What if I told you about the captivating tales behind 10 of the most iconic electric guitars that have left an indelible mark on the world of music?
From the innovative designs that revolutionized the industry to the legendary musicians who wielded them, these fascinating stories showcase the electric guitar’s remarkable journey and its enduring impact on popular culture.
The creation of the Fender Stratocaster and its impact on rock music
The Fender Stratocaster, first introduced in 1954, revolutionized the world of rock music with its sleek design, versatile sound, and innovative features.
The Stratocaster’s three pickups, tremolo bridge, and contoured body shape allowed guitarists to create a wide range of tones and perform with greater comfort and ease.
Its influence on the genre is immeasurable. Numerous rock legends, such as Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and David Gilmour, made the Stratocaster their instrument of choice, solidifying its status as an iconic symbol of rock and roll.
The history of the Gibson Les Paul and its legendary players
Since its 1952 debut, the solid body Gibson Les Paul electric guitar has come to be associated with jazz, blues, and rock music.
Named after its co-designer, the legendary guitarist and innovator Les Paul, this instrument is known for its rich, warm tone, sustain, and versatility, thanks to its mahogany body, maple top, and humbucker pickups.
The Les Paul has been the guitar of choice for countless iconic musicians, including Jimmy Page, Slash, Duane Allman, and Peter Green. These musicians have contributed to its enduring legacy and helped shape the sound of popular music for generations.
Gibson Les Paul
DESIGNED FOR: Pros
COMES WITH: Classic Les Paul design with updated features
FEATURES: Dynamic, vintage, articulate tone thanks to Burstbucker humbuckers
Gibson Les Paul
- Iconic sound
- Great value for money when viewed as a professional investment
- Affordable
- Expensive
- Only good for professionals and advanced players
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
The unique design of the Rickenbacker 360 and its use by The Beatles
The Rickenbacker 360, with its distinctive jangly sound and eye-catching design, became an integral part of The Beatles’ iconic image and musical style during the 1960s.
The guitar’s unique features, such as its semi-hollow body, slim neck profile, and dual truss rods, contributed to its chimney tone and comfortable playability, making it a favorite of John Lennon and George Harrison.
The Rickenbacker 360’s association with The Beatles helped to popularize the brand and solidify its place in rock history, inspiring countless other musicians to embrace its singular sound and style.
The story behind Eddie Van Halen's custom-built "Frankenstrat"
Eddie Van Halen’s legendary “Frankenstrat” guitar was the result of his relentless pursuit of the perfect sound and innovative approach to instrument design.
Van Halen famously assembled the guitar himself, combining parts from various Fender models and custom-made components, including a Gibson PAF humbucker pickup, a Floyd Rose tremolo system, and a distinctive red, white, and black striped finish.
The resulting instrument, nicknamed the “Frankenstrat,” became an iconic symbol of Van Halen’s groundbreaking playing style and his contributions to the world of rock guitar, inspiring countless guitarists to experiment with their custom builds and modifications.
The legacy of the Ibanez JEM and its association with Steve Vai
The Ibanez JEM, designed in collaboration with virtuoso guitarist Steve Vai, has become synonymous with technical excellence and innovative design in the world of rock and metal guitar.
First introduced in 1987, the JEM features a distinctive “monkey grip” handle, a floating tremolo system, and high-output pickups, all tailored to Vai’s exacting specifications and playing style.
The guitar’s association with Vai and its use in his groundbreaking albums and performances has cemented its status as a modern classic, inspiring a generation of guitarists to push the boundaries of what is possible on the instrument.
The iconic status of the Gibson SG and its use by Angus Young (AC/DC)
The Gibson SG, introduced in 1961 as a redesign of the Les Paul, has become an iconic instrument in its own right. It is known for its distinctive double-cutaway body, thin neck, and powerful tone.
The SG’s lightweight design and easy playability have made it a favorite among rock guitarists, notably Angus Young of AC/DC, whose energetic performances and raw, gritty sound have become inseparable from the image of the SG.
Young’s use of the SG throughout his career has solidified the instrument’s status as a rock and roll icon, inspiring countless guitarists to follow in his footsteps and embrace the SG’s unique style and tone.
Gibson SG Special, Vintage Cherry
FEATURES: Indian Rosewood Fingerboard Material
OTHER INFO: Includes Gibson Accessory Kit
- P-90 pickups offer versatile tones.
- Slim Taper neck and rosewood fretboard for comfortable play.
- Classic SG design with premium gloss finish.
- Lightweight for extended playing comfort.
- Hand-wired controls with unique Orange Drop Capacitors.
- Vintage Deluxe tuning machines for reliable stability.
- P-90 pickups may produce more noise in high-gain settings.
- Gloss finish shows fingerprints and scratches.
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
The popularity of the Fender Telecaster and its versatility across genres
Since its introduction in 1951, the Fender Telecaster, one of the first mass-produced solid-body electric guitars, has been celebrated for its versatility and adaptability across a wide range of musical genres.
The Telecaster’s simple yet effective design, featuring a single cutaway body, two single-coil pickups, and a fixed bridge, has made it a favorite among guitarists in styles ranging from country and blues to rock and punk.
Its ability to produce both bright, twangy tones and warm, full-bodied sounds has made the Telecaster an indispensable tool for countless musicians, from Keith Richards and Bruce Springsteen to James Burton and Johnny Greenwood, cementing its place as a true icon of the guitar world.
The influence of the Gretsch White Falcon on rockabilly and country music
The Gretsch White Falcon, an ornate and luxurious hollow-body electric guitar first introduced in 1954, has become an iconic instrument in the world of rockabilly and country music.
Its distinctive appearance, featuring gold hardware, white finish, and elaborate inlays, combined with its warm, rich tone, has made it a favorite among guitarists such as Chet Atkins, Eddie Cochran, and Brian Setzer, who have all played a significant role in shaping the sound and style of these genres.
Gretsch Falcon Hollow Body with String-Thru Bigsby and Gold Hardware
FEATURES: Smooth Bigsby tremolo with string-thru system for easy restringing
OTHER INFO: Stylish white finish with gold accents for standout aesthetics.
- High-quality construction with beautiful aesthetics
- Warm, rich tone from hollow body design
- Easy string changes with string-thru Bigsby
- Higher price point
- Large body may not suit all players
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
The distinctive sound of the Danelectro Silvertone and its use in surf rock
The Danelectro Silvertone, known for its unique lipstick tube pickups and affordable price, has become an integral part of the surf rock sound.
Its bright, jangly tone and long sustain have been embraced by surf rock pioneers like The Ventures and Dick Dale, who helped popularize the genre and cement the Silvertone’s status as a go-to instrument for achieving that classic surf guitar sound.
The modern innovations of the PRS Custom 24 and its high-end reputation
The PRS Custom 24, introduced by Paul Reed Smith Guitars in 1985, has become a symbol of modern guitar craftsmanship and innovation. It is known for its exceptional build quality, tonal versatility, and premium features.
With its 24-fret neck, double cutaway body, and proprietary tremolo system, the Custom 24 has earned a reputation as a high-end instrument favored by professional guitarists and discerning players who demand the best in terms of playability, sound, and aesthetics.
PRS SE Custom 24-08, Vintage Sunburst
FEATURES: Scale Length: 25"
OTHER INFO: TCI "S" pickupst
- Impressive percussive response, ideal for rhythmic playing.
- Excellent distortion and high-gain performance.
- Cost-effective design with efficient manufacturing and budget-friendly parts.
- Exceptional tone quality for its affordable price.
- Versatile appeal across a broad range of musical styles.
- The tremolo version struggles to maintain consistent tuning stability.
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Legends Behind 10 Iconic Guitars:
Overview
From the groundbreaking designs of the Fender Stratocaster and Gibson Les Paul to the genre-defining sounds of the Rickenbacker 360 and Eddie Van Halen’s “Frankenstrat,” these iconic electric guitars have not only shaped the course of music history but have also become symbols of the boundless creativity, innovation, and passion that lie at the heart of rock and roll.
The stories behind these legendary instruments serve as a testament to the enduring power of the electric guitar and its ability to inspire generations of musicians to push the boundaries of what is possible in music.
