When it comes to metal guitars, there are many different brands available…but what brands are they? This article will go through many different brands to give you the best quality of guitars.
Contents
Here they are in no particular order:
Jackson Guitars
Jackson Guitars is a guitar company that primarily produces electric guitars and electric basses. The company was founded by Grover Jackson in 1981 and has since become one of the best-known brands in the world of musical instruments, especially for metal music.
The guitars are manufactured at various locations worldwide, including Asia, Europe and North America. However, not all models are produced at every location: some models are produced exclusively in either North America or Asia.
Some notable artists who have used Jackson Guitars over the years include Randy Rhoads, Kerry King (of Slayer), Zakk Wylde (of Ozzy Osbourne/Black Label Society), Vinnie Moore, Mick Mars (of Mötley Crüe)
ESP Guitars
The ESP Guitar Company is a Japanese guitar company that manufactures electric guitars, bass guitars and acoustic guitars. The company produces a variety of products for both professional musicians and amateur players.
ESP Guitars was founded by Hisatake Shibuya in 1975 in Tokyo, Japan. ESP was one of the first guitar brands to introduce the 7-string guitar and also make 9-string models in addition to their standard 6 string lineup. Their original top line of guitars produced from 1975 to 1985 is referred to as “red label” and set them apart from their current production models which are often labeled as HII or EX based on model number or cosmetic differences.
Some notable artists who have used ESP Guitars include Warren DeMartini, Michael Romeo, Bruce Kulick (of KISS/ex-Grand Funk Railroad), James Hetfield (of Metallica), George Lynch (of Dokken/Lynch Mob) and Kirk Hammett (of Metallica).
Dean Guitars
Dean Guitars is an American guitar company that makes electric guitars and basses. Originally founded in 1976 as a guitar and bass parts manufacturer, the company began to make its own instruments in 1982. Dean offers a wide range of guitars such as solid body electric guitars and semi-hollow body electric guitars. It also offers acoustic guitars.
Some notable artists who have used Dean Guitars include Dave Mustaine, Kerry King (of Slayer), Zakk Wylde (of Ozzy Osbourne/Black Label Society) and James Hetfield (of Metallica).
PRS Guitars
The founding of the company can be traced back to 1984 when Paul Reed Smith and Kurt Williamsen were building guitars in their basement and living room.
Smith’s goal was to create a guitar that would have a heavy, warm vintage tone that was not as heavy or bulky as the Les Paul models at that time. The first PRS guitar, known as the “20th Anniversary” model, was based on Smith’s original 1978 design. That year also marked his first step into production with twelve guitars built; six electric-acoustics and six electric guitars (three dual humbuckers).
In 1985 PRS Guitars moved into a 10,000 square foot facility in Stevensville Maryland which is still its current headquarters. Nowadays PRS offers a variety of products such as electric guitars and acoustic guitars.
Some notable artists who have used PRS Guitars include Carlos Santana, Dave Navarro (of Jane’s Addiction), John Mayer, Mark Tremonti (of Creed/Alter Bridge), Mick Thomson (of Slipknot) and Steve Lukather (of Toto).
LTD Guitars
LTD is a guitar company owned by the group ESP Guitars. LTD stands for “LTD International Trading”; the company has been involved in various acquisitions and mergers with ESP Guitars, including Jackson Guitars, Charvel/Jackson USA, Antoria and Kustom.
LTD’s instruments are primarily manufactured in Korea or Indonesia. They are great guitar options for beginners. In 2006 LTD announced that they would be producing cheaper guitars in China, but now manufacture exclusively there.”LTD” is also used as another brand name to sell more affordable versions of famous guitars by other companies.
Some notable artists who have used LTD Guitars include Kirk Hammett (of Metallica), Dave Mustaine (of Megadeth), Alexi Laiho (of Children Of Bodom) and Michael Amott.
B.C. Rich Guitars
B.C. Rich Guitars is an American manufacturer of electric guitars and bass guitars founded in 1973 by Bernardo Chavez Rich, the company is best known for its deep-bodied guitars with a flashy appearance and unique, unconventional shape which has evolved over the years.
There are many models of B.C Rich guitars available to purchase and they can range in any price point. The most expensive B.C Rich guitar is the Ironbird Pro Guitar which can cost up to $10,000 while the least expensive one can cost $115.”
Some notable artists who have used B.C Rich Guitars include George Lynch (of Dokken/Lynch Mob), Tom Araya (of Slayer), Doug Aldrich (of Whitesnake/Dio) and Les Claypool.
Charvel Guitars
Charvel is based out of Carlsbad, California. Charvel was founded in 1978 by brothers Bob and Mike Clough. In 1991 the company entered the Japanese guitar market with their Vintage models. The CF-100 is still a popular model today, although they are no longer produced. The company introduced their new Fretless line of guitars in 1994.
Charvel Guitars are typically available at the mid-level price point for electric guitars. They also offer signature model dedicated to artists such as Pete Townshend of The Who and Dave Mustaine of Megadeth.
Ibanez Guitars
Ibanez Guitars was founded in 1957 with the goal of providing access to guitars for people all around the world. The founder, Hoshino Gakki, started as a family-owned company and not long after obtained a contract to produce guitars for Fender Musical Instruments Corporation. Along with this remake of relationship between Ibanez and Fender, they also began producing specifically designed electric guitars under their own signature brand. From that point on, Ibanez has been one of the top guitar manufacturers in Japan and worldwide.
Ibanez guitars have an eye-catching aesthetic, as well as durable and reliable sound. They offer a wide range of different styles and each one produces a very unique tone. Ibanez guitars are most well known for the metal tones they create which is why they are frequently used in hard rock and heavy metal music. However, they also create a variety of other sounds depending on the guitar and effect pedals used. For example, certain models of Ibanez guitars have been used by jazz musicians to create a warmer, smoother sound.
Some notable artists who have used Ibanez guitars include Steve Vai, Paul Gilbert, and Joe Satriani. Steve Vai has been endorsed by Ibanez since the 1980s and is still producing music with their guitars while Paul Gilbert and Joe Satriani have used Ibanez guitars for the entirety of their careers as professional musicians.
Washburn Guitars
The Washburn Guitars is owned by the company Sound Chamber, which was founded in 1976. The president of the company, Bill Stroud, had a background in sound engineering and worked with other companies to create products for audio. In 1994 Bill Stroud decided to start the Washburn guitar line and began his first prototype with Daniel Inouye who acted as head of research and development.
Nowadays they are one of the most popular brands for electric guitars and acoustic guitars on the market. They offer different models ranging in price from $150 – $3000 – that are perfect for guitar players at any level.”
Some notable artists who have used Washburn Guitars include Ted Nugent, Joe Bonamassa, Kirk Hammett, Jeff Loomis, Gary Holt, Martin Barre.
Schecter Guitars
The Schecter Guitar Company was founded by David Schecter in 1976. The company was originally set up for manufacturing, selling and distributing high-quality guitar brands such as DeArmond, Fender Custom Shop and Guild.
In 1980 the company began producing its own line of guitars which it called “Schecter Guitar Research”. They stopped production on all other brands in order to focus on their own products. Just a few years later, the company grew to become one of the largest manufacturers of electric guitars in the world with more than 1 million units sold annually. Their success is attributed to their diversity in manufacturing that includes electric guitars and basses targeted at various price points for market demands.”
Some notable artists who have used Schecter guitars include Brian Anderson of The B-52’s, Dan Donegan of Disturbed and Bruce Kulick of Kiss.
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