Top 5 guitars of 2020

Eddie Van Halen, one of our greatest guitar heroes has passed away, but his music and of course his distinctive designs, have, and will not be forgotten. That’s why this model, the “Frankenstrat” from Eddie’s heyday, belongs right at the top of our selection. His own label, EVH, has created this model, of course in the original look (as if it were actually 40 years old) and with original equipment including a dummy neck pickup. There are some small concessions to modern sensibilities, for example the fingerboard comes with a compound radius. Alright people: ‘‘Eruption‘‘ from the top! Let’s go!

Noble guitars and boutique models may be nice for the ego and the showcase, but let’s face it: Do you really want to expose a mid four-digit amount to the rock’n’roll stage? That’s where the DC-Junior FAT from our own brand Harley Benton comes in handy: a work axe to the bone. This is where you really have to dig in, because the “FAT” in the name refers to the neck profile. In addition, no more than exactly one pickup with volume and tone controls that delivers exactly one sound (two as soon as you discover the push-pull pot), as well as a single bridge with an integrated tailpiece. This is an ingenious concept for an ingenious guitar, because now you can finally concentrate on playing again.

This thing is quite weird, but the Squier series, from which the Super-Sonic comes from, is not called “Paranormal” for nothing. What exactly was the inspiration for this body shape? A Firebird? A Jazzmaster for left-handers? Eddie’s Frankenstrat? Doesn’t matter – if you want something really extraordinary off the rack, you’ve come to the right place. Besides the wacky look, you‘ll get a guitar excellently equipped with tremolo as well as two humbuckers. Thanks to its slim neck (40 millimeters at the nut) and the short scale length (610 millimeters), it plays itself as if by magic. Who needs mainstream when you can have something like this?

What we know and idolatrously love today as a Telecaster was born in 1950, 70 years ago, as a “Broadcaster”. It differs from the Telecaster only in its name, otherwise we have everything that makes a vintage Tele, from the two single-coil pickups to the metal tray that carries the string riders and the bridge pickup. Our 70th Anniversary meets this specification in almost every detail, including the bakelite pickguard and the rather fat neck. Even the idiosyncratic circuitry was reproduced – but not built in, just included. If you want to have it absolutely original, you have to use tools.

Epiphone, it must be said, was a true premium manufacturer until the 1950s. But as life goes on: The company was bought by Gibson in 1957, and the name has since then adorned their Far East line. But that doesn’t stop Epiphone from continuing to build outstanding guitars that are also extremely affordable. The Les Paul Standard 50s is a thoroughbred goldtop in the style of the late 1950s, equipped with excellent sounding humbuckers and all the details you would expect from an LP. This should satisfy those who have always been a bit embarrassed to go on stage with an Epiphone. And if not: Just take a look at the new headstock!