Are you looking for the Best Guitar For Recording? If so, you’ve come to the right place.
Choosing the Best Guitar For Recording can be difficult as there are so many considerations, such as Glarry, Fender, Gibson, Ibanez, Epiphone, Jackson, Taylor, Yamaha. We have done a lot of research to find the top 20 Best Guitar For Recording available.
The average cost is $527.54. Sold comparable range in price from a low of $159.99 to a high of $1444.00.
Based on the research we did, we think Epiphone Les Paul Studio (Smokehouse Burst) 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 Recording (20 Sellers)
| Product Image | Product Name | Features | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reviewers Noted:
Attractive . Good sound quality . Well made . Durability . Weight
Features:
- Classic les paul style in an affordable package, lightweight mahogany body yields no-frills great tone
- Alnico classic (neck) and alnico classic plus (bridge) humbucking pickups; push-pull volume pots activate coil splitting
- Slimtaper "d" neck profile is extremely comfortable and easy to play
$209.99
4.7
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Well made . Lightweight . Attractive . Durable
Features:
- The apxt2 is three-fourths the size of the world's best-selling acoustic-electric guitar, the apx500ii.
- This fun, yet well-constructed, compact guitar makes great company when you are on the road.
- Compact thinline cutaway body.
$249.99
4.2
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Durability . Attractive . Craftsmanship . Weight
Features:
- Dirty 30's cross country model
- Shape: parlor
- Top: spruce, solid
Reviewers Noted:
Attractive . Good sound quality . Lightweight . Durable . Well made
Features:
- This item is in very good condition.
- This item has been tested and is 100% functional.
- Please message us with any questions.
$1444.00
4.7
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Attractive . Weight . Well made . Durability
Features:
- A stage and studio workhorse
- Ultra-modern weight-relieved body allows for longer sets and sessions
- Mahogany slimtaper neck plays like a 60s favorite
$1444.00
4.8
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Attractive . Weight . Well made . Durability
Features:
- Accessories: please confirm the picture.
- Please note!
- Not all of the items you purchase from us are in our shibuya store in tokyo …
$179.99
4.8
Reviewers Noted:
Sound quality . Visual appeal . Weight
Features:
- Quality appointments include a bone nut and saddle, ivory-button tuning machines, and our vintage rk whitley pickguard.
- The series 7 dreadnought brings the distinctive dreadnought sound with classic style.
- Available at ken stanton music.
$399.99
2.2
Reviewers Noted:
Poor sound quality
Features:
- Single 0 body with tailpiece and floating bridge
- Solid aaa spruce top
- Black headstock overlay with jte signature initials
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Attractive . Well made . Durable . Weight
Features:
- In excellent condition, this telecaster has been upgraded with a high end seymour duncan bridge pickup.
- Minor wear and tear as pictured, however it is out of sight.
- Comes with a gig bag and the original pickup.
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Attractive . Well made . Durable . Weight
Features:
- Traditional western body
- Solid spruce top
- Rosewood back & sides
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Attractive . Lightweight . Well made . Durability
Features:
- Made for the stage
- Rosewood back and sides
- Savarez strings
$229.99
4.8
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Attractive . Well made . Durable . Lightweight
Features:
- Solid spruce top
- Nato/okume back & sides
- Newly developed scalloped bracing
$229.99
4.8
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Attractive . Well made . Durable . Weight
Features:
- Solid sitka spruce top
- Nato back & sides
- Rosewood fingerboard
$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
$999.00
4.8
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Attractive . Weight . Well made . Durable
Features:
- Designed for the professional performing and recording musician, at a price that even casual players can afford
- A sturdily well-built bolt-on shredding machine, complete with classic m-style extra thin flat neck profile
- The mahogany body and fast 3 pc. maple neck feature 24 extra-jumbo frets and a pau ferro fingerboard
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Attractive . Well made . Durability . Lightweight
Features:
- Great-sounding guitar at an amazing price
- Solid mahogany top for excellent definition and projection
- Traditional spanish fan bracing provides a balanced, lively sound
Reviewers Noted:
Attractive . Good sound quality . Well made . Durability . Weight
Features:
- Accessories: please confirm the picture.
- Please note!
- Not all of t…
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:
Good sound quality . Well made . Attractive . Durability . Weight
Features:
- Product description: yamaha c40ii
- Body depth (min): 9.5 cm
- Body depth (max): 10 cm
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Attractive . Well made . Lightweight . Durability
Features:
- Black abs with white dot bridge pins
- Ivory and black abs body binding
- Oval soundhole
1. Epiphone Les Paul Studio (Smokehouse Burst)
Product Details:
Designed by gibson in the u201880s to meet the requirements of recording artists, the les paul studio was an innovative move by the legendary company. for more session players, recording artists and producers to feature the inimitable gibson tone on their records, gibson produced an lp and stripped away any superfluous cosmetic features, focusing solely on sound and playability. decades later, time has proven that looks aren't the be-all and end-all – the les paul studiou2019s simple elegance has proven to be hugely popular outside the studio as well as in. this epiphone les paul studio is a modernised take on the humble u201880s design.nnthe epiphone les paul studiou2019s mahogany slab body is capped with a beautiful plain maple veneer top and is married to a u201860s style slimtaper mahogany neck with an ultra-comfortable u2018du2019 profile. its pau ferro fingerboard features simple yet attractive pearloid dot inlays, 22 medium jumbo frets, and a 12u201d fingerboard .
Specifications:
| Body Shape | Les Paul |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Scale Length | 24.75" |
| Fingerboard Material | Indian Laurel |
| Fingerboard Radius | 12" |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Frets | Medium Jumbo |
| Nut Width | 1.68" |
| Inlays | Trapezoid |
| Joint | Glued In |
| Hardware Finish | Nickel |
| Tuner Plating | Nickel |
| Bridge | LockTone Tune-o-matic |
| Tailpiece | Stopbar |
| Pickguard | Black |
| Truss Rod | Adjustable |
| Truss Rod Cover | Epiphone Bell Shape with "Studio" |
| Control Knobs | Black Speed Knobs |
| Switch Tip | Black |
| Strap Buttons | 2 |
| Neck Pickup | Epiphone Alnico PRO Humbucker |
| Bridge Pickup | Epiphone Alnico PRO Humbucker |
| Controls | 2-Volume, 2-Tone CTS Electronics |
| Pickup Selector | 3-way Epiphone toggle |
| Output Jack | 1/4" Epiphone heavy duty |
| 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
2. Yamaha Apxt2 3/4 Size Acoustic Electric Guitar – Black
Product Details:
Don't let it's size fool you, this yamaha apxt2 can bring it! you'll be surprised how punchy and full the tone is coming from this 3/4 sized flyweight! constructed with a nato neck, rosewood fingerboard and meranti back and sides,this apxt2 utilizes an art based pickup and yamaha's proprietary onboard tuning system. the tone is very lively with a warm, smooth character. the short scale and low action lend an easy, relaxed feel to this guitar. this one is pretty clean overall with very little play wear. there are the ever present finish swirls (hey! it's black) and light pick marks. there is a small finish crack on the rear of the body (see pic) but it appears entirely superficial. this little yama-monster delivers a much bigger punch and fun quotient than it's diminutive size would lead you to believe.
Specifications:
| Body Shape | APXT Small Shape |
| Scale Length | 580 mm (22 13/16") |
| Body Length | 385 mm (15 3/16") |
| Total Length | 866 mm (34 1/8") |
| Body Width | 300 mm (11 13/16") |
| Body Depth | 65-75 mm (2 9/16" – 2 15/16") |
| Nut Width | 43 mm (1 11/16") |
| String Spacing | 10 mm |
| Top Material | Spruce |
| Back Material | Locally Sourced Tonewood |
| Side Material | Locally Sourced Tonewood |
| Neck Material | Locally Sourced Tonewood |
| Fingerboard Material | Rosewood |
| Fingerboard Radius | R400 mm (15 3/4") |
| Bridge Material | Rosewood |
| Nut Material | Urea |
| Saddle Material | Urea |
| Bridge Pins | Black ABS |
| Tuners | Covered Chrome |
| Body Binding | Cream + Black |
| Soundhole Inlay | Black or White |
| Body Finish | Gloss |
| Neck Finish | Matte |
| Electronics | SYSTEM68 + ART 1-Way Pickup |
| Controls | Vol/Tone/Tuner |
| Connections | LINE OUT |
Reviews:
For what it is – a very cheap, small, travel guitar, this is great. You'll need a strap as it doesn't sit high enough on your leg to be comfortable to play. Also – the action was high, but a bit of adjusting with a belt sander on the saddle and that came down well. The scale length is short, but plays OK – takes a bit of getting used to from my full-sized acoustics. Putting a capo on it and making chords further up the neck is tight, but OK. Sound is very good for a travel guitar of this size. This would be a great kids guitar or even for an adult beginner. I did put 11s on it – sounds a bit weaker, but is fine, and that's what I use on my other acoustics. I had a washburn rover before – this is better, though not as small, but worth the extra size, I think. I have a GS Mini, which is much better, but a good bit larger, and much more expensive. Tuner works good, haven't tried plugging it in yet. Bought this for the boat – seems pretty sturdy.Alexander
I bought this guitar because I have chronic pain and am a small lady and found that even smaller acoustic guitars are too big and bulky and unplayable. I like to play high up on the neck so wanted a cutaway and occasionally perform so having an electro-acoustic version means it ticks all the boxes. When play acoustically it does sound really tinny, there's not getting away from that. It also tends to be unbalanced toward the neck end, so I need a strap to keep it in place. But it is much more playable for practice and I am almost managing to play bar chords again. Not chance on a normal size guitar. It has a full fret board just smaller but not too small.Michelle S.
I ordered this for my pastors wife who wanted to learn a new instrument. She is tiny ( less that 5 ' tall) and a full size guitar would not fit her body type. I was shocked when the guitar came in. The photos on line do not do the finish justice. I was even more shocked when I played it. Most student guitars in this price point have horrible action. The set up on this from the factory was great. It was very easy to play and the sound was extremely good for a thin body acoustic . Then we plugged it in. I could not believe the sound quality of the electronics in this guitar. On Sunday, I pulled out after church and let the music team take turns with it. Everyone that played it raved about every aspect of this little guitar. The instrument also came with a quality gig bag. The material was thick, padding was good, the zippers and hardware appeared to by sturdy. Even more importantly, she loved the guitar. I highly recommend that you consider this one for your beginner or intermediate guitar student. Both Children and small adults should be pleased with this one.Greg H.
3. Recording King Rph-P2-Ts Dirty 30's Cross Country Parlor Acoustic Guitar Natural
Product Details:
Solid spruce top 24.2" scale length bone nut & saddle 1-11/16" nut width rph-p2-ts dirty 30 cross country parlor acoustic guitar natural. the rph-p2-ts dirty 30 cross country parlor acoustic guitar is a modern update of a classic turn-of-the-century guitar. it's perfect for guitar history buffs, recording engineers, front-porch blues players, and thanks to the smaller body size and shorter scale length, beginners who need a compact, easy to play, great-sounding instrument. the traditional parlor-size body is based on a historic lyon & healy model. it's built with a solid spruce top for classic tone, comfortable rosewood fretboard with stencil fret markers, a 24.2 in. scale length and a bone nut and saddle for excellent string/body resonance. recording king guitars combine vintage design with modern upgrades for players, and the dirty 30's parlor is no exception. many turn-of-the-century small-body guitars were made with ladder bracing, but the dirty 30's parlor benefits from x-bracing designed to accommodate modern string tension but retain the sound of the vintage parlor guitars. the recording king dirty 30's parlor is finished in dark tobacco sunburst. with true parlor size, vintage design, and modern upgrades, the dirty 30's parlor is the guitar for players with one foot in the past and the other in the present. case sold separately.
Reviews:
The tone and playability are excellent, especially the tone. It sounds rich and full and loud for a small guitar. I do believe this guitar is made from some excellent wood. There are a couple of really obvious cosmetic issues on the one I got though. Up near the nut there is what looks a half inch cut through the finish and where the fretboard sets on body top of the guitar there is a lot of glue showing that was painted over . I don't plan on returning it unless I discover something that affects the playability and stability. In my experience you're better off just keeping these inexpensive guitars with flaws because you might get a worse one in exchange. Now more good . I had trouble putting it down after tuning it. It sounds great and is very comfortable to play with small body and great fretwork. No sharp fret ends . This is a keeper for sure . If I did not already own two other acoustics I would order another of these and have two for various tunings. I would describe the tone characteristics as being a deep tone , it sounds great for blues for sure. I'm a metal and punk player who dabbles a bit in the blues and other genres and this guitar gets blues right. You can't go wrong for the sale price .JEFFREY
This is a terrific guitar. I have been interested in acquiring a "Dirty Thirties" style instrument, and I spotted this parlor guitar model online. I checked out a few Gretsch Jim Dandy guitars locally, and of the three that I was able to play, one was very nice. But I was drawn to the Recording King "True Parlor" design with their nod to old style blues guitars and a Stella / Kay motif. So when Guitar Center offered a coupon, I took advantage – delivered, the guitar was $10 less than the local Gretsch. The Recording King is very nice. It was set-up perfectly upon arrival – neck straight, nut height dead on, intonation perfect. The tone is just what I wanted – moderated bass, great mid-tones. The guitar projects very well and accepts a Paige Capo perfectly. There is a unique and encouraging clarity to the sound of this little guitar. I wanted this as an alternative to my DADGAD dreadnaughts. I could not be happier with the quality of the instrument, and the service that I received from Guitar Center – thanks!Gregory
Browsing through Guitar Center a few weeks ago, I noticed this little "Dirty Thirty", strummed a few chords and was immediately impressed with the quality of sound. It blew away other acoustics costing twice as much and had a cool retro vibe. I imagined it to be much like the guitars of Robert Johnson and other Delta Blues legends. When I found out that GC had it on sale for half price, I went home and called MF to see if they would match the price which they did. (Love MF!). When it arrived, I replaced the factory strings with a set of Ernie Ball extra light aluminum bronze. The nut came unglued when I removed the factory strings but I was able to get it back in place. The bridge pin on the low E required extra pressure to keep it from popping loose and I will probably replace the stock pins at some point. I now have some fret buzz but that may be due to using extra light strings. Other than those minor issues, no setup required. Action is good Overall a great little parlor size guitar with excellent tone a playability that is fun to play and especially shines on acoustic blues.Isom
4. Esp Ltd Ec-256 Electric Guitar (Snow White)
Product Details:
Updated for 2017, the ltd ec-256 takes many of the coolest aspects of our higher-end ec series models, and offers them to you in a super-affordable guitar that's ready to rock. a classic shape that's excellent for all musical styles and genres, the ec-256 looks amazing in a snow white finish, and has multiple binding on the body and headstock like you expect from high-quality guitars. playing the ec-256 is also a dream come true, with set-neck construction for fast and easy access to the highest frets. the ec-256 also features a mahogany body, a comfortable three-piece thin u-shaped mahogany neck, a rosewood fingerboard with flag inlays and 22 extra-jumbo frets, and great-sounding esp designed lh-150 pickups.
Specifications:
| Body shape | Single cutaway |
| Body type | Solid body |
| Top wood | Flamed Maple |
| Body wood | Mahogany |
| Body finish | Gloss |
| Neck shape | Not specified |
| Neck wood | Mahogany |
| Joint | Set-in |
| Scale length | 24.75 in. |
| Neck finish | Gloss |
| Radius | Not specified |
| Fret size | Extra-jumbo |
| Number of frets | 22 |
| Inlays | Acrylic block |
| Nut width | 1.653 in. (42 mm) |
| Configuration | HH |
| Neck | Humbucker |
| Bridge | Humbucker |
| Active or passive pickups | Passive |
| Piezo | No |
| Active EQ | No |
| Special electronics | Master tone w/push-pull coil tap |
| Control layout | Volume 1, volume 2, master tone |
| Pickup switch | 3-way |
| Coil tap or split | Coil tap |
| Kill switch | No |
| Bridge type | Fixed |
| Bridge design | Tune-o-matic |
| Tailpiece | Stopbar |
| Tuning machines | ESP locking |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 2013 – 2022 |
| Made In | Vietnam |
| Body Shape | Single Cutaway |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Stop-Bar |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Jatoba |
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Offset Body | No |
| Pickup Configuration | HH |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 24.75" |
| Wood Top Style | Opaque |
Reviews:
Overall: In a YouTube review of this guitar, there was one guy that said he didn't understand why any experienced and knowledgable guitar player would want THIS guitar over something more high-end (i.e., a "real" Eclipse), because of the differing body design features. I, myself, am not anything of a virtuoso player, nor do I have the fattest wallet at the moment, which is why I settled on something more in the midrange for my first relatively decent guitar. I've been playing for years, writing songs on "piece of crap" guitars, and it didn't matter to me that my instrument was nothing to show off when that's all that I was using it for (i.e., to write songs). Before I am an instrumentalist, I am a vocalist and songwriter… but I digress. Anyhow, coming from someone that has a limited span of what truly "decent" is in this department, I, personally, found this guitar to be worth the price. I am not the most knowledgable about guitars, no, but I know what feels right to me as a player. This one is pretty nice. The body is lightweight and thin without feeling or looking cheap or flimsy, and the playability is fantastic. There is little strain on your fingering hand due to how easy it is to press the strings down, unlike on cheaper guitars. Had I learned to play on this one, I would have been totally spoiled! Maybe like that guy with the YouTube review. Haha. The sound is nice and crisp… and the color is beautiful. I went with the Cobalt Blue, because it matches with my room. I have no complaints about it, under the circumstances. It is everything that I needed it to be. The available payment plan was the cherry on top. Just two more payments! Thanks, zZounds!Note: I was required to rate "Manufacturer Support" when I submitted this review, even though I never made any direct contact with the manufacturer. I couldn't give it less than 5 stars when there was never a problem with it. *shrug*Emha
IT WAS WORTH THE WAIT! It was on backorder. It took round-a-bout 5 months to get it in my eager hands. I bought the Purple Burst version. What their online photos do not properly convey is that the back and the neck are purple as well (how purple depends on each guitar-having seen two in person). The 1st appeared almost black in most lighting. The 2nd is defiantly purple but when photographed there is a color mismatch between the back and front that is NOT noticeable in person (see photos) This is my first Les Paul body style and my first guitar with split coil capability. The jumbo frets are awesome. I haven't been playing long (2-ish years). They cut down on my mis-fretting. The ease & sound of bending the strings + the sound of the pick-ups are more than I was expecting. The neck is super slim. I have size S/M woman hands. I love the size. There is not a lot of stretching to reach around for the low end strings. The neck also has a lovely coating that allows me to slide up and down easy without sticking- if you have played a matte coated neck, you know what I mean. The fret board and the inlays are leveled out very well but the fret board was a bit thirsty when I got it. A fret board oil & cloth buff were all it needed. The frets are very well placed & filed (no snags or fret spouts). The "Set-Up" was really good straight out of the box. The string height was set really well. Low enough (esp. at the nut) that It was not a finger killer to fret but there was no fret buzz at any frets when playing. The intonation was pretty spot on as well. Took slight adjustment when it got new strings (mostly at the Low E and A). The top pick-up was a touch high for my taste but if that is the worst I can say… The neck was straight and ready to play. The tuners work well and I love the keystone buttons on them that match the headstock style. It is heavier than I expected 7.5lbs- 8.4lbs. To sum things up, I cannot believe I got this beauty for this price point.Elaine, K
Sound: I haven't even got far enough to plug it in the action is so buzzy that is why i do not recommend this guitar. If it was set up to playable i would probably like it. You can feel a feel a few fret edges, but nothing horrible. That i would expect for a guitar in this price range, but for it to show up completely unplayable is unacceptable. Value: The way it arrived no. Overall: I have always liked ESP products, but today i am disappointed. This guitar arrived today and is unplayable. The neck has got a back bow and all the strings buzz horribly. The strings are hitting on the back of the bridge after the saddle because the tail piece was screwed all the way down to the body. If ESP did this they should be ashamed, if zZounds did this they should be ashamed. Not sure who set this guitar up? I'm going to try to fix it tomorrow wish me luck. If i can get to stop buzzing and to play decent i may keep it, if not it's going back. It is a pretty guitar and aside from the atrocious setup seems to be of decent quality.Shawn
5. Gibson Les Paul Studio – Smokehouse Burst
Product Details:
I am selling my late 2020 gibson les paul studio finished in smokehouse burst. it is a fantastic guitar and it has been set up perfectly from the factory. it has a few hairline scratches on the body but they re barely noticeable. it has an impression in the back, and some dings on the bottom of the side (photographed). it also has a little bit of hazing in the laquer on the top since its been played. it does come off with products for nitro finishes. it comes with the gibson soft case as well as all the goodies that it comes with from the factory. it also comes with the original box from the factory. the serial number for this guitar is 231600199. it s honestly the best guitar i ve owned so far and it s a great guitar to get if you want to get yourself into an inexpensive gibson.
Specifications:
| Body shape | Single cutaway |
| Body type | Solid body |
| Top wood | Maple |
| Body wood | Weight relieved Mahogany |
| Body finish | Satin |
| Orientation | Right handed |
| Neck shape | SlimTaper |
| Neck wood | Mahogany |
| Joint | Set-in |
| Scale length | 24.75 in. |
| Truss rod | Standard |
| Neck finish | Gloss |
| Radius | 12 in. |
| Fret size | Medium jumbo |
| Number of frets | 22 |
| Inlays | Trapezoid |
| Configuration | HH |
| Neck | 490R |
| Bridge | 498T |
| Active or passive pickups | Passive |
| Series or parallel | Parallel |
| Special electronics | Push/pull coil taps |
| Control layout | Volume 1, volume 2, tone 1, tone 2 |
| Pickup switch | 3-way |
| Coil tap or split | Coil tap |
| Bridge type | Fixed |
| Bridge design | Tune-o-matic |
| Tailpiece | Stopbar |
| Tuning machines | Deluxe sealed |
| Number of strings | 6-string |
| Country of origin | United States |
Reviews:
Looks great, sounds great, plays great. One of the nicest gig bags I've ever seen. Came out of the box at the store set up and tuned! Fit and finish were perfect and the wine red just pops under stage lighting…unlike the one that was on display…and this is why I don't buy guitars online! Got it home, changed the strings to the gauge I prefer, lowered the string height a smidge, and checked the intonation which was spot on. Took it to a pro jam out in the valley where it got lots of compliments from the other players for it's sound and looks…it's as nice a Les Paul as I've ever played. If you get one like mine you won't regret it! But go to the GC and pick yours out and save yourself some possible grief. You won't regret that either!Stephen
Not much to say about a GLP – its an amazing guitar as you'd expect and anyone can carry it and comparably price instruments. However, it's the Sweetwater service that makes the difference. Grant is great and super responsive to my questions and issues. You can tell that the people who work here play and love music. I completely trust Sweetwater with my musical instruments. I just purchased my second guitar with them yesterday and the process was fantastic. At this point, I'm only going to buy here. Even if I found an instrument at a cheaper price through one of their competitors, it wouldn't be worth the care and service you get at Sweetwater. 5-Stars guys! Customer 4-Life!
So it arrived today! it came in a very nice branded MusicStore box with a short checklist of things done before packing. This is nice as makes me confident the purchase was made with premium supplier. The standard Gibson outfit package is really cool. There's a branded soft gig bag with nice fluffy interior, a bag strap, a cloth, few marketing leaflets, and, a photo of the guitar that was made in the factory. Very cool. Value wise, its fantastic. The guitar out of the box looks great. it feels and looks premium, although it is a distant and poor relative when standing next to LP's Reissues or some other top-shelf models. Visually, its a different line. The guitar was pretty much setup to play from the box (thanks musicstore team), which was a nice surprise too. Unplugged, there is more than enough sustain, vibe and articulation details. This instrument sounds very much like pricier Les Pauls, even with no power. The neck is nice and fast with medium jumbos, allowing to play pretty much everything you want. Once plugged in to 90s JCM 800 set, it did deliver pretty much everything the more expensive Gibsons' do. There's sustain, articulation, the 'gurl' of Gibson. Studio workhorse, worth every penny. Which was a bit of surprise as the Studios' are slightly lighter in body construction. Some complain about finish quality, but i have not observed anything limiting playability yet. As mentioned before: if you place it next to a top-shelf Les Paul, you WILL see a difference. You will see dozens of differences in finish and quality as these instrumets are different. But, to me, its a great guitar, and I would reccomend that to anyone looking for Gibson sounding instrument for relatively moderate price. LP Studio is probably the cheapest and easiest way to get real Gibson sound for "OK" money. I have one comment to MusicStore team regarding the purchase process: It would be nice to allow customer to change payment option in case of problems with the one initially chosen.
6. Gibson Les Paul Studio – Wine Red
Product Details:
The gibson les paul studio, finished in wine red, is perfect for the stage and the studio, with all the quintessential les paul components, plus a host of modern upgrades which enhance playability and sonic versatility. a mahogany body with a maple cap, set up the basis for classic les paul tone. ultra-modern weight relief maintains this tone, while reducing the weight of the guitar, thanks to its high-tech design which offsets relief chambers around the body perimeter, and maintains a solid core through the centre. a slim taper mahogany neck, and a rosewood fretboard with 22 medium jumbo frets, provide super fast playability and comfort. a 490r neck, and 498t bridge humbucker pump out tight, crunchy high-output tone, while two push-pull pots and a three-way pickup selector switch add a huge range of sonic versatility.
Specifications:
| Neck Profile | Slim Taper |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Depth at 1st (in) | .817 |
| Depth at 12th (in) | .923 |
| Nut Width (in) | 1.691 |
| Nut Material | Graph Tech |
| Scale | 24.75 In |
| Fingerboard Material | Rosewood |
| Fingerboard Radius | 12 |
| Fret Count | 22 |
| Finish Type | Gloss Nitro |
| Tuners | Grovers |
| Bridge | Nashville TOM |
| Neck Pickup | Burstbucker 61R |
| Bridge Pickup | Burstbucker 61T |
| Controls | 2 Volumes, 2 Tones, & Toggle Switch |
| Strings | .010, .013, .017, .026, .036, .046 |
| Finish | BBQ Burst |
| Made In | United States |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Stop-Bar |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Fretboard Radius | 12" |
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Nut Width | 1.69" |
| Offset Body | No |
| Pickup Configuration | HH |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 24.75" |
| Top Material | Maple |
| Wood Top Style | Plain |
Reviews:
Looks great, sounds great, plays great. One of the nicest gig bags I've ever seen. Came out of the box at the store set up and tuned! Fit and finish were perfect and the wine red just pops under stage lighting…unlike the one that was on display…and this is why I don't buy guitars online! Got it home, changed the strings to the gauge I prefer, lowered the string height a smidge, and checked the intonation which was spot on. Took it to a pro jam out in the valley where it got lots of compliments from the other players for it's sound and looks…it's as nice a Les Paul as I've ever played. If you get one like mine you won't regret it! But go to the GC and pick yours out and save yourself some possible grief. You won't regret that either!Stephen
I bought my first Les Paul in 1974. I was a little concerened about the new "lightend and improved" version but it turned out to be great. Pickups are better. Feels great, plays great and all around great guitar at a good price. Required minimal set up to play really good. I liked it so much, I bought another one 3 weeks later. I love my Strats but right out of the box, they require a lot of work to make them play and stay in tune. Got my first Strat in 72. If I was a kid (I'm in my 60's), I would choose this Les Paul Studio first. Because it is easier to set up and play right out of the box. I love my Strats, but this is a really good guitar.Stephen C
Still a novice player, but decided that I had stuck with it long enough to justify spending a bit more than I had spent on my used Squier Strat. After reading a ton of reviews and watching a bunch of YouTube videos, I chose the LP Studio in Smokehouse Burst. Wow! What an incredible difference. I find it easier to play with a wider fretboard and the sound is just amazing. I'm not sure if I just got a good one or if Gibson has stepped up their QA game as mine does not display the defects described by other reviews here. I have not found any cosmetic or fit/finish flaws. The color also closely resembles the photos with just a slightly darker shade on the burst. It is an absolutely gorgeous instrument and I couldn't be more satisfied with it. I know that Gibson switched over to the soft case rather than the hard one to save costs, but quite frankly, I don't see that they could have saved too much. The soft case is very high quality and with the exception of shipping or air travel, I feel that my guitar is well protected when put away. Although, I doubt that I'll ever be traveling to perform in this lifetime. Thanks Gibson. Great job on a beautiful instrument.ArmchairAstro
7. Recording King Rds-7-Ts Dirty 30's Series 7 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar – Tobacco Sunburst
Product Details:
This item was returned in mint condition. it is free of any performance issues, and has no scratches, blemishes, or other cosmetic flaws. expanding the hugely popular dirty 30's series 7 line, the series 7 dreadnought rounds out the line with deeper bass and expanded options. featuring recording king's super clean cross lap bracing and top quality materials, the series 7 remains one of the best sounding values available on the market. the spruce top is striking beneath the tobacco sunburst finish, cleanly marked by the ivory color body binding and bound soundhole. the parallelogram stencil fretboard markers are both a nod to history, and a new design never before seen in this way. available in two finishes, tobacco sunburst and matte black, and including bone nut and saddle, ivory-button tuning machines, and vintage rk whitley pickguard, the dirty 30's series 7 rds-7 dreadnought brings you distinctive dreadnought sound in an unbelievable package.
Specifications:
| Body type | Dreadnought |
| Cutaway | No |
| Top wood | Spruce |
| Back and sides | Whitewood |
| Bracing pattern | X |
| Body finish | Satin |
| Orientation | Right handed |
| Neck shape | Thin C |
| Nut width | 1.69 in. (43 mm) |
| Fingerboard | Revenond |
| Neck wood | Nato |
| Scale length | 25.4 in. |
| Number of frets | 20 |
| Neck finish | Satin |
| Pickup/preamp | No |
| Headstock overlay | Black |
| Tuning machines | Ivory |
| Bridge | Revenond |
| Saddle and nut | Compensated Bone |
| Number of strings | 6 |
| Country of origin | China |
Reviews:
It's condition is on par for the price. I had to do some work, but I really like how it plays and sounds now. I had to file the fret ends so it would not cut my hand when moving up/down the fretboard. I also lowered the action by filing down the saddle and filed the string groves down on the nut. Then I buffed and polished the frets. One tuner was installed so crooked that side of the tuner base hangs over the edge of the headstock a bit, but otherwise works fine. Several small blemishes exist throughout the paint job and a few gouges are at the fretboard edge from the factory fret job. I will probably upgrade the tuners eventually. I also took the pickguard with a plastic scraper and hairdryer. I also treated the fretboard with fretboard oil as it looked very dry and ashy. The bridge was rough feeling so I masked it off and sanded it with fine sandpaper. I think it looks much better now.Matt M.
Let me first say, I never do reviews. This guitar far exceeded my expectations so I wanted to write a bit about it. Very cool looks and build on this guitar. Much better than the Epiphone Hummingbird and Dove models. Great tone, feel, and super low action straight from the factory. The tuners are very cheap and don't hold tune that well. With grovers this would be a really cool practice guitar. Use the promo coupon and this guitar is a steal. Has a really cool J-45 feel to it when played and held. I had low expectations, pleasantly surprised. Get the Sunburst model!JJ
I knew very little about RK before buying this guitar but I'm so glad I picked this guitar up. It has a tone that says "real". Woody sounds pour from this guitar. The fit and finish is excellent and the action was surprisingly low. I am thoroughly impressed with this guitar. It's a great value and worth every penny. Gladly buy another a Recording King again.Rob
8. Recording King Justin Townes Earle Signature Rps-Jte-Ts Tobacco Sunburst
Product Details:
Recording king developed the justin townes earle signature model in direct collaboration with justin before his passing in 2020. lovers of his percussive style will be able to recognize his dry, woody tone from the first strum. the classic small-body tone of the jte signature starts with the solid sitka spruce top. rks exclusive crosslap bracing gives it extra tight bracing tolerances, allowing the top to resonate more freely for outsize projection. jte loved the early rk dirty 30s guitars, and specifically requested the traditional floating bridge and gold tailpiece for his signature model. to reflect his style and attention to detail, justin outfitted his signature model with gold hardware (tailpiece and tuners), tortoise body binding and tuner buttons. jtes carefully selected parts all combine for an elegant, attention-grabbing guitar with dry, vintage-sounding quick decay, particularly well-suited to justin's frailing-hand style of play. for players who appreciate justins artistry, the jte signature offers the perfect combination of vintage small-box tone with one-of-a-kind style. each instrument includes 3 jte signature photo cards (north america only) with classic lyrics delivering a message from justin himself.
Specifications:
| Body Shape | 0 With Tailpiece And Floating Bridge |
| Top Material | Solid Aaa Spruce |
| Back Material | Whitewood |
| Top Bracing Pattern | Crosslap X |
| Top Braces | Spruce |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Neck Profile | C |
| Neck Joint | Dovetail |
| Fretboard Material | Ovangkol |
| Scale Length | 25.4" |
| Nut Material | Bone |
| Nut Width | 1-11/16" |
| Body Binding | Tortoise |
| Fretboard Binding | Black |
| Bridge Material | Rosewood |
| Bridge Shape | Floating Bridge |
| Finish | Satin Tobacco Sunburst |
| Color Options | Satin Tobacco Sunburst |
Reviews:
Some notes are ridiculously boomy while others are very dead sounding.James L.
The Recording King JTE model was a long time coming and had been in development with Justin and was all-but-completed prior to his passing. When Recording King announced the release of the instrument, I quickly jumped online and placed my preoder back in the late months of 2021. With shipping delays, it took about four months to receive the guitar, though this is, fortunately, no longer the case. Playing the guitar, it has a great woody kind of blues tone. Some might call it flat or boxy. but that's essentially what you're going to have with a parlor-size guitar and it is how Recording King has advertised the instrument. Justin favored these types of guitars himself, so it is true to his own preference. If you're looking for a real full-sounding guitar, big-body guitar, this is not it. Quite frankly, there are some issues. My particular model had fret sprout and the strings did not feel all that great. This is normally something that I would expect with any instrument purchase, but for me, there is some attention to detail that was disappointing overall. Sitting in a shipping container for some months during COVID delays was no doubt part of the reason for some of these issues. The side fret dots are not well-done. It looks like there is some smearing, as if the clear coat was put on before the markers had finished drying. The fret markers on the fretboard are stenciled, so they are not inlays. The body binding is also imperfect and there is an edge that is not placed correctly. That said, this guitar plays well with a bit of love. I know that COVID delays may have led to rushed production and delayed shipping, but it is sad to see some of these details not given more careful attention, especially on a signature model to honor Justin Townes Earle. If possible, look at your particular model in person before purchase to avoid some of these concerns, or order with fingers crossed. Production times have since improved and there may be some more care in later-produced models, but my particular example had these concerns. I really like Recording King instruments, so this is not representative of the brand. Bottom line — if you want a nice little bluesy parlor guitar, this could be the one, but know it may require a bit of care.SP
I have #199 and contrary to the only other review it plays like a dream! The shop I bought it from had six of these. The first one I played was very poorly set up. 199 came out of the box with perfect intonation. Proud to own it, love playing it! It truly has that JTE tone!Pete Matejcek
9. Fender Player Telecaster Black / Maple
Product Details:
Real deal sound bold, innovative and rugged, the player telecaster is pure fender, through and through. the feel, the style and, most importantly, the soundtheyre all there, waiting for you to make them whisper or wail for your music. versatile enough to handle almost anything you can create and durable enough to survive any gig, this workhorse is a trusty sidekick for your musical vision. player series pickups designed for authentic fender tonewith a bit of an edgethe player series pickups keep a foot in the past while looking to the future. block-steel bridge saddles this string-through-body telecaster bridge features block-steel saddles to add a bit of zing to your tone. modern c neck profile this neck is designed for comfort and performance, with a modern c-shaped profile and a smooth back finishideal for almost any playing style. 22 frets adding another fret lets you bend the highest d up to an e, giving you access to four octaves of musical possibilities. more traditional body radii the player telecaster body is hand-shaped to original specifications. f-stamped neck plate each player telecaster includes an f-stamped neck plate, leaving no doubt as to the instruments pedigree.
Specifications:
| Body shape | Single cutaway |
| Body type | Solid body |
| Body wood | Alder |
| Body finish | Gloss |
| Orientation | Right handed |
| Neck shape | C modern |
| Neck wood | Maple |
| Joint | Bolt-on |
| Scale length | 25.5 in. |
| Truss rod | Dual-action |
| Neck finish | Satin |
| Radius | 9.5 in. |
| Fret size | Medium jumbo |
| Number of frets | 22 |
| Inlays | Dot |
| Configuration | SS |
| Neck | Player Series single-coil Alnico |
| Bridge | Player Series single-coil Alnico |
| Active or passive pickups | Passive |
| Series or parallel | Parallel |
| Piezo | No |
| Active EQ | No |
| Control layout | Master volume, tone |
| Pickup switch | 3-way |
| Coil tap or split | No |
| Kill switch | No |
| Bridge type | Fixed |
| Bridge design | 6-saddle string through body |
| Tuning machines | Die-cast sealed |
| Number of strings | 6-string |
| Country of origin | Mexico |
Reviews:
I got this guitar on September 14th, 2021, and have had some minor issues with it. When I receive this guitar, it was perfect. Not a single case of fret buzz, the nut was perfect, and it was an all around great guitar. However, after about a month. I realized the tuners were a bit out of wack. I would be a bit flat, and turn the tuning peg over and over and over, only to not tighten the string at all. Then when I finally did one last turn, I'd be sharp by a whole note! Whatever, just replace the tuners. I had been putting that off. The next issue was a bit weird. I play really hard, and over time, the bridge pins were starting to get loose, and eventually a whole screw came out, and I had to take the guitar to a tech. I know this is probably user error, but still. I eventually just decided to turn it into a Jonny Greenwood tele, with lace sensors, a kill switch, and all. And let me tell you, this guitar is perfect now. The neck is (and always was) exactly what I was looking for. It's a bit thinner that my Squier Affinity Strat, but I like a thinner neck. Bottom line, I would recommend this guitar if your okay with getting new tuners. No one else I know has had problem with the bridge, so consider that. (P.S. I forgot to say that the stock pickups are amazing! I almost just kept them, they sound really good)Cory
As attested to by all the reviews on the Capri Orange MX Player Tele, it is a great playing guitar in its original factory form. However, I chose this guitar as the platform for Sweetwater to custom mod. In collusion with friend and Sales Engineer Jeff Jent, we determined the component upgrades of choice for the project. The oem wiring harness was replaced with the Emerson 4way switch Tele wiring harness. The additional switch position allows for the pups to play in series. The oem pups were replaced with Fender Custom Shop Twisted Tele pups. All this modification under the hood was covered up by a Fender black pearloid moto pickguard. The oem string guide was replaced with the Fender American Standard string guide. The oem control plate and knobs were kept as was the oem bridge with box saddles. I prefer the 6 box saddles bridge to the 3 saddles bridge – just a personal choice. Upon receipt of the Tele, from my personal parts box I installed Fender all short post locking tuners and Fender locking strap buttons. Since the MX Player Tele doesn't come with either a case or gig bag, I had the guitar shipped in a new Fender Elite hard case. I provided Jeff with my preferred set-up specs by the numbers and he forwarded those to the guitar technician for the final modified product set-up. Guitar technician Brandon Harper did exemplary work in putting the mod guitar together and tech supervisor Marty Flaley verified the completed modifications "nailed" by Brandon. If you desire modifications on a new guitar, don't be hesitant to turn the Sweetwater guitar technicians loose on your vision project. The techs know their trade. But in full disclosure, modified guitars are non returnable so be sure of the modifications you desire. The standard Sweetwater warranty is in place though. All of these details can be gone over with your Sales Engineer to be certain, just in case I have misspoken the rules of engagement. Thanks to Brandon for his tech expertise and Marty for the oversight (prior to his promotion, Marty was my tech of choice for set-ups on new guitar purchases). Can't say enough about my excellent relationship with my Sales Engineer Jeff Jent. He knows his gear! If you don't have an assigned Sales Engineer, call Sweetwater and ask for Jeff. If you are ever on the Sweetwater campus, ask to personally meet your Sales Engineer and guitar tech. I've had that pleasure and glad to call them friends. OH, and what about the orange Tele? It feels, handles and plays great. It is on par with my Elite and Ultra Teles (except slightly less expensive) as a fine crafted guitar. If you have ever wanted to do a mod guitar, pick any platform and turn the guitar techs loose. My new Tele is a Sweetwater Custom Mod!
This is a really great deal. Unless you get lucky on Reverb or whatever you won't find a deal like this anywhere else. And let's face it–you need a Telecaster! It's as basic as a Stratocaster. Even more so. It's so versatile and has a bright (but not too bright) sound. It's HIGHLY customizable. The shape of the neck is very comfortable for both rhythm and lead play. I'd even go so far as to tell you to make this your kids' (or YOUR) first guitar. For one thing, it's a Fender. The build quality is rock solid. It's really designed to be a lifetime instrument. Cons–really just the shade of the neck itself. It's a little pale. But that's just me. Not only that, but later on you can purchase another Fender neck and just replace it. (It's easy.) Don't let this absolute steal for a real Fender Tele get away from you. You'll thank me.
10. Yamaha Fgx830c Acoustic-Electric Guitar (Black)
Product Details:
Derived from the fg830 which has a solid spruce top and rosewood back/sides, the fgx830c has a cutaway body and the electric system. yamaha's proprietary under-saddle piezo pickup and system66 analog preamp ensure the solid plugged-in performance. yamaha scalloped bracing this fg has louder and stronger sound in the low- to mid-ranges, thanks to cutting-edge acoustic analysis technology developed by the yamaha r&d division. yamaha's engineers have achieved this sound by utilizing analysis and simulation to arrive at the best bracing design without depending on tradition or guesswork. this analysis led to the development of a new scalloped bracing pattern, a new and ideal acoustic structure that maintains the durability of the top board while bringing out the most sound the yamaha fg has to offer. system66 preamp/pickup system system 66 feature an under-saddle piezo pickup developed by yamaha. controls include a 3-band eq, an adjustable mid-range frequency control, and a precision chromatic tuner for optimum sound tailoring. the system is powered by easy to obtain aa-size batteries that provide a stable power supply for improved sound quality. case sold separately.
Specifications:
| Length | 42.52 in |
| Height | 6.14 in |
| Width | 20.71 in |
Reviews:
I bought this guitar to check out a budget friendly offering from Yamaha. I have to say I was not disappointed! Excellent tone and volume, the top really resonates. The guitar was really well setup right out of the box. It needed about 3/4 of a clockwise truss rod adjustment, no prob. Other than that it didn't need any fret dressing whatsoever. That's really impressive for a Chinese guitar. Heck even one of my Mexican Martins needed fret dressing out of the box! Also intonation was spot on and this also is important in your guitar. Very impressed with this guitar, intermediate/advanced feel but priced at a beginner budget. You won't regret picking one up, I assure you!Big Bone Murphy
There is a point of quality when an instrument reaches when it stops being seen as "better or worse" but rather just a different flavor. This Yamaha has reached that point. You can play it alongside a guitar costing 5x more and it stands up well. Yamaha is also one of those rare companies with a long history of top quality across all kinds of products, and guitars are an area Yamaha knows well. This is just a beautiful guitar through and throughout. You can get beautiful uncompromisingly great studio recordings with this guitar. Hitting the low strings hard with strumming gives a nice deep and rich tone. Also, the hardware / tuners are nice.Scott
I've owned many acoustics over the years, MANY, and this Yamaha is one of the best sounding I've ever owned. Went to GC just to check out a few lower end acoustics to pick up for jamming on, and tried almost every one in the room. Picked this one up last just before I was ready to leave, and immediately was blown away by the sound and playability, brought a couple friends to listen and tell me which one they thought sounded the best, and hands down this won over all of them. It has the tone and warmth of a Martin D34, which I have owned a few, and it plays like a dream. The neck is so sliky smooth, easy to fly up and down with no effort. It has amazing sustain and beautiful tone, I fell in love with it and just couldn't put it down. I didn't expect a guitar of this price range to sound as good as it does, got it home and I couldn't put it down. Played for 4 hours straight, and even after trying to put it down to go to bed at 1am I found myself playing a for a few more minutes before I could actually go to sleep. Love this Yamaha more than any guitar I've bought in the last decade. The best thing about it is, It gave me the desire to pick up playing guitar again, after hardly touching any of my other guitars for almost a year it's the one I want to play more than all of them. Great guitar, wouldn't hesitate to buy another in a different color, if you want something that you won't be able to put down this baby has the sound and feel your looking for.Johnny D
11. 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
12. Yamaha Acoustic Guitar Fs800
Product Details:
It all starts here when it was introduced in 1966, the yamaha fg proved that a great acoustic guitar didn’t need to cost a fortune. with a focus on great playability, musical tone and outstanding build quality, the original fg180 quickly became a classic with countless careers and hit records starting life on an fg. 50 years since the introduction of the fg acoustics, the new range features the best-ever fg tone and the same great playability and class-leading quality that’s made it the choice of millions of guitarists. wherever your musical journey’s going, it all starts here.
Specifications:
Reviews:
At first I was going to say it's a great guitar for the price, but that really doesn't do this thing justice. It's just a great guitar. It has a great sound, it feels good in your hands, it's easy to hold and to play. I can't fault this guitar at all. The action was a bit high out of the box, but the tech at Guitar Center gave it a great set-up and now it's very easy to play. I'm planning to give this one to my daughter, but I would happily keep this myself. I have only been playing guitar for a few weeks, but even I can make this thing sound good!Todd
There is a place in my project studio for FS800: 48 years ago I sold Yamaha Guitars and found them excellent. When the group "America" presented a acoustic sound (Horse with No Name; Ventura Highway; Tin Man . . . et al) the solid rhythms of Yamaha solid top guitars proved Ideal. Through the years I have experimented with various genres as a singer songwriter; now a days I have returned to folk and "heavy on" acoustic guitar sounds. To complement my more expensive guitars I needed something that could deliver the solid rhythms I fondly recall. Now the Yamaha FS800 excels for finger styles as well: I layer tracks this guitar is a breeze to play and its character naturally stands out in the mix. I cannot see a beginner or a more advanced guitarist going wrong with The Yamaha FS800. JHajarhill
Perfect couch and campfire guitar. Sustains and project very well with a surprisingly round warm sound. Gorgeous burst finish much nicer in person. String spacing is slightly narrower than standard, make note. Bridge saddle needed to be shaved down for lower action. Neck and frets were perfect otherwise. Tuning very stable. A set of 11-52 will be next string change. Love playing this thing, and exploring alternate tunings! It seems Yamaha's reputation is true.Greg
13. Yamaha Fg800 Folk Acoustic Guitar, Natural
Product Details:
Yamaha's fg800 folk acoustic guitar is a reasonably priced entry-level acoustic guitar featuring one of the most popular tonewoods – solid sitka spruce – for the top. this gives you a nice mellow tone with a slower response, and keeps the guitar nice and lightweight, a combination that is ideal for a beginner trying to find their way around the instrument. the nato back and sides also keeps the guitar lightweight and inexpensive while not sacrifcing tone. other features of the fg800 include a rosewood fingerboard and bridge, black and white body binding, die-cast tuners, and a tortoise pickguard. case sold separately. check the drop-down menu to the right to select between natural or sunburst finishes.
Specifications:
| Instrument Type | Guitar – acoustic – dreadnought |
| Top Material | Solid spruce |
| Back Material | Nato, okoume |
| Sides Material | Nato, okoume |
| Body Finish | Gloss |
| Bracing | Scalloped |
| Pickguard | Tortoise pattern |
| Neck Material | Nato – matt |
| Scale Length | 25.5625" (650 mm) |
| Fingerboard | 15.7 in – rosewood |
| Nut | 1.7 in – urea-formaldehyde |
| Bridge Material | Rosewood |
| Number of Strings | 6 |
| Image Color Disclaimer | The displayed product image may be a different color |
| Included Accessories | Hex wrench |
| Dimensions | Body length: 19.9 in Body width: 16.2 in Body depth: 4.6 in |
| Width | 40.9 in |
Reviews:
I didn't have high hopes for a guitar in this price point, but it has had rave reviews so I ordered one. When I unboxed it after about 5 hours, the very first thing that I noticed was the build quality. The neck set is absolutely perfect and the guitar is very nicely playable right out of the box. The finish on this guitar is superb. It is a Plain Jane but it's pleasing to the eye as a solid, well built guitar. It tuned up well and I played a couple of sets on it, and after one retune, it sang out quite nicely. The only change I will make to this guitar is changing the nut and the bridge to bone, since the plastic polymer just doesn't sustain like this guitar is capable of doing. The additional 50 dollar investment is well worth it, I would be comfortable playing this guitar anywhere, it's well worth the money, and it's easy to see why the reviews have been so good on it.Taylor W.
When the guitar arrived, I was not disappointed. The "sandburst" finish was fantastic–satin on the body, matte on the neck, which made playing a breeze. The fret work has no issues. The only change I will make is to have a tech file the nut grooves so the action is easier on the first fret; this is not uncommon with new guitars from any manufacturer. Other than that, the guitar is ideal. The bass response makes my fillings rattle (in a good way) and this guitar is loud when I need it to be. An important factor is this FG800 comes with a solid top spruce–this can't be emphasized enough. With laminate tops, you might get lucky with a decent tone, but the odds will be against you. A solid top will bring you closer to the sound you want. I don't believe in "beginner" guitars, which is another term for paying less in case you don't want to play the guitar later. If you're a guitar player, you'll know what you want. The FG800 passes for a quality guitar that will last your lifetime and that of the person you might bequeath it to.Dave
I’m impressed by the build and sound quality of this acoustic guitar! Easy to tune and play. I used to play on a Taylor GS mini (Koa) but couldn’t bring it with me when I moved to the UK. I was thinking about buying the same model here but they’re quite expensive and paying for international shipping to bring mine from my home country wouldn’t be cheaper as well. That’s when I saw online reviews of this Yamaha FG800 and decided to give it a shot. PMT shopping experience was very smooth and the delivery was very fast – next day. Couldn’t be happier! Now I have something to play after 6 months after moving. And it’s a good quality guitar.Victor T.
14. 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
15. Esp Ltd M-400 Electric Guitar (Black Satin)
Product Details:
The ltd 400 series is designed with the professional performing and recording musician in mind, but is available at a price that even casual players can afford. with the m-400, you get a sturdily well-built bolt-on shredding machine, complete with the classic m-style extra thin flat neck profile. available in this great-looking black satin finish, as well as a mahogany-topped passive-pickup version with the m-400m, its mahogany body and fast three-piece maple neck are constructed at 25.5" scale, with a 24 extra-jumbo frets on its rosewood fingerboard. like the rest of the m series, simplicity is the key to the m-400, with a single volume knob and a selector to choose between its world-standard active emg 85/emg 81 pickup set. the m-400m also includes grover tuners and a floyd rose bridge.
Specifications:
| Body shape | Double cutaway |
| Body type | Solid body |
| Body wood | Mahogany |
| Body finish | Satin |
| Orientation | Right handed |
| Neck shape | Extra thin flat |
| Neck wood | 3-piece Maple |
| Joint | Bolt-on |
| Scale length | 25.5 in. |
| Truss rod | Standard |
| Neck finish | Satin |
| Radius | 13.75 in. |
| Fret size | Extra-jumbo |
| Number of frets | 24 |
| Inlays | Dot |
| Nut width | 1.69 in. (43 mm) |
| Configuration | HH |
| Neck | Jazz |
| Bridge | Custom-5 |
| Active or passive pickups | Passive |
| Series or parallel | Series |
| Piezo | No |
| Active EQ | No |
| Control layout | Master volume |
| Pickup switch | 3-way |
| Coil tap or split | No |
| Kill switch | No |
| Bridge type | Tremolo/Vibrato |
| Bridge design | Floyd Rose special |
| Tuning machines | Grover |
| Number of strings | 6-string |
| Country of origin | Indonesia |
Reviews:
I've had this guitar for about 10 months, and it's great! It's everything you'd come to expect from the ESP LTD line. But the big question is, "How's that bridge?" My motivation for buying this specific guitar was my unending frustration with the floating tremolo on my previous guitar. We started jumping back and forth between standard and dropped D in our set, and making that work with a FR was a nightmare. With that, I had set out on finding a non-FR or fixed bridge, since I rarely used the trem' anyway. I had always wanted an ESP and the idea of each saddle being independent of one another was compelling. It can take a little to get used to, though. Tuning is done at the bridge, and the tension on the strings is adjusted by the tuning pegs. Once the string has the right amount of tension, that saddle will be "activated" in what is referred to as "zone 2". Here, the springs will counter any additional tension applied to that string up to a given point. This means that you cannot do bends or change the pitch in any real or easy way. Some people may like this, but it feels very odd, and the people at Evertune know that most people don't play like this. So, to get the best of both worlds, you will need to apply enough tension on the saddle to bring it right up to the edge of zone 2 by turning the tuning pegs. What I found to be helpful here is to not just listen for the note to change, but to pull on the string and visually inspect movement in the saddle. Once this is set, it feels like a normal guitar with just a tad more tension on the strings. The guitar will come with 10-gauge strings. I gave that a shot for a while. Only recently did I switch them out for some 9s. I think it feels a lot better with a lighter gauge string, especially considering that tad bit of tension. A tip I learned regarding Dropped D was to tune the guitar down by default. Then tune up the low E, which puts that saddle into "zone 3". This is far easier than the reverse and stiJohn Q. GuitarPlayer
I ordered this Bass as I wanted a more modern fretless than my Jazz and decided on a 5. I was first impressed by the exotic finish of these Basses but skeptical on quality at this price. I needn't have worried. I honestly do not know how ESP maintain this kind of fantastic quality/price. Out of the box the maple cap looks great if you like a natural wood finish. I could not find a single cosmetic flaw. The Bass is slightly neck-heavy due to the light weight body but it sits well on a strap. The hardware seems solid enough and looks cool. My Bass was well set-up but other reviews say the contrary. The strings are D'addario Rounds as listed so you may want to change these out for flats if you wish to avoid scratches on the roasted Jatoba fingerboard (they used to be Rosewood). The active threeband eq plus passive pan pot give a lot of tone scope. The only negative point to my ears is that I would like a touch more sustain but all in all consider these Basses before going for a Rockbass.
I have been playing guitar for six years and am a massive fan of hot humbuckers and EMGs. This LTD does not disappoint and is easily my best guitar (next to my Solar s1.6pb27, which also sports an EverTune bridge). The LTD MH1000's body looks great, neck feels great, frets are smooth and it stays in tune extraordinarily well with the EverTune bridge. It is extremely easy to set this guitar up yourself due to the bridge; I didn't have to take it to a shop before I started recording with it. Excellent value.
16. Cordoba C4-Ce Acoustic Electric Guitar
Product Details:
The c4-ce's solid african mahogany top provides a crisp, articulate tone, combined with african mahogany back and sides for balanced volume and sustain. the construction is based upon our traditional spanish classical guitar, with the inclusion of a soft cutaway and a slightly thinner 50mm-width neck designed for comfortable playability and easy upper-register reach. premium design elements such as a maple binding, abalone rosette, and a striking edgeburst finish will help you stand out from the crowd. the fishman sonitone active pickup system produces a rich and natural sound when amplified, and puts the soundhole mounted controls at your fingertips – perfect for gigging and recording.
Reviews:
This guitar seems to be well built and has a nice deep sound. I’ve only had it for about 30 days, but I play it frequently for hours each time. I am excited everyday to play it during my breaks or when I am at home. The tuner is convenient, the controls are clear and the glossy finish is attractive. I took the guitar to GC for a truss rod adjustment which lowered the action. Frets and fingerboard are all up to par. Not much else to say. This is a good mid-level beginner’s guitar. Guitar is the third instrument that I am learning, after piano and drums. I look forward to playing this guitar during my breaks, at work, and when I come home. Most cordoba acoustic electric models are smaller than the standard 2 inch nut width. I teach music at a school who has the non-electric version, so it took a bit of time getting used to this. Overall, I am pleased with my purchase. I know that I can grow into this guitar, and if necessary I can “upgrade” if I become really good and dedicated. But in the meantime, I am content with enjoying the journey.Brian
I have had this guitar over 5 years. The Suarez high tension strings give it a clean sound. Warm bass string and higher treble strings. The guitar looks great and holds sound longer then some of the guitars I own in this price range. Plan to stick with Cordoba is I ever upgrade. Also enjoy the cutout and pickup. After you change your strings it does take 1-2 days before your strings tighten and settle. This is due to the high tension.Eloy
I purchased this guitar about 3 weeks ago and wanted to wait to give a review until after I'd played it for a while… turns out my first impressions were really accurate — this is an excellent guitar! The C4-CE is well-built, beautiful, and sounds warm and full. The frets are smooth, and overall this guitar seems better-constructed than some more expensive nylon-string models that were available at my local GC. This is my first nylon-string guitar, though I have played acoustics for nearly 20 years. I did a lot of research prior to purchasing the C4-CE, and the sound, quality, and playability are really exceptional for the cost. The solid wood top resonates beautifully and I think the volume is great for nylon strings. I really look forward to owning and playing this guitar for years to come! (Plus, it's beautiful!)Ann V.
17. Epiphone Les Paul Studio Lt Electric Guitar (Ebony)
Product Details:
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player looking for an affordable axe, the epiphone les paul studio e1 electric guitar brings iconic les paul tone and style into the hands of players at an amazing value! the les paul studio e1 features that legendary single-cutaway body except with a slightly slimmer profile and slightly lighter, making this the perfect choice for budding rockers. crafted from solid mahogany and featuring a carved top, the body of the les paul studio e1 is paired with a comfortable, thin, fast-playing 1960's slimtaper "d"-shaped mahogany neck with an ergonomic tapered bolt-on neck joint. the neck features a traditional les paul 24.75" scale length as well as a rosewood fingerboard with pearloid dot inlays. designed for rock, the les paul studio e1 comes loaded up with high-output epiphone 650r and 700t zebra-coil ceramic humbuckers to deliver tighter lows, smoother mids, and more pronounced trebles than vintage-style alnico humbuckers. a traditional 4-knob control layout consists of independent volume and tone controls for each pickup. rock-solid epiphone nickel hardware includes a set of premium die-cast 14:1 ratio tuners and a classic adjustable tune-o-matic bridge/stopbar tailpiece combo. case not included.
Specifications:
| Body shape | Single cutaway |
| Body type | Solid body |
| Body wood | Carved Mahogany |
| Body finish | Satin |
| Orientation | Right handed |
| Neck shape | '60s SlimTaper D |
| Neck wood | Mahogany |
| Joint | Bolt-on |
| Scale length | 24.75 in. |
| Truss rod | Standard |
| Neck finish | Satin |
| Radius | 12 in. |
| Fret size | Medium jumbo |
| Number of frets | 22 |
| Inlays | Dot |
| Nut width | 1.68 in. (42.67 mm) |
| Configuration | HH |
| Neck | Zebra coil ceramic |
| Bridge | Zebra coil ceramic |
| Active or passive pickups | Passive |
| Series or parallel | Series |
| Piezo | No |
| Active EQ | No |
| Control layout | Master volume, tone |
| Pickup switch | 3-way |
| Coil tap or split | No |
| Kill switch | No |
| Bridge type | Fixed |
| Bridge design | Tune-o-matic |
| Tailpiece | Stopbar |
| Tuning machines | Die-cast |
| Number of strings | 6-string |
| Country of origin | China |
Reviews:
I am both surprised and please with this guitar I purchased this guitar at GC Nashville after returning a Gibson Les Paul Classic that I bought online. (lesson learned, don't buy from GC online.) The staff there were great and had no issues with me returning a $2200 guitar that I bought online. Even more supportive in helping me pick out a much less expensive guitar. Great people. This Epiphone is awesome. The fit and finish are great. The action is low and no buzz. The tone is great and It is lighter and easier to handle than the Gibson . The best part is it cost a third of the one I returned. I really wanted a Gibson but I am so glad I picked up this Epiphone. A word of caution. I looked at and played several guitars at GC before choosing this one. I even played a couple of other Epiphone Les Paul Customs. No two were the same. One had razors for frets, one had an action you could drive a truck under and this one was just right. Go in an play them before buying.Mike
This is my second 6 string electric, and I couldn't be HAPPIER with it! My first guitar is an entry level Epiphone SG Special that was a couple hundred bucks back in the day. It got the job done…good frets, good tune, good everything. I recently decided to step it up and get a "mid-range" guitar but still not break the bank with an Epiphone. And I'm not calling Epiphone cheap…they are just more in my price range when compared to Gibsons. Stepping it up is the right description for this guitar!! It is AMAZING! The feel, the tone, the look! It sounds great and feels good in the hands too. I especially love the Silverburst color!! The main reason I wanted this specific guitar. It's Adam Jones from TooL color scheme finish but on an epiphone! They are coming out with his own model of epiphone, but I'm impatient lol. Looks are important to picking out a guitar as much as sound! The inlays on the fretboard look beautiful. The pick guard and finish are beautiful, the trim/binding around the guitar… this guitar has reignited my passion for playing! As of this writing, I have no complaints! Excellent guitar!Matt
I purchased this guitar because a Les Paul was missing from my gear arsenal and I didn't want to drop three grand on a Gibson. I played a wall model at a local GC store and decided to buy, but requested a factory new model sent to me, because the wall model I played had some nicks in the fretboard, a sketchy 3 way switch and had worn strings and the intonation was way off above the 14th fret. I paid for next day air shipping to expedite the process because I tend to want the things I pay for fairly quickly. The shipping tag originated from the same city I live in, meaning they had a factory new either in the warehouse or at the neighboring store about 20 miles away. So I essentially paid 42$ for expedited shipping and could had likely gotten it same day if I asked the right questions I suppose. Shame on me. The next business day my guitar is delivered to my residence, I open it and immediately inspected it for possible shipping damage or factory flaws. It arrives with a broken 3 way switch, all strings tuned nearly 2 steps flat and also needed to make a truss rod adjustment to straighten the neck. Completely unacceptable that these issues left both the factory and GC's "quality control" in the condition it did. Luckily I work at a local small box music store and worked with our own luthier after hours to set it up and correct the problems. All that said, this guitar is absolutely fantastic. It plays and sounds very good and even though the stock pickups aren't top tier, they are excellent performers at a very reasonable price point. Monster value in this guitar. If you can acquire one some where other than Guitar Center, do it. If you do purchase from guitar center, make absolutely certain to have it looked at by a professional before accepting it. 5 stars for the guitar and it's value. 1 star for guitar centers lack of QC shipping items.Dan
18. 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
19. Yamaha C40ii Classical Guitar, Natural
Product Details:
The finest tonewoods are employed to give you the best possible performance at an incredibly affordable price. the solid sitka spruce top is paired with similarly resonant mahogany back and sides. pickguards are eliminated to reduce unwanted vibrations on the soundboard. the thin finish allows the wood to breathe, producing a powerful, rich singing tone. the c series are full-sized instruments with a level of quality only yamaha can deliver. specifications:- spruce top. indonesian mahagony back and sides nato neck. javanese rosewood fingerboard and bridge 19 frets. chrome tuners.
Specifications:
| Instrument Type | Guitar – acoustic |
| Top Material | Spruce |
| Back Material | Meranti |
| Sides Material | Meranti |
| Body Finish | Gloss |
| Neck Material | Nato |
| Scale Length | 28.56" (650 mm) |
| Fingerboard | Rosewood |
| Bridge Material | Rosewood |
| Number of Strings | 6 |
| Image Color Disclaimer | The displayed product image may be a different color |
| Dimensions | Body depth: 3.7 in – 3.9 in |
Reviews:
I was looking for a good beginner's guitar, and I wanted something with nylon strings. I did a pretty extensive search in order to find an instrument that was relatively inexpensive yet had some degree of quality. I read reviews on this particular model, and most seemed to be pleased. I was able to purchase one that, I'm guessing, had been returned, and I was very pleased with both the reduced price and the condition/quality of the guitar. The guitar itself has a very beautiful and mellow tone. It stays in tune, only requiring minor adjustments from time-to-time. I would not recommend this for young people or those adults with smaller hands, as the neck is somewhat wider than one might expect. All-in-all a very fine instrument for the price.Swewpa
This is the best beginner/student classical guitar there is bar none. It's full size and the intonation is spot on, the tuners (whilst basic) are fully functional and consistent. The bridge saddle has 3rd string compensation and is set to a low-ish action. Putting a new set of EJ45's opens up the sound considerably (don't play with the crappy strings that are on it). Great second or studio guitar for the experienced player. Stick it in a half decent case and you'll have a fantastic holiday guitar for around £150. The spruce soundboard already sounds good and will improve with age. Buy, play it – chuck it about. – it's very well made and robust. Finish is shiny and cleans with a wipe. Buy it today.Warwick M.
20. Yamaha Apx600 Acoustic Electric Guitar (Black)
Product Details:
The yamaha apx 600 acoustic electric guitar boasts features and looks that you would normally find on a guitar 3 times its price. high quality tonewoods are crafted into a comfortable thinline cutaway body style, giving you a big sound without overwhelming size. the sound of the apx 600 begins with a spruce top accompanied by nato back and sides, with non-scalloped x-type bracing ensuring a powerful yet controlled tone. yamaha has also added a a distinct oval abalone rosette. with an exclusive thinline body shape, the apx 600 guitar boasts a single cutaway that allows for extended range in your lead playing for when you need to access those upper register notes. the slim taper nato neck with a rosewood fingerboard and traditional dot inlays will feel comfortable in your fretting hand. when its time to plug in, the apx 600s lush acoustic tone is amplified by yamahas system 65 piezo and preamp system, featuring a unique under-saddle piezo pickup. the yamaha proprietary srt transducer delivers a natural tone and the feedback rejection and mix-friendly sound guitarists crave. case not included.
Specifications:
| Length | 43.11 in |
| Height | 4.88 in |
| Width | 19.65 in |
Reviews:
Having relatively recently started learning guitar on an electric stratocaster-style guitar this was a great transition to the acoustic segment. The thinner body makes it much more comfortable to play than say a dreadnought and the neck is comfortable to transition too, yet the guitar doesn't seem to sacrifice as much sound as you'd expect from a thinner guitar. The finish of the guitar is that of a more expensive guitar for example the rosewood finger board. On arrival I actually thought the guitar looked better than the pictures on the website suggest but do note that because of the finish it is prone to showing finger marks which would need cleaning time to time. I would highly recommend this guitar.Richard P.
After suffering a permanent back injury I could no longer play my elictric guitar as it was too heavy or my acoustic electric guitar because it felt like it was twice it's normal size because I could no longer find a comfortable position for myself to play it. I bought a keyboard thinking that I could still play music. Afterv two weeks of playing around with the keyboard I gave up pllaying. Then I saw on the internet one night an advertisement for a 3/4 size Yamaha acoustic electric guitar guitar with a slimline bosy which looked like a nice guitar so I checked out males and females playing it and sounded very nice so I bought one. Man am I'm so glad I did. I got the sunburst like this one on sale. I was excited as l took it out of the box and went straight to my mancave and started playing it. It was perfecty in tune and for a guitar of this size it's got such a beautiful tone playing ACOUSTIC. So I plugged it in and it's as good as it sounded on YouTube. As an 67 yesr old man who started playing guitar when I was 16 years old, this is a beauty. I recommend this guitar to beginners, anyone with small hands and even people who want a good guitar to take with them without taking up much space in your car. Yep, it's a beaty.Deano
The only thing I'm not entirely happy with is the action. It's just a little too high. Other than that, I love it. It's a very nice looking acoustic for the money. It stays in tune extremely well and I was shocked at how full the sound was even with such a thin body. Sounds even better plugged in. The thinner body is super comfortable to handle and hold. It makes the transition from electric to acoustic very easy. The built in tuner is one of my favorite features. It works great and seems to be as accurate as any other tuner I've ever used. Overall, I would recommend this acoustic to anyone on a budget looking for a great sounding and feeling acoustic who doesn't mind the action a little on the higher side. (Side Note – I might be too critical on the action since I'm used to my electrics set up for such low action.)
