AudioFu

Best Alternative Design Guitars 2026

Top-rated alternative design guitars 2026 - expert picks for every budget and skill level

Last updated: January 28, 2026 • Next update: February 4, 2026

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 Epiphone Squier Ibanez Rickenbacker Evh Duesenberg Larry Carlton Traveler Guitar Guild Suhr Höfner DAngelico Steinberger Guitars Sterling by Music Man
Steinberger Guitars GT-Pro Deluxe HY - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

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 Trans Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Axis AX3 Trans Black

by Sterling by Music Man
Unique Style Distinctive Look Innovation
Key Feature:
• Unique visual appeal
✓ PROS
  • • Often improved ergonomics
  • • Conversation starter
✗ CONS
  • • Limited mainstream appeal
  • • May not suit traditional players

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

⭐ 4.7/5 (26 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 585163
$582
Buy at Thomann View Details
Steinberger Guitars Gt-Pro Deluxe WH - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

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
Steinberger Guitars Gt-Pro Deluxe HR - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

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
Sterling by Music Man Stingray 50X Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

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
Harley Benton DC-Custom II 612 Cherry - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Harley Benton DC-Custom II 612 Cherry

by Harley Benton
Distinctive Look Unique Style Progressive Music
Key Feature:
• Unique visual appeal
✓ PROS
  • • Often improved ergonomics
  • • Innovative and modern design
✗ CONS
  • • May sacrifice traditional tone
  • • May not suit traditional players

Harley Benton DC-Custom II 612 CherrySix and Twelve String Electric GuitarBody: MerantiSet-in necks:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (32 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 570328
$659
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton DC-Custom II 612 White - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Harley Benton DC-Custom II 612 White

by Harley Benton
Contemporary Players Unique Style Innovation
Key Feature:
• Conversation starter
✓ PROS
  • • Contemporary aesthetics
  • • Conversation starter
✗ CONS
  • • Resale value uncertainty
  • • Higher cost for unique design

Harley Benton DC-Custom II 612 WhiteSix and Twelve String Electric GuitarBody: MerantiSet-in necks:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (11 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 576417
$714
Buy at Thomann View Details
Duesenberg Paloma Custom Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Duesenberg Paloma Custom Black

by Duesenberg
Innovation Contemporary Players Progressive Music
Key Feature:
• Innovative and modern design
✓ PROS
  • • Conversation starter
  • • Contemporary aesthetics
✗ CONS
  • • May not suit traditional players
  • • Higher cost for unique design

Duesenberg Paloma Custom BlackElectric GuitarBody: AlderSet neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodDuesenberg Wing fingerboard...

⭐ 4.9/5 (2 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 612357
$3,289
Buy at Thomann View Details
Danelectro Sitar Red Crackle - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Danelectro Sitar Red Crackle

by Danelectro
Modern Design Unique Style Innovation
Key Feature:
• Innovative and modern design
✓ PROS
  • • Conversation starter
  • • Contemporary aesthetics
✗ CONS
  • • Resale value uncertainty
  • • Higher cost for unique design

Danelectro Sitar Red CrackleElectric SitarStyle: Hollow BodyBody: Composite / plywoodBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (38 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 342177
$989
Buy at Thomann View Details
Danelectro 59 Vintage 12 String VWH - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Danelectro 59 Vintage 12 String VWH

by Danelectro
Unique Style Contemporary Players Modern Design
Key Feature:
• Often improved ergonomics
✓ PROS
  • • Conversation starter
  • • Innovative and modern design
✗ CONS
  • • Resale value uncertainty
  • • Limited mainstream appeal

Danelectro 59 Vintage 12 String VWH12-String Electric GuitarBuild: Double Cut with S-SoundholeBody frame and centre...

⭐ 4.6/5 (22 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 447132
$714
Buy at Thomann View Details
Duesenberg Bros. Landreth Joey's Guitar - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Duesenberg Bros. Landreth Joey's Guitar

by Duesenberg
Distinctive Look Progressive Music Modern Design
Key Feature:
• Often improved ergonomics
✓ PROS
  • • Often improved ergonomics
  • • Conversation starter
✗ CONS
  • • May sacrifice traditional tone
  • • Higher cost for unique design

Duesenberg Bros. Landreth Joey's GuitarElectric GuitarAlliance SeriesJoey Landreth (The Brothers Landreth)...

⭐ 4.5/5 (11 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 591184
$3,628
Buy at Thomann View Details
Rickenbacker 360 JG - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Rickenbacker 360 JG

by Rickenbacker
Progressive Music Unique Style Contemporary Players
Key Feature:
• Unique visual appeal
✓ PROS
  • • Contemporary aesthetics
  • • Unique visual appeal
✗ CONS
  • • May not suit traditional players
  • • May sacrifice traditional tone

Rickenbacker 360 JGElectric GuitarBuild: Thinline semi-acousticMaple bodySet-in maple neckFretboard: Unvarnished...

⭐ 4.9/5 (55 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 151542
$3,464
Buy at Thomann View Details
Larry Carlton J3 3-Tone Sunburst LH - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Larry Carlton J3 3-Tone Sunburst LH

by Larry Carlton
Distinctive Look Modern Design Progressive Music
Key Feature:
• Innovative and modern design
✓ PROS
  • • Innovative and modern design
  • • Contemporary aesthetics
✗ CONS
  • • May sacrifice traditional tone
  • • Limited mainstream appeal

Larry Carlton J3 3-Tone Sunburst LHElectric GuitarLeft-handed modelBody: MahoganyBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (3 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 584319
$523
Buy at Thomann View Details
Larry Carlton J5 White - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Larry Carlton J5 White

by Larry Carlton
Distinctive Look Unique Style Innovation
Key Feature:
• Conversation starter
✓ PROS
  • • Conversation starter
  • • Often improved ergonomics
✗ CONS
  • • Higher cost for unique design
  • • May sacrifice traditional tone

Larry Carlton J5 WhiteElectric GuitarBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: EbonyWhite stripes fingerboard...

⭐ 4.9/5 (48 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 584308
$488
Buy at Thomann View Details
Rickenbacker 330/12 FG - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Rickenbacker 330/12 FG

by Rickenbacker
Modern Design Contemporary Players Unique Style
Key Feature:
• Unique visual appeal
✓ PROS
  • • Conversation starter
  • • Innovative and modern design
✗ CONS
  • • Resale value uncertainty
  • • Limited mainstream appeal

Rickenbacker 330/12 FG12-String Electric GuitarStyle: Thinline Semi AcousticBody: MapleSet-in neck: MapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (10 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 157681
$3,464
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.

Related Best Lists

POPULAR

Best ST Style Guitars

TOP

Best Humbucker Pickups

POPULAR

Best Distortion Pedals

POPULAR

Best Single Cut Guitars

RELATED

Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

TOP

Best 4/4 Size Classical Guitars

We use cookies to improve your experience. Learn more