This is truly the golden age of guitar. If you are a guitar player, there are so many options and choices for both electric and acoustic guitars -- both affordable and boutique/hand-made. It really is mind boggling.
For acoustics, there are so many great choices -- from the standard name brands like Martin, Taylor, and Yamaha to many smaller companies. Many offer a wide range of prices, tonewoods, and styles. And the quality you get for a beginner guitar that's only a few hundred dollars is much higher than the past. On the other spectrum, if you want a completely unique, handmade acoustic -- there are hundreds of luthiers around the world who can make it for you.
For electrics -- the market could not be bigger. From your standard Strat, Tele, and Les Pauls to other styles in all price ranges. Including 7 strings and beyond, multi-scale, exotic tonewoods, headless, etc. The options and choices are incredible. From beginner to boutique, the number of makers is huge -- perhaps even larger in number than acoustic makers.
Then there are all the amps, effects, and modeling electronics. There are still many tube amps to choose from, and a growing number of legitimate solid-state amps that are giggable. Then there are effect pedals. Wow. There are probably thousands of different pedals to choose from. BOSS still has their reliable line, but so many boutique makers are out there that it's tough to choose. The barrier to entry to make pedals is low, so this invites many people to sell their stuff. Great for the consumer.
Finally, there's the modeling stuff. Both in hardware and software using a computer. This category is growing rapidly and is getting so good, it's impossible to tell if a guitar was recorded in the studio with hardware or done virtually using software. Companies like Kemper, Fractal, Line6, Yamaha, Boss, Bias, S-Gear, IK Multimedia, Native Instruments, Overloud are leading the way -- with undoubtedly more to come.
This is truly a great time to play guitar!
For acoustics, there are so many great choices -- from the standard name brands like Martin, Taylor, and Yamaha to many smaller companies. Many offer a wide range of prices, tonewoods, and styles. And the quality you get for a beginner guitar that's only a few hundred dollars is much higher than the past. On the other spectrum, if you want a completely unique, handmade acoustic -- there are hundreds of luthiers around the world who can make it for you.
For electrics -- the market could not be bigger. From your standard Strat, Tele, and Les Pauls to other styles in all price ranges. Including 7 strings and beyond, multi-scale, exotic tonewoods, headless, etc. The options and choices are incredible. From beginner to boutique, the number of makers is huge -- perhaps even larger in number than acoustic makers.
Then there are all the amps, effects, and modeling electronics. There are still many tube amps to choose from, and a growing number of legitimate solid-state amps that are giggable. Then there are effect pedals. Wow. There are probably thousands of different pedals to choose from. BOSS still has their reliable line, but so many boutique makers are out there that it's tough to choose. The barrier to entry to make pedals is low, so this invites many people to sell their stuff. Great for the consumer.
Finally, there's the modeling stuff. Both in hardware and software using a computer. This category is growing rapidly and is getting so good, it's impossible to tell if a guitar was recorded in the studio with hardware or done virtually using software. Companies like Kemper, Fractal, Line6, Yamaha, Boss, Bias, S-Gear, IK Multimedia, Native Instruments, Overloud are leading the way -- with undoubtedly more to come.
This is truly a great time to play guitar!
