To the untrained eye guitars look a lot alike. They all have necks and bodies and strings. This is about where the similarity ends. Veteran guitar players can recognize certain features of guitars a mile away, and what looks like two similar products from two different manufacturers is really a different beast all together. Also, what really makes a guitar unique is its sound, and, so long as it’s comfortable to play, this is the aspect of the guitar that really makes the most difference.

Let’s start with acoustics. Martin guitars are famous for their low, booming bass heavy sound. They typically have regular too thin necks and, depending on the year, they’re made of rosewood, mahogany and spruce. They are perfect for playing folk and country, but many famous rock stars use them for acoustic versions of electric songs too. They’re legendary amongst bluegrass. They’re probably the most acousticey acoustic guitars because they have a twang and feel most musicians associate with folk and country.
Gibson acoustics produce clear, bold, and well-rounded tones. For this reason it’s a versatile guitar. Again, too many rock musicians play Gibson acoustics to name, and if anything it’s more of a rocker’s acoustic than a folk musicians. They come in gorgeous bursting colours and wonderful designs. They have unparalleled warmth, and perhaps it can be described better as being inviting and welcoming to the ear. Their electronics are excellent, as the company was pioneers in that regard and they’re still making wonderful products.

Larivee is a French Canadian company that makes truly beautiful instruments. The notes ring like bells off that thing! The guitar can be compared to a mellifluous public speaker who articulates clearly so that you can easily understand every word. They’re becoming more recognized around the world for their solid construction, beautiful tone, and the overall value. It’s surprising when you pick one up how light it is, and it truly doesn’t feel like other guitars. It doesn’t sound like them either! Truly awesome.

When it comes to electrics, Fender is a name that even non-guitar players are familiar with. People consider the Stratocaster shape to be the quintessential electric guitar shape, and with good reason! It was Hendrix’s guitar. But now they make great guitars along different price ranges that offer that fiery crunch. They typically have thinner necks than most guitars, but you can get the “V” neck if you ask. It’s worth playing around to get a feel for which one you like.

Gibson Les Pauls are the other standard mental image that is summoned when guitar players and non-guitar players think of what a guitar looks like. Think Led Zeppelin. They offer a wicked distortion tone that’s at once nasty and mellow. The Les Paul is a famous model, as is the SG and ES arch-top hollow bodies. You can expect a fast, responsive action from either one, as well as that classic sustain.

Ranking guitars can feel like ranking children, but overall it’s important to play a bunch of different ones for yourself and see what you like best.

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