The guitar is hugely popular, even ones that aren’t real (like those that some people play in the form of air while Slash does the solo to Sweet Child of Mine). But what are the top 10 guitars available? We count down the top 10 and divulge into what makes them iconic and the most beloved musical instruments in history.
10. Suhr Classic
Quite possibly the youngest guitar company around in the list of top 10 only being established 1997 in California USA. Although before this time John Suhr founder of the company worked in Ruby’s Music Stop in New York creating his first custom made Suhr guitar in 1984. Now Suhr has renowned guitarists from the likes of Reb Beach guitarist to Whitesnake and collaborating with Alice Cooper. Truly a guitar that has made its way from a New York City music workshop to the bright lit stage.
9. Gibson Flying V
Released in 1958 one of Gibson’s most iconic guitars created to bring a more futuristic style to the range already available at the time. Although at launch they didn’t sell too well they’ve rocked the stage by world famous guitarists Jimmy Hendrix, Marc Bolan of T-Rex and Steve Jones of the Sex Pistols are just to name a few. Currently the 1958-59 flying V is estimated to be worth around the region of $200,000 – $250,000 making it the most expensive guitar on the market and also one of the most impressive looking guitars.
8. Rickenbacker 381 V69
With Rickenbacker being the god father of the 6 strings putting electric guitars into general production in 1932 they continue to produce in their headquarters in California. Rickenbacker guitars hit their prime in the 60’s thanks to Liverpudlian music legends The Beatles heavily creating the British Invasion movement in America. The Rickenbackers are continuing to thrive in the music world with musicians such as Paul Weller, Pete Townshend of The Who, and Johnny Marr of renowned Mancunian band The Smiths to name a few carrying on the sweet Rickenbacker sound.
7. Gibson SG
Whilst the Les Paul collection was decreasing in sales the Gibson SG was being created behind closed doors at Gibson and released to the public in 1961 still maintaining popularity with many guitarists worldwide. Many variations have been created of the SG and somewhat became a better option than the Gibson Les Paul. The SG has a downfall of being “neck heavy” which has seemed to have infected Gibson and Epiphone Thunderbird basses.
6. Gretsch White Falcon
Quite easily the most beautiful guitar in this list and even in the world introduced to musicians in 1955. Most famously known for its stunning white colour with a mixture of gold trims and gold pickguards with an engraved falcon in mid-flight. The White Falcon is dubbed the “dream guitar” by Jimmie Webster in marketing of Gretsch, a sub company of Fender.
5. Danelectro DC3
Introduced in 1959 short living 10 years till 1969 although still in musicians hearts and close to Jimmy Hendrix who had a Danelectro bought by his father, in which he then went to name “Betty Jean” after his high school girlfriend and still used by Syd Barrett at the birth of Pink Floyd, Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page of Led Zepplin. It has stayed in musician’s hearts that many reissues have been created with various pick up styles. The DC of the model stands for double cutaway effecting the tone of the guitar from the construction of the body its self.
4. Gibson ES-335V
The first Gibson guitar to have a signature model by musical genius Dave Grohl, drummer of grunge band Nirvana and front man of rock band Foo Fighters. First introduced in 1958, a guitar that is neither a solid nor hollow body construction. Along with Dave Grohl notable ES-335 players include Eric Clapton, Justin Hayward of The Moody Blues, and Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones to name a couple.
3. Fender Telecaster
The ‘Tele’ as its nickname among musicians was introduced in Autumn 1949 under the name of ‘Broadcaster’ and has remained in production ever since with different variations available. The Telecaster is famous for being able to create a bright rich tone to a mellow bluesy tone dependant on pick up used, this makes it a notable instrument in country, blues, and rock to jazz music. With a wide range of notable players from Elvis Presley, Bruce Springsteen , Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton and many more.
2. Gibson Les Paul
Iconic of notable player Slash the Les Paul is the second top guitar in the world. The Les Paul is a solid body guitar introduced in the early 1950’s and has continued to be produced to this day with many variations endorsed by famous guitarist Les Paul. The range now includes signature models by musicians such as Billy Joe Armstrong of Green Day, Pete Townshend of The Who, Eric Clapton and also Marc Bolan of T-Rex to name a couple from an extensive line up for an outstanding guitar.
1. Fender Stratocaster
Known as the ‘Strat’ is the world famous guitar created by the Fender Company and generally there isn’t anyone in the world who cannot recognise it. Introduced to the world in 1954 and used by many artists and its tone can be heard on many historical recordings and has been marked a classic in the industrial designs of all time. The Fender Strat is well known for its bright, clean and ‘twangy’ sound making it a favourite by many artists such as Jimi Hendrix, Buddy Holly, John Mayer, John Lennon and Ronnie Wood to name the few artists who have a Strat tattooed on their heart. Possibly the cost of the Strat has brought new musicians into the lime light and on their way to worldwide success.
Authored by by Jake Hall
For more information on these great guitars, visit:
Sounds Great Music
PRS Guitars
