Best Fender Alternative Design Guitars 2026

Premium Fender alternative design guitars - legendary tone and craftsmanship

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

Fender Player II Jaguar RW HLY - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Fender Player II Jaguar RW HLY

by Fender

Unique Style Modern Design Innovation

Key Feature:

• Unique visual appeal

✓ PROS

• Often improved ergonomics
• Unique visual appeal

✗ CONS

• Higher cost for unique design
• Limited mainstream appeal

Fender Player II Jaguar RW HLYElectric GuitarBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodWhite dot fingerboard...

⭐ 4.7/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 595458

$879

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender Jim Root Jazzmaster - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Fender Jim Root Jazzmaster

by Fender

Progressive Music Modern Design Contemporary Players

Key Feature:

• Innovative and modern design

✓ PROS

• Contemporary aesthetics
• Innovative and modern design

✗ CONS

• Limited mainstream appeal
• Higher cost for unique design

Fender Jim Root JazzmasterElectric GuitarJim Root signatureArtist seriesBody: MahoganyNeck: MapleFretboard: Ebony22...

⭐ 4.9/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 330935

$2,187

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender MIJ Trad II 60s Jaguar RW BLK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Fender MIJ Trad II 60s Jaguar RW BLK

by Fender

Innovation Unique Style Contemporary Players

Key Feature:

• Innovative and modern design

✓ PROS

• Unique visual appeal
• Innovative and modern design

✗ CONS

• Limited mainstream appeal
• Resale value uncertainty

Fender MIJ Trad II 60s Jaguar RW BLKElectric GuitarBody: BasswoodBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodWhite pearloid...

⭐ 4.9/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 621707

$1,704

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender Player II Jaguar RW CRR - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Fender Player II Jaguar RW CRR

by Fender

Progressive Music Innovation Distinctive Look

Key Feature:

• Innovative and modern design

✓ PROS

• Often improved ergonomics
• Innovative and modern design

✗ CONS

• Resale value uncertainty
• May sacrifice traditional tone

Fender Player II Jaguar RW CRRElectric GuitarBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodWhite dot fingerboard...

⭐ 5.0/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 595464

$879

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender Vintera II 70s Mustang CPB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Fender Vintera II 70s Mustang CPB

by Fender

Progressive Music Modern Design Distinctive Look

Key Feature:

• Innovative and modern design

✓ PROS

• Unique visual appeal
• Innovative and modern design

✗ CONS

• May not suit traditional players
• Resale value uncertainty

Fender Vintera II 70s Mustang CPBElectric GuitarBody: AlderNeck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodWhite dot fingerboard...

⭐ 4.5/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 571458

$1,209

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender MIJ Trad II 60s Mustang BPL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Fender MIJ Trad II 60s Mustang BPL

by Fender

Innovation Contemporary Players Progressive Music

Key Feature:

• Contemporary aesthetics

✓ PROS

• Unique visual appeal
• Innovative and modern design

✗ CONS

• May sacrifice traditional tone
• Resale value uncertainty

Fender MIJ Trad II 60s Mustang BPLElectric GuitarBody: BasswoodBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodPearl dot...

⭐ 4.5/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 615232

$1,638

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender AM Pro II Jazzmaster 3TSB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Fender AM Pro II Jazzmaster 3TSB

by Fender

Innovation Modern Design Contemporary Players

Key Feature:

• Innovative and modern design

✓ PROS

• Unique visual appeal
• Often improved ergonomics

✗ CONS

• Higher cost for unique design
• Limited mainstream appeal

Fender AM Pro II Jazzmaster 3TSBElectric GuitarBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFretboard: RosewoodNeck profile: Deep...

⭐ 4.8/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 500911

$2,254

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender Vintera II 70s Jaguar BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Fender Vintera II 70s Jaguar BK

by Fender

Distinctive Look Unique Style Contemporary Players

Key Feature:

• Conversation starter

✓ PROS

• Unique visual appeal
• Often improved ergonomics

✗ CONS

• Resale value uncertainty
• Higher cost for unique design

Fender Vintera II 70s Jaguar BKElectric GuitarVintera II SeriesBody: AlderNeck: MapleFingerboard: MapleFingerboard...

⭐ 5.0/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 571449

$1,407

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender Am Ultra II Meteora EB UBST - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Fender Am Ultra II Meteora EB UBST

by Fender

Innovation Unique Style Distinctive Look

Key Feature:

• Contemporary aesthetics

✓ PROS

• Innovative and modern design
• Unique visual appeal

✗ CONS

• Higher cost for unique design
• Resale value uncertainty

Fender Am Ultra II Meteora EB UBSTElectric GuitarBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: EbonyWhite pearloid dot...

⭐ 4.4/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 596071

$2,749

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender MIJ Trad II 60s Jazzmaster WPL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.4/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Fender MIJ Trad II 60s Jazzmaster WPL

by Fender

Contemporary Players Progressive Music Modern Design

Key Feature:

• Contemporary aesthetics

✓ PROS

• Unique visual appeal
• Innovative and modern design

✗ CONS

• Resale value uncertainty
• May not suit traditional players

Fender MIJ Trad II 60s Jazzmaster WPLElectric GuitarBody: BasswoodBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodPearl dot...

⭐ 4.4/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 615229

$1,682

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender Am Ultra II Meteora MN AVL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.9/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Fender Am Ultra II Meteora MN AVL

by Fender

Progressive Music Unique Style Distinctive Look

Key Feature:

• Conversation starter

✓ PROS

• Contemporary aesthetics
• Often improved ergonomics

✗ CONS

• May sacrifice traditional tone
• Resale value uncertainty

Fender Am Ultra II Meteora MN AVLElectric GuitarBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleFingerboard inlays:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 596077

$2,529

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender Player II Jazzmaster RW 3TS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.4/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Fender Player II Jazzmaster RW 3TS

by Fender

Modern Design Unique Style Innovation

Key Feature:

• Unique visual appeal

✓ PROS

• Contemporary aesthetics
• Often improved ergonomics

✗ CONS

• Higher cost for unique design
• May sacrifice traditional tone

Fender Player II Jazzmaster RW 3TSElectric GuitarBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodWhite dot...

⭐ 4.4/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 595328

$908

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender Player II Jazzmaster RW BLK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.9/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Fender Player II Jazzmaster RW BLK

by Fender

Innovation Distinctive Look Modern Design

Key Feature:

• Often improved ergonomics

✓ PROS

• Conversation starter
• Innovative and modern design

✗ CONS

• Limited mainstream appeal
• Resale value uncertainty

Fender Player II Jazzmaster RW BLKElectric GuitarBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodWhite dot...

⭐ 4.9/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 595323

$893

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender Player II Jazzmaster RW BCG - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.6/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Fender Player II Jazzmaster RW BCG

by Fender

Contemporary Players Progressive Music Modern Design

Key Feature:

• Innovative and modern design

✓ PROS

• Contemporary aesthetics
• Often improved ergonomics

✗ CONS

• May sacrifice traditional tone
• May not suit traditional players

Fender Player II Jazzmaster RW BCGElectric GuitarBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodWhite dot...

⭐ 4.6/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 595266

$912

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender MIJ Trad II 60s Jazzmaster BLK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.8/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Fender MIJ Trad II 60s Jazzmaster BLK

by Fender

Innovation Modern Design Unique Style

Key Feature:

• Conversation starter

✓ PROS

• Innovative and modern design
• Contemporary aesthetics

✗ CONS

• Higher cost for unique design
• Limited mainstream appeal

Fender MIJ Trad II 60s Jazzmaster BLKElectric GuitarBody: BasswoodNeck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodWhite pearloid block...

⭐ 4.8/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 621705

$1,704

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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TOP

Best Fender Alternative Design Guitars 2026

Fender Player II Jaguar RW HLY

Fender Jim Root Jazzmaster

Fender MIJ Trad II 60s Jaguar RW BLK

Fender Player II Jaguar RW CRR

Fender Vintera II 70s Mustang CPB

Fender MIJ Trad II 60s Mustang BPL

Fender AM Pro II Jazzmaster 3TSB

Fender Vintera II 70s Jaguar BK

Fender Am Ultra II Meteora EB UBST

Fender MIJ Trad II 60s Jazzmaster WPL

Fender Am Ultra II Meteora MN AVL

Fender Player II Jazzmaster RW 3TS

Fender Player II Jazzmaster RW BLK

Fender Player II Jazzmaster RW BCG

Fender MIJ Trad II 60s Jazzmaster BLK

How to Choose the Best Alternative Design Guitars

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

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