AudioFu

Best Fender Premium Guitars 2026

Premium Fender premium guitars - legendary tone and craftsmanship

Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Next update: January 21, 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
Fender 51 Nocaster NB HR NAMM - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Fender 51 Nocaster NB HR NAMM

by Fender
Professional Performance Serious Players High-End Collection
Key Feature:
• Superior tone and playability
✓ PROS
  • • Investment-grade instruments
  • • Master luthier craftsmanship
✗ CONS
  • • Overkill for beginners
  • • Insurance considerations

Fender 51 Nocaster NB HR NAMMElectric GuitarNAMM Limited Edition custom built modelBody: AshBolt-on neck:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (50 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 610722
$6,049
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fender LTD Red Hot Hardtail Strat 3SB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Fender LTD Red Hot Hardtail Strat 3SB

by Fender
Master Craftsmanship Studio Recording Investment Grade
Key Feature:
• Master luthier craftsmanship
✓ PROS
  • • Master luthier craftsmanship
  • • Investment-grade instruments
✗ CONS
  • • May be intimidating to casual players
  • • Overkill for beginners

Fender LTD Red Hot Hardtail Strat 3SBElectric GuitarLimited EditionCustom Shop modelBody: AlderBolt-on neck: Quatersawn...

⭐ 4.7/5 (23 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 601070
$6,819
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fender LTD '68 Strat Jmr CC BP - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Fender LTD '68 Strat Jmr CC BP

by Fender
Studio Recording Master Craftsmanship Serious Players
Key Feature:
• Professional appointments and features
✓ PROS
  • • Master luthier craftsmanship
  • • Highest quality materials and construction
✗ CONS
  • • Insurance considerations
  • • Overkill for beginners

Fender LTD '68 Strat Jmr CC BPElectric GuitarCustom Shop modelBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (10 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 601058
$5,994
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fender 62 Poblano Strat Jmr ASB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Fender 62 Poblano Strat Jmr ASB

by Fender
Master Craftsmanship Investment Grade Professional Performance
Key Feature:
• Investment-grade instruments
✓ PROS
  • • Investment-grade instruments
  • • Highest quality materials and construction
✗ CONS
  • • Insurance considerations
  • • Overkill for beginners

Fender LTD '62 Poblano Strat Jmr ASBElectric GuitarCustom Shop modelBody: AlderBolt-on neck: RiftsawnFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (33 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 601020
$6,599
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fender 63 Strat Relic DAR MBDB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Fender 63 Strat Relic DAR MBDB

by Fender
Investment Grade Master Craftsmanship Studio Recording
Key Feature:
• Highest quality materials and construction
✓ PROS
  • • Superior tone and playability
  • • Highest quality materials and construction
✗ CONS
  • • Overkill for beginners
  • • Insurance considerations

Fender 63 Strat Relic DAR MBDBElectric GuitarMaster built by Dave Brown2-Piece body: Selected alder‘Quartersawn’...

⭐ 4.8/5 (45 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 582181
$9,679
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fender 54 Tele Jmr FANB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Fender 54 Tele Jmr FANB

by Fender
Studio Recording Professional Performance High-End Collection
Key Feature:
• Highest quality materials and construction
✓ PROS
  • • Professional appointments and features
  • • Highest quality materials and construction
✗ CONS
  • • Overkill for beginners
  • • Very high price point

Fender LTD '54 Tele Jmr FANBElectric GuitarLimited EditionCustom Shop modelOne-piece bolt-on neck: Quartersawn AA...

⭐ 5.0/5 (17 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 601080
$6,379
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fender Stratocaster Deluxe NOS BS - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Fender Stratocaster Deluxe NOS BS

by Fender
Serious Players Professional Performance High-End Collection
Key Feature:
• Investment-grade instruments
✓ PROS
  • • Highest quality materials and construction
  • • Master luthier craftsmanship
✗ CONS
  • • Very high price point
  • • Overkill for beginners

Fender Stratocaster Deluxe NOS BSElectric GuitarLimited edition custom built modelBody: Selected light ashBolt-on neck:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (4 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 610987
$5,059
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fender 51 Nocaster DWB HR NAMM - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Fender 51 Nocaster DWB HR NAMM

by Fender
Investment Grade Professional Performance High-End Collection
Key Feature:
• Investment-grade instruments
✓ PROS
  • • Highest quality materials and construction
  • • Professional appointments and features
✗ CONS
  • • May be intimidating to casual players
  • • Requires careful maintenance

Fender 51 Nocaster DWB HR NAMMElectric GuitarNAMM Limited Edition custom built modelBody: AshBolt-on neck:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (41 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 610724
$6,049
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fender LTD 54 Strat Rel Cimarron Red - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Fender LTD 54 Strat Rel Cimarron Red

by Fender
Serious Players Master Craftsmanship High-End Collection
Key Feature:
• Superior tone and playability
✓ PROS
  • • Professional appointments and features
  • • Investment-grade instruments
✗ CONS
  • • May be intimidating to casual players
  • • Overkill for beginners

Fender LTD 54 Strat Rel Cimarron RedElectric GuitarCustom shop modelBody: AshOne-piece bolt-on neck: Quartersawn AA...

⭐ 4.6/5 (6 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 601331
$6,269
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fender LTD Custom '62 Strat RL AWB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Fender LTD Custom '62 Strat RL AWB

by Fender
Master Craftsmanship Serious Players Studio Recording
Key Feature:
• Highest quality materials and construction
✓ PROS
  • • Superior tone and playability
  • • Master luthier craftsmanship
✗ CONS
  • • Very high price point
  • • May be intimidating to casual players

Fender LTD Custom '62 Strat RL AWBElectric GuitarLimited EditionCustom shop modelBody: AshBolt-on neck:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (46 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 601075
$6,111
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fender La Cabronita Especial MBDB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Fender La Cabronita Especial MBDB

by Fender
High-End Collection Studio Recording Professional Performance
Key Feature:
• Investment-grade instruments
✓ PROS
  • • Master luthier craftsmanship
  • • Investment-grade instruments
✗ CONS
  • • Insurance considerations
  • • Very high price point

Fender La Cabronita Especial MBDBElectric GuitarCustom Shop ModelMasterbuilt by David BrownBody:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (3 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 577718
$10,449
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fender '61 Bone Tone Strat ASB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Fender '61 Bone Tone Strat ASB

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

Fender '61 Bone Tone Strat ASBElectric GuitarLimited EditionBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (45 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 574742
$7,259
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fender Custom 62 Strat JRN CC AB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Fender Custom 62 Strat JRN CC AB

by Fender
Investment Grade Professional Performance Master Craftsmanship
Key Feature:
• Superior tone and playability
✓ PROS
  • • Professional appointments and features
  • • Superior tone and playability
✗ CONS
  • • Very high price point
  • • Overkill for beginners

Fender Custom 62 Strat JRN CC ABElectric GuitarBody: AshBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodFingerboard radius: 241...

⭐ 4.8/5 (56 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 621722
$7,149
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fender LTD Roasted Strat Sp NOS RW AP - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Fender LTD Roasted Strat Sp NOS RW AP

by Fender
Serious Players High-End Collection Master Craftsmanship
Key Feature:
• Highest quality materials and construction
✓ PROS
  • • Master luthier craftsmanship
  • • Investment-grade instruments
✗ CONS
  • • May be intimidating to casual players
  • • Insurance considerations

Fender LTD Roasted Strat Sp NOS RW APElectric GuitarCustom Shop modelBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: AAA...

⭐ 4.7/5 (39 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 601330
$5,059
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fender LTD Fat '64 Strat JRN ABMM - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Fender LTD Fat '64 Strat JRN ABMM

by Fender
Investment Grade Studio Recording High-End Collection
Key Feature:
• Highest quality materials and construction
✓ PROS
  • • Professional appointments and features
  • • Superior tone and playability
✗ CONS
  • • Overkill for beginners
  • • May be intimidating to casual players

Fender LTD Fat '64 Strat JRN ABMMElectric GuitarLimited editionCustom Shop special modelBody: AlderBolt-on neck:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (18 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 600973
$5,719
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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