
Solar Guitars
Sweden · Est. 2017
Founded by Ola Englund, Solar offers high-quality metal guitars at accessible prices, with aggressive aesthetics and playability built for modern metal.
A guide to the most relevant electric guitar brands in modern rock and metal — from established giants to independent builders redefining what a guitar can be.

Sweden · Est. 2017
Founded by Ola Englund, Solar offers high-quality metal guitars at accessible prices, with aggressive aesthetics and playability built for modern metal.

United Kingdom · Est. 2009
Created by Rob Chapman, Chapman Guitars combines British quality with accessible pricing through a direct-to-consumer sales model.

United Kingdom · Est. 2012
British boutique luthiery founded by Chris Buck, specialising in extended range guitars and fully custom builds for demanding players.

Sweden · Est. 2012
Pioneers of the modern headless guitar, Strandberg revolutionised ergonomic design with the EndurNeck system and ultra-light bodies.

Poland · Est. 1982
Polish premium luthiery with decades of handcrafted tradition, specialising in high-performance guitars for metal and progressive rock.

United States · Est. 1946
Formerly Carvin, Kiesel is one of the few American brands building fully custom guitars in the USA without boutique pricing.

United States · Est. 1985
Paul Reed Smith created one of the most influential brands in history, combining American craftsmanship with unmatched musical versatility.

Australia · Est. 2006
Australian luthiery recognised for multiscale designs, spectacular finishes, and a dominant presence in progressive metal and djent.

Netherlands · Est. 2009
Pioneers of composite materials in lutherie, Aristides builds guitars from their proprietary Arium material, eliminating the inherent variability of wood.

United States · Est. 1976
A rock and metal reference since the 1970s, Schecter combines consistent quality with heavy-oriented specs across a wide price range.

United States · Est. 1969
The original brand of extreme guitar shapes, B.C. Rich became a metal icon in the 1970s with the Warlock, Mockingbird, and Beast.

Germany · Est. 1989
The most accessible entry point into guitars and gear, Behringer brings ultra-affordable instruments to players worldwide.

United States · Est. 1978
Born in the heart of the 1980s shred movement, Charvel remains the definitive brand for technically demanding rock and metal players.

South Korea · Est. 1960
One of the world's largest guitar manufacturers, Cort delivers professional-level quality at remarkably accessible prices.

United States · Est. 1946
Leo Fender invented the modern electric guitar. The Stratocaster and Telecaster remain the most influential guitar designs ever created.

United States · Est. 1982
Fender's affordable line makes the iconic Stratocaster and Telecaster accessible to beginners without sacrificing the DNA of the originals.

United States · Est. 1902
Alongside Fender, Gibson defined the electric guitar. The Les Paul, SG, and ES-335 are among the most revered instruments ever built.

United States · Est. 1873
Gibson's sister brand brings the Les Paul, SG, and ES-335 experience to players at prices that open the door to the Gibson sound.

United States · Est. 1977
Known for its radical V and Z shapes, Dean has been a fixture of American hard rock and metal since the late 1970s.

United States · Est. 1947
Quirky, creative, and historically significant, Danelectro guitars defined 1950s American pop and continue to attract players seeking unique tones.

United States · Est. 1962
Best known for Slinky strings, Ernie Ball's Music Man guitars are among the most player-focused and professionally-respected instruments in the world.

Japan · Est. 1975
The Japanese brand that became the weapon of choice for metal's elite, ESP guitars combine precision engineering with uncompromising heavy metal DNA.

Japan · Est. 1996
ESP's accessible sub-brand brings the same metal-focused design philosophy to players at every budget level without compromising on specification.

United States · Est. 1971
Ernie Ball Music Man guitars set the standard for player-focused design, combining California craftsmanship with signature models from the world's best guitarists.

United States · Est. 1979
Ned Steinberger's radical headless, bodyless design challenged every assumption about what a guitar could be — and remains unique to this day.

Japan · Est. 1969
The Japanese brand known for its Sustainer pickup system, which allows infinite sustain and unique expressive possibilities unavailable on other instruments.

Germany · Est. 1946
One of Europe's oldest guitar manufacturers, Framus combines decades of German craftsmanship with modern high-performance instruments for rock and metal.

Canada · Est. 1972
Canada's most successful guitar manufacturer, Godin builds high-quality instruments entirely in North America, known for innovation and distinctive tones.

United States · Est. 1883
The brand of the rockabilly era and beyond, Gretsch hollowbody guitars produce some of the most distinctive and immediately recognisable tones in popular music.

Germany · Est. 1999
Thomann's own brand delivers remarkable value for money, offering beginner-to-intermediate guitars at prices that consistently surprise the market.

Japan · Est. 1957
The Japanese giant that shaped modern rock and metal, Ibanez is the brand of choice for technically advanced players from shred to progressive to jazz fusion.

United States · Est. 1980
The brand that defined the look and feel of 1980s metal, Jackson's pointy headstocks and fast necks remain icons of the hard rock and heavy metal world.

United States · Est. 1976
The brand synonymous with Eddie Van Halen and the 1980s hair metal explosion, Kramer's aluminium-necked and superstrat designs shaped an entire era.

France · Est. 1980
France's leading guitar brand, Lâg combines European craftsmanship with innovative acoustic designs that have earned genuine respect from players worldwide.

United States · Est. 1996
Pioneers of digital modelling, Line 6 transformed modern guitar with the Pod and Variax, bringing studio-quality tones to every player.

United States · Est. 1833
The oldest American guitar manufacturer, C.F. Martin & Co. has been building the world's most respected acoustic guitars since 1833.

United States · Est. 1992
Ken Parker's radical Fly guitar challenged every assumption about electric guitar construction, using composite materials and piezo pickups for unprecedented versatility.

United States · Est. 1965
Hartley Peavey built his brand from scratch to become one of America's most important music manufacturers, making professional quality accessible to all.

United States · Est. 1931
The brand of The Beatles and Tom Petty, Rickenbacker's jangly, chiming tone is one of the most immediately recognisable sounds in all of popular music.

Belgium · Est. 1995
Belgian brand offering a vast range of instruments at entry-level prices, covering guitars, basses, drums, and accessories for first-time players.

United States · Est. 1997
John Suhr's boutique Californian guitars represent the ultimate refinement of the Fender tradition — handcrafted instruments for players who demand perfection.

Japan · Est. 1962
The Japanese acoustic specialist that pioneered the onboard preamp, Takamine acoustic-electric guitars are the choice of professional touring musicians worldwide.

United Kingdom · Est. 1991
British brand delivering well-crafted acoustic guitars at accessible prices, particularly popular as first quality acoustics for intermediate players.

United States · Est. 1974
Bob Taylor built the most successful new American acoustic guitar brand of the 20th century, combining California craftsmanship with player-focused innovation.

Japan · Est. 1947
Japanese manufacturer renowned for producing the most accurate vintage-faithful Les Paul and Stratocaster replicas ever made, treasured by collectors worldwide.

Germany · Est. 1982
Germany's premier bass guitar manufacturer, Warwick basses are the choice of professional bassists who demand the finest European craftsmanship.

Japan · Est. 1887
The world's most comprehensive musical instrument manufacturer, Yamaha produces guitars across every style and price point with consistent, reliable quality.