AudioFu

Best Guild Alternative Design Guitars 2025

Premium Guild alternative design guitars - legendary tone and craftsmanship

Last updated: October 22, 2025 • Next update: October 29, 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
Guild Surfliner Deluxe EM - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Guild Surfliner Deluxe EM

by Guild
Modern Design Unique Style Contemporary Players
Key Feature:
• Contemporary aesthetics
✓ PROS
  • • Conversation starter
  • • Innovative and modern design
✗ CONS
  • • May sacrifice traditional tone
  • • Limited mainstream appeal

Guild Surfliner Deluxe EMElectric GuitarBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: roasted premium mapleFingerboard: RosewoodScale: 648...

⭐ 4.8/5 (17 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 560050
$802
Buy at Thomann View Details
Guild Surfliner Deluxe BM - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Guild Surfliner Deluxe BM

by Guild
Distinctive Look Innovation Progressive Music
Key Feature:
• Innovative and modern design
✓ PROS
  • • Conversation starter
  • • Unique visual appeal
✗ CONS
  • • Resale value uncertainty
  • • May not suit traditional players

Guild Surfliner Deluxe BMElectric GuitarBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: roasted premium mapleFingerboard: RosewoodScale: 648...

⭐ 5.0/5 (23 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 560048
$705
Buy at Thomann View Details
Guild Surfliner Deluxe RQM - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Guild Surfliner Deluxe RQM

by Guild
Progressive Music Distinctive Look Modern Design
Key Feature:
• Unique visual appeal
✓ PROS
  • • Innovative and modern design
  • • Conversation starter
✗ CONS
  • • Higher cost for unique design
  • • May sacrifice traditional tone

Guild Surfliner Deluxe RQMElectric GuitarBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: Roasted premium mapleFingerboard: RosewoodScale...

⭐ 4.7/5 (22 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 560047
$769
Buy at Thomann View Details
Guild Surfliner Catalina Blue - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Guild Surfliner Catalina Blue

by Guild
Modern Design Progressive Music Unique Style
Key Feature:
• Conversation starter
✓ PROS
  • • Conversation starter
  • • Unique visual appeal
✗ CONS
  • • Higher cost for unique design
  • • Resale value uncertainty

Guild Surfliner Catalina BlueElectric GuitarOffset Body ShapeBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFretboard: MapleScale...

⭐ 4.7/5 (54 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 544502
$329
Buy at Thomann View Details
Guild Surfliner Deluxe Scarlett Red - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

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
Guild Surfliner Sunset Orange - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Guild Surfliner Sunset Orange

by Guild
Distinctive Look Progressive Music Modern Design
Key Feature:
• Contemporary aesthetics
✓ PROS
  • • Often improved ergonomics
  • • Innovative and modern design
✗ CONS
  • • May not suit traditional players
  • • Limited mainstream appeal

Guild Surfliner Sunset OrangeElectric GuitarOffset Body ShapeBody: poplarBolt-on neck: MapleFretboard: MapleScale...

⭐ 4.6/5 (36 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 544499
$329
Buy at Thomann View Details
Guild Surfliner Deluxe Glacier Blue - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

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
Guild Surfliner White Sage - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Guild Surfliner White Sage

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

Guild Surfliner White SageElectric GuitarOffset Body ShapeBody: poplarBolt-on neck: MapleFretboard: MapleScale length:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (40 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 544501
$329
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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