Best Alternative Design Guitars for Beginner 2025

Perfect alternative design guitars for beginner - easy to play and learn on

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

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 Stringray 50X Seafoam Green - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Sterling by Music Man Stringray 50X Seafoam Green

by Sterling by Music Man

Contemporary Players Innovation Progressive Music

Key Feature:

• Conversation starter

✓ PROS

• Often improved ergonomics
• Conversation starter

✗ CONS

• Higher cost for unique design
• Limited mainstream appeal

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

⭐ 4.7/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 609728

$956

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

Reverend Charger 290 Bigsby Chron. Blue - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Reverend Charger 290 Bigsby Chron. Blue

by Reverend

Distinctive Look Progressive Music Unique Style

Key Feature:

• Unique visual appeal

✓ PROS

• Contemporary aesthetics
• Innovative and modern design

✗ CONS

• May sacrifice traditional tone
• Resale value uncertainty

Reverend Charger 290 Bigsby Chron. BlueElectric GuitarBody: KorinaBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: RosewoodBlack...

⭐ 4.6/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 612691

$1,429

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gibson RD Custom Ebony - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Gibson RD Custom Ebony

by Gibson

Unique Style Progressive Music Contemporary Players

Key Feature:

• Contemporary aesthetics

✓ PROS

• Innovative and modern design
• Conversation starter

✗ CONS

• May not suit traditional players
• Limited mainstream appeal

Gibson RD Custom EbonyElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyNeck: MahoganyFingerboard: EbonyMother of pearl fingerboard...

⭐ 4.4/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 604611

$5,489

Buy at Thomann View Details

Squier CV 60s Jazzmaster LRL TSPG TCO - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Squier CV 60s Jazzmaster LRL TSPG TCO

by Squier

Modern Design Unique Style Distinctive Look

Key Feature:

• Unique visual appeal

✓ PROS

• Innovative and modern design
• Often improved ergonomics

✗ CONS

• Limited mainstream appeal
• Resale value uncertainty

Squier CV 60s Jazzmaster LRL TSPG TCOElectric GuitarBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: Indian laurelWhite dot...

⭐ 4.7/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 619731

$516

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

⭐ 4.5/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Fender MIJ Trad II 60s Mustang WPL

by Fender

Progressive Music Contemporary Players Modern Design

Key Feature:

• Often improved ergonomics

✓ PROS

• Contemporary aesthetics
• Innovative and modern design

✗ CONS

• May not suit traditional players
• May sacrifice traditional tone

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

⭐ 4.5/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 615240

$1,638

Buy at Thomann View Details

Reverend Jetstream HB High Tide Blue - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Reverend Jetstream HB High Tide Blue

by Reverend

Innovation Modern Design Progressive Music

Key Feature:

• Contemporary aesthetics

✓ PROS

• Innovative and modern design
• Often improved ergonomics

✗ CONS

• May not suit traditional players
• Resale value uncertainty

Reverend Jetstream HB High Tide BlueElectric GuitarBody: KorinaBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: Roasted...

⭐ 5.0/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 602424

$1,154

Buy at Thomann View Details

Vincent Nova CC Deep Ocean - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Vincent Nova CC Deep Ocean

by Vincent

Distinctive Look Unique Style Modern Design

Key Feature:

• Innovative and modern design

✓ PROS

• Conversation starter
• Often improved ergonomics

✗ CONS

• Higher cost for unique design
• May sacrifice traditional tone

Vincent Nova CC Deep OceanElectric GuitarBody: AlderNeck: MapleFingerboard: MapleFingerboard radius: 184 x 305 mm...

⭐ 4.8/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 605870

$3,684

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

Reverend Double Agent W MBK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.5/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Reverend Double Agent W MBK

by Reverend

Unique Style Contemporary Players Distinctive Look

Key Feature:

• Innovative and modern design

✓ PROS

• Often improved ergonomics
• Unique visual appeal

✗ CONS

• May sacrifice traditional tone
• Limited mainstream appeal

Reverend Double Agent W MBKElectric GuitarBody: KorinaBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: Roasted mapleWhite dot...

⭐ 4.5/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 618679

$1,209

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ibanez IC420-AAB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.7/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Ibanez IC420-AAB

by Ibanez

Modern Design Unique Style Contemporary Players

Key Feature:

• Contemporary aesthetics

✓ PROS

• Conversation starter
• Often improved ergonomics

✗ CONS

• Resale value uncertainty
• May sacrifice traditional tone

Ibanez IC420-AABElectric GuitarIC SeriesBody: Okoume3-Piece set-in neck: OkoumeFingerboard: JatobaFingerboard...

⭐ 4.7/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 602021

$747

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#12

⭐ 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

Danelectro Sitar Black Crackle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.5/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Danelectro Sitar Black Crackle

by Danelectro

Progressive Music Innovation Contemporary Players

Key Feature:

• Often improved ergonomics

✓ PROS

• Conversation starter
• Often improved ergonomics

✗ CONS

• Higher cost for unique design
• Resale value uncertainty

Danelectro Sitar Black CrackleSitar Electric GuitarStyle: Hollow BodyBody: Composite / PlywoodBolt-on neck:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 598261

$989

Buy at Thomann View Details

Guild Surfliner Deluxe Scarlett Red - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.8/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Guild Surfliner Deluxe Scarlett Red

by Guild

Contemporary Players Progressive Music Distinctive Look

Key Feature:

• Often improved ergonomics

✓ PROS

• Often improved ergonomics
• Innovative and modern design

✗ CONS

• Higher cost for unique design
• May not suit traditional players

Guild Surfliner Deluxe Scarlett RedElectric GuitarBody: PoplarNeck: MapleBolt-on fingerboard: RosewoodMother of pearl...

⭐ 4.8/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 601301

$846

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ibanez Q52PB-COL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.5/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Ibanez Q52PB-COL

by Ibanez

Distinctive Look Modern Design Progressive Music

Key Feature:

• Contemporary aesthetics

✓ PROS

• Conversation starter
• Contemporary aesthetics

✗ CONS

• May not suit traditional players
• May sacrifice traditional tone

Ibanez Q52PB-COLElectric GuitarBody: Nyatoh3-Piece bolt-on neck: roasted maple / bubingaFingerboard: Roasted birdseye...

⭐ 4.5/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 604069

$1,319

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 Alternative Design Guitars for Beginner 2025

Sterling by Music Man Stringray 50X Seafoam Green

Sterling by Music Man Stingray 50X Black

Reverend Charger 290 Bigsby Chron. Blue

Gibson RD Custom Ebony

Squier CV 60s Jazzmaster LRL TSPG TCO

Fender MIJ Trad II 60s Mustang WPL

Reverend Jetstream HB High Tide Blue

Vincent Nova CC Deep Ocean

Fender MIJ Trad II 60s Jaguar RW BLK

Reverend Double Agent W MBK

Ibanez IC420-AAB

Fender MIJ Trad II 60s Jazzmaster BLK

Danelectro Sitar Black Crackle

Guild Surfliner Deluxe Scarlett Red

Ibanez Q52PB-COL

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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