UGLY Guitars Tier List

[@kassemir]

I feel like the Prince guitar is kind of in a different category. Like, it's basically a playable stage prop. And for that purpose with Prince playing it, it totally works. For any one else, it'd be a big no.

[@guitarsimon1]

I'd love to see Slash playing it, with the long thing scraping against the floor because he's got it so low.

[@Mandy7D7]

@@guitarsimon1 🤣🤣🤣 That image is absolutely hilarious.

[@bczarrockbeast6264]

The only way the doyle guitar looks good is if doyle is playing it.

[@travisarlow9564]

That’s fair

[@billthompson3236]

images.equipboard.com/uploads/source/image/96280/IMG_20200702_210109.jpg

[@rikkifknrobin]

Same with the prince guitar

[@bczarrockbeast6264]

@@rikkifknrobin ya I mean both guitars were specifically made for the artist. I'm pretty sure doyle built that guitar himself then October guitars started producing them for him.

[@diabeticmonkey]

@@bczarrockbeast6264 Yep. He and Jerry both built their instruments.

[@MichaelEMJAYARE]

I kinda love the Banana-caster for the yellow and the insane amount of frets. Id take a six string version if I didnt have to pay an arm and a leg for it. I realize its probably because the guitar is insanely expensive, but I would love to see more guitars with colored fretboards like the Prince guitar. Im in love with the aluminum look, color and hardware

[@mate8115]

banana caster looks like it has awful upper fret access

[@brians1793]

@@mate8115 I thought that at first too, but it really doesn't when you realize the frets you can't access easily aren't really playable anyway, the 24th is very easily accessible and some beyond that. It looks like you could use the 27th without much trouble but that's starting to get unplayable. The higher frets though are where a lot of the harmonics are like where you'd do pinch harmonics so they can help mark those points at least. Another issue with higher frets is the string loses length for sustaining notes quickly past 27 or so.

[@GeorgeGeorgeOnly]

Agree with all!

[@f0rth3l0v30fchr15t]

With the reverse V, you kind of need to be standing on the left of the stage and have an "I'm with stupid" sticker on it.

[@BoyGeorgestrait]

Best guitar I've ever owned. Played great sounded better. All that mahogany added up to one fine instrument

[@bkebradley]

Calling the anime one the Savilecaster is maybe the best joke I have ever heard

[@christopherlewis1847]

It has a kind of sick truth to it

[@Zundfolge]

Its sad because my "holy grail" guitar is an original Steinberger GL2 hardtail (there's a nice one on Reverb right now for 7 grand) ... but lets be honest its clearly a "function over form" thing. Also, the Gibson Moderne is way worse when you can see the headstock on it too. Oh and anyone that buys the Loli guitar needs to be put on a list and required to register with the local authorities (and shouldn't be allowed to live within 1000 yards of a school).

[@barryb90]

That Uli Jon Roth signature has loads of deadly stuff in it to be fair.

[@Victimesty]

For sure! Some Sky Guitars are even seven strings with high A.

[@citybikesalex]

... but we don't need to be fair, because it's ugly as my neighbor's rat-chewed upended trash bin.

[@guitarsimon1]

The crowning achievement of this series is Glen nonchalantly inventing the sub-category of guitars known as 'Guitars That Look Like They're Hailing A Taxi'.

[@RByrne]

I like the Inferno, too! The binding is a nIce touch. If it had a cool burst or fade finish instead of the rainbow, it would be the absolute business!!❤

[@voided76]

like a trans red or do a amber/orange/red fade instead with airbrush so you can address each of those rear tips individually. and really set it off with black pearloid binding instead of the white stuff. so the colors pop harder.

[@avaleloc1513]

I agree, I really like it, the only thing I think could be better is that the body is a bit too long. It just looks a little off. Take everything from the bridge up and move it back like an inch and it would look way more balanced imo. Then give it a different finish and I'd say it's easily the best on the list.

[@glenc741]

They sound ridiculously good too. They are fully chambered and have a cool resonance to them.

[@ratt669]

I think at least you should have included the Kawai MoonSault. In Japan it's a cult guitar, cost as much as gold. Teufel is famous by Kirk Hammett playing his sometimes in venues.

[@mikhailshi]

I love the Teufel, if I was dirty rich that's the first one I would buy because personally I think it's a masterpiece

[@Venthorn]

I unironically love a lot of these. It's just nice to see stuff outside of the standard shapes that everyone is making.

[@F_I_J_I_W_A_T_E_R]

I own one of those steinbergers, they're really nice despite how they look. They're basically superstrats with all the extra wood cut off.

[@zeusapollo8688]

Heavier than I thought

[@marka3239]

Love my stein

[@noeditbookreviews]

Cut off the extra wood, like a circumcision?

[@eliotmccann2589]

SAVILLCASTER!! That sent coffee flying out of my nose across the room! And I'll be taking the Steinberger home- loved them since the mid 80s.

[@HungLikeAnOX]

I love that Kramer with the connected head stock as well as the flame 🔥

[@donsimon63]

The reverse flying vee is a perfect execution of 'ugly'. The vee is great - reverse it: ugly. The same exercise on a firebird only results in: unattractive ... Nice show!

[@GeorgeGeorgeOnly]

I love the Danelectro Longhorn/"Teapot"! I'd have one, even though I don't actually play.

[@lemlem35]

KDH and Glenn make a wonderful content duo. I could listen to y'all talk for hours.

[@lemlem35]

I think I'd personally take the Banana, 36 frets just makes it really hilarious

[@84homey]

Ugly guitars for me would include any guitar with fake aging - ie when you take a brand new guitar and make it scratched up, dented and rusty, then pretend that this is because the guitar (and by association you yourself) has "paid its dues" in years of practice and performance and that's how you are or it is so amazing now. No, no no! It's pretentious nonsense for Wannabee Winkers (feel free to change the appropriate vowel there). Thank you for reading my rant. I will go and relax in a quiet corner now, to recover my sanity. On your list I'd have taken the Vox Teardrop home because I've always wanted to try one.

[@JohnShalamskas]

I used to agree with you, until I picked up a Nash S-57, it felt like I had owned it for 20 years, super comfortable neck, wonderful tone from the pickups too. It is a keeper. The only bad thing was that the pickup leads were not shielded, which I addressed by shielding all the cavities.

[@84homey]

You make a strong argument sir! The "if it feels right buy it, regardless of what it looks like" school of guitar buying should really be the school we all sign up to. That said, I am all for non glossy necks for example and I know for sure that you can get a "well setup and perfetly played in" performance, without an "it's been on stage since the mid 50s, honestly, Guv, straight up it has". cosmetic job, simply by for example sanding the neck with 00 wire wool on the final varnish coat to get a played-in style satin finish. It can still look nice and new. @@JohnShalamskas

[@christopherlewis1847]

​@@JohnShalamskasthe Nash guitars are really nice. Would like to own one, but I'd rather break it in with honest player wear. Love my old parts caster tele. Have had it for years, the comfort level is like an old pair of moccasins

[@j4nk3n]

I think what's hilarious is the amount of extra work it takes to make some of these monstrosities compared to regular shapes, the mall ninja ascetic is strong i guess or nobody would make them commercially!

[@Adamov1]

I would take the classic Steinberger (yes - not Steinberg) as I have two of them (bass and guitar) because they use very interesting solutions, they are great as travel guitars and thanks to the flip down leg rests they are quite comfortable while playing sitting down.

[@DeliRevv]

The Wangcaster: “Hold my beer…”

[@romanthegambler6966]

The golden kramer is rad AF! if not for the handlebar and the sawtooth on the bottom horn, it would've been a great marriage of a RR and an Explorer/ML, would definitely play it! And the inferno is just the right vibe for ska and surf-rock, maybe reggae with that finish, but it's nice for sure.

[@bczarrockbeast6264]

I just wonder what happens when you have to adjust he truss rod on that kramer.

[@romanthegambler6966]

@@bczarrockbeast6264 pain

[@strumminronin]

Thanks for this video, I love the exchange between KDH and Glenn. I would pick the Steinberger without a second thought. OK, may be not in Pikachu yellow, but still that is the most no brainer for me. P.S. that "leaping dog" guitar reminds me of those "weird" FENDER MIJs from the 80's that included something called a "Katana", and I am not talking about the amps by Boss / Roland.

[@radfury23g32]

I totally understand the Ormsby comparison and I don't even know how to put it to words

[@TheAntiburglar]

Glen F's the Granny-Caster, news at 11.

[@gunkyzip]

I'd go for the Grannycaster too, or the Steinberger.

[@tofersiefken]

I totally agree with Glen about the Inferno. I'd love to play that one and I'd proudly display it in my studio!

[@akosv96]

I would choose the red space invader guitar hands down. (Kramer triaxis) It actually looks futuristic and still looks like a guitar that can be held and sat down with comfortably. 👾

[@Fugettaboutit]

That second Kramer is a Klingon Bird Of Prey.

[@JohnShalamskas]

D7 battlecruiser

[@Fugettaboutit]

@@JohnShalamskas now those would make sick guitars.

[@Obi-WanKannabis]

As a Uli Jon Roth fan I'd go home with a granny caster, I don't think it's ugly at all, i'ts just a shape we're not used to seeing.

[@aprilkurtz1589]

I've always wanted a Moderne, so.....yep. I'd take that one home.

[@nikha1291]

The one thing i don't like about the Moderne is the headstock, both the V-shape and the more quirky one. But i think it would look cool with an explorer headstock, i love the body shape.

[@aprilkurtz1589]

@@nikha1291 I agree with you about the headstocks. An Explorer one would be fine. I don't know if it's true, but both of the headstocks it comes with look problematic.

[@njp2k914]

The prince one is just a toilet seat with a video game scythe attached

[@Joey_McElroy]

I’m in love with that Minerik Inferno! I wonder if they are still being produced? I used to see them towards the back of the electric guitars section in the old musiciansfriend magazines

[@ErikDeMann]

Paul Stanley occasionally played the Star shaped guitar on the European-Australian 'Unmasked' tour, back in 1980. I'm pretty sure I've seen a video here on KZbin, where he uses it during "Is That You?", too.

[@AxeGaijin]

8:18 That Kramer Triax is definitely designed by a Star Trek fan.... Looks like the silhouette of a Klingon Battle Cruiser.

[@notorioustampaton]

5:11 the part that isn't a flame reminds me of some of Jerry Garcia's later guitars.

[@catalystguitarguy]

My top 3 would be the D tier Kramer, reverse Flying V, and the Inferno. A 7 string with 36 frets just sounds like a nightmare to play and I’d want one just to mess with people. The inferno looks like it’d be heavy AF with zero chance of neck dive. The reverse V would be great to contrast my normal V.

[@hesgabe]

If the butterfly one was full-sized and didn't have that pickguard it would genuinely look cool as hell

[@christopherlewis1847]

I can see this becoming a long series. Lots of ugly guitars out there. Besides, these videos are fun! Great job, guys!

[@harounel-poussah6936]

Teufel (-means Devil in German) Birdfish is used by Billy Gibbons and Kirk Hammett

[@NoBSMusicReviews]

The Kramer banana thing with the very cool inlays. But I am a sucker for yellow guitars. Also, what kind of stuff can I compose with that many frets?

[@davidrees1840]

I'd definitely go for a Birdfish or Teuffel, and you should see the doubleneck Minarik Inferno -looks amazing.

[@Mr.Goldbar]

I'd love to play the Kramer Triaxis! I also have a softspot for the BC Rich Ignitor, Steve Smyth played one of these in the early 2000s with Testament :)

[@hatempire]

We can't deny that Rick Toone is creative (also, the Spearfish Conquistador model he made is gorgeous).

[@andrewphaggot297]

For sure thought the Kramer was gonna be the Gorky Park model

[@workingorder2189]

You forgot the Charvel Hydra, Roland G 707, Casio DG-1, Hondo Death Dagger, Guild T-bird, Greco Tusk, Ovation Breadwinner, Ibanez IMG 2010, Kramer Grim Reaper, LTD Devil Girl, Robin Wedge, Hamer GT, Kawai Moon Sault, and the Yamaha Flying Banana.

[@casanovafunkenstein5090]

I do quite like several of those, but that Ibanez just keeps getting more upsetting the more I try to understand how the bridge works.

[@UTubeHandlesSuck]

IKR? Every time I see a banged-up Death Dagger on Reverb I get this "what could I do with that for a starter" itch and get nervous. If one of the bolt-on versions shows up, sure as the world I'll end up in the middle of a bass conversion project. 🤣🤣

[@Vykk_Draygo]

@@casanovafunkenstein5090 Should work the same as, or similarly to, their modern headless guitars. You turn the tuning machine all the way open to load the ball end, then draw the top of the string through the retainer at the head of the neck and screw it down, then you tune up.

[@diabeticmonkey]

To be fair, the Hamer GT is another one of those models that’s purpose built for the player.

[@stevai6732]

The longer I gaze at the GrannyCaster the more I love it.

[@IUJacob]

Thank you for not putting Parker on the list this time 🥹

[@christopherlewis1847]

I like parkers. Very functional, stay in tune well, and sound great. Especially in the hands of a master like Adrian Belew

[@CedricsSpecialLP]

I can’t get enough of these tier-list videos. Would love to see more. Personally, I would take the Sky guitar home.

[@ericmathena]

I like the first one, the black one you put in A. Cool vid.

[@MetalNoir668]

I'd go with that Minarik Inferno!! I saw Phil play one in Motorhead (they even made a bass version for Lemmy). Otherwise, the Danelectro Longhorn and Vox teardrop are classics to some people. Loved this video! Thanks!!

[@nevarmaor]

My choices would be the round caster, the grannycaster, or the longhorn. Probably roundy as final choice. The rubble caster would make a great piece of avant garde wall art.

[@RequiemDead]

Fun fact about that Lady Gaga guitar: It was going to be played at the Super Bowl but decided not to use it. I have seen it in person at Brian's Guitars in Cheshire CT...It's actually really cool knowing who it belonged too.

[@sam_the_man]

The Rick Toone guitar looks like it has a weekend job as an artisanal chopping board and the Birdfish looks like a reclaimed park bench

[@baabaabaa-El]

I played an Ovation that looked like the Vox Teardrop (Roundcaster to you two!)...l was in my early teens! I think youll find pics of Beck and Page playing Vox's in the Yardbirds.

[@pwalshj]

That "birdfish" looks like Homer Simpson was tasked with assembling an outdoor bench.

[@BlueberryStinkFinger62]

Gibson's semi-hollowbodies like the ES-335 and ES-339 have tops and backs constructed of layers (either 3 or 4) of maple veneer. My understanding is that the veneers are assembled in successive cross-grain layers with the top layer having its grain longitudinal to the length of the guitar. The tops and backs are approximately 1/4" in thickness after layup.

[@DaveViner]

I actually own an Annihilator guitar (from October not Dean because fuck paying $10k for one). Its actually really comfortable to play, yes the looks are not for everyone, I mainly play Strats and Ibanez S-series myself, but its a fun guitar and definitely takes people by surprise when they play it.

[@Scoots_McGee]

The lady Gaga guitar is actually sick if you cut the bullshit off. Metallic hot pink sparkle finish is kind of really cool lol

[@killercour]

That second one looks like a tosin abasi signature concept guitar he made in his garage lol

[@ericjenkins2737]

Uli’s intro solo on The Sails Of Charon is one of the greatest solos of all time.

[@Sternodox]

Just ordered a Danelectro Longhorn bass. Can't wait!

[@James.99]

The finish on the guitar at 5:14 is actually sick af but I don't like that shape. Now I want a Ibanez s-series with this finish...and I will play it in small towns

[@OakCityGamers]

10:07 clearly a trapezoid. But I’m sure you’re glad to have the engagement. The weird one with the bar has “potential” for real. 21:11 A MorLoc!!! Like HG Wells! If it’s the real one I’d get the prince-a-caster but I’d pick the red space ship. That speaks to me

[@BlueRoseShilloh]

Lemmy played the bass version of the Inferno, it makes it that much cooler

[@larslevinberget9558]

The most ugly guitars I know would be ... The Parker Fly, Fender Jazzmaster & Katana, Gibson M-III, Firebird & Corvus, Ibanez Turbot, Washburn Paul Stanley, VOX Phantom IV, Hamer Virtuoso, Peavey T60...

[@YoMothar]

i find it very funny that during they're live shows, king gizzard has one normal flying v & a reverse v at the same time

[@realmz]

You missed the surf board guitar that Takanaka plays :p

[@stephen3164]

As soon as you put the Birdfish guitar picture on screen, I grabbed my phone to look for one. $15k - dang. Pass, but it’s awesome. Would play that anywhere and everywhere. The pickup selector switch on the bottom is too cool.

[@stephen3164]

Actually, I have to retract my previous statement. I would NOT be seen playing that guitar anywhere, simply because I am just not nearly a good enough guitarist (after 35 years of trying) to be seen holding a piece that beautiful. If I had one at home, I’m not sure it would leave its case - not even worthy to play it at home alone.

[@ziggylayneable]

They should call the bird fish the park bench cuz that's what it looks like

[@mickdebergerac1143]

Hey, got a task for and your special skills. Can you find anything out about Michael Schenker and Dean/Gibson guitars please? It looks as though Schenker has switched back to the Gibson vee but I can't find any info anywhere!

[@KDH]

He likely has. Dean can’t legally make his signature model so he’s starting to play Gibsons live again. He’s not listed as an artist on the Dean site anymore either. He did an interview some years ago talking about how he never really liked the Gibsons and Dean was the guitar for him. Just recently he did an interview stating that a guitars brand doesn’t matter. It’s looking like he’ll be going back to Gibson but there won’t be an announcement until There’s contracts signed and signature guitars ready to sell.

[@mickdebergerac1143]

@@KDH Thanks mate. It just seems rather sudden the departure from Dean.

[@Typeonegitivefan]

Babe wake up KDH uploaded a new video

[@bunsenn5064]

I personally like the inverted V, just because of how bonkers it is that Gibson even made one.

[@TheSlyrfn1986]

Wait…the thing you didn’t address on the steinburger was the fact the strap locks were both on the bottom??? Is it held like a necklace?

[@ibanezgitarrero]

ZZ TOP once played a matching set of Teuffel birdfish guitar and bass models. The pronunciation of the name is like "Toy-fell". The birdfish guitar is actually super playable and comfortable on a strap, despite of its looks. The level of craftsmanship blows you away. Exchangeable tone bars made from different woods, interchangeable and adjustable pickups, and a custom made flight case complete the package.

[@BoneStack117]

The bananacaster is honestly so cool. The yellow colour is probably the nicest yellow I've ever seen. I couldn't imagine playing 36 frets though I can barely handle 24

[@timesurfingalien]

6:13 love it

[@DoctorEnigma01]

This was the best video you’ve ever done. My first choice is the roundycaster because Jimmy Page played a similar one, second choice is the leaping dog

[@deebojones]

Yeah a Glen video!

[@kitko33]

Steinberger is a GREAT looking guitar. I used to play a bass and it was the MOST ergonomic bass I ever played.

[@ethanhitchcock5431]

Fun video !...I wouldve put the ' Musicvox ' guitars in this video..they're SO oogly ! Thanky Guitardoze !

[@Joey_McElroy]

I love my Reverse Flying V. Mine is the first year 2007 first run. The 2nd year had the brass truss rod cover. All the plastics still have their protective film. The case is immaculate, still has the red plastic peice that keeps the case combo being set for the first time. It sits well on your body, and sounds great! Only 400 made mine on the 206th day of 2007. It may never go up in value, and I’m totally ok with that! But here’s to hoping to get lucky in 40 years haha 😆

[@avaleloc1513]

I really like the grannycaster. If it had a bottom horn so you could actually, y'know, play it, It would be pretty much perfect. Although I am very confused about the controls. I see 5 knobs and a pickup switch, but only one pickup? Unless maybe there is a piezo.

[@aceshigh2003]

Ive seen pictures of of Lenmy playing the minarik inferno bass in an all red colour, and then they made him a signature bass using their medusa model, which looks way better!

[@TM-ev2tc]

Do you like guitars with pick guards or without pick guards, and what is the weight of some of these guitars. I think most of these guitars are just wall art. PS. Do a list of one of the kind guitars

[@mishkovelichkovikj9912]

The Kramer Enterprize guitar was way ahead of it's time It was one of many guitars that were designed in collaboration with Floyd Rose. While I must admit it is really ugly, the lower horn that is connect to the headstock helped with a lot of things: - eliminates dead spots on the neck - helps with the guitar balance while on strap - and improves the neck stability and thus making it less susceptible to temperature changes These kinds of builds are still being used by some high end european luthiers, mostly bass builders. But less and less because of the cheap availability of carbon reinforcement rods

[@manulius]

I'm also reminded of Frank Klepacki, even if the headstockhorn is on the upper side on his guitar

[@drewchrisman7516]

I personally liked the Grannycaster, and the Kramer Bannacaster. I am a tad bias about yellow finishes though. Also please always say Subscrimbo.

[@SnakePit6517]

Question: Has anyone, aside from Eddie Van Halen of course, looked cool playing a Steinberger? Or an even better question, is there anyone who views a Steinberger as their go-to guitar, because I have never seen of any of those two? They just look like, at most, a travel guitar, and a rather funky one at that. Plus, there so tiny.

[@daemonspudguy]

In 1987, David Gilmour of Pink Floyd mostly used a Steinberger with EMG single coils in the studio. He switched to a red 50s reissue Stratocaster not long after.

[@LocrianDorian]

I love the Uli Jon Roth guitar, it's really beautiful.

[@wesmitchem825]

I have an Oktober guitars Doyle guitar and it's not that bad I upgraded the pickup to an actual Duncan invader it would be better with a thinner neck and it was only 300$ with shipping

[@brunomartelli3037]

Funny enough, I actually own an Inferno. I almost bought one with a cracked mirror finish back in the day, and still regret not buying it. It gets extra cool points for being the only bass I've seen Lemmy play that wasn't a Rickenbacker.

[@larslevinberget9558]

Those Kramers were part of Paul Dean or Floyd Rose's designs? Inspired by Rodney Matthews

[@Zundfolge]

My controversial take is that the regular Flying V is just as ugly as the reverse Flying V.

[@jacob_krause_official7286]

I've subscrimbo'd! Hope to see some more quality content like this lol

[@LazyCat010]

I hate pointy guitars, so I'd take the Vox (roundcaster). My other F tiers would be the Dano Longhorn (ugly, but vintage ugly) and the Uli Jon grannycaster because I liked him in the Scorpions (when he played a Strat-much better).

[@blackflowers5996]

I havent watched the entire video. Please tell me the legendary wangcaster is there

[@christopherlewis1847]

It should be

[@misteress3840]

Steinbergers look ugly to me too but unlike the others guitars in the list many top players have played these including Devo, Bavid Bowie/Reeves Gabrels/ Tin Machine, Lou Reed, Andy Summers, John McLaughlin , Mike Keneally (Zappa, DevinTownsend Project), Adrian Belew, Vernon Reed, Steve Howe, Billy Corgan, Mike Stern

[@k.d.kelley2830]

I'd take the Steinberg i guess. Maybe the B.C. Rich as a 2nd choice.

[@brandonmcgregor9912]

ngl, I actually find the "granny caster" aesthetically pleasing. like, not as in "I would play that one if I had to." I mean I genuinely like it. I'd willingly own one over a Gibson or Fender

[@fongy200]

I have a 12 string Vox Teardrop. It's pretty cool. It has a palm wah and other effects. Don't knock em till you've tried one.