Are These REALLY The Best Selling Guitars Of 2023?

[@Reverb]

Hey Rhett, thanks for the discussion! You've got us thinking about other ways we could look at our sales too. To start, here's a quick list of best-selling "metal" guitars only (defining metal broadly here, and including new and used sales): 1. ESP LTD EC-1000 2. EVH Wolfgang Special 3. Charvel Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 1 HH FR 4. Kramer Baretta Special 5. Ibanez RG550 Genesis Collection 6. Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HH FR 7. EVH Striped Series 8. Jackson JS Series JS22 DKA Dinky Archtop 9. Jackson JS Series JS22-7 DKA HT Dinky Archtop 10. EVH Wolfgang WG Standard 11. Schecter Omen Extreme-6 12. EVH Striped Series Frankenstein Frankie (Red/White/Black) 13. Schecter Nick Johnston Traditional HSS 14. ESP LTD EC-256 FM 15. Charvel Pro-Mod DK24 HH 2PT CM 16. Dean Dimebag Dean from Hell CFH Lightning Bolt Graphic 17. Ibanez GRX70QA Gio RX Series 18. Jackson JS Series JS32 King V 19. ESP LTD EC-256 20. Ibanez TOD10 Tim Henson Signature We can't publish actual numbers, but to your questions of how exact sales of LP Standard '60s compare to the '50s, or Strats vs. Teles, there are some ways we could go back and calculate the relative share of different models. Hit us up if you're interested in that data or if you have other ideas for data you'd like to see from us.

[@dustinbrummett3774]

I like that number 1. Tad biased but it’s a great guitar loaded with features. LTD has been beating the pants off of others

[@danmc_2783]

@@dustinbrummett3774 I'll second that. You don't get the nitrocellulose finish but you're basically getting a Les Paul custom Access with boutique hardware and a choice of boutique pickups all for less than the cost of Gibson's new Modern Lite or even the new IGC Epiphone's

[@cheenu711]

kramer baretta is brilliant. that neck alone is worth twice the price I paid.

[@justinlareau2227]

Would the PRS Dusty Waring be in this list? I personally love the way this guitar looks in the Waring burst and have it on my list of guitar's I want for playing heavy metal riff type music.

[@TVsBen]

Thanks for the look into these instruments. I wish Reverb would differentiate between new and used, too.

[@Mister_Samsonite]

I respectfully submit that the Player Series Fenders are nearly on par with what the American Standards used to be when still in production. Having said that, I just picked up an American Performer Strat (entry level for USA made), and I love it! For not a ton of money it fixed everything I didn't like about strats - tone control for the icepick bridge pickup is a HUGE improvement (thank you EJ). Overall a great guitar for the money - especially if you can get one on clearance.

[@rmaxtpmx]

If only they would stop forcing that horrendous CBS headstock deeming it suitable only for playing in the dark.

[@rhoff7272]

I have a player strat that has always treated me well, got it on sale and haven't looked back. Calling them trash seems to be over compensation for.... something

[@allendean9807]

@@GenXGen1sorry you had such a bad experience from the player line. If you want a great Mexican made strat, however, i recommend the mod shop. In 2021, i ordered an autumn blaze(color), roasted maple neck, hardtail lefty with HSS noiseless, locking tuners, black pickguard with chrome hardware. Love this guitar, and it came out at 1800 with hard shell flight case. Worth every penny

[@pepeowen]

Fender Player Strat owner here... very happy with it. All the bashing is unnecessary. I get not everyone will like them but I think they are more than perfectly fine, they are great guitars. I also have an Ultra and honestly, the price gap is not worth it.

[@marceliguitarelli931]

You 'think' and the facts are the player series is mostly shitty. U can set it up etc. but squier higher series is so s better in everything. The actually should canvel the player series. And I'm happy with you about your guitar man. You have a Fender. Thats great! Dont take any offence plz. Marry Christmas ❤

[@pepeowen]

​@@marceliguitarelli931 disagree, but different strokes for different folks. I think mine is pretty good. Bear in mind not all guitars from the same batch feel the same. I'm not saying it's better than custom shop guitars or something silly like that. And I am positive the Am Pro ii must be better. But everyone that has tried my player agrees it feels great. 🤷

[@Lateral032]

Hell yea all 3 of my player series ( 2 hss strats and 1 tele) are worth the money over the classic vibe. I had 3 squires and none felt better than the players! The hate is ridiculous

[@superronjon]

@@pepeowen I'm sure yours is pretty good. He's not saying that they can't be good, but that there others that are both cheaper and better.

[@aitken1965]

My Player Series Stratocaster and Telecaster are better playing guitars than my previous Squier CV 50s Strat and Tele. No hate for Squier, but in my experience the Player Series just felt better and played better, had better hardware, and better neck feel. One caveat, I like the classic Fender tuners on the CV series better than the tuners on the player series.

[@adamgray8009]

Rhett the DGT is 100% the PRS for you. Classic tones and incredible playability with a trem and a perfect neck. I have too many guitars (Fender, PRS, Gibsons, Collings, etc) and the DGT might just be my desert island guitar. It's that good. And super versatile. You should get one and force yourself to actually play it long enough so you get past the "no mojo" nonsense, lol.

[@onlyguitars]

I agree! DGT is fantastic. Has that tone.

[@dandunivan6056]

I am an acquaintance of David Grissom. I did some work on his house, many moons ago, and we talked music and guitars. I brought my 55 Tele Esquire over for him to check out. He didn’t even plug it in… I could hear him playing from 2 rooms away with tone I had no idea was possible not plugged in. That being said, I believe the DGT was conceived and produced for guitarists that have incredible touch. Can’t say it’s a guitar for me, but I’m the world’s most mediocre guitarist.

[@Gearhart_Music]

It probably depends on the year, but I own a Player Strat that I bought in 2020 and it's actually pretty nice. I have done some mods to it, and I still want to change the pickups, but I have gigged with it many times and it's just a solid workhorse guitar.

[@BBQgeek]

Hey Rhett - I scored a blue NF53 from Righteous' first shipment and I am STOKED about it. It's a brilliant damn guitar. I don't know if the stats are real around it being #1, but it's the #1 played guitar in my collection since I bought it.

[@dustinbrummett3774]

So many options these days of good guitars in every range. I feel like you really need to find yourself in a guitar you buy. Picked up a lot of disappointing guitars at every range for whatever reason. Shop around and spend your money wisely. Nobody will like your favorite guitar more than you.

[@dustinbrummett3774]

LTD has been killing it too. Kinda busted Gibson and epiphone with a great run of guitars. Made them pay for more artist models to try to become relevant again

[@pieteytrenton2747]

Couldn't agree more, bought my first electric recently, been accoustic player for decades, went into the store with zero budget concerns, and zero preference, although figured I'd walkout with a pricey Les Paul variant considering all of my favourite sounds are attached to them ... Walked out with a semi-hollow Gretsch for less than 1500, filter-tron pups only put out 4k, attach that to the full body shape and it made a walloping difference to the adjustment I had to make from acoustic to electric. The low output made the allows for the attack of my acoustic right-hand, and the full body feels like home. And sounds fucking ace. it really is a case for whatever works for the individual

[@ericnicolleau4331]

Not for lefty lol 🤥

[@rmaxtpmx]

​@@apostolicway2604then buy a Tele, and call it a day. Some people like options.

[@TheWorstManOnEarth]

The ESP LTD EC 1000 is a platform for A LOT of different variations going from Pop/Jazz/Blues/Fusion (Seymour Duncan JB/59) to Metal stuff. I swapped in a "Duesenberg Les Trem II" tremolo and a "ABM Mueller roller bridge" on my ESP LTD EC 1000 Deluxe, and with the splittable Seymour Duncan JB/59 pickup set, I now have the greatest tool for most every genre I play in just one guitar with the best most comfortable neck shape on the market.

[@maxsalmon1573]

Love the EC 1000 deluxe. I've put Gibson pickups on my EC 1000 , so I got the sound I want with a confortable guitar and neck

[@TheWorstManOnEarth]

@@maxsalmon1573 Yeah ! As said, these are "great platforms" for whatever any guitarist needs. Way better than Gibsons. And now all the 1000 series come with Stainless Steel frets which is a "big plus" for me. I hope you enjoy your EC 1000 ! Have fun ! Play loud !

[@Augrills]

I have an EC 1000 and played a friends and they’re very consistent, barebones guitar for a good price. I think it’s a wicked guitar

[@TheWorstManOnEarth]

@@Augrills Yeah ! I played a EC-256 right after new year. The guy came with his 256 and I had my 1000 so we started talking. He bought his Gloss Black 256 used and got it for cheap, and his 256 was freaking awesome. It didn't have the tiny little "neck dive" that my 1000 has ... due to the 1000 having 24 frets and the neck being slightly shifted to accommodate 2 more frets, I suppose. Exact same neck shape, 2 original LTD pickups on his 256 and they sound good. The neck joint isn't as comfortable though, and he had swapped the tuners for locking tuners. Since then I've been checking Reverb for a nice used 256 as a 2nd guitar ... LOL. Now, I have no idea if the neck on the 256 is as rock solid and stable as the one on my 1000, but except from that, it's a great package for the price.

[@diegolucio7638]

I know he hates on the Player series but I love my 75th anniversary player strat. Its comfortable to me. I am interested in the nf53 hopefully an SE comes out. Good stream

[@poodleguiderpeyes7388]

The 59 limited edition Epi is very Gibson like; has Gibson pickups & hardware.

[@BarqB]

I hope that Gibson is paying attention because not everyone has big hands and likes 50's necks. I know I dont and thats why I bought a 60's series this last year. Wish they would make a 60's series standard with P-90's in different colors including a gold top of course.

[@professored7169]

True that, but you could put some humbucker sized p90s in or route one for p90s if you really wanted a 60s lp with p90s in different colors

[@Renn89]

I bought a new player series telecaster this year and I absolutely love it. Maybe I just got a good one. But I liked it more over the classic vibes I played.

[@sidestyle05]

Player series guitars are terrific, regardless of what Mr. "Max out my credit cards for a Novo" has to say

[@Renn89]

@@sidestyle05 I’m glad someone else thinks so. I also have an early 2000’s MIM strat and I think my newer player series is a lot better quality than it is. I think fender has really improved their MIM line.

[@sidestyle05]

@@Renn89 Squiers are fine for what they are. The bodies, necks are very good but you have to replace all the electronics and pickups. The pots and jacks fail all the time, the tuners are spotty, and the pickups are just not very good.

[@kevinvandenberg5548]

The player series are great! Just need to play one in the store to get a good one. The neck is much better (and fatter) than those skinny ones on the squier classic vibe. Electronics, frets, and pickups are also better than the squier. Not sure what Rhett's rambling on about...

[@pauljohnson4375]

I have been playing a Fender Player Tele for two years and it is my go-to guitar in every way. When I bought it i went through all the player telecasters in two different Guitar Center stores and found the one I really liked. It plays well and sounds good. I do my own set-ups and expect to do that to all my guitars. Rhett-I respect your opinion as you are hard on player guitars, but I have had a very different experience.

[@Jointlock]

This year my Yamaha Revstar and Sire H7 semi Larry Carlton signature were 2 great buys. There are so many other great builders/manufacturers who don't have the budget/advertising to go up against Fender & Gibson.

[@LukeandaGuitar]

played a Sire H7 the other day in a guitar store.. damn beautiful instrument!

[@dustinbrummett3774]

Revstar looked pretty legit in everything I seen on them. Cool looking guitar too

[@Jointlock]

it'r the only guitar I have ever had with s/s frets, there's pros and cons to both, but it's sort of a breath of fresh air. Also the pull out pot makes a different sonic response, and it's cool....and I got the latte burst which is very unique and nice @@dustinbrummett3774

[@bluzzjazz]

I have a Wood Library/ Korina neck DGT and I can tell you it is a phenomenal guitar. I reach for it all the time, in spite of having Gibsons, American Fender strats/teles, Heritages, Novo, Gretches etc. They're all different in some way but the DGT covers most bases IMO.

[@ScottDreyfus]

I absolutely love my squire 40th Strat I put mim term and locking tuners on it and wow … what a player. This neck is so comfortable. It’s finished better than the player series at my local guitar center.

[@kyran4238]

In my experience Fender Players have been objectively better than the Squier CVs I have worked on. Maybe we get different stock here in Australia?

[@donbradman334]

Hi Rhett! I live in Indonesia, where some of these guitars are made. Personally, I thought it was a bit disappointing that the list was basically dominated by 3 companies. I do own a Fender and a Gibson, but I acquired a Yamaha Revstar (also made in Indonesia) this year and I love it, fantastic guitar for the money.

[@jordanpratt3821]

It warms my heart to see strats,teles ,and les pauls at the top of this list.

[@martinwidenmusic]

Great video Rhett! Like you mentioned in the video, it would be really interesting to see Thomanns (and other dealers) stats. 😊

[@aidanlarger8567]

I was a tech at a local GC and various shops and would frequently take apart new things that came in from various companies, so the thing with the player series starting around 2018 was they switched all the hardware and electronics to Korean made Metric spec. Instead of CTS pots and vintage style Nickel and Chrome bridges you get Metric Bridges with chrome plated cast pot metal saddles with black adjustment screws and Korean unbranded electronics. The quality of the necks and bodies remained pretty good at least. This was all before the price hikes during and after the pandemic, now they are pushing the Player Plus series so you can get upgraded Official Fender Hardware and stainless steel saddles on MIM strats.

[@perniciousreaper4393]

I've seen your videos on the different levels of Fender guitars, and to me, your take is pretty wild (one of the very few times I've had to vehemently disagree with you) because I own a 2020 Player Strat, a 2002 American Standard Strat, and recently back in November - in large part due to your Strat comparison video - picked up a 60's classic vibe Stratocaster. I think it's a fine guitar, but after playing all three of them several times over a few sessions, I think the biggest bang for the buck is the Player series. In terms of build, components, overall tonality, etc., the Player series is easily twice as good as the classic vibe. The American Standard is not twice as good as the Player series. It's maybe 1.2x better. My American has slightly better fretwork and better pots, but that's about it, with the exception of the Nitro finish, which the Player series doesn't have. In terms of overall craftsmanship, the quality between the Player and the American is pretty much indiscernible, but I did have some minor quality gripes with the Squier. If I had one gripe about the Player series, its that they didn't use a bone nut, which is a bit baffling but was an easy fix. Let's acknowledge, though, that I'm talking about three guitars from three different years (and two generations), which is exactly why I think making broad or general statements about a particular guitar line can be a bit misleading, especially when looking at brand new guitars in the present. We all know in retrospect which model years of certain guitars to avoid, but it's much harder to do in the present until it's been played and vetted by tens of thousands.

[@wesleymorris1]

Gretsch is great for the money, i got the streamliner green one, it played so good out of the box, i was amazed. Normally i gotta do fret work, level or fret ends. Nothing on the gretsch, the action was super low, no buzzing. Excellent build quality.

[@duffbaker9554]

I have several Gretsch Duo-Jet guitars (all made in Japan) and yes, they are indeed sweet axes!

[@poodleguiderpeyes7388]

I bought 3 PRS SE's this year; a McCarty Double Cut, a SilverSky, & a Custom 24 Quilt top. They are great guitars. The compare well to my AmPro Fenders. (SouthWest FL)

[@Setright230]

Hey Mate, i mainly have USA fenders as the days when you bought a Fender USA Standard that came with custom shop pick ups. Have a couple my reissue 62 Strat before the thicker lacquer and has the slab rosewood 3 pos switch that I’ve kept on as they also had the 62 pickups. Yet still have my classic vibe 50’s Strat and it still plays like a dream. 2006, not one that I’d sell. Was my first electric from acoustic playing. I’m in love with the Tele 2023 custom relic. Which even though 50th was 3 yrs back I received nothing. Aust prices suck yet think going to try find a custom shop relic like seen you playing. I also tightened my veterans pension and bought your course with the out of the pentatonic version. Thanks mate, there only few guitar channels I trust to watch being you and Phil McNight KYG channel. Reevaluating my playing by getting into your course. To check any areas I’ve been cheating or not as good as yrs back. But my service in military and then medically discharged for broken body and head. Lost 14 yr marriage and 2 great kids. Now just me and my service dog trooper. Really hard when no one close to jam with. I’ve been using backing tracks and learning to record into Mac with the UA volt 417 with the 1176 compressor and vintage buttons. Into Logic Pro X, AmpliTube 5.2. Sorry it’s a long one. But stay strong & highly recommend your courses. I need set monitor speakers, rather than just headphones. Any suggestions ?? Hope sounds like my set up seems ok. Have a sure 57 to try my amp and pedals recording yet see most with 2 mics?? Cheers Matt. 🦮🫡🪖🇦🇺

[@be8965]

Revstars are such GREAT guitars!! I got the Japanese against the standard only cause I found a great deal I just couldn't pass, also I really dig the Gold P90s version of it. I really hope Yamaha cracks their marketing system and can have a better way to show their guitars.

[@BarrySW19]

Agree - I have the standard with P90s - it's every bit the match for my Gibson which cost three times as much.

[@audchl]

The SE Silver Sky is also common here in the Philippines. I always see it in famous bands and stores.

[@CagedPaps]

In the UK the SE Silver Sky launched at £900 ($1,125), the colours that didn't sell well have been down to £700 most of the year - but recently I saw one colour for £499. What jumps out to me is PRS has usually 1 or 2 models in this list, especially since the SS launched, but now they're firmly above Gibson and on the heels of Fender. Who knew all they had to do was make a strat... I personally thought it was overpriced on launch but, it must have sold - I'm guessing they produced a lot though.

[@rickstout5524]

I haven’t purchased an off the shelf guitar in years and prefer to grow my own. I build for myself and would never part out something that was setup, played, re-set, and settled into ‘finished’ mode over a period of time. I am under no illusion of grandeur of what a so called no-brand save my own would bring on the market. That being said, IF I sell it at some point someone is going to, and has received, a very nice, sorted out tone machine you could gig with, at a reasonable price, and of course at a monetary loss, period. Your results may vary, but I get the satisfaction of spending a great deal of time on a single guitar with a pay off money can’t buy.

[@KapnKregg]

One interesting thing to note about the sales data of the PRS NF-53 and the Myles Kennedy model is that I went to 3 PRS dealers over the last couple of months looking for each of these, and was told they that have several "on order", but that they had all been spoken for already. Meaning that they don't even have them in stock, and they've already sold them. So if PRS is collecting this data from the stores that are selling the instruments, I can see how they may report that they are sold - even though they haven't even manufactured them yet.

[@scottpickett9779]

Cool man. How about checking out top selling amps.

[@calebmorales6288]

A hypothesis as someone who strongly considered the EC-1000 this year: Stainless steel, tall frets are in vogue for many different styles of music right now, and the EC as a LP clone is still very conventional in its looks, adding to its mass appeal. They do not hold their value very well, with some selling for $500-600. Add in a set of PAFs, and you have a traditional LP with modern playability for

[@BobSperber]

Good hang! I watched the whole thing post-live while doing acoustic saddle and nut repairs.

[@onlyguitars]

The PRS SE are really great. I had the DGT core, had to downsize but now with the DGT SE I'm more than happy because it is really good. Chunky neck, light, pickups sound great, plays amazing, and frets all of that are well polished, feel great. Is a great guitar to have and has a unique character in the tone that I love. Even if its not a number 1 guitar for you, its really good. Get a DGT SE, Im sure you will enjoy it

[@jperryfan]

Just got a used SE594 for$600. Great guitar at any price. Especially this price, lol.

[@Nizodizo]

I have a Player Strat that I bought a few years back and it is great.

[@uwedasler425]

The PRS list does make complete sense. It is NOT guitars sold to customers, it is guitars built in 2023 and sold to retailers / distributors. NF53 and MK have initial demand exceeding supply (I ordered my MK on release day and it arrived last week), and absolutely nobody had existing stock, since the models are new. Same goes for the Modern Eagle V. All other core guitars exist since 2022 or much longer and dealers / distributors have existing stock. Also, not all long-running core models are built continuously. I know several dealers here in Europe that could not get new core DGTs and some Fiore colors for most of the year. Custom 24s and 594s are sitting in stock almost everywhere, some originally built in 2020 and earlier. A lot of them have simply less attractive colors or flames... Not surprised about the SE Hollowbody II Piezo outselling the Silver Sky (core) either. I have one of these and it is better than my (Memphis) ES-335 and my Collings at 20% of the price.

[@RiverLionn]

Yeah I also decided to Skip over the Player series when shopping for my strat this year. They just weren't feeling very consistent when I'd go to play Players in stores. And as good as Classic Vibe Squiers *can* be, I think there is also an inconsistency in quality with them like with the Player series. There are plenty of good ones, but plenty of duds as well. You really gotta play one before buying it, where as I think some other brands at similar price points are more reliable sight unseen. I ended up springing for a used Highway One strat on Reverb and I have no regrets!

[@RiverLionn]

also I *almost* went for a Silver Sky SE, I really love those every time I play one, but I wanted the flexibility of an HSS strat

[@rowbags3017]

Hi Rhett - I've bought several new electrics this year and they're all really good, each with their own distinct voices and characters. But, if I had to pick just one of them as a "Swiss army knife" to get any job done - it would be the PRS SE DGT. It's nowhere near my most expensive guitar, and it's actually the first PRS that I've ever "bonded" with, but the build quality on my Gold Top is flawless and it felt familiar and "played-in" from the moment I picked it up. The neck profile suits me perfectly, and its tremolo is almost ridiculously reliable. I'm going to add locking tuners as the icing on the cake, but it doesn't need them. Based on the quality of the SE DGT, I'd be keen to try an SE Silver Sky - but I'm waiting until one comes out in a colour that I don't dislike. Maybe in 2024.?.. but I think PRS have missed the boat in my case, because I just picked up a stunning Fender Japan Hybrid II Strat that I'd rank alongside my SE DGT in the top slot, except that it's a 2022 model.

[@JohnWDGTandTele]

This year I sold my Ernie Ball Music Man Axis Sport and with the money I bought an Epiphone inspired by Gibson ES-335 and a Squire Classic Vibe Tele (which I’ve upgraded some of the hardware) and I’m happy. Now I have what I wanted (see my avatar photo).

[@kurtweiand7086]

With these 2 guitars you can cover lots of bases and also their upgradable! 😉 Enjoy!

[@cee128d]

I just picked up a Squire Affinity Telecaster (it arrived yesterday). I haven't had a chance to give it more than a cursory look so far, but the neck has a Satin back instead of gloss which I really wanted. After a 40 plus year absence from owning and playing a guitar I'm definitely looking forward to getting back into it. The one I got looks almost exactly like the Tele I owned in the 70.s and needed to sell when my kids were born (I didn't make money playing).

[@PickupsAreNotTrucks]

Awesome you’re getting back into it! Congrats! I wish you all the luck in the world! I always wanted to get my dad playing again but, he just never was interested now that he’s later in his life. Every once in a blue moon, with enough whiskey, he’ll play one of my guitars and sing a song but, it’s damn rare and he’s rusty after 40 some years. Lol

[@Baci302]

Is it safe to buy on Reverb?

[@Gearhart_Music]

I did take advantage of the PRS sale and bought an SE CE. The neck is insanely easy to play, and not too 'thin' for what they call "wide thin". Frets are nicely polished. Downsides are, I had to immediately replace the volume pot, and I don't really like the pickups, though they do sound nice and clear. Also the finish on the neck feels cheap, but the precision of the fit and finish does feel nicer than other guitars in.its price range.

[@catopwnzify]

I got myself a vintera 2 and the Dave Murray Strat during the holiday season beautiful.

[@hgxnorton1986]

Been playing my Fender Player Strat for 4 years, mostly for gigging, and it's really solid. For some reason though I tend to use cheaper squiers for recording, I find that they have a little more character.

[@1loveMusic2003]

The Bass in your live to tape vid is crazy cool. Great playing by everyone BTW.

[@realdmc]

Just looked at that Squier 40th Anniversary Vintage Edition Jazzmaster listing on Reverb because that seller is in my area. The gig bag and Staytrem are being offered as separate items for $220 more.

[@bradleyolinger1691]

@RhettSchull, my big complaint about Fender is when it comes to the Nashville Tele. They really only offer it in one variant. I don’t worry too much about what’s on the headstock personally, but I always customize too. There was an Epiphone on the Used list.

[@justmehere6094]

Well I contributed to the #15 Revstar RSS02T and #19 PRS SE 24-08 on the New list. Run of the mill styes, as you put it, are used in all the genres INCLUDING metal. Rock, Country, Hip Hop, Blues, R and B, Pop, etc.

[@PaulMottram-y1l]

Hi Rhett, great channel I tune in from Auckland , New Zealand

[@AdAstraOnYafro]

My solution was to find a purple 2003 MIM standard special edition. I’m pleased as punch to have paid $175.00 for it. It has a blemish on the back of the neck but is 100% solid. Wish it was a maple fretboard, but it does everything one would expect from a great strat.

[@ejdean1929]

Love your posts, we are very different players but I enjoy and agree with most of your prospective criticism. The gear info saves me a lot of time and money since Im on Cape Cod in Falmouth, Music gear stores for modern stuff are an hour away.

[@justmehere6094]

If you look at the New vs Used list, PRS SE Silver sky is #1 on new, but also #3 on used. So yes a lo were sold new, but appears like a lot of those were then sold used. And the #3 and 4 Fender Player Strat and Tele, new, were #2 and 5 used.

[@alonzowhite3046]

💚💚💚 Happy Holidays Rhett!!!

[@jeffreyradick6486]

Maybe those number published by PRS are numbers of guitars sold to dealers and not numbers sold by dealers to individual players.

[@robertkise]

I just bought a Squier Afinity Series precicion bass (in Surf Green) rather than one of the cheaper Fender Precicion basses and the Squier is so nice. I've been playing a Squier Afinity series Strat for close to 20 years and have beat the hell out of the damned thing, yet it still plays, sounds & feels great.

[@glendoggett9670]

Hello from Seattle, WA! ESP Ltd EC-1000 may have passive or active pickups, and can also be great for clean, lower gain, classic rock, etc. not just metal.

[@jamesrichardson4988]

Honestly surprised and disappointed with the lack of Gretsch, my G5230 is one of the biggest happy surprises of 2023

[@ironmikezero]

Comparatively speaking, Gretsch guitars are not trafficked (sold/resold) on Reverb anywhere near as much as the brands on Reverb's list. There's no shade thrown on the Gretsch instruments as they tend to be excellent in tone & QC; it's more often the case that once savvy guitarists get one, they keep it until they can move up to a higher grade Gretsch model. Anyone who has had one in their collection almost always want another one.

[@jamesrichardson4988]

@@ironmikezero Totally valid points, and very true that I'm immediately looking at other Gretsch models now that I am hooked

[@CFCMahomet]

My son just bought a Players Series Strat over the Classic Vibe because of the name on the headstock. (I told him to do the same thing, buy the Squire and replace pickups)

[@wglennhowells]

It’s a crime the Revstar line from Yamaha is not on here.

[@Trump2024Kentucky]

Corbin, Kentucky. Small town between Lexington, KY and Knoxville, TN.

[@Mediocre_Bass_Player]

Awesome stream please do this type of stream again, I did watch it on replay from Berlin Germany!

[@marianoctn]

For the ones with broken up prices (2143.21 as opposed to 2149.99) and spikes, I'd say probably those are sales outside the US in other currencies and converted to USD. They also are inherently more expensive due to import duties and shipping expenses (Europe, Asia, Australia, South America).

[@jshearer94]

I liked the style of livestream. Caught it later, but I dig the back and forth without a guitar but about guitars.

[@Paulo-ze1tl]

Some of these Gibson LP Standards 60s and 50s that are sold as used are actually new, but have some sort of a massive discount. Shops can’t sell them as new because it would get them in trouble with their deal with Gibson. Sometimes these are akin to Sweetwater demo discounts. Same can be said about many others on that list, but I conjecture that the nitro, which I love, makes Gibson more susceptible than other guitar makers to being sold with a “demo” discount. Sometimes due to some minor ding or just because the guitar had been sitting on the store’s floor for a bit more than usual.

[@jonkerr2050]

My Dad actually picked up an SE Hollow Body II without the piezo. It’s an amazing guitar for the price. And I’m an Epi/Giby guy. But I borrow that PRS regularly.

[@rocknrollmouseuk]

Not live - but rewatching in UK (between Christmas and New Year)

[@Kinksfan]

I have played both the Squier Classic Vibe and Fender Player series strats and the MIM Player guitars are just better quality, IMO. I don't get the love of the Classic Vibe. It felt cheap in my hands. Sure, the Player series can benefit from better electronics, but any guitar under a grand probably could.

[@LuciensMusic]

Just picked up a Reverend Sensei Jr. and I cant put it down! Been a Strat lover my whole life and wanted a P90, but I didnt expect to love the neck this much🙂

[@TheDrunkenScoundrel]

I am betting the Myles PRS is based on orders PRS got from dealers. Those two T-Style guitars got a bunch of front-end hype. Then there was the "well, these aren't REALLY tele-replacements, they're Tele-adjacent..." and then people were like, "yeah, but they fill a sort of niche in a form factor..." as they found their market. If they are at this same level next year I'll be surprised but it won't surprise me if they climb back at least some in coming years. To me (IMHO) form what I have seen is that they may wind up being a guitar for people who want something between a Tele and an LP but don't want or need both if that makes any sense. I saw several videos where they came out and didn't really see the Tele thing but I saw them almost like a G&L ASAT with MFDs. Thanks for coming to my TED talk.

[@dalecoffing8655]

I'm a acoustic guitar player by default most of the time. (Church). So I'd love see you do a review of this style for the acoustic guitar. I also have been following the Yamaha Revstar since seeing your review of the same. The other place I play is in the pit. I can cover most of the needs there with a semi hollow 335 style with coil splits, and a Martin D10E for the acoustic parts. (Good working man's guitar.) I'm thinking the Revstar standard with P90's might be a good fit for some of the pit work? Cool vid kiddo.

[@shearfury147]

Happy holidays. Sorry i missed the stream. Northern wisconsin here!

[@marcaustin]

I ended up buying the Jason Isbell tele after your teles compared video. I really like it, it sounds GREAT and came nicely set up and well appointed. It's my 1st tele so i don't have any comparison but i love the sounds its giving me !!

[@danmc_2783]

I don't know what the market is like in the U.S and it's a bit of a weird model, so I wouldn't expect to see it on this list, but the Fender Telecaster Custom FMT HH (terrible name! It's a "troublemaker" Tele more like a carved top SG than anything else) is another guitar that I'd put above the Player Series. Plus it DOES say Fender though it's now made in Indonesia alongside the Squiers. Earlier models were made first in Korea and then some in China too I think. Don't know if there's much variation there between regions but I own an early '04 Korean model (it had the Fender pickups which were a bit meh, I've put a Dimarzio PAF PRO and Super Distortion in it now) and it is an absolute beast of a guitar and I've played a new Indonesian one too which felt essentially the same to me and sounded great with the Seymour Duncans they have in them from late '04 onwards.

[@julianmetcalfe1070]

going gear shopping with Rhett would be so much fun , i think you would soon burn through a fare amount of money but you would be set up for life

[@AWildKrom]

That delve into the specs was fantastic

[@andyortiz2800]

Hey Rhett…are the Fender Players series not the MNM series? I have 2 and I love them…One is stock and the other has David Gilmore EMG. Which sound awesome.

[@raybartell9807]

Hi Rhett good channel andertons said that the sire guitars were the number one selling Guitar’s for them , I own one and it is amazing value, but the guitar that I do not understand why everybody is not jumping on them is the G & L Fullerton models I have fenders and Epiphones my friend has two les Paul’s and he bought a GNL telecaster 29:42 and the and the quality is the night and day there’s always a problem with the Les Paul quality of the workmanship against the Les Paul which is almost twice the price is amazing

[@tom474e]

What do you think of the compound radius fingerboards from Fender?

[@AnniottOfficial]

Something I noticed that was funny was the 219,316 minutes spent making guitars this year. It equates to 488 days, which I means there's about 2 guys working full time throughout the year on guitars. I wish I had their efficiency 🤣

[@aphotosyntheticworld]

A 40 hour work week equates to 2,080 hours a year. I think your math is off a bit.

[@BluesMe81]

I tried to buy Gibson LP 60's Standard over a year where I couldn't find a decent one for my budget (

[@oldmanzen6682]

Enjoyed the hell out of this deeper dive into the lists. Thanks.

[@T4JM]

I bet the Players series are the top of the list because people buy them and dump them when they don't pass muster.. Then the next owner does the same.. Rinse. Repeat.... at cheaper prices. I haven't enjoyed any of the Players series recently.

[@Okla_Soft]

As someone who just sold a modded and an unmodded Gibson, I can verify that making any changes to a stock Gibson Les Paul, no matter how good the parts or how well they’re installed, will severely devalue the instrument. I let a Gibson LP go for $550 that had $400 worth of upgrades in it. The pickups alone were $220 retail. It’s just like the used car market, anything not factory devalues the item. Same thing as Rhett said with partscasters, if you’re going to build them, do t build them with the intention of selling it unless you want to lose a lot of $. Partscasters are a way to own and play a much better bolt-on than you can buy stock, but a terrible way to try and make $

[@jhendricks02]

I thought the PRS SE sale was a pretty lame move, as PRS didn’t really extend the discounted price to the dealer’s cost. Dealers were able to reorder guitars at a 10% discount, but only after they sold another guitar at the huge discount. No problem for the big stores but kind of hurt my mom and pop shop. We were selling guitars on Reverb for $700 and making like $45 profit once it was said and done.

[@amphibious4463]

I bought a new player series on sale not long ago. I took it back after 3 days and bought a used pro 2. After a couple minor upgrades(bought but not installed) and a case, the MIM was only about $200 less. The difference in quality/fit and feel is huge. My kid has a squire that smokes the player series. It's got to be the logo bc the player series is trash for the money.

[@NessKey]

I think many that have the Silver Sky wanted to try the Tele version NF53.

[@RealRiffRaf]

I loved the nerdy graph stuff! Not a lot of people approach the topic with this level of detail. However, those graphs you read today were not on the same scale. You would have to be careful when analyzing them to avoid drawing wrong conclusions or even get people bashing on you. Maybe you could get some info from Sweetwater and Guitar Center then compare with Reverb. 🤔😉

[@joeytaylor8767]

Watching you from the town of Denmark in Western Australia.

[@PlanetRoss365]

It would also be interesting to know *which* numbers they're using: units or dollars? If they sold 3,000 units of guitar SE at $800, that's $2.4M; 1,000 units of guitar NX at $2,899 equals $2.9M. Without revealing the numbers, you could list either SE or NX as #1.

[@jomiran1000]

I did want one of those PRS SE Hollowbody II Piezo. I just don't have room for another guitar.

[@plaidallergy]

love my player plus tele for fit and finish and the push pull switch. swapped out the pickups for bootstraps tho so it’s not stock to be fair

[@elevenAD]

Just watched the Stefan Hauk full concert video, he did the whole show with a PRS Silver Sky SE and a PRS DGT SE, both bone stock! Im so impressed with the tone and the amount of abuse those guitars took that i think im going to purchase both with my tax return.

[@chargersfan246]

I have the DGT. Lots if sympathetic coil vibration from the trem. Otherwise, set up is top notch.

[@GarrettRodman]

Weird that's there's no Epi. Love my new Epiphone Emily Wolfe Sheraton, it scratched my 335 itch! And pairs well with my Junior and Standard LP :)

[@adamswanson8216]

My question first is in reference to the guitar course you’re speaking about do it does the course offer advanced improv for master players and or do you offer any master classes as well as any curriculum development classes for teachers in the process of getting an education I’m currently getting my masters at VCU Finally going back to become a guitar teacher versus just a player after 40 years it’s very strange truly to be back in school. That’s why I was kind of wondering if there were any shortcuts I can play damn near anything they ask for however, the theory for me is not the same Language is something that I’m working to interpret and maybe that’s because of the way that I learn to play guitar by ear I now can name all of those chords and certainly have been able to for 30 years like I said there’s not anything that you can’t request for me to play slide or electric if it’s the blues or jazz I can nail it but boy I am not nailing the right answers on these questions in my theory class at 50 I am reaching out for a crash course. Have any suggestions? Thanks Man and Stephanie want to continue to work on my improv skills. 2:59

[@Paul_Lenard_Ewing]

I can only think with as many guys into some genre of Metal that the market is shared by many brands and models. In the case of traditional guitars there are a lot fewer that are literally originals so if you want a Strat you want a Fender. If you want Metal there are many new Metal bands you can both identify with and get many of their guitars from a brand that sells cheaper than the grandad brands.

[@ebikes2xs159]

Great episode, very interesting from start to finish.

[@stelivesey489]

Only just had time to watch this. Purchased a Silver Sky SE in Black Friday sale. Arrived with an awful bow in the neck and a faulty truss rod. Returned for refund. Ordered another SE from a different retailer who price matched and that had a terrible finish on the body and was also returned for refund. Not what I expected given the reputation of the SE line. Bit the bullet and ordered the main model in pink. Noticeable difference in quality and feel. The pickups are miles ahead of the SE.

[@rhk4680]

Don't forget it's a listing based on specific models, not by brand. Maybe Epiphone sold a lot, but spread out between several models etc... So, I'd like to see a best selling brands listing.

[@markdouglas8073]

Yeah I really like Epiphones and was surprised not to see any.

[@GreenBlueWalkthrough]

Not only not much metal and no Jacksons but no sub $500 new eGuiatars as far as I could tell.. Maybe it's just a reverb thing as all those guitars may be sold in brick and mortor stores, amazon, ebay, Sweetwater and alike. But still weird as my $200 Jackson JS22 Dinky is awesome which main flaw is how hard it is to get a "Perfect" open tune but you can it just takes an hour and it stays for awhile as long as you don't use the whammy bar.

[@brianflynn9928]

I played the fender ps and squier 50s, 60s, & 70s vintage. I went home with the squier 70s. But the 50s was close 2nd. The fender didn't have the feel of the squiers.