Are you looking for the Best Guitar For Rock? If so, you’ve come to the right place.
Choosing the Best Guitar For Rock can be difficult as there are so many considerations, such as Glarry, Fender, Gibson, Ibanez, Epiphone, Jackson, Yamaha. We have done a lot of research to find the top 20 Best Guitar For Rock available.
The average cost is $1545.53. Sold comparable range in price from a low of $179.99 to a high of $5099.00.
Based on the research we did, we think Gibson – Sg Special – Electric Guitar – Ebony 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 Rock (20 Sellers)
Product Image | Product Name | Features | Check Price |
---|---|---|---|
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
$1359.00
4.6
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Attractive . Lightweight . Durability . Well made
Features:
- Gibson sg special ebony electric guitar.
- The sg special returns to the classic design that made it relevant, played, and loved — shaping sound across generations and genres of music.
- P-90 single coil pickup.
$1799.00
4.8
Reviewers Noted:
Attractive . Good sound quality . Lightweight . Well made . Durable
Features:
- Accessories: please confirm the picture.
- Please note!
- Not all of…
$2538.76
4.6
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Attractive . Lightweight . Durability . Well made
Features:
- Limited edition 2019
- With case
$5099.00
4.6
Reviewers Noted:
Attractive . Good sound quality . Lightweight . Well made . Durability
Features:
- Detailed specifications
- Body material
- Fingerboard 1-ply cream
$1925.00
4.7
Reviewers Noted:
Attractive . Good sound quality . Lightweight . Well made . Durability
Features:
- This is a very nice gibson 1961 re-issue sg with a sideways tremolo in cherry.
- This burstbucker loaded beauty is a tone powerhouse and it has a great set-up and playing action.
- Original case toolkit accessories and factory birth photo and original paperwork included.
$1999.00
4.6
Reviewers Noted:
Attractive . Good sound quality . Durability . Lightweight . Craftsmanship
Features:
- Iconic body shape and humbucking tone
- Chrome finished hardware with precise tuners
- Impressive antique natural finish
$1299.00
4.7
Reviewers Noted:
Attractive . Good sound quality . Lightweight . Well made . Durability
Features:
- Description
- Mahogany body
- 490r neck pickup & 490t bridge pickup
$4097.00
4.8
Reviewers Noted:
Attractive . Good sound quality . Well made . Durable . Lightweight
Features:
- 3 texas special single-coil pickups offer up fat, bluesy tones
- Srv oval c-shaped, riftsawn maple neck with smooth nitrocellulose lacquer finish
- 12”-radius, rosewood fingerboard comes loaded with 21 jumbo frets
$1999.00
4.6
Reviewers Noted:
Attractive . Good sound quality . Lightweight . Well made . Durability
Features:
- This throwback model features vintage '61 gibson sg build, maestro vibrola tailpiece on top of great specs, and burstbucker '61 pickups. this guitar is for the player who loves classic…
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Attractive . Lacks durability . Well made . Lightweight
Features:
- Ernie ball strings, no scratch, played just indoor, in my house, occasionally.
- I bought it new, never played in concerts.
- H-s-h configuration.
Reviewers Noted:
Attractive . Good sound quality . Lightweight . Well made . Durable
Features:
- Get that classic jackson tone, looks and playability without breaking the bank
- Powered by jackson high-output humbucking pickups
- Floyd rose licensed jackson double-locking tremolo provides excellent stability
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Attractive . Lightweight . Well made . Durable
Features:
- Two v-mod ii single-coil telecaster pickups
- New top-load/string-through telecaster bridge with compensated brass “bullet” saddles
- Deep "c”-shaped neck profile with rolled fingerboard edges
Reviewers Noted:
Attractive . Good sound quality . Well made . Durable . Weight
Features:
- Accessories: please confirm the picture.
- Please note!
- Not all of …
Reviewers Noted:
Attractive . Good sound quality . Well made . Durable . Lightweight
Features:
- American ultra is our most advanced series of guitars and basses for discerning players who demand the ultimate in precision, performance and tone.
- This versatile, state-of-the-art instrument will inspire you to push your playing to new heights.
- Other features include sealed locking tuning machines, chrome hardware and bone nut. includes premium molded hardshell case.
Reviewers Noted:
Attractive . Good sound quality . Durable . Lightweight . Well made
Features:
- Body: mahogany
- Fingerboard: maple
- Neck shape: speed neck with rolled fingerboard edges
$699.00
4.7
Reviewers Noted:
Attractive . Good sound quality . Lightweight . Well made . Durable
Features:
- Description
- Specification
- Dimensions: h: 110.5 x w: 45 x d: 12 cm
Reviewers Noted:
Attractive . Good sound quality . Well made . Durability . Weight
Features:
- Paying tribute to the les pauls of generations past.
- This guitar is as new mint condition with no issues!
- Classic styling.
Reviewers Noted:
Attractive . Good sound quality . Well made . Durable . Weight
Features:
- Classic les paul look and sound
- Lightweight mahogany body
- Beautiful burgundy color on a maple veneer top
Reviewers Noted:
Sound quality . Lightweight . Attractive . Well made . Durability
Features:
- Budget-friendly electric guitar in high quality
- Stylish blue design
- Excellent sound
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Attractive . Lightweight . Well made . Durable
Features:
- No case or gig bag included.
- Serial #17071301367 dates guitar to 2017, made in china.
- Guitar weighs in at approximately 5.8 pounds.
1. Gibson – Sg Special – Electric Guitar – Ebony
Product Details:
The sg special returns to the classic design that made it relevant, played and loved — shaping sound across generations and genres of music. this early 60's style sg special has the vibe and sound heard on countless classic rock recordings. the comfortable, slim taper mahogany neck and bound rosewood fingerboard is well known for fast, effortless playing. the two p-90 pickups are noted for their fat, snarl when driven and for their smooth, sweetness when played clean. the sg special is equipped with the 3-way toggle switch, handwired controls and orange drop capacitors. p-90 single coil pickup legendary tone first introduced in the early 1950s, gibson's legendary p90 single coil pickup produced a raw powerful tone that helped define the blues and rock and roll in their formative years. today, the p90's traditional combination of high output and brilliant tone is still considered a favorite among many top musicians. known by such familiar nicknames as the "soapbar" and the "cobalt," the p90 still cuts through any type of music, all while displaying amazing tonal sensitivity for everything from blues and rock to mellow jazz riffs. it's perfect as a vintage replacement, and features vintage, braided two-conductor wiring. it's also fully wax potted to eliminate any chance of unwanted microphonic feedback.
Specifications:
Body shape | Double cutaway |
Body type | Solid body |
Body wood | Mahogany |
Body finish | Gloss |
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 | Dot |
Configuration | SS |
Neck | P-90 |
Bridge | P-90 |
Active or passive pickups | Passive |
Series or parallel | Parallel |
Control layout | Volume 1, volume 2, tone 1, tone 2 |
Pickup switch | 3-way |
Bridge type | Fixed |
Bridge design | Compensated Wraparound |
Tuning machines | Vintage-style |
Number of strings | 6-string |
Country of origin | United States |
Reviews:
Overall happy with the gibson sg special. You can see on the guitar theres a couple of minor marks from the gibson factory. Nothing major. The string alignment is a little off. But dont mind. The low E string is closer to the top of the neck. I use my thumb alot so works out. If it was the other way around I might of sent it back. The electrics look good under the hood. Musicstore got the guitar very quickly to Ireland. Really good service with great updates. Very happy with the purchase:)
Alright, so the first one of these new SG Specials in Pelham Blue showed up with a giant crack (not finish checking) that wrapped from the input jack to the control panel. I knew I had to return it but tuned it up and noodled a bit and tested pickups to make sure it was worth the exchange. The guitar was so good I almost kept it. My girlfriend convinced me to return it for a new one and it's the best decision I've ever made regarding gear. I've had the new one for a few days and it is just better in every way compared to the damaged but also incredible guitar I originally received. The resonance, sustain, comfort, aesthetic, playability, P90s, even the smell… all perfect. Gibson even learned to cut a nut. The fretboard is darker (better), the setup and finish is better. It just feels and sounds better. There is no neck dive on this one, although the first one did have a neck heavy feel (nothing a leather/suede strap couldn't fix). I say all this to remind everyone that every guitar is different and just hope you get one with mojo. I went to a competitor today and played a new Les Paul Standard that was tagged at $1K higher than this SG. No comparison. I was laughing at how much better the SG was in every single department. I can't wait to take this on the road as my new #1 and I seriously doubt it will ever be topped. New or vintage. Gibson is taking this rebuild seriously, and these Original Collection models are the best step they could have taken.UglyRunnerMusic
I am astonished at how quiet the P90's are in this SG. The hum is negligible — substantially less than the high gains in my Rickenbacker and only barely more the Lace Sensors in my strat (which are 99% silent). I had anticipated ordering some hum-canceling Lindy's to go in there, but that won't be happening. These sound phenomenal. They're just about all I could ever want from a pickup. The guitar came with the neck set almost completely straight. Just a smidge of relief (the perfect amount, really). Fretwork is essentially perfect. No sharp ends, frets are perfectly even and well-polished. The action was set a bit high, but was fairly easy to remedy. So why 4 stars instead of 5? The lower set screw (high E side) on the lightning bar wraparound bridge arrived stuck. Under no tension, it could not be adjusted in or out with the 1/16 hex key on the included Gibson multi-tool. I had to use an extractor plier to get it out out of fear of grinding down the end of the hex. Upon inspection, some of the threads near the cup point on the screw were malformed. There were no issues with the screw on the upper (Low E) side. Tracking down a replacement #5-40 3/8" set screw in small (< 100) quantity was actually kind of difficult. A stuck screw on a bridge is not catastrophic, but it does seem like something that should have been caught in QA. Aside from the one issue, everything else was immaculate. Also, great service from Musicians Friend.Justin
2. Gibson Sg Standard Electric Guitar (Ebony)
Product Details:
The gibson sg. every guitarist knows one when they see it. and with good reason. this gibson sg standard is a shining example of why these guitars are some of the most revered in the world. the sleek body, comfortable neck, and finely crafted contours make it a modern day king, and its tone is beyond exceptional. two gibson 490 humbuckers in the neck and bridge give it plenty of firepower and crisp, articulate tone for an exceptional sound. with them, you'll be rocking like the legends who used this model throughout the decades. classic design, modern features. this model is the perfect blend of old and new, offering the same playing experience which the sgs of old, but with modern day reliability. you'll feel those vintage vibes coming to your fingers as you make your way across the smooth, supreme fretboard. whether you're into blues or straight up rock 'n' roll, this guitar will satisfy your every desire.
Specifications:
Modifications | Back of headstock stamped "DEMO" |
Neck Profile | Slim Taper |
Neck Material | Mahogany |
Depth at 1st (in) | .833 |
Depth at 12th (in) | .976 |
Nut Width (in) | 1.69 |
Nut Material | Graph Tech |
Scale | 24.75 |
Fingerboard Material | Rosewood |
Fingerboard Radius | 12 |
Fret Count | 22 |
Finish Type | Gloss Nitro |
Tuners | Grovers |
Bridge | Nashville TOM |
Neck Pickup | 490R |
Bridge Pickup | 490T |
Controls | 2 Volumes, 2 Tones, & Toggle Switch |
Strings | .010, .013, .017, .026, .036, .046 |
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 | 1.695" |
Offset Body | No |
Pickup Configuration | HH |
Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
Scale Length | 24.75" |
Wood Top Style | Plain |
Reviews:
I've been playing guitar for over 15 years. I got an 05' Gibson SG Standard for my 13th birthday. Over the years of influence in your ear about other guitars, you decide to dabble with different sounds and set ups. After playing a few strats, a ES-339, and a LP Standard over the years, I've always found myself to be happy at home with my SG. The 490R and 498T pickups are the best pickups Gibson made in my opinion. The versatility is astounding, ranging from jazz-fusion types like Larry Carlton, to the crunch of post hardcore, while pitching perfectly on iconic 70s solos and leads. Wether you're new to the Gibson family, or looking to add to your Arsenal, the SG Standard will forever please, and forever fit into any track.Jack
Absolutely love this guitar. It has taken the spot of my main Gibson for playing out. I alternate between this and my Dark Night American Pro II Stratocaster. The color schemes go well together and match my band's logo color scheme and branding so that's kind of a cool plus. I love the neck profile, the U shape is chunkier than a 60's Les Paul but is very comfortable in my hand and really reduces fatigue when I'm playing chords. I am still able to shred away with ease during solo time. I'm a huge fan of the nitro cellulous finish. I really like how the mahogany body resonates…I think it improves the tone. The QC, fit and finish on this guitar seems flawless to me. Gibson has really stepped up. Lastly, I want to comment on the soft case. I wasn't sure if I was going to like it. I was very surprised at how much padding there is and how plush it is on the inside. It is much more portable than a hard shell and honestly, with the shoulder strap….I may prefer it over the hard shell. It's easier to take to practice or a gig and the pocket has enough room for my wireless buds, iPod and foot controller (for iPod). I'm really stoked with my new SG, and I'd love to get one in white with gold hardware if AMS will ever offer it;-).Jon
Overall: This guitar showed up in need of a complete setup. Nothing was properly adjusted and setup, and I’m still not sure about the neck truss rod. Fortunately for me I know how to setup a guitar, however everything was out. When I set up a neck I usually adjust for .009” relief. I am unable get that with this neck probably because the truss rod was installed wrong at the factory. I might send this one back for that reason because if I ever go to a light gauge string I’d have to raise the action at the bridge so high it would be unplayable. As far as the CTS pots, they’re a very cheap version and they’re not very good. I replaced all of them with Bournes 500k pots and installed a Switchcraft jack. It definitely makes a big difference. Now that it’s been setup and fixed, except for the neck truss rod, it’s a great guitar. The Epiphone pickups sound great and the tuners are nice too. The finish is perfect and the stock hardware seems good. I certainly can recommend this guitar, but I feel zZounds should at least try and send these out in better condition. A setup like what I did would cost about $150. The last guitar I bought from zZounds was perfect, they let me down this time.Scott
3. Gibson Sg Special – Faded Pelham Blue
Product Details:
Gibson usa's new original series is exactly what you have been waiting for. the sg special returns to the classic design that made it relevant, played and loved – shaping sound across generations and genres of music. this early 60's style sg special has the vibe and sound heard on countless classic rock recordings. the comfortable, slim taper mahogany neck and bound rosewood fingerboard is well known for fast, effortless playing. the two p-90 pickups are noted for their fat, snarl when driven and for their smooth, sweetness when played clean. the sg special is equipped with the 3-way toggle switch, handwired controls and orange drop capacitors. come visit your authorized gibson dealer and try one for yourself.
Specifications:
Body shape | Double cutaway |
Body type | Solid body |
Body wood | Mahogany |
Body finish | Gloss |
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 | Dot |
Configuration | SS |
Neck | P-90 |
Bridge | P-90 |
Active or passive pickups | Passive |
Series or parallel | Parallel |
Control layout | Volume 1, volume 2, tone 1, tone 2 |
Pickup switch | 3-way |
Bridge type | Fixed |
Bridge design | Compensated Wraparound |
Tuning machines | Vintage-style |
Number of strings | 6-string |
Country of origin | United States |
Reviews:
Overall happy with the gibson sg special. You can see on the guitar theres a couple of minor marks from the gibson factory. Nothing major. The string alignment is a little off. But dont mind. The low E string is closer to the top of the neck. I use my thumb alot so works out. If it was the other way around I might of sent it back. The electrics look good under the hood. Musicstore got the guitar very quickly to Ireland. Really good service with great updates. Very happy with the purchase:)
Alright, so the first one of these new SG Specials in Pelham Blue showed up with a giant crack (not finish checking) that wrapped from the input jack to the control panel. I knew I had to return it but tuned it up and noodled a bit and tested pickups to make sure it was worth the exchange. The guitar was so good I almost kept it. My girlfriend convinced me to return it for a new one and it's the best decision I've ever made regarding gear. I've had the new one for a few days and it is just better in every way compared to the damaged but also incredible guitar I originally received. The resonance, sustain, comfort, aesthetic, playability, P90s, even the smell… all perfect. Gibson even learned to cut a nut. The fretboard is darker (better), the setup and finish is better. It just feels and sounds better. There is no neck dive on this one, although the first one did have a neck heavy feel (nothing a leather/suede strap couldn't fix). I say all this to remind everyone that every guitar is different and just hope you get one with mojo. I went to a competitor today and played a new Les Paul Standard that was tagged at $1K higher than this SG. No comparison. I was laughing at how much better the SG was in every single department. I can't wait to take this on the road as my new #1 and I seriously doubt it will ever be topped. New or vintage. Gibson is taking this rebuild seriously, and these Original Collection models are the best step they could have taken.UglyRunnerMusic
I am astonished at how quiet the P90's are in this SG. The hum is negligible — substantially less than the high gains in my Rickenbacker and only barely more the Lace Sensors in my strat (which are 99% silent). I had anticipated ordering some hum-canceling Lindy's to go in there, but that won't be happening. These sound phenomenal. They're just about all I could ever want from a pickup. The guitar came with the neck set almost completely straight. Just a smidge of relief (the perfect amount, really). Fretwork is essentially perfect. No sharp ends, frets are perfectly even and well-polished. The action was set a bit high, but was fairly easy to remedy. So why 4 stars instead of 5? The lower set screw (high E side) on the lightning bar wraparound bridge arrived stuck. Under no tension, it could not be adjusted in or out with the 1/16 hex key on the included Gibson multi-tool. I had to use an extractor plier to get it out out of fear of grinding down the end of the hex. Upon inspection, some of the threads near the cup point on the screw were malformed. There were no issues with the screw on the upper (Low E) side. Tracking down a replacement #5-40 3/8" set screw in small (< 100) quantity was actually kind of difficult. A stuck screw on a bridge is not catastrophic, but it does seem like something that should have been caught in QA. Aside from the one issue, everything else was immaculate. Also, great service from Musicians Friend.Justin
4. Gibson Custom 1963 Sg Special Reissue Lightning Bar Electric Guitar – Murphy Lab Ultra Light Aged Classic White
Product Details:
Specifications:
Body Type | Double Cutaway Solid Body |
Top wood | Mahogany |
Body wood | Mahogany |
Neck shape | '63 Medium C |
Neck wood | 1-piece Mahogany |
Scale length | 24.75" |
Truss rod | Vintage |
Radius | 12" |
Number of frets | 22 |
Inlays | Pearloid Dot |
Nut width/material | 1.687"/Nylon |
Configuration | HH |
Neck | Proprietary Humbucker |
Bridge | Proprietary Humbucker |
Control layout | Individual volume, Individual tone |
Bridge type | Fixed Bridge |
Tailpiece | Wraparound |
Tuning machines | Vintage-style |
Number of strings | 6 String |
Orientation | Right-handed |
Country of Origin | United States |
Reviews:
Now that I'm in my 60's, jumping around on the stage with a 10lb Les Paul is no longer an option. I'd never even consider an SG, but it was so lightweigh I thought I'd give it a try. OMG why did I wait so long? This thing is a Rock 'n Roll time machine! Besides being incredibly lightweight and resonant, it sound amazing. And due to the double cut and neck joint construction, it's soo easy to play all the way to the 22nd fret. The wide slim taper neck is incredibly fast… and its light weight means no neck dive. I should have picked one of these up years ago!Steve
Yes, this guitar is 100% worth it. I wanted to wait a full year of owning the guitar to write this so that I'd be certain. There's too much good to write about this SG to be honest so to summarize I can't even call this guitar a rock and machine id call it a musical weapon. It sounds absolutely phenomenal which for me was the most important part. I'm used to strats which id been playing the last 18 or so in terms of playability, it def plays different but it plays really nicely. It has a lot more pop and feels stiffer. The finishing and everything else is top quality as well. Guitar is beautiful. Not only does the guitar sound awesome with literally any type of gain, but the cleans are extremely nice sounding as well. This guitar is the real deal, I waited a long time to pull the trigger on this thing and it was 1000% the right decision.Pd
If you're buying and enjoying an SG you're probably aware it's a unique and quirky instrument. The body is very light despite being all mahogany and it does suffer the classic neck dive and tuning stability issues common with Gibson guitars. But these are aspects of the guitar more than negatives in my opinion. It's a classic shape. It's very light weight and plays easily. If you don't like the Les Paul because of its chunky neck and thick neck pocket you may be pleasantly surprised by the thinner neck and upper fret access of the SG! It tends to be a darker sounding guitar with it's all mahogany body and neck with rosewood board and classic nickel fret wire. But I'm nit picking here. You only need listen to Angus Young's classic tones to hear how this guitar can cut thru a mix with the right amp. The medium jumbo frets and shorter scale length are great for easy bends. With volume and tone controls for each pickup you get a lot of control over the sound of the guitar. If tuning stability is an issue try pencil graphite or Nut Sauce to lube the well cut (usually well cut) nut. Gibson is unfortunately known for let's say less than perfect fit and finish on their instruments. You will probably see imperfections in the paint job and finish if you look closely enough. That's just par for the course with Gibson. But I'm a Gibson fan. They make instruments that don't sound like anything else and the SG is one of those iconic rock and roll machines! I highly recommend it!Donnie
5. Gibson Sg Standard '61 Sideways Vibrola Electric Guitar Vintage Cherry
Product Details:
New almost unplayed condition. the sg standard 61 sideways vibrola returns to the classic design that made it relevant, played and loved — shaping sound across generations and genres of music. as the name implies, the gibson sg standard '61 sideways vibrola is equipped with the unique sideways side-pull action vibrato similar to those found on the early 60's models. standard features include a slim taper mahogany neck and a bound rosewood fingerboard. the mahogany body features a deeply sculpted body scarfing, a 5-ply teardrop pickguard and a 22nd-fret neck joint. the nickel plated hardware includes a classic-style tune-o-matic bridge and keystone tuners in addition to the sideways vibrola tailpiece. the pickups are 61r and 61t humbuckers for a classic voice with added power and top end. controls feature audio taper potentiometers and orange drop capacitors.buyer responsible for any import duties or taxes.
Specifications:
Body shape | Double cutaway |
Body type | Solid body |
Body wood | Mahogany |
Body finish | Gloss |
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 | BurstBucker 61R |
Bridge | BurstBucker 61T |
Active or passive pickups | Passive |
Series or parallel | Parallel |
Control layout | Volume 1, volume 2, tone 1, tone 2 |
Pickup switch | 3-way |
Bridge type | Vibrato/Tremolo |
Bridge design | ABR-1 |
Tailpiece | Sideways-style Vibrola |
Tuning machines | Vintage-style |
Number of strings | 6-string |
Country of origin | United States |
Reviews:
Now that I'm in my 60's, jumping around on the stage with a 10lb Les Paul is no longer an option. I'd never even consider an SG, but it was so lightweigh I thought I'd give it a try. OMG why did I wait so long? This thing is a Rock 'n Roll time machine! Besides being incredibly lightweight and resonant, it sound amazing. And due to the double cut and neck joint construction, it's soo easy to play all the way to the 22nd fret. The wide slim taper neck is incredibly fast… and its light weight means no neck dive. I should have picked one of these up years ago!Steve
Yes, this guitar is 100% worth it. I wanted to wait a full year of owning the guitar to write this so that I'd be certain. There's too much good to write about this SG to be honest so to summarize I can't even call this guitar a rock and machine id call it a musical weapon. It sounds absolutely phenomenal which for me was the most important part. I'm used to strats which id been playing the last 18 or so in terms of playability, it def plays different but it plays really nicely. It has a lot more pop and feels stiffer. The finishing and everything else is top quality as well. Guitar is beautiful. Not only does the guitar sound awesome with literally any type of gain, but the cleans are extremely nice sounding as well. This guitar is the real deal, I waited a long time to pull the trigger on this thing and it was 1000% the right decision.Pd
If you're buying and enjoying an SG you're probably aware it's a unique and quirky instrument. The body is very light despite being all mahogany and it does suffer the classic neck dive and tuning stability issues common with Gibson guitars. But these are aspects of the guitar more than negatives in my opinion. It's a classic shape. It's very light weight and plays easily. If you don't like the Les Paul because of its chunky neck and thick neck pocket you may be pleasantly surprised by the thinner neck and upper fret access of the SG! It tends to be a darker sounding guitar with it's all mahogany body and neck with rosewood board and classic nickel fret wire. But I'm nit picking here. You only need listen to Angus Young's classic tones to hear how this guitar can cut thru a mix with the right amp. The medium jumbo frets and shorter scale length are great for easy bends. With volume and tone controls for each pickup you get a lot of control over the sound of the guitar. If tuning stability is an issue try pencil graphite or Nut Sauce to lube the well cut (usually well cut) nut. Gibson is unfortunately known for let's say less than perfect fit and finish on their instruments. You will probably see imperfections in the paint job and finish if you look closely enough. That's just par for the course with Gibson. But I'm a Gibson fan. They make instruments that don't sound like anything else and the SG is one of those iconic rock and roll machines! I highly recommend it!Donnie
6. Gibson Flying V – Antique Natural Guitar
Product Details:
Gibson flying v – original collection in antique natural. purchased in january 2021 from sweetwater. fantastic guitar but received very minimal play. really don t want to sell it but need to at this time. practically mint condition and zero visible wear/tear. beautiful wood grain pattern on this one. the burstbucker pickups really sing and have such dynamic range. hard shell case in excellent condition as well despite some white streak marks from the wall, included in the photos. all case candy included. still has a bit of that new guitar smell and really hoping she can land in a great home.
Specifications:
Body shape | V |
Body type | Solid body |
Body wood | Mahogany |
Body finish | Gloss |
Orientation | Right handed |
Neck shape | SlimTaper |
Neck wood | Mahogany |
Joint | Set-in |
Scale length | 24.75" |
Truss rod | Standard |
Neck finish | Gloss |
Radius | 12" |
Fret size | Medium jumbo |
Number of frets | 22 |
Inlays | Dot |
Configuration | HH |
Neck | BurstBucker 2 |
Bridge | BurstBucker 3 |
Active or passive pickups | Passive |
Series or parallel | Parallel |
Control layout | Volume 1, volume 2, master tone |
Pickup switch | 3-way |
Bridge type | Fixed |
Bridge design | Tune-o-matic |
Tailpiece | Stopbar |
Tuning machines | Grover Rotomatic |
Number of strings | 6-string |
Country of origin | United States |
Reviews:
I'm a collector and player of the unique and unusual of the big brand and some off brand stuff. Never been a huge Gibby fan, even though in a classic rock guy. The flying v crescent moon is wonderful though, and has a vibe and feel all its own. When you think that legends from Hendrix to king played them, and had a style all they're own, the V just has its own place in the guitar world. I swapped the hot ceramic Gibby pups for some Seymour Duncan's with chrome covers, as I wanted a more dressed look and blues warmth from this lightweight but oh so solid beast. I did the graphitec saddles as well, again for a warm vibe. The result is amazing, period. I'll put her against anything from anybody in tone, weight, style, playability and feel. Even before the mods, still best of the best. All welds perfect, fret work perfect, finish accomplished the look of a vintage road warrior. Nickle hardware, true Ebony fretboard, feels like one gorgeous piece of mahogany in your arms as the neck and body are so perfectly set together.golfn64
This guitar sounds so good, it's hard to say if it's the wood or pickups. Who cares? It sounds good. Good tone and sustain. I look forward to playing it. Tuning is easy, playing it is comfortable. It has the original good looks that the Flying V was made with. I have heard people with Gibsons say that they with the knobs were like on my V. They also liked the placement of the jack. Which, I want to say, are 2 solid reasons I wanted this guitar. The Through-the=body stop and the jack at the end of the wing tip. Very nice.David
Gibson Flying V. Antique natural. Low action and great playability from factory. Awesome fretboard even though multiple tool marks around fret ends. Good access. Pickups sound good clean and can get hot enough for metal with a boost. Nice grain in wood. Couple small sand marks under nitro. Neck feels great. Giving it 4 stars for cosmetic issues but played so well did not send it back or even pursue price reduction. Case is very nice. AMS great as always. Killer payment plans and fast shipping.Todd
7. Gibson Sg Tribute – Vintage Cherry Satin
Product Details:
Full rich tones that sound awesome! the sg standard tribute boasts a traditional mahogany body and rounded profile maple neck with rosewood fingerboard. it is finished with a black, 5-ply full-face pickguard loaded with double black, open-coil 490r and 490t alnico ii loaded pickups. nickel plated hardware includes vintage deluxe tuners with keystone buttons, a nashville tune-o-matic bridge and aluminum stop bar tailpiece.
Specifications:
Body shape | Double cutaway |
Body type | Solid body |
Body wood | Mahogany |
Body finish | Satin |
Orientation | Right handed |
Neck shape | Rounded |
Neck wood | Maple |
Joint | Set-in |
Scale length | 24.75" |
Truss rod | Standard |
Neck finish | Satin |
Radius | 12" |
Fret size | Medium jumbo |
Number of frets | 22 |
Inlays | Dot |
Configuration | HH |
Neck | 490R |
Bridge | 490T |
Active or passive pickups | Passive |
Series or parallel | Parallel |
Control layout | Volume 1, volume 2, tone 1, tone 2 |
Pickup switch | 3-way |
Bridge type | Fixed |
Bridge design | Tune-o-matic |
Tailpiece | Stopbar |
Tuning machines | Vintage-style Keystone |
Number of strings | 6-string |
Country of origin | United States |
Reviews:
Overall: This is very nice guitar! Last year I ordered a 2019 SG standard that turned out have some QC issues. I sent it back and ended up getting a Gibson TV yellow special that's turned out to be the best guitar I've ever owned (go figure) but I still couldn't get the SG jones out of my system so I decided to order one of these tributes. I have always like the stripped down looks of the faded specials of the past but I never pulled the trigger on one. These new tributes look to be very similar to the old faded specials but I think that they've done some minor cosmetic upgrades to them. I like the lighter walnut stain on these tributes more than the darker worn brown specials. They also added a silk screen Gibby "thistle" to the head stock which really doesn't mean much to me but I guess it makes it look a little more like a standard. The satin or "vintage gloss" finish looks a little different than the old faded specials to me. It looks more like a semi gloss than the matte finish they applied to the faded specials. I may be in the minority but I like the looks of this SG more then the fancy but boring "cherry" or "ebony" of the standards. I like the visible texture of wood grain and the lighter shade of walnut stain they used on these tributes. The wood on mine was very well matched on the front. On the back you can tell that they used two, maybe three, pieces of mahogany for the body but from the front it looks like one solid piece of wood until you get right up on it. The fretboard on mine was dryish and needed a lemon oil treatment but it wasn't as bad as the fretboard on my Special. There were also no tool marks from dressing the neck binding (because there is none) like there was on my special. I feel as though this guitar would look better with nickel pickup covers and reflector knobs so I will probably add those as an upgrade. The "poker chip" was included in the gig bag but not installed on the guitar. I will probably leave it off as it makes the control area look cleaner and allows more of the beautiful wood grain to show through. The frets and dot makers were well done with no sharp ends. The fretboard played great and the frets appear to have been "plekked". Setup was great and ready to rip right out of the box. Tuning stability was good after I changed the strings and stretched them in good. Pots and controls seem sturdy and responsive. The satin maple neck felt nice as far as the texture but it was a little fat and wide for my liking. I was expecting it to be more like the neck profile on my Special which is fatter than a slim taper but it just fills the web of my hand, between my thumb and forefinger, and doesn't impede the "thumb over top" playing style that I use quite a bit. This SG has a flat area on the back of the neck and thicker shoulders and I fell like it favors more of a thumb behind the neck playing style that jazz players and shredders tend to prefer. It's not a thin "shredder" neck like an Ibanez but the flat spot on the back and thick shoulders made me have to shorten my strap and play the guitar higher up on my torso than I like in order to play some songs but I soon got used to it so it's not that big of a deal. The upper fret access was hindered IMO by the thickness of the shoulders and width of the neck which increases the farther up the neck you get but I use this guitar more for heavy rhythm playing so, again, it's not a big deal to me. If Gibson would improve the neck profile on this guitar I feel as though it would be a much more versatile guitar but then it would compete with higher end SG's so there ya go. The 490s in this guitar are very good pickups IMO. They are slightly hotter than PAF in output with prominent vocal like mids to my ears; great blues-rock p'ups for sure. They are noticeably lower in output than the P90s in my special which is okay because I use pedals to compensate for the differences in tone and output when switching between guitars during a set. They 490t in the bridge is probably my favorite. It can go from a jangly, chordy, rhythm to crunchy power chord riffs using the volume knob on the guitar and it retains clarity and definition when playing heavyish drop D rhythms with more gain. My LP Special is my go to guitar for playing "chordy stuff" (which is about 90% of the time) and soloing but the SG comes out when I need more chunk to my palm muted drop d riffs although the 490s are bright and articulate enough to do do the chordy stuff too. I use this guitar to do a drop D version of "Copperhead road". I play Steve's mandolin riff in the middle position then switch over to the bridge pickup after the "smell the whiskey burning" part and it sounds great never muddy or harsh. It also does the lower gain double drop D Neil Young rhythm stuff very well. The "soft case" that came with this guitar is the same as the ones that you get with the regular Standard. It's very nice as far as "soft cases" go I suppose but, IMHO, it's still not much better t
Absolutely love this guitar. Lighter than a Les Paul,with everything you need to rock! The only thing I don't like is the dot inlays. I am used to the trapezoids on my Les Paul. The tone is sharper and great for what I need it for. I've only had it 2 weeks, but already replaced a Paul part with the SG on my current project. It just got me the sound I was looking for. The body is comfortable and the neck is the slim taper which is perfect for my old fingers. I chose the brown because I think the red needs to be a lacquer finish and not the satin on the Tribute. Although I've only had it a short time, I can tell it has the soul of a beast. I feel more comfortable playing it than almost every other guitar I own. It just feels right. I love the maple neck, however, it does tend to want to neck-dive a little. Speaking of maple, I normally prefer a maple fret-board, but this one could change my mind. I'v been a Fender and Rick man for many years, but this guitar is well made, beautiful, and canplay just about any type of music. The low price does not mean low quality on this instrument. I would HIGHLY recommend the SG Tribute to anyone, novice to pro.A.J. Porter
As a bass player, I just want to have a couple six string electrics that I can mess around with. I am not a lead, though I wouldn't mind becoming more proficient. This axe was good for me because it allowed me to get my hands on proper Gibson SG at a low price. No frills, but it doesn't need them. You buy a guitar for how it plays and how it sounds and this instrument does both really, really well. The 490 pickups are great. Tuning is important to me, so I'll probably modify the tuners on this guitar, but that's it. I am very having this axe in the arsenal.BT
8. Fender Custom Shop Stevie Ray Vaughan Signature Stratocaster Relic – Faded 3-Color Sunburst
Product Details:
Stevie ray vaughan is one of the most revered blues players of all time, his energetic take on texas blues and his incredible affinity with his instrument have made him a real players favourite. the alder body is finished in a stunning 3-colour sunburst, it's a perfect complement to the most distinctive feature of the guitar, the engraved srv black pickguard. there is no mistaking whose guitar this is! its relic lacquer finish will age and wear in a distinctly personal way, just like the original.the rift sawn maple neck features a 12" radius for a superb modern playing action without any choking. stevie preferred a thick oval neck profile and this one delivers a comfortable and substantial playing experience. overwound for a mega tone, they offer a dynamic response and a focused mid-range. with alnico v magnets, enamel coated wire and staggered pole pieces, this guitar has got it going on! this guitar would not be complete without the left handed tremolo arm, located on the opposite side of the bridge, above the strings, it's a real srv quirk!
Specifications:
Body Finish | Nitrocellulose Lacquer |
Neck Shape | Special SRV Oval C |
Radius | 12" |
Frets | 21 |
Fret Size | 6100 Jumbo |
String Nut | Bone |
Nut Width | 1.650" |
Neck Finish | Tinted Nitrocellulose Lacquer |
Fingerboard | Rosewood |
Inlays | Micarta White |
Bridge Pickup | Custom Shop Hand-Wound Texas Special |
Neck Pickup | Custom Shop Hand-Wound Texas Special |
Bridge | Left Handed Vintage Style Synchronized |
Tuners | Vintage-Style with Fender Logo |
Pickguard | 3-Ply Black SRV Logo |
Strings | Fender USA, NPS, (.010-.046 Gauges) |
Neck Material | Tinted Rift Sawn Maple |
Scale Length | 25.5" |
Reviews:
This is the first Acoustic/electric that I have owned that I actually love playing. The action is great even with the large gauge acoustic strings on it. Comes with a very nice gig-bag/case. I love the way the neck and back of the guitar looks. I also love the Strat 5-way switch that selects the degree and type of acoustic sound. The only downside with this guitar is the cover that serves as a cover for the electronics and pick guard. It looks cheap, more like a decal than a cover. I think Fender can do better on this detail for the price of the guitar. However, if you can get past that then it is a fine playing and sounding guitar. I have owned several Acoustic and Acoustic/Electric guitars. The action on even high-priced acoustics was so terrible I just ended up selling them. I also do not like the large back ends of most acoustic and acoustic electric guitars, but this guitar is small and easy to play. I would give it an A-.Bill
The research I did on trying to learn more about this instrument via general internet, YouTube, assorted standard Music Company's like Sam Ash; Sweetwater; Guitar Center; Alamo; and other assorted Music Guitar critics provided a good array of opinions and product test results that produced a positive majority with impressive perspectives for the instrument I purchased. The Fender American Acoustasonic Stratocaster Acoustic-Electric Guitar Cocobolo I purchased from Sam Ash was not a disappointment. Aside from the 10 different options of Guitar unique sounds it provides from Acoustic and Electric mixes. The one-of-a-kind Cocobolo wood identifies a further fingerprint in supporting its own private one-of-a-kind signature sound with relationship to the Cocobolo wood unique to it alone. That just blows me away with how special the sound of specialty signature sound it produces with the ten different built in technical sounds the Fender Guitar company developed with this special edition. I feel overwhelmed in learning to continue how to play this guitar. It allows me so many more possibilities with playing soft country to hard rock a really strong guitar enjoyment experience.Guitar Enthusiast
Overall, I am very happy with this guitar. It exudes classic Fender looks and tone. The quality and craftsmanship are decent for the price point. I have a US Tele and, after putting some TLC into this player strat, it feels and plays almost as good as the Tele. I would give it five stars if it were not for fretwork that was needed. Body – The finish and surf pearl color are gorgeous. The wood grain is barely visible (raised) so I would not say the finish is flawless, but the grain is very subtle and adds character in my opinion. The routed cavities for the electronics (top) and the tremolo springs (back) are precisely cut and clean. The electronics cavity was even finished with black paint. Neck – The finish and appearance are great. However, all 22 frets had sprouted; some as much as 1/32". I can't say this is a craftsmanship issue as the frets were probably fine when it was assembled. It must have been a very high humidity environment, though. Nevertheless, after painstakingly filing and redressing all 44 fret ends it feels good. The frets themselves were well seated and leveled. The 3rd and 11th frets were a few thousands of an inch high, but not enough to cause any buzzing issues. The frets were well rounded and polished. Hardware – The tuners are just okay. One of them feels a little rough turning, and they seem to have a low turning ratio making it very touchy to dial in perfect pitch. The 2-point fulcrum tremolo bridge seems like a better design than the traditional (six screw) bridges, but I did not test it. I prefer to block them for more stable tuning, which worked great with this bridge. I have upgraded electronics I had planned to install in this guitar, but the stock pickups aren't bad. They are very quiet and have good tone – there is no rush to replace them. Setup was a breeze. Truss rod adjustment was smooth, nut slots were to spec, and intonation was perfect. The action needed adjustment since I blocked the tremolo, but that was easy.Dave S.
9. Gibson Sg Standard Electric Guitar (Vintage Cherry)
Product Details:
This throwback model features vintage '61 gibson sg build, maestro vibrola tailpiece on top of great specs, and burstbucker '61 pickups. this guitar is for the player who loves classic rock sound and awesome rock looks, with the added bonus of a unique tailpiece. vintage '61 gibson sg build with its immediately recognizable dual "horns", the body of the sg standard is built from mahogany, shaped into double cutaway design. it has deep sculpted scarfing and a 5-ply teardrop pickguard. the mahogany neck features a 22nd fret neck joint, and runs right into the body for great sustain with every note. it also has a 24.75 inch scale length and slim taper profile, affording it a great feel. maestro vibrola tailpiece on top of great specs the centerpiece of this beautiful vintage axe is the maestro vibrola tailpiece. it allows for smooth action and vibrato effects, and sports an awesome lyre engraving on the cover. in conjunction with an abr-1 tune-o-matic bridge, you get fluid vibrato sound while keeping the strings secure. the fretboard on this sg standard '61 is bound rosewood, lined with acrylic trapezoid inlays. a graph tech nut allows the strings to move smoothly when using the vibrato. the headstock bears the gibson name and is adorned with vintage deluxe tuners with keystone buttons. burstbucker 61 pickups for killer vintage tone, gibson outfitted this awesome sg with dual burstbucker 61 pickups. these humbuckers give classic, clear sound, and extra trebly output, which articulately handles gain and effects. with 2 volume and 2 tone controls, as well as a three-way toggle switch, there's little the sg standard '61 can't handle.
Specifications:
Electric Guitar Type | Solid Body Electric Guitar |
Finish | Vintage Cherry |
Finish Type | Nitrocellulose |
Electric Guitar Body Style | SG |
Body Construction | Set Neck |
Orientation | Right-Handed |
Number of Frets | 22 |
Scale Length | 24.75" |
Neck Material | Mahogany |
Fingerboard Material | Rosewood |
Bridge Type | Fixed |
Nut Material | Graph Tech |
Nut Width | 1.694" |
Number of Pickups | 2 |
Pickup Configuration | H-H |
Bridge Pickup | 60s Burstbucker |
Neck Pickup | 60s Burstbucker |
Controls | 2 x Volume & 2 x Tone |
Switch | 3-way Toggle Switch |
Coil Tapping | No |
Hardware Color | Nickel |
Case Included | Hard Case |
Reviews:
Now that I'm in my 60's, jumping around on the stage with a 10lb Les Paul is no longer an option. I'd never even consider an SG, but it was so lightweigh I thought I'd give it a try. OMG why did I wait so long? This thing is a Rock 'n Roll time machine! Besides being incredibly lightweight and resonant, it sound amazing. And due to the double cut and neck joint construction, it's soo easy to play all the way to the 22nd fret. The wide slim taper neck is incredibly fast… and its light weight means no neck dive. I should have picked one of these up years ago!Steve
Yes, this guitar is 100% worth it. I wanted to wait a full year of owning the guitar to write this so that I'd be certain. There's too much good to write about this SG to be honest so to summarize I can't even call this guitar a rock and machine id call it a musical weapon. It sounds absolutely phenomenal which for me was the most important part. I'm used to strats which id been playing the last 18 or so in terms of playability, it def plays different but it plays really nicely. It has a lot more pop and feels stiffer. The finishing and everything else is top quality as well. Guitar is beautiful. Not only does the guitar sound awesome with literally any type of gain, but the cleans are extremely nice sounding as well. This guitar is the real deal, I waited a long time to pull the trigger on this thing and it was 1000% the right decision.Pd
If you're buying and enjoying an SG you're probably aware it's a unique and quirky instrument. The body is very light despite being all mahogany and it does suffer the classic neck dive and tuning stability issues common with Gibson guitars. But these are aspects of the guitar more than negatives in my opinion. It's a classic shape. It's very light weight and plays easily. If you don't like the Les Paul because of its chunky neck and thick neck pocket you may be pleasantly surprised by the thinner neck and upper fret access of the SG! It tends to be a darker sounding guitar with it's all mahogany body and neck with rosewood board and classic nickel fret wire. But I'm nit picking here. You only need listen to Angus Young's classic tones to hear how this guitar can cut thru a mix with the right amp. The medium jumbo frets and shorter scale length are great for easy bends. With volume and tone controls for each pickup you get a lot of control over the sound of the guitar. If tuning stability is an issue try pencil graphite or Nut Sauce to lube the well cut (usually well cut) nut. Gibson is unfortunately known for let's say less than perfect fit and finish on their instruments. You will probably see imperfections in the paint job and finish if you look closely enough. That's just par for the course with Gibson. But I'm a Gibson fan. They make instruments that don't sound like anything else and the SG is one of those iconic rock and roll machines! I highly recommend it!Donnie
10. Ibanez Grx20z Electric Guitar – Black Night
Product Details:
The ibanez grx20z is a shining example of value. even though the price tag is very modest, this beast is made to rock. a basswood body houses a pair of high-output humbuckers, making this a great axe for the burgeoning rocker who seeks to rock the rafters. a standard tremolo handles dive-bombing and other whammy bar acrobatics. all in all, the ibanez grx20z gives you a whole lotta guitar for the money. start your favorite guitarist down the path to rock stardom with the grx20z. ibanez grx20z solidbody electric guitar. features: black night finish. 2 powersound humbucking pickups. basswood body. rosewood fingerboard. fat 6 bridge. 22 medium frets. standard tremolo. solidbody guitars.
Specifications:
Weight | 13 lb |
Reviews:
There is plenty to like about this guitar, and I got it for the features I was looking for: locking tremelo, 24 frets, fast neck, 5 way pickup selector, and nice looks. My first impressions of the guitar was slight disappointment with how sloppy Ibanez was. The tops and bottoms of the frets needed to be beveled as they were pretty sharp, there was a noticeable nick on the fretboard, and there was a black smudge on the back of the neck. None of those was a huge deal. The main two issues I have with the guitar are that the middle pickup, the single coil, has such low output that the middle three positions are much quieter than the neck or bridge pickups alone. I do like the tone of the single coil in conjunction with the humbuckers, but those positions are somewhat useless considering how quiet they are, and I have ordered a humbucker to replace it. The single coil alone (middle position) has too much noise AND is too quiet. Not a big deal to replace a pickup, but why they are selling it this way, I'm not sure. The second issue is the volume control. Instead of a gradual swell, there is a sharp dropoff in volume at one point in the rotation of the dial, making it pretty much useless other than having it full on or all the way off. I am not sure if that is fixable, but if it is, I'll need to have that done as well. All that said, if the guitar had not arrived in such sloppy condition and the two problems were resolved, I'd give this guitar 5 stars.hickory spork
The Ibanez RG 450 or any of the RG's are with the exception of the factory p/u and electronic. capable of becoming one of the best performance guitars to own. The base Ibanez Floyd Rose system is fiddley but, after learning how to adjust/tune quickly becomes appreciated for holding tune no matter the severity of attacks you use with the tremolo. The Wizard(ll or lll ?) You would need to go to custom built to exceed the easy play and comfortable frets you will find on and RG. This recent RG450 I upgraded to equal the higher priced models by adding the De Marzio Tone Zone (B), Air Norton (N). And instead of going with the True Velvet. Added the Seymour Duncan Vintage Hot Stack for the middle position and added better electrics to even out the upgrades.. End result; This guitar plays and sound equal to guitars costing over $1,000.00!! Good bones! Yes this can be played well and many will find happiness with this as stock., and, will perform well against the competition dollar for dollar!ikeus
I used to own an '89 Ibanez VBK JEM that I regrettably sold to buy a gaming pc. I wanted to get a newer entry level RG so I could have a floyd,HSH superstrat in E standard. I've had this RG for long enough to know it's a keeper. This thing has the same feel and vibe of my old JEM! Minus the monkey grip and other features obviously. The neck feels fantastic and I only had to do very minor setup adjustments to my liking. I would have liked a rosewood or ebony fingerboard but of course this is the lower end model. The Jatoba feels good under the fingers, similar to rosewood but with a slightly lighter shade to it. Like most guitars you buy online mine came desperately needing some good oil and cleaning. The Jatoba fingerboard seems to require a bit more lubrication than rosewood. The neck binding is done well, not perfect but to a good standard. I do wish the trem was an Edge lo-pro… But again, this is the lower priced model. There is nothing wrong with the Edge tremolo, it stays in tune well with whammy bar abuse but it is one of the bulkier Original Floyd Rose style bridges. The stock Quantum pickups are among the best stock Ibanez pickups I've tried. They are hot but versatile. However I did swap them out with the classic Dimarzio Air Norton/Steves Special combo and a True Velvet middle. I do believe a higher end Ibanez will obviously sound better than this but for the price it really is hard to beat! Well done Ibanez and AMS!Nevin
11. Jackson Js Series Rhoads Js32t Electric Guitar, Amaranth, Satin Black
Product Details:
Swift, deadly and affordable, jackson js series guitars take an epic leap forward, making it easier than ever to get classic jackson tone, looks and playability without breaking the bank. the js series rhoads js32t has a poplar body and a bolt-on maple speed neck with graphite reinforcement and scarf joint for rock-solid stability. hosting 24 jumbo frets and pearloid sharkfin inlays, the 12”-16” compound radius fully bound amaranth fingerboard creates the ideal playing surface for fat riffs and easy chording near the black plastic nut while gradually flattening in the upper registers for lightning-quick solos and wide bends without fear of fretting out. a pair of jackson high-output humbucking pickups with ceramic magnets cranks out clear tone with plenty of girth. the neck position delivers bright highs while the bridge adds plenty of crunchy distortion that can be shaped with a three-way toggle switch and single volume and tone controls. enjoy accurate string action and spacing and improved sustain, courtesy the jackson compound radius compensated tom-style bridge, which perfectly matches the fingerboard’s radius. this angular battle-tested axe is available in satin black or white with black bevels, and is finished off with a black pickguard and black hardware. see manufacturer's website for specs.
Specifications:
Body type | Solid body |
Body wood | Nato |
Body finish | OIl |
Orientation | Right handed |
Neck shape | Speed neck |
Neck wood | 1-piece Maple |
Joint | Bolt-on |
Scale length | 25.5 in. |
Truss rod | Graphite reinforced |
Neck finish | Satin |
Radius | Compound 12–16" |
Fret size | Jumbo |
Number of frets | 24 |
Inlays | Sharkfin |
Configuration | HH |
Neck | High output humbucker Ceramic |
Bridge | High output humbucker Ceramic |
Active or passive pickups | Passive |
Series or parallel | Parallel |
Piezo | No |
Active EQ | No |
Control layout | Master volume, tone |
Pickup switch | 3-way |
Coil tap or split | No |
Kill switch | No |
Bridge type | Fixed |
Bridge design | Tune-o-matic |
Tailpiece | String Thru Body |
Tuning machines | Die-cast sealed |
Number of strings | 6-string |
Country of origin | China |
Reviews:
I bought this guitar because I wanted a new toy and because of the price – I figured I didn't have much to lose. I have three other guitars, two of them Jackson, that I play frequently, and I always wanted a guitar of this style. The natural finish is attractive and unusual. I like that. The pickups are ok, but the electronics leave a lot to be desired. The fingerboard craftsmanship is lacking attention, at least on the one I received. There are unfinished areas and one of the inlays is missing a small section. I don't know what strings they send over to China to put on this thing, but they are complete garbage. Putting some new strings on improved things a lot. This also suffers from some fret buzz. The guitar comes setup pretty well. The intonation seems to be spot on and the truss rod is adjusted properly. Action is set surprisingly well, considering the price of the guitar. However, as I mentioned above, this results in some fret buzz. I'll work with that a bit later. The neck has the same feel and playability as my higher-end Jacksons, so that's a plus. Overall, I don't think you could go wrong with this in the low price range. I'd recommend inspecting the guitar closely upon receipt to double check quality control. I wouldn't recommend this as a first guitar, unless an experienced guitarist is available to inspect. It's also not a guitar that's easy to sit and play, which is something to consider. If you get a good one and it's setup properly, this is an excellent guitar for ripping out some metal riffs or just having fun. Just don't take it too seriously.Matt
I received my guitar about three days ago, and overall I am very happy with my purchase. The guitar looks awesome – I love the wood finish with gold hardware, and have received many compliments on the instrument's overall appearance. It is incredibly light, weighing in at just about 7 pounds, making it the lightest guitar I have ever owned. I love the feel of Jackson necks, and this guitar is no exception. It has a fast action that makes speedy riffs a breeze to play. Access to the higher portion of the fret board is incredible, thanks to the V body shape. This is my first Flying V guitar, and I will definitely need to get used to handling the unique body shape as I play. Now for a couple cons that made me drop my rating from 5 to 4 stars: this guitar is top heavy. I have never owned a top-heavy guitar before, and it is super inconvenient to play standing up. You have to put in a constant effort to keep the guitar level as you play. I personally like to play with my guitar at a 45-degree upwards angle, which is much more difficult to do on this guitar then on any of my other well-balanced instruments. While the natural wood body looks awesome, it feels as if it would be easy to damage. But as long as you're careful you shouldn't run into any issues. I ordered this guitar online, and was not happy with the experience Guitar Center delivered. It said that the instrument was in stock and ready to ship, but after three days I still hadn't received a shipping confirmation in my email. I reached out to customer support and found out that the guitar was actually not in stock and I would have to wait three additional weeks before my guitar would ship. That was a bummer. All in all I would recommend this guitar, and am happy I added it to my collection!Darin
My fiance purchased this guitar for me as a early Christmas gift around october 2019. After the usual string change adjustments and tuning it sounded great and played great. Only real issue is neck dive but with this body shape you expect it and can be corrected by moving the strap button placement to the back plate or near by depending on your choice i left it and rest the top horn inside my leg like you see dimebag with his ml and many others with the v shape and non traditional shapes like the warriors king Vs and so on. I personally love the Rhoads shape and the natural finish. Other than some minor changes and upgrades knobs Tusq Nut Locking tuners and a Seymour Duncan bridge pickup upgrade and a good setup this guitar is my daily player out of the 6 i own its become my favorite im looking to buy another honestlychuck thomas
12. Fender American Professional Ii Telecaster Maple, Black
Product Details:
In the american professional ii telecaster more than 60 years of innovation, inspiration and evolution have gone into it – it is a guitar that also meets the high demands of modern musicians. our popular deep c neck profile is complemented here with gently rounded fretboard edges, a ""super-natural"" satin finish, and a redesigned ergonomic neck base that makes it easier to grip high registers. new v-mod ii telecaster single coils produce an articulate, strikingly clear sound. of course, they also deliver that coveted twang, that snap and growl that the tele is world famous for. the new top-load/string-through bridge with compensated bullet saddles is the most comfortable and flexible tele bridge ever. it combines the classic sound of brass string saddles with excellent intonation and various adjustment options – tension and tone can be adjusted to individual preferences for each string. the american pro ii telecaster feels and sounds instantly familiar. it is e.
Specifications:
Body Shape | Telecaster |
Body Finish | Gloss Urethane |
Neck Shape | Deep "C" |
Neck Material | Maple |
Scale Length | 25.5" (648 mm) |
Fingerboard Material | Maple |
Fingerboard Radius | 9.5" (241 mm) |
Number of Frets | 22 |
Fret Size | Narrow Tall |
Nut Material | Bone |
Nut Width | 1.685" (42.8 mm) |
Position Inlays | Black Dot |
Side Dots | Black |
Bridge Pickup | V-Mod II Single-Coil Tele |
Neck Pickup | V-Mod II Single-Coil Tele |
Control Knobs | Knurled Dome |
Controls Type | Master Volume, Master Tone |
Guitar Pickup Configuration | S-S |
Hardware Finish | Nickel/Chrome |
Tuning Machines | Fender Standard Cast/Sealed Staggered |
Pickguard Description | 3-Ply Black |
Case/Gig Bag | Deluxe Molded Case (Included) |
Neck Plate | 4-Bolt |
Auxiliary Switching | Push-Push Tone Control Activates Series Mode |
Switch Tip | Black |
Reviews:
I'm not employed by Fender, have many terrific guitars from Gibson, Fender, Martin – most US, some Fender made in Mexico which are nice playing, quality instruments. They all need their tweaks here and there to get to your personal level of playability and satisfaction. As for Telecasters, currently have 3 including this new one in Miami Blue (we'll get to that in a moment) and this is hands down, the absolute best Telecaster I've ever played or owned. It is SO comfortable – out of the case (which is a new style and impressive on its own merit) was flawless. Put a strap on, tuned and felt something odd – nice lightweight alder, it felt different, smaller, more comfortable . . . it's the same size of course but the edges of the body are more rounded than the typical hard flat Tele body I've been familiar with for so long. The neck heel is contoured, the fretboard edges are rolled and fret wire are like butter! Pickups and push button which activates both pickups in series make the tone range so wide. Very impressed to say the least. Now, the Miami blue shown in stock photos here and elsewhere looks much lighter and brighter than in person. The actual color is darker with a greenish tint to it. Either way, the guitar is not going anywhere but would like you to be aware and search for pics on Google until you see or have a grasp of what the range of photos capture. It's not a traditional Fender color but looks fantastic – I know you will not be disappointed.PJ
In my previous review I stated that four saddles kill tone… but I meant six saddles. Four have way better sustain, brightness, and punch… but less adjustable for intonation. Six saddles on the American professional II killed the tone. For that reason the performer sounds way better, plus the push push option just sounds muddy… not worth the added cost except sounds decent for gain on the middle position. The neck on both the professional II and performer are both great it just comes down to personal taste on thickness. I have the performer, a Classic Vibe, and just bought the professional II. Returning the professional II and keeping my others that I think sound quite a bit better for clean playing. But the professional II is very well but and sounds good… just not as good… again probably because of the six saddles…or wimpy sounding pickups… I'm not sure why. But still a very well made guitar… just try them all before buying…Thad
There's no such thing as a perfect guitar and because of that I don't like to give 5 stars in any review but this Telecaster is exceptional. I own 20+ guitars including high end Strats, Les Paul customs, a Lucille and an outstanding USA made vintage Gretsch. I love all those instruments but this Telecaster is something special. It's the most versatile guitar I own. This Telecaster can play as sweet or as nasty twangy as you want. It can do any genre with style. This telecaster is the only instrument I've ever owned that didn't need any adjustment after purchase. It came out of the box in absolutely perfect intonation. There were No sharp fret ends like on cheaper models and the action was perfect. I couldn't find any imperfections anywhere. The neck is smooth as butter, slick and fast, very nice. The V-Mod pickups are outstanding, with all the punch you would ever need. I also like the angle molded heel cut where the neck meets the body. All I did was put on a new set of Fender Bullet 9-42s and she was ready to go. I can't recommend this guitar highly enough if you need or want an exceptional Telecaster. I've played virtually all the other models and brands of the Tele and while some of those were excellent guitars, some were cheaper, some more expensive but none were as good as this version of the Telecaster in my opinion. It's just an outstanding guitar. I'm thinking about buying another one for my son because he won't leave mine alone. You need to play it through a good tube amp to get the most out of it but it still sounds great out of lesser amps like say a Fender Champion 100. I use a tube screamer pedal and a vintage tube Fender Reverb and vintage Gibson tube Dual medalist amps mostly. This Tele still sounds very good even when using some of my digital practice amps. I can't find anything wrong with this guitar. I just wish that I had found it sooner.Dennie
13. Fender Jimi Hendrix Stratocaster – Olympic White
Product Details:
Honoring the electrifying "voodoo chile" who popularized the stratocaster guitar and its tremendous sonic flexibility, the jim hendrix stratocaster gives you the same fiery tone and playing feel to wield as your own. full of incendiary vintage tone and classic style, this extraordinary instrument features signature touches and unique appointments based on his distinctive "flipped-over" guitars. the foundation of hendrixs uniquely personal sound and playing style was his habit of flipping his guitars over and restringing them to accommodate his left-handed playing, resulting in a "reverse" headstock and bridge pickup- features reproduced here in exacting detail. the "reverse" headstock produces a longer string length for the bass strings, creating a tighter playing feel along with easier bending and vibrato on the treble strings. a trio of unsurpassed american vintage 65 single-coil pickups includes a reverse-slant bridge pickup, producing uniquely inspiring tone with tight, warm sound and enhanced upper harmonics and definition. the highly versatile 9. 5radius "c-shaped maple neck with medium jumbo frets offers a flatter playing surface-ideal for chording while simultaneously allowing you to bend notes to the stratosphere without fear of fretting out during scorching solos. commemorating hendrixs unrivaled legacy, the large 70s-style headstock bears the guitarists signature on the rear. a unique neck plate displays a shoulders-up silhouette of the man himself and the engraved inscription, "authentic hendrix, " leaving no doubt as to the inspiration behind this guitar. available in classic olympic white or black, both with chrome hardware and including a gig bag, the jim hendrix stratocaster is your chance to unleash your own "electric sky church" music.
Specifications:
Body Finish | Gloss Polyester |
Body Shape | Stratocaster |
Body Color | Olympic White |
Neck Material | Maple |
Neck Finish | Gloss Polyester |
Neck Shape | "C" Shape |
Scale Length | 25.5" (648mm) |
Fingerboard Material | Maple |
Fingerboard Radius | 9.5" (241mm) |
Number of Frets | 21 |
Fret Size | Medium Jumbo |
Nut Material | Synthetic Bone |
Nut Width | 1.650" (42mm) |
Position Inlays | Black Dot |
Truss Rod | Standard |
Configuration | SSS |
Bridge | 6-Saddle Vintage-Style Synchronized Tremolo |
Hardware Finish | Chrome |
Tuning Machines | Vintage-Style |
Pickguard | 3-Ply White |
Control Knobs | Aged White Plastic |
Switch Tip | Aged White |
Neck Plate | 4-Bolt |
Handedness | Right-Handed |
Body Type | Solidbody |
Neck Construction | Bolt-On |
Reviews:
First the good. Neck is straight, properly fitted, and I really like a set radius as opposed to compound. The D profile feels "right" to me. Set bridge (screws vs pivot) is also a huge plus. Trem bar is a flat profile, where its closer to the body, instead of 2 inches too far out. The bad. Tuning machines are slotted too high, and a little wonky/loose. Fret ends are smooth , but not the cut, if that makes sense. So when you run your fretting hand up or down it'll catch on the burr from not smoothing out the neck side(s). The trem springs are way too loose/springy for an off the shelf guitar. Annnd it's really noisy. I expected some hum from vintage pickups but good god. This is something I'll have to deal with straight away. The gnarly. The sound and playability is simply ok out of the box. Not near enough "quack" for what its designed for. Namely doing Hendrix tunes. Barely there, really. All in all. I kinda knew it was going to take around 3-500 to get it where I wanted it. But it is a great starting point for hot-rodding/customization purposes. The headstock does take some getting used to!Bob
Sweetwater did right by me, setting up my Hendrix signature guitar with loaded pickguard with Seymour Duncan signature Hendrix pickups, bone nut, and pleking. Delivered double boxed, and in tune! Wow! Service was above and beyond at Sweetwater. The tones out of this guitar are killer, that is without any boxes! They have made themselves a lifetime customer! I highly recommend Sweetwater to anyone buying the guitar of your dreams! Thank you Sweetwater! You knocked it out of the park on this one!
Overall: This guitar is modeled after the "Jimi at Woodstock" white Strat, and is a great looking guitar that captures that vibe. But, I also needed something I could gig with. The reverse headstock is great because the longer wound strings have a little more tension, and the shorter G,B, and highE have less tension for great, smooth bends. The C shaped neck isn't super fat, but very comfortable. It gets a lot of attention in a live setting. I actually took mine to Bethel NY and stood on the original Woodstock field, and played "The Star Spangled Banner" on the spot of the original stage with a little battery powered amp. Talk about Bucket List things to do. 😉 A great guitar with vintage tone, easy playability, trem holds tune surprisingly well, not too heavy, and captures that 1969 vibe while being a true gig-worthy guitar. Buy it!Tony
14. Fender American Ultra Stratocaster , Maple Fingerboard, Ultraburst
Product Details:
The american ultra stratocaster is the perfect choice for professional guitarists who want a unique and comfortable instrument with amazing tonal possibilities. its modern d neck profile is incredibly comfortable to play, while the ultra rolled fingerboard edges make it easy to solo for hours on end. the tapered neck heel also makes accessing the highest register a breeze, and the 10-inch to 14-inch compound-radius fingerboard provides impressive accuracy and comfort when playing fast solos. plus, the ultra noiseless vintage pickups provide a vintage tone without any hum. the advanced wiring options allow you to create any tone imaginable. finally, the sculpted rear body contours provide functional comfort and sophisticated looks. alder or ash body with sculpted rear contours. three ultra noiseless vintage strat single-coil pickups. "modern d"-shaped neck with ultra satin finish. 10"-14" compound-radius fingerboard; 22 medium-jumbo frets. includes premium molded hardshell case.
Specifications:
Body Shape | Stratocaster |
Body Finish | Gloss Urethane |
Neck Shape | Modern "D" |
Neck Material | Maple |
Neck Finish | Ultra Satin Urethane with Gloss Headstock Face |
Scale Length | 25.5" (648 mm) |
Fingerboard Material | Maple |
Fingerboard Radius | 10" to 14" Compound Radius (254 mm to 355.6 mm) |
Number of Frets | 22 |
Fret Size | Medium Jumbo |
Nut Material | Bone |
Nut Width | 1.685" (42.8 mm) |
Position Inlays | Black Pearloid Dots |
Bridge Pickup | Ultra Noiseless Vintage Strat |
Middle Pickup | Ultra Noiseless Vintage Strat |
Neck Pickup | Ultra Noiseless Vintage Strat |
Control Knobs | Aged White Soft Touch Knobs |
Guitar Pickup Configuration | S-S-S |
Hardware Finish | Nickel/Chrome |
Tuning Machines | Deluxe Cast/Sealed Locking |
Pickguard Description | 3-Ply Aged White |
Case/Gig Bag | Elite Molded Case (Included) |
Neck Construction | 4-Bolt Standard |
Neck Plate | 4-Bolt Asymmetrical |
Truss Rod | Bi-Flex |
Switch Tip | Aged White |
Reviews:
Sound: The vintage tone noiseless pickups are perfect for what I wanna play on this guitar. All my other are humbuckers, high gain passive and active humbuckers at that, so the vintage tone single coils give me that sound I simply cannot get from my other guitars. Granted, my other guitars have split coil options, but there is a noticeable difference between a split humbucker and a noiseless single coil. Features: The S1 switch serves me no purpose, just turns the tone into mud. Ease of Use: It's not rocket science, but I'm used to 3way pickup selectors, and an all or almost nothing attitude when it comes to my other guitars volume controls, and never touch the tone controls, so for me personally there is a learning curve when it comes to all the tonal possibilities that come with a typical Strat setup.If I could change one thing on the guitar, it would be using 6100 jumbo frets, but generally speaking the guitar is a breeze to play, after a day or so… It's very stiff out of the box.The tremolo has a very nice feel to it, and the pop in arm should be standard on all trems at this point. Quality: The guitar is very well made. This is a professional guitar! Value: This is where my issue is… I just can't see how this guitar is worth $400 more than the Professional series. With everything being made on CNC machines, that little contour on the cutaway and the compound radius fingerboard seem like an unjustified mark up, the only thing on this guitar that should be a logical price mark up are the locking tuners and the pickups, neither of which equate to $400 in parts… But I liked the finishes more, and didn't feel like swapping out tuners and bridge saddles. Manufacturer Support: Never had to deal with Fender customer service. Overall: This guitar is a purists nightmare, but it's a dream to me. Compound radius fingerboard and satin neck finish are up my alley.Rob
First things first, the manager and the guys at Guitar Center in Pensacola were very helpful. About 3 weeks ago I bought the Plus Top Stratocaster and I loved the guitar but wanted to upgrade to the Ultra so I started shopping around for one and found one at a different music store down the street for a significantly lower price than what was advertised at the local Guitar Center. So I figured I would have to return my guitar to the store. When I got there I asked about the price match guarantee that Guitar Center provides and I brought it up to them that I found the Cobra Blue Ultra guitar at a lower price at another store and after a few minutes and the manager doing some research he pretty much told me " if you're are going to buy this guitar, I would rather you buy it from us " I was very surprised. In my mind I thinking that he was going to come up with some sort of excuse to not match the price. That is what customer service is all about!!!! Middle finger to other stores! From here on out I am a lifelong customer of Guitar Center. Oh and this guitar is the best of the best!! It's like being handed the keys to a brand new Corvette ( or a Ford Cobra, whichever you prefer). So, hands down the best guitar and the best customer service you could ask for!! I'm already looking forward to getting an Ultra Tele this year!Steve
This is my third Fender. I previously owned an "standard" Ultra that I traded towards another guitar, and I also currently own a Lincoln Brewster model strat. While those guitars are very good, the Ultra Luxe is next level. The craftsmanship, feel and sound of this guitar truly deserves the "Luxe" name. Before ordering, my biggest concerns were how the stainless steel frets would affect the tone and how the new neck shape would feel. But I have ordered from Musicians Friend off and on since the late 90's and have always had excellent service, so I figured I could return the guitar it I didn't like it. Both concerns were put to rest within moments after plugging in. The tone is definitely that unmistakable Fender strat sound and I had no trouble dialing a nice funk and a very serviceable SRV tone. You can also get a pretty good variety of other tones thanks to the switching. I was kind of expecting a thin neck shape based on reviews/descriptions that I read, but it is pleasantly thick without being too chunky. I can't stand thin Ibanez style necks and thankfully the neck on the Luxe is not like that. It fits the hand nicely. Not a chunky as the Lincoln Brewster model (which I also really like) but feels a little thicker than the neck on the standard Ultra. I believe it has the same bridge found on the standard Ultra model which is the push-in style. So no thread to wear out over time. Overall, I am so happy that I bought this and it has already become my new #1 guitar.Matt
15. Charvel Pro-Mod Dk24 Hh Fr M Mahogany Quilt Maple Dark Amber
Product Details:
Charvel's pro-mod dk24 hh fr m mahogany with quilt maple is a perfect fusion of elegance and high performance, designed for a new breed of player whose musical vision and versatility knows no boundaries. loaded with premium features, this dk24 model has a sleek dinky body constructed from mahogany with an exquisite quilt maple top finished in dark amber with satin gold hardware. the sculpted shredder's cut heel and scalloped lower back bout make access to the upper registers seamless, while the bolt-on maple neck features graphite reinforcement for rock-solid stability. the silky-smooth hand-rubbed satin urethane finish on the back of the neck grants sublime playability, while the conveniently located heel-mount truss rod adjustment wheel makes for painless neck relief tweaks. designed for speed, the 12"-16" compound radius maple fingerboard features comfortable rolled edges, 24 jumbo frets and offset black dot inlays. under the hood, the dk24 is ready to handle your heaviest riffs, tastiest leads or angelic clean tones with a seymour duncan full shred bridge pickup and seymour duncan alnico ii pro aph-1n neck pickup. dial in the tonal spectrum that best suits playing with five-way blade switching, volume control and a no-load tone control that operates like a standard tone control from positions one through nine, removing itself from the circuit at position ten for transparent sound that lets the full natural voice of the guitar shine through. the pro-mod dk24 hh fr m mahogany with quilt maple is also equipped with a recessed floyd rose 1000 series double-locking tremolo bridge system, providing super tuning stability with radical pitch-raising capability.
Specifications:
Body shape | Double cutaway |
Body type | Solid body |
Top wood | Quilted Maple |
Body wood | Mahogany |
Body finish | Gloss |
Orientation | Right handed |
Neck shape | Speed neck |
Neck wood | 2-piece Maple |
Joint | Bolt-on |
Scale length | 25.5 in. |
Truss rod | Carbon fiber rod |
Neck finish | Hand-rubbed Urethane |
Radius | Compound 12–16" |
Fret size | Jumbo |
Number of frets | 24 |
Inlays | Dot Offset |
Configuration | HH |
Neck | Jazz SH-2N |
Bridge | Full Shred SH-10 |
Active or passive pickups | Passive |
Series or parallel | Parallel |
Piezo | No |
Active EQ | No |
Control layout | Master volume, tone |
Pickup switch | 5-way |
Coil tap or split | Coil split |
Kill switch | No |
Bridge type | Tremolo/Vibrato |
Bridge design | Floyd Rose 1000 |
Tuning machines | Die-cast |
Number of strings | 6-string |
Country of origin | Mexico |
Reviews:
Overall: Let's start at the top. I have never had a guitar with in house tuners that are this good. The charvel locking tuners are phenomenal. Very smooth and precise, every bit as good as any gotoh tuners I've used. The nut does what it's supposed to, I've not had any tuning issues due to friction when using the trem. The neck. My god the neck is fantastic. It's a very comfortable thin shape that works for me perfectly. It is very very close to as smooth as my strandberg. The frets are about the only thing that leaves a bit to be desired. They're polished and rounded very nicely, however there are sharp edges. Pretty much every fret, bass and treble side. It isn't to the point where it's uncomfortable to play, but noticeable. I absolutely love the spoke truss rod adjustment wheel, not that I've needed to use it. The neck joint is absolutely the most comfortable bolt on I've ever played. The pickups are fantastic as well, not super high output but the clarity is insane. Exactly what I was looking for. The gotoh bridge was probably my biggest surprise. I've never played a non locking trem that actually stayed in tune and even after abusing it like I would a Floyd, lo and behold, still in tune! It's very comfortable as well. The output jack placement is genius and is comfortable in any sitting position. It would be perfect for sticking the cable in between the strap and guitar. I know it's cliche, but the pictures do not do it justice. It is a stunning guitar. The satin burgundy mist is about the coolest color I've seen on a guitar and compliments the roasted maple neck perfectly. Overall, the fit and finish of the guitar, aside from the frets, is flawless. I would still 100% recommend this guitar to anyone. It would be a great guitar for any type of music you play.
Overall: Not much more I can add to what’s been said so far (hit or miss QA, super smooth neck, really nice finish, crazy number of sonically pleasing tones, premium components work great..); it really is an excellent guitar. The matte blue version of this guitar I received had a really janky and loose pickup selector switch, so I had it swapped out for the exact part used in the (*ahem* almost identical $3500!!!!) American version. The fret edges were finished smooth right out of the box, but it badly needed a setup. Once that was done, it was perfect. It’s almost effortless to access all of the frets. The tremolo is different than a traditional Stratocaster style 2-point trem in that it’s way more sensitive and much tighter and way more stable. The only issue I’m having with it is, because of where the volume knob is and my way of playing, I roll the volume down on accident quite a bit. Kinda takes the edge off of a solo when it’s fading out as it’s building up. Also, I’ll eventually swap out the no-load tone control for a conventional one. The stock no-load tone control works just fine to control the tone, but I don’t like the extra click when it’s dialed all the way up. And at this price it should come with a bag.
On paper, a pink strat style guitar with humbuckers would be the last guitar I'd want to play. However seeing this Charvel Pro-Mod Dk24 on the wall in it's sort of darker pink (burgundy mist) just caught my eye so I played it. I knew I found a real player's guitar. The color grew on me even more and the functionality was great. Humbuckers you can run as single coils with the 5 way switch is very practical. I didn't want to put it down. Super strats have always been very versatile but I've never dreamed of buying one just because I always found the styling to be extreme. However the color is kind of soothing. The neck didn't leave much of an impression but I think that there's something nice about not having to think about the neck. If it works and I don't have to think about it, so be it. Played rock through a little orange amp well yet it also sounded beautiful with a lush clean sound through a Fender Princeton. I think super strat type guitars are starting to come around to the market. Between the Silver Sky the PRS Fiore I think the more mellow color/designs with the versatility they've always had are making super strats more desirable to new guitarists. This one's a great one.G
16. Epiphone Les Paul Prophecy Electric Guitar (Olive Tiger Aged Gloss)
Product Details:
Fantastic example of a fantastic instrument. i got this on trade in mint condition and have only played it for about two weeks, at home (smoke-free). the plastic wrap is still on the rear access panels. one of the few lps with a belly cut, this is almost as comfortable to play as a strat. comes from the factory with fishman fluence pickups, locking grovers, push/pull tone and volume pots, bound body, neck, and (newly redesigned) headstock features abound. i really like this guitar, but 1. i m just not a fishman guy and 2. i just don t have room for it.
Specifications:
Body Type | Single Cutaway Solid Body |
Top wood | Flame Maple |
Body wood | Mahogany |
Body finish | Aged Gloss |
Neck shape | Asymmetric |
Neck wood | Mahogany |
Joint | Set-in |
Scale length | 24.75" |
Truss rod | Standard |
Neck finish | Aged Gloss |
Radius | 12" |
Fret size | Jumbo |
Number of frets | 24 |
Inlays | Pearloid Abalone |
Nut width/material | 1.69 in. (43 mm) GraphTech |
Configuration | HH |
Neck | Fishman Humbucker |
Bridge | Fishman Humbucker |
Control layout | Master volume Master tone |
Pickup switch | 3-Way |
Special electronics | Coil-tap Coil-split |
Bridge type | Fixed Bridge |
Bridge design | Individual saddle |
Tailpiece | Stopbar |
Tuning machines | Vintage-style Locking |
Number of strings | 6 String |
Orientation | Right Handed |
Country of Origin | China |
Reviews:
I am basically play for my own entertainment, and this LP Modern is rapidly becoming my favorite, even though I also really like my G&L Tele and Strat models. The shorter scale makes a difference and I find the neck fits my hand really nicely. The sound is great, as is the finish. Having said that, I would have given it 5 stars, but my guitar came with 5 areas of light scratches and scuffs, including under the protective plastic on the pick guard, but I was able to polish all of them out to where all but one area is completely gone. The worst spot was by the toggle switch, which is all but disappeared and probably with a little more polishing, would go away completely. I didn't want to take the chance of going thru the clear, but am happy with the results. Someone else who is uncomfortable with that process may find it unacceptable, but I doubt those issues are common on Epiphones and MF's return/exchange policy would certainly cover that as I was assured if I wished to do so. The Sparkling Burgandy finish is a real eye catcher and now it makes me want to pick up the guitar and play it, which is the whole point. The added weight relief makes it enjoyable hanging on your shoulder. This is a very nice guitar for the price and then some. And Devan Miller has been great during the whole process and follow up. Very knowledgeable, patient, and extremely helpful in answering all my questions. Highly recommend him as a rep.Steve R
Overall: The Epiphone Les Paul Modern sounds great and looks amazing. The new/old Kalamazoo headstock is a game changer for the overall look of the instrument. With push/pull coil split and phase switching there are a wide variety of useful sounds over and above the traditional Les Paul. Any differences between Epiphone and Les Paul pickups can be compensated for with EQ, especially while using overdrive. There is a bit of noise similar to single coils when using the coil split function.The guitar came with a great setup from the factory. Action and intonation are about the best I have seen of any of the dozen or so guitars I have owned. Tuning stability is exceptional. This is noteworthy for an Epiphone as there are often issues with tuning stability on Gibson LP's due to the angle of the headstock being greater than the Epiphones. The locking tuners are an excellent upgrade, and should be standard on most guitars these days. Regarding quality control, I identified three high frets that are causing some minor fret buzz, but not enough to send it back. Some minor fret work will resolve this, but you should take this into consideration if you are not inclined to spend extra money on a brand new guitar for fret leveling. I have read that this is a common issue with 2020-2021 Epiphones. Fret ends have some sharpness to them. The black pickguard has a gap around the neck pickup. Not very noticeable unless you are looking for it, but I am not sure why this is an issue. I have seen it on other guitars of this model. Though it is an Epiphone, this seems to be one area that would not be difficult to fix in design. Finally, there are minor quality control issues on the finish mostly around the binding with paint bleed or similar. Overall, at this price point, the guitar is a great purchase for the hobbyist, considering the Gibson version will cost about $3,000. However, with so many quality guitar choices in the $1,000 price range, I am not sure I would pay much more for an Epiphone, and am glad they kept the price point in this range.Shanon
Overall: The Good: took a chance to save some money on a "blemished" deal. Have had good luck with these in the past with zZounds, and as before, could not find any blemishes in regard to the finish. The setup, however, was abyssal. Once setup, the guitar is fantastic. Lighter weight than my other Epi, and.my.Gibson. The Probuckers are amazing. Great clarity and I see or hear no reason to replace them. Liking them better than my 57+ classics. Black guitars and me don't get along, as I have always sold them off. The graphite black and plain back on this guitar is gorgeous. Most likely a keeper. Neck feel is perfect. Coil split and tone controls really make a difference. Many sounds can be had. May soon become my #1 guitar. Plays effortlessly. The Bad: guitar setup was non existent. Tuners were crooked, nut slots too high, pickup height too low, pick guard installed incorrectly, uneven frets, action set for limbo, and scratchy pots. After cutting deeper nut slots, leveling and crowning the frets, lowering the action, adjusting truss rod, readjusting tuning pegs and pick guard, spraying the pots, and installing quality knobs, the guitar is now fantastic. I can understand why it was returned as it took a lot of work to get it playable. Luckily, I do that all myself so no extra $. Sadly, although great luck with zZounds in the past, this will be my last order until either:1) zZounds offers shipping options other than FedEx. Or2) Fedex gets their s**t together and figures out how to deliver packages to the correct address, with accurate tracking, and without damage.
17. Epiphone Les Paul Custom – Alpine White
Product Details:
Beautiful les paul custom in alpine white. the pickups have been upgraded to gibson pickups at the bridge and at the neck. previous owner said they were 498t pickups at the bridge and 490r pickups at the neck. killer sound and a sexy finish with the gold hardware. tone knobs have been bypassed for a more classic/vintage feel. just like how it was back in the early rock days! let s you get your tone/feel from the volume knob and how aggressive you decide to play. has been gigged with from jazz to metal and has not disappointed. comes with a hardshell case and is in excellent condition! near mint but has been gigged with a few times.
Specifications:
Number of Strings | 6 |
Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed |
Body Type | Solidbody |
Body Shape | Les Paul Custom |
Body Finish | Gloss |
Neck Material | Mahogany |
Neck Shape | Slim Taper |
Neck Joint | Set Neck |
Radius | 12" |
Fingerboard Material | Ebony |
Fingerboard Inlay | Pearloid Blocks |
Number of Frets | 22, Medium Jumbo |
Scale Length | 24.75" |
Nut Width | 1.693" |
Nut Material | GraphTech |
Bridge/Tailpiece | LockTone ABR Bridge with Stopbar Tailpiece |
Tuners | Kidney-style Tuners |
Neck Pickup | ProBucker-2 Humbucker |
Bridge Pickup | ProBucker-3 Humbucker |
Controls | 2 x volume, 2 x tone |
Switching | 3-way toggle pickup switch |
Strings | Gibson,.010-.046 |
Case/Gig Bag | Sold Separately |
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. Epiphone Les Paul Studio Electric Guitar (Wine Red)
Product Details:
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
19. Squier Bullet Mustang Hh Electric Guitar (Imperial Blue)
Product Details:
Pint-sized power perfect for the raucous sound of indie music, the bullet mustang hh is just plain fun to play. powered by a pair of giant-sounding humbucking pickups, it sports a comfortable "c"-shaped neck with a modern 12"-radius fingerboard and a modern six-saddle hardtail bridge. a tonal powerhouse that punches well above its weight, the bullet mustang hh is the ideal instrument to power your next hit. high-output humbucking pickups for fat, high-output rock tone, this instrument features a pair of humbucking pickups. six-saddle string-thru-body bridge a string-thru-body bridge enhances vibration transfer, resulting in increased sustain, while the six individual saddles can be adjusted for precise intonation along each string. 12"-radius fingerboard this instrument features a fingerboard radius (the amount of curvature across the width of the fingerboard) that, at 12", is substantially more flattened than both a vintage-style 7.25" radius and a modern 9.5" radius. feels notably flat even though there's still slight curvature-great for bending notes without fretting out.
Specifications:
Body shape | Double cutaway |
Body type | Solid body |
Body wood | Poplar |
Body finish | Gloss |
Orientation | Right handed |
Neck shape | C |
Neck wood | 1-piece Maple |
Joint | Bolt-on |
Scale length | 24 in. |
Truss rod | Standard |
Neck finish | Satin |
Radius | 12 in. |
Fret size | Medium jumbo |
Number of frets | 22 |
Inlays | Dot |
Nut width | 1.656 in. (42 mm) |
Configuration | HH |
Neck | Standard humbucking |
Bridge | Standard humbucking |
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 | 6-saddle |
Tailpiece | String thru body |
Tuning machines | Die-cast sealed |
Number of strings | 6-string |
Reviews:
I picked up the Surf Green Ltd Ed. Bullet Mustang a few days ago off the rack. They had two. One had rusty strings and sharp frets but the one I picked was almost perfect. These Mustangs are great for smaller learners and older guitarists that may enjoy the lighter string tension due to the short scale. I love the sound of both humbuckers. The bridge one gives you a nice grungy Nirvana like tone while the neck is smoother but both love to be driven. I picked up the Imperial Blue Mustang HH a few weeks ago. They both use the same humbuckers, The only difference I believe is the wood type, Basswood vs Poplar. Both guitars are quite light with the Basswood Surf Green one being somewhat lighter.These Mustangs are ideal for modding but for now I've only changed the cheap pickguard on this Surf Green one, putting a Tortoise Shell on it. So far I'm loving both of them and my Fender P90 Mustang is getting quite lonely.Tingman
First of all, this is a ton of value for the price. I got it on sale which made it even a bigger steal. Now, this guitar needs a lot of setup out of the box. You should polish the frets since they are as coarse as beach sand. Otherwise, string bends will be impossible and will most likely damage the cheap supplied strings (which should be changed immediately as with most new guitars). Expect some fret buzz, so be ready to adjust the saddles and the truss rod (I like my action quite low so this was a minor tweak for me). The intonation was actually quite close to perfect, it only needed a bit of tweaking on the A string. The nut and string trees are the ones you typically get on Squiers, which are good enough but won't do wonders for your tuning and should be replaced unless you are patient enough to tune your guitar every so often. Be sure to change these first before changing the tuners/bridge if you have tuning problems, I haven't changed the tuners or bridge on mine and don't plan to – they just work. Finally, the pickups are surprisingly good for the price, not too mellow and you can get some nice tones from the bridge pickup. You might soon outgrow them, though, and might opt for better humbuckers or P90s. For all these reasons, this guitar is not the best as a first guitar or for beginners unless it gets a proper setup first or if you're really planning to learn how to setup or change electronics/other parts in a guitar. However, those are the same reasons (plus the low price and simple design) that make this a really fun modding platform, and if you don't feel like modding it, with the right amount of work it's still amazing. It's light as a feather and the neck is very fast; you can probably muscle through hours of playing with barely any effort at all. The stock tones are reasonable enough, and in my opinion it looks awesome. You can't get a better deal for the money once you're aware of the above.Carlos, M
I like this guitar because of the 24" scale length. Everything else was pretty bad out of the box. The strings were a 1/4" off the fretboard. The fretboard was super dry. There was fret sprout. The frets felt like sandpaper on bends. The E strings are too close to the edge of the fretboard. When you play you're constantly hitting the pickup selector switch. The finish on the neck is supposed to be satin but it looks unfinished to me and there are light and dark areas on the neck which look bad. It is the worst finish on a neck I've ever seen on a guitar and I'm going to have to put some kind of finish on it. Trying to load strings is tricky and not as easy as on most other guitars you have to bend the end of the strings to get them to load. So that is the bad. The good? The tuners are your typical Chinese tuners that come on all cheap guitars these days, and they are fine. The pickups sound good. The 24" scale is great and really fun to play bends on!Steve
20. Epiphone Sg Special Ve Electric Guitar – Ebony
Product Details:
Epiphone sg special satin e1 ebony guitar the epiphone sg special satin e1 is a resurrected version of the original ''sg'' double cutaway, which was first released in the 1960s. this model includes all the amazing features of the original, such as its lightweight body and powerful tones. equipped with a pair of custom epiphone humbuckers, you are provided a rich tone that is crisp and strong. they also produce a well-balanced tones which ensures this guitar can handle a variety of styles, especially rock and metal. its body also contributes to its metal aesthetic with its sharp double cutaway construction and sleek black finish. it has been sculpted to ensure you have maximum comfort while performing. thanks to its mahogany neck and pau ferro fretboard, you are provided with a natural and supportive feel that allows for luxury as you play. the sg special satin e1 has managed to capture the look and feel of its predecessor and take it to a whole new level.
Specifications:
Body shape | Double cutaway |
Body type | Solid body |
Body wood | Poplar with mahogany veneer |
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 | 14 in. |
Fret size | Medium jumbo |
Number of frets | 22 |
Inlays | Dot |
Nut width | 1.687 in. (42.8 mm) |
Configuration | HH |
Neck | 650R |
Bridge | 700T |
Active or passive pickups | Passive |
Series or parallel | Series |
Piezo | No |
Active EQ | No |
Pickup switch | 3-way |
Coil tap or split | No |
Kill switch | No |
Bridge type | Fixed |
Bridge design | Tune-o-matic |
Tailpiece | Stopbar |
Tuning machines | Premium Covered; 14:1 ratio |
Number of strings | 6-string |
Country of origin | China |
Reviews:
I love this Casino. I knew I wanted a P-90, and I really wanted a fully hollow body. I wanted to see if I could replicate a I've been agonizing over the purchase for months, looking for every possible solution, and was almost ready to pull the trigger on the Epi USA version, and after MUCH research, finally decided to go with the regular Epiphone. The construction, from everything I read, is excellent, and I knew that if necessary, I could always switch out the pups. Well, I can't say enough about how good this guitar is! I am extremely fussy on setups (I do setups on my own guitars and for other people) and this thing was ready to play right out of the box! I literally didn't touch a thing except to tune it up. I won't even have to dress the frets. I may touch them up just a bit (again, I'm really fussy) but they feel better than most guitars that cost three times as much. It is really beautiful. I love the vintage sunburst. The finish is flawless. Now for the important part – it plays like a dream. The neck profile is extremely comfortable. I can move up and down the neck as fluidly as on any guitar I own. And the sound! I was amazed at how present it is, even before plugging it in. I see this little sweetheart spending a lot of evenings on the couch with me. Soft enough not to overly bother my wife, but again – very present. Plugged in – well lets just say I won't be replacing these pups. It is exactly the sound I was hoping for. I'm no Grant Green, but I can certainly understand why he loved this guitar. Would I recommend it? Heck yeah! Country? Check. Classic rock? Check. Rockabilly, surf, blues and even jazz? Check, check, check, and check.Jess
This thing is easily worth 4 times the price. The build quality is impeccable. The binding is perfectly flush, the finish is beautiful and evenly applied and the intonation was extremely close out of the box (I only had to move the G string saddle back a bit to set it, all the other strings were perfect). The headstock has a nice molded profile to the sides – this is something I haven't seen on other Epiphone guitars. The PRO p90 pickups are fantastic. I have 11 other electrics from an epi 335 to a Gibson Les Paul Traditional to modded teles and strats and I never could quite find that classic clear tone with a thick rich drive when you dig into it that I've been looking for – this Casino has that sound! Every website/listing likes to talk about the Beatles… that comparison doesn't speak to what this guitar is capable of. This is more in line with Gary Clark Jr., The Black Crowes, Jack White and The Allman Brothers Band sounds. Think rich, bluesy rock. It's much cooler than "the Beatles guitar". Plug this sucker into a Vox and you're in business. The C shape neck is very comfortable- it has a flat back with rounded sides. Plus, with the satin finish your hand moves more freely up and down the neck. It's nice to play unplugged too, it's fully hollow so it plays/sounds like a quieter acoustic unplugged. The knobs/pots are really cool looking and work great with no scratching. They have even adjustments – no quick falls after a certain number like you see with others in this price range. They have a cool old school tab to show where you are on the dial (no pictures show this little detail). All in all – super cool vintage vibe, sweet clean tone with a fun roaring bite on the gain – excellent guitar.
Had the money to buy any guitar in the shop. Liked the looks of the SG, worn ebony with rosewood fingerboard and the Gibson speed knobs. Having only played guitars with 9.5 radius, I found the 14 radius was better for bar chords. The craftsmanship is excellent, can find no flaws the body or neck. The truss rod was out of adjustment, considerable back-bow. I fixed that, and set the action low. The intonation was spot on. Frets were polished with no sharp edges. I plan to upgrade the cheap electronics with new pots. As for the pickups, they sound ok. Since I use a modeling amp, not a big issue for me. The nut is a GraphTech synthetic bone. Nice touch for an inexpensive guitar, since i do not like changing them out…too much risk of damage. I have fender Strat and Tele, but have not put this down since purchasing it. Once I upgrade the electronics, this will be a very solid guitar.Jeff