Underrated Guitar Brands Every Player Should Know
Photo by Greg Gebhardt, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
For guitar players, the market is full of big names like Fender, Gibson, and PRS. But there’s a whole world of lesser-known brands that offer excellent craftsmanship, unique features, and great value. These guitars often fly under the radar, yet players who discover them swear by their quality. Here are five underrated guitar brands that every musician should consider exploring.
Reverend Guitars: Consistent Craftsmanship with a Distinct Identity
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Reverend, founded by Joe Naylor, has built a loyal community of players who appreciate instruments that look different and perform at a high level. Though not as widespread as the biggest brands, Reverend guitars stand out through thoughtful design and reliable build quality.
A major feature is the company’s “Bass Contour” control, which allows players to shape their tone in ways not found on typical production models. Combined with sturdy construction and consistent setups, Reverend guitars often match or exceed the performance of instruments that cost significantly more. Their limited availability in major retail stores keeps them under the radar, but those who discover the brand often stick with it for years.
G&L Guitars: Leo Fender’s Later Innovations
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Founded by Leo Fender, George Fullerton, and Dale Hyatt in the late 1970s, G&L represents the next stage of Fender’s ideas. Many players view G&L guitars as refinements of classic designs, created with improvements that Leo continued developing long after leaving the company that bears his name.
Their Magnetic Field Design (MFD) pickups are known for clarity, output, and versatility, and the overall craftsmanship is widely respected. While G&L still sits in the shadow of Fender and Gibson in terms of visibility, many guitarists consider them superior in both build and tone at similar price points.
Godin Guitars: Innovation from Canada
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Godin, based in Canada, produces instruments under several sub-brands, including Seagull and Art & Lutherie. They are known for reliable construction, creative designs, and strong value across all price ranges.
Many models feature unique pickup combinations, quality tonewoods, and smooth playability. Godin is also respected for nylon-string hybrids and multi-voice guitars that offer electric, acoustic, and synth capabilities in one instrument. While the company has a loyal customer base, it receives less attention in major markets due to a smaller marketing footprint compared to industry giants.
Eastman Guitars: Hand-Built Quality at Surprising Prices
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Eastman first gained recognition for their handmade archtop and acoustic guitars, but their electric models have quietly become favorites among players looking for traditional craftsmanship.
Known for detailed finishing work and careful wood selection, Eastman instruments often deliver quality that exceeds expectations for their price range. While some players hesitate because the guitars are built in Asia, many musicians who try them find the craftsmanship equal to brands with far higher price tags.
Duesenberg Guitars: Vintage Style with Modern Precision
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Duesenberg, a German brand, has carved out a niche with Art Deco–inspired designs and exceptional build quality. Their guitars feature proprietary hardware, including the well-known Diamond Deluxe Tremola, and offer a sound that blends vintage tone with modern reliability.
Although their higher price keeps them in the boutique category, and their name lacks the long history of Fender or Gibson, musicians who seek something different often find Duesenberg to be a standout choice.
