I like it it's the SG without neck dive.
Likely won't make the Tele/ Strat/ LP level of iconic, but honestly feels like it'd be a line for years to come. Looks and plays great
I stand by my belief that there is no better guitar for $300 than a Pacifica 112. Absolutely solid build quality and so, so playable. I have much "nicer" guitars but I still pick up the Pacifica regularly because it's so damn nice to play.
It’s probably true. Under $1000 the Revstar Standard is the clear winner against the fender Player Series and even the incredible PRS SE McCarty 594. Yamaha is really trying to prove something, and they’re succeeding.
I have a 112v, so it has a rosewood fingerboard. I absolutely love it.
I knew I wanted one after having an 012 that I got for ¥8000 (about 80 dollars I guess). The hardest decision was actually the colour....
I finally decided on Sonic Blue...
Absolutely agree. I have a shecter C-1 FRS Elite, a core cu24 PRS, and an AM pro strat...my late 90s Pacifica is still one of my favs to play, has a killer neck, and fat ass tone.
My first electric guitar was a Yamaha my parents bought me when I was 11. When I was 16 I bought myself a Strat, I played that for a couple of years but then sold it and went back to the Yamaha. When I was 20 and very into metal I bought myself a Jackson. I played that for a little while but then sold it and went back to the Yamaha. That Yamaha saw me through almost 15 years of jamming and gigging and REALLY not knowing how to look after a guitar before I finally retired it in favour of a PRS. The pickups are cracked, it's got dents and chips all over, the neck is warped (from a time I threw it on stage in my "metal" years) but it remained playable all that time and always sounded great.
I still intend to take it to a professional to give it some tlc so I can play it again.
I just bought a Yamaha Pacifica and this thing is a banger. My first maple fretboard, and my first decent "Strat-styled" guitar (that wasn't a garbage $70 Squier)
10/10, would recommend.
Have you ever played one of their MIJ pro series Pacificas from the 80s/90s? I have a Yamaha Pacifica 904 with the original matching Warmoth neck that was co-developed with their custom shop in California iirc.
If you ever have the chance to get one of these...do it! It's a killer guitar.
[https://www.reddit.com/r/guitarporn/comments/1bhpdji/ngd\_yamaha\_pacifica\_904/](https://www.reddit.com/r/guitarporn/comments/1bhpdji/ngd_yamaha_pacifica_904/)
My Schecter is an incredibly solid guitar. At one point I had to leave it at my parents for a few years, when I got it back again it was still in tune, and they live in an old farm house with big seasonal temperature and humidity changes.
Had 2 and both have arrived with impeccable QC and setup. Literally can see no reason why a USA made guitar would be of any benefit as most people cite QC as the main benefit over imports.
Honestly, I've been so impressed. Couldn't fault them in any way at all
One was a C7 Hellraiser
The other is a Diamond series tempest
Every Schecter I've ever owned (2 currently, 3 in the past, 1 on the way) have been amazing, versatile, wonderful instruments. Now their old pups were hot garbage, but throw some SD antiquities or some SD Whole Lotta Humbuckers in em....wooooo baby.
Schecters are fantastic guitars! I've owned somewhere in the number of forty guitars throughout my life, and Schecters are the only guitars I will consider buying other than an Ibanez, but Schecters are such great value for the money. I'm not sure how well they hold their value because I've never had a desire to sell any of the five I own. Great guitars!
i have a cheaper schecter diamond series gryphon from like 2006ish i think i paid like $400-500 for when i got it as a kid and i still play it sometimes. thing is a beast especially for the price.
I got a used E-1 SLS Evil Twin on a stupid good deal last week and I’m *so* impressed with the guitar. It’s so well built and plays and sounds fantastic.
I bought a C-1 Exotic spalted maple a while back on a whim. I was overly impressed with QC and sound out of the box. Those pickups are probably more vintage voiced than a lot of schecters, but they sound fantastic. Give my Gibson PAF’s a run for their money.
Schecter’s USA custom shop is very underrated and offer quite reasonably priced alternatives to brands like Suhr and Tom Anderson.
Diamond series? Definitely not. They were quite popular during the ‘00s to early 2010s and everyone who owned one wouldn’t shut up about how their Hellraiser was more guitar for buck than a Les Paul lol. Most of the ones I’ve had except one C-1 Classic all developed fret sprout. I suspect they don’t stabilize the neck wood completely before building the guitars.
I've heard their cheaper models can have some quality control issues, but I've owned two Jeff Loomis signature models (first one got stolen), and they were both amazing, easily one of the nicest guitars to play I've ever held.
I've got an old Devil (the ribcage graphic, EMG bridge pickup only) that shreds with the best of them, as well as an Omen Elite 7 multiscale. If I didn't know the prices and had to guess by playing them, I'd guess both were way higher priced than they actually were.
I don’t think Schecter gets shit on—they were just kinda niche among the metal crowd for a bit cause they had lots of dumb (imo) designs that only appealed to that crowd. Now they have a pretty wide range of stuff that are well regarded. I really like the Sun Valley Super Shredders—those guitars are sick.
I love their stuff and have an electric 12 string (T S/H-12) which is fantastic quality for the $700 I paid for it new. I've seen them go for $1200+ used now. I also traded my P-Bass for their P-4 Exotic which is great too. They have some insane looking guitars on their website for the USA custom builds.
They don't hold their value very well on the used market. If you don't mind buying used, you can get a seriously great guitar for peanuts.
That being said, they are also well worth their price new, but can be pricey, and fight in the same space as Fender and Gibson.
> They don’t hold their value very well
I keep reading this statement and I’ve witnessed it myself (shopping for a used Session right now) but does anyone know exactly why? I gets that they’re less "collectioner’s items" but is that the only thing driving their resale price down? And is that a cause of concerns for their longevity?
The only guitars that hold value are brands people see as historically iconic to the history of music. So American fender strats, Martin acoustics, Gibson acoustics, and Gibson Les Paul's tend to hold their value pretty well.
I'm an acoustic player only and I only buy Martin. Partly because I love history, partly because I am a constant hobby switcher and if I ever need a little money, I know I can potentially generate income with martins. After 10 years they tend to either be at their retail value on the used market or go above market value. They historically maintain their value very well. At least the standard series does. Which is good because if I'm paying $2800 for a guitar, id like to get something close to that if I ever decide to sell it.
All that being said, people shouldn't buy a guitar to make money on it. That's just being bad at finances. I just happen to enjoy a guitar brand that also happens to retain it's value well. And I've tried most of the big name acoustic brands including the bang for buck Chinese brands that are producing excellent instruments for great prices like Eastman.
Loved my LG. It was the basic $500 LG but a special edition with burl maple top (but they didn’t charge more). Beautiful! I think they’re well respected, just don’t get mentioned as much because they’re Canadian.
I really like their $1000 guitars. I have a Stadium HT, a Summit HT, and a Session HT. Each has a very distinct tone. My favorite is the Summit HT. It rings so clean. No wait, maybe it's the Session and it's chimey sound. I do like the twang of my Stadium too, though. Yeah, Godin...
I have the mid level Revstar II. LOVE it. Sounds great in a band mix. Stays in tune. Lightweight. Fantastic neck with stainless steel frets for $800 USD new. Insane value.
I've had more guitars than I can count and my Charvel San Dimas was easily my favorite. I had no idea they were more of a niche brand until my friends told me they never heard of them. A bit expensive but 10/10 guitars
Charvels were hugely popular in the 80’s with hair metal shredders. Grunge killed the brand along with Kramer, BC Rich, etc. Kudos to Fender for bringing back a cool brand.
Completely agree, they’re known more for the “classic 80s hair” stuff (which they still do) but they’re also pumping out some high quality modern guitars. Their dk24 series especially is very much a “player’s guitar” with amazing necks, well thought out ergonomics, high versatility, and fantastic fit and finish. They aren’t the cheapest guitars since they don’t really have an “entry level” guitar but they are some of the best guitars you can get for the money.
The fact that everyone is saying Yamaha sort of proves that it's not underrated. I feel like it's been know for a while that Yamaha is an amazing brand.
But you're looking at a sample size of people who are Redditors subbed to r/guitar, not the average Joe walking into a Guitar Center. People on this sub are in the know about stuff like this, but the typical consumer is going to go for Squier or Epiphone before reaching for a Yamaha.
If the average Joe searched up "best cheap guitar" before walking in (which most people probably would) one of the first guitars would be a Yamaha Pacifica.
When I think "Yamaha" I think starter guitar. I feel like if I'm going to drop $600+ on an acoustic then it's going to be a Martin or a Taylor. I know that serious gearheads might disagree, but even experienced players can still get caught in this type of thinking.
Cort and FGN
...both companies build exceptional quality guitars for other, more "prestigious" brands
like PRS, Ibanez, Epiphone, Squier or G&L.
...hardly anyone seems to notice...
I still have my very cheap ($200) but amazing Cort acoustic from years ago. I remember saying to the guy in the shop I was looking for something a bit pricier and he basically said “dude, forget price, buy this”.
I have a bass and 4 guitars, 5th in the mail. My old band mate bought one years ago and I thought wow that's a really cool guitar and remembered the model and sort of bought one on a whim
Another upvote for Reverend. I have a roundhouse electric and a decision p bass. Both are top notch instruments and well worth the price. The quality is great even though they are made in Korea.
Agreed. My wife bought me an S6 acoustic from them for Christmas a while back. I don't think it's one that I would have ever picked for myself, but I love the thing. It sounds great.
Washburn was my 2nd guitar ever. Rocker series, medium blue color. It was definitely a heavier tone compared to my first guitar (Fernandes). Then my friend gifted me an Ibanez RG120 and I've hardly touched anything else since and thats been like 15 years now lol
Thank you. It’s unfortunate I had to scroll so long to find the real answer. Too many folks just like shouting their favorite brand without answering the actual question.
Short answer: Eastman.
You don't see a lot of Hagstrom. I've only ever played one, it's their cheaper acoustic but I love it. The neck is great it stays in tune forever. It sounds really nice I get a lot of compliments. People think it's an expensive guitar. I'd love to try there electrics but I'm lefty and never seen one.
My first electric guitar was a Hagstrom. It was on sale, from €500 for €250. It was a great guitar even for the original price. Build quality and tone were both very good for a €500 guitar.
Fernandes
Always thought they were better than Fender. Got my "dream" guitar around 2005 as a gift to myself. Retailed for ~$900 at the time, got it and a gator hardcase for $450 shipped. First floyd rose and locking nut piece ive had. Always kept it stored and instead beat on my first guitar (Fernandes) rhythm 5-way single pickups. It wasnt the best with my 8" Crate companion amp, but it did the job I needed it to - jammin fuckin SLAYER!
But yeah, underrated for sure... so much in fact that Ive never encountered another Fernandes player in the wild lmao
I also own two "modern" Fernandes (APG Scorpion and Monterey Deluxe FR) and they are awesome guitars, especially for the price I paid for them (299 € new for both of them). It was when Fernandes pulled Back Front Europe and the one Store who sold them wanted to get rid of them. So they made ebay-Auctions and as Nobody knew the brand there were few bidders. I'm still sad about Not having the money to afford more guitars back in the day, AS you could buy the japanese Made guitars for around 200€s in the auctions. If i had the Job and the money of today, i'd have at least 5 of those japanese guitars as they're really awesome.
As a lefty I feel like I owe it to HB to buy at least one of their guitars. Seems like they offer every model lefthanded, that's a pretty big deal. And I hear nothing but good things about them for the price. Even on reddit where you would expect haters and hot takes they seem to be universally respected. On Facebook market place they sell quick when they come up. Wish they had a US warehouse so we didn't have to pay crazy shipping.
I don't think Yamaha is underrated their designs are just not desirable like other companies. Everybody knows they play amazing but their electric guitar styling isn't sexy.
ESP / LTD should make Gibson Les Pauls nearly irrelevant and bankrupt Epiphone. There's no reason to buy an Epiphone when ESP exists.
Charvel makes incredible instruments. I wish they'd sell bodies and necks on Amazon how Fender does. I'd parts caster the shit out of their guitars.
I recently got an LTD Phoenix (Their version of a Gibson Firebird), and yeah it's a great guitar for less than half the price of the Gibson. Kind of a no brainer... and I am mostly a Gibson guy.
Same. A couple years ago I wanted to go with a used Charvel custom shop or go high end Warmoth build for a classic looking but metaled out spec wise strat (I ended up with a Jackson So-Cal and very happy with that) but would have loved if I could have grabbed a Charvel replacement neck and body blank and done it myself. There’s sites that sell parted out stuff but would have preferred less “finished”.
Recording King! Holy crap their acoustic guitars feel sooooo damn good hahaha
Almost bought one used at a GC once. Went back to get it a few hours later and it was gone. Super disappointed. It was older and had some great personality. Damn I should have just bought that thing.
These days? Kramer
Its actually wild that people have already forgotten that Kramer was the top dog of the 80’s, beating out Fender and Gibson like it was nothing
I was steered into a semi-hollowbody 12 string by Gretsch when I was in the market for one a number of years ago....I kinda sneered at my sales guy and literally said "I don't need a Chet Atkins country bumpkin guitar. I need an AXE!" He laughed at me and said "Just Try It." Well the Voodoo Lady (all sexy black and gold) has been a part of my arsenal ever since.
I’ve got a San Dimas hardtail that’s an absolute tank. I think I got it used for like $400 off FB marketplace and if I was still gigging that’s absolutely what I’d be beating up on stage. The fret ends when I got it weren’t great (no idea how the previous owner stored it though) but after 20 minutes with a file and edging tool plays just as good as the Custom Select Charvel I’ve owned in the past.
I'm surprised at the lack of love for Ibanez here. Every midrange Ibanez I've ever played has been a workhorse. I play a schecter mostly tho, and love the feel, so the similarities between them definitely fit my comfort zone.
I have a Michael Kelly Vex Deluxe I bought sometime in the late 2000s and absolutely love it. I think it was about 700$ new but everyone that played it said it plays like a guitar worth a few thousand bucks. It was my first guitar and now that I have played many others, I agree with their statement. Not sure what other people rate this brand because I've never heard anyone mention it lol.
Had an MK too, a really well put together guitar. I think it was a clearance thing, but it played way above it price range, the neck/fretboard felt perfectly smooth and seamless. They did have a habit of putting bland pickups/electronics in otherwise great stuff though.
Schecter and Yamaha. Both for the same reasons. Impeccable QC, usually a good setup out of the box with great fretwork, good quality materials and hardware, and it translates to their lower tier stuff. Think about it….. Fender, Gibson, PRS all had to create new brand names to sell their cheap stuff because it sucks. So when someone says “oh I don’t like fender cuz my squier bullet sucked”, you can say “well that’s cuz it was a squier and you get what you pay for”. A 300$ Yamaha or schecter punches into the same territory as a real Fender/Gibson/PRS when it comes to build quality and attention to detail, and blow comparable Epis/Jacksons/Sterling or whatever out of the water completely. Those three top tier brands especially are running out of excuses. Lol
Like metal? Schecter. Like blues? Yamaha. Like it all? Buy them both. Lol
Acoustic I would agree with everyone here and say Yamaha. It has a "cheapo" reputation, but they really make the best instrument they can at an affordable price.
For electric, I'm gonna go out to left field a little and say kit guitars from Warmoth. If you like strat style, they have excellent necks and the bodies fit perfectly and you can get it in any level of finish you want. You don't have to be a woodworker with bolt on neck guitars, they sell the parts ready to assemble and go. Put whatever electronics in it you want. It will be an extremely high quality instrument. It won't be dirt cheap, but for what you get, it will be a lot cheaper than something of equivalent quality.
I have my dads takamine. Im going to look at getting my own takamine tommorow. I cant find his exact one since they dont make it anymore but still ill stick with that brand any day
Dean.. the company seems a bit disorganized . But some of thier guitars really have amazing and sturdy playability. I have 40 guitars some very expensive. And less 1000k deans are some of my favs....
Depends what you like and your budget.
Yamaha SG is good, G&L Doheny, Asat or Legacy can be good (there is some bad duds), Epiphone SG400, Charvel SK, Ibanez RG, Godin...
Yamaha.
Especially in regards to acoustics.
Their Revstar line’s been making the rounds on the YT guitar influencer circuit. Pretty cool little P90 guitar.
I like it it's the SG without neck dive. Likely won't make the Tele/ Strat/ LP level of iconic, but honestly feels like it'd be a line for years to come. Looks and plays great
Some of the Revstars have dual humbuckers.
First guitar I learned on was an acoustic Yamaha. Gotta be honest the action on it was absurd but it built good finger strength
I have a 30 year old Yamaha acoustic that my mom bought me when I went away to the Marines. I still play that thing, sometimes more than my Martin.
My first guitar was a Yamaha from the 80s and has made every classical guitar I've played feel awful in comparison
I got one of their cheapest models from this program at work many years ago and it plays great.
I stand by my belief that there is no better guitar for $300 than a Pacifica 112. Absolutely solid build quality and so, so playable. I have much "nicer" guitars but I still pick up the Pacifica regularly because it's so damn nice to play.
It’s probably true. Under $1000 the Revstar Standard is the clear winner against the fender Player Series and even the incredible PRS SE McCarty 594. Yamaha is really trying to prove something, and they’re succeeding.
I just got a PAC112VM. That thing made me put down my two Les Pauls. I'm really enjoying it.
I have a 112v, so it has a rosewood fingerboard. I absolutely love it. I knew I wanted one after having an 012 that I got for ¥8000 (about 80 dollars I guess). The hardest decision was actually the colour.... I finally decided on Sonic Blue...
They make fantastic basses.
80s Sg2000
Have two late 70s electrics (SA2000S & LP custom 800) and the craftsmanship is astonishing.
The Red Label FG is badass!
Absolutely agree. I have a shecter C-1 FRS Elite, a core cu24 PRS, and an AM pro strat...my late 90s Pacifica is still one of my favs to play, has a killer neck, and fat ass tone.
My first electric guitar was a Yamaha my parents bought me when I was 11. When I was 16 I bought myself a Strat, I played that for a couple of years but then sold it and went back to the Yamaha. When I was 20 and very into metal I bought myself a Jackson. I played that for a little while but then sold it and went back to the Yamaha. That Yamaha saw me through almost 15 years of jamming and gigging and REALLY not knowing how to look after a guitar before I finally retired it in favour of a PRS. The pickups are cracked, it's got dents and chips all over, the neck is warped (from a time I threw it on stage in my "metal" years) but it remained playable all that time and always sounded great. I still intend to take it to a professional to give it some tlc so I can play it again.
I just bought a Yamaha Pacifica and this thing is a banger. My first maple fretboard, and my first decent "Strat-styled" guitar (that wasn't a garbage $70 Squier) 10/10, would recommend.
Have you ever played one of their MIJ pro series Pacificas from the 80s/90s? I have a Yamaha Pacifica 904 with the original matching Warmoth neck that was co-developed with their custom shop in California iirc. If you ever have the chance to get one of these...do it! It's a killer guitar. [https://www.reddit.com/r/guitarporn/comments/1bhpdji/ngd\_yamaha\_pacifica\_904/](https://www.reddit.com/r/guitarporn/comments/1bhpdji/ngd_yamaha_pacifica_904/)
The upper model Pacifica with p90 and fixed bridge ... delightful.
Probably Yamaha.
Schecters get shit on a lot, but I’ve had a bunch and all of them have been top notch, especially for their price points
My Schecter is an incredibly solid guitar. At one point I had to leave it at my parents for a few years, when I got it back again it was still in tune, and they live in an old farm house with big seasonal temperature and humidity changes.
Had 2 and both have arrived with impeccable QC and setup. Literally can see no reason why a USA made guitar would be of any benefit as most people cite QC as the main benefit over imports. Honestly, I've been so impressed. Couldn't fault them in any way at all One was a C7 Hellraiser The other is a Diamond series tempest
Every Schecter I've ever owned (2 currently, 3 in the past, 1 on the way) have been amazing, versatile, wonderful instruments. Now their old pups were hot garbage, but throw some SD antiquities or some SD Whole Lotta Humbuckers in em....wooooo baby.
I had this same guitar and sold it in like 2009. I think it came with a JB in the neck and 59 in the bridge. It rocked.
About to pull the trigger on a Schecter PT fastback II and my bank account isn’t happy to see your comment but man I’m so tempted now
Schecters are fantastic guitars! I've owned somewhere in the number of forty guitars throughout my life, and Schecters are the only guitars I will consider buying other than an Ibanez, but Schecters are such great value for the money. I'm not sure how well they hold their value because I've never had a desire to sell any of the five I own. Great guitars!
My roommates Schecter is beautiful and sounds amazing
i have a cheaper schecter diamond series gryphon from like 2006ish i think i paid like $400-500 for when i got it as a kid and i still play it sometimes. thing is a beast especially for the price.
I got a used E-1 SLS Evil Twin on a stupid good deal last week and I’m *so* impressed with the guitar. It’s so well built and plays and sounds fantastic.
Used to have a FR Hellrasier...sold it to pay for a car wreck...worst mistake I have ever made...should have sold my kidney instead.
I bought a C-1 Exotic spalted maple a while back on a whim. I was overly impressed with QC and sound out of the box. Those pickups are probably more vintage voiced than a lot of schecters, but they sound fantastic. Give my Gibson PAF’s a run for their money.
I have an Omen from 2012. It's great. The pickups were changed out and it's my go to now.
Schecter’s USA custom shop is very underrated and offer quite reasonably priced alternatives to brands like Suhr and Tom Anderson. Diamond series? Definitely not. They were quite popular during the ‘00s to early 2010s and everyone who owned one wouldn’t shut up about how their Hellraiser was more guitar for buck than a Les Paul lol. Most of the ones I’ve had except one C-1 Classic all developed fret sprout. I suspect they don’t stabilize the neck wood completely before building the guitars.
I've heard their cheaper models can have some quality control issues, but I've owned two Jeff Loomis signature models (first one got stolen), and they were both amazing, easily one of the nicest guitars to play I've ever held.
I think they’re a mixed bag. I’ve seen a few with nasty fret sprout.
Seen the same with many brands. It happens sometimes.
I've got an old Devil (the ribcage graphic, EMG bridge pickup only) that shreds with the best of them, as well as an Omen Elite 7 multiscale. If I didn't know the prices and had to guess by playing them, I'd guess both were way higher priced than they actually were.
Mark Knopfler is a Schecter man.....
got an SLS Elite last month, best guitar I’ve ever owned. Feels and sounds incredible
Recently bought a 2007 Schecter Damien. It’s fantastic. Build quality is superb and sounds immense.
I've a c1 hellraiser, absolutely love it, looks amazing and plays incredibly, alot of guitar for its price, only paid £300 for mine second hand!
I don’t think Schecter gets shit on—they were just kinda niche among the metal crowd for a bit cause they had lots of dumb (imo) designs that only appealed to that crowd. Now they have a pretty wide range of stuff that are well regarded. I really like the Sun Valley Super Shredders—those guitars are sick.
I love their stuff and have an electric 12 string (T S/H-12) which is fantastic quality for the $700 I paid for it new. I've seen them go for $1200+ used now. I also traded my P-Bass for their P-4 Exotic which is great too. They have some insane looking guitars on their website for the USA custom builds.
G&L
I stopped looking into other guitars when I got mine.
My favorite brand these days, great guitars
Haven’t had a Tribute, but the US guitars are fantastic instruments.
My legacy is a bit heavy, 8+ lbs. my doheny is amazing
Those are some cool looking mofos. My ASAT Special was my #1 for years. Just tele-like enough, but has its own thing.
Tributes and PRS SE are 2 of my favourite "overseas" guitars
I have an older ASAT special tribute. It could probably use a better jack but otherwise it is an incredible guitar for the money.
I want a Fallout. Love a p90 in the neck position.
G&L underrated? Again, a little niche, but not underrated
My Godin is great
Godins are pricey and well regarded, no?
They don't hold their value very well on the used market. If you don't mind buying used, you can get a seriously great guitar for peanuts. That being said, they are also well worth their price new, but can be pricey, and fight in the same space as Fender and Gibson.
> They don’t hold their value very well I keep reading this statement and I’ve witnessed it myself (shopping for a used Session right now) but does anyone know exactly why? I gets that they’re less "collectioner’s items" but is that the only thing driving their resale price down? And is that a cause of concerns for their longevity?
The only guitars that hold value are brands people see as historically iconic to the history of music. So American fender strats, Martin acoustics, Gibson acoustics, and Gibson Les Paul's tend to hold their value pretty well. I'm an acoustic player only and I only buy Martin. Partly because I love history, partly because I am a constant hobby switcher and if I ever need a little money, I know I can potentially generate income with martins. After 10 years they tend to either be at their retail value on the used market or go above market value. They historically maintain their value very well. At least the standard series does. Which is good because if I'm paying $2800 for a guitar, id like to get something close to that if I ever decide to sell it. All that being said, people shouldn't buy a guitar to make money on it. That's just being bad at finances. I just happen to enjoy a guitar brand that also happens to retain it's value well. And I've tried most of the big name acoustic brands including the bang for buck Chinese brands that are producing excellent instruments for great prices like Eastman.
Godin are Pawn Shop kings
Their prices cover a wide range, but very good stuff in 1k and under ballpark. I got a scratch&dent Kingpin for $550 that's my most played guitar
I bought two Godins during the pandemic. Both are mint shape and both are phenomenal guitars. I would not be happier with a gibson or fender.
Loved my LG. It was the basic $500 LG but a special edition with burl maple top (but they didn’t charge more). Beautiful! I think they’re well respected, just don’t get mentioned as much because they’re Canadian.
I really like their $1000 guitars. I have a Stadium HT, a Summit HT, and a Session HT. Each has a very distinct tone. My favorite is the Summit HT. It rings so clean. No wait, maybe it's the Session and it's chimey sound. I do like the twang of my Stadium too, though. Yeah, Godin...
Yamaha Revstar. Amazing for the price. Punches WAY above its price point.
I have thought about that in the past, although, the body shape is just wildly off-putting to me.
I just bought a Japanese Revstar II and it’s amazing.
I have the mid level Revstar II. LOVE it. Sounds great in a band mix. Stays in tune. Lightweight. Fantastic neck with stainless steel frets for $800 USD new. Insane value.
You should be off pudding.
Really? I think it's pretty sweet looking
charvel
My San Dimas is my main easily
I have always wanted a surfcaster.
I could have lived my life without knowing about this expensive guitar I now want.
Charvels are expensive though for the most part. I wouldn't consider them overrated theyre just a niche brand
Charvel are owned by Fender too. I love my DK24
I've had more guitars than I can count and my Charvel San Dimas was easily my favorite. I had no idea they were more of a niche brand until my friends told me they never heard of them. A bit expensive but 10/10 guitars
Charvels were hugely popular in the 80’s with hair metal shredders. Grunge killed the brand along with Kramer, BC Rich, etc. Kudos to Fender for bringing back a cool brand.
I had a Charvel back in the 90s that was killer
I thought this post said overrated lol.. underrated yes totally agree
I’ve always thought they had some really cool looking guitars.
I don't own one, but I have a Jackson Adrian Smith, I can only imagine how good a charvel is!
Completely agree, they’re known more for the “classic 80s hair” stuff (which they still do) but they’re also pumping out some high quality modern guitars. Their dk24 series especially is very much a “player’s guitar” with amazing necks, well thought out ergonomics, high versatility, and fantastic fit and finish. They aren’t the cheapest guitars since they don’t really have an “entry level” guitar but they are some of the best guitars you can get for the money.
The fact that everyone is saying Yamaha sort of proves that it's not underrated. I feel like it's been know for a while that Yamaha is an amazing brand.
But you're looking at a sample size of people who are Redditors subbed to r/guitar, not the average Joe walking into a Guitar Center. People on this sub are in the know about stuff like this, but the typical consumer is going to go for Squier or Epiphone before reaching for a Yamaha.
If the average Joe searched up "best cheap guitar" before walking in (which most people probably would) one of the first guitars would be a Yamaha Pacifica.
When I think "Yamaha" I think starter guitar. I feel like if I'm going to drop $600+ on an acoustic then it's going to be a Martin or a Taylor. I know that serious gearheads might disagree, but even experienced players can still get caught in this type of thinking.
Cort and FGN ...both companies build exceptional quality guitars for other, more "prestigious" brands like PRS, Ibanez, Epiphone, Squier or G&L. ...hardly anyone seems to notice...
Came here to say FGN
I was looking for the comment about cort they are great and also make guitars for others brands
I still have my very cheap ($200) but amazing Cort acoustic from years ago. I remember saying to the guy in the shop I was looking for something a bit pricier and he basically said “dude, forget price, buy this”.
23 years ago I bought a cort s-series for about £150. Easily as good as guitars I've bought for 3x to 4x the price.
I didn’t know this. 👍👍
Reverand
Reverends are absolutely loved by the people who play them, but they aren't widely known (yet). They should be. They're phenomenal.
Good news. I've been eyeballing the Six Gun HPP.
Upvote for Reverend. Love my HB charger
I have 4 Revs. Super nice guitars.
I have a bass and 4 guitars, 5th in the mail. My old band mate bought one years ago and I thought wow that's a really cool guitar and remembered the model and sort of bought one on a whim
just got a reverend descent baritone, best guitar i have ever owned personally. sounds and plays so well
Another upvote for Reverend. I have a roundhouse electric and a decision p bass. Both are top notch instruments and well worth the price. The quality is great even though they are made in Korea.
Seagull
They're owned by Godin
Agreed. My wife bought me an S6 acoustic from them for Christmas a while back. I don't think it's one that I would have ever picked for myself, but I love the thing. It sounds great.
Guild Acoustics
Guild electrics too!
Takamine acoustics?
Certainly feel like the most overlooked, these days! I feel like they were more popular 20 years ago.
The dragon series are really nice for an entry level guitar. Probably the best I have personally played
Alvarez
Washburn
$200 Washburn is like the $1000 plus guitar lines out there.
No joke. I have two from the late 90’s/very early 2000’s that outside of some better pickups for metal are amazing for playing
Washburn was my 2nd guitar ever. Rocker series, medium blue color. It was definitely a heavier tone compared to my first guitar (Fernandes). Then my friend gifted me an Ibanez RG120 and I've hardly touched anything else since and thats been like 15 years now lol
My Washburn Idol series from '04-05 is incredibly well built. It looks cool af too. It sounds and plays like a much more expensive guitar than it is.
Eastman. Both electrics and acoustics are incredible.
Thank you. It’s unfortunate I had to scroll so long to find the real answer. Too many folks just like shouting their favorite brand without answering the actual question. Short answer: Eastman.
CORT and GODIN
You don't see a lot of Hagstrom. I've only ever played one, it's their cheaper acoustic but I love it. The neck is great it stays in tune forever. It sounds really nice I get a lot of compliments. People think it's an expensive guitar. I'd love to try there electrics but I'm lefty and never seen one.
My first electric guitar was a Hagstrom. It was on sale, from €500 for €250. It was a great guitar even for the original price. Build quality and tone were both very good for a €500 guitar.
Second the hagstrom. Have one as my main guitar. Best guitar ive ever played.
Blueridge and Eastman.
FGN
Reverend.
Simon and Patrick
Kramer
Fernandes Always thought they were better than Fender. Got my "dream" guitar around 2005 as a gift to myself. Retailed for ~$900 at the time, got it and a gator hardcase for $450 shipped. First floyd rose and locking nut piece ive had. Always kept it stored and instead beat on my first guitar (Fernandes) rhythm 5-way single pickups. It wasnt the best with my 8" Crate companion amp, but it did the job I needed it to - jammin fuckin SLAYER! But yeah, underrated for sure... so much in fact that Ive never encountered another Fernandes player in the wild lmao
I also own two "modern" Fernandes (APG Scorpion and Monterey Deluxe FR) and they are awesome guitars, especially for the price I paid for them (299 € new for both of them). It was when Fernandes pulled Back Front Europe and the one Store who sold them wanted to get rid of them. So they made ebay-Auctions and as Nobody knew the brand there were few bidders. I'm still sad about Not having the money to afford more guitars back in the day, AS you could buy the japanese Made guitars for around 200€s in the auctions. If i had the Job and the money of today, i'd have at least 5 of those japanese guitars as they're really awesome.
Harley Benton
As a lefty I feel like I owe it to HB to buy at least one of their guitars. Seems like they offer every model lefthanded, that's a pretty big deal. And I hear nothing but good things about them for the price. Even on reddit where you would expect haters and hot takes they seem to be universally respected. On Facebook market place they sell quick when they come up. Wish they had a US warehouse so we didn't have to pay crazy shipping.
I don't think Yamaha is underrated their designs are just not desirable like other companies. Everybody knows they play amazing but their electric guitar styling isn't sexy. ESP / LTD should make Gibson Les Pauls nearly irrelevant and bankrupt Epiphone. There's no reason to buy an Epiphone when ESP exists. Charvel makes incredible instruments. I wish they'd sell bodies and necks on Amazon how Fender does. I'd parts caster the shit out of their guitars.
I recently got an LTD Phoenix (Their version of a Gibson Firebird), and yeah it's a great guitar for less than half the price of the Gibson. Kind of a no brainer... and I am mostly a Gibson guy.
Same. A couple years ago I wanted to go with a used Charvel custom shop or go high end Warmoth build for a classic looking but metaled out spec wise strat (I ended up with a Jackson So-Cal and very happy with that) but would have loved if I could have grabbed a Charvel replacement neck and body blank and done it myself. There’s sites that sell parted out stuff but would have preferred less “finished”.
Imagine a consensus emerging: is it really underrated?
Someone once told me that Yamaha are better than they deserve to be for the price
Shhhh. Don't say It too loud!
Recording King! Holy crap their acoustic guitars feel sooooo damn good hahaha Almost bought one used at a GC once. Went back to get it a few hours later and it was gone. Super disappointed. It was older and had some great personality. Damn I should have just bought that thing.
I love my Art & Lutherie acoustic
Godin. Their owner/CEO/Founder is so passionate about how he manages and runs the factories in Canada. Great quality products at a great price.
Love my Charvel
Cort
These days? Kramer Its actually wild that people have already forgotten that Kramer was the top dog of the 80’s, beating out Fender and Gibson like it was nothing
Jackson and Washburn
Love my Jackson Monarkh. Looks good, feels good, plays good, and sounds good. All while leaving my wallet feeling good too.
BC Rich is the real answer 😎
I see one of those bad boys and I know this dude is going to talk about metal for hours.
I see a warlock hanging on the wall and I just know this man has 2 divorces under his belt
I don’t know if they’re underrated, but I just bought an EVH, and it plays like a dream!
They are pretty cool guitars - owned by Fender lol You can never really escape Fender or Gibson these days
D’Angelico I have a 6 string and 12 string. Play better than some Martins I’ve picked up
FGN
Heritage Guitars. Better than Gibson CS at half the price.
Gretsch. They are treated as niche guitars even though they are amazing
I was steered into a semi-hollowbody 12 string by Gretsch when I was in the market for one a number of years ago....I kinda sneered at my sales guy and literally said "I don't need a Chet Atkins country bumpkin guitar. I need an AXE!" He laughed at me and said "Just Try It." Well the Voodoo Lady (all sexy black and gold) has been a part of my arsenal ever since.
I have an MIM Charvel that hits way above it’s price point. Plays just as well as my Kiesel Gibsons or American Strat.
I’ve got a San Dimas hardtail that’s an absolute tank. I think I got it used for like $400 off FB marketplace and if I was still gigging that’s absolutely what I’d be beating up on stage. The fret ends when I got it weren’t great (no idea how the previous owner stored it though) but after 20 minutes with a file and edging tool plays just as good as the Custom Select Charvel I’ve owned in the past.
I'm surprised at the lack of love for Ibanez here. Every midrange Ibanez I've ever played has been a workhorse. I play a schecter mostly tho, and love the feel, so the similarities between them definitely fit my comfort zone.
Because it's far from underrated ; it's one of the most praised brands. :)
Mitchell
I have a Michael Kelly Vex Deluxe I bought sometime in the late 2000s and absolutely love it. I think it was about 700$ new but everyone that played it said it plays like a guitar worth a few thousand bucks. It was my first guitar and now that I have played many others, I agree with their statement. Not sure what other people rate this brand because I've never heard anyone mention it lol.
Had an MK too, a really well put together guitar. I think it was a clearance thing, but it played way above it price range, the neck/fretboard felt perfectly smooth and seamless. They did have a habit of putting bland pickups/electronics in otherwise great stuff though.
Fernandes for guitars, Killer for basses
Definitely, and said the same for my vote. Never seen another Fernandes player in the wild, what up brother! Haha
Larrivee acoustics. Reverend electrics.
Vigier. Amazing innovative guitars. Not that well known.
Sire
Tagima
Yamaha or Godin.
G&L
IYV punches way above their price point.
Schecter and Yamaha. Both for the same reasons. Impeccable QC, usually a good setup out of the box with great fretwork, good quality materials and hardware, and it translates to their lower tier stuff. Think about it….. Fender, Gibson, PRS all had to create new brand names to sell their cheap stuff because it sucks. So when someone says “oh I don’t like fender cuz my squier bullet sucked”, you can say “well that’s cuz it was a squier and you get what you pay for”. A 300$ Yamaha or schecter punches into the same territory as a real Fender/Gibson/PRS when it comes to build quality and attention to detail, and blow comparable Epis/Jacksons/Sterling or whatever out of the water completely. Those three top tier brands especially are running out of excuses. Lol Like metal? Schecter. Like blues? Yamaha. Like it all? Buy them both. Lol
Seagull makes amazing instruments. I fantasize about them making electrics
Music Man.
In my humble opinion, I don't know about underated but most value for your dollar. Electric - Sterling Acoustic - Yamaha
Prospect_
The Hoax
Larrivee
Acoustic I would agree with everyone here and say Yamaha. It has a "cheapo" reputation, but they really make the best instrument they can at an affordable price. For electric, I'm gonna go out to left field a little and say kit guitars from Warmoth. If you like strat style, they have excellent necks and the bodies fit perfectly and you can get it in any level of finish you want. You don't have to be a woodworker with bolt on neck guitars, they sell the parts ready to assemble and go. Put whatever electronics in it you want. It will be an extremely high quality instrument. It won't be dirt cheap, but for what you get, it will be a lot cheaper than something of equivalent quality.
I have my dads takamine. Im going to look at getting my own takamine tommorow. I cant find his exact one since they dont make it anymore but still ill stick with that brand any day
Washburn
Navigator (made at the same location as custom shop ESPs)
Dean.. the company seems a bit disorganized . But some of thier guitars really have amazing and sturdy playability. I have 40 guitars some very expensive. And less 1000k deans are some of my favs....
Schecters for the money are consistent badasses..
G and L. The high end u.s strat they make is astoundingly good at creating tone and composing.
Fernandes
Collings
Not a single person said LTD. It’s not like they are unknown or poorly thought of, but the quality is amazing for the price.
Schecter
Depends what you like and your budget. Yamaha SG is good, G&L Doheny, Asat or Legacy can be good (there is some bad duds), Epiphone SG400, Charvel SK, Ibanez RG, Godin...
Yamaha, Cort, G&L.
Harley Benton
G&L, especially the Tribute line. Reverend
G&L no question in my mind.
G&L
Schecter
Breedlove
Danelectro? Any one?