10Best.Guide

Electric Guitar

Top Picks

Last Updated: April, 2023
Pros
  • Great quality and easy to play.
  • Active electronics give a mid-range boost on the tone control.
  • Feels like a special guitar from the moment you start playing it.
  • Setup well right out of the box.
  • Fantastic service provided by the seller.
Cons
  • Missing accessories in the shipment.
  • Thin sound even after changing the strings.
Bottom Line
The Fender Eric Clapton Signature Stratocaster is a high-quality guitar with great playability and active electronics that give a mid-range boost. However, some units may have manufacturing defects, and some customers have reported missing accessories and a thin sound. Overall, it is a great guitar worth the investment.
Pros
  • Gorgeous design and color
  • Affordable for beginners
  • Good sound quality
  • Comfortable to play
  • Great value for the price
Cons
  • Quality issues with knobs
  • Frets may need adjustment
Bottom Line
The guitar is a great value for beginners on a budget, but may require some adjustments and care during shipping.
Pros
  • Nicely crafted solid body guitar
  • Comes with everything needed to begin playing
  • Good quality for the price
  • Stays in tune well
  • Great for beginners
Cons
  • Strings are difficult to tune
  • Lack of information/manual provided
Bottom Line
The Donner electric guitar package is a great option for beginners looking for a quality instrument at an affordable price. However, some packages may be missing components and the strings can be difficult to tune.
Pros
  • Great craftsmanship for a $200 guitar
  • Smooth and fast neck
  • Affordable price
  • Perfect tuning
  • Nice finish and even feeling frets
Cons
  • Cheap pickups
  • First few frets may not work properly
Bottom Line
The Ibanez GIO GRX70 is a great guitar for beginners or those on a budget. It has a smooth and fast neck, good tuning, and a beautiful design. However, it has some issues with pickups, fretwork, and tuning stability when using the tremolo.
Pros
  • Exceptional value for the price
  • Quality for cost instrument
  • Great job by Fender with their MIM line
  • Plays, looks, feels, and sounds great
  • Top-notch quality
Cons
  • No setup out of the box
  • Low E string needs adjustment
Bottom Line
The Fender Stratocaster MIM is a great value for the price, with good quality and great sound. However, it may require some setup and adjustment out of the box, and the pickups may not be the best.

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Electric Guitars

Overview

Electric guitars have been an integral part of the music industry for decades, and they continue to be a popular choice for musicians of all levels. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned player, choosing the right electric guitar can be a daunting task. This guide will help you navigate through the various types, key considerations, features, prices, and tips to help you make an informed decision.

Types

1. Solid Body Electric Guitars: These are the most popular and versatile type of electric guitars. They are made of solid wood and produce a wide range of tones suitable for different music genres.

2. Semi-Hollow Body Electric Guitars: These guitars have a hollow body with a solid center block, which reduces feedback and provides a warmer tone.

3. Hollow Body Electric Guitars: These guitars have a completely hollow body, which produces a rich and warm tone but is susceptible to feedback at high volumes.

4. Electric Acoustic Guitars: These guitars have a built-in pickup system and can be played acoustically or plugged into an amplifier for a louder sound.

Key Considerations

1. Budget: Determine your budget before making a purchase to avoid overspending.

2. Skill Level: Consider your skill level when choosing an electric guitar. Beginners may prefer a guitar with a thinner neck and lower action for easier playing.

3. Music Genre: Different types of electric guitars produce different sounds suitable for different music genres.

4. Body Shape and Size: Choose a guitar that feels comfortable to hold and play for extended periods.

5. Pickups: The type and number of pickups affect the guitar's sound and tone.

6. Bridge and Tuning Stability: The bridge and tuning stability affect the guitar's intonation and tuning accuracy.

Features

1. Pickups: Single-coil pickups produce a bright and twangy sound while humbucker pickups produce a warmer and thicker sound.

2. Neck Shape and Material: The neck shape and material affect the guitar's playability and tone.

3. Fretboard Material: Different fretboard materials affect the guitar's tone and feel.

4. Scale Length: The scale length affects the guitar's string tension and playability.

5. Bridge Type: Different bridge types affect the guitar's tuning stability and intonation.

6. Tuners: High-quality tuners ensure accurate and stable tuning.

Prices

Electric guitars can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars depending on the brand, type, and features. Beginners can find decent electric guitars for around $200-$500, while intermediate to advanced players may spend $500-$2000 or more.

Tips

1. Play before you buy: Try out different electric guitars to find one that feels comfortable and suits your playing style.

2. Research: Read reviews and watch demos to learn about different electric guitars before making a purchase.

3. Buy from a reputable dealer: Purchase from a reputable dealer to ensure quality and authenticity.

4. Consider accessories: Factor in the cost of accessories such as an amplifier, cables, and a case when budgeting for an electric guitar.

FAQs

Q: What is the difference between a solid body and a hollow body electric guitar?

A: A solid body electric guitar is made of solid wood and produces a wide range of tones suitable for different music genres. A hollow body electric guitar has a completely hollow body, which produces a rich and warm tone but is susceptible to feedback at high volumes.

Q: What type of pickups should I choose?

A: Single-coil pickups produce a bright and twangy sound while humbucker pickups produce a warmer and thicker sound. Choose pickups based on the sound and tone you prefer.

Q: How much should I spend on an electric guitar?

A: Beginners can find decent electric guitars for around $200-$500, while intermediate to advanced players may spend $500-$2000 or more. Determine your budget before making a purchase to avoid overspending.

Q: Do I need an amplifier for an electric guitar?

A: Yes, an amplifier is necessary to amplify the sound of an electric guitar. Factor in the cost of an amplifier when budgeting for an electric guitar.

Runner-Ups

Pros
  • Comes with everything needed to start playing
  • Good quality for the price
  • Great value for beginners
  • Looks great and sounds good
  • Includes extras like strings and tuner
Cons
  • Whammy bar is just for looks
  • Amplifier missing in one purchase
Bottom Line
The Pyle Electric Guitar Starter Pack is a great value for beginners, with everything needed to start playing and extras like strings and tuner. The guitar is sturdy and good quality, with a great sound. However, the whammy bar is just for looks and there have been some issues with missing amplifiers in some purchases.
Pros
  • Great quality for the price
  • Well-made and beautiful
  • Comes with all necessary items
  • Good sound for beginners
  • Nicely packaged to prevent shipping damage
Cons
  • Amp hums/buzzes
  • Color may not match the picture
Bottom Line
The Fender Stratocaster electric guitar package is a great choice for beginners looking for a quality instrument at an affordable price. While there have been some reported issues with defective parts and the amp, the overall quality and reputation of the brand make it a solid choice for those starting out.
Pros
  • Amazing sound quality
  • Comfortable to hold
  • Retains telecaster twang with bright humbucker sounds
  • Coil-tapped pickups provide extra flexibility
  • Nice fast action
Cons
  • Intonation needed to be set up
  • Pickguard missing a screw
Bottom Line
This Telecaster guitar is a great value for the price, with amazing sound quality, comfortable to hold, and provides flexibility with coil-tapped pickups. However, some minor setup may be required upon arrival.
Pros
  • Good value for money
  • Great build quality
  • Nice sound quality
  • Recommended as a great beginner guitar
  • Beautiful metallic blue color
Cons
  • Defective cable
  • Poor packaging
Bottom Line
The Yamaha Pacifica electric guitar package is a great value for beginners with good build quality and sound. However, some customers have experienced issues with the cable, packaging, and scratches on the guitar.
Pros
  • Nice strong pups
  • Plays right out of the box
  • Good value for the price
  • Lightweight and comfortable to hold
  • Glossy finish with a clean look
Cons
  • Guitar loses tune with tremolo use
  • Nut needs shaping
Bottom Line
The Jackson JS22 Archtop is a good value for the price with strong pickups and a comfortable lightweight design. However, it may require some adjustments and improvements to achieve optimal performance.
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