THE WORST (AND BEST) IMPORT GUITAR BRANDS!!

[@agufish]

Serious question, help me settle a debate. Does Lightning McQueen have life insurance or car insurance? Established Titles is now running an early Black Friday Sale! Go to establishedtitles.com/AGUFISH and get an additional 10% off on any purchase with code AGUFISH. Thanks to Established Titles for sponsoring this video!

[@l0rd_breeigo-sama954]

Wouldnt it just be regular insurance, since a car would just get battered and never die if they take Care of themselves, but if they pop a tire(break an arm) it would either be car insurance or regular insurance. I hate that i discussed this drunk while watching it

[@Hassannnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn]

They should have both. Question is, is it health insurance or car insurance?

[@phillippitts6294]

Property insurance?

[@phillippitts6294]

I crave a KH 601 purple sparkle!😻

[@Nickyd.]

Health and life insurance. Car crashes would be like breaking bones.

[@elefsidi]

Nothing wrong by putting Squier, in S-Tier. They make amazing stuff , which are not going to bust the bank. They kinda embody Leo Fender's original vision about making a guitar, suitable for the "working class" musicians.

[@1972Georges]

harley Bentons are way better....plus they offer most models as lefty. squire hardly any...

[@DarkSwam56]

@@1972Georges Harley Bentons are unfortunately not widely available in stores compared to Squier i have to place an order overseas if i want to buy it and i can't test it and feel it before buying so that's already a major turn off but it works for beginners who just wants a cool looking guitar since they have no understanding of feel yet

[@1972Georges]

@@DarkSwam56 I play since 35 years 😉. The guitars are the best you can get for for money currently 🤷‍♂️ they are made in the same places as the other brands. They are also a very good platform for modifications since the built quality is spot on. I own several HBs.

[@kevfullo]

@@1972Georges They just had their 25th anniversary so...

[@mycosys]

Theyre called Artist or Joyo in Australia, @@DarkSwam56 - Monoprice seems to sell a lot of their stuff under other brands in the states.

[@markallen2984]

I was sort of surprised to see that Yamaha was not on your list of import brands (?)

[@Kobayashi.Esquire]

Because it's shit 😂

[@karrote1]

poop!

[@Axlrad17]

Even music man is missing in this tier list

[@smeagle3295]

@@Axlrad17😂. He covers sterling around the 10 minute mark (sterling is THE music man import brand).

[@Axlrad17]

Damn I screwed up badly 😂 "Let us all just don't talk about that"

[@RanterInShades]

(Hunter puts PRS SE in B tier) Me to my SE Custom 24: He didn't mean that, baby.

[@SilentCosmicNight]

Well he said it and I agree. PRS refuses to put locking tuners and many SE's got crap nut. You swap nut and add locking tuners and you got hell of a guitar.

[@jonsnow7092]

@@SilentCosmicNight with all due respect, you're simply wrong. the bad nuts are on pre-2018 guitars and the newer ones have more than adequate nuts for the price. at that point back in 2018 and earlier, lower range of PRS SEs (standards) were 400-450$. trust me, people want quality at the lowest price possible. people that want locking tuners will get locking tuners, people that want high end nuts will buy high end nuts; but these come at a cost. for most people, even the old nuts were fine and if they weren't, most would prefer running the strings a few times through the slots and adding a bit of graphite, than paying extra. also, guy claims PRS SE hardware is bad. well, that's also false. bridge and tuners are way better quality-wise than on guitars twice the price, as well as a lot of aftermarket stuff, including from big brands like Fender. sure, there were some bridge issues on some SE models (if I remember correctly, ~2012 fixed bridges), but this guy mentions multiple times in this video that he's talking about 2022 lineup. the list is utter trash, and highly subjective; having brands with quality issues and lacking consistency higher up, while brands that produce some of the best guitars for the money, way lower.

[@manofthepeople2165]

More expensive Squier and Epiphone actually use fender and gibson hardware. PRS SE uses really cheap electronics, cheap tuning machines, basically the whole thing is made in Indonesia by WMI, it's truly an OEM made guitar. Just not worth it for the price when you can get a classic vibe squier for $400 when the PRS SE with comparable quality is $800.

[@DrOcelot667]

@@jonsnow7092agreed, I have 2020 Paul’s guitar SE and a 2022 Santana SE and they are incredible. I absolutely love playing them, never had a tuning issue in years with their stock tuners and hardware. They tones with the volume control and splitting options at the price point is incredible in my opinion. Miles ahead of MIM fenders or Squier. He failed to mention the rosewood fretboards, brass saddles on many models, and wood options (swamp ash, mahogany, etc.).

[@thseed7]

Schecter is great. Epiphone inspired by Gibson is excellent. Squier has gotten very good and is supremely creative. Great list, love how much better value level guitars have gotten and how many more options we have nowadays 🤘

[@williamkramer9731]

Jackson a little underrated....I play typically Jackson and schecter, and think schecter earned their spot.... they had some qc issues a little while back, but gather that's been fixed. Jackson, maybe not s, because like he said, not as loaded in premium parts, but having a schecter and Jackson, for two mains, yes the schecter is loaded out a little more, both in the same quality range in pickups and overall sound, but if you're into does, yeah you can do it with the schecter, but the Jackson is miles ahead of it in that territory, and Jackson has always come out of the box setup well enough to play, which I haven't had so well with schecter. Also, after having the misfortune of a schecter splintering at the neck, and seeing wood quality firsthand, that goes to Jackson. Ibanez i would put lower almost based off the fact, if you want something that sounds good, you're going to dump money straight out of the box, whether you pay 200, or 2000, unless you get one with Fishman..... their stock pickups are trash, and the dimarzio sound terrible. Lower ones, I'd go with schecter.... they're solid enough to use as baseball bats, you can get emgs at a respectable price, or even lower, schecter has respectable pickups that sound good for beginners. I'm partial to Duncan mostly, but will say, if I had to choose Duncan designed, rather than the real thing, or schecter pickups, I'm going with schecter.

[@brians1793]

@@williamkramer9731 The Jackson JS22 is so great for the money, love the natural oil finish too as it allows the wood to breathe, I actually practice unplugged most of the time so it makes for a great unplugged sound and feel playing it. All it could really use is some eventual hardware and electronics upgrades, it'd be a great option for anyone that wants a few different sets of Bare Knuckle Pickups(as they have such a variety of great and unique pickups) on a guitar that's good enough to warrant them. Or of course there's guitars that allow for quick swapping pickups but IDK if it could necessarily work with BKP it's just something I remember seeing.

[@williamkramer9731]

@Brian S right now I'm rolling the sl2 and it's awesome for the price..... though not much of an actual value fierce from what my schecters had in, the versatility of those Duncan distortions far and beyond. I was amazed the clean tones were every bit as great as the heavy. I also have a dk2s laying around, that needs a little work, which I'm hoping to soon get to... it took an accidental bump that still makes me want to cry a bit, though repairable.... couple paint dings, I can live with, but there's also a ding in the fretboard, and need to get it a new Floyd and sustainer switch.

[@toshineon]

I have a Squier CV Starcaster, and oh boy I love that guitar.

[@hhaste]

_Some_ or most Shchecter's are great but some can be very, very bad.

[@jordonhodges8493]

Gretsch is an S in my opinion, almost every single streamliner I pick up plays like butter and sounds great, yes they look country/rockabilly but y’all it’s insane

[@Augrills]

I think the sound of a gretsch is so niche, though. You know if you want one or not. I wouldn’t suggest it to most people

[@asdasdae]

@@Augrills I actually disagree, I've got a Gretsch and I'm able to do blues, jazz, indie, garage, surf, new wave, alternative, rock, anything other than metal honestly, the filtertrons are kinda just souped up single coils so if you throw it in front of a dirty amp they really shine

[@Augrills]

@@asdasdae I’ve never played one I like personally. Beautiful guitars and there’s stuff you can only do with a Gretsche. Just my opinion

[@asdasdae]

@@Augrills that’s absolutely fair and your opinion is valid, I do find their quality to be very hit or miss even on the more expensive models but c’est la vie in the guitar world, right??

[@Augrills]

@@asdasdae I’m a believer brand don’t mean a thing, it’s the guitar you pick up. I’ve picked up Fenders that are trash and my favorite guitar I own is a Fender too. I’ve picked up Schecters that buzz like hell, and then I’ve got a PT that’s like a Tele and it’s one of the smoothest, fastest guitars I’ve ever played. I’ve played a couple Gretsches at guitar center and my buddy’s dad plays one for his church band I programmed his digitech pedal for him so messed around with his Gretsche a lot. It’s a well constructed and beautiful instrument, but I just don’t like what I can get out of one personally.

[@SidGogi]

Nice to see ltd and schecter in S tier, they were the first electric guitars I got! I guess I made the right choice 😅

[@LukeCurtisPhotography]

For sure. I’ve currently got a Schecter SLS Elite, and it definitely is S tier. Killer guitar !

[@216trixie]

It helps when we buy the brand that the guitarists we like play.

[@TVsBen]

Never had an LTD but really love my Schecter.

[@ARsAndGlocksOhMy]

I've never had a bad Schecter. I also really like my LTD EC-1000

[@devin1442]

Never played a bad Schecter

[@Fatal_Inertia]

Putting Jackson in C tier is a criminal offense

[@christoguichard4311]

Country of origin doesn't matter a hoot anymore. I have two guitars made in Vietnam, and they are superb.

[@amandahuginkiss6868]

I have 13 guitars, IIRC, and only one is made in the USA. It is, oddly enough, the cheapest of them all, a one off Gibson SG with one humbucker done for Guitar Center in the '90s. And they didn't stay in tune then either. My MIK Epiphone Explorers, one Hecho en Chin Explorer, and a MIK SG are all just as good, from a fit and finish / QC perspective. My newer Ibanez from Indonesia, aside from some sharp frets, great. That's the long way of saying I agree with your comments about the country of origin. Modern CnC techniques make it so anyone can churn out decent guitars with a little work.

[@jackpijjin4088]

​@@amandahuginkiss6868honestly I kinda see cheaper guitars as projects regardless of origin. For learning to play they're kinda barebones but to practice setup work and modification? They're great.

[@I-HAVE-A-BOMB]

Spoken like a guy with no MiJ Guitars. USA QC does not exist anymore. Hasn't for a long time.

[@cinnamongirl8158]

LOL Fender MIM and PRS SE Tier B. Harley Benton Tier S. No bias!! 🤣 I've bought at least 10 HBs over the last 5-6 years, never received one with which I was completely satisfied, all of them had some defect: terribly cut nut, bad level frets (almost everyone), cracks in the lacquer, malfunctioning input jack, both pickups always on no matter switch position, broken screw holes... I've given up on them. I still have a couple running around, but they will go on sale sooner than later. Of course you working for them, the ones you receive are probably better quality. And yes, when you finally get one without problems, they are good for the money. But with that poor QC they are not S-Tier even in their wildest dreams.

[@GuitarsRgood7]

Don't advertise Established Titles. The company is a scam. Do some research on them.

[@calebmckinney1442]

As a recent Jackson covert I think that those guitars are super underrated. Sure the specs on paper are lower (especially when it comes to stainless steel frets) but as far as electronics got the Jackson braded stuff has come a really long way. Like a few years ago the Jackson proprietary pickups sucked ass, like my 7 string had the weakest, lowest output pickups immagineable,. After that I didn't play or think about the brand for years, I ended up picking up a $300 used Dinky JS32Q and that shit blew my mind, it is the most well balanced, and best feeling guitars I have ever owned or played. the finger board is more comfortable than my Solo II . The pickups in that guitar sound unbelievable good, the tone of the bridge pickup sounds comparable to my JB I have in another guitar.

[@Andrew_182]

As a longer term fan of Jackson, I have to disagree that they’re underrated. Don’t get me wrong, you can still absolutely get a gem of a guitar at pretty much any of their price tiers, but the consistency has really fallen off, and as you mentioned the specs, especially of the higher end stuff, just doesn’t compete well in todays market. Fenders really let them wither on the vine and it’s sad to see. They seem to be at least somewhat trying to breathe life back into it, like with the USA soloist line and the MJ series, but even then they’re expensive for what you’re, getting so we’ll see where it goes. I’m hopeful, but not holding my breath.

[@Andrew_182]

Just got to Hunters view of where Jackson is after I posted my first reply and funny enough were of the same mind lol. I love Jackson and hope they turn it around, but as of right now brands like LTD are eating their lunch to the point the last two guitars I’ve bought were 1000 series LTDs

[@aimmy79]

i love jackson js32 dinky.

[@TunaSoda]

I own quite a few Jackson Rhodes X-Series guitars that were made at the indonesian Fender plant and they are quite amazing for what they cost actually, I have also modded them all. My favorite being the green fret inlay one with swapped out black hardware (real floyd, upgraded block and springs, locking tuners, and stainless frets).

[@takumifujiwara6277]

I was already skeptic when you placed Epiphone higher on the list than PRS SE, but talking this highly about Solar really took the cake man. Not a single mention of all the issues people have been reporting with them - SELF-CRACKING FRETBOARDS being amongst them. S tier?? They don't deserve this love and you should know better.

[@razznote7586]

PRS SE is definitely better that Epiphone.

[@mattschwartzstein3159]

I have epiphones but talk about fret and switch issues? Love em but PRS SE is better and more consistent. And their tuners And nut are fine.

[@Journeyman2585]

SE is fine, but they're not that great. They're fine.

[@joeykelly5642]

I have had the opposite experience with MIM Fenders - over the past 3 or 4 years, every single one of dozens I’ve played has had fret sprout. Same with the American line, sadly. Meanwhile, Squiers have been pretty great!

[@christoguichard4311]

Same. Last 5 Player Series I've had, all post 2018, were duds, with appalling fretwork.

[@Augrills]

I have an American standard and I’ve never seen cleaner frets so everyone’s mileage may very

[@KellerFkinRyan]

yes exactly! its like they put razors in the fret ends and shipped them out. bowed necks, dry fretboards, weak pickups, and horrible tuning stability are what I associate with fender MIM. im yet to play one that was made after 2005 that didnt completely suck

[@ryant3600]

i have only had one and it's the only MIM i've ever played, and it's incredible. It's a 1994 model though. A college student was wanting to sell or trade it for an IPAD, so I made the trade, the guitar belonged to her dad who left and it sat in a case in the back of the closet since 1995 when he actually bought it, he never took the time to learn how to play, it's in perfect condition and for a traditional strat (which I'm not a fan of) it's pretty incredible.

[@williamkramer9731]

I won't buy any of them....I like to invest in something that doesn't lose value, but also is top notch....I have nothing bad to say about Squier, but will agree with a lot of fender branded being subpar for the prices. Personally, if I'm to buy another fender, I'll go on reverb and buy a Japanese.

[@braypdx]

PRS has started putting Core nuts on the SEs this past year, which is a huge improvement. I put Core nuts on all three of my MIK SEs a few years and the tuning stability is great on all of them. I’d put them in A tier now but I’m biased. :)

[@RoamingIRaccoon]

PRS SE in B tier is a joke they play better than Gibson Les Paul studios that now MSRP at $2300 in canada let alone epiphones.

[@razznote7586]

Should be in the A tier at the very list, but personally I would have put it in S tier, not sure I quite agree with it in the B tier. Quality wise, the SE can beat even Gibson and Fenders.

[@bigeclipse718]

He put Chapman above prs.....that says it all.

[@jonathananthony1901]

The Schecter C-1 Classic in 3 tone sunburst was my workhorse guitar for YEARS!! I paid like $500 for it back in 2009. Miss that thing, that model is now discontinued.

[@Returnality]

Yup, I have an old C-1 Custom I got back in 2010. I'll never part with that thing. Just did a narrow jumbo refret on it so it should last me another 15 years at least (refretting a guitar with binding is such a pain in the ass). Schecters have always punched well above their price point.

[@TheOmnisProject]

I still have my c-1 classic, love it. Although once I got the hellraiser that took the crown

[@pHolePunchr420]

I have 6 Schecters… 2 of which are C-1 Classics… Some of the best guitars I’ve ever played and have been a great price compared to the typical big timers.

[@Cibbip]

That Established titles sponsor aging like milk

[@BillyJAndrews]

Great video mate. Happy to know that my LTD EC-1000 is a standard bearer 🎸

[@AFN2750]

Dean has REALLY GOOD hollow body jazzboxes. Seriously, I was shocked by how amazing they are

[@lobsterhelmet348]

I actually bought a 10S single cut after seeing your video on them some time ago. Bought one off of their Reverb store, and honestly the thing is great. Plays well, sounds good, doesn't feel cheap at all. But from what I've heard I'm one of the lucky ones that actually got their guitar at all. So definitely a great product from a crap company

[@sG_Chimera]

D’Angelico is way up there too IMO. Pick any model in the lineup, but my favorite is the Bedford. The premier series is probably the best bang for buck on the market, but go for a deluxe. Check out the 2022 Bedford deluxe in desert gold

[@NaanProphet]

Ooooof. Get that Established Titles ad and pinned comment off here, bro.

[@kevin_lanthier]

I might have gone higher for PRS SE just given how they check and properly set up the guitars in Maryland before they go out to stores, the quality is quite consistent. But then, they are also often at the higher end of the price range for what you get, too, so...

[@bakstabbath]

Gretsch are killing it on bang for buck. I got a G2622 Streamliner last Xmas from my Wife for under $400 and it's amazing.

[@williamkramer9731]

If they're your thing, they're definitely awesome. Not so much for me, but my one buddy loves them, and they sound great for what he's playing.

[@GnildnewOfficial]

My Legator (g7fp '22) is one of the best quality guitars I have ever played, and I thank myself every day for purchasing it 🙏

[@mikemitchell7529]

Wish at the top on the thumbnail, good way to bring us in! 😄

[@Three-Chord-Trick]

I bought a Jackson Warrior one week before the first lockdown. It FELT very insubstantial, but I had a Seymour Duncan Jeff Beck Humbucker fitted to the bridge position, and a PhatCat P90 to the neck position. The guitar FEELS as if it's about to fall to pieces, but it sounds much better that you might expect from a £600 guitar.

[@reverbautopsy9093]

My Agile les paul goldtop with P90's is still the best guitar I've ever played and I deeply regret selling it. Especially considering I paid less than 500 bucks for it, it's the best bang for buck guitar I've ever bought.

[@steves12strings]

Favorites of mine from each brand: 1. PRS SE Hollowbody II piezo 2. Ibanez S1070CB 3. Ltd EC-1000 Duncan 4. Gretsch 5622T 5. Schecter C-1 E/A Tiger Eye 6. Michael Kelly CC50 Fralin 7. D'Angelico Deluxe Brighton 8. Charvel Pro mod dk24 hsh mahogany 9. Squire CV 60s Custom 10. Epiphone Matt Heafy Les Paul Custom

[@wingsoficarus1139]

Nice to see Schecter get some love! Was talking to some guys about guitar brands and everyone just doesn't seem to like Schecter for some reason. Of course they all play either a Charvel or Ibanez so maybe thats why? Lol

[@AdamManley7]

Has a Damien once before and man it just felt a bit cheap especially electronics wise, toggle switch was always messing up and volume knobs felt super cheap even though they weren’t even push pull

[@wingsoficarus1139]

@@AdamManley7 do you mean that as in flimsy? If so that could be a QC issue. My Schecter had a wiring problem where the switch was reversed and so were the nobs. Nut also was filed in too much which made weird overtone sounds on the guitar(when you bent the string you would hear a weird “ding”). Sent it in and they fixed it for free and also sent me some candy lol. Currently my favorite guitar other than that.

[@lurklingX]

i really like Schecter! i think their designs are nicer than ibanez, on the whole. (personal details other people might not care about or feel the same way on) schecter > ibanez that being said, i recently picked up an ibanez acoustic i really really like LOL. kickass amber flame, concert size, shortscale. sounds amazing. but yeah my comments are mainly for electric, guitar and bass. : )

[@steveoconnor7069]

I wanted a PT Special in the worst way but they were seemingly made of unobtanium for a long time.

[@logantyler3755]

I love my schecter but I do agree with the pick up switch acting up . But it plays smooth .

[@real_fjcalabrese]

I really like FGN by Fujigen. Some of the best for the money.

[@gruffydddavies7464]

My fgn telecaster is superb, absolutely flawless

[@minstrel9806]

I don't think they're considered "import" tho. Cause Fujigen is basically the company that builds Ibanez Prestige models. In fact, all of the Fgn models should be Made in Japan.

[@real_fjcalabrese]

@@minstrel9806 If they are being brought into the US, UK or any country other than Japan, they are imported.

[@minstrel9806]

@@real_fjcalabrese they're not. That's not what import means for instruments. An instrument is considered an import when it's produced in a factory which is not the company main one. Schecters are imports, epiphone are imports, LTD are imports, Solar are imports etc. All FGN guitars are built by Fujigen Inc themselves in Japan, so they're not imports.

[@real_fjcalabrese]

@@minstrel9806 It seems that you're confusing outsourced production with import. Most outsourced production items are imported. FGN's domestic market is Japan. If something is being sold out of it's domestic market, it must be imported into the nondomestic market.

[@elevenAD]

I agree 100% on Fender Mexico, the FB edges on my Charvel feel so good compared to my old Baja tele, they are for sure improving.

[@moebiwan]

I've had a Michael Kelly 50 Burl Ultra for a couple of years now. Roasted maple neck, rolled frets, sounds excellent and plays wonderfully. The only issue I've ever had with it is the stock tuning machines. I guess the best praise I can give it is that when I sit down to practice or just noodle, it's the guitar in my collection I grab first.

[@Cannibal_Actual]

I’ve seen those at Sam Ash and I’ve wondered about how they hold up over the years, good to know.

[@OriginalBadRobotz]

I have a squire Jaguar contemporary with a roasted maple neck and I absolutely love it

[@jasoncrump1886]

Yes sir I got a Solar and love it. I've had many guitars and the Solar has been my favorite so far.

[@keithangstadt4950]

Are the necks super thin on Solars? I can't find info on neck profiles anywhere.

[@petebrown3715]

Love my PRS SE's. Especially the 24/08.

[@michaelsmith2785]

If SEs had available satin finishes and didn't bother with binding, I'd probably pick one over my S2 Standard.

[@roboravitz5572]

I've grown to Ignore labels when trying guitars. Found that playing and listening is the perfect judge if the right choice and watch people walk toward me playing in a music store and stop and listen to me and compliment me.Thats all ut takes.

[@JaFoste_Studio]

I've got an Epiphone Goth Les Paul, that I paid around $499 for and after some serious modding, it's my #1 guitar.

[@ErikBeckner93]

I have a Goth Explorer I’ve done some mods to as well. It is my #1. Very underrated series of guitars

[@stax56]

I couldn't keep those on the shelf for more then a day when I worked at the local shop. My roommate still has his and I will agree 100 percent. Awesome guitars

[@ErikBeckner93]

@@stax56 my Explore is a 2010. Still has the Grover’s from the factory. I keep wanting to change them but they work. Swapped the stock pickups for a set of Dimebuckers. Eventually put some EMGs in it. I try to play other guitars but I always go back to it. It sounds so good. Definitely plays like a more expensive guitar.

[@mortonwilson795]

Another fun overview, thanks! I think Epiphone & Squier overall have solid credentials, given variation within each on price and build. Ibanez & Yamaha are 'legacy' brands from Japan with some quality stuff (my Ibanez 12 String circa 1990 is almost a collectible now). PRS SE from Indonesia also good (but check the electronic switching!) and Sire from Indonesia well worth a mention - the recent Larry Carlton models are very good. Recently bought a 2018 Gretsch Japanese made solid body which is absolutely impeccable, and the newish line of Chinese made models a good bang for the buck.The brand hitting it out of the park right now (IMHO) are Eastman - they are giving Gibson a run for their money at about a third of the price with Custom Shop quality and innovations in finishing that are very cool.

[@watcherzero000]

Man you learn something new everyday. I did not know the same guy that owns ESP also owns Schecter.

[@NotBCT]

It's a weird thing-- Hisatake Shibuya owns Schecter in whole while he's one of three owners of the ESP empire. Schecter is operated as a completely separate company to ESP, although there's some odd crossover-- an example would be that back when Schecter made Prince's "Cloud Guitar," a "Sugizo Signature" model that was almost the same thing (but with a Floyd) showed up in the ESP Edwards catalogue. There IS a "Schecter JAPAN" which is a separate company from "Schecter USA" (the Schecter that most people know) that seems to be a subsidiary of ESP, and is building their guitars in one of ESP's old factories and is doing its own thing separate from ESP even though it's under the ESP umbrella. But ask anyone from Schecter USA and they'll tell you the two are completely unrelated.

[@jamesjohnson5790]

ESP, LTD, Schecter, Wylde Audio, Navigator, Edwards, Grassroots... Yeah, they know how to make guitars!

[@216trixie]

@@NotBCT ok

[@MickDavies]

Need some Ormsby love Agu! I’ve got 4 of them, all from WMI and they all kick ass. You’re 100% right with Sterling, their good ones are great and their lower ones are just subpar

[@alpal7280]

would of loved to see sire guitars on here, there out of this world for sooooooo cheap! also this would be a cool idea for boutique guitars!!!

[@levig8236]

Also surprised hagstrom was not on your list. I might have some brand loyalty as there's been a Swede passed down in my family, but they have twice the tone range and when hand made in Sweden they were s tier all the way. They're still rare these days as guitar center, a cert distro for hags doesn't even have them in stock all the time. They're super slept on. I saw a video too where some guy cut a firefly or a windcreek (same brand?) in half an they actually use that paint in the pickup slots to keep electric crossover from pickups, and emg pickups if I remember right?

[@u-8743]

Just glad to see you rank Harley Benton so high. Their level of quality on their top/middle tier stuff is just phenomenal. I have you to thank for the green Amarok I guess since you designed it. Love it. Anyway, it's to the point that when I think of getting any guitar I automatically think, "whats the Harley Benton version like".

[@crow468]

My main is a PRS SE 21 semi hollow with Fishman Fluents (to replace the stock pups) , but I love my Firefly FFLX and can't stop paying it, even with no mods. Just got a Schecter Sun Valley Shredder PT body, and it's a hot mess right out of the box. Some kind of finish issue on the side of the fretboard popped like a zit and now there is a rough spot with dry ebony fibers showing (I can fix it but there will still be a chunk missing), two big chunks of wood came loose on the body after it feel against my tolex covered amp (it had a solid bump to it) which were just cracks in the finish at first but literally just fell out (maybe my amp rolled a crit or something), and after very little use the pickups stopped working (mostly) which was one wire just cleanly separated from it's connection to the battery compartment (again, easy fix but srsly).

[@tostrmofo6686]

So... I mostly agree. Some different experiences: -I own a Jackson pro DK24 MiM which has the exact same neck as my charvels (therefore its absolutely fantastic). -I had 2 Aliexpress guitars. Both sucked. But I got 50% refund on the first one und 100% on the second one an could keep both. Put a lot of work in both and sold them as repilicas with some profit. -My first Ltd EC1000 had some quality control issues second was fine. -I once bought a Glarry B Stock from ebay for 35 bucks. I learned most I know about guitar craftsmanship working on this piece of wood. I sunk like 500 bucks and countless hours into the project and it was one of the best guitars I've ever owned. And I owned about 50 including some Custom shop guitars. Since that experience I am mostly convinced that you can make nearly every piece of crap a nice playing instrument. Well, I'll not buy a wish guitar anyhow.

[@the_hippykiller22]

I have several 1000 series LTDs, they are great guitars but yeah they aren't always perfect, generally they're as good or better than the other brands with some being really really good. They don't compare to my ESPs though, anyone stating otherwise is deluded.

[@AdamYoudell]

I believe Keith Richards said something along the lines of "give me whatever comes right off the rack at a music store. If it's good enough for the average Joe in a band, it's good enough for me"

[@journeytree]

With my experience, Epiphone is a company I'd likely never return to after having a 2016 and 2018 Les Paul. PRS SE however is top tier from my experience. Down to the point where the only noticeable thing I find compared to S2 models is the way the bodies are carved.

[@paulfromjupiter]

Picked up a Slick Sl-56 - the semi hollow JM body style with P90 in the neck and a hot tele style in the bridge for less than $300. Sure it needed a bit of a setup out of the box, but it punches way above it's weight once that was done. The fact that it's not just a straight knockoff of a well known model and the quality of the hardware with all the brass and full size pots, makes them an interesting choice. And everyone who sees it loves the way it looks. Adjusted for inflation, it's the cheapest guitar I've ever owned but doesn't feel like it.

[@grayaj23]

I'm a bit of a Gretsch fanboy. My first guitar was a 2019 Jet Club, the cheapest Gretsch on the market at the time. It's rock solid, has a great nut and stays in tune through days or weeks of non-use. It spoiled me for out-of-the-box setup, because it came setup and well-intonated before I even knew what those things meant or how bad a new guitar can be. The pickups suck, and I found out after I bought it that you have to jump through hoops to put filter'trons on it. But I'm never going to sell it, and I still play it regularly.

[@lurklingX]

first brand i got obsessed with tbh. it struck hard and fast. no idea why Gretsch versus others as it was just upon sight. but the streamliner is awesome, my goldtop is INCREDIBLE and my 3101 (acoustic, hawaiian historic series) sounds SO good. but i've been impressed with each one i've laid hands on and haven't been disappointed yet. there's a few more i've tried in stores or pawnshops but there is only so much money in the bank, yeah? another one i'm a sucker for is Dean. build quality and design always fantastic. ymmv on pickups and stuff depending on the model. like, a double cut i have can't smoke the goldtop but it sure as hell beats out a lot of my other guitars. the inlays are SICK, looks like barbed wire, and the whole body of the guitar is this crazy looking wood. i think they call it tiger's eye. looks like the spots on a wildcat. love this thing.

[@Remsterdam]

In the first place these ranking videos are a lot of fun, the Epi’s one as well. I can agree with most but a few rankings hurt a bit lol. PRS SE offers so much quality for the money that it should definitely be in S tier. And tho Squier has a lot going on, i own a few Classic Vibe 60s and 70s models, you immediately feel it’s a budget guitar. Squier is still not the same to Fende what Epi is to Gibson, they wish lol! So i would swap those two. Fender and EVH (Mexican) deserve A-tier ranking, best value for money and is weird to put them under Squier.

[@shawnmcginnis2508]

I'm a big PRS fan. Have a semi-hollow CE24, a SE CU24 (end of the Korean era), a SE Angelus slim, and lastly a Zach Myers that was just purchased. My SE was amazing, still is. Won't hold tune with trem use, but otherwise holds tune well and plays amazing. My CE had finish flaking issues. PRS warrantied it, but took about 5 months to get it back. Did get the 24-08 mod done to it while there and it is an amazing guitar now! My SE Angelus has been great. Now for the ZM. Quality just isn't there when it comes to the fit and finish of the visual stuff. Lots of crud and rough spots in the F-hole, stain runs in some areas, saw dust powder caught up in the clear coat, binding wanders by the horn and the bridge had to be pushed back super far using the jack screws to have enough travel with the saddles to get it to intonate. On that note the intonation is still a bit all over on the fret board compared to my SE CU24 or me CE24. Now that said the fret leveling was great, plays great and sounds great. Holds tune really well. Anyway walking around Sweetwater and looking over the SE's on display you could see swings in consistency of build. Anyway if you get a great one they are great, but seeing the but or miss nature in person I get the rank given here.

[@RoamingIRaccoon]

@@shawnmcginnis2508 lol if you think PRS is hit or miss never buy epiphone or gibson

[@johndaugherty4127]

Im an old dude who cut my teeth on a '78 Telecaster. Had a '76 Firebird, '80 strat. But I bought my son an ESP LTD SE Firebird, and that thing is perfect! It was my first experience with new machining, and I am impressed. This guitar is perfect.

[@Gitfiddle]

Thanks for doing the work to put this together for us Agu!

[@AHHHHHHHH__]

It’s good to see Ltd get more respect. Started on an Ltd ec 256 and just dropped $900 on a used Ltd arrow 1000. So hyped for it to arrive.

[@thedyingfetus9493]

Man PRS is way better than Epiphone imo. I work at a music store and we have a boat load of epiphones and the quality is wildly inconsistant, even with more expensive models like prophecys or signature models. The quality for prs is wayyy more consistant and i think that they actually have as much variaty as Epiphone. They are at least A while Epiphone is B imo.

[@xMaoxoaMx]

Got an Edwards 130 LPC and they're easy S tier. Honestly the best LP Style guitar i played below Custom Shop level.

[@trevorreniger5670]

Also, as a fellow single cut fan, I wonder your opinion of Sire. Their Single Cut looks fantastic. Great finishes, locking tuners, rolled fretboards, stupid prices... I just haven't gotten my hands on one, but they look like a great deal.

[@x17Snake01x]

I have the black L7 from Sire and I've been playing their V7 bass since early 2019. I've played about everything on this list and will throw Sire on the top of all of them. Their best value is probably the S7 FM, but I'm a single cut guy too and it's still better than every single cut I saw on this list.

[@stevenpipes1555]

I just got one of those green SE 24 08s for my 50th birthday. I did have to polish up the frets and do a set up, because i went up 1 string guage. That being done however, its beautiful! No tuning stability issues issues to speak of, in fact, i find that the trem feels wonderful and smooth as well! I will however, be getting some locking, open gear, hipshots with amber buttons because i love those tuners and the amber buttons will look sweet with the amber knobs!

[@davidwalter2282]

How about Yamaha? Did you miss it or did I miss you saying it? They should be A or B - the Revstars are awesome and the Pacificas are always a good value with excellent quality control and customer support.

[@darkj3di336]

Yeah I was looking for that too. Love Yamahas. Aria Pro’s ?

[@27retrodaze]

I got a Dean Thoroughbred X (black les paul style) in a package deal with 3 other guitars... and over time, sort of shockingly, that guitar has become my favorite go-to... I just really vibe with it... Im not sure how good the stock pickups would be because someone put a Dimarzzio Super Distortion/Air Norton set in the one I own, but yeah... out of 12 guitars I own of different brands and models, that guitar took me by surprise... Definitely try out anything and everything, because you never know what youre gonna vibe with... 🤘

[@larsheuker]

Does import these days exclude Japan? Iknow technically everything not from your native land is obviously import technically. But for example people in the UK still dont call Fenders "imports"

[@rocket69218]

I might not call a USA Fender an import but I don't call Squier guitars 'Imports' either, because basically all guitars (other than the few 'made in UK' brands) are 'imports' so there isn't that distinction.

[@agufish]

I would say it refers to “imports” relative to the brand’s home country. LTD is an import brand because they’re made in Indonesia/Korea but their parent company ESP is based in Japan.

[@rocket69218]

@@agufish yeah, that makes sense actually .... I might refer to a Vietnamese made Marshall as an 'import' Marshall amp.

[@rocket69218]

@@agufish But then shouldn't Fender be on this list as they make guitars outside of the USA?

[@the_hippykiller22]

@@agufish Edwards is borderline import too, kind of a grey area. They are amazing guitars though. You should check out Tokai one day, my entry level japanese LP with a set of Duncans is the best LP I've ever played and that's including several Gibsons and I've heard their chinese line is really good, having tried one a few years ago I remember it being a nice guitar.

[@wdavis6814]

Kramer used to be a small custom shop in Neptune, NJ... Then it was brought out and sold overseas. They are cheap but fun for 80s glam rocking though.

[@dcinsc]

I can't put Harley Benton in S Tier because of their historically ATROCIOUS shipping. Not just the cost, as bad as it is, but often the wait times and stock delays. Also, I really think you need to revisit Firefly. They have upgraded some of the components on their newer stuff and have expanded their lineup as well.

[@lurklingX]

the fireflys i got were lacking. plus 2 out of 3 had some serious quality control issues. and they do NOT back their return policy. they said my issues "didn't qualify". like, wtf DOES then??

[@ryant3600]

The shipping for HB's were great pre Covid. You got up to a hundred pounds for a flat rate of 35.00 to the US. Covid screwed that all up. it's not Thomann charging that it's the shipping companies so can't blame Thomann for that. And as for the stock delays it's cause everyone is buying them now. But they're worth the wait.

[@misterknightowlandco]

@@lurklingXthe HB I had was an epic level POS.

[@lurklingX]

@@misterknightowlandco noted. thx!

[@intracosm]

EVH standard Wolfgang is highly underrated. Super comfortable, great neck for rhythm or shredding, good pickups, not expensive. A tier easily

[@PHeMoX]

I would like to see a 'best pickups for modding tier list' !! Your import brand list looks solid to me, not much to disagree with there. I do personally think Squiers are kind of terrible value for the money though... even when it could be a modding platform if you like playing them, they are in fact overpriced for what they truly are. It's definitely no S tier to me lol. I'd say Epiphone is easily S tier when focusing on just the higher end stuff within that brand. Many times better than Squier lol. I would also buy a mid-range Gibson over anything Fender puts out these days in terms of value for money too. If people want a Fender, better accept it's going to cost you lol. I also love my Ibanez QX54. Great headless guitar for around a grand.

[@the_hippykiller22]

Chinese Classic Vibe Squiers made in China were absolutely great, in fact I sold my Fenders to keep my Strat 60's and I'm on the hunt for the Tele 50's since it was so great when I tried it. Now that they're indo I've heard they aren't as good which makes sense considering my indo Vintage Modified Jazz Bass is a tier below in quality. Also Squier doesn't produce "higher end" stuff so that's apple to oranges, at below prices they're capable of terrible things too. Mid range Gibson over Fender, well that's debatable, I'd put them at the same level but YMMV

[@lurklingX]

i agree with you on squier. you have to get a more expensive one to get the decent finishing. usually. epiphone however seems to do a nice job regardless. i've had hands on different tiers of each. frets on Epi are always nice. (in my exp) i don't think squier should be higher than epi. certain ones, sure. like this Tele BASS i have. wild. nice finish. and same with a Jaguar i got. it's got stellar wood on this one. but there are so many interesting Epiphone models, and like i said, the finish is usually fantastic. lower level squiers are........ yeah, hit or miss. i have other brands i'd like to put in S tier. Gretsch, Dean (i fukking love Dean. sometimes the quality/ability of pickups may not be to your liking but they beat out a lot of what i have and it really depends on the model. my B&W flying v is FANTASTIC. great pickups on it too, and it was about $389. S tier for sure!! they just do a lot of really cool stuff and i never hear people talk about them. or Gretsch too often. and these are my 2 brands i'm super weak to. great experiences. i have an acoustic in each as well, and they are amazing. killer sound. great value for money. the koa top on the dean is just... * chef's kiss * )

[@countdoogula2781]

Squier is absolutely S tier. Out of every guitar I own, even my Ibanez Prestige, the one I always pick up first is my Squier Contemporary Tele. Threw some Fender locking tuners on it, and for some weird reason, despite always sitting near an open window through Aussie summers and winters, it is literally ALWAYS in tune (drop B). Like I'm not exaggerating, it's always in tune. It's insane. Killer, killer guitar.

[@TexAgsArmyVet]

My Wylde Audio Odin Rawtop is seriously the best playing guitar I've ever owned. I still love my 2003 Gibson Les Paul Studio and my LTD EC-1000. I've owned a few Epiphone Les Paul Customs back in 2005-2009 and they rocked...after a couple mods. (EMG'S, shaved the neck...) Had 2 Les Paul Customs and a Zakk Wylde custom all by Epiphone. Great guitars for around $800 at the time.

[@shfla7293]

I have a Grassroots SG at Japan so I can flip it for more but i think imma just keep it (it’s goooooooood)

[@EvilDragon666]

BTW I actually ended up buying TWO guitars from AliExpress some years back. One of them is a LP Black Beauty clone with 3 humbuckers. Ended up being a terrific guitar with a mega playable neck. It just needed locking tuners and a pickup swap (I put Iron Gear Rolling Mills in it). Plays great to this day. Another one was a YJM Stratocaster clone (without scalloped frets). Put Fishman Strat replacement pickups in it, locking tuners and a Gotoh bridge, and asked a luthier friend to scallop the fretboard. Plays like a mofo. Unsure if you'd count this as "beating the odds" since the guitars did need some work, but yeah they're really good workhorses now.

[@phillippitts6294]

Another cool idea

[@aplanebagel]

Where would you put G&L Tribute on there ? ( I know I know it's not metal, but I used them for heavy stuff and I 'm curious about where you'd rank it :) ) great video ! Rock on !

[@agufish]

Need to finally try one, I don’t want to place anything I haven’t actually tried

[@jleighwolfe]

@@agufish you do. Quality for price you really can't beat it.

[@luigigetsu]

I have a couple of HB's and i was thinking in buying a more expensive instrument on the 1-1.5k range and before watching this video my options were schecter, solar and LTD (maybe ESP). So I guess I just got confirmation to my bias after this video 😂

[@xenophonkirby]

When you get the more expensive guitar, let's know how it stacked up against the HBs. I have several HBs too and they are equal or better than my $1000 guitars.

[@nikogoljat]

i have a ltd viper-1000 from about 2010. It is an excellent guitar for about 1000 €. Locking tuners, seymour Duncans and thin u neck with rolled off fingerboard. The neck is what sets it apart for me. a lot of detail and you can set the action really low with standard tuning without too much fret buzz. I am thinking of getting eclipse 1000 in the future.

[@Bezgels]

I absolutely love the Ibanez necks/fretboards. I can’t stand necks that are too fat for you hand to wrap around them and the flat frets just feel right with me. As for the quality, I’m on the same page. I have a 300 dollar 5 string from them and have absolutely 0 complaints about it after a few months of playing. Hardware is fantastic and it holds a tune like a beast, pickups are solid and it’s just an overall great bass

[@armignac]

Ibanez do also make one of the greatest basses ever imho. A custom Ibanez is just highest tier. No wonder their cheaper models are great.

[@bigeclipse718]

Chapman so high up on the list....you sure you arent sponsored or influenced by them....

[@Yeahwhoduh]

Thoughts on ormsby? I’d put them in a similar tier to legator

[@fleshpitdm]

(Not in order) -Ibanez -Fender -Vola -Suhr -G&L -Yamaha -ESP -RUF -Carvin (Not Kiesel) (PRS is so close to S Tier for me but I have one problem. You gotta feel multiple of the same model to find their best work imo)

[@matthewbrock5450]

I have a SLICK SL54T and I play it more than my Telecaster or my than my ESP EC1000. It's so versatile from ambient to progressive, standard tuning to drop B, it sonically outperforms anything else I own. If you've ever considered it, pull the trigger. Better quality than anything else in that price range. Awesome neck, perfect fretwork, and amazing tuning stability. Friends are always shocked when they play it, then find out how much one cost. No matter what genere you play, tonally it just works. You'll thank yourself if you get one.

[@arustydodge2111]

Like to see a lot more on GRETSCH, HUNTER. Love their guitars. All models. The all play really well and have that unique sound only a GRETSCH puts out. From their 12 strings, “Rat Rod” or high end Japanese models, they always wow me! I’m pretty much in the same school with SCHECTER. Out of the box quality every time! These are My personal experiences with both of these brands. Top Shelf! Love your videos, playing, reviews, and most of all, HONESTY! Keep it up!⭐️⭐️🎸👍🎸⭐️⭐️

[@dexter_tywr]

I have 2 Ibanez electric guitars, both didn't last for a long time, but Squier on the other hand, just completed 14 years and still amazingly reliable

[@PadawanPreacher]

Still don't understand how PRS SE is B-tier. What the hell. S-Tier material.

[@josephmariano1102]

Squire 😂

[@stevenpipes1555]

I have an older Schecter C1 FRS. No abalone binding it has carbon fiber binding instead. Body, neck, headstock, all bound in carbon fiber! Quilt top, lum inlays, Sustainiac, real Floyd! Its incredible and one of the nicest guitars ive ever owned! Got it at a yardsale for 250! SCORE!

[@DebowyMocny]

PRS SE and Cort two tiers below Schecter, Solar and Harley Benton and one tier below Chapman😂 I want 30 minutes of my life back! This list is nonsense.

[@RequiemDead]

Yes, we are still making fun of Agnesi! He will have "Die Authentic" on his tomb stone lol. However I did just buy a 2012 Les Paul standard desert burst and it's absolutely stellar!

[@xenophonkirby]

Agufish, I enjoyed your Epiphone tier list. However this vid is getting me anxious....putting Squier above PRS SE is unholy !

[@kane480]

One brand I never see anyone talking about is Washburn. I have an early 2000's guitar of theirs, and it's fantastic. Anyone have any experience with their current stuff?

[@shiwalogo2]

five of their electric hollows/semis. GREAT stuff. I also have 3 oscar schmidts LOL

[@odie5268]

I'll be THAT person that's like .. what about Yamaha?

[@jensnilsson1507]

I’ll be that person too! Don’t think hunter has played many, though, which may explain it. I Was reluctant at first with them but now they are my favorite brand. So much bang for the buck!

[@odie5268]

@@jensnilsson1507 I bought an RSS20, it's a great instrument for the price, impressive.

[@jensnilsson1507]

@@odie5268 Bought one too for my 40th birthday in april and I couldn't agree more!

[@thenoddistsdisciple]

2:37 I have that exact telecaster on the far right, such a versatile instrument. And yes, it's covered in stickers. It's probably one of my favorites I've ever owned, next to my lawsuit era Hondo II Les Paul.

[@Haolekine888]

The Epiphone dot alone makes Epiphone an s tier company. The dot is the jack of all trades and maybe the perfect beginner guitar. I was surprised not to see shijie on this list.

[@thomask9577]

I bought 4 MIM Fenders this year and EVERY one of them had the worst fret sprouts I’ve ever touched on a guitar.

[@DavidDunavent]

I love your channel but watch out for established titles! It’s a fake company

[@joefromaccounting7818]

BC Rich is like a legendary athlete saying they’re coming out of retirement to win and then tripping at the start line. I hope they actually pick up their game and sort themselves out real quick.

[@amandahuginkiss6868]

And get better sounding stock pickups. The higher end Fishman stuff is a different story, but "BC Rich" labelled pickups have never been that great in my book, and I've owned four(?) over the years. The pickups are always lifeless and low output, and/or have some sort of stupid or crude sexual reference for a name; BDSM pickups? FFS...

[@joefromaccounting7818]

@@amandahuginkiss6868 100% Even when they did runs with Rockfield they were still awful sounding. Put Lace Sabertooth pickups in my Special X mockingbird and an EMG 81 in my SOB. Made a world of difference

[@amandahuginkiss6868]

@@joefromaccounting7818 My Rich "B", an NJ series from late '90s I think, I replaced the crap licensed Floyd with a crap Floyd Rose Special (big improvement actually) and the humbucker with a Gibson 500T (the highest output I could find back at that time, I never cared for the EMG's). Neck pickup is a "Malcom Young Signature"; a plastic pickup cover over an empty hole.

[@descent1331]

Established titles is a huge scam...so is "tone woods"

[@Shmalentine]

Edwards is in the league if its own. I just returned from Japan and bought 2 more LP's. Now I own 12 Edwards (10 LP's - quilt tops - and 2 SG's). I actually prefer the Edwards-made guitars to ESP (non-LTD), which I also own. More generally speaking, your list should be sorted not just by the brand but also by the place of origin. Japanese-made guitars are almost as good (if not better) as the US-made - usually at a fraction of the price. Next are the Koreans. And then the rest of the SE Asia. I've always looked down on Schecters until I played some MIJ's. Shit, those are killer guitars! Same with Ibanez. Same with Fender. Same with pretty much any brand.

[@The_McLaughlin]

I mean people can say what they want about Schecter... but Schecter guitars have my absolute favorite guitar necks... They're so comfortable to hold/play. I have two schecters and they are my favorite guitars despite being low to mid range in the price tier

[@darklyripley6138]

Ibanez is best. No debate. Don’t at me.

[@MajorDook1]

"Don't at me"?

[@Boots_McScoots]

at

[@Augrills]

You know a wizard neck is a loose vagina in England

[@mikes9759]

Actually happened upon this channel but extremely happy I did!! I'm an old toad guitar player and I'm looking for some decent guitars for gifting my kids. This was a GREAT video with a ton of info and right to the point no punches pulled!! I'm very impressed and will continue watching!! 5 stars here!! Keep it up!

[@rikkr1307]

I have a IYV LP copy, had it completely gone through, ghl boomers and I wouldn't trade it for all the tea in Vietnam. 😁

[@fahadalghamdi9316]

Good, Im glad to see my beautiful 400-500 sterlings in the S tear where they should be.

[@The98Zolcsi]

Hi, Now that you've had experience with GrassRoots, where would you put it on the tier list? I am hesitating between that and Edwards.

[@sSpoonMan]

I have the sterling JT 150 dimarzio and it’s great, squeal is sick, never goes out of tune, feels amazing to shred on, great metal guitar.