Article: The 5 Most Famous Electric Guitars In The World (Scientifically Proven Facts!)

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Jan 16, 2024

The 5 Most Famous Electric Guitars In The World (Scientifically Proven Facts!)

Unveiling Legends: The 5 Most Famous Electric Guitars in the World

Electric guitars have played a pivotal role in shaping the history of music, and some instruments have become iconic symbols of legendary musicians and unforgettable performances. In this article, we'll explore the 5 most famous electric guitars that have left an indelible mark on the world of music. OK - So NOT "Scientifically Proven" but non the less - I believe I am right - but if you have one you believe is "more" famous - then let me know! Yes, I could have said Eric Claptons "Blackie" but I didnt want a blog all about Fender strats (Sorry Eric!).

1. **Fender Stratocaster (Insert Signature Model Here - Could have picked a few - but I have picked...) - The Jimi Hendrix Experience:**
- No list of famous electric guitars would be complete without the Fender Stratocaster that Jimi Hendrix wielded during his historic performance at Woodstock in 1969. With its sleek design and versatile tonal options, the "Strat" became synonymous with Hendrix's groundbreaking style, and its influence has reverberated through generations.

2. **Gibson Les Paul - Slash's "Appetite for Destruction" Guitar:**
- The Gibson Les Paul is an enduring symbol of rock 'n' roll, and Slash's iconic use of the Les Paul during Guns N' Roses' "Appetite for Destruction" era solidified its legendary status. The guitar's powerful tone and distinctive appearance perfectly complemented Slash's electrifying stage presence, making it a symbol of rock excess and rebellion.

3. **Fender Telecaster - Keith Richards' "Micawber":**
- Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones crafted timeless riffs and melodies with his beloved Fender Telecaster, affectionately known as "Micawber." This guitar's raw, unpretentious sound and road-worn appearance reflect Richards' gritty playing style and the enduring legacy of one of the most influential rock bands in history.

4. **Gibson SG - Angus Young's "The SG":**
- Angus Young's energetic performances with AC/DC are inseparable from his iconic Gibson SG. Known for its devilish double-horned design and aggressive tone, "The SG" has become an emblem of Angus Young's high-voltage stage antics, leaving an indelible mark on the world of hard rock and heavy metal.

5. **Gretsch White Falcon - The Reverend Horton Heat's Signature Guitar:**
- The Gretsch White Falcon is synonymous with the psychobilly genre, thanks to The Reverend Horton Heat's electrifying performances. Reverend Jim Heath's signature Gretsch White Falcon, with its distinctive white finish and ornate design, has become an emblem of the genre, captivating audiences with its unique blend of vintage style and modern flair.

These 5 electric guitars have transcended their status as mere instruments, becoming cultural icons that represent the spirit and sound of the musicians who wielded them. From the revolutionary sounds of Jimi Hendrix's Fender Stratocaster to the rebellious riffs of Slash's Gibson Les Paul, each guitar on this list has left an indelible mark on the history of music. As these instruments continue to inspire new generations of musicians, their legacies live on, forever etched in the annals of rock 'n' roll history.

Now naturally - You will have your own top 5? Let me know and maybe I will update my list!!

PS... I am sorry Brian May, Prince, Steve Vai, Joe Satriani and all the other amazing guitar heros - All iconic musicians who I am sure are as identifiable by their guitars as their faces!

Written by Richard Cholerton

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For me - there is no difference between "personal" and "business" life - It is all "my life". Interconnected and therefore highly personal. Every guitar I sell (EVERY) is one I can tell you the backstory - about the people who make them - the ethos of the brand and how they align with my own - they are a genuine personal recommendations based on 28 years in the industry.

With the industry dominated by marketing, hype, and "blinkered" brand loyalty - retailers focus on what they get asked for - with little effort in raising awareness of guitars that are better than the one you asked about. This leads to a lot of poor buying decisions!

Here is a quick introduction to the brands I often refer to as "my babies" but really you could simply refer to them as "benchmarks". Check the prices - check the specs - check the quality and back story - and find me a brand that does it better - or even close. The fact is you cant buy a bad guitar from Richards Guitars - you will only find the best - set up to your personal requirements.

Art Meets Craft - Artisan - Unique

Hand Made In Slovakia

I have the honour and privilege to be Englands exclusive dealer for Dowina guitars. A completely unique approach to guitar building that blends passion, art and craft producing the most inspiring and wondrous acoustic guitars that represent so much more than the materials they are made from.

Dowina is more than just a guitar - its an experience that you will appreciate and remember for a lifetime.

Buy Dowina Guitars Online

Detail - Clarity-Power-Resonance-Beauty

Furch Changed Everything...

I introduced Furch to to the UK over 20 years ago - with my good friend Keith Twine who has since retired.

At the time I was a leading supplier of brands such as Gibson, Martin & Taylor. Experiencing Furch guitars made me realize there is what you "know" and what you "should know". Just because you DON'T - doesn't mean it doesn't exist!

What does all this mean? Forget what you think you know and open your mind to the possibility that you can find better - and we will guarantee you an experience you will never forget - with help from Furch and my other personal finds from over the decades.

Buy Furch Guitars Online

Inspirational quality, tone & feel at a price you never thought would be possible.

A Benchmark British Brand

With an incredible Back story - A Truly Brtiish yet global brand utilising the shared skills of the Gordon Smith Team in England and a small boutique workshop in China - The result? Unbelievable quality that far surpasses that of recognised mass produced brands at the same price.

Buy Auden Guitars Online

Hand Made - Standard Setting - Affordable

We Were The First UK Dealer for Eastman Guitars...

....and continue to be their largest and most experienced dealer in the UK supplying Eastman guitars throughout Europe.

Originally known for their extraordinary quality, hand made arch tops - produced by violin makers - as their reputation spread they developed into the World of electric and acoustic guitar production which continue to be made by hand.

Eastman have now become a hugely dominant force in the Guitar World producing the "best in class" in any guitar genre they opt to focus on.

Nobody knows them better or can provide you a better experience.

Whether you decide on the showroom experience or buying online you could not be in safer hands.

Buy Eastman Guitars Online

The Truly Great British Electric Guitar Brand Since 1974

The Great British Electric Guitar Brand was born just 2 years after me!

I first became entwined with Gordon Smith in 1995 when I began selling guitars. My first experience was on receiving what I later learned to be a Gordon Smith Gypsy.

So powerful an impact that guitar had on me that I kept it and gave it to my Dad. Its the ONLY guitar in 28 years I havent parted with (well - My Dad has it and continues to enjoy it at 82).

The Gordon Smith Legacy rocketed to new heights when Doug Sparkes took over about 10 years ago - taking this great British Electric Guitar brand into new realms not just in terms of value but extreme quality too - making them not just a choice for people who want to support British Guitar Building but for people who want the finest electric guitars too.

Buy Gordon Smith Guitars Online

Quality - Versatility - Innovation

Canadas Finest

I have specialised in Godin guitars since 1995.

Godin have been solving problems for performing acoustic and electric guitar players for over 30 years, producing the most divine instruments which are stylish, of the highest quality whilst serving the practical needs of the modern performing professional

You could say Godin is the antithesis to Gibson! Godins reputation is built largely on the word of mouth of professionals and session musicians who need their instruments to be highly reliable and consistent night after night.

Get one in your hands, and you will soon understand their unique contribution to the evolution of the guitar.

Buy Godin Guitars Online

Perfection

Hand Made In Italy

I have to thank Stuart - Director of UK Distributor Selectron for thinking of me when he made a very special find in the guise of Luigi - A man building what can only be described as playable works of art. An extraordinary man - extraordinary guitars and I can only thank Luigi & Stuart for thinking of me as a perfect fit to help represent Luigis work in the UK.

Buy Valenti Guitars Online

The most comprehensive collection of affordable electric guitars money can buy.

We will help you find The best playing - Affordable electric guitar

I have been promoting Vintage brand guitars since the day they were "born" some 20+ years ago! In this time they have just got better... and better... and better! Not just that but the range has just become EPIC. Something for everyone!!

In the past couple of years ProShop has become one of the mmost exciting UK hand built guitars- using the Vintage range as the building blocks to create wonderful and exciting guitars that would normally cost thousands of pounds.

Buy Vintage Brand Guitars Online

The 5 Most Famous Electric Guitars In The World (Scientifically Proven Facts!)

Unveiling Legends: The 5 Most Famous Electric Guitars in the World

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