Best Alternative Design Guitars for Modern Design 2026

Perfect alternative design guitars for modern-design - 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 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

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

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

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

Suhr Classic JM HH RW SBL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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

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 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

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

Vincent Nova CC Deep Ocean - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 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

Danelectro Sitar Black Crackle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 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 Stringray 50X Seafoam Green - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 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

Reverend Jetstream 390 CBL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 5.0/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Reverend Jetstream 390 CBL

by Reverend

Distinctive Look Modern Design Innovation

Key Feature:

• Conversation starter

✓ PROS

• Unique visual appeal
• Conversation starter

✗ CONS

• Resale value uncertainty
• Higher cost for unique design

Reverend Jetstream 390 CBLElectric GuitarBody: KorinaBolt-on neck: roasted mapleFingerboard: roasted mapleNeck profile:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 602257

$1,209

Buy at Thomann View Details

Reverend Double Agent W MBK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 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

Guild Surfliner Deluxe Glacier Blue - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.8/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

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

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 Single Cut Guitars

Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

TOP

Best Alternative Design Guitars for Modern Design 2026

Sterling by Music Man Stingray 50X Black

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

Squier CV 60s Jazzmaster LRL TSPG TCO

Harley Benton RB-612CS Classic Series Bundle

Gibson RD Custom Ebony

Suhr Classic JM HH RW SBL

Epiphone 1963 Firebird I Reissue CR

Reverend Jetstream HB High Tide Blue

Ibanez IC420-AAB

Vincent Nova CC Deep Ocean

Danelectro Sitar Black Crackle

Sterling by Music Man Stringray 50X Seafoam Green

Reverend Jetstream 390 CBL

Reverend Double Agent W MBK

Guild Surfliner Deluxe Glacier Blue

How to Choose the Best Alternative Design Guitars

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Best Lists

Best ST Style Guitars

Best Humbucker Pickups

Best Distortion Pedals

Best Single Cut Guitars

Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

Best 4/4 Size Classical Guitars

Cookie Preferences

Essential Cookies

Analytics Cookies

Functional Cookies

Marketing Cookies