Best Alternative Design Guitars for Beginner 2026

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

Last updated: January 21, 2026 • Next update: January 28, 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 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

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

⭐ 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

Harley Benton RB-612CS Classic Series Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton RB-612CS Classic Series Bundle

by Harley Benton

Innovation Unique Style Distinctive Look

Key Feature:

• Innovative and modern design

✓ PROS

• Often improved ergonomics
• Contemporary aesthetics

✗ CONS

• Limited mainstream appeal
• Higher cost for unique design

Harley Benton RB-612CS Classic Series Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton RB-612CS Classic Series*12-String...

⭐ 4.5/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 599187

$325

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

⭐ 4.5/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Fender Hybrid II Jazzmaster RW Q RBL

by Fender

Progressive Music Innovation Unique Style

Key Feature:

• Contemporary aesthetics

✓ PROS

• Often improved ergonomics
• Unique visual appeal

✗ CONS

• May sacrifice traditional tone
• Resale value uncertainty

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

⭐ 4.5/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 598127

$1,484

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ibanez IC420-AAB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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

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

⭐ 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

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

Suhr Classic JM HH RW SBL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.6/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Suhr Classic JM HH RW SBL

by Suhr

Distinctive Look Unique Style Innovation

Key Feature:

• Unique visual appeal

✓ PROS

• Conversation starter
• Often improved ergonomics

✗ CONS

• May not suit traditional players
• May sacrifice traditional tone

Suhr Classic JM HH RW SBLElectric GuitarBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodWhite dot fingerboard...

⭐ 4.6/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 618925

$4,179

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#11

⭐ 4.9/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Evh Wolfgang Special T.O.M OXB

by Evh

Innovation Progressive Music Unique Style

Key Feature:

• Conversation starter

✓ PROS

• Unique visual appeal
• Often improved ergonomics

✗ CONS

• May sacrifice traditional tone
• Higher cost for unique design

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

⭐ 4.9/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 609256

$1,286

Buy at Thomann View Details

Reverend Jetstream HB High Tide Blue - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 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

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

#13

⭐ 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

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

#14

⭐ 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

Vincent Nova CC Deep Ocean - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 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

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 Stringray 50X Seafoam Green

Sterling by Music Man Stingray 50X Black

Fender MIJ Trad II 60s Jaguar RW BLK

Reverend Double Agent W MBK

Harley Benton RB-612CS Classic Series Bundle

Fender Hybrid II Jazzmaster RW Q RBL

Ibanez IC420-AAB

Evh Wolfgang Special T.O.M HWH

Reverend Charger 290 Bigsby Chron. Blue

Suhr Classic JM HH RW SBL

Evh Wolfgang Special T.O.M OXB

Reverend Jetstream HB High Tide Blue

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

Evh Wolfgang Special T.O.M GBK

Vincent Nova CC Deep Ocean

How to Choose the Best Alternative Design Guitars

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

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