TOP GUITARS of 2023! - The Best and Most Surprising Guitars of the YEAR!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Well, It's that time of the year again! So many incredible guitars to choose from, but here are a few of my favorite! Merry Christmas to you all!! Guitar info/links: Guitar 1 - MIJ SCHECTER: sweetwater.sjv.io/xkJVy1 Guitar 2 - PRS SE: sweetwater.sjv.io/AWQnm1 Guitar 3 - BAUM: baumguitars.com/?ref=315 Guitar 4 - SIRE 3: sweetwater.sjv.io/ZQzLX1 Guitar 5 - CIARI: ciariguitars.com (Use code DBGVIP) Guitar 6 - HERITAGE: sweetwater.sjv.io/EKWdE9 Guitar 7 - MIJ VOLA: volaguitars.com/ (Use code "DARRELL" for a discount!) Guitar 8 - STERLING: sweetwater.sjv.io/vNvQye Guitar 9 - SIRE H7: sweetwater.sjv.io/Py0Meq Guitar 10 - PAOLETTI: www.paolettiguitars.com/guitars/models/131/

[@danieltilleru3528]

You need to review a censtar tele best guitar under 200

[@eugenyfilimonov2114]

Thank you, Darrell! Marry Xmas! Happy New Year! Many New guitars! 👋

[@baumguitars]

Thank you, Darrell! Being in top-3 on your list is so overwhelming and awesome. We're a tiny, tiny team compared to the rest of the amazing brands on your list. Rock on and happy holidays to you! Cheers, Team Baum ✌

[@Flyright07]

Beautiful guitars! Well earned

[@steventhomas7611]

My Baum Wingman is now on order. I am very excited to see and play this quality instrument.

[@eearts]

Darrell is the definition of a class act. Great info. Great clarity. Unbiased. Great channel!

[@scott7521]

NO doubt

[@ej1_drew]

thanks for your continued detailed and honest reviews throughout the years Darell! 🎉

[@jimhart1959]

I love that you feature guitar builders that most of us are probably not familiar with!

[@mikecorey8370]

A great year, Darrell. Happy Holidays and have a great 2024. We'll all be here.

[@scott7521]

Darrell - Thanks for educating the masses and being one of the few big channel guys to be nice enough to answer my email earlier this year. Appreciate you and have a great 2024.

[@narcissustorres5102]

Thank you for your time and information given, because of you I purchased my first guitar! Even though I continued to research to make my final decision, it was your honesty and information that helped me embark on that guitar journey! Keep it up for the New Year, always looking forward to seeing your next episode! Blessings to You and your Family in the Holidays!!!

[@firstsgtrichard]

Another great year Darrell! Looking forward to 2024 and each and every episode! Peace brother!

[@IamGroot-GW2]

you gave me the courage to build my own Tele.. it is the best low budget guitar I own . thank you for this

[@diggersid456]

been watching your channel for ages. one of the best

[@stevefielding8324]

Thanks for your generosity producing these videos Darrell. They are always appreciated. Merry Christmas!

[@jimcoppa6946]

Happy holidays I've seen some of the best guitars on your Channel I've been playing guitar for 38 years and I really appreciate what you do for all the musicians across the United States keep these episodes coming they are very educational and informative thank you Darryl have good luck in your future endeavors

[@johnquevillon8753]

Darrell, thank you for a fantastic 2023. Love your videos of the guitar world, always an informative joy! Merry Christmas and see you in 2024!

[@BlondOSonicShimmerTrap]

I need your help. I’m playing acoustic guitar for like 2-3 years. And now I’m just about to buy my first electric. Nothing looks suitable for me except of Jazzmasters. I do not wanna pay a ridiculous amount of money, so I chose Squier Jazz Master. Would you recommend it to me, or would you rather recommend me to look for anything else??

[@andrewbecker3700]

The Sterling Cutlass CT50 plus puts you in the same position as a MusicMan Cutlass does. Something most people won't buy and then modify. If you don't care for the pickups, your kinda stuck. The regular Sterling Cutlass CT50 HSS has passive pickups with no boost or 9v battery compartment. You can get them for $449 or less on sale.They make easier mod platforms and cost less. The Standard version of the PRS SE McCarty .594 singlecut is $100 dollars less and comes with real cream binding. The vintage cherry ones are stained on all surfaces, instead of clear or black back like the rest.

[@EdwardJohns-be6ri]

Merry christmas daryl

[@3129021jc]

Just found your channel, it’s great to see someone talk about guitars I can actually afford haha. Keep it up man!

[@Roy_Gaber]

Awesome choices Darrell. Thanks for 2023 videos, looking forward to many more to come int 2024.

[@SerenityGuitars]

The Paoletti is an amazing beautiful guitar, Love the shape, love the paint even more.

[@_JustinCase_]

That was a great "wrap up" video for the holiday season bringing 2023 to a close. Happy Holidays to you, Darryl, and to all the viewers of this channel. On a bang for the buck basis my vote goes to the Sire S3 series. Excellent guitar for a student, if only for the satin neck and rolled fretboard. Throw in the relatively low price and it's a winner! Here's wishing everyone a safe and prosperous 2024!

[@reeling-in]

Thank you. As ever, great content and informative. Hope your Christmas is peaceful 🇨🇦🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@thatguywithamustache6043]

I really like what you do, thanks for everything you've done over the years Darrel! Love from Portugal Brother ❤

[@toneydavis9802]

Merry Christmas. Looking forward to spending 2024 with you.

[@DrChikenman]

I discovered the Sire brand thanks to your videos, nearly half a year ago. I got my own Sire S7 a few days ago and even if I hadn't as much time as I wish I had to play with it enough, the guitar is really beautiful and well polished. Thank you Darell, keep up the good work! 👍

[@gillesthibodeau7078]

Thanks Darrell! Great affordable choices!

[@gillesthibodeau7078]

I"m not on telegram. ;)

[@d3w4yn3]

What a great Christmas treat!!! I retire (again!) at midnight, December 31st, and withdraw from my thrift davings account on February 1st, so your timing is perfect with this list!!!

[@calvindoan3228]

Thank you for your hard work in 2023, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

[@Full_Deflection]

Man, I was really stoked to buy a Ciari before long work trip. The website said guitars ship in a week, usually less. So I ordered it 2.5 weeks before my trip and after a week of not hearing anything back, I contacted them. Now it’s supposedly going to ship while I’m gone and I have to arrange for someone to be here when it arrives. Kind of a bummer that their order times were so far off. Still excited to get the guitar, but it’s bittersweet.

[@louisstokes1898]

Thank you so much for all you do. Best wishes for 2024

[@ianrose5505]

Thanks for the reviews, full of info and super honest. Happy new year

[@Richard_Lush]

Honestly I’m more of a Gibson/Fender guy but PRS really has nailed it on these lower priced SEs. Hugely popular and good QC. There are probably more mid level players out there who don’t want to spend a fortune than higher end players so from a sheer quantity stand point they’ve got it pinned. Still sticking with my CS/vintage Gibsons and Fenders though. Just can’t beat em IMO.

[@dougbennett7881]

And Paoletti has a Darrell Braun signature model. How cool is that!?

[@michaelfalcone2520]

Fantastic selections! Thank you!

[@mister_syre]

Thank you! Keep that great content coming in 2024!

[@rockerfromhk]

Happy New Year Darrell

[@sgt.grinch3299]

Ok. Merry Christmas Darrell.

[@icosahedra20]

Thank you Darrell. So happy to have discovered your channel. Top notch - best guitar channel with honest and very detailed reviews. Always looking forward to new videos (and still watching your old ones) to see what new guitars you've discovered and are reviewing. BTW, heard a lot about the Keipro guitars. Hopefully you get to review one soon. Keep up the great content!! Thanks for all your recommendations. Sure helped me decide on my purchases recently.

[@fredriksandegren1948]

Come on, Darrell, how should I explain to my wife that I need another Sire guitar (T-series) after you have gotten me to buy the S7 and L7v??? She thinks that I'm crazy listening in to 'these youtubers'... 😂 Anyway you cost me quite some money, but I'm not disappointed, the Sires are really really good! Have a good new year's and hope you channel breaks the million, it really should!!! Best Regard Fredrik from Sweden

[@jamesdiehl8690]

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Darrell!

[@kebotrans]

Man that Heritage is amazing

[@joaohgomes]

Glad to see Shijie TM-5 hanging on your wall. Wondering if you are still playing and enjoying it.

[@FGg503]

Thanks for the great videos throughout the year. Love your choices above! Wishing you and your family a joyous Christmas and all the best for the coming year! 😊✌

[@stewy4158]

Merry Christmas 🎁🎄

[@robertdonosobuchner3129]

Great video as always! Thank you for all the information and details of the guitars. I really find some of my dream guitars because of your videos. For me personally I found this year also some nice guitars: Fender Stratocaster Player Plus PF SSB, Sundolf Harpoon 7 string, Cerberus Guitars Hades Fade Erebus Baritone 7 string, Hapas Siren 727 Master, Hufschmid Guitars, Chapman ml2 Pro azure blue and so many more... I tryed out the Strandberg Guitars on the Guitar Summit in Mannheim Germany. It was very interesting to play these guitars with their special neck construction, just great guitars. This year I found an old Baby Z in red from Dean Guitars in a shop and it was a big surprise playing this little guitar. It sounds great, it wasn't expensive at all and I had to buy it... Now I use it for rock and blues. I will try out the Solar A2.7FRC Carbon Black Matte from Solar Guitars next year. Merry Christmas and a happy new guitar year! 😊🤘🎸

[@juststremstech420]

amazing guitars

[@angrychivafan]

Which one of these would be good for heavy music/metal? Thanks

[@mazbou]

Damn that Paoletti is beautiful!!

[@ralee56]

Merry Christmas!!!

[@adamfindlay7091]

Thanks. Never heard of 80% of these.

[@matthewtrahan-b3b]

Have you ever tried Oripure pick ups , Are they any good. Thanks for the good review's.

[@TonyHarper-j7f]

Darrell, I’ve spent most of my life destitute, but I’m determined to have what I want for once. Something really top notch. I used to assume it was a Les Paul, but I’m open to almost anything, so long as it features the following, and I’m wondering if you can help me find my dream guitar. I want it to have a finish like Gibson quilt tops and feature either Lambratron or Fralin Noiseless P90s pickups and, preferably, a neck through design. Maybe a Floyd Rose. “Where?” should I look for this thing? Seriously, I’d very much appreciate your help with this.

[@scottreynolds6317]

Love your channel! Have a wonderful Christmas 🎄!!!!

[@andytheflutemaker]

well I've bought both a sire s7 and a fire fly 335 on your recommendation both great guitars thanks very much hope you have a great christmas

[@audiophileman7047]

They all look like great guitars, but I particularly like the PRS SE McCarty 594 and the Heritage H150. 😻 If I could only go with one, it would be the Heritage H150. It's a stunning guitar. I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, and I look forward to more of your great guitar videos in 2024. ✝🎄🎁

[@tomaslopez2940]

Is it fair to say that Heritage is to Gibson what G&L is to Fender?

[@joermnyc]

I’d throw two Squiers on here: the Strato-o-sonic, basically a Les Paul special in a Strat shape, BUT with push pull phase and series parallel (I only wish they went all out and did it as a set neck). And the Jazzmaster XII, a great budget 12-string.

[@jplew138]

Also: The Squier Paranormal Offset Telecaster 😁

[@SeanDS1989]

wow, so many stunning guitars lol thanks for all the awesome content Darrell, and Merry Christmas! 🎄🎸☃🌟

[@allanflippin2453]

I have one of the blue Schecters which I bought almost immediately after your review. I have some thoughts about it: 1) Tuning stability is not what I would have hoped for. I use the trem very little so I'm not sure what gives. It's less stable than my bigsby-equipped hollowbody. 2) The "neck on crooked" meme. I admit that the high E is closer to the edge of the neck than the low E. It's not anything really obvious and it doesn't get in the way of my playing. Personally, I always bend strings upward. I'd never bend a string down (high-e towards the edge of the neck), so I can't find a playing problem. 3) It is not exactly a light guitar! Over 8 pounds. 4) Drop dead gorgeous! I'm not a gigging musician, or I'd have to be worried all the time about it getting damaged or worse. But yes, I get a big smile each time I walk past it. 5) Incredible sounding pickups and flexible switching scheme. Quacks like a mofo and has so many more sounds. 6) There is no case candy! I checked with Sweetwater and they verified. All you get is a key and two allen wrenches.

[@Roy_Gaber]

Me too, the same Schecter, mine is very nice, stays in tune and sounds great. For #2 you can loosen neck bolts and push the neck from about the 1st fret, look at the strings until lined up, hold it tight and tighten neck bolts, works every time, even on the lower end guitar like my Squiers, which are notorious for that problem. You get tired of you fingers slipping off the fretboard.

[@allanflippin2453]

@@Roy_Gaber Perhaps you and I are talking differently about "stability". Once I get my Schecter tuned up, it stays that way fairly well while I'm playing it. Suppose I hang it on the rack and come back in a day or two to play again. Chances are it's way out of tune. More than my other guitars. As if the neck is not stable over just a few degrees of temperature (it's kept in the house with central heating and AC).

[@Roy_Gaber]

@@allanflippin2453 "way out of tune" may suggest something wrong with tuners, nut, or bridge. I was addressing the issue you reported in your #2, the neck alignment, usually an easy fix as I described in my response.

[@antoonhermans8953]

my top guitar for 2023 : squire 40 th anni vintage strat ( sonic blue ) ,plays and sounds like an dream , no upgrades / mods needed .

[@eugenyfilimonov2114]

Darrell happy New Year! You know so much about guitars you' ve got excelent skills of playing guitar. I'm wondering what is your main job? Are you musicant? With respect!

[@liamparker928]

great video nice looking guitars

[@IamMusicNerd]

The two guitars that blew me away this year were the Iconic Solana and the PRS Modern Eagle V. Incredible.

[@1rwjwith]

Great video!

[@arturohernandez3324]

I got a paoletti Nancy tele Ooohhh man it’s a true comfort to play and celestial sound I got 23 guitars and I love them but that’s the number one

[@ludoFernandes]

Loved em all espcly d Heritage, Sterling & Vola. Great video & content Darrell. Hv a Merry Christmas & very Prosperous New Year ❤😊

[@russellzauner]

You know MIJ Schecter are built wherever ESP makes Edwards. That's just logic. Edwards guitars are IMO as good or better than LTD. I would love to see a comparison but dunno how ESP would feel about it. Every time someone invokes Sire I have to mention that Kyle Kim has a great story and does interviews - still waiting for him to surface after the panny but he seems like a really regular guy. Vola dropped prices this year and now they're one of the most affordable quasi-custom brands out there at the moment. Good coverage, thanks for the video!

[@claycountryxwing10]

How would you rate the cort kx700 evertune to your list? Did it come anywhere near the top?

[@stratman247]

When you unfold the Ciari, is it still in tune?

[@thseed7]

Good list.

[@zaed96]

Hey Darrel, have you ever tried FGN guitars? They are Japanese made, high quality but more affordable. Thinking of buying it for myself soon!

[@BennoBettels]

I am planning to buy myself a guitar and learn how to play the guitar, but there is one issue... I am left handed, and i don't know, if this matters or not!

[@CE-22]

6:05 wait what..!? 😂🤯

[@yliu4093]

Thanks Darrell,, I am surprising not to see PRES SE DGT in the your list. Would you mind comment why SE McCardy 594 better than SE DGT in your opinion? Thanks

[@BrianBrazilHarmonica]

Hi Darrell Braun, When you do your videos with the guitars specs, could you please mention what the guitars actually weigh. That would be helpful for perspective buyers make an informed decision as to whether or not the guitar is right for them. Thanks. 🙂

[@PaoloC.]

Very happy with my Sire H7 indeed (with humbuckers). Actually on your list I would swap the Schecter for the PRS Fiore.

[@KierannHart-ve6kk]

Can you start showing the head stocks more instead of just the bodies

[@usafreedom7967]

Hey Darryl, what do you think about fender areodyne tele? Love your channel

[@BrentAdams]

While I'm not a Fan of "Relic'd" guitars..... that Paoletti is Awesome! They make 'em Right! Their choice of going with a bolt-on for this style guitar surprises me a little though..... Regardless, that guitar looks and sounds Amazing! Merry Christmas!

[@RA-ew8rv]

PRS Dgt?

[@hakankillberg6043]

Darrell thanks for this year. Great video, so many great guitars. No one comes near that lovely ibanez prestige maybe S6570. Cant remember that colour but it was so beautiful and loved that thin body shape? Do you still have it? Please post a picture if you have or a link to that guitar. Please ibanez bring that back and more colour option as well. Now it all about the Az dont like them at all. Ibanez seems to left this model only one colour in that S range. That cant compeat with yours. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 😍

[@DKphin]

Hey, Darrell can you do a review of a Harley Benton Nashville - Steel

[@dreamchasergarage690]

Just picked up a Gretsch G5260 baritone, would love to hear your take on it if you haven't already. Cheers :)

[@landonfinnerty2391]

Darrell, you're getting a little grey in that beard, from when I bought scales from you years ago. Keep up the great work.

[@arturohernandez3324]

I got a paoletti Nancy loft tele Ooohhh man with my tube amp feels like I’m touching playing and leasing a fantastic guitar the best one I ever played

[@davengeance4811]

Tnx brudda 👊🏽 what is that purple fade to pink guitar hanging in the back on our left, your right shoulder? Happy New Year 🎉

[@adamfindlay7091]

It's in another video here, maybe in the top 10 or top 5 guitars @$1000 some video like that. Can't recall the name. I watched like 8 Braun videos today.

[@davengeance4811]

@@adamfindlay7091 I'll take a look see, tnx yo 👊🏽

[@JTB--]

Schecter guitars are a good value. Didn't realize they had Japanese made Guitars though. and love the PRS pattern thing neck. plays like butter

[@richardyork6455]

Happy holidays 🎄🎄🎄🎄🎅🎅🎅🎅

[@ralee56]

Would love to watch you reviewing the made in Japan 2023 Fender Areodyne Stratocaster SSS Bright White. Color doesn't really matter, but would like you to review an SSS and an HSS stratocaster set up. Thank you, whether you read this and respond or not. Really appreciate what you do here.

[@mark.guitar]

Have a cool Yule! I can't fault your choices. I have played half of your list and all of them were really good. I have found my own "guitar of 23". I had settled on buying a Sire H7 until I found a really resonant cheapo in a junk shop. It had unbelievably rubbish hardware (rust everywhere!) and I got it for pocket money due to the condition. I'm just about to tidy it up after fitting some 1980's Schaller humbuckers that I have after further upgrading a customers Epiphone LP with hand wound Monty's. Total cost to me is £75UKP for a really tatty looking guitar, until I do enough restoration to make it look good!. It plays like a dream and sounds as good as my friends brand new USA 335 (much to his annoyance...). Ho, ho, ho. Santa's present to three rap stars...

[@CherkezimenT]

Hey darell i cant find that exact configuration of P90 and the hambucker for VOLA GUITARS. Is that VATSI or OZ model ?

[@Arthagnou]

I adore my Heritage H150

[@Savacusi]

Can you make a video of best budget guitars (300$-800$) with floyd rose bridges.

[@eugenyfilimonov2114]

Good job! Very interesting! 👋 😁

[@marcionobrega5117]

Gostei muito das guitarras 👏👏👏

[@dhrandy]

Awesome list! I'm buying the Steriling Cutlass CT-40 Plus when they become available again. They are sold out everywhere.

[@Hobinator17]

Americanmusical has some in stock

[@dhrandy]

@@Hobinator17 Thanks for letting me know. They don’t have chalk in stock, except for a blemished one. That’s the color I want.

[@kingcopycat9945]

i like my s7 i got the updated version ware you have coil splits and i got a positive grid go great setup for beginneris players

[@jmangi6221]

Yea,it’s definitely a good time for inexpensive guitars. If you shop around some,you can find some really sweet deals. I’ve got to sell a few to make room for more hehehe😅.

[@leokrissandy5579]

for 2024 please review this brand: 1. Soloking 2. SQOE 3. LUXAR

[@keithpenzkover9663]

Love CIARI