01 Jun Top Ten Most Famous Electric Guitars

Famous shapes and famously copied!      

So what is a famous guitar? Well in this case it is not one played by a star, although many of these will have been, but more one that is instantly recognisable and popular.

Some of these are obvious (think Les Paul, Tele or Strat) but a few may not be.

So if we take cumulative sales, their use by famous artists, the number of times they have been copied (one is a copy in its own right) or their inherent ‘coolness’ we don’t know, but what we do know is that they are ‘must haves’ and we want one of each!

We can start at number ten but no prizes for guessing the top three…

10. The Super Strat

This one morphed out of the Fender Strat in the 80’s when guitarists wanted a souped up version of the classic shape.

Think hot humbucker and single coil pickups, fast necks, Floyd Rose bridges. So who invented it? Probably Eddie van Halen…

Think Charvel, Jackson, Schecter, BC Rich, Ibanez and Kramer and you are there.

9. The Gibson Flying V

In 1958 when it was introduced by Gibson, its futuristic V-shape was not immediately a top seller.

Over the years, this modernistic guitar has been played by the likes of Jimi Hendrix and Steve Jones of The Sex Pistols, among others.

Try playing one whilst seated though…

The original 1958-59 version of the Gibson Flying V is estimated to be worth between $200,000-$250,000… 

8. The Rickenbacker 381 V69

Rickenbacker is considered the inventor of the electric guitar, and released their first electric in 1932.

Electric guitars caught on quickly, and by the 1960s, The Beatles were sporting Rickenbacker’s, albeit the 325, 360 and 4001 models. This guitar is also a favourite of Pete Townshend of The Who.

Cool is not the word for this range of guitars that have hardly changed in the last fifty years.

7. The Gibson SG

The Gibson SG was created and manufactured in the 1960s when Gibson Les Pauls were decreasing in popularity and they thought this would be a hit replacement.

Thankfully, the Les Paul would make a comeback as the more preferred guitar in later years, but Gibson have kept the SG going and it is now one of their staple models.

Played by many famous artists throughout the years, such as Jerry Garcia of The Grateful Dead, and Angus Young of AC/DC.

6. The Gretsch White Falcon

A beautiful guitar, with plenty of bling, first introduced to the public in 1955.

It is often nicknamed the “dream guitar” because of its white colour, gold trimming, and gold pickguards. The Gretsch White Falcon is one of Neil Young’s favourite guitars.

We dare anyone not to look good sporting one of these!

5. The Danelectro DC3

Only in production for ten years from 1959 to 1969, although several reissues have been made, this was one cool Danelectro and understandably revered.

This was the first guitar with a double cutaway in the body, therefore the “DC” in the model number.

During its heyday, this guitar was played by the likes of Jimi Hendrix and Syd Barrett of Pink Floyd. Today it is a collectors item.

4. The Gibson ES-335

First manufactured by Gibson in 1958, this is a semi-hollow instrument with a central wooden block to help eliminate feedback.

As amps were getting louder, the hollow guitars that Gibson produced were getting feedback issues so this was their answer. And how cool is it?

In production ever since and much copied it is a fantastically versatile guitar that can cover many styles. BB King’s Lucille is a great example of it.

3. The Fender Telecaster

Originally marketed as the “Broadcaster” in 1949 before Gretsch stopped them using the name, resulting in Fender changing its name to the Telecaster.

The guitar, known universally as the ‘Tele’, is notable for its light, bluesy tone and was one of the first volume production electric guitars for the working musician.

The Telecaster can cover many musical styles and is played by a myriad of pro musicians, who like its simplicity, ruggedness and distinctive sound. Leo got it right first time!

2. The Gibson Les Paul

One of the most famous guitars in the world, this guitar was designed and endorsed by guitarist Les Paul in the early 1950s.

Many editions have been produced throughout the years, and, although production was stopped in the 60’s due to a lack of sales (!) the Les Paul is now one of the go to guitars for professional and amateur musicians alike.

We all wanted a white or black one as a kid, especially the 3 pickup custom a la Frampton!

1. The Fender Stratocaster

The Stratocaster is hands down the most famous – and copied – guitar in the world, together with being one of the coolest.

First introduced in 1954 as a luxury guitar alongside the Tele, it is noted for its bright, twangy sound from its three single coil pickups.

Many models of the Strat have been produced over the years although, like the Tele and the Les Paul, the shape and layout have remained a constant. What colour is yours?

If your collection includes all ten, you are one lucky, or discerning, guitarist (with a serious case of GAS).

Links to other pages
Electric Guitars 
16 Best Electric Guitars under £1000
Cool Guitars