I have heard so much about Texas Toast Guitars, and would love to check one out. Problem is....they don't seem to be available up here in Western Canada.
Godin is such an underrated brand. The build quality and overall feel on those things is absolutely superb, no matter what price bracket you look at. They're not really a tiny niche manufacturer, but still somehow is bubbling under the surface of everyone's attention.
Man I wish there were more places in my city that sold Godin guitars. I had a Summit Classic SG which is their take on a LP Junior with a p90 in the bridge. And I absolutely loved it. I had to sell it during to financial reasons, but I made it a point that if I can find a Summit Classic SG again or Stadium or Session line in person, I would pick one of them up with the quickness lol
FGN stands for Fujigen. It’s a Japanese factory that owns the original templates and licenses for Fender and Gibson(Epiphone) that we’re built there in the past. I own a Strat style and it’s OUTSTANDING. The level of detail and quality shown on these guitars is great. Highly recommend to get hands on. Strats can be found starting around 6/700 USD. Tokai Japan as well makes very VERY good instruments. Great video mate
@@nickobrien1298 Agreed. All the technical advances he made in the G&L line would have been found in today's Fenders such as MFD pickups, Saddle lock bridges, etc. I could have worded my response better.
Yeah I think that might have been helpful to mention a little bit more in this vid about the G&L history. Though these days companies can be ruined by anyone, but its closest to a Fender you can buy without it saying Fender on it.
Phil, great video but I want to add a little detail. Guitar gear has been a serious hobby for me since 2005. By trade I am a stock trader and no matter what I buy I ALWAYS look at resale value and the G&L brand is an excellent, quality guitar as you say (I own the ASAT Classic) BUT the Resale on this brand is terrible. Another brand that I just bought are SUPRO guitars. Yes, the same people that make all those great tube amps. There is no doubt in my mind that its made by a private label manufacturer based in Indonesia but the quality and tone is amazing - I bought the TriTone model in Ebony. Great looking and great tone from their USA made Vistatone pickups. IF anyone reading this is looking to buy a SUPRO anything (amps or guitars) BE CAREFUL because prices are all over the place. The TriTone lists and sells for $1299. and I bought mine new from a dealer with full warranty for LESS than HALF price. What ALSO makes a SUPRO guitar a great investment is that Supro (based out of NY) recently dropped their entire guitar line. When this news gets out, their guitars are going to skyrocket in price. Another Asian made brand that probably holds it value BETTER than ANY other guitar out there is REVEREND GUITARS. The two REVEREND guitars that I own can easily sell for DOUBLE. My Club King with revTron pups, amazing Jazz tones from this guitar - and my 15th Anniversary Flatroc. Anyone who buys this particular guitar keeps them. Only a limited number of the 15th Anniversary made back in 2012 and NO ONE has one for sale. Simply not available. OK, I chatted long enough. If my lengthy but detailed comments helps anyone reading this, It was worth my time writing it - glad to help...
Bought a Godin at a pawn shop for $300 2 years ago and I've never heard of them initially, but once I sat down and noodles with it I was surprised at how good it was. Definitely worth checking out!
I own a Tagima Jet Blues, fantastic guitar. Great sound and feels amazing to play. Tagima is definitely Brazil’s go to brand for quality affordable instruments. I’m happy they’re finally getting some exposure.
Ive only owned the cheapest one the sell, but it is a great playing guitar. I dont play it much anymore since ive progressed and got many more guitars but it was a fantastic guitar to start on
There s actually a nice looking pasifica 812 on ebay right now for 450$. With seymour duncan pickups, locking tuners, and a very nice flame top finish.
I own three different Yamahas, one acoustic, one Pacifica, and one bass. All are amazing and the most expensive one was the acoustic at $700, and it has qualities that you only find on $2500 Taylors. I am sold on inexpensive Yamahas, built well and able to be played anywhere.
@@LenProbert Agree totally, i have 2 Pacifca cheapos, a 112JM and a new 112VMX, brilliant for the price. When/if i get better i will get a high end one.
Hey Phil. I recently purchased a custom built T style guitar from Gordon Smith Guitar’s right here in England. Built to my specs (paint job, binding, trem, neck etc) for around £1000 GBP. The only additional cost was a self supplied Hipshot trem that I had sent to Gordon Smith. The guitar is hand made using one piece woods for the body and neck and you have a choice of woods & materials. Ordered in August and received in December. It’s great!
Yep, if watching this in UK, GS are a very credile brand of well built UK guitars. amazing options can be specced on their website. - Sponsored artists. Theyre on my list for my next guitar for sure.
I'm Brazilian, i love the jet Blues aesthetic but wasn't sure how it compares to other brands in the same price range. I'm so happy you found out about them, and even more to know you liked them!
Love that you are highlighting some smaller brands. Been a fan of CMG for a while now. Their baseline model sells for $799. Quality and lots of love in each Ashlee built.
I love this video. I want to hear about non-major manufacturers gear and quality. Phil, your edge on the competition will remain as along as you remain truly independent. You are like the Consumer Reports for guitar. Your objectivity will remain as long as you don't accept money/gear/endorsement contracts.
This countdown’s price point is nearly Reverend’s ENTIRE catalog. I’m waiting for Phil to pause purchasing/reviewing $1-2k guitars and check out anything by Reverend. They don’t ship equipment out for reviews for free, so they’re not getting covered.
Reverend is hands down one of my favorite brands, nevermind for value, however I believe they're made in a factory in South Korea that does manufacture for other brands.
U can go godin again... Their seagull acoustic line is good from bottom to top. Their top line acoustics r all I believe 1000-1500? area. I have an old solid top only s6+folk. It's my beater and I like it. I heat my house with firewood and I keep it out and it takes a pretty good beating. Also keep eye on Musicians Friend. They have insane mark downs. Most recently I got a Martin OMC-18e for $2000 shipped. I've also scored some really nice American Breedloves from them. Keep eye on discounts
Taylor Academy Series new list $500/$649w/ES-B, Breedlove (I got a Pursuit Exotic Concert E Sitka-Koa new $500 on Reverb, and an Academy 12e $400). Like old advice on shopping new cars, I've found great deals on guitars that have been on display for a year, when the dealer needs to make room for new arrivals. Unfortunately, Bob Taylor said yesterday on Taylor Guitars Primetime that Taylor Guitars has 100k guitars on their order book, so it will be awhile before they (and other manufacturers) get caught up. (Taylor Guitars builds 725 guitars/day.) Sounds like a lot, but the Pandemic Pause 2020 reduced those numbers... Yamaha FG and FS series guitars...
As a fellow italian, first I want to thank you for sharing a brand I didn't kno, and secondly I must appreciated the effort but you're not even close LOL Since it's a mix of the name and surname it's pronounced "Giàn-ànd", while the model is "Ri-bel-le": and pronounce all the letters ;). Anyway, whatever, love your vids, thanks for sharing
CMG had a model last year that was $799 new and made in Atlanta GA. I tried one at a local shop that the salesman didn't even know anything about it, but when we plugged it in we were both blown away by it.
As an owner of FGN LS10 (older one with normal LP cutaway) I would recommend FGN blindly for extraordinary build quality in the price range around 1k. Considering that Ibanez Prestiges come from the FGN factory, their own models has even better value. Doesn't get my hand on any of their Expert series but what you hear of them is even better considering they're mostly quite affordable.
Godin is Everywhere in Canada. They hang on the wall beside the Fenders usually at our Big Chain, L&M. They get no love because Everyone's either after PRS, Fender, Gibson, or Something weird and Vintage. They're hella good guitars though.
Godin has got to be best bang for your buck. I’m consistently impressed. Resale is more difficult but that means you should be able to get second hand ones for even further discount.
I miss the old Carvin line-up prior to Jeff Kiesel taking over. Their mantra back in the day was a pro guitar at 2/3 the price, You could really get a great custom Made-in-the-USA ax for under $1000. (I got one of their LB70 bases with neck thru and quilt for
EVH is probably the best guitar for the money. It's like a nokia, it never breaks. it downside is that the floydrose is screwed right into the body so it can only be bend forwards but it makes the string changing easier and it stays in tune if u break a string. its not the best at anything but its the most versatile guitar I have played. Great pickups also.
The Godin freeway classic, freeway Floyd, and SD are awesome guitars used. The quality is superb. They can be bought used for a song. Add a good setup and you have a guitar for life.
Great suggestions, thanks Phil! I've got a pair of G&Ls (ASAT Classic and Tribute S-500) and a Godin Exit 22, all lefty, all cost between $500 and $600. I've let others come and go but these three (and my Ibanez RG350DX - also lefty, also around $500) aren't going anywhere (y)
I tried a CMG a little while ago and it was great and it had a lot of what people had come to love about Gibson, fat neck, classic sound, without the minuses like some of the QC issues that Gibson was plagued with.
Keep the top tens coming Phil. As much as I love the live streams and reviews, I love when you’re just giving information and options for people. Also the first videos I’ve seen from you where top tens
Philip thank you so much. I'm sitting up at 3.52am just going thru your videos. You're amazing, so knowledgeable, hit all the right points and then some I'm learning more about guitars tonight than in 35 years!! Thank you!
I have a NewVille guitar... Amazing thing. By far the best guitar I have ever played (i do have a small collection). Handmade in Spain. Around 900 dollars. They are just incredible.
You may also check out a dean zelinsky guitar. (made by the guy, who founded dean guitars.) They have a lot of awesome guitars like the "tagliare" or the "la voce" for under 1000USD I've read a lot postive texts online about those guitars.
A guitar that I have and love that I don't see getting enough love out there is the Brian May Guitars BMG Special.It's right under the $1000 mark. I'm not sure if it's made at one of the "big manufacturers", but it doesn't feel like any other guitar. It's light (hollowed wings), got different pickups than most every guitar, very thin neck, 24" scale (like a Jaguar), and just fun to play.
Personally none of these are really my “flavor” per say, but I do want to mention that the Wilkinson compensated saddles, while a great affordable idea, are TREMENDOUSLY OVERcompensated... one string might intonate perfectly but the one next to it will be sharp or flat/: Gotoh’s InTune saddles are a much better option, and are notched for bigsby players
I just got a EART telecaster type guitar $280. Stainless steel frets, belly cut, roasted maple neck, flame top, solid components! Nothing like the bargain brands from the past. They build what you want. Truly the Golden Age of Affordable Quality Guitars and Bass! Rock on and keep music real. \m/
@@ashleemitchell8169 Serial #270 - your website tracker says Sunset, but it looks closer to Honey. Very nice. I bought it from the original owner a couple of years ago. I wonder if there are any more here in New Zealand? It's the only one I've seen here.
@@captainfruitbatify it was indeed a sunset (maybe an early evening one), it has a 3 piece neck with a maple strip, grade A high flame top and an ebony fretboard (those are very hard to inlay in) and Frog Dog pickups (at least as we built it). I don't know of any other CMGs in New Zealand but we'd love to visit some day.
@@ashleemitchell8169 The three piece neck looks really cool with the flame maple center strip - I emailed Chris about it when I bought the guitar because I thought you guys only did two piece - he told me he'd only made a handful of three piece necks. Previous owner put 36th Anniversary PAFs in it. Plays great, sounds great. NZ a great place to visit - or will be again one day, once our borders are open again.
@@captainfruitbatify we plan to make a trip there. I was lucky enough to get there decades ago when my mom (Mean Jean Devilcat Amp's namesake) taught at the Auckland Institute of Technology. I can't wait to come back!!!
Hey Phil! We met at the Tagima Booth at NAMM this year. You told me about this video coming up but I hadn't had the chance to watch it. Again, and in behalf of everyone at the Tagima gang, thank you so much!! Hope to see you again next NAMM... Hell, I hope there IS a next NAMM first of all... Love from Colombia🤘🏻
I am finished with purchasing the top brands, which are charging extra for the name. For guitars which are now almost entirely manufactured on CNC machines, assembled by unskilled workers. We are far from the times when skilled workers had to acquire their craft through hours of practice. I recently visited a guitar plant, and the only extremely skilled employee I saw was the guy painting the guitars.
Just bought my second guitar after my Mexican Telecaster. G&L ASAT Deluxe Carved top with a cherry burst, it’s a beautiful guitar and i got it for just under $500 which I thought was a steal. It made me even more confident in my decision hearing you talk about the brand this way. Can’t wait for it to get here!
Godin all the way... love those guitars. They have a good acoustics too.. Art & Lutherie, La Patrie, Seagle's and Norman's.. But Godin's electric lineup is awesome.. the Montreal and the Passion just top quality and the LGX's and the A6'S.. notably the (S.A. synth access) for some midi action via the Roland GR and VG series. If you're into Jazz box they have the 5th Avenue pretty awesome player. Im no Godin Rep. what so ever but i've played allot of 'em and I'm from Quebec and I'm proud of them. Fun fact, little do people know Godin and Boucher use to work togheter and Boucher use to be a window maker and I think that Larrivée has something to do with those two as well.
I love my G&L S-500. Bought it more than 20 years ago and it is definitely one of my all-time favorites. If you cannot afford a USA built G&L, check out their Tribute line.
Godin is pronounced "go Dan." Please don't beat me up. I always appreciate finding out how to properly pronounce names and wanted to extend the same courtesy. As always, I love the content! This is one of the best channels for gear nerds around. :)
You sadly missed out on a great brand from the UK - Gordon Smith. These were originally produced in Partington near Manchester, the company was founded in 1974 and is named after its founders, Gordon Whitham and John Smith. Gordon Whitman parted company with John Smith and Smith continued to produce the range retaining the name, Gordon Smith. The guitars were hand built with pick ups wound by John Smith's wife and the company existed as this until 2014 when John Smith retired and the company and name was bought by Auden guitars. The quality of these guitars range from the workhorse GS1 up to the custom build GS1000 and each guitar can be individually customised. I still have a couple of Gordon Smiths, a GS1 and a Classic T with a flamed maple top without the classic Tele look to the controls and bridge and I also owned one of the best they ever made, a Gemini that had a flamed maple top, wood binding finished in translucent wine red with killer PUs. Prices range from £600 for a basic GS1 right up to £1,719 for a GS1000 with maximum customisation. Left handed options are at no extra charge. www.gordonsmithguitars.com/product-category/guitars/
All great suggestions. Living in Quebec, the Canadian province where Godin are made, I’m a little bit biased... I own 4 Godin and they are fantastic. It’s also family owned. Robert Godin is still present, but his two sons run the company now. I very briefly met them and they are good people, very proud of the instruments they make.
Dream setup: 1 guitar, 1 amp, 1 Cabinet, 1 pedal! Line 6 USA JTV-89F, Line 6 Spider V Mk II 240w RMS Head (with 4 inch internal speakers at 40w RMS), Yamaha 2x12", Line 5 FBV3 floor controller. I have many others but my list above can literally do it all... Line 6 USA JTV-89F Guitar can be several different instruments including 12 string, Baritone, Sitar, Banjo, violin, piano, synthesizer, choir... anything you can download! Mk II Spider V amp can sound exactly like "all other" amps/cabs combinations and any effects you want, if not already inside, anything can be downloaded. The Line 6 4x12" is strained by the 200w RMS of head unit power (plus 40w RMS into built-in 4-inch speakers) so I got the Yamaha w/ mismatched “Eminence Legend1218” and “The Tonker 12" drivers, (switchable mono or stereo operation, you can choose which driver to partner with which amp). FBV3 footboard controls it all! The guitar costs more than the rest of the gear put together, and very much worth it (even if like me, you have to go with the foreign-made JTV90F Bstock, which is still my best guitar).
Love the Godins..I have 2, 1 is a Koa synth guitar that has piezo for acoustic sounds, and a great set of vintage vibe alnico pups. Exceptional quality throughout. Robert Godin is a world class luthier and I would take them over my Gibsons and Fenders. My Godin xtsa is my go to and is my #1, but my EVH Wolfgang stealth, my Jackson USA Soloist, and my Charvel San Dimas are tops also.
I love your channel. I already own my expensive instruments and I’m always on the hunt for bang for the buck deals simply to grow my collection with good quality guitars/basses and not breaking the bank. Plus I can always upgrade them if need be. I mean I’m not gonna spend 1k on a guitar, but from this video and your other ones, you show some great stuff. I got done watching your vids in American made guitars and Imports. I’m glad you have something for all price points and dont just try pushing the most popular or most expensive thing/arent just shilling all the time and I like that you actually point out flaws and things to watch out for. Great info, no bs. I love it.
I love my G&L. Dylan from Dylan talks tone makes a custom guitar that starts around $1,100. I am saving up for one. It will be my first T-style. I would buy every G&L I could find if I could afford it. I have yet to find one I did not like. Good amps without being one of the name brand would be interesting. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us
Got a Godin Session Custom ‘59. Kinda of a Keith Richards Tele with a SD ‘59 at the neck and a good ´custom cajun’ tele bridge pickup. Perfectly put together in the US and Canada at a very reasonable price. Great guitar. The only issue with Godin is that they change their model names very frequently with minor variations maybe hurting resale value a bit. Nobody remembers which model is which after a while. But well, that means you can get them cheaper on the used market I guess.
I knew FGN from a guitar that I tested in a guitar store. They sure made awesome guitars and playing them felt different because they use special innovations like the "Circuit Fretting System" for longer sustain and a cleaner tune.
All your choices were good choices I have to admit but you definitely drop the ball on this one Phil, not mentioning all in one guitars which makes the wolf guitar lines, literally the best PRS, Gibson, Fender copy American made line of guitars on the market today, all selling for less than $500, $449 Apiece unless you want a hard case included for another $50. craftsmanship quality materials literally comparable to Gibson standards five times the cost, wolf guitars, if I had known this before I spent $2500 on the Gibson Les Paul goldtop Standard I probably would’ve not had bought it at all even though I do love it and it is my all-time favorite guitar these wolf guitars match up incredibly for a fraction of the cost.
Phil was trying to stay away from factories that made multiple brands. Cort makes guitars for dozens of brand names. Their own are nice guitars though.
Bootlegger Guitars out of California. Made in Korea to owner Chuck's specs and QC and all come in under $1000, some under $700. I road tested and gigged his 2019 Rye model for about 3 weeks and it was an absolutely amazing guitar. They feel great, they're well made, and the stock Tesla pickups actually sound pretty good too. He's a pleasure to talk to and he makes some cool, unique guitars that have that boutique feel but for a quarter of the cost.
Phil I have a G&L legacy and an ASAT. They are incredible guitars. The pickups are amazing and the fit and finish are custom shop quality. G&L should be much more known then they are.
I think that the best sg style you can buy under 1000 dollars is the Guild S100 Polara. Awesome craftsmanship,great pups, bone nut and Grover tuners...
You can get a solid gigging guitar for that price no issue. No reason to spend more tbh , all guitars do the same thing. It's just personal preference .
@@metalheadblues i would say going over 1200/1300 is like the max in terms of price and performance. At around that price you get high end pickups and tuners, bridges etc. Paying more imo is just a waste unlessw you re a collector or something
@@pedrosilvaproductions or you want a handmade instrument from a small builder. Like of you get a table from a local woodworker and not from Ikea. Does the same thing, but you feel the difference. Most of the time. 😂
@@pedrosilvaproductions Unless it's a custom guitar with tons of bella and whistles you wouldn't get otherwise. Certain upgrades like Piezo systems will jack up the price significantly, but they're worth it if it's something you want.
I love seeing Tagima on this list. I am an American but moved to Brazil almost 4 years ago. Made in Brazil offerings from Tagima are awesome! People are simply thrown off by the cost. $1 is 5.4 here so the exchange rate is insane. You can get Brazilian made instruments very cheap that are awesome. One of the best brands here is a custom builder called Music Maker. Have you played any of those guitars Phil? Love the channel and God bless.
Fairly priced against Fender and Gibson yes - but my Sunset II is still a $5000 guitar and a long wait to get one built. Even the standard USA built ones are close to $3k
Absolutely true, I've owned four, and still own three Schecters, including a very inexpensive C-6 Elite and a (for the average player) very expensive Apocalypse FR S. They do have a custom shop, and their artist models can be much pricier, too, but their regular "production" guitars are good quality relative to their peers at the same price points.
Very true. They have a lot of guitars with high end specs that are around $1k or less. Got my 2014 Banshee 6 Passive loaded with Seymour Duncan Nazgul/Sentient pickups, ebony fretboard, compound radius and hipshot bridge brand new for $900. Get those same specs on a guitar from someone like Mayones amd they want $2k or more.
I had a shecter ,can't remember the model , but sounded awesome and well made .The problem was it was way to thin at the nut , even for my small hands .
I've been harping on Paragram Guitars out of Guadalajara Mexico. Under $700 and you get to choose your paint or stains, woods, neck profile, pickups from any company, everything but the standard shape. Built in a month's time.
Thanks for clarifying. Just as a joke I would like to say people who don't pronounce Chopin correct will mess up Godin too ;-). No disrespect meant there just something to amuse you.
Godin does make a great guitar. That said, back about 2001/2002, I approached them about potentially building a 7-string guitar. They were rather short in their response. "We do not make a 7 strings guitar, nor do we intend on ever making a 7 strings guitar. Would you be interested in our 11 strings Glissentar?" (A fretless 12 string minus the octave string on the low E for those who are unfamiliar.) I would've been interested in a 13 string version (low A str8ng and the octave string returned on the low E) and that's where the conversation ended. They do indeed make quality instruments, even if they're, or they were short-sighted in their views.
I have a pro II, a very old one. Unfortunately its not in a good state and it might be way too expensive to repair (its literally changing everything besides the body). However it seems like it could have been an amazing guitar have it been well treated by the family people who had it in the past
Good call. I had never played one, and I just picked up an Aria Pro II for $250 in the case, with an amp and a Metal Zone pedal. The neck is more of a C style, which was a bit of a surprise since they had a rep as shredder’s axes back in the day. But otherwise, it’s in solid shape. The guy’s dad bought it new, and he doesn’t play it. A couple of strings were broken, and it needed some setup work, but he was happy to sell it to someone who knew what it was and appreciated it.
Glad to see the Chris Mitchell Guitars here. Really love their Mark Phat Cat, and the way they put in their 'binding'. Godins are also some very nice guitars.
I'm not qualified to comment on all your choices. I think you might of mentioned what the G and L stand for. 2 guitar building designing legends. George Fulerton and Leo Fender. They're like Gods of guitar. A number of years ago Robert Godin was building more acoustic guitars than anyone else in North America. Don't know if that's still true but it does say something about his products. Thank you for your work. I've been out if the loop for a number of years. You help bring me back up to speed as to what's happening in the guitar world.
Fujigen contract built for Fender and Gibson/Epiphone (Orville) in Japan. Incredible value for the money. The Japanese Epiphones are seriously slept on and they even have the Gibson open-book headstock. They also made a brand called History for a particular retailer in Japan and the quality is on-par with the other products they make.
Coldern Ice I agree 100% and some of them are in the same price range as American Fenders, but made in Korea. Personally, I’ve got nothing against guitars made in other countries, but many are approaching and passing American made price points without a significant increase in quality or features. However, I will say that the Reverend Eastsider Baritone is something I would consider buying.
I think they're superb. Every one isn't just "inspected" but finished and set up at Reverend HQ before going for sale. IMHO they're better value than other brands whose Korean mid-tier guitars are in the same or higher price range. They wouldn't qualify for this category, however, as the manufacturer makes guitars for several other brands. Same for LTD, Agile, Charvel imports, etc.
I've played about half a dozen or so Reverend guitars. Innovative designs and something a little different is their main attraction. Quality is similar to MIM Charvel or Fender products. Not high end by any stretch of the imagination but well and truly good enough to earn a living with.
Great list. I hope i have the opportunity to try out some of these. I am primarily a bass player, and would just like to say that as far as G&L goes, they are very under appreciated. My main bass is a G&L JB. In my humble opinion, G&L's are a much better option than Fender in quality. My JB is far better in terms of tone and workmanship than the Fenders I have owned in the past. I would rate it's quality as equal to that of my two Laklands, and equal or beyond my Musicman. Thanks again for the info.
"10 Guitar brands that are about to jack their prices up"
@Wise Guy this is true. I saw it happen over night, lol.
@Wise Guy I have played several USA Peavey's and hated them
@Wise Guy hmm i just got a t-15 with the amp case for $130
Nah tagina isn't a small brand in any way, the only reason these prices are so low in dolar is because one dolar is almost 5 reais right now.
LMFAO 🤣😂
Thanks so much for giving us a shout out Phil, that was mighty nice of you brotherman.
checked out your website.... very impressive!
i was glad to found you here! you guys helped me so much in guitar building!
I'll stick to fender!
@@laussethecat HAHAHAHA that's a good one young man.
@@yourguitarist Thanks Lou
I build with Texas Toast guitars! Thanks for including our shop on your list. Matt and Chris build excellent guitars !
Lames Dean so cool of you!
I have heard so much about Texas Toast Guitars, and would love to check one out. Problem is....they don't seem to be available up here in Western Canada.
Godin is such an underrated brand. The build quality and overall feel on those things is absolutely superb, no matter what price bracket you look at. They're not really a tiny niche manufacturer, but still somehow is bubbling under the surface of everyone's attention.
Godin make the best acoustic guitars in the low-mid range.
Own a Godin xtsa & G&L tele - bought second hand. Great instruments.
Godin remains the best under-the-radar brand out there. My personal favorite builder.
Godin's are bloody wonderful!!
Only ever layed hands on a few of them, but they play soooooo clearly. Like butter!!!!!!
Godin has some nice acoustics if it’s the brand I’m thinking of
Apropos Racer Godin has a few acoustic brands including Norman and Simon & Patrick. Great guitars.
Godin Passion RG-3 here. It's been my go-to axe for the last five years. Exceptional guitar.
Man I wish there were more places in my city that sold Godin guitars. I had a Summit Classic SG which is their take on a LP Junior with a p90 in the bridge. And I absolutely loved it. I had to sell it during to financial reasons, but I made it a point that if I can find a Summit Classic SG again or Stadium or Session line in person, I would pick one of them up with the quickness lol
FGN stands for Fujigen. It’s a Japanese factory that owns the original templates and licenses for Fender and Gibson(Epiphone) that we’re built there in the past. I own a Strat style and it’s OUTSTANDING. The level of detail and quality shown on these guitars is great. Highly recommend to get hands on. Strats can be found starting around 6/700 USD. Tokai Japan as well makes very VERY good instruments. Great video mate
Agreed 100%. Fender itself pulled the original Japanese Strats because they were denting the American ones. I currently own a Jap strat, phenomenal.
Fujigen is also where Ibanez Prestige series are made.
I have several G&Ls. They are everything Fender would have become had Leo lived.
Except Leo left Fender and started G&L long before he died, he no longer had anything to do with Fender so nothing would have changed.
*if Leo hadn’t sold the company to CBS
@@nickobrien1298 Agreed. All the technical advances he made in the G&L line would have been found in today's Fenders such as MFD pickups, Saddle lock bridges, etc. I could have worded my response better.
G&L = George & Leo
Yeah I think that might have been helpful to mention a little bit more in this vid about the G&L history. Though these days companies can be ruined by anyone, but its closest to a Fender you can buy without it saying Fender on it.
Phil, great video but I want to add a little detail. Guitar gear has been a serious hobby for me since 2005. By trade I am a stock trader and no matter what I buy I ALWAYS look at resale value and the G&L brand is an excellent, quality guitar as you say (I own the ASAT Classic) BUT the Resale on this brand is terrible. Another brand that I just bought are SUPRO guitars. Yes, the same people that make all those great tube amps. There is no doubt in my mind that its made by a private label manufacturer based in Indonesia but the quality and tone is amazing - I bought the TriTone model in Ebony. Great looking and great tone from their USA made Vistatone pickups. IF anyone reading this is looking to buy a SUPRO anything (amps or guitars) BE CAREFUL because prices are all over the place. The TriTone lists and sells for $1299. and I bought mine new from a dealer with full warranty for LESS than HALF price. What ALSO makes a SUPRO guitar a great investment is that Supro (based out of NY) recently dropped their entire guitar line. When this news gets out, their guitars are going to skyrocket in price. Another Asian made brand that probably holds it value BETTER than ANY other guitar out there is REVEREND GUITARS. The two REVEREND guitars that I own can easily sell for DOUBLE. My Club King with revTron pups, amazing Jazz tones from this guitar - and my 15th Anniversary Flatroc. Anyone who buys this particular guitar keeps them. Only a limited number of the 15th Anniversary made back in 2012 and NO ONE has one for sale. Simply not available. OK, I chatted long enough. If my lengthy but detailed comments helps anyone reading this, It was worth my time writing it - glad to help...
Bought a Godin at a pawn shop for $300 2 years ago and I've never heard of them initially, but once I sat down and noodles with it I was surprised at how good it was. Definitely worth checking out!
There is something about Godin that makes me proud of being Canadian, living in Quebec, where Godin was founded and still is based from. Huge fan
Same
Same. I think ( Norman ) are from Quebec, Canada too.??
@@tazzz69dazzermind35 yup
@Kiowa Corpse Canada is not a Muslim country??
@@pablohernandezsoares4504 not yet
I own a Tagima Jet Blues, fantastic guitar. Great sound and feels amazing to play. Tagima is definitely Brazil’s go to brand for quality affordable instruments. I’m happy they’re finally getting some exposure.
Yamaha has some great Pacifica models - Graphtech saddles, nuts, Seymour Duncan pickups, and locking tuners for under $1,000.
I've always been intrigued by the pacificas. They look great
Ive only owned the cheapest one the sell, but it is a great playing guitar. I dont play it much anymore since ive progressed and got many more guitars but it was a fantastic guitar to start on
There s actually a nice looking pasifica 812 on ebay right now for 450$. With seymour duncan pickups, locking tuners, and a very nice flame top finish.
I own three different Yamahas, one acoustic, one Pacifica, and one bass. All are amazing and the most expensive one was the acoustic at $700, and it has qualities that you only find on $2500 Taylors. I am sold on inexpensive Yamahas, built well and able to be played anywhere.
@@LenProbert Agree totally, i have 2 Pacifca cheapos, a 112JM and a new 112VMX, brilliant for the price. When/if i get better i will get a high end one.
ok. good amp without popular brand after this
I second this!
Buguera?
Joyo
@Justin Last Orange is an offbrand? Lol, since when? They have been around since 1968.
@Justin Last This is why we need the video.
Hey Phil. I recently purchased a custom built T style guitar from Gordon Smith Guitar’s right here in England. Built to my specs (paint job, binding, trem, neck etc) for around £1000 GBP. The only additional cost was a self supplied Hipshot trem that I had sent to Gordon Smith. The guitar is hand made using one piece woods for the body and neck and you have a choice of woods & materials. Ordered in August and received in December. It’s great!
Yep, if watching this in UK, GS are a very credile brand of well built UK guitars. amazing options can be specced on their website. - Sponsored artists. Theyre on my list for my next guitar for sure.
I'm Brazilian, i love the jet Blues aesthetic but wasn't sure how it compares to other brands in the same price range. I'm so happy you found out about them, and even more to know you liked them!
Before the video:
Godin must be on the list, I own one.
After the video:
Godin is on the list, I made a good decision.
Ok?
Love that you are highlighting some smaller brands. Been a fan of CMG for a while now. Their baseline model sells for $799. Quality and lots of love in each Ashlee built.
I love this video. I want to hear about non-major manufacturers gear and quality. Phil, your edge on the competition will remain as along as you remain truly independent. You are like the Consumer Reports for guitar. Your objectivity will remain as long as you don't accept money/gear/endorsement contracts.
One of my favorites is Reverend.
This countdown’s price point is nearly Reverend’s ENTIRE catalog. I’m waiting for Phil to pause purchasing/reviewing $1-2k guitars and check out anything by Reverend. They don’t ship equipment out for reviews for free, so they’re not getting covered.
Celso Pereira Magalhaesjr They are absolutely sold new/used on Reverb, but you may have to find sellers willing to ship to Brazil.
Reverend is hands down one of my favorite brands, nevermind for value, however I believe they're made in a factory in South Korea that does manufacture for other brands.
I don't given the parameters set out by Phil that Reverend counts as they are built in Korea by Mirr Guitars and they do build other brands.
@@welntaod I have a gold-top Reverend Charger 290 that is both a beauty and a rippin' player.
I’m so desensitized to guitar prices that when I heard him say “more affordable” I thought it’d be around the 1500$ range
Got myself a Godin Session LTD a few months ago. Couldn't be happier with it!
We need an acoustic guitar version of this. And a tube amp version.
U can go godin again... Their seagull acoustic line is good from bottom to top. Their top line acoustics r all I believe 1000-1500? area. I have an old solid top only s6+folk. It's my beater and I like it. I heat my house with firewood and I keep it out and it takes a pretty good beating. Also keep eye on Musicians Friend. They have insane mark downs. Most recently I got a Martin OMC-18e for $2000 shipped. I've also scored some really nice American Breedloves from them. Keep eye on discounts
Taylor Academy Series new list $500/$649w/ES-B, Breedlove (I got a Pursuit Exotic Concert E Sitka-Koa new $500 on Reverb, and an Academy 12e $400). Like old advice on shopping new cars, I've found great deals on guitars that have been on display for a year, when the dealer needs to make room for new arrivals. Unfortunately, Bob Taylor said yesterday on Taylor Guitars Primetime that Taylor Guitars has 100k guitars on their order book, so it will be awhile before they (and other manufacturers) get caught up. (Taylor Guitars builds 725 guitars/day.) Sounds like a lot, but the Pandemic Pause 2020 reduced those numbers... Yamaha FG and FS series guitars...
Orangewood, Seagull!
As a fellow italian, first I want to thank you for sharing a brand I didn't kno, and secondly I must appreciated the effort but you're not even close LOL
Since it's a mix of the name and surname it's pronounced "Giàn-ànd", while the model is "Ri-bel-le": and pronounce all the letters ;).
Anyway, whatever, love your vids, thanks for sharing
I love my G&L ASAT Bluesboy 90. Made in Fullerton and I picked it up on FB Marketplace for $350. Once in a lifetime deal.
CMG had a model last year that was $799 new and made in Atlanta GA. I tried one at a local shop that the salesman didn't even know anything about it, but when we plugged it in we were both blown away by it.
Thanks for giving our guitars a chance. Come visit the factory in Statesboro, GA, sometime. Chris or I will give you a tour.
I've had a Godin Session since 2012. The one I have has all Godin pickups, I paid $480 Canadian for it new. Would've been a deal at twice the price.
As an owner of FGN LS10 (older one with normal LP cutaway) I would recommend FGN blindly for extraordinary build quality in the price range around 1k. Considering that Ibanez Prestiges come from the FGN factory, their own models has even better value.
Doesn't get my hand on any of their Expert series but what you hear of them is even better considering they're mostly quite affordable.
Godin is Everywhere in Canada. They hang on the wall beside the Fenders usually at our Big Chain, L&M. They get no love because Everyone's either after PRS, Fender, Gibson, or Something weird and Vintage. They're hella good guitars though.
Godin has got to be best bang for your buck. I’m consistently impressed. Resale is more difficult but that means you should be able to get second hand ones for even further discount.
I miss the old Carvin line-up prior to Jeff Kiesel taking over. Their mantra back in the day was a pro guitar at 2/3 the price, You could really get a great custom Made-in-the-USA ax for under $1000. (I got one of their LB70 bases with neck thru and quilt for
EVH is probably the best guitar for the money. It's like a nokia, it never breaks. it downside is that the floydrose is screwed right into the body so it can only be bend forwards but it makes the string changing easier and it stays in tune if u break a string. its not the best at anything but its the most versatile guitar I have played. Great pickups also.
The Godin freeway classic, freeway Floyd, and SD are awesome guitars used. The quality is superb. They can be bought used for a song. Add a good setup and you have a guitar for life.
Great suggestions, thanks Phil!
I've got a pair of G&Ls (ASAT Classic and Tribute S-500) and a Godin Exit 22, all lefty, all cost between $500 and $600. I've let others come and go but these three (and my Ibanez RG350DX - also lefty, also around $500) aren't going anywhere (y)
I tried a CMG a little while ago and it was great and it had a lot of what people had come to love about Gibson, fat neck, classic sound, without the minuses like some of the QC issues that Gibson was plagued with.
Keep the top tens coming Phil. As much as I love the live streams and reviews, I love when you’re just giving information and options for people. Also the first videos I’ve seen from you where top tens
I was waiting to see if FGN made the list and they did. Kudos. It's got my attention.
Stellar guitars, let me tell you that.
Godin is my favorite, so glad they were able to get a shout out
Philip thank you so much. I'm sitting up at 3.52am just going thru your videos. You're amazing, so knowledgeable, hit all the right points and then some I'm learning more about guitars tonight than in 35 years!! Thank you!
Godin is said "Go-dan" - French Canadian name. Reverend is a high-quality, reasonably priced brand. Godin is overlooked as well.
Please, 'pronounced', you don't 'said' a word
oui, 'go-duhn'
@@hawkinthewind need a life
I have a NewVille guitar... Amazing thing. By far the best guitar I have ever played (i do have a small collection). Handmade in Spain. Around 900 dollars. They are just incredible.
You may also check out a dean zelinsky guitar. (made by the guy, who founded dean guitars.) They have a lot of awesome guitars like the "tagliare" or the "la voce" for under 1000USD
I've read a lot postive texts online about those guitars.
fay_ The problem is literally no one wants to talk about/ review Dean Zelinsky’s guitars. 🤷🏻♂️
@@msaithal I wonder why.. Didn't he go from naming his guitar at then to dbz guitars to now dean zielinsky guitars(!?).
He recently removed all his v shapes and explorers because of bad QC lol
wiziek He quit/ was forced out of Dean. He formed DBZ.. then quit / was forced out of DBZ... This is his solo effort.
tetsky senpai I have no problem with that. Companies do have QC issues. At least it shows he cares.
A guitar that I have and love that I don't see getting enough love out there is the Brian May Guitars BMG Special.It's right under the $1000 mark. I'm not sure if it's made at one of the "big manufacturers", but it doesn't feel like any other guitar. It's light (hollowed wings), got different pickups than most every guitar, very thin neck, 24" scale (like a Jaguar), and just fun to play.
Personally none of these are really my “flavor” per say, but I do want to mention that the Wilkinson compensated saddles, while a great affordable idea, are TREMENDOUSLY OVERcompensated... one string might intonate perfectly but the one next to it will be sharp or flat/:
Gotoh’s InTune saddles are a much better option, and are notched for bigsby players
I just got a EART telecaster type guitar $280. Stainless steel frets, belly cut, roasted maple neck, flame top, solid components! Nothing like the bargain brands from the past. They build what you want. Truly the Golden Age of Affordable Quality Guitars and Bass! Rock on and keep music real. \m/
Love my CMG Ashlee. One of my favourite guitars but far from the most expensive. Great company to deal with too. Great to see them on this list.
Thanks for supporting us, Captain!! I'm glad you got an Ashlee. What color is it?
@@ashleemitchell8169 Serial #270 - your website tracker says Sunset, but it looks closer to Honey. Very nice. I bought it from the original owner a couple of years ago. I wonder if there are any more here in New Zealand? It's the only one I've seen here.
@@captainfruitbatify it was indeed a sunset (maybe an early evening one), it has a 3 piece neck with a maple strip, grade A high flame top and an ebony fretboard (those are very hard to inlay in) and Frog Dog pickups (at least as we built it). I don't know of any other CMGs in New Zealand but we'd love to visit some day.
@@ashleemitchell8169 The three piece neck looks really cool with the flame maple center strip - I emailed Chris about it when I bought the guitar because I thought you guys only did two piece - he told me he'd only made a handful of three piece necks. Previous owner put 36th Anniversary PAFs in it. Plays great, sounds great. NZ a great place to visit - or will be again one day, once our borders are open again.
@@captainfruitbatify we plan to make a trip there. I was lucky enough to get there decades ago when my mom (Mean Jean Devilcat Amp's namesake) taught at the Auckland Institute of Technology. I can't wait to come back!!!
Hey Phil! We met at the Tagima Booth at NAMM this year. You told me about this video coming up but I hadn't had the chance to watch it. Again, and in behalf of everyone at the Tagima gang, thank you so much!! Hope to see you again next NAMM... Hell, I hope there IS a next NAMM first of all... Love from Colombia🤘🏻
Tagima guitars look incredible and cant wait to play one!
I am finished with purchasing the top brands, which are charging extra for the name. For guitars which are now almost entirely manufactured on CNC machines, assembled by unskilled workers.
We are far from the times when skilled workers had to acquire their craft through hours of practice.
I recently visited a guitar plant, and the only extremely skilled employee I saw was the guy painting the guitars.
Just bought my second guitar after my Mexican Telecaster. G&L ASAT Deluxe Carved top with a cherry burst, it’s a beautiful guitar and i got it for just under $500 which I thought was a steal. It made me even more confident in my decision hearing you talk about the brand this way. Can’t wait for it to get here!
What about doing a high-end kit list, I'll start you off with the Crimson guitars kits!
Godin all the way... love those guitars.
They have a good acoustics too..
Art & Lutherie, La Patrie, Seagle's and Norman's..
But Godin's electric lineup is awesome.. the Montreal and the Passion just top quality and the LGX's and the A6'S.. notably the (S.A. synth access) for some midi action via the Roland GR and VG series. If you're into Jazz box they have the 5th Avenue pretty awesome player.
Im no Godin Rep. what so ever but i've played allot of 'em and I'm from Quebec and I'm proud of them. Fun fact, little do people know Godin and Boucher use to work togheter and Boucher use to be a window maker and I think that Larrivée has something to do with those two as well.
Gordon Smith.
I love my G&L S-500. Bought it more than 20 years ago and it is definitely one of my all-time favorites. If you cannot afford a USA built G&L, check out their Tribute line.
Godin is pronounced "go Dan." Please don't beat me up. I always appreciate finding out how to properly pronounce names and wanted to extend the same courtesy. As always, I love the content! This is one of the best channels for gear nerds around. :)
You sadly missed out on a great brand from the UK - Gordon Smith. These were originally produced in Partington near Manchester, the company was founded in 1974 and is named after its founders, Gordon Whitham and John Smith. Gordon Whitman parted company with John Smith and Smith continued to produce the range retaining the name, Gordon Smith. The guitars were hand built with pick ups wound by John Smith's wife and the company existed as this until 2014 when John Smith retired and the company and name was bought by Auden guitars.
The quality of these guitars range from the workhorse GS1 up to the custom build GS1000 and each guitar can be individually customised. I still have a couple of Gordon Smiths, a GS1 and a Classic T with a flamed maple top without the classic Tele look to the controls and bridge and I also owned one of the best they ever made, a Gemini that had a flamed maple top, wood binding finished in translucent wine red with killer PUs. Prices range from £600 for a basic GS1 right up to £1,719 for a GS1000 with maximum customisation. Left handed options are at no extra charge. www.gordonsmithguitars.com/product-category/guitars/
Cool vid, Phil. I see it's already mentioned,.. but I immediately thought of the D Zelinsky's! Absolutely phenomenal guitars.
All great suggestions. Living in Quebec, the Canadian province where Godin are made, I’m a little bit biased... I own 4 Godin and they are fantastic. It’s also family owned. Robert Godin is still present, but his two sons run the company now. I very briefly met them and they are good people, very proud of the instruments they make.
Vintage Brand Guitars and Hagstrom ...the electronics in Hagstroms are amazing ...the pickups sound great and they play great as well !!!
Hagstrom is easily my favorite brand of guitar. I've bought nothing but Hagstrom since the first Swede I bought years ago.
Got a Viking left handed and it played so well I sold my gretch. My brother has a top end hollow body gibson and mine sounds better!
Dream setup: 1 guitar, 1 amp, 1 Cabinet, 1 pedal! Line 6 USA JTV-89F, Line 6 Spider V Mk II 240w RMS Head (with 4 inch internal speakers at 40w RMS), Yamaha 2x12", Line 5 FBV3 floor controller. I have many others but my list above can literally do it all... Line 6 USA JTV-89F Guitar can be several different instruments including 12 string, Baritone, Sitar, Banjo, violin, piano, synthesizer, choir... anything you can download! Mk II Spider V amp can sound exactly like "all other" amps/cabs combinations and any effects you want, if not already inside, anything can be downloaded. The Line 6 4x12" is strained by the 200w RMS of head unit power (plus 40w RMS into built-in 4-inch speakers) so I got the Yamaha w/ mismatched “Eminence Legend1218” and “The Tonker 12" drivers, (switchable mono or stereo operation, you can choose which driver to partner with which amp). FBV3 footboard controls it all! The guitar costs more than the rest of the gear put together, and very much worth it (even if like me, you have to go with the foreign-made JTV90F Bstock, which is still my best guitar).
6:52 “worst name ever in history of names”
Ibanez guitar model names: hold my beer
Tokai would like to know your location
Fun fact. Fgn make prestige ibanez....
Oh you mean the Ibanez RG29387293GZ7293846987F98372987Z987G98798LPBBMMB?
no man I meant the Ibanez RX17291642942666420691704174927778882910 PPBBMMBB
Keep-It-Real -1 Hahahaha.. Nah man.. I think he meant the RG162534453XyzMenoMenoPB&JM&MBB
I have a Godin LG signature. Got it for 400 CAD. Great guitar! Those Ribelle look very nice too.
G&L Legacy! The best "Strat" ever made.
Tanner Boil yeah, but it's not a "Strat" it should be
Was so happy you mentioned Godin out of the gate. My Seagull cedar top S6+ is my favorite acoustic, made by the same people!
warmoth doesn't make complete guitars, but they do make MIA stuff that can be made into high end guitars.
Hey Phil.. Do you ever noticed the "Blade" guitars? I bought it in 2006. called "Texas standard pro".strat copy.very nice instrument.
Now ask, “how many of these have left handed versions that are in the same price range”?
Yes as a Lefty I'd like to hear that answer.
Just bought a Gretsch and paid 60GBP more than the same model in Righty.
Godin session, but I think its only black
I'm left handed, but play only right handed. I'm weird I guess bc I cant play left lol. Anyways yea shred on.
@@thorinbane I have a left handed burst (light to dark brown) godin session w/ maple fretboard .... got it new for 600 (Cad)
None cause left handers are retards
By far, THE best guitar review and guitar information channel on all of youtube. Thank you so much for all you do. 🙏
Great info Phil. Could you do an acoustic version ? :)
Love the Godins..I have 2, 1 is a Koa synth guitar that has piezo for acoustic sounds, and a great set of vintage vibe alnico pups. Exceptional quality throughout. Robert Godin is a world class luthier and I would take them over my Gibsons and Fenders. My Godin xtsa is my go to and is my #1, but my EVH Wolfgang stealth, my Jackson USA Soloist, and my Charvel San Dimas are tops also.
Godin makes great guitars!
I love your channel. I already own my expensive instruments and I’m always on the hunt for bang for the buck deals simply to grow my collection with good quality guitars/basses and not breaking the bank. Plus I can always upgrade them if need be. I mean I’m not gonna spend 1k on a guitar, but from this video and your other ones, you show some great stuff. I got done watching your vids in American made guitars and Imports. I’m glad you have something for all price points and dont just try pushing the most popular or most expensive thing/arent just shilling all the time and I like that you actually point out flaws and things to watch out for. Great info, no bs. I love it.
I love my G&L. Dylan from Dylan talks tone makes a custom guitar that starts around $1,100. I am saving up for one. It will be my first T-style. I would buy every G&L I could find if I could afford it. I have yet to find one I did not like. Good amps without being one of the name brand would be interesting. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us
Got a Godin Session Custom ‘59. Kinda of a Keith Richards Tele with a SD ‘59 at the neck and a good ´custom cajun’ tele bridge pickup. Perfectly put together in the US and Canada at a very reasonable price. Great guitar. The only issue with Godin is that they change their model names very frequently with minor variations maybe hurting resale value a bit. Nobody remembers which model is which after a while. But well, that means you can get them cheaper on the used market I guess.
I knew FGN from a guitar that I tested in a guitar store. They sure made awesome guitars and playing them felt different because they use special innovations like the "Circuit Fretting System" for longer sustain and a cleaner tune.
All your choices were good choices I have to admit but you definitely drop the ball on this one Phil, not mentioning all in one guitars which makes the wolf guitar lines, literally the best PRS, Gibson, Fender copy American made line of guitars on the market today, all selling for less than $500, $449 Apiece unless you want a hard case included for another $50. craftsmanship quality materials literally comparable to Gibson standards five times the cost, wolf guitars, if I had known this before I spent $2500 on the Gibson Les Paul goldtop Standard I probably would’ve not had bought it at all even though I do love it and it is my all-time favorite guitar these wolf guitars match up incredibly for a fraction of the cost.
Hello Phillip, what about the Cort guitars, they have a Les Paul style guitars that are really great and afordable models like the CR280
Phil was trying to stay away from factories that made multiple brands.
Cort makes guitars for dozens of brand names.
Their own are nice guitars though.
Bootlegger Guitars out of California. Made in Korea to owner Chuck's specs and QC and all come in under $1000, some under $700. I road tested and gigged his 2019 Rye model for about 3 weeks and it was an absolutely amazing guitar. They feel great, they're well made, and the stock Tesla pickups actually sound pretty good too. He's a pleasure to talk to and he makes some cool, unique guitars that have that boutique feel but for a quarter of the cost.
Phil I have a G&L legacy and an ASAT. They are incredible guitars. The pickups are amazing and the fit and finish are custom shop quality. G&L should be much more known then they are.
I think that the best sg style you can buy under 1000 dollars is the Guild S100 Polara. Awesome craftsmanship,great pups, bone nut and Grover tuners...
Maybe make a series out of this. $500 seems to be my goldilocks zone, then again I'm broke.
You can get a solid gigging guitar for that price no issue. No reason to spend more tbh , all guitars do the same thing. It's just personal preference .
@@metalheadblues i would say going over 1200/1300 is like the max in terms of price and performance. At around that price you get high end pickups and tuners, bridges etc. Paying more imo is just a waste unlessw you re a collector or something
@@pedrosilvaproductions 100% agreed
@@pedrosilvaproductions or you want a handmade instrument from a small builder. Like of you get a table from a local woodworker and not from Ikea. Does the same thing, but you feel the difference. Most of the time. 😂
@@pedrosilvaproductions Unless it's a custom guitar with tons of bella and whistles you wouldn't get otherwise. Certain upgrades like Piezo systems will jack up the price significantly, but they're worth it if it's something you want.
I love seeing Tagima on this list. I am an American but moved to Brazil almost 4 years ago. Made in Brazil offerings from Tagima are awesome! People are simply thrown off by the cost. $1 is 5.4 here so the exchange rate is insane. You can get Brazilian made instruments very cheap that are awesome. One of the best brands here is a custom builder called Music Maker. Have you played any of those guitars Phil? Love the channel and God bless.
Schecter makes high end Guitar’s that are fairly priced like their pt- special telecaster
Fairly priced against Fender and Gibson yes - but my Sunset II is still a $5000 guitar and a long wait to get one built. Even the standard USA built ones are close to $3k
@Justin Last The C-1 lineup are great. Which version do you have ?
Absolutely true, I've owned four, and still own three Schecters, including a very inexpensive C-6 Elite and a (for the average player) very expensive Apocalypse FR S. They do have a custom shop, and their artist models can be much pricier, too, but their regular "production" guitars are good quality relative to their peers at the same price points.
Very true. They have a lot of guitars with high end specs that are around $1k or less. Got my 2014 Banshee 6 Passive loaded with Seymour Duncan Nazgul/Sentient pickups, ebony fretboard, compound radius and hipshot bridge brand new for $900. Get those same specs on a guitar from someone like Mayones amd they want $2k or more.
My Schecter PT was made in Korea and cost more than most of these.
For the Godin Red Line II I own, bought it $300 CDN second hand, for the price, sound is real good, short scale, nice neck. Recommend.
Yes!!! CMG made this list! Great guitar!
I had a shecter ,can't remember the model , but sounded awesome and well made .The problem was it was way to thin at the nut , even for my small hands .
“That you can afford”
I sure cant!
Me neither. Dream.
I feel your pain! Especially after seeing Japan is making decent knockoff Suhrs I can't afford...
@@grimmseti what brand exactly? you mean Ibanez?
Goddamn. Y'all broke as shit.
I've been harping on Paragram Guitars out of Guadalajara Mexico. Under $700 and you get to choose your paint or stains, woods, neck profile, pickups from any company, everything but the standard shape. Built in a month's time.
Great video! Btw, Godin Guitars is based in Montreal so "Godin" is pronounced like "Chopin".
Thanks for clarifying. Just as a joke I would like to say people who don't pronounce Chopin correct will mess up Godin too ;-). No disrespect meant there just something to amuse you.
Godin does make a great guitar. That said, back about 2001/2002, I approached them about potentially building a 7-string guitar. They were rather short in their response. "We do not make a 7 strings guitar, nor do we intend on ever making a 7 strings guitar. Would you be interested in our 11 strings Glissentar?" (A fretless 12 string minus the octave string on the low E for those who are unfamiliar.)
I would've been interested in a 13 string version (low A str8ng and the octave string returned on the low E) and that's where the conversation ended.
They do indeed make quality instruments, even if they're, or they were short-sighted in their views.
You forgot Aria,now that's some quality!
I have a pro II, a very old one. Unfortunately its not in a good state and it might be way too expensive to repair (its literally changing everything besides the body). However it seems like it could have been an amazing guitar have it been well treated by the family people who had it in the past
Good call. I had never played one, and I just picked up an Aria Pro II for $250 in the case, with an amp and a Metal Zone pedal. The neck is more of a C style, which was a bit of a surprise since they had a rep as shredder’s axes back in the day. But otherwise, it’s in solid shape. The guy’s dad bought it new, and he doesn’t play it. A couple of strings were broken, and it needed some setup work, but he was happy to sell it to someone who knew what it was and appreciated it.
@@pedrosilvaproductions The 80s Arias were great.
Glad to see the Chris Mitchell Guitars here. Really love their Mark Phat Cat, and the way they put in their 'binding'. Godins are also some very nice guitars.
Shout out to Made in Switzerland Levinson Blades.
Great vid! We all know the big guys and what they make. It's nice to see other unique options.
Eastman need to go on the list!
The L in G & L is Leo Fender so for all intensive purposes it's a Fender, as stated there's a really strong legacy there.
The dudes at Texas Toast Guitars and CMG are good people, and make great guitars. I have one from both builders.
I'm not qualified to comment on all your choices. I think you might of mentioned what the G and L stand for. 2 guitar building designing legends. George Fulerton and Leo Fender. They're like Gods of guitar.
A number of years ago Robert Godin was building more acoustic guitars than anyone else in North America. Don't know if that's still true but it does say something about his products.
Thank you for your work. I've been out if the loop for a number of years. You help bring me back up to speed as to what's happening in the guitar world.
If Phil died he'd come back as a mayonnaise sandwich.
josh M why did this make me laugh?
@@brockmurphy1747
Because Epstein killed himself?
no he didnt lmao
Hahaha what😂😂
....WHY?! XD
Fujigen contract built for Fender and Gibson/Epiphone (Orville) in Japan. Incredible value for the money. The Japanese Epiphones are seriously slept on and they even have the Gibson open-book headstock. They also made a brand called History for a particular retailer in Japan and the quality is on-par with the other products they make.
Have an Epi Elitist made there and yes, they are incredible. Have to find them used but they're out there.
Funny this vid came out. im looking outside the mainstream as well. Reverend brand has caught my eye. Anybody have thoughts?
They're awesome
Coldern Ice
I agree 100% and some of them are in the same price range as American Fenders, but made in Korea. Personally, I’ve got nothing against guitars made in other countries, but many are approaching and passing American made price points without a significant increase in quality or features. However, I will say that the Reverend Eastsider Baritone is something I would consider buying.
I think they're superb. Every one isn't just "inspected" but finished and set up at Reverend HQ before going for sale. IMHO they're better value than other brands whose Korean mid-tier guitars are in the same or higher price range.
They wouldn't qualify for this category, however, as the manufacturer makes guitars for several other brands. Same for LTD, Agile, Charvel imports, etc.
Real good guitars, and they're based right here, in Toledo. I have friends that work there, including the CEO, Ken.
I've played about half a dozen or so Reverend guitars. Innovative designs and something a little different is their main attraction. Quality is similar to MIM Charvel or Fender products. Not high end by any stretch of the imagination but well and truly good enough to earn a living with.
Great list. I hope i have the opportunity to try out some of these. I am primarily a bass player, and would just like to say that as far as G&L goes, they are very under appreciated. My main bass is a G&L JB. In my humble opinion, G&L's are a much better option than Fender in quality. My JB is far better in terms of tone and workmanship than the Fenders I have owned in the past. I would rate it's quality as equal to that of my two Laklands, and equal or beyond my Musicman. Thanks again for the info.