Best Alternative Design Guitars for Beginner 2026

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

Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Next update: January 21, 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

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

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

Epiphone 1963 Firebird I Reissue CR - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Epiphone 1963 Firebird I Reissue CR

by Epiphone

Progressive Music Unique Style Modern Design

Key Feature:

• Conversation starter

✓ PROS

• Innovative and modern design
• Often improved ergonomics

✗ CONS

• Limited mainstream appeal
• May sacrifice traditional tone

Epiphone 1963 Firebird I Reissue CRElectric GuitarInspired by Gibson Custom Collection (2025)Body:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 614966

$1,484

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

Reverend Double Agent W MBK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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

Danelectro Sitar Black Crackle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Axis AX 3 Neptune Blue - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Axis AX 3 Neptune Blue

by Sterling by Music Man

Unique Style Innovation Distinctive Look

Key Feature:

• Conversation starter

✓ PROS

• Often improved ergonomics
• Unique visual appeal

✗ CONS

• Limited mainstream appeal
• May sacrifice traditional tone

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Axis AX 3 Neptune BlueElectric GuitarBody: JabonTop: Flamed maple veneerBolt-on neck:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 610640

$637

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ibanez Q52PB-COL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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

Evh Wolfgang Special T.O.M GBK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Evh Wolfgang Special T.O.M GBK

by Evh

Innovation Unique Style Contemporary Players

Key Feature:

• Often improved ergonomics

✓ PROS

• Contemporary aesthetics
• Conversation starter

✗ CONS

• May sacrifice traditional tone
• Limited mainstream appeal

Evh Wolfgang Special T.O.M GBKElectric GuitarBody: BasswoodBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: Roasted mapleBlack...

⭐ 4.9/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 609264

$1,286

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#10

⭐ 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

Gibson RD Custom Ebony - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 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

ESP LTD CS-II QM Vintage Natural - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.5/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

ESP LTD CS-II QM Vintage Natural

by ESP

Innovation Unique Style Progressive Music

Key Feature:

• Innovative and modern design

✓ PROS

• Unique visual appeal
• Contemporary aesthetics

✗ CONS

• Higher cost for unique design
• Resale value uncertainty

ESP LTD CS-II QM Vintage NaturalElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyTop: Quilted mapleNeck: Set-in 3-ply mahoganyFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 608689

$2,419

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender Hybrid II Jazzmaster RW Q AQM - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 5.0/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Fender Hybrid II Jazzmaster RW Q AQM

by Fender

Modern Design Unique Style Progressive Music

Key Feature:

• Often improved ergonomics

✓ PROS

• Often improved ergonomics
• Unique visual appeal

✗ CONS

• Resale value uncertainty
• May not suit traditional players

Fender Hybrid II Jazzmaster RW Q AQMElectric GuitarBody: AlderTop: Quilted mapleBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 598128

$1,539

Buy at Thomann View Details

Evh Wolfgang Special T.O.M HWH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 5.0/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Evh Wolfgang Special T.O.M HWH

by Evh

Progressive Music Innovation Unique Style

Key Feature:

• Often improved ergonomics

✓ PROS

• Innovative and modern design
• Unique visual appeal

✗ CONS

• Resale value uncertainty
• May not suit traditional players

Evh Wolfgang Special T.O.M HWHElectric GuitarBody: BasswoodBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleRoasted maple fingerboardBlack...

⭐ 5.0/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 609260

$1,286

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ibanez IC420-AAB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 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

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 2026

Sterling by Music Man Stingray 50X Black

Sterling by Music Man Stringray 50X Seafoam Green

Epiphone 1963 Firebird I Reissue CR

Reverend Charger 290 Bigsby Chron. Blue

Reverend Double Agent W MBK

Danelectro Sitar Black Crackle

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Axis AX 3 Neptune Blue

Ibanez Q52PB-COL

Evh Wolfgang Special T.O.M GBK

Squier CV 60s Jazzmaster LRL TSPG TCO

Gibson RD Custom Ebony

ESP LTD CS-II QM Vintage Natural

Fender Hybrid II Jazzmaster RW Q AQM

Evh Wolfgang Special T.O.M HWH

Ibanez IC420-AAB

How to Choose the Best Alternative Design Guitars

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

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