AudioFu

Best Premium Guitars 2026

Top-rated premium guitars 2026 - expert picks for every budget and skill level

Last updated: January 7, 2026 • Next update: January 14, 2026

PRICE RANGES: Under $5,000
SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced
GENRES & STYLES: For Professional Performance For Studio Recording For Investment Grade For Serious Players For High-End Collection For Master Craftsmanship
BRANDS: Gibson Fender Music Man PRS Mayones Guitars Ibanez Duesenberg ESP Charvel
Mayones Guitars Regius Core 6 AMH - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Mayones Guitars Regius Core 6 AMH

by Mayones Guitars
Master Craftsmanship High-End Collection Professional Performance
Key Feature:
• Master luthier craftsmanship
✓ PROS
  • • Investment-grade instruments
  • • Highest quality materials and construction
✗ CONS
  • • Insurance considerations
  • • Requires careful maintenance

Mayones Guitars Regius Core 6 AMHElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyTop: AAA flamed mapleNeck-thru-body: Mahogany /...

⭐ 4.7/5 (44 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 622052
$6,489
Buy at Thomann View Details
Mayones Guitars Regius 7 TDRG - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Mayones Guitars Regius 7 TDRG

by Mayones Guitars
Master Craftsmanship High-End Collection Serious Players
Key Feature:
• Highest quality materials and construction
✓ PROS
  • • Superior tone and playability
  • • Master luthier craftsmanship
✗ CONS
  • • Insurance considerations
  • • Requires careful maintenance

Mayones Guitars Regius 7 TDRGElectric GuitarBody: Flamed alderTop: Poplar burl 4A11-Piece neck-thru-body:...

⭐ 4.4/5 (26 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 609350
$6,489
Buy at Thomann View Details
Mayones Guitars Duvell Elite 6 TD Red Burst - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Mayones Guitars Duvell Elite 6 TD Red Burst

by Mayones Guitars
Studio Recording Master Craftsmanship High-End Collection
Key Feature:
• Professional appointments and features
✓ PROS
  • • Superior tone and playability
  • • Professional appointments and features
✗ CONS
  • • Very high price point
  • • Insurance considerations

Mayones Guitars Duvell Elite 6 TDBS; Electric Guitar; Body: Mahogany (Khaya Ivorensis); Top: Birdseye Poplar; Neck:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (30 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 618527
$4,069
Buy at Thomann View Details
Music Man Axis Ollalieberry Quilt - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Music Man Axis Ollalieberry Quilt

by Music Man
Professional Performance Master Craftsmanship Investment Grade
Key Feature:
• Master luthier craftsmanship
✓ PROS
  • • Superior tone and playability
  • • Professional appointments and features
✗ CONS
  • • Requires careful maintenance
  • • Insurance considerations

Music Man Axis Ollalieberry QuiltElectric GuitarBody: BasswoodTop: Quilted mapleTop: MapleFingerboard: MapleScale: 648...

⭐ 4.7/5 (13 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 607878
$4,289
Buy at Thomann View Details
Mayones Guitars Aquila Aged V24 6 MMNG - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Mayones Guitars Aquila Aged V24 6 MMNG

by Mayones Guitars
Investment Grade Master Craftsmanship High-End Collection
Key Feature:
• Highest quality materials and construction
✓ PROS
  • • Superior tone and playability
  • • Professional appointments and features
✗ CONS
  • • Requires careful maintenance
  • • Overkill for beginners

Mayones Guitars Aquila Aged V24 6 MMNGElectric GuitarBody: AshBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: Birdseye maple24...

⭐ 4.9/5 (46 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 618512
$3,849
Buy at Thomann View Details
Duesenberg Fantom Series A Olive - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Duesenberg Fantom Series A Olive

by Duesenberg
Professional Performance Investment Grade Master Craftsmanship
Key Feature:
• Investment-grade instruments
✓ PROS
  • • Investment-grade instruments
  • • Superior tone and playability
✗ CONS
  • • Insurance considerations
  • • Very high price point

Duesenberg Fantom Series A OliveElectric GuitarBody: MahoganySet-in neck: MahoganyFingerboard: EbonyFingerboard radius:...

⭐ 4.4/5 (51 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 587312
$3,628
Buy at Thomann View Details
Duesenberg Starplayer CBR Trans Orange - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Duesenberg Starplayer CBR Trans Orange

by Duesenberg
Master Craftsmanship Serious Players High-End Collection
Key Feature:
• Professional appointments and features
✓ PROS
  • • Investment-grade instruments
  • • Professional appointments and features
✗ CONS
  • • Very high price point
  • • Insurance considerations

Duesenberg Starplayer CBR Trans OrangeElectric GuitarType: Semi-hollowBody: MahoganyTop: MapleSet neck:...

⭐ 4.4/5 (36 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 618673
$3,024
Buy at Thomann View Details
Gretsch G6120 59 Nash. LTD MB CH AN - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Gretsch G6120 59 Nash. LTD MB CH AN

by Gretsch
Studio Recording Investment Grade Serious Players
Key Feature:
• Investment-grade instruments
✓ PROS
  • • Master luthier craftsmanship
  • • Highest quality materials and construction
✗ CONS
  • • May be intimidating to casual players
  • • Insurance considerations

Gretsch G6120 59 Nash. LTD MB CH ANElectric GuitarUSA Custom Shop Model - Masterbuilt by Chad HenrichsenStyle:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (17 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 553010
$13,198
Buy at Thomann View Details
Mayones Guitars Duvell Elite 6 Quilted Maple - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Mayones Guitars Duvell Elite 6 Quilted Maple

by Mayones Guitars
Investment Grade Professional Performance Serious Players
Key Feature:
• Superior tone and playability
✓ PROS
  • • Professional appointments and features
  • • Superior tone and playability
✗ CONS
  • • May be intimidating to casual players
  • • Insurance considerations

Mayones Guitars Duvell Elite 6 Quilted MapleElectric GuitarBody: Black LimbaTop: AAA Quilted mapleBolt-neck: Wenge /...

⭐ 4.7/5 (30 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 622039
$5,939
Buy at Thomann View Details
Music Man Luke IV HSS BFR Green Tide - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Music Man Luke IV HSS BFR Green Tide

by Music Man
Studio Recording Investment Grade Master Craftsmanship
Key Feature:
• Master luthier craftsmanship
✓ PROS
  • • Professional appointments and features
  • • Superior tone and playability
✗ CONS
  • • Requires careful maintenance
  • • Very high price point

Music Man Luke IV HSS BFR Green TideElectric GuitarBall Family Reserve LTD - limited to only 150 piecesBody: OkoumeTop:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (3 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 611638
$5,169
Buy at Thomann View Details
Gibson 70th Les Paul Cust. HPT 5AQ AN - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Gibson 70th Les Paul Cust. HPT 5AQ AN

by Gibson
Serious Players Professional Performance Investment Grade
Key Feature:
• Superior tone and playability
✓ PROS
  • • Professional appointments and features
  • • Superior tone and playability
✗ CONS
  • • Insurance considerations
  • • May be intimidating to casual players

Gibson 70th Les Paul Cust. HPT 5AQ ANElectric GuitarCustom Shop modelLes Paul CustomTop: Hand-selected quilted...

⭐ 4.4/5 (39 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 571733
$8,909
Buy at Thomann View Details
Charvel Custom Shop San Dimas MBJW - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Charvel Custom Shop San Dimas MBJW

by Charvel
Serious Players Master Craftsmanship Investment Grade
Key Feature:
• Highest quality materials and construction
✓ PROS
  • • Superior tone and playability
  • • Master luthier craftsmanship
✗ CONS
  • • Overkill for beginners
  • • Insurance considerations

Charvel Custom Shop San Dimas MBJWElectric GuitarCustom Shop model - Masterbuilt by „Metal“ Joe WilliamsBody:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (23 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 601132
$8,579
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fender Cunife Tele Custom Amber Relic - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Fender Cunife Tele Custom Amber Relic

by Fender
Serious Players Professional Performance Investment Grade
Key Feature:
• Professional appointments and features
✓ PROS
  • • Master luthier craftsmanship
  • • Investment-grade instruments
✗ CONS
  • • Overkill for beginners
  • • May be intimidating to casual players

Fender Cunife Tele Custom Amber RelicElectric Guitar2022 Limited EditionCustom ShopElectric guitarRoasted pine...

⭐ 4.9/5 (47 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 532053
$8,249
Buy at Thomann View Details
Gibson Les Paul C Bigsby HPT TR #2 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Gibson Les Paul C Bigsby HPT TR #2

by Gibson
Master Craftsmanship Studio Recording High-End Collection
Key Feature:
• Professional appointments and features
✓ PROS
  • • Investment-grade instruments
  • • Professional appointments and features
✗ CONS
  • • Insurance considerations
  • • Requires careful maintenance

Gibson Les Paul C Bigsby HPT TR #2Electric GuitarLes Paul CustomAccording to the specifications of our experts and...

⭐ 4.9/5 (35 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 619880
$8,139
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fender 60 Tele Bigsby Rel AB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Fender 60 Tele Bigsby Rel AB

by Fender
Investment Grade Professional Performance High-End Collection
Key Feature:
• Master luthier craftsmanship
✓ PROS
  • • Superior tone and playability
  • • Highest quality materials and construction
✗ CONS
  • • May be intimidating to casual players
  • • Requires careful maintenance

Fender LTD '60 Tele Bigsby Rel ABElectric GuitarLimited EditionCustom Shop ModelBody: AshBolt-on neck:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (34 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 600989
$7,039
Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Premium 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 premium 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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