend more money, you aren’t going to get much better. And the fit and finish were top notch.Scott
Overall: This guitar was a total impulse buy and I’m so glad I bought it! It’s easily worth twice the price of it. Can’t get too many mid tier guitars that are neck thru with decent pickups and a 5-way switch that has a fast and slim neck at this price. I mostly play baritone 6 strings and 7 strings but I needed a 25.5” scale for drop C and this is perfect for it with 10-54 strings. I did upgrade the nut with a Graphtech tusq nut and Hipshot locking tuners with knurled tuner buttons and looks even more badass while staying in perfect tune! I have an Ibanez rgib6 Iron Label 28” baritone and this is up there with that as far as quality and playability. The stock pickups aren’t bad at all and definitely surprised me cuz that’s usually the first thing I’ll change in an inexpensive guitar. As you can see by the other reviews people say it’s a great guitar and they’re not lying so if you’re on the fence about getting it then go for it! You won’t be disappointed at all and if for some reason you are then zZounds has a return policy within like 30-45 days so you won’t be stuck with a guitar you don’t love.Josh
Overall: I have been playing the epiphone les paul std for two and half years now,and started looking at semi hollows around five months ago! I did some research looked at reviews and then bought the am93 ays almost four months ago,and just love it! The body is bigger and its lighter then the les paul ,it rests real nice on the lap no strap is neaded.Pickups and tunners excellent !! I would say the neck shape is a (c ) standard! Not thin like a jackson or wizard 3 neck! With the string action low feels and plays very nice!! Flawless machine ! No sharp frets,no freting out, all notes are clear, fret boards nice and dark no gaps around the block inlays ! All smooth sealed and even. Amazing finish. Thanks to everyone at zZounds ! With the payment plan i was able to get this! im very happy and very much enjoy it
11. Epiphone Les Paul Standard '60s – Bourbon Burst
Product Details:
This is a late 2020 epiphone les paul standard '60s model in smokehouse burst, which is a sweetwater exclusive color. i purchased it new january 2021. i swapped out the original tuner buttons for the pearloid ones. and i swapped out the original pickups (probucker 2 and 3) for the probucker 1 and 2 from a les paul standard '50s. and i upgraded the epiphone branded 3-way toggle with a switchcraft. otherwise, it's all original and in excellent condition. if you would prefer the original pickups, i can swap them back in. it has a very warm and thick tone and the guitar is very resonant. it sounds amazing.
Specifications:
Body Shape | Les Paul |
Binding | Cream |
Neck Material | Mahogany |
Scale Length | 24.75" |
Fingerboard Material | Indian Laurel |
Fingerboard Radius | 12" |
Number of Frets | 22 |
Frets | Medium Jumbo |
Nut Material | Graph Tech |
Nut Width | 1.693" |
Inlays | Pearloid Trapezoid |
Joint | Glued in |
Hardware Finish | Nickel |
Tuner Plating | Nickel |
Bridge | LockTone ABR Tune-o-matic |
Tailpiece | Stopbar |
Pickguard | Cream |
Truss Rod Cover | "Bell Shaped"; 2-layer (Black/White); 60s era E |
Control Knobs | Gold insert knobs with nickel plated dial pointers |
Strap Buttons | 2 |
Pickup Covers | Nickel |
Neck Pickup | ProBucker-2 |
Bridge Pickup | ProBucker-3 |
Controls | 2- Volume, 2- Tone CTS electronics |
Pickup Selector | 3-way Epiphone toggle |
Output Jack | 1/4" |
Strings | .10, .13, .17, .26, .36, .46 |
Reviews:
Overall: A couple of weeks ago, I was looking at buying the Gibson les Paul Standard 60's Bourbon Burst for $2,499.00, as I was doing my research checking out reviews when I came across a side by side review of the Gibson verses the Epiphone les Paul standard 60s. The similarities in quality and sound were eye opening, still skeptical I thought to myself, I owe to myself to at lest checkout the Epiphone les Paul standard 60s what's the worst that could happen, if I don't like it ill send it back and order the Gibson. Well I'm here to say I don't JUST like it, I ABSOLUTLY LOVE IT. Right out of the box I was super impressed with the look and feel of this guitar with the flamed maple top to the deep rich cherry back and sides, I sat down tuned it up plugged it into my amp. I went from being impressed to ka-ching I hit the jack pot. You know after I bought this guitar and before it arrived I had that feeling of buyers remorse, thinking that I somehow compromised and I should have bought the Gibson. Well the first few licks on this guitar and all that washed away instantly. This guitar has it all, value, quality, sound, playability and the flamed maple top…. just wow…!!!!! thank you zZounds and Epiphone for this fantastic les Paul.
I just received this guitar a few days ago. It's already my favorite. Love the slim taper neck, and the probucker pickups are great. The pickups are fine on clean tones, but where they really shine is when the gain is cranked up. Build quality is very good, and it's a beautiful instrument. I prefer a rosewood fretboard, but find the Indian laurel to be completely acceptable. Only 2 negatives: 1. No coil splitting option, 2. it's a heavy guitar. This doesn't matter much to me because as a hobbyist, I typically play sitting down. But I can see that if you play standing, this could get tiring after a while. But these are minor quibbles – overall I'm very pleased with my purchase. Finally,kudos to Dave Hoffman, who held my hand during the 3 month period it took to get a new shipment in.
I bought one of these several months ago. Ok I'm not good guitarist so take that into into consideration but I have player series strat and have always played strat style guitars and I'm not saying i love this guitar more than the Fender I love them both but as far as the guitar is concerned she got so much potential tonally. I have no complaints about the ascetic she beautiful sexy gorgeous took a little getting used to the weight and contours compared to the strat there is adjustment period but she just rocks. I never played a Gibson but if this guitar had Gibson I guess it be a little better but also 2grand more. If I have any complaint is she is finger print magnet always wiping down get some dunlop 65 and microfiber cloth. The Glossy neck won't appeal to all but I can deal with it. Fret work perfect. I'm not a gigging musician but i have no doubt she gig worthy. Oh also, get the pro coverage cause I found out ALL Les Paul are extremely fragile at the neck,It has to do with the angle of the neck, Google it, do your research on owning a led Paul little different than strat anyway the guitar is 600-GREAT VALUE then with 2 years pro coverage plus tax it was under 900 or somewhere around there. And if you get a bad quality then ask for another cause it is coming from Asia so there is variability in workmanship but mine is PERFECT. If I ever get rich maybe ill buy a Gibson but for now this satisfy my Les Paul needs. I wanted an alternative to my strat to emulate Slash sound lol I need to work on my technique but this definitely rocks a Les Paul sound. I did see a review or 2 that liked the sound of the 1950 better but I played them both and liked the 60s better but check them both out the inspired by Gibson line is definitely worth the money if you want a Les Paul without breaking the bank. Just take your time do your homework if you can go to a GC and play it then do that In rarely write reviews especially this long but I love this guitarMichael L
12. Fender Vintera &60s Stratocaster, Pau Ferro – 3-Color Sunburst
Product Details:
For players who want the style and sound of fender’s golden era, fender created the vintera ‘60s stratocaster. equipped with the coveted features that defined the decade—including period-accurate neck profile and playing feel, along with re-voiced pickups—this guitar has all of the chime and articulation that made the stratocaster a legend. for authentic, vintage-style tone fender recreated the trio of single-coil stratocaster pickups to sound more like the originals. crystalline and bell-like, they have the crisp, articulate tone that put fender on the map. the “mid 60s c”-shaped neck has a 7.25”-radius fingerboard with 21 vintage-style frets for classic playing feel. a vintage-style, six-point synchronized tremolo and vintage-style tuning machines offer original-era aesthetics, rock-solid performance and tuning stability. other features include vintage-style strap buttons, chrome hardware and four-bolt neck plate. includes a deluxe gig bag.
Specifications:
Body shape | Double cutaway |
Body type | Solid body |
Body wood | Alder |
Body finish | Gloss |
Orientation | Right handed |
Neck shape | C |
Neck wood | Maple |
Joint | Bolt-on |
Scale length | 25.5" |
Truss rod | Standard |
Neck finish | Gloss |
Radius | 7.25" |
Number of frets | 21 |
Inlays | Dot |
Nut width | 1.65" (42mm) |
Configuration | SSS |
Neck | '60s Strat |
Middle | '60s Strat |
Bridge | '60s Strat |
Active or passive electronics | Passive |
Series or parallel | Series |
Piezo | No |
Active EQ | No |
Control layout | Master volume, tone 1, tone 2 |
Pickup switch | 5-way |
Coil tap or split | No |
Kill switch | No |
Bridge type | Tremolo/Vibrato |
Bridge design | Vintage style |
Tuning machines | Vintage style |
Number of strings | 6-string |
Country of origin | Mexico |
Reviews:
Pro – Great sounding pickups, wouldn't change a thing. It is really easy to get all of vintage Strat sounds you want out of this. Pro – Really well made. Pro – The neck profile is a lot closer feeling to that era Strat then Fenders previous reissues of this guitar. Pro – It has the 5 way pickup switch as opposed to the three way that was on the original. Much better option. Pro/Con – (Con) Having to pull the neck off to adjust it is a drag. (Pro) To be fair it is like that on the originals and as such needs to be like that to be an accurate reproduction. Con – The setup out of the box was pretty bad. Not a problem, but if you don't do your own setups factor it in as an additional cost. Con – I could not get the stock tuners that came on it to stay in tune for long. I kept having to retune it. I replaced them with some vintage replica locking tuners (like the ones that come stock on the Vintera 50's modified) and it is now perfect. To be fair the tuners are meant to be replicas of the vintage ones so if you are used to guitars with higher end tuners this will through you off. Again just consider it an additional cost if it bugs you. With the locking tuners and a set up this guitar plays and sounds great. I would recommend it if you are looking for class Strat tones.Included pics of stock -vs- locking tuners, it does not really take much away from the look and makes the tuning much more stable. I would buy it again without hesitation.phez10
I’m no stranger to custom shop strats. No, it doesn’t have the nitro smell or the perfectly rolled edges, but this is one spectacular guitar. First impressions out of the box, it felt really nice in my hands, kind of similar to the deluxe Lone Star Strat I used to own, but the neck on this one is a lot more comfortable to me. I couldn’t find any flaws in the finish or the fretboard and frets. And best of all is how this guitar resonates, it’s deep and soulful when unplugged. Plugged in it sounds just like a strat should. I see no reason to change the pickups. The setup was a little off. A minor truss rod tweak and trem spring adjustment were all it really needed. I always put .10’a on anyway. The fret ends were nice and smooth and the fingerboard edges, while not “rolled,” felt rounded and smooth regardless. It really does feel like a high end USA made instrument. I was worried about the lighter brown colored Pau Ferro, but it really looks fantastic on this guitar. Also, the mint green pickguard is much greener than the photos and matches really well. Also the tint on the headstock and neck is perfect. It’s nice and dark but not too dark. It’s just right to make it look old and classy. The fretboard was very dry, though and a bit of oiling really brought out the grain and made it look a bit darker and much nicer. The ice blue is a nice color but it’s kind of weird. Almost looks green in certain lighting. The vintage frets are not for everyone but I absolutely love them. Also the radius is just fine, no fret-outs anywhere like everyone tries to tell you. I can see why most people would want the modified version if you’re a speed demon, but if you like a luxurious and smooth feel, you can’t go wrong with this one.Michael R.
I've played a lot of Stratocasters and this is the best vintage feeling guitar I have ever played. For being vintage I have no fretting out and the neck plays smooth and fast for me. I don't understand the complaints about this guitar, if your into a modern thin uncomfortable c shape and hum buckets or noiseless pick ups with jumbo frets that go out of intonation with hardly any wear than this isn't for you. If your looking for the absolute best bang for your buck that fender has ever produced than this guitar is for you. I've played American strats and deluxe and I don't like where my creative mind goes. You really get the authentic feel of what a Stratocaster is. Only recommendations I have as far as upgrading would be electronics. 65's would fit this guitar perfectly. But if your playing clean tones alot then the clean tones on this guitar are beautiful. Fender hit a deer spot here. I have 17 years of experience playing stratsEd
13. Fender Jimi Hendrix Stratocaster – Olympic White
Product Details:
Honoring the electrifying "voodoo chile" who popularized the stratocaster guitar and its tremendous sonic flexibility, the jim hendrix stratocaster gives you the same fiery tone and playing feel to wield as your own. full of incendiary vintage tone and classic style, this extraordinary instrument features signature touches and unique appointments based on his distinctive "flipped-over" guitars. the foundation of hendrixs uniquely personal sound and playing style was his habit of flipping his guitars over and restringing them to accommodate his left-handed playing, resulting in a "reverse" headstock and bridge pickup- features reproduced here in exacting detail. the "reverse" headstock produces a longer string length for the bass strings, creating a tighter playing feel along with easier bending and vibrato on the treble strings. a trio of unsurpassed american vintage 65 single-coil pickups includes a reverse-slant bridge pickup, producing uniquely inspiring tone with tight, warm sound and enhanced upper harmonics and definition. the highly versatile 9. 5radius "c-shaped maple neck with medium jumbo frets offers a flatter playing surface-ideal for chording while simultaneously allowing you to bend notes to the stratosphere without fear of fretting out during scorching solos. commemorating hendrixs unrivaled legacy, the large 70s-style headstock bears the guitarists signature on the rear. a unique neck plate displays a shoulders-up silhouette of the man himself and the engraved inscription, "authentic hendrix, " leaving no doubt as to the inspiration behind this guitar. available in classic olympic white or black, both with chrome hardware and including a gig bag, the jim hendrix stratocaster is your chance to unleash your own "electric sky church" music.
Specifications:
Body Finish | Gloss Polyester |
Body Shape | Stratocaster |
Body Color | Olympic White |
Neck Material | Maple |
Neck Finish | Gloss Polyester |
Neck Shape | "C" Shape |
Scale Length | 25.5" (648mm) |
Fingerboard Material | Maple |
Fingerboard Radius | 9.5" (241mm) |
Number of Frets | 21 |
Fret Size | Medium Jumbo |
Nut Material | Synthetic Bone |
Nut Width | 1.650" (42mm) |
Position Inlays | Black Dot |
Truss Rod | Standard |
Configuration | SSS |
Bridge | 6-Saddle Vintage-Style Synchronized Tremolo |
Hardware Finish | Chrome |
Tuning Machines | Vintage-Style |
Pickguard | 3-Ply White |
Control Knobs | Aged White Plastic |
Switch Tip | Aged White |
Neck Plate | 4-Bolt |
Handedness | Right-Handed |
Body Type | Solidbody |
Neck Construction | Bolt-On |
Reviews:
First the good. Neck is straight, properly fitted, and I really like a set radius as opposed to compound. The D profile feels "right" to me. Set bridge (screws vs pivot) is also a huge plus. Trem bar is a flat profile, where its closer to the body, instead of 2 inches too far out. The bad. Tuning machines are slotted too high, and a little wonky/loose. Fret ends are smooth , but not the cut, if that makes sense. So when you run your fretting hand up or down it'll catch on the burr from not smoothing out the neck side(s). The trem springs are way too loose/springy for an off the shelf guitar. Annnd it's really noisy. I expected some hum from vintage pickups but good god. This is something I'll have to deal with straight away. The gnarly. The sound and playability is simply ok out of the box. Not near enough "quack" for what its designed for. Namely doing Hendrix tunes. Barely there, really. All in all. I kinda knew it was going to take around 3-500 to get it where I wanted it. But it is a great starting point for hot-rodding/customization purposes. The headstock does take some getting used to!Bob
Sweetwater did right by me, setting up my Hendrix signature guitar with loaded pickguard with Seymour Duncan signature Hendrix pickups, bone nut, and pleking. Delivered double boxed, and in tune! Wow! Service was above and beyond at Sweetwater. The tones out of this guitar are killer, that is without any boxes! They have made themselves a lifetime customer! I highly recommend Sweetwater to anyone buying the guitar of your dreams! Thank you Sweetwater! You knocked it out of the park on this one!
Overall: This guitar is modeled after the "Jimi at Woodstock" white Strat, and is a great looking guitar that captures that vibe. But, I also needed something I could gig with. The reverse headstock is great because the longer wound strings have a little more tension, and the shorter G,B, and highE have less tension for great, smooth bends. The C shaped neck isn't super fat, but very comfortable. It gets a lot of attention in a live setting. I actually took mine to Bethel NY and stood on the original Woodstock field, and played "The Star Spangled Banner" on the spot of the original stage with a little battery powered amp. Talk about Bucket List things to do. 😉 A great guitar with vintage tone, easy playability, trem holds tune surprisingly well, not too heavy, and captures that 1969 vibe while being a true gig-worthy guitar. Buy it!Tony
14. Squier Classic Vibe '70s Stratocaster (Natural)
Product Details:
Throwing it back to one of the most notable decades in music history, this classic vibe '70s stratocaster has a lot to offer. featuring a solid squier construction, vintage '70s style, and authentic fender-designed alnico single-coil pickups, this model is for any guitarist who wants a great vintage strat. solid squier construction the strat has been a staple of the guitar world decade after decade. this particular model harks back to the style of the 1970s, while still maintaining the timeless strat build under the hood. the oversized 1970s headstock showcases period-inspired markings and vintage style tuners. the tuners, like the rest of the hardware, are nickel-plated. there's also a 6-saddle vintage-style synchronized tremolo bridge, a famous vintage strat feature. even the neck has a vintage tinted gloss finish for more of that boisterous '70s vibe. with five-way switching, you can find the best pickup combination for your style.
Specifications:
Body shape | Double cutaway |
Body type | Solid body |
Body wood | Poplar |
Body finish | Gloss |
Orientation | Right handed |
Neck shape | C |
Neck wood | Maple |
Joint | Bolt-on |
Scale length | 25.5 in. |
Truss rod | Standard |
Neck finish | Tinted |
Radius | 9.5 in. |
Fret size | Narrow tall |
Number of frets | 21 |
Inlays | Dot |
Nut width | 1.65 in. (42 mm) Bone |
Configuration | SSS |
Neck | Fender Designed Alnico Single-Coil |
Middle | Fender Designed Alnico Single-Coil |
Bridge | Fender Designed Alnico Single-Coil |
Active or passive pickups | Passive |
Series or parallel | Parallel |
Control layout | Master volume, tone 1, tone 2 |
Pickup switch | 5-way |
Bridge type | Tremolo/Vibrato |
Bridge design | 6-Saddle Vintage-Style Synchronized Tremolo |
Tuning machines | Vintage-style |
Number of strings | 6-string |
Country of origin | Indonesia |
Reviews:
The Fender designed alnico pickups are packed with authentic Stratocaster tone! The nickel hardware looks as good as it feels. The vintage tuners are much better than I expected. The bone nut is another great feature. I was a little unsure about the Indian laurel fretboard until I played it. WOW! This guitar is jam-packed with special features that will make any level of player super happy. I have only had it a few days, but I have not played any of my other guitars since it arrived. I am more than satisfied with all aspects of this guitar. The fit and finish are superb. it was set up really well right out of the box. If I HAD to pick something I was not happy with, it would be the sharp fret ends which took me less than 10 minutes to correct. This guitar plays even better than it looks! Squier knocked it out of the park with this model. If you are considering buying one of these… YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!
I was initially a little disappointed, the neck seemed really “dry” and not pleasant to use, the frets were really rough and scratchy and there was an audible “ping” every time I bent the the 1st and second strings. I oiled the neck, polished the frets and eventually replaced the nut (after much filing). Now it plays really nicely but before that was not great. For an experienced player it is no problem to have to do a bit of work to get a guitar playing well but for a beginner it could have been off putting and demotivated them from playing this instrument.Phil C.
I bought the Squier Classic Vibe '70s Stratocaster Electric Guitar Natural. The fretboard is rough and extremely dry. Frets seem too tall, or something?? — my fingers seem to be pushing to hard, doesn't feel good. Strings were rusty. I've spent a couple hundred at luthier trying to get it right, and it's still not quite there. I had pickup switch replaced. I've been using Fender Super 250 10s. I'll try 9's. NOT impressed with fretboard at all. The trim where neck goes into body was loose and dangling. OTHER THAN THAT — It's a beautiful guitar. Sounds nice. I'll figure it out eventually. The quality control people were asleep on this one.Michael
15. Fender American Ultra Jazzmaster , Rosewood Fingerboard, Mocha Burst
Product Details:
The fender american ultra jazzmaster electric guitar features a maple “modern d” neck bolted onto an alder or ash body in the iconic jazzmaster shape, made famous by jazz legends and surf rockers alike. the rosewood fingerboard sports rolled edges for hours of playing comfort, and the tapered neck heel allows easy access to the highest register. a speedy 10”-14” compound-radius fingerboard with 22 medium-jumbo frets means effortless and accurate soloing, while two proprietary vintage ultra noiseless pickups and advanced controls (master volume and tone, 3-way switching) provide endless tonal possibilities – without hum. this model also includes a fender tremolo bridge for classic whammy action, plus locking tuning machines to keep your sound precise. chrome hardware will have you looking as good as you sound. this versatile, state-of-the-art instrument will inspire you to push your playing to new heights. includes molded hardshell case.
Specifications:
Body Finish | Gloss Polyurethane |
Control Knobs | Knurled Flat-Top |
Fingerboard | Rosewood |
Hardware Finish | Nickel/Chrome |
Neck Finish | Satin Urethane with Gloss Urethane Headstock Face |
Pickguard | 3-Ply Mint Green |
Position Inlays | White Pearloid Dot |
Body Shape | Jazzmaster |
Neck Material | Maple |
Neck Shape | Modern "D" |
Scale Length | 25.5" (648 mm) |
Fingerboard Radius | 10" to 14" Compound Radius (254 mm to 355.6 mm) |
Number of Frets | 21 |
Fret Size | Medium Jumbo |
String Nut | Bone |
Nut Width | 1.685" (42.8 mm) |
Truss Rod | Bi-Flex |
Bridge Pickup | Ultra Noiseless Vintage Jazzmaster |
Neck Pickup | Ultra Noiseless Vintage Jazzmaster |
Pickup Switching | 3-Way Toggle, Slide Switch |
Pickup Configuration | SS |
Bridge | American Professional Jazzmaster |
Tuning Machines | Deluxe Cast/Sealed Locking (all short posts) |
Case/Gig Bag | Elite Molded Case |
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
16. 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.
17. Cordoba Gk Studio Negra Flamenco Acoustic Electric Guitar
Product Details:
The gk studio negra is the ultimate gigging instrument. built with a solid european spruce top and indian rosewood back and sides, this nylon string guitar comes equipped with a soft cutaway and fishman presys blend pickup. the gk studio negra is a flamenco guitar made for the stage, constructed with a slightly thinner body depth, neck, and nut width than a traditional spanish guitar. the neck is designed to have little or no relief, offering low action for ease of comfort and quick playability. for flamenco players, this model offers a bassier and more robust tone in contrast to the bright, snappy sound of blanca flamenco guitars, but any guitarist looking for a new tone to add to the repertoire will feel right at home with the gk studio negra. with its comfortable body shape and classic tonewood combination, this model is the perfect choice for exploring the nuances in sound that can only be captured with nylon strings. like every cordoba guitar, this model also has a two-way truss rod built into the neck. other features include a rosewood fingerboard and bridge, high gloss finish, clear golpeadores (tap plates), and premium savarez cristal corum strings. the gk studio negra includes cordobas deluxe gig bag. back & sides: indian rosewood. top wood: solid european spruce. scale length: 650mm. neck wood: mahogany. fretboard: rosewood. neck shape: low profile. no. of frets: 19. nut width: 50mm. fretboard radius: flat. bridge: indian rosewood. pickup: fishman presys blend. controls: onboard. tuners: cordoba black & gold floral tuning machines. finish: high gloss pu.
Specifications:
Finish | Edge Burst |
Year | 2010s |
Made In | China |
Back Material | Rosewood |
Body Features | Cutaway |
Finish Style | Gloss |
Fretboard Material | Ebony |
Neck Material | Mahogany |
Number of Frets | 19 |
Number of Strings | 6-String |
On-board Electronics | Piezo Pickup |
Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
Sides Material | Rosewood |
Top Material | Spruce |
Wood Top Style | Plain |
Reviews:
The Córdoba GK Studio Negra is a rare gem among acoustic classical guitars. Once you hold it and hear the incredible tones it offers your ears, you not want to put it down. Pure ear candy that plays like soft golden butter as you easily slide your fingers on the fretboard and bend the strings. After playing many other acoustic and classical guitars over the years as a professional musician, the GK Studio Negra was ‘the one’ I’d been searching for. It just feels good and the woods are so well balanced not only in tones but beautifully designed. It’s truly a work of art and has much character. The value is unbelievable for what you get because this remarkable guitar plays and has the appearance of one three times it’s cost. There’s no other way to say it except that you will fall in love with it. I did. For classical, jazz, folk or blues it’s a wonderful companion on or off the stage plugged in or not. With dynamic rich low end and gorgeous sustain, you will be inspired to play this versatile guitar for many years. The Córdoba GK Studio Negra is a graceful friend that you will cherish.KH singer songwriter and produce
This was my upgrade from a Lucero 150se and what a difference it made. In terms of playability there's no comparison, the Cordoba is superior in every way. Start with the tuners/nut which are perfectly smooth allowing you to make small adjustments even on steel strings. Playing the Cordoba is simply easier and there were things I could not do well on the Lucero due to the thickness of the wood neck. Mind you I'm not talking about the nut width which is 50mm on both, I'm talking the actual thickness of the wood neck itself below the fret board. The slimmer profile of the Cordoba meant reaching certain chords easier, changing chords faster, and giving my hands the ability to put pressure when needed. The factory strings on the Cordoba appear to be superior as well although I would still upgrade them if you can afford it; the steel strings on the Lucero wore out at about 85hrs. No fret noise of any kind on the Cordoba (so long as you play the chord right) whereas on the Lucero I would get buzzing on frets 5 & 6 from both 5th and 4th strings with anything other than light strumming, even with perfect finger placement. The sound of the Cordoba is more sharp, crisp, and clear than the Lucero. My only con is that the shallower body does create a slightly more "twangy" sound than I'm used to but its a negligible difference I quickly settled with in exchange for the other qualities. You get what you pay for. This is a very solid guitar for the price. I would recommend nothing less for serious beginners.Joe T
This guitar is great. I've had no real qualms with it so far, albeit I've only had it since April 1st. I used to play about a decade ago, but life happened and I stopped playing consistently. I bought a Jasmine S34-C about a month back to start up playing again, but it didn't revitalize my love for guitar quite like this one did. I had only played an acoustic before up until I picked up this GK Studio. As soon as I saw it I knew I had to have it. The ebony/gold tuning keys look very refined and the guitars "negra" or black style looks sooooo good. The contrast between the lighter and darker colors does a lot for me. The sound(for me) is just right. Not too soft, but not excessively punchy. I am not someone to perform at gigs as I've only ever played at home, but this guitar definitely has made me want to give it my all and try new things! When things finally get back to 100% here in the states I'll be giving this guitar a shot at a few spots. I've seen a few reviews online that suggest that this is a great gig guitar as well and has a great sound when plugged in so I can't wait to try that out even more so! The only (minor)thing I can think of that I would call a "con" is the Fishman tuner built onto the side of the guitar. I have not had a chance to test out the different options when it is plugged into an amp, but the on-hand guitar tuner setting can be a bit fidgety at times. Its not anything severe as I usually just tune by ear, but I personally only use it for a guide to get back to standard when I'm done messing about with other alt. tunings. I wouldn't say it docks a star from this review, but its just something to look out for if anyone is wondering about it.Ruben S
18. Fender American Ultra Luxe Telecaster Floyd Rose Hh, Maple, Mystic Black
Product Details:
This model features a unique augmented d neck profile with ultra rolled fingerboard edges for endless playing comfort, and a tapered neck heel allows easy access to the highest register. a speedy 10 -14 compound-radius fingerboard with 22 stainless steel medium-jumbo frets means effortless and accurate soloing, while the custom double tap humbucking pickups and advanced wiring options provide endless tonal possibilities without hum. the original floyd rose tremolo system allows for precision vibrato effects while staying perfectly in tune. the sculpted rear body contours are as beautiful as they are functional. this versatile, state-of-the-art instrument will inspire you to push your playing to new heights. includes premium molded hardshell case. recently acquired from a first owner, its in pristine condition. no scratches or dings, electronics work great.
Specifications:
Handedness | Right-Handed |
Body Type | Solidbody |
Country Of Origin | US |
Body Finish | Gloss Urethane |
Body Shape | Telecaster |
Neck Material | Maple |
Neck Finish | Ultra Satin Urethane with Gloss Headstock Face |
Neck Shape | Ultra "C" |
Scale Length | 25.5" (648mm) |
Fingerboard | Maple |
Fingerboard Radius | 10 to 14" Compound Radius (254 to 355.6mm) |
Number of Frets | 22 |
Frets Size | Medium Jumbo Stainless Steel |
String Nut | Floyd Rose Original Locking |
Nut Width | 1.685" (42.8mm) |
Position Inlays | Black Pearloid Dots |
Bridge Pickup | Custom Double Tap Humbucking |
Neck Pickup | Custom Double Tap Humbucking |
Controls | Master Volume (S-1 Switch), Master Tone |
Pickup Configuration | HH |
Bridge | Floyd Rose Original Double-Locking 2-Point Tremolo |
Hardware Finish | Nickel/Chrome |
Tuning Machines | Deluxe Cast/Sealed Locking |
Pickguard | 3-Ply Black |
Control Knobs | Knurled Flat-Top |
Reviews:
I have twenty Fenders, including seven telecasters, and this is better than all of them. The neck feels like its been played for years, and the shape is perfect. Heavy rolled edges make it a pleasure to play with my thumb over the neck. First guitar I have bought that I had to raise the action slightly on the top two strings. Set up for fast playing or chords straight out of the case. The colour is sparkly brownish, but looks black in most light. Very well made guitar. The pickups are noiseless and are silent even with pedals. They sound like standard pickups, no loss of signal because of the extra windings for the noise cancellation. Sound fine. I must say, the pro 1 series pickups sound better. All in all a lovely instrument, well worth the extra few quid.STEVEN T.
Overall: I have an Ultra Strat in Cobra Blue, an Ultra Jazz Bass in Texas Tea, a Les Paul Standard Gold Top and other guitars. This has the most beautiful finish (Sunburst). Way better than the picture or videos. The tone is amazing. Light weight at 6.2 pounds. Officially my favorite guitar. Add to that they shipped it to me in 25 hours after promising 5 days. Ordered Monday noon and here it is. They had it in a warehouse near Reno and I got it next day. zZounds you ROCK.William
The Fender Ultra Telecaster Texas Tea is an amazing guitar, at first I noticed the D-Shape neck and quickly adapted to it. The neck feels silky smooth, hand glides over frets and is easy to play. The sound from pickups are brutally brilliant, and wit the S1 switch built into the tone knob, sends a slightly different signal, bit more gain with full richness depending on the selector position of course. I went initially seeking for the Jimmy Page Dragon Guitar and walk out of the shop with this Ultra instead, and for the few hundred dollars more, this guitar is totally worth it. The look of it is killer, and so classy – if there is an ultra guitar series in your guitar shop locally, don't hesitate to pick it up and test it out. This guitar is HOT! It's difficult to see in these photos but the colour under certain light angles are different and has small sparkling metallic substances mixed in with the colour. It's a black oily dark grey/brown. The neck has a vintage tone colour and the rosewood neck and skunk stripe just makes this guitar special.Jim T.
19. Fender Vintera '60s Stratocaster, Pau Ferro – Surf Green
Product Details:
For players who want the style and sound of fender’s golden era, they created the vintera ‘60s stratocaster. equipped with the coveted features that defined the decade—including period-accurate neck profile and playing feel, along with re-voiced pickups—this guitar has all of the chime and articulation that made the stratocaster a legend.for authentic, vintage-style tone fender recreated the trio of single-coil stratocaster pickups to sound more like the originals. crystalline and bell-like, they have the crisp, articulate tone that put fender on the map. the “mid-'60s c”-shaped neck has a 7.25”-radius maple fingerboard with 21 vintage-style frets for classic playing feel. a vintage-style, six-point synchronized tremolo and vintage-style tuning machines offer original-era aesthetics, rock-solid performance and tuning stability. other features include vintage-style strap buttons, chrome hardware and four-bolt neck plate. includes a deluxe gig bag.
Specifications:
Body shape | Double cutaway |
Body type | Solid body |
Body wood | Alder |
Body finish | Gloss |
Orientation | Right handed |
Neck shape | C |
Neck wood | Maple |
Joint | Bolt-on |
Scale length | 25.5" |
Truss rod | Standard |
Neck finish | Gloss |
Radius | 7.25" |
Number of frets | 21 |
Inlays | Dot |
Nut width | 1.65" (42mm) |
Configuration | SSS |
Neck | '60s Strat |
Middle | '60s Strat |
Bridge | '60s Strat |
Active or passive electronics | Passive |
Series or parallel | Series |
Piezo | No |
Active EQ | No |
Control layout | Master volume, tone 1, tone 2 |
Pickup switch | 5-way |
Coil tap or split | No |
Kill switch | No |
Bridge type | Tremolo/Vibrato |
Bridge design | Vintage style |
Tuning machines | Vintage style |
Number of strings | 6-string |
Country of origin | Mexico |
Reviews:
Beautiful guitar. I thought I wanted a Fender Player until I tried the 60s Vintera. Once I tried it I knew it was the one for me! I have small hands and thought on paper that the neck would be too big but I found it way more comfortable for my hands to the slim modern c neck of the player. I also sounds great. Also, the ice blue metallic is a fabulous colour!Reviewed by Project Music custom
This version of Fenders latest incarnation of Stratocaster is simply superb. It feels great, brilliantly built and finished and plays like a dream. I have an American Strat (1980s) which is amazing, and this particular Strat is as good. The action is excellent and the fretboard feels great. Best of all, however, is the price – absolute value for money. I can, without a moments hesitation, recommend this guitar. You will not be disappointed.5110nigel
20. Fender Paramount Po-220e Orchestra Acoustic-Electric Guitar Aged Cognac Burst
Product Details:
This is going to end up as your calm place to go on those stressful days. the paramount po-220e combines state-of-the-art craftsmanship with vintage-inspired appointments, delivering the best of both worlds. built with the a solid mahogany top paired with solid mahogany back and sides, the po-220e features an offset x-bracing pattern that has been carefully refined to optimize resonance and tone. a fender and fishman-designed pickup amplifies the warm, mid-focused tone of the po-220e’s newly designed orchestra body shape, while the soundhole-mounted controls preserve the vintage aesthetics. under the top, a body-sensing pickup enhances the soundboard's vibrations which can then be blended with the undersaddle sonicore pickup. updated cosmetics include snowflake-shaped pearloid fingerboard inlays, feathered purfling, rosette, and backstrip, and a black or tiger stripe pickguard. the po-220e also features an ovangkol bridge and fingerboard, slim-taper mahogany neck, bone nut and saddle, and comes with a hardshell case. part number 0970350337.
Specifications:
ORIENTATION | Right-Hand |
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN | CN |
HEADSTOCK BINDING | 3-Ply W/B/W |
NECK MATERIAL | Mahogany |
NECK FINISH | Satin Urethane |
NECK SHAPE | "C" Shape |
FINGERBOARD RADIUS | 15.75" (400 mm) |
FINGERBOARD MATERIAL | Ovangkol |
POSITION INLAYS | Snowflake |
SIDE DOTS | Black |
NUMBER OF FRETS | 20 |
TRUSS ROD | Dual-Action |
STRING NUT | Bone |
NUT WIDTH | 1.69" (43 mm) |
NUT MATERIAL | Bone |
BODY FINISH | Satin Urethane |
BODY SHAPE | Orchestra |
BODY TOP | Solid Mahogany |
BODY BINDING | Aged White with Feathered Checkered Purfling |
BODY BACK | Solid Mahogany |
BODY SIDES | Solid Mahogany |
ROSETTE | Feathered Checkered |
BRIDGE | Ovangkol |
BRIDGE PINS | Ebony with Mother-of-Pearl Dots |
PICKGUARD | 1-Ply Black |
HARDWARE FINISH | Nickel-Plated |
TUNING MACHINES | Nickel Open-Back |
CONTROLS | Volume, Blend (Body Pickup, Piezo) |
TRUSS ROD WRENCH | 4 mm Hex (Allen) |
Finish | 3-Tone Vintage Sunburst |
Year | 2022 |
Back Material | Mahogany |
Body Shape | Orchestra |
Finish Style | Gloss |
Neck Material | Mahogany |
Number of Frets | 20 |
Number of Strings | 6-String |
On-board Electronics | Piezo Pickup |
Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
Sides Material | Mahogany |
Top Material | Mahogany |
Wood Top Style | Plain |
Reviews:
Arrivata con un giorno di anticipo. La chitarra è veramente molto bella, così come la custodia rigida. Vista la tipologia della chitarra, il suono ha un volume moderato. Non mi piacciono molto le corde montate per il suono troppo metallico, ma basta cambiarle. Fantastico il pre-amp integrato ben nascosto che rimanda un ottimo sound, miscelando i due pickup. Il mogano massello è fantastico e la qualità costruttiva è evidente.
Brilliant guitar, great sound, easy to play, lovely colour, very well made, high quality for price!Reviewed by Absolute Music custo