Best Alternative Design Guitars 2025

Top-rated alternative design guitars 2025 - expert picks for every budget and skill level

Last updated: November 12, 2025 • Next update: November 19, 2025

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Best Guitars and Basses

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Best Alternative Design Guitars

PRICE RANGES: Under $200 Under $300 Under $500 Under $800 Under $1,000 Under $2,000 Under $5,000

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Modern Design For Unique Style For Progressive Music For Contemporary Players For Innovation For Distinctive Look

BRANDS: Fender Harley Benton Danelectro Reverend Squier Epiphone Rickenbacker Ibanez Evh Traveler Guitar Larry Carlton Duesenberg Suhr Guild Höfner Sterling by Music Man Steinberger Guitars DAngelico

Sterling by Music Man Stingray 50X Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Sterling by Music Man Stingray 50X Black

by Sterling by Music Man

Contemporary Players Unique Style Distinctive Look

Key Feature:

• Conversation starter

✓ PROS

• Contemporary aesthetics
• Often improved ergonomics

✗ CONS

• Limited mainstream appeal
• May not suit traditional players

Sterling by Music Man Stringray 50X BlackElectric GuitarBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 609725

$956

Buy at Thomann View Details

Steinberger Guitars Gt-Pro Deluxe HR - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Steinberger Guitars Gt-Pro Deluxe HR

by Steinberger Guitars

Progressive Music Innovation Unique Style

Key Feature:

• Unique visual appeal

✓ PROS

• Innovative and modern design
• Contemporary aesthetics

✗ CONS

• Resale value uncertainty
• May not suit traditional players

Steinberger Guitars Gt-Pro Deluxe HRElectric GuitarBuild: HeadlessBody side parts made of basswood3-Piece...

⭐ 4.8/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 449976

$472

Buy at Thomann View Details

Traveler Guitar Pro Series Mod X - Matte Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Traveler Guitar Pro Series Mod X - Matte Black

by Traveler Guitar

Distinctive Look Progressive Music Modern Design

Key Feature:

• Unique visual appeal

✓ PROS

• Often improved ergonomics
• Conversation starter

✗ CONS

• Limited mainstream appeal
• May sacrifice traditional tone

Traveler Guitar Pro Series Mod X - Matte Black6-String Travel GuitarBody: East American mapleNeck: East American...

⭐ 4.5/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 463418

$549

Buy at Thomann View Details

Steinberger Guitars Gt-Pro Deluxe FB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Steinberger Guitars Gt-Pro Deluxe FB

by Steinberger Guitars

Distinctive Look Innovation Contemporary Players

Key Feature:

• Contemporary aesthetics

✓ PROS

• Conversation starter
• Unique visual appeal

✗ CONS

• Limited mainstream appeal
• May sacrifice traditional tone

Steinberger Guitars Gt-Pro Deluxe FBHeadless Electric GuitarBody: BasswoodSides of the body are made from maple3-Piece...

⭐ 4.7/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 449975

$472

Buy at Thomann View Details

Steinberger Guitars Gt-Pro Deluxe WH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Steinberger Guitars Gt-Pro Deluxe WH

by Steinberger Guitars

Innovation Progressive Music Contemporary Players

Key Feature:

• Often improved ergonomics

✓ PROS

• Often improved ergonomics
• Conversation starter

✗ CONS

• Limited mainstream appeal
• May not suit traditional players

Steinberger Guitars Gtpro Deluxe WhElectric GuitarDesign: HeadlessBody: Basswood3-Piece neck: MapleNeck attachment:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 261835

$483

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton BM-75 Trans Red Deluxe w/Case - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton BM-75 Trans Red Deluxe w/Case

by Harley Benton

Innovation Modern Design Distinctive Look

Key Feature:

• Innovative and modern design

✓ PROS

• Often improved ergonomics
• Unique visual appeal

✗ CONS

• Resale value uncertainty
• May not suit traditional players

Harley Benton BM-75 Trans Red Deluxe w/Case*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton BM-75 Trans Red Deluxe...

⭐ 4.5/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 545025

$406

Buy at Thomann View Details

Larry Carlton J5 3-Tone Sunburst LH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Larry Carlton J5 3-Tone Sunburst LH

by Larry Carlton

Modern Design Distinctive Look Unique Style

Key Feature:

• Innovative and modern design

✓ PROS

• Innovative and modern design
• Often improved ergonomics

✗ CONS

• May not suit traditional players
• Limited mainstream appeal

Larry Carlton J5 3-Tone Sunburst LHElectric GuitarLeft-handed modelBody: AlderNeck: Bolt-on mapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 584316

$604

Buy at Thomann View Details

Steinberger Guitars GT-Pro Deluxe HY - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Steinberger Guitars GT-Pro Deluxe HY

by Steinberger Guitars

Distinctive Look Unique Style Innovation

Key Feature:

• Contemporary aesthetics

✓ PROS

• Often improved ergonomics
• Conversation starter

✗ CONS

• May not suit traditional players
• May sacrifice traditional tone

Steinberger Guitars GT-Pro Deluxe HYHeadless Electric GuitarBody: Basswood3-Strip maple neckFingerboard: SatinwoodSlim...

⭐ 4.6/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 449531

$483

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Axis AX3 Stain Pink - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Axis AX3 Stain Pink

by Sterling by Music Man

Modern Design Unique Style Innovation

Key Feature:

• Conversation starter

✓ PROS

• Innovative and modern design
• Unique visual appeal

✗ CONS

• May sacrifice traditional tone
• Limited mainstream appeal

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Axis AX3 Stain PinkElectric GuitarBody: JabonTop: flamed maple veneerNeck: Bolt-on...

⭐ 4.7/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 585153

$604

Buy at Thomann View Details

Danelectro 59M NOS+ Blue Metalflake 60th - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.9/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Danelectro 59M NOS+ Blue Metalflake 60th

by Danelectro

Innovation Modern Design Progressive Music

Key Feature:

• Conversation starter

✓ PROS

• Conversation starter
• Often improved ergonomics

✗ CONS

• Limited mainstream appeal
• Resale value uncertainty

Danelectro 59M NOS+ Blue Metalflake 60thElectric Guitar60th anniversary modelBody shape: Double cutaway short hornFrame...

⭐ 4.9/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 470397

$692

Buy at Thomann View Details

Larry Carlton J3 Vintage White - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.6/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Larry Carlton J3 Vintage White

by Larry Carlton

Unique Style Distinctive Look Progressive Music

Key Feature:

• Innovative and modern design

✓ PROS

• Conversation starter
• Innovative and modern design

✗ CONS

• Higher cost for unique design
• May sacrifice traditional tone

Larry Carlton J3 Vintage WhiteElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyNeck: Bolt-on mapleFingerboard: RosewoodWhite stripes...

⭐ 4.6/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 584289

$406

Buy at Thomann View Details

Traveler Guitar Electric Ultra-Light LH MBK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 5.0/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Traveler Guitar Electric Ultra-Light LH MBK

by Traveler Guitar

Distinctive Look Innovation Unique Style

Key Feature:

• Often improved ergonomics

✓ PROS

• Innovative and modern design
• Contemporary aesthetics

✗ CONS

• Resale value uncertainty
• Limited mainstream appeal

Traveler Guitar Electric Ultra-Light LH MBKElectric Travel GuitarLeft-handed modelScale: 625 mmPassive...

⭐ 5.0/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 440747

$384

Buy at Thomann View Details

Rickenbacker 330 FG - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.9/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Rickenbacker 330 FG

by Rickenbacker

Progressive Music Unique Style Contemporary Players

Key Feature:

• Often improved ergonomics

✓ PROS

• Contemporary aesthetics
• Innovative and modern design

✗ CONS

• May not suit traditional players
• Limited mainstream appeal

Rickenbacker 330 FGElectric GuitarThinline semi acoustic guitarMaple bodySet-in maple neckUnvarnished Caribbean...

⭐ 4.9/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 132975

$2,804

Buy at Thomann View Details

DAngelico Deluxe Bedford SH Desert Gold - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 5.0/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

DAngelico Deluxe Bedford SH Desert Gold

by DAngelico

Modern Design Contemporary Players Progressive Music

Key Feature:

• Often improved ergonomics

✓ PROS

• Innovative and modern design
• Often improved ergonomics

✗ CONS

• May sacrifice traditional tone
• Limited mainstream appeal

DAngelico Deluxe Bedford SH Desert GoldElectric GuitarConstruction: Offset semi-solid with contoured F-holeAlder...

⭐ 5.0/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 514635

$1,099

Buy at Thomann View Details

Traveler Guitar Traveler Pro Series Maple AB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.9/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Traveler Guitar Traveler Pro Series Maple AB

by Traveler Guitar

Distinctive Look Contemporary Players Innovation

Key Feature:

• Conversation starter

✓ PROS

• Innovative and modern design
• Conversation starter

✗ CONS

• Resale value uncertainty
• May not suit traditional players

Traveler Guitar s Traveler Pro Series Maple ABElectro-acoustic Travel GuitarPro seriesBody: East American...

⭐ 4.9/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 453952

$439

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Alternative Design Guitars

Budget Planning

• Under $200: Entry-level
• $200-$500: Intermediate
• $500-$1000: Advanced
• $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

• Sound clarity & tone
• Build materials & finish
• Hardware durability
• Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

• Your musical style
• Skill level match
• Intended use case
• Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.

Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.

Higher-priced alternative design guitars typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.

Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.

Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

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Best Alternative Design Guitars 2025

Sterling by Music Man Stingray 50X Black

Steinberger Guitars Gt-Pro Deluxe HR

Traveler Guitar Pro Series Mod X - Matte Black

Steinberger Guitars Gt-Pro Deluxe FB

Steinberger Guitars Gt-Pro Deluxe WH

Harley Benton BM-75 Trans Red Deluxe w/Case

Larry Carlton J5 3-Tone Sunburst LH

Steinberger Guitars GT-Pro Deluxe HY

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Axis AX3 Stain Pink

Danelectro 59M NOS+ Blue Metalflake 60th

Larry Carlton J3 Vintage White

Traveler Guitar Electric Ultra-Light LH MBK

Rickenbacker 330 FG

DAngelico Deluxe Bedford SH Desert Gold

Traveler Guitar Traveler Pro Series Maple AB

How to Choose the Best Alternative Design Guitars

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying alternative design guitars?

How much should I spend on alternative design guitars?

Are expensive alternative design guitars worth the investment?

What are the best brands for alternative design guitars?

Should I buy alternative design guitars online or in-store?

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