AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Signature Guitars for Beginner 2026
The top pick is Ibanez PS60 Paul Stanley Signature Iceman ($402). Ibanez PS120 Paul Stanley Signature Iceman leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 103 models across 20 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 19, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Ibanez PS60 Paul Stanley Signature Iceman
PS60-SSL · Ibanez
30 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale628 mm (24.72")
- BodyPoplar body
The PS60-SSL is a seriously fun guitar, embodying Paul Stanley's stage presence and offering a surprisingly powerful sound for its price. It’s a great entry point into the Ibanez world and a solid choice for players wanting that classic rock vibe without the premium price tag – especially those drawn to a slightly shorter scale and a bit more aggression.
Pros
- Poplar body delivers a surprisingly resonant and balanced tone.
- Infinity R pickups offer a hot, aggressive output ideal for rock and glam.
- Maple neck provides fast playability and comfortable access up the fretboard.
Cons
- New Zealand pine fretboard can feel a bit softer than rosewood or ebony.
- Scale length is shorter, limiting low-end extension and sustain compared to longer scales.
63AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$402 now$402€357 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42.9 mm (1.69")
- Scale625 mm (24.61")
- Frets22 frets
- BodyMahogany body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
The SE Zach Myers is a surprisingly well-built instrument, offering a semi-hollow vibe without the premium price tag. It's a great choice for rock, blues, and modern styles, especially if you appreciate a comfortable neck and versatile humbucker tones. This guitar delivers a lot of value for the money and is a fantastic entry point into the PRS world.
Pros
- Mahogany body provides a warm, resonant foundation for a balanced tone.
- Wide Fat neck profile offers excellent comfort and grip for players with larger hands.
- PRS 245 'S' humbuckers deliver a versatile range from crunchy rhythm to singing leads.
Cons
- The 'Wide Fat' neck profile might not suit players preferring thinner, faster necks.
- Semi-hollow construction can be prone to feedback at higher gain levels.
77AudioFu
Index↓ 1.2%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$922 · Aug 17$910 now$910€809 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Epiphone Joan Jett Signature Olympic Special
Joan Jett Olympic Special VSB · Epiphone
16 for sale on Reverb1 finish 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 neck. The single PowerHammer Pro pickup drives it loud, but the one volume knob and on/off switch keep the controls simple. It suits players who want a classic sound without extra features.
Pros
- Mahogany body and neck for strong sustain and warmth
- Rosewood fingerboard with 22 medium jumbo frets
- PowerHammer Pro bridge pickup for solid output
Cons
- Single volume control limits tone shaping options
- On/Off toggle switch lacks master volume or pickup selection
54AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Sep 17Sep 17$652 now$652€579 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Frets22 frets
- BodyMaple body
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This Epiphone Lucille is a fantastic tribute to B.B.'s iconic instrument. The ebony fretboard and classic humbuckers give it a gorgeous, vintage tone, and the Varitone switch adds a unique dimension. It’s a premium-priced option perfect for blues and soul players looking for that authentic feel and sound.
Pros
- Ebony fingerboard offers exceptional clarity and sustain; a real premium touch.
- AlNiCo Classic Pro pickups deliver warm, articulate blues tones with surprising power.
- 6-Way Varitone switch expands tonal options beyond typical humbucker territory.
Cons
- The 5-ply laminated body, while stable, lacks the resonant complexity of solid wood.
- Ebony fingerboards can be prone to cracking if exposed to extreme humidity changes.
58AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$899 now$899€799 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Fingerboard radius216 mm (8.5")
- BodyPoplar body
- FingerboardMaple fingerboard
This left-handed Silver Sky Summit Purple is a real looker and a surprisingly capable instrument. It nails that clean, bell-like tone John Mayer is known for, making it perfect for funk, blues, and lighter rock styles. The build quality is solid for the price point, and the neck profile is seriously comfortable.
Pros
- Summit Purple finish is stunning; a unique, eye-catching aesthetic.
- 635JM single coils deliver a remarkably articulate and chimey tone.
- Maple neck with 635JM profile offers excellent playability and comfort.
Cons
- Poplar body, while resonant, lacks the sustain of mahogany or alder.
- 216mm radius fingerboard might feel less familiar to players used to flatter profiles.
48AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$843 now$843€749 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale635 mm (25")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius254 mm (10")
- BodyMahogany body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This guitar feels solid thanks to its mahogany body and set neck. The rosewood fingerboard and DGT profile make it easy to play. It has two humbuckers for a thick sound and a special tremolo system. It suits players who want a warm tone and unique movement without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Solid mahogany body and set neck for sturdy feel
- Rosewood fingerboard with comfortable DGT profile
- Two DGT humbuckers deliver thick, warm tones
Cons
- Limited controls with only two volume knobs
- No information on actual string tension or weight
48AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$860 now$860€764 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets22 frets
- BodyBasswood body
- FingerboardLaurel fingerboard
This guitar has a sleek matte finish and a soft neck that feels comfortable to play. The long scale and extra frets help you reach high notes easily. It sounds big and loud thanks to the custom humbuckers. Great for players who want a solid tone without spending a fortune.
Pros
- Matte olive green finish looks unique and modern
- Soft V neck profile is easy for any hand size
- 22 frets give plenty of reach up the neck
Cons
- No weight listed makes handling feel unknown
- Body is basswood instead of heavier maple
40AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$737 now$737€655 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale622 mm (24.49")
- Frets24 frets
- BodyMahogany body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This SE Santana SY is a fantastic entry point into Carlos’s signature sound. It nails that Santana vibe with its warm mahogany, powerful humbuckers, and comfortable neck—a real winner for blues, rock, and Latin-infused players seeking a premium-priced instrument.
Pros
- Mahogany body provides a warm, resonant foundation for Santana’s signature tones.
- Wide fat neck profile offers excellent comfort and grip for players with larger hands.
- PRS SE Santana humbuckers deliver thick, creamy overdrive and sustain.
Cons
- The 'wide fat' neck isn't ideal for players preferring a thinner, faster profile.
- Tremolo system, while functional, isn't as smooth or reliable as higher-end PRS units.
43AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$874 now$874€777 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- BodyPoplar body
This guitar feels great in hand thanks to the light poplar body and smooth maple neck. The John Mayer signature pickups give it a clear, open tone perfect for fingerstyle. It is a budget-friendly option that looks cool in the shop, though you will need an amp with humbuckers if you want a heavy sound.
Pros
- John Mayer signature model brings a distinct personal touch to the design.
- Poplar body offers a lightweight feel that is easy to hold for long sessions.
- Maple neck provides a smooth, fast playing surface for intricate fingerwork.
Cons
- Three single-coil pickups may introduce audible hum in high-gain settings.
- Limited control options with only two tone knobs restrict signal shaping.
41AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$865 now$865€769 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- BodyOkoume body
This PS120-BK is a solid choice for players craving that classic, Paul Stanley vibe. The mahogany body and Duncan pickups give you a thick, powerful tone perfect for rock and blues, while the ebony fretboard offers a smooth playing experience. It's a premium-priced instrument that nails the aesthetic and delivers a lot of bang for your buck for fans of that particular sound and style.
Pros
- Mahogany body delivers rich, warm sustain and a powerful low-end
- Seymour Duncan pickups offer a versatile range, from bluesy crunch to high-gain rock
- Ebony fretboard provides exceptional clarity and note definition
Cons
- Mahogany construction makes it relatively heavy, potentially fatiguing for some players
- The aesthetic is very specific – not for players wanting a subtle or modern look
50AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,214 now$1,214€1,079 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 103 signature guitars
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Charvel Warren DeMartini Signature Pro-Mod Blood and SkullWarren DeMartini Signature · Charvel54Stable$1,349€1,199$1,349€1,199Check ↗
- 12
Schecter Nick Johnston Signature PTSignature Nick Johnston HSS AF · Schecter52Stable$1,304€1,159$1,304€1,159Check ↗
- 13
Ibanez PGM50 Paul Gilbert SignaturePGM50-BK · Ibanez58Stable$1,462€1,299$1,462€1,299Check ↗
- 14
Sterling by Music Man Fluff StingRay RTRSterling by Music Man · 2 finishes48Stable$1,237€1,099$1,237€1,099Check ↗
- 15
Ibanez BER10 Bernth Signature PremiumBER10 Bernth Signature BK · Ibanez56↓ 16.6%$1,500€1,333$1,500€1,333Check ↗
- 16
Sterling by Music Man Rabea ASBSterling by Music Man45Stable$1,237€1,099$1,237€1,099Check ↗
- 17
Fender John 5 Ghost Tele WHTFender · 2 finishes46Stable$1,349€1,199$1,349€1,199Check ↗
- 18
Epiphone Gem Archer Sheraton Mbilt CREpiphone40Stable$1,203€1,069$1,203€1,069Check ↗
- 19
Hagstrom Ultra Max Danko Jones Sign.Hagstrom34Stable$1,124€999$1,124€999Check ↗
- 20
Sterling by Music Man Majesty 100 Artic DreamSterling by Music Man45Stable$1,406€1,249$1,406€1,249Check ↗
- 21
Jackson Pro Wes Borland KV BLKWHTJackson44Stable$1,383€1,229$1,383€1,229Check ↗
- 22
Charvel Sean Long Pro-Mod SD1 HH NPICharvel40Stable$1,315€1,169$1,315€1,169Check ↗
- 23
Evh Wolfgang Special QM Purple BEvh39Stable$1,462€1,299$1,462€1,299Check ↗
- 24
ESP LTD Snakebyte James Hetfield SignatureSnakebyte BLKS James Hetfield · ESP70↓ 4.0%$6,376€5,666$6,376€5,666Check ↗
- 25
Fender Artist Series Jim Root Signature TelecasterJim Root Telecaster EB SHG · Fender68↓ 1.1%$2,002€1,779$2,002€1,779Check ↗
- 26
Gibson Slash Collection Les Paul StandardLes Paul Slash Standard AA LH · Gibson · 2 finishes68↓ 1.1%$3,116€2,769$3,116€2,769Check ↗
- 27
Ibanez TOD70 Tim Henson SignatureTOD70 Tim Henson · Ibanez67Stable$1,968€1,749$1,968€1,749Check ↗
- 28
Fender Mike McCready Signature StratocasterMike McCready Strat 3TSB · Fender66Stable$1,968€1,749$1,968€1,749Check ↗
- 29
Gibson Warren Haynes Signature Les Paul Standard '60sWarren Haynes Les Paul Std · Gibson65Stable$2,812€2,499$2,812€2,499Check ↗
- 30
Schecter Synyster Gates Signature Synyster Standard PlusSynyster Std Plus FR TDR · Schecter · 2 finishes63↓ 2.1%$1,518€1,349$1,518€1,349Check ↗
- 31
Schecter Nick Johnston Traditional HSS 10th AnniversaryNick Johnston 10th An HSS AS · Schecter63Stable$1,799€1,599$1,799€1,599Check ↗
- 32
Gibson Adam Jones Signature Les Paul StandardLP Standard Adam Jones ASB · Gibson63↓ 2.2%$2,750€2,444$2,750€2,444Check ↗
- 33
Schecter Hellraiser C-1C-1 Jerry Horton 25th WH · Schecter62↓ 9.7%$1,574€1,399$1,574€1,399Check ↗
- 34
Framus Artist Line Shark WH 1 TP OGFramus · 11 finishes62Stable$1,789€1,590$1,789€1,590Check ↗
- 35
Gibson Noel Gallagher Signature Les Paul StandardNoel Gallagher LP Standard EB · Gibson61Stable$2,802€2,490$2,802€2,490Check ↗
- 36
Framus Artist Line Breaker WH 1 FR CWFramus · 11 finishes60Stable$1,665€1,480$1,665€1,480Check ↗
- 37
Ibanez ATZ300 25th Anniversary Premium Andy Timmons SignatureATZ300-BK Andy Timmons · Ibanez60Stable$3,375€2,999$3,375€2,999Check ↗
- 38
Ibanez JS2480 Joe Satriani SignatureJS2480-WH · Ibanez58Stable$3,375€2,999$3,375€2,999Check ↗
- 39
PRS Santana Signature Retro 10-TopSantana Retro FW · PRS · 2 finishes58Stable$5,288€4,699$5,288€4,699Check ↗
- 40
Jackson Legend Series Scott Ian Signature RR22 RhoadsLTD Scott Ian RR22 NOT · Jackson56Stable$2,171€1,929$2,171€1,929Check ↗
- 41
Reverend Billy Corgan Signature Z-OneBilly Corgan Signature SPW · Reverend55Stable$1,574€1,399$1,574€1,399Check ↗
- 42
ESP LTD SCT-607B Stephen Carpenter Signature 7-String BaritoneLTD SCT607 Baritone Black · ESP54Stable$2,081€1,849$2,081€1,849Check ↗
- 43
Ibanez JS240PS Premium Joe Satriani SignatureJS240PS-CA · Ibanez53Stable$1,799€1,599$1,799€1,599Check ↗
- 44
Yamaha RS20MM Matteo Mancuso Signature RevstarMatteo Mancuso RS20MM VSB · Yamaha52Stable$1,687€1,499$1,687€1,499Check ↗
- 45
Ibanez M80M Meshuggah SignatureM80M Meshuggah · Ibanez52↓ 3.4%$1,737€1,544$1,737€1,544Check ↗
- 46
Schecter Keith Merrow KM-6 MK-III LegacyKeith Merrow KM-6 MK-III EX · Schecter52Stable$2,081€1,849$2,081€1,849Check ↗
- 47
Ibanez PS3CM Paul Stanley Signature Cracked Mirror IcemanPS3CM · Ibanez51Stable$7,088€6,299$7,088€6,299Check ↗
- 48
Reverend Billy Corgan Signature Drop ZBilly Corgan Drop Z HTB · Reverend · 2 finishes50Stable$1,743€1,549$1,743€1,549Check ↗
- 49
PRS Fiore HH Satin Black HyacinthPRS50↓ 6.7%$3,150€2,799$3,150€2,799Check ↗
- 50
PRS Fiore HH Satin SunflowerPRS49↓ 3.3%$3,262€2,899$3,262€2,899Check ↗
Signature Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 137 models we track, not a sample.
Median $1,822 — half of all signature guitars here cost less.
median of 117 models · 41.3 mm (1.63")–47.6 mm (1.87")
median of 125 models · 628 mm (24.72")–667 mm (26.26")
most common · 124 models
most common · 98 models
How to choose the best signature guitars
Playability
A comfortable neck profile is everything for a beginner. A thick, shred-style neck will be a pain to learn on. Look for something with a C or D profile - easy to grip, not too chunky.
Action & Setup
A high action (distance between strings and frets) makes chords hard to form cleanly. Ideally, the guitar should be reasonably well-set up out of the box, but be prepared to have it adjusted by a tech - it's a cheap investment.
Pickup Voicing
Harsh, overly-aggressive pickups can mask sloppy playing and make it hard to dial in a usable clean tone. We're looking for something with a bit more warmth and a smoother high end - something that's forgiving.
Complexity
Too many switches, knobs, and weird pickup combinations can be overwhelming. A simpler control layout lets you focus on the fundamentals - learning your scales and chords, not figuring out what the 'coil-split' button does.
Overall Build Quality
Beginner guitars often cut corners. Check for fret buzz, sharp fret ends, and sloppy hardware. It doesn't need to be flawless, but it shouldn't feel like it's falling apart.
Buying guide
So, you're starting out and eyeing those signature guitars? Smart move - they represent a level of artistry and a player's voice. But not all signature models are created equal for a beginner. We're going to break down some guitars that are genuinely approachable, won't break the bank, and won't leave you fighting the instrument instead of learning to play it.
Don't get seduced by the name alone. A signature guitar is a reflection of a player's style, not necessarily a beginner-friendly design. Often, these guitars are built with specific, advanced playing techniques in mind, which can complicate things.
Factor in the cost of a professional setup - it's almost always necessary. And remember, a slightly less 'famous' model from a brand known for quality is often a better bet than a budget version of a legend's axe.
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 137 signature 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 signature guitars always more expensive?
Not always, but they often carry a premium. The name recognition and perceived 'cool factor' can inflate the price. Shop around and consider less flashy models.
My favorite guitarist uses a [Specific Guitar Model]. Should I get it?
Just because a guitarist uses it doesn't mean it's right for you. Consider your own playing style and comfort level first. That Strat might be amazing in their hands, but a nightmare for your fingers.
What does 'neck profile' even mean?
It's the shape of the back of the neck. Thicker necks are generally easier for beginners, but it's a personal preference. Try a few different shapes in a store if you can.
I'm on a tight budget. Should I just get a generic guitar?
A well-chosen signature model can be a good value, even on a budget. Focus on playability over flashy features. Sometimes a slightly older model is a better deal.
What's the deal with 'coil-splitting'?
It's a pickup modification that allows a humbucker pickup to sound more like a single-coil. Cool for versatility, but not essential for a beginner. Don't let it sway your decision.
