AudioFu

Best Alternative Design Guitars for Intermediate 2026

Perfect alternative design guitars for intermediate - 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
#1

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
Danelectro Sitar Black Crackle - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

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
#3

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
Fender Hybrid II Jazzmaster RW Q AQM - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

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
Ibanez IC420FM-CRS - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Ibanez IC420FM-CRS

by Ibanez
Contemporary Players Distinctive Look Modern Design
Key Feature:
• Innovative and modern design
✓ PROS
  • • Contemporary aesthetics
  • • Often improved ergonomics
✗ CONS
  • • Resale value uncertainty
  • • Higher cost for unique design

Ibanez IC420FM-CRSElectric GuitarBody: OkoumeTop: Flamed mapleSet-in 3-piece neck: OkoumeFingerboard: Bound jatobaNeck...

⭐ 4.5/5 (22 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 619562
$824
Buy at Thomann View Details
Guild Surfliner Deluxe Scarlett Red - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

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
Epiphone 1963 Firebird I Reissue CR - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

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
Suhr Classic JM HH RW SBL - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

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
ESP LTD CS-II QM Vintage Natural - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

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
Reverend Double Agent W MBK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#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
Vincent Nova CC Deep Ocean - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

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
Sterling by Music Man Stingray 50X Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

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
Guild Surfliner Deluxe Glacier Blue - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Guild Surfliner Deluxe Glacier Blue

by Guild
Modern Design Unique Style Contemporary Players
Key Feature:
• Unique visual appeal
✓ PROS
  • • Contemporary aesthetics
  • • Innovative and modern design
✗ CONS
  • • Higher cost for unique design
  • • Resale value uncertainty

Guild Surfliner Deluxe Glacier BlueElectric GuitarBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodMother-of-Pearl...

⭐ 4.8/5 (42 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 601295
$824
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fender MIJ Trad II 60s Jazzmaster BLK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

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
Fender Hybrid II Jazzmaster RW Q RBL - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

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

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