13 GREAT Guitars That You Might NOT Know About!

[@sublyme2157]

Call it nostalgia, but if you're old enough to remember the 80s and 90s, you remember Carvin catalogs! I own a couple Carvins (including a DC600), that I will not part with, if for no other reason than the beloved name on the headstock.

[@ImagineRecordings]

Carvin gear, in general, is some of the most underrated around. Their very short lived foray into making moderate to high-ish end microphones, for example, is not very well known, but the condenser and tube condenser mics they put out in that short time are fantastic. However, they didn't sell well due to brand identity: "Wait, Carvin makes mics? Weird." Picture Fender selling somewhat unique looking $400-1000 condenser and tube condenser mics (including custom power supplies, cables & hard cases), with the familiar Fender headstock logo all over the place... and imagine what the reaction would likely be to that to get an idea of why Carvin didn't stay in the mic market. Haha. They were maybe a bit of a curiosity to some people, but for $400-1000, Carvin was in an uphill battle from the start with so many already well established mic brands (Neumann, RØDE, AKG, Audio Technica, etc) offering nice mics in that middle price range. So, there aren't a ton of those Carvin mics out there, but they do sound good for the price (if you can find them for sale).

[@chopperdeath]

I had a black v220t. I saved money for almost a year to get it fully kited out, $680 in 1986.

[@VoxMax1200]

I use Yamaha Pacifica 112 almost 20 years. A pretty good alternative for Fender Stratocaster. I am very satisfied. Great video!

[@gemini2012100]

The stupidest guitar shape is the reversed flying V.

[@snakebitemcghee4959]

Reverse flying V and you get "the face"lol

[@RobertWJackson]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@gemini2012100]

@@snakebitemcghee4959 Lol You're right about that.

[@dalton7145]

Amen!

[@dystopiagear6999]

It's sooooo bad that it even goes way past the "so ugly it's kind of cute" territory that some dogs live in. If I were teaching a general design class I would keep one of those right next to the lectern as the ultimate bad example.

[@leslawrenson]

Another brand from the 80s that is worth checking out is Fernandes. They were made in Japan in the same factory that made the Jacksons are Charvels. Indeed, the ST-75 is effectively the same guitar as the Charvel Model 4, but with "Fernandes" on the headstock. I have an STJ-75 that plays as well as any USA Jackson.

[@bencarpenter5711]

Burny, Fernandes same👍👍

[@kellybates1972]

Kirk Hammett played a Fernandes early in his career.

[@wjniemi]

+1 for Yamaha Pacifica. I have a 521 and it plays and sounds great. The Pacifica tremolo system was better than my American Special Strat tremolo. After putting in roller bridge pieces, a TUSQ nut, and TUSQ string guides the Strat is about as good as the Pacifica regarding intonation and tremolo. If you come across a 521 you might like it. I had an African band in the studio for 2 CDs and their guitarists used the Pacifica for all their guitar tracks.

[@roccos7642]

I bought a Vester Telecaster when I was in Korea over 20 years ago...It's my travel-around guitar and I still play it nearly every day...I really like it. It came with a hard case, cord, strap, guitar stand, pack of strings, and some picks....for less than $100 new! I changed out ALL the electronics - that cost twice as much as the guitar, but it cleaned up to sound like a Tele should. The tuning pegs are junk...when I change the strings, a couple fall out of the head! But they work. The guitar has literally been all around the world with me and it's held up well.

[@johnphillycheesegrind9598]

Guild S100 reissue is one of the best feeling guitars I’ve played in a long time. It can also take hits I’ve waked this thing so many times and it has zero scratches or dings it’s really wild

[@clarkbabin9799]

In 96 I bought a rogue RG6B. More or less it was a next to exact copy of a Jackson. Complete with locking headstock, sharkfin inlays, humbuckers at the neck, a single coil mid body, humbuckers at the tail bridge and a licensed floyd rose. All equipment in black body in a vibrant cobalt blue

[@clarkbabin9799]

Plays awesomely and is a basswood body

[@stonefreews]

My Carvin DC600 is one of my favorites that I own. Bought it used. Swamp ash body wings, 5 pieces walnut and maple neck thru, birdseye maple fretboard, original FR, pull knob coil split, Carvin M22SD / H22 humbuckers, satin finish... Love it

[@rnrsteev]

I liked every Carvin I ever played.

[@memyself4ever1]

I remember Prince playing a VOX with the band 3RD EYEGIRL . This was a few years before his passing. The model was a black hollow bodied guitar.

[@mrax101]

Had a Parker Fly Deluxe. As much as I loved it, I couldn't stop that upper horn from impaling my chest, no matter how I held it. I'd come home with bruises on my chest. At the same time, I still miss it.

[@RobertWJackson]

The shape doesn’t do it for everybody, but they sure do play nice.

[@gummybearkiller1]

Had one too. Loved it until it was time to hang it on the wall.

[@johnw5734]

Now that I'm older I've been on a quest for light easy to play guitars. Was shopping for a Parker and found them used only and expensive. Wound up going with Strandberg. Kind of pricey but was so pleased I bought 2.

[@RobertWJackson]

Check out the Music Man Majestys. You won’t be disappointed. 😉

[@Metalbass10000]

Yeah, I'm not crazy about the aesthetics of the body on the Parker you show, nor the headstock shape, but I've played two and they were both great to play. What surprised me was when I built a guitar with that body shape, and a similar neck, it was extremely comfortable and extremely well balanced.

[@JunkfoodZombieGuns]

I 100% agree with the Carvin. Not that model specifically. Just Carvin, period. I recently ran into a used DC127 at my local Guitar Center and was excited to try it out as I hadn't seen one in forever. Koa top, maple neck-through body, with rounded sides and an ebony fretboard. It was one of the best playing (and sounding) guitars I have ever played. Build quality is phenomenal. You can tell the people who made it really cared about making a quality instrument. It now lives with me. I had to have it. Now, I wanna find more. 😂

[@donkarnage6032]

Certainly not a guitar that nobody knows about but one that I would strongly recommend to anybody is a Peavey Wolfgang. They usually go used from $500-1200 which is in a similar price range to the new EVH models. I find the neck on the Peavey version far more comfortable to play than the new ones. Peavey the guitar brand has really taken a nosedive in recent years. It's been years since I've a new Peavey guitar in a store.

[@grahamokeefe9406]

A buddy of mine had a Parker Fly. I thought it was stupidly gimmicky, but he sounded great on it, and when I tried it out, I thought it played very nicely.

[@dougcook7507]

I owned a mid 80s Washburn flying V that had the Wonderbar trem on it. I absolutely loved that trem and regret to this day selling it. I want to say the model was an RR-11v...

[@ganazby]

I have a Godin Freeway SA, which is hands down the best guitar I’ve ever played. The rosewood neck - which I had refretted with stainless steel frets - is sheer perfection. I also have a Charvel Pro Mod and a USA Strat, both great guitars, but not in the same league as the Godin. It’s a shame that Godin stopped making this model, as I think it’s an absolute classic. John McLaughlin played one for a couple of years, which is endorsement enough for me.

[@DarthEcoli]

The only time I've ever gotten to play a Parker Nightfly was in, wait for it . . . . . GUITAR CENTER in Columbus. I loved it straight away and always wanted one. The price tag kinda thwarted that though.

[@charly611pm]

Hey brother ! I love your channel. Your reviews have saved me money AND cost me money. Between you and the guitologist I've actually become educated in the world of equipment . Your a trip and if there is anyway I can help support your channel let me know! Thanks for all you do Robert!

[@RobertWJackson]

Thank you so much, glad you’re enjoying my channel! Various different ways to support the channel are down in the Description if you’re interested in doing so. Thanks again!

[@fistofthesnortstar]

I got the chance to buy a Parker Fly original (1st run) years back, it's been my main since.

[@thedaver8]

TOTALLY agree about Yamaha and Parker. My first guitar was a Yamaha Pacifica and I recently got a Yamaha Revstar and was amazed and how great it is, and the cost is a STEAL. My Number 1 is a Parker Fly Mojo, and you're right, Parkers are absolutely perfect. It's a joy every time I play it and always sounds perfect no matter what I'm playing.

[@thehunter24]

Fender TC90 . Bought one for cheap 2nd hand. Wonderful double cut semi hollow guitar. Perfect if you like the Les Paul DC body with a Fender neck.

[@malcolmhardwick4258]

noobynooberson just watched Darrell braun Guitar upgrade his one ☺

[@thehunter24]

@@malcolmhardwick4258 Is that the JA-90 model? I couldn't find the TC-90, but yeah almost the same model minus the double cut and the TC-90 is made in Korea. Excellent guitars. I wish Fender still made the double cut version as I love dc guitars. I upgraded the pick ups of mine with some mini humbuckers from the Creamery and it's easily one of the best guitars I've had the pleasure of owning.

[@thehunter24]

@@imd1b4u never heard of these before. They look cool! I especially love the finish options they had. If there's a squier I would buy, this could be one of them

[@malcolmhardwick4258]

noobynooberson can't remember exactly the model designation. But a short scale tele with glued neck and p90s. Looks well cool ☺

[@benebluesman]

I just picked up a pacifica tele copy. Had half a dozen mods in mind before it was even in my hands. $140 CAD. Thanks for boosting my confidence in my purchase.

[@georgerigberg4335]

Godin guitars are under appreciated!

[@johnmatthews5321]

I love cats and guitars too George

[@trueknowledgeispower]

Godins are one of those guitars that you are married to after you buy one,.......horrible resale value.

[@edgardargotte3280]

Solo en acusticas casi nadie conoce las electricas godin

[@neilswan8015]

Probably because they don't really get endorsed

[@ganazby]

John McLaughlin played Godin Freeways for a couple of years.

[@garrettallen7140]

1985 Ibanez Flying V pro series. Picked one up about a year ago and love it

[@ronaldmorton9897]

I think you might have missed one. Electra Guitars made a LP copy that was fantastic back in the late 70's early 80's. Also Burns makes a few guitars that are player guitars.

[@ghfdt368]

For me its the Charvel San Dimas. I own the hardtail version in the chlorine burst colour. its not really that unknown a model but its an incredible guitar. This is coming from a mostly blues guy, i bought it so i had something a little different and with a bit more punch and i adore this guitar. I was amazed how good it sounds played clean or slightly pushed as well as driven for which im assuming it was mostly designed for even though they added a coil split into the model too so gives you a massive variety of cool sounds, which is very useful for a guy like me who plays mostly clean or with just a bit of punch. You can pick these up for less than $600 USD used and is amazing value for money.

[@GearGasms]

Such a relief to hear some positive guitar stuff! Lol - great video - right in your wheelhouse!

[@RobertWJackson]

Thanks buddy!

[@Ashadowtotheworld]

A couple more to consider: Carvin Ultra V - The most unique V shape guitar out there Brian Moore Guitars - Anything by them, little known brand with great quality throughout their product lineup.

[@stevehogan8829]

Absolutely 100% right about the Parker Fly Series. Best playing guitar I have...

[@kitano0]

I have a P44 that I think is beautiful, and plays as good as any high-end guitar I've ever played...

[@juanlauda2300]

Love being told I'm right, being a married man it's not something I hear very often...

[@lordmanshaft1112]

Shoutout to EBMM Silhouettes. You can pick them up used in good condition for like 800-900 bucks all day long, and youre getting some insane quality at that price

[@jaronledbetter942]

I love the “ Reverse V Face” 🤣 🤣🤣🤣 Keep spreading the good word !

[@RobertWJackson]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@scottsalas9981]

Lame

[@RobertWJackson]

Moist.

[@CarsInDimension]

The First Act "Studio For Artists" versions of the Delia, Lola, and Sheena, based on the custom shop guitars but reportedly made by the same factory in China that makes Epiphones, are great guitars for the money.

[@johntaylor7496]

Thanks for finally endorsing the reverse V. I knew you would come around. Gibson Norlin era single coils sound amazing.

[@RobertWJackson]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@IETCHX69]

You sat dead pan until I broke up laughing .

[@frankdiehl8749]

Cool! Own a Pacifica 604w from 2003, tricked out 80's style. Flawless instrument in materials as well as fit/finish. Don't know if they're really underappreciated or that unknown, but they punch above their weight.

[@portuguesebeer5069]

I had a white Vester "Rhoads" imitation for many years. It was made of plywood. Cheers from Portugal 🍺🤘

[@stevewise3286]

The expression on your face and the long, silent pause as you showed the reversed Flying V Gibson guitar of the week was priceless! That, alone, made the video for me--a true LOL moment! The rest of the (actually) cool guitars you showed made for a great video as well. Thanks!

[@RobertWJackson]

Thanks man, glad you enjoyed it! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Shredmasterjb1983]

Wasn't dean bankrupt when dime got big enough to roll with washburn? Got back in business Around 05?

[@RobertWJackson]

I’ve heard that before, but I’m honestly not sure.

[@TheGhostGuitars]

Yamaha: have the EG-112 and the SC-300T, both are excellent guitars. Am currently looking for a Pacifica after playing a friend's, especially loved the really flat shred-tastic fretboard and neck. BCRich: while very hard to find locally (aside from the Warrior), are excellent guitars, especially if your thing are for the more extreme metal shaped guitars. First Act: I agree, while the bulk are the WalMart specials (as in Especially Junky). However, noticed that many First Act that has higher model ID numbers -300s, -400s, -500s etc. actually can be excellent mod platforms. Just first check them out for the usual hit/miss in quality control (frets sticking out, wierd necks, etc.), but if you're buying online for less than 60$, it's not as much of a risk. I have a flat red ME-538, that proved to be an excellent project starting point. Took the craptastic single humbucker and the sole volume pot out and replaced them with a SD Distortion humbucker and a p/p volume pot to split the humbucker on demand. Should see the surprised faces when I pull that guitar out. A surefire conversation piece! (More later, gotta go to work)

[@eddiejr540]

I had a '82 Dean ML back in the day...i could play that thing thru any amp and come real close to the "brown sound"...dont know what those stock pick-ups were (maybe dimarzios) but that guitar was a beast!!!!

[@iainbuchanan5577]

Spot on re: mockingbird imo. The alt Les Paul! I own a pro x goldtop with duncans in it. Surprisingly I still play my other guitars.

[@silentwhisperstudios7808]

Out of all the guitars you talked about. Lucky for me a few have been made left handed. Like BC Rich , Carvin , Parker , Gibson. I wouldn't change being left handed for anything. Because , most people I know play right handed. And they can't play mine... lol one great advantage to being a lefty 👍

[@jeromerobinson1428]

I agree brother

[@mikemadden2729]

I record on minidiscs, similar situation ... people don't want to borrow or steal them.

[@johnbraucher1499]

1982 carvin dc200 ebony board, stereo electronics, push pull coils, kahler tromolo, m22 pickups, was THE BEST guitar I have EVER played. I cant imagine what a high end carvin would feel like.

[@anthonyprice5596]

Back in the 80s there was a company in Japan called Westbury and they were a kind les Paul type guitar, but much higher quality. Can't tell you how much nicer, unless you have a les Paul and one together to compare. But worth a look. Keep up the good work.

[@anthonyprice5596]

@The Rebound Guy they are great, it's a shame they were only in production for such a short time, I'm not sure if the company changed their name, or went on to other things, but I haven't found a guitar that I feel so comfortable playing, however I haven't tried a Paul Reed Smith. I hope I'll like one of them, because I've just had the last fret job done on my Westbury, next time it's new frets!!! And I dont only play that, I also play an Ibaneze , a Squire ,an Epiphone and two basses. But I go back to the Westbury, it's like a really comfortable pair of shoes, just fits me, and makes all the right noises!!!

[@mikewhitfield2994]

If memory serves, Westbury was one of the high end marques manufactured by Matsumoku, the only guitar company to make necks even better than Peavey. Sweet guitars, although the electronics aren’t that great. But no one did better wood working than Matsumoku and with the higher end brands like Greco and Westbury they could really shine.

[@generalissimoliberty]

WoW! Great ideas and guitars on this list. I have a little problem; it is me, not the guitars. Some injuries force me to play left-handed guitars, not by choice, but it is a necessity. That limits my options to none of these, and there are more left-handed players than most would think. Usually, left-handed electric guitars come in two forms: the base model or the custom shop. Could you do a list of mid-priced left handed guitars ($600.00 - $1500.00)?

[@michaelpetrak7427]

I am lucky to have a Gibson Xr 1.... played by Steve Clark... the dirty fingers pick ups alone are amazing

[@JonathanHiller]

Vester was distributed by Midco distributing out of Effingham, IL. Same company sold 4-track recorders under the Vestax name. And yeah, Midco is gone. They were sold by their parent company, Samuel Music, to Musicorp (which was based out of Charleston, SC, which was sold after a couple years to KMC/Kaman music, which was then sold a couple years ago to JAM distributing out of Canada).

[@rokinrandy]

washburn in the 90s were top notch..The Db and the N4 davies among a few.Peavey in the 80s Vandenbergs a few other rare basss and guitars.The cheaper yamaha rgx before the paciffica were also pretty fast high output guitars. Who cared about gibson or fender back then right? The Japanese were building better Squires than Fender and they were making better Les pauls than we were..

[@JRock589]

I've owned a Parker P-44 (note quite a Nitefly, but a nice guitar in their mid-range lineup) for years (Purchased in 2006). It is still one of the best handling and most versatile guitars I have ever played. Parker made solid instruments, innovated a lot with their materials/design, and used quality electronics. It is still baffling to me that they went defunct.

[@Lordhumongus]

Had that p-44 also and it was a BADASS

[@snowdevil7727]

Parker Nitefly is the bolt-on version, not neck-thru. But, it's also a beautifully-made guitar. How about the Vigier Marilyn and the Killer KG Prime?

[@RobertWJackson]

Not the Nitefly Deluxe that I mentioned in the video. That one’s neck-thru. At least according to their website. ;) The Vigier guitars are supposed to be fantastic, but they’re hard to come by here in the U.S., so I’ve never gotten to play one before. I’m not familiar with the other one you mentioned at all, unfortunately.

[@dspellman2002]

A few YOU may not have heard of. Gibson's 335-S, L6S and L5S (the first two have been recently reissued). The 335-S is a solid-body guitar with a smaller 335-shaped body. The L6S as originally designed is Gibson's first 24-fret guitar and has a body as thin as an early SG's. Another guitar you may have missed is the Line 6 Variax series. I have four, including an Acoustic 700 and a pair of JTV-89Fs. If you downtune, this is about the only way to handle alternate tunings with a Floyd onboard. Awesome guitar. The Kiesel Vader multiscale headless is my next guitar in 7-string (have you seen the Strandberg headless multiscale variants?). The Agile series of LP-style guitars is interesting, but the best is the AL-3200, which is a neck-through construction guitar with an Axcess-style neck/body join, a tummy cut, great spec and a $500 price tag.

[@trueknowledgeispower]

How about the Fender 'Heartfield' brand?.......They were great playing instruments. I remember that they were made in the same plant as the Ibanez JEM guitars in Japan. Vinnie Moore of Alice Cooper used them and I think he even had a signature model as well. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heartfield

[@gabrieltoneguitars9365]

Being a Traditionalist, I would never consider purchasing even ONE of these guitars. Which makes this video even more useful and, important for the every collector to view.

[@RobertWJackson]

Thanks!

[@jamesthe-doctor8981]

Like you, I never would have considered the Parker Fly until I played one. Mine (an original series hardtail model) remains at the top of my list for tone and playability since the day I bought it, back in the early '90s. I still hate how it looks though.😂

[@RobertWJackson]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@carlwilson4375]

Just bought a Yamaha PAC611H everything was perfect right out of the box. Just lowered the string action and I was ready to gig. Seymour Duncan pickups, Grover locking tuners, hard tail bridge. Everything I wanted in a hot Rod guitar and 6.9 LBS.

[@RobertWJackson]

Those are awesome guitars. I’ve been eyeballing those lately myself.

[@geezee1579]

I had a 1970 Gibson SG Standard that was awesome. Had a 1976 Gibson Les Paul Custom that was a POS I did not like the way it played or sounded. It also had a Bad neck as well. I had a Carvin DC160 that was awesome and a Carvin TL60 that the Pickups blew the Fender Telecaster away. The problem with the TL-60 was the neck was too wide for my hand. Had a 1962 Japanese Tele Reissue that Played better and stayed in tune better that the American Made Teles. Really like the Rickenbacker 330, 360 and V69-381 Guitars.

[@bencarpenter3785]

FGN MIJ...SO GOOD

[@thebionicbassplayer]

This is an interesting list, excellent compilation. On the bass guitar side, the Peavey Foundation, is one I had never heard of, but picked up recently from the 80's that's awesome and not to sleep on.

[@GreenDistantStar]

The absolute best value electric guitar anywhere is Hagstrom. Stunning build quality, the best neck ever and the pickups are awesome.

[@RobertWJackson]

Yep, Hagstrom’s are great. I love the Super Swedes and the Ghost Signature Fantomens are awesome. I’d love to have one of those.

[@GreenDistantStar]

@@RobertWJackson I've owned many bad, good and great guitars over decades of playing, and my Hagstrom Ultra Swede blows me away every time I pick it up. It has jazz tones to die for (WTF?) and can roar like Godzilla. About the only thing it won't do precisely is a Tele sound, but it gets close. And for the money, insane value. Love your channel, thanks for all your hard work.

[@Stratking01]

Great video! I was stationed over in Japan for a number of years with the Navy. You mentioned the Burny LP might wanna look at Ishibashi.co.jp. One of the largest Japanese guitar chains in Japan, kinda like Guitar Center. They have so much cool stuff that you’d only find in Japan, but can be bought and imported from their site. You might find that Whitesnake Burny LP on there. They also have so many cool, rare and quirky guitar brands and designs that you may wanna take a look at!

[@RobertWJackson]

I’ve been on their site before. You’re right, they’ve got a lot of cool stuff! A good friend of mine has actually bought from them several times.

[@brettshawver2983]

Looking for a Burny LP with Floyd & Sustainer pickup still installed myself! I think you can order the LP w/Floyd & sus for about $1k but it ships from Japan or China & I'm not familiar with all the "extra" fees involved. I'd LOVE a Fernandes Brad Gillis model!! Reverb has one but the seller is asking around $2k for it. I want one bad - but not THAT bad! Excellent video!! Fernandes guitars were really nice! Tom Scholz played a Fernandes Les Paul copy & a lot of 80's shredders played Fernandes but they had a Jackson copy pointy hockey stick headstock & a lot of people assumed they're playing a Jackson unaware of the headstock copy. They are really phenomenal guitars! 🤘😁🤘

[@myvintagesunburst7418]

I worked in a mom and pop guitar shop 2010-2015 . We actually had a couple of the USA-1 Gibsons and a Reverse V pass through the doors . The USA-1s played great , sounded great and weighed as much as a typical Les Paul . The reverse V was probably better left on the designing table (thanks Henry , for answering the question no body ever asked). We sold every Pacifica we had within days of its acquisition . I've read the Pacifica is the number 1 selling guitar in the world .

[@RobertWJackson]

I’m pretty sure the best selling guitar in the world is still the Fender Strat when you include ALL of its different models, followed by the Ibanez RG. But it’s been a long time since I saw that statistic.

[@myvintagesunburst7418]

@@RobertWJackson could be , Rabbit ... But think of all the countries were Yamaha is traded, places where Fenders are unavailable , or too pricey for most local folks . I believe I read the Yamaha statistic in an English guitar mag ... It was in print , so it must be so .....

[@iamanovercomer3253]

@@RobertWJackson when I was looking in 2016 - I looked at the Fender 🇺🇸 Stratocaster and Gibson Les Paul , which had auto tuners on it ❗ I called Gibson , got nobody answered the phone. I call Fender , I get someone. I bought my Fender 🇺🇸 Stratocaster and haven't looked back.

[@bapro2371]

A part 2 would definitely be awesome.

[@RobertWJackson]

If this video does well, I may do it!

[@IETCHX69]

I best sub , just in case .

[@57stratkat]

I have a all flame-maple (front and back) First Act custom shop Delia that is incredible. Three humbuckers, custom wiring, Stetsbar tremolo, unreal.

[@micheltremblay4774]

I got my hand on a 70's UNIVOX Les Paul Jr. (1959 copy made in Japan), it rivals the original then adds some. Playability is awesome, tone is great coming from it's 2 P90 DogEars pickups and it has a neck to dream of. That era Univox guitars are also getting higher resale value. If you see one cheap, grab it.

[@rickleblanc8900]

Back in the day, a friend of mine owned a Univox Rickenbacker copy bass guitar. Awesome bass, excellent playability. Sounded great through his Ampeg rig. In the 70's, El Degas, Vantage and Mann made decent playing and sounding guitars for very few bucks. Imo the best bang for the buck used guitar today is the Yamaha Pacifica 112J. Gives a Fender MIM Strat a run for its money

[@johnbraucher1499]

If you get a chance to try a carvin ebony fretboard or any of their guitars, you'll know, they're like BUTTER.

[@INVERTEDBUKAKI]

Yeah but too bad Jeff kiesel is a wiesel now

[@firebald2915]

Yamaha Acoustic line are made well too. $229 for the 800 Dreadnoughts are great sounding guitars. I love mine ! Rarely tune it even during season changes in Michigan.

[@pleasegrowabrain]

Fernandez Retrorocket - the ultimate set neck super strat, including a sustainiac system.

[@seancurtin5131]

Couldn't agree more with Fernandez. I own a Montery Pro Elite with sustainer pickup and it's a sweet guitar.

[@OlleForsberg]

I have a Mockingbird ST from around 2010. Best guitar I've ever owned, and even though it looks kinda goofy and doesn't really resonate with who I am anymore, I can't bring myself to part with it until I find something better, which I still haven't managed to do (in the same price range).

[@MichaelD8393]

Here are three great Gibsons worthy of part 2, Robert: the Nighthawk (3 different pickups with a plethora of tones) the Blueshawk (similar to the Nighthawk, only with two P-90s and vari-tone knob) and the M-III (another Gibson Superstrat with more tonal options than any Ibanez of its day.) Edit: And for bonus points, here are three great Fenders as well: the Starcaster (both the original from the '70s or the current Modern Player reissue are killer sounding semi-hollows) the HM Strat (one of Fender's many Superstrats with the versatile TBX circuit and a stock DiMarzio Super 3 pickup) and the Performer (another Fender Superstrat that looks spectacular and a plethora of tones like the Nighthawk.)

[@davidellefson1017]

The nighthawk is awesome

[@MichaelD8393]

@@davidellefson1017 Yup, I love mine. Was only $800 at GC Used; if I passed it up, the collector Gods would’ve cursed my life 😂

[@juanlauda2300]

I loved my Gibson Futura/Corvus, stolen at a show, never found another. I'm still looking but they tend to get shitty Kahlers and such added.

[@MichaelD8393]

@@juanlauda2300 Damn, I'll keep an eye out on eBay & Reverb fir a hardtail one.

[@juanlauda2300]

@@MichaelD8393 good plan.

[@Seven7Pain1]

Parkerfly frets are notorious for coming loose they are glued on top fret board not imbedded it's got carbon fiber neck if I remember correctly

[@chrisgentry2217]

The Les Paul access is probably the closest to the 1980s Gibson Les Paul standard with the kahler.

[@paulusvirgilius]

The Vox you have spoken about is yhe Sdc 55. The Sdc 33 has only the single coil and humbucker mode. I have onebof these. Great guitar.

[@kidwajagstang]

The brand of guitars that for me flies under the radar and are just CRAZY amazing to play, well at least if you LOVE low action, are Vigier guitars. I personally prefer the older models from the 80’s, but that’s just personal preference based on looks because the new ones are also amazing. Parker is also under appreciated

[@patrickhale424]

Ty Tabor had a signature Vigier guitar and he kicks major ass !!!

[@kidwajagstang]

Right on.

[@IndyRockStar]

I finally found and bought a Fender Strat I didn't want to throw out the window. Oddly enough, it was an American Performer model. I had a American Professional and hated it. Had a Silver Sky SE, like it but took no inspiration from it. Played an American Ultra. The Ultra is bunch of modern bells and whistles, but to me not much substance. The American Performer sits in the sweet spot of American made quality, great feel, and a good sound. I will admit I barely got the guitar home before I ordered a set of Bare Knuckle Tryptech pickups. I adjusted the bridge to take 10 gauge strings. Now, I finally have single coil in my arsenal.

[@davidbanta7303]

Westone built some great guitars(from the Matsumoku plant in Japan,sold thru St. Louis Music)i have 14 different models in my collection so far,the early Japanese are great ,and the Korean models built after the closing of Matsumoku in '87 are very close,,St.Louis Music maintained quality control

[@user-mt9tn1ni4g]

!!!! Electra I bought it in St Louis Missouri Les Paul copy 5 way toggle it took a 9-volt battery in the back I paid $125 I see them on eBay now for 2500

[@davidbanta7303]

@@user-mt9tn1ni4g electra was another Matsumoku product,,,,they and Fujigen were the top Japanese guitar makers,,,i have a mid 70s Westone Les Paul,,a rare one with a set neck,,my Aria LP sadly got broken,,,but both are great guitar i nwould put up against any 'real' LP

[@trueknowledgeispower]

Trevor Rabin of Yes put those Westone guitars on the map as he was endorsed by them.

[@88_TROUBLE_88]

Westone Spectrum is the best one they have ever made and it is very fuckin pretty to look at as well... The red ones are rad as fuck

[@googaboogaloo]

On the Parker guitars. I played a p30 (that’s the strat style budget ones) it was red. It was soo comfortable, I would have bought it right there if I had the money.

[@donmcglothlin841]

You don't see many pointy guitars on lists like this. Sad really, because you can't beat upper fret access and shred ability on Vs, especially if you can get one with a shred worthy neck

[@KMNixon]

I've had my Vester II since the early 90's (if you watch from my youtube channel, you'll see me all the way to the right playing this guitar back then). Still own it and still plays awesome.

[@PicksPaints]

Then there were the 70's Ibanez lawsuits, along with Lotus, Lincoln, Aria, etc.. pretty much, if it came from Japan in the 70's and was shaped like a Gibson, it was a 1:1 clone and they were more often than not EXCEPTIONALLY good. Cool video Robert!!

[@RobertWJackson]

Thanks Dave!

[@TheDorkKnight23]

I would have added Fernandes guitars on this list. I have a 95 H-series later rebranded as Vertigo made in Japan and a 2003 Fernandes Monterey Deluxe made in USA and 2 of my favorite guitars of all time. Highly Underrated guitars that fly under the radar.

[@rickhunter-wolff]

Peavey Predator Strat copy. Traded it in on my US Strat....love my Strat but miss my Peavy

[@TheCandel34]

I had the 7 string, locking trem. it was pretty good. Wish i still had it.

[@Kylora2112]

Re: Carvin/Kiesel - It's not that Jeff and Mark "took over," it's that Carson and Gavin Kiesel wanted to focus on amps and pro audio, so Jeff and Mark (who were already running the guitar department) rebranded as Kiesel Guitars (as the original company was founded as). I had a 2006 DC200 (fewer base options from their DC line), and the quality is nowhere near their newer stuff (I have a 2016 DC600, 2017 Bolt, and a 2018 Osiris). You can still pick up a used Kiesel for really cheap (I got a 2016 DC800 for $500 when it's a $2000 build with all the options it has) because there's no real collector market and outside of a discontinued model, you can just buy one new that's exactly what you want. So yeah, if you see a Kiesel in decent shape for under $800, jump on that!

[@leftwing73]

If you ever saw a Hysteria-era Def Leppard video in the 80's you saw a Hamer Scarab bass.

[@michaelscott8845]

Fernando Von Arb from Krokus played one as well.

[@brucebaldy]

Interesting. If you go to First Acts website you can custom design your guitar, semi-hollow,hollow whatever. Vox made some great instruments in the 60's but recently the triple coil bucker jobs,( very cool).I had more and forgot.

[@charliepayne9248]

Love your dry humour, that reverse V looks horrendous...! Your facial expression says it all.... Made me chuckle at least..... ✌👦👍 Use to have a Dean ML dixie rebel, found it impossible to play, cannot play a guitar like this in a small room.... Great video Robert....

[@gearmeister]

Robert is quite the gifted specialist on many pieces of gear through the years, that's why I immediately subscribed to his channel, his worst guitars & worst amps videos are priceless due to his facial expressions & in reality, the blunt truth based on his vast knowledge!

[@greghenderson4582]

The Reverse V was actually quite comfortable to play sitting down ~~~

[@RobertWJackson]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@willroland9811]

@doobiewah357 ROFLMAO! YOU MESSIN WID DE BEST!!

[@TheZooropaBaby]

I tried out 80s Yamaha SG1000, which are actually affordable, sub1000 range and it sounded as good as any vintage Les Pauls

[@juanlauda2300]

I have yet to get a bad Yamaha, SG1000s were fab, solid as a rock, shame I lost mine.

[@wakanakapisihello5655]

Yamaha is the most under rated and underappreciated guitar on the market. Yamaha simply doesn't make a bad product, no matter what product it is. And as to Parker, they are unequalled. They are like playing air, literally. And the only instrument yet to truly be innovative, everything else is another rip on Les or Leo...

[@rnrsteev]

Steinberger Spirit with the small body. stays in tune better than any other guitar I've ever played. chose it over my Les Paul for an outdoor Memorial Day gig just for that reason, didn't have to re-tune it for the whole show.

[@luis_m_e]

May I add a 14th guitar? Jackson Dk2m

[@RobertWJackson]

Yeah, but there are PLENTY of people who know about those. DK2M’s aren’t as obscure as the rest of this list. Great guitars though!

[@camman9235]

One guitar you didn’t mention.The Platinum Series Warlock is a pretty good guitar.The covered humbuckers sound great over distortion and the dark blue paint job on it looks amazing.i play mine almost everyday and it’s one the best guitars in my opinion

[@cjlong2426]

i have a guitar that is exellently made ....and just rings out for days.....it is a Samick. .....reminds me of the Carvin you spoke about

[@trueknowledgeispower]

Samick is one of the oldest brands out there,...established back in 1958. Great quality guitars,.....Silvertone is made by them.

[@brucegrimes29]

I agree, I have a Samick JTR Linda LN 10, LP Jr style guitar that is one of my best playing and sounding guitars. I also own an acoustic Samick solid wood A/E guitar that rivals any acoustic made in my opinion.

[@cnilecnile6748]

The quality, mid to late 90's Epiphone electrics are actually Samick guitars, the only difference is the top of the headstock. Other than that, it's the same thing. The Valley Arts Super Strat guitars are also Samick's.

[@Ken-eh4hh]

I own a LP copy that's made by a company called Devlin guitars. Mine is the Devlin DV400. It's an amazing guitar. I bought back in 2009. It's now 2019 and the guitar still plays flawless. Very well made for a LP copy. I bought it brand new for only $500. Unfortunately the company no longer exists. I'm really glad i bought one before the company folded.

[@ronaldbaglien3457]

I've always thought the Parkers were good looking guitars. More original than most anything else.

[@davidlusby2522]

Back in 1980 I bought a Fresher electric guitar that had active lectronics pickups to 9 volt battery's in back also the neck was made on the guitar one piece no bolt on. It had great fret board I thought maybe you could check it out and give your opinion. Thanks.

[@RobertWJackson]

I’ve never seen one, actually. Hopefully I come across one some day.

[@unfailingfeline5215]

The best bass at the high school I went to was a Vester p bass

[@gergemall]

Love your channel. I’ve had so many but really believe if they sound great to my high standards then I’ll use them. Thank you.. agreed on Pacifica .

[@williamolsen20]

I never heard of Vester before, maybe I will get one if the price is right.

[@mattgeo1545]

I have an early Michael Kelly that I won from a studio auction that was closing in Memphis some years ago. EMG active P/Us......I tell you brother, it out plays, out performs my Gibson's, my Fenders and my Epiphone SG. I would not get rid of it for any offer. My only minor complaint is that she be heavy...

[@OGStinkywizzleteats]

I had a Frank Gambale signature Yamaha guitar. It was absolutely killer. I should have never sold it.