Guitar Manufacturers

Deciding what type of guitar (Acoustic, Electric, Classical etc.) is tough enough. That’s why it can be downright intimidating to a beginner when they are then forced to pick what brand of guitar to buy. There are just so many different manufacturers that it can be difficult to pick the best one. To help make the process easier for the beginner, we’ll be going over the common guitar manufacturers for both Acoustic and Electric guitars. After you’ve read this, you’ll be armed with all the information necessary to make the right purchase.

Acoustic Guitars

If you’ve decided Acoustic guitar is the best instrument for you, you’ll want to pay attention to these manufacturers.

Epiphone

People often complain about Epiphone’s quality when it comes to Electric guitars. However, not as many complain about the Acoustic guitars made by Epiphone. That’s because Epiphone actually makes consistently good Acoustic guitars. Epiphone’s Acoustic guitars range in price from $100-$1000. Even the lower end Epiphone’s are very good beginner Acoustic guitars.

Takamine

Takamine may be little known amongst all the guitar manufacturers, but that will probably change soon as they are known for their outstanding quality. Every one of their Acoustic guitars, which range in price from $100-$1000, are of good quality. Takamine makes quality guitars, so they are a guitar manufacturer worth considering.

Martin

Want an Acoustic guitar that will last you a lifetime? If so, Martin Acoustic guitars are for you. They are quite expensive (the cheapest one is $400), but are really, really good guitars. Each Martin must pass certain tests before even being sold in the stores, so you know that every Martin Acoustic you see is high quality. For those who can afford the extra cash, a Martin guitar is a great choice.

Taylor

Taylor guitars, much like Martin guitars, are well known for their great quality and slightly hefty price tag ($500 on up). Like Martin guitars, Taylor guitars are of a professional quality. Provided you can afford to spend a bit more on your first Acoustic guitar, a Taylor guitar is an excellent choice.


Electric Guitars

Fender

Fender has been around for over 50 years. Many guitarists rave about Fender Electric guitars and it’s no wonder: they are truly great guitars. The most common Fender guitar is the Stratocaster (also referred to as the Strat). Fender guitars range in price from $300-$5000. They are very good guitars for both the beginner and professional guitarist.

Gibson

Gibson is probably the best known guitar manufacturer around. For over 60 years they have been making guitars like the Les Paul and SG. Each Gibson guitar is of a very good quality and a great choice for any guitarist, beginner or advanced. Gibson guitars are manufactured in the United States and range in price from $500 to $5000. For those who are able to afford to spend $500 on a guitar, the Gibson is an ideal choice.

Ibanez

Are you looking to take up the Electric guitar but are short on dough? Don’t worry, there are still affordable quality Electric guitars, as Ibanez has proven over the past 30 years. While not all Ibanez guitars are great, the vast majority of them are quite good and definitely able to stand up to more expensive guitars. Ibanez guitars range in price from $150-$2500. They are a good choice for the beginner or advanced player.

Agile

Most guitarists haven’t heard about this diamond in the rough. Agile makes absolutely superb guitars and sells them for a low price. Guitarists who have had the chance to play an Agile have raved on them for their set neck, maple fretboard, mahogany body and overall good sound. Agile makes Les Paul and SG guitar clones. These range in price from $199 to $700. The high end Agile (AL-3500) is considered to be on par with a Gibson Les Paul that costs $3000. For the guitarist who wants value, the Agile, which is only available on rondomusic.net, is a great choice.

Squier

The general consensus among most guitarists is that Squier guitars aren’t very good guitars. Some claim that they are made out of cheap wood, while others just think they have shoddy worksmanship. The bottom line, though, is that Squier guitars may be OK for beginners, but not so much for the more experienced player. Those who can afford to spend $200 would be better off with an Ibanez or Agile.

Keep in mind that these are just a fraction of the many brands available. There are many other quality guitar manufacturers. Before you head out to the store, be sure to adequately research each brand.