Best Premium Guitars
Top 10 picks ranked by EJ Score
Our Top Picks
Looking for the premium 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 what happens when Fender gets it right. That perfect 100 community score isn’t hype—buyers are leaving the Ibanez SR600 and other mid-tier basses in the dust after picking up the Player II. The rolled edges, smooth maple board,…
Pros
- +Perfect 100/100 community score from Sweetwater with verified buyer reviews praising tone and feel
- +Maple-on-maple fingerboard provides lightning-fast response and classic bright attack
- +Hand-rolled fretboard edges deliver broken-in comfort straight from factory
Cons
- −At $850, pricing is higher than original Player series without major feature additions
- −Maple fingerboard may be too bright for players seeking darker, warmer Jazz Bass tones
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
Scoring 84, the Reverend Charger RA is a sleeper hit for players who value playability and tone over brand cachet. The Korina body, roasted maple neck, and Railhammer Chisels deliver boutique specs at $1,199, and Reverend’s QC is consistently excellent.…
Pros
- +Railhammer Chisel humbuckers balance clarity and chunk—great for heavy rock and alt-metal
- +Korina body is lighter than mahogany and adds midrange bloom and sustain
- +Roasted maple neck feels broken-in out of the box and resists warping
Cons
- −At $1,199, you're competing with used PRS Core and higher-end Schecters
- −Reverend's resale value is weaker than Fender/Gibson due to lower brand recognition
The RGIXL7 is Ibanez’s answer to one simple question: how do you deliver pro-level 7-string playability for under $1,100? The answer involves no compromises on speed, stability, or metal firepower. That 27-inch scale is the hidden genius. With factory 0.059…
Pros
- +27-inch scale handles drop-A and beyond without floppy strings
- +Nitro Wizard-7 XL neck is feather-light and faster than any 6-string competition
- +DiMarzio Fusion Edge 7 pickups deliver clear, powerful modern metal tone
Cons
- −7-string tuning requires different muscle memory and technique
- −No tone knob—high-gain players won't miss it, but it limits color
The Charvel Pro-Mod DK24 HH is a 100/100 score for a reason: it’s exactly what it promises. This is a shred machine. Dual humbuckers deliver the aggressive, sustain-heavy tones that metal and modern rock demand. The hardtail bridge keeps you…
Pros
- +Dual humbucker configuration punches hard through high-gain amp stacks
- +Hardtail bridge eliminates tuning issues—stays locked in all night
- +24 frets with modern neck profile enable extended lead work
Cons
- −Aggressive styling and hardtail setup mean it's not your dad's Strat—very genre-specific
- −Dual humbuckers limit single-coil tones if you're a purist
Strong recommendation for left-handed jazz players. The Broadway delivers authentic archtop vibe without the vintage price tag, and this southpaw version opens the door for lefty jazz and blues guitarists. The Alnico Classic Pros sound good but don’t quite nail…
Pros
- +Select spruce top delivers direct, punchy acoustic tone
- +Alnico Classic Pro humbuckers with vintage-voiced warmth
- +SlimTaper '60s C-profile neck for fast, comfortable playability
Cons
- −Neck pickup lacks fullness and roundness compared to premium archtops
- −Limited tonal variance from pickup position compared to competitors
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
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
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
Solid choice in its class. EVH delivers at $1369 with a 100/100 community score. Limited detailed reviews make it hard to assess long-term reliability, but the numbers suggest satisfied users. Best for: players seeking EVH’s character in the premium tier.
Pros
- +Alnico pickups deliver vintage-voiced tone
- +Maple cap adds clarity and definition
- +Solid premium-tier build quality from EVH
Cons
- −Competes in crowded premium price bracket
- −May require setup out of the box for optimal playability
Side-by-Side Comparison
 Fender Player II Jazz Bass Maple... |  Gretsch Guitars G5420T Electromatic Classic Hollowbody... |  Reverend Charger RA Rosewood Fingerboard Electric... |  Ibanez RGIXL7 Iron Label 7-String Electric... |  Charvel Pro-Mod DK24 HH HT E... |  Epiphone Broadway Left-Handed Hollowbody Electric Guitar... |  Gretsch Guitars G5422TG Electromatic Classic Hollowbody... |  Schecter Guitar Research Nick Johnston Signature... |  Epiphone Extura Prophecy Electric Guitar Aged... |  EVH 5150 Deluxe Poplar Burl Electric... | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EJ Score | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| Price | $849.99 | $899.99 | $1,199.00 | $1,099.99 | $999.99 | $999.00 | $999.99 | $899.00 | $1,099.00 | $1,369.99 |
The Bottom Line
That wraps up our picks for the premium 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.