Best Guitars
Top 10 picks ranked by EJ Score
Our Top Picks
Looking for the guitars? We've ranked the top picks based on our EJ Score system, which combines professional critic reviews and real user feedback into a single score out of 100. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, this list will help you find the right fit.
This is the rare bass that actually deserves the ’boutique-quality’ descriptor. The combination of Nordstrand pickups, exotic hardwoods, and graphite/titanium neck reinforcement delivers professional-grade tone and playability at a fraction of what custom builders charge. One user reported a loose…
Pros
- +Nordstrand Big Break pickups deliver massive, roaring tone with monumental sustain
- +5-piece panga panga/purpleheart neck with graphite reinforcement and KTS titanium rods for rock-solid stability
- +Sleekly contoured African mahogany body with gorgeous ash/panga panga top - premium materials at this price tier
Cons
- −Volume knob became loose after two weeks - minor hardware QC issue requiring simple tightening
- −Limited user reviews make it harder to assess long-term reliability
Gretsch Guitars G5420T Electromatic Classic Hollowbody Single-Cut Electric Guitar Walnut Stain
The Gretsch Electromatic G5420T is your entry point to authentic Gretsch hollowbody tone: a full-size semi-hollow body, FilterTron pickups, Bigsby-compatible bridge, and modern appointments at an affordable price. It’s a gateway drug for rockabilly, indie, and soul players curious about…
Pros
- +Full-size hollowbody body delivers warm, resonant character with natural bloom
- +FilterTron pickups provide punchy midrange and classic Gretsch voice
- +Bigsby-compatible bridge allows vibrato system addition for vintage aesthetics
Cons
- −Feedback risk in high-gain amplification limits versatility
- −Import construction feels cheaper than American Gretsch counterparts
The Ibanez GSR205SM scores 100/100 (Legendary) for value because you’re getting a competent 5-string for $349. Five-string at this price is rare. Ibanez’s modern C-neck is fast and playable, and dual pickups handle slap, pick, and finger styles adequately. Compact…
Pros
- +5-string configuration opens up lower register without bulky body
- +Ibanez's modern C-neck profile is fast and playable
- +Dual pickups provide versatile tone for slap, pick, or finger styles
Cons
- −Entry-level pickups and electronics—not specialized for any style
- −Tight string spacing may challenge slap players
Schecter Guitar Research Nick Johnston Signature PT Electric Guitar Atomic Ink
The Nick Johnston PT is Schecter targeting the modern fusion and progressive player who outgrew their Ibanez but wants something with more character than a Suhr. The 91 EJ score reflects strong execution of a focused vision. Johnston’s signature pickups…
Pros
- +Nick Johnston signature pickups voiced specifically for his articulate lead style
- +Roasted maple neck for stability and smooth playing feel
- +Locking tuners and Graph Tech TUSQ XL nut ensure tuning stability
Cons
- −Signature model pricing puts it in competitive territory with American Teles
- −T-style bridge can be uncomfortable for palm-muting compared to hardtails
Here’s the straight truth: when you get a good one, it’s a 100-point guitar. MusicRadar’s perfect score and enthusiastic user reviews confirm the P-90 tone is raw, punchy, and perfect for garage rock, punk, and blues. But Gibson’s QC inconsistency…
Pros
- +Perfect 5/5 rating from MusicRadar shows exceptional critical approval for the price point
- +Sweetwater users praise the P-90 pickups for "fantastic" tone with good range between bridge and neck positions
- +Acoustically resonant—multiple reviews mention how the entire instrument vibrates unplugged
Cons
- −Multiple Sweetwater reviews mention needing to try several units before finding one that "really ripped," suggesting inconsistent QC
- −One user explicitly complained about the chunky '50s neck profile being uncomfortable for smaller hands
Gretsch Guitars G5422TG Electromatic Classic Hollowbody Double-Cut With Bigsby and Gold Hardware Electric Guitar Walnut Stain
Guitar World gave the G5422TG a perfect 5.0 score, and it’s justified. This is Gretsch’s pitch-perfect modern interpretation of a classic hollowbody design that respects tradition while embracing contemporary playability and hardware. Tone is unmistakably Gretsch. Those new FT-5E Filter’Tron…
Pros
- +New FT-5E Filter'Tron pickups deliver smooth response and soft shimmer perfect for Gretsch textures
- +Bigsby B60 vibrato is springy and stays in tune—a major advantage for stage work
- +Trestle block bracing underneath reduces unwanted feedback and improves stability
Cons
- −Hollowbody design is feedback-prone at high gain levels—requires careful EQ
- −Bigsby vibrato has a learning curve for setup and maintenance
Sterling by Music Man JP60 DiMarzio John Petrucci Signature Electric Guitar -
The Sterling JP60 is widely considered one of the best signature values in the guitar world, earning a Legendary 100/100 EJ Score. Community members on Audiofanzine and beyond often recommend it as a ‘USA killer’ once the pickups are swapped…
Pros
- +Incredibly comfortable body bevels and deep cutaways for easy upper fret access
- +Modern tremolo bridge provides excellent tuning stability for a non-locking system
- +Fast, slim neck profile ideal for technical playing and shredding
Cons
- −Stock pickups (non-DiMarzio) can be a bit generic compared to the USA models
- −Sterling finish quality is good but lacks the premium feel of the Music Man versions
Gretsch Guitars G5420T Electromatic Classic Hollowbody Single-Cut Electric Guitar Two-Tone Anniversary Green
The Paul’s Guitar is PRS showing off what they do best: meticulous craftsmanship and innovative electronics. That 90 EJ score reflects a near-perfect execution of Paul Reed Smith’s vision for the ultimate versatile guitar. The TCI pickups genuinely deliver—you’re getting…
Pros
- +TCI (Tuned Capacitance and Inductance) pickups provide exceptional clarity and harmonic richness
- +Dual coil-split switches offer true single-coil tones, not just thin humbucker splits
- +Pattern neck profile hits the sweet spot between vintage and modern feel
Cons
- −$4,600 price tag puts it firmly in boutique territory
- −Some players find PRS's house sound too polished or 'sterile' compared to vintage Fenders/Gibsons
The Ibanez RGA742FM is extended-range shredding territory: a 7-string configuration delivering a low B string for progressive metal and complex arrangements, Ibanez’s thin, fast neck profile enabling rapid technical passages, and flamed maple top providing eye-catching aesthetics alongside tonal shimmer.…
Pros
- +7-string configuration adds low B extension for extended range and depth
- +Ibanez's thin, fast neck profile enables rapid technical passages
- +Flamed maple top delivers eye-catching aesthetics and tonal shimmer
Cons
- −7-string tuning and techniques require dedicated practice and muscle memory
- −Thinner neck feels fragile compared to Gibson-style profiles
That 100 EJ Score is based on a single 5-star review, so treat it as promising but unproven. The Extura Prophecy is Epiphone swinging for the fences with modern metal players—multi-voice Fishman Fluence pickups, ebony board, aggressive aesthetics. The Explorer-Futura…
Pros
- +Multi-voice Fishman Fluence active humbuckers provide massive tonal range from crushing lows to sparkling highs
- +Unique Extura body design combines Explorer aggression with Futura's narrower waist and deeper cutaway for access
- +Mahogany body with flame maple veneer and ebony fingerboard offer premium tonewoods at this price
Cons
- −Only one Sweetwater review (5-star) supports the 100 EJ Score, limited real-world validation
- −Active pickups require battery maintenance and may not suit players preferring passive tone
Side-by-Side Comparison
The Bottom Line
That wraps up our picks for the guitars. Every product on this list has been evaluated through our EJ Score system, combining critic expertise with community feedback. Click through to any product page for the full breakdown of scores, specs, and reviews.