AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Premium Guitars 2026
The top pick is Gibson Custom Shop '59 Les Paul Standard Reissue ($5,470). Gibson Custom Shop '59 Les Paul Standard Reissue leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 197 models across 16 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 8, 2026
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All Premium GuitarsTop 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Gibson Custom Shop '59 Les Paul Standard Reissue
Custom Les Paul Standard TA · Gibson
177 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- BodyMahogany body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This guitar feels solid thanks to its mahogany body and maple top. The medium C neck sits comfortably under your fingers. It uses a Corian nut for better stability and two classic Burstbuckers for that familiar Gibson humbucker tone. It suits players who want a reliable, traditional electric guitar without extra bells and whistles.
Pros
- Mahogany body with maple top for balanced tone
- Medium C neck profile fits most hand sizes
- Corian nut ensures stable intonation and action
Cons
- Nitrocellulose lacquer requires careful handling and maintenance
- No specific weight listed makes carrying unknown
82AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$5,470 now$5,470€4,899 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Fender Custom Shop '62 Reissue Stratocaster Relic
LTD Custom 62 Strat Relic AB · Fender
148 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets21 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- BodyAsh body
This guitar suits you if you want a vintage-style Strat with a relic finish. It has an ash body, a maple neck, and three Custom Shop Fat '60s single coil pickups with a 5-way switch. It is premium-priced, so it fits players looking for a high-end, USA-made electric guitar.
Pros
- Ash body paired with a maple bolt-on neck and AAA flamed rosewood fingerboard
- Three Custom Shop Fat '60s Strat single coil pickups with a 5-way switch
- Six-saddle vintage-style synchronised tremolo with bent steel saddles
82AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$7,033 now$7,033€6,299 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Gibson Custom Shop '59 Les Paul Standard Reissue
59 Les Paul Standard CM LA CS · Gibson
177 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- BodyMahogany body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
If you want a classic Les Paul with a maple top and a Custom Shop build, this guitar is worth a look. It has two humbuckers, a set-in mahogany neck, and a case in the box. It suits players who want a premium, American-made guitar and are ready to pay a high-end price for it.
Pros
- Solid AAA maple top over a mahogany body for a classic Les Paul look
- Two custombucker humbuckers, each with its own volume and tone control
- Set-in mahogany neck with a 1959 Medium C profile and rosewood fingerboard
82AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$9,154 now$9,154€8,199 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Fender Custom Shop '63 Reissue Stratocaster Relic
63 Strat Black Relic LH · Fender
68 for sale on Reverb5 finishes at Thomann
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Fingerboard radius241 mm (9.49")
- BodyAlder body
You get a left-handed Stratocaster with a Relic finish, made in the USA with an alder body and a maple neck. It has three Custom Shop '60 single coil pickups, a 5-way switch, and a deluxe hardshell case to keep it safe. This one suits a left-handed player who wants a classic 60s-style Strat with a worn-in look.
Pros
- Made in USA with an alder two-piece body and a plain-grain maple bolt-on neck
- Three Custom Shop '60 Stratocaster single coil pickups with a 5-way switch
- 21 narrow tall 6105 frets on a 9 mm AAA rosewood fingerboard with a 241 mm (9.5") radius
Cons
- Left-handed model, so right-handed players will need a different guitar
78AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$6,586 now$6,586€5,899 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Gibson Custom Shop '59 Les Paul Standard Reissue
59 LP Standard ULA HPT FB · Gibson
177 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- BodyMahogany body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This guitar has a mahogany body with a figured maple top, a set-in mahogany neck, and two Alnico 3 humbucker pickups. It suits you if you want an electric with a classic build and a Golden Poppy Burst finish. It comes with a certificate and case, and its controls are simple: two volume and two tone knobs plus a 3-way toggle switch.
Pros
- Mahogany body with a two-piece figured maple top
- Set-in mahogany neck with a rosewood fingerboard
- Two custom unpotted Alnico 3 humbucker pickups
Cons
- Controls are limited to two volume and two tone knobs with a 3-way toggle switch
77AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$8,484 now$8,484€7,599 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Ernie Ball Music Man John Petrucci Signature Majesty 6
John Petrucci BFR Majesty 6 M · Music Man
23 for sale on Reverb4 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- BodyAlder body
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
You get a limited John Petrucci signature guitar, with only 100 made worldwide. It has a neck-through-body build, two DiMarzio humbuckers, and a floating tremolo, so it suits you if you want a premium instrument with these features. The volume and tone controls both have a push/push function, and the guitar comes with a softcase.
Pros
- Limited to 100 pieces worldwide as a John Petrucci signature model
- Neck-through-body construction with mahogany neck and flamed maple strips
- Two DiMarzio Dreamcatcher and Rainmaker humbuckers with a push/push gain boost
75AudioFu
Index↓ 13.7%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$7,759 · Aug 17$6,698 now$6,698€5,999 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale635 mm (25")
- Frets24 frets
- BodyMahogany body
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This guitar has a mahogany body, a flamed maple top, and a maple neck with an ebony fingerboard. It has two humbucker pickups, a 5-way switch, and a Floyd Rose tremolo, so it suits you if you want a premium electric with a tremolo for dive bombs. It is made in USA and comes with a PRS case, so it is a good pick if you want a high-end guitar.
Pros
- Flamed maple top over a mahogany body for a striking look
- Two exposed PRS humbucker pickups with a 5-way switch
- Original Floyd Rose tremolo and locking nut for dive bombs and locked tuning
Cons
- Only one volume and one tone control, so tone options are limited
73AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$5,135 now$5,135€4,599 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Fender Custom Shop '51 Reissue Nocaster Relic
51 Nocaster NB HR NAMM · Fender
63 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Fingerboard radius241 mm (9.49")
- BodyAsh body
- FingerboardMaple fingerboard
This is a premium NAMM limited edition take on the classic Nocaster. You get an ash body, a maple neck, and two hand-wound Custom Shop single coil pickups. It suits you if you want a vintage-style electric guitar with a Heavy Relic finish and a case included.
Pros
- Ash body, a classic wood for a Nocaster-style electric guitar
- Two Custom Shop hand-wound Blackguard single coil pickups
- Bone nut and brass saddles on the 3 saddle '51 Nocaster bridge
Cons
- Only one volume and one tone control with a 3-way switch
72AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$6,140 now$6,140€5,499 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Ernie Ball Music Man John Petrucci Signature Majesty 6
John Petrucci Majesty 6 HMR · Music Man
23 for sale on Reverb4 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- BodyBasswood body
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This guitar suits you if you want a premium-priced electric with a signature design from John Petrucci of Dream Theater. It has a neck-through-body mahogany neck, a basswood body, and both humbucker and piezo pickups. You also get a floating tremolo, locking tuners, a gain boost, and coil splitting, so you have plenty of options to play with.
Pros
- Neck-through-body mahogany neck paired with a basswood body
- DiMarzio Dreamcatcher and Rainmaker humbucker and piezo pickup system
- Schaller M6-IND locking machine heads and custom JP Piezo floating tremolo
Cons
- Only a mono case is included with the guitar
71AudioFu
Index↓ 3.1%since Aug 17$5,068 · Aug 17$4,911 now$4,911€4,399 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
PRS Custom 24 Wood Library
Custom 24 LH Wood Library ER · PRS
140 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Scale635 mm (25")
- Frets24 frets
- BodyMahogany body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This is a left-handed PRS Custom 24 with a mahogany body, a flamed maple top, and a rosewood fingerboard. You get two humbuckers, a 5-way switch, and the PRS tremolo, so it suits left-handed players who want a limited-edition guitar with a lot of pickup options. It is made in the USA and comes with a PRS case.
Pros
- Mahogany body and mahogany neck give the guitar a solid wood foundation
- Flamed maple Wood Library top adds a figured wood look on top of the body
- Two uncovered 85/15 humbuckers with a 5-way switch offer several pickup combinations
Cons
- Left-hand model, so it only suits left-handed players
- Limited edition, so availability may be hard to find later
71AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$6,688 now$6,688€5,990 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 197 premium guitars
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
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PRS SE Custom 24-08Custom 24/08 BW · PRS · 2 finishes70Stable$5,470€4,899$5,470€4,899Check ↗
- 12
PRS Limited Edition Custom 24-08 Mango TopCustom 24-08 Mango LTD FR/GB · PRS · 2 finishes70↓ 12.3%$5,580€4,998$5,580€4,998Check ↗
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Ernie Ball Music Man John Petrucci Signature Majesty Premium Select 7John Petrucci BFR Majesty 7 AA · Music Man · 5 finishes70↓ 7.4%$6,202€5,555$6,202€5,555Check ↗
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Fender Custom Shop '52 Reissue Telecaster Relic52 Tele Black Relic LH · Fender70Stable$6,810€6,099$6,810€6,099Check ↗
- 15
Gibson Custom Shop Special Order '57 Les Paul Standard Reissue57 LP Special SC TVY VOS LH · Gibson67Stable$4,240€3,798$4,240€3,798Check ↗
- 16
Ernie Ball Music Man John Petrucci Signature Majesty Premium Select 7John Petrucci Majesty 7 BF · Music Man · 3 finishes67↓ 10.2%$4,409€3,949$4,409€3,949Check ↗
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Gibson Custom Shop Special Order '57 Les Paul Standard Reissue57 Les Paul Standard EB HA CS · Gibson67Stable$7,144€6,399$7,144€6,399Check ↗
- 18
Gibson Marcus King Signature ES-345Marcus King ES-345 Sixties Ch. · Gibson65↓ 12.3%$3,721€3,333$3,721€3,333Check ↗
- 19
ESP Original Eclipse CustomEclipse Custom DB Black Satin · ESP65↓ 28.8%$5,246€4,699$5,246€4,699Check ↗
- 20
Charvel Custom Shop San DimasCustom Shop USA San Dimas IM · Charvel · 2 finishes65Stable$5,805€5,199$5,805€5,199Check ↗
- 21
PRS SE Hollowbody II PiezoHollowbody II Piezo CB · PRS65Stable$6,363€5,699$6,363€5,699Check ↗
- 22
Ibanez PIA3761C Steve Vai SignaturePIA3761C · Ibanez · 3 finishes64Stable$3,460€3,099$3,460€3,099Check ↗
- 23
PRS 40th Anniversary Custom 24-08 Semi-Hollow Limited Edition40th Custom 24-08 Semi TCB · PRS · 2 finishes64Stable$7,255€6,498$7,255€6,498Check ↗
- 24
Gibson 1963 Firebird V Reissue CR ULAGibson · 5 finishes64↓ 5.1%$8,373€7,499$8,373€7,499Check ↗
- 25
Gibson Custom Shop Historic '57 Les Paul Custom Black Beauty ReissueLes Paul Custom HPT AN #2 · Gibson62Stable$8,149€7,299$8,149€7,299Check ↗
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Music Man Luke IV HSS Black SparkleMusic Man · 2 finishes61↓ 16.1%$3,727€3,338$3,727€3,338Check ↗
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Ernie Ball Music Man John Petrucci Signature Majesty 6John Petrucci Majesty 6 Bl Fro · Music Man61Stable$5,022€4,498$5,022€4,498Check ↗
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Music Man Majesty Premium Select KDMusic Man · 5 finishes61Stable$5,470€4,899$5,470€4,899Check ↗
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Mayones Guitars Regius 7 TDRGMayones Guitars61Stable$6,586€5,899$6,586€5,899Check ↗
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PRS Custom 24 Private StockPrivate Stock HPW DGT DB · PRS61Stable$15,853€14,199$15,853€14,199Check ↗
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Gibson Les Paul Custom Long ScaleLes Paul Custom Long Scale EB · Gibson60↓ 8.8%$5,805€5,199$5,805€5,199Check ↗
- 32
Ernie Ball Music Man Jason Richardson Signature Cutlass HT 7Jason Richardson Cutlass 7 DM · Music Man59Stable$4,800€4,299$4,800€4,299Check ↗
- 33
PRS 40th Anniversary Custom 24-08 Semi-Hollow Limited Edition40th Custom 24-08 Semi Ltd TCB · PRS59Stable$7,144€6,399$7,144€6,399Check ↗
- 34
Duesenberg Starplayer CBR Tobacco BurstDuesenberg · 4 finishes57Stable$2,902€2,599$2,902€2,599Check ↗
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Music Man Majesty 7 Premium Select KDMusic Man · 3 finishes57Stable$5,805€5,199$5,805€5,199Check ↗
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Mayones Guitars Aquila Aged V24 6 MMCGMayones Guitars · 3 finishes56Stable$3,907€3,499$3,907€3,499Check ↗
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PRS McCarty 594 Private StockPrivate Stock HPW McCarty MC · PRS56Stable$14,513€12,999$14,513€12,999Check ↗
- 38
Ibanez RG8620AH J. Customj.custom RG8620AH-AGF · Ibanez · 2 finishes55Stable$3,460€3,099$3,460€3,099Check ↗
- 39
Ibanez RG8570 J. Customj.custom RG8570-BSR · Ibanez55Stable$3,516€3,149$3,516€3,149Check ↗
- 40
Fender Stratocaster Deluxe NOS ALPBFender · 3 finishes55Stable$4,911€4,399$4,911€4,399Check ↗
- 41
Duesenberg Starplayer CBR Catalina GreenDuesenberg53↓ 13.0%$2,671€2,392$2,671€2,392Check ↗
- 42
PRS Custom 24 Floyd 10 Top CHPRS · 2 finishes53↓ 7.4%$5,581€4,999$5,581€4,999Check ↗
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Fender Custom Shop '50s Telecaster Thinline Relic50s Thinline Tele SOT HR · Fender53Stable$7,144€6,399$7,144€6,399Check ↗
- 44
Gibson ES-335 Figured DOBGibson · 2 finishes52↓ 1.5%$3,683€3,299$3,683€3,299Check ↗
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Music Man Jason Richardson Cutlass MP 7Music Man52↓ 2.4%$4,577€4,099$4,577€4,099Check ↗
- 46
Fender LTD 67 Strat HSS Vintage WhiteFender · 2 finishes52Stable$5,693€5,099$5,693€5,099Check ↗
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Fender LTD 63 Strat Jmr RW ASGMFender · 2 finishes52Stable$6,140€5,499$6,140€5,499Check ↗
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Fender LTD 70th 54 Strat Jmr ABFender · 2 finishes52Stable$6,586€5,899$6,586€5,899Check ↗
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Fender 61 Strat SHR Aged V White 3TSBFender · 3 finishes52Stable$7,479€6,699$7,479€6,699Check ↗
- 50
Gibson Les Paul 59 HPT MF #5Gibson52↓ 17.3%$7,567€6,777$7,567€6,777Check ↗
Premium Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 263 models we track, not a sample.
Median $6,251 — half of all premium guitars here cost less.
median of 79 models · 41.3 mm (1.63")–48 mm (1.89")
median of 186 models · 628 mm (24.72")–648 mm (25.51")
median of 121 models · 21–24
most common · 183 models
How to choose the best premium guitars
Wood Selection
It's not just about 'alder' or 'maple'. The density, grain, and seasoning of the wood directly impact resonance, sustain, and overall tonal character. A roasted maple neck, for example, offers incredible stability and a smoother feel than a standard maple neck.
Neck Profile & Fretwork
A comfortable neck is paramount. Whether you prefer a slim C, a chunky D, or a modern shred profile, it needs to feel natural in your hand. Equally crucial is the fretwork - perfectly leveled, crowned, and polished frets make a massive difference in playability and eliminate unwanted string noise.
Pickups & Electronics
This is where your sonic signature is forged. Premium guitars often feature hand-wound pickups with a specific voicing - maybe a warm, bluesy humbucker or a snappy single-coil with a touch of chime. Quality pots and caps also affect the tone and reduce noise.
Construction & Hardware
Look for tight neck joints, smooth hardware, and quality tuning machines. A well-built guitar will stay in tune, feel stable, and handle the rigors of gigging without issues. Small details like the bridge material and nut material contribute to sustain and resonance.
Finish & Binding
While not directly affecting tone, a premium finish signifies attention to detail and often indicates higher-quality construction. Nitrocellulose finishes, for example, are known for their breathability and how they age gracefully, unlike thick poly finishes.
Buying guide
So, you're ready to step up your game. Forget those guitars that buzz and feel like a 2x4 - we're talking about instruments that inspire, that just feel right in your hands, and that deliver a tone that elevates your playing. This isn't about flashy finishes; it's about the sum of all the little details that make a guitar truly special, from the wood selection to the fretwork. Let's dive into what separates a 'good' guitar from a premium one.
Buying a premium guitar is an investment, so don't rush it. Many cheaper guitars try to mimic the look of a high-end instrument, but the feel and the tone will always give it away. Pay close attention to the neck profile - that's something you can't change easily.
And remember, a guitar's tone is subjective; what sounds amazing to one player might not work for another, so try before you buy if you can.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 263 premium guitars from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
Are premium guitars really worth the money?
It depends. A premium guitar will often offer better feel, more nuanced tone, and improved reliability. However, it's about finding the right premium guitar for your needs and budget. A well-made mid-range instrument can sometimes outperform a poorly made premium one.
What's the deal with nitrocellulose finishes?
Nitro finishes are thinner and more porous than poly finishes, allowing the wood to breathe and potentially resonate better. They also age beautifully, developing a 'relic'd' look over time. However, they're more delicate and require more care.
Can I get a premium feel on a budget?
You can certainly improve the feel of a less expensive guitar with upgrades like a professional setup, a new nut, or better tuning machines. But there's a limit to how much you can transform a fundamentally lower-quality instrument.
What should I look for in a used premium guitar?
Carefully inspect the neck for any warping or excessive wear. Check the fret condition - are they worn down or uneven? And always test the electronics to ensure they're working correctly.
Does a higher-end guitar automatically sound 'better'?
Not necessarily. A 'better' guitar is one that suits your playing style and musical goals. A premium guitar provides more tonal options and a more refined feel, but it's ultimately up to you to unlock its potential.
