Founded by guitarist and music store owner, Alfred Dronge, the history of Guild Guitar Company demonstrates dedication and belief in great American values. After a brief, rocky start, Dronge went on to build a strong company with an iron-clad reputation. To carry out his vision, Dronge opened the first Guild workshop in 1952. He began working with three master luthiers, Gilbert Diaz, Carlo Greco and Fred Agusto. These three, known as The Three Amigos, were known for their dedication to the trade and stunning quality work.

It wasn

Electronic Sound Products opened its first shop in Japan in 1975. For the next decade, ESP operated as supplier of custom replacement parts for guitars. In 1983 ESP started handcrafting instruments for various artists in New York City, working with artists such as Page Hamilton, Vernon Reid, Vinnie Vincent, Bruce Kulick and Ronnie Wood. Subsequently, ESP enjoyed a quick rise to fame and it wasn

Alvarez Guitars was born of the convergence of artistic craftsmanship and intuitive marketing ability. In the late 1960s, St. Louis Music Company (SLM) began collaboration with the brilliant Japanese luthier, Kazuo Yairi. Previously, Yairi had been manufacturing ornate, handcrafted acoustic guitars in Japan at the well-known Yairi factory that has been in operation since 1935. As a result of the collaboration of SLM and Kazuo Yairi, the first acoustic guitar introduced in 1968 under the name

The Gibson Flying V is one of the most easily recognizable electric guitars in the world. First built in 1958, the V-shape body design and pointed headstock give the guitar an arrow-shape that is exciting and futuristic. The guitar also produces a strikingly powerful tone with excellent sustain while being very comfortable to play.

The Flying V

Ibanez has a rich history, going all the way back to 1908, Japan. Ibanez instruments were some of the first Japanese guitars to arrive on the US market. After several years of exporting guitars to the United States and Europe, the first storefront opened in Philadelphia in the 1960s. The U.S. instrument market was soon revolutionized by the funky, daring and superior designs of Ibanez. Propelled by ingenuity and creativity that broke the mold of traditional guitar design, Ibanez began making guitars that would soon become rock and jazz icons.

Ibanez first introduced the Artist line; a solid body design which gained notoriety when Bob Weir of The Grateful Dead used the Ibanez 2681 prototype in the recording the 1975 album, Blues for Allah. Today, this vintage icon is a prized collector’s item. The Iceman, originally called Artist 2663, was the choice of Paul Stanley of KISS throughout the late 1970s and again in the early 90s.

Around the same time, in 1979, jazz musician and singer George Benson began working with Ibanez. Together they released the first of the George Benson Signature series. In 2009 the GB30TH was released as a limited edition to honor 30 years of successful

The Fender Telecaster is a one of the most legendary guitars ever played. Originally made in the early 1950s, the Telecaster was the Fender Company

At age 18, Bob Taylor

Even as a beginner guitar player, you have most likely seen or heard of the Fender Stratocaster Standard. There is a strong chance that you even own one. It is one of the most popular guitars in the world and its signature design is recognized with a single glance. Since 1954, millions of these guitars have been sold and loved by guitarists of all skill levels. With the introduction of their Squier models in 1982, the Strat is affordable and accessible for beginners on a tight budget.
The Fender Stratocaster Standard is often thought of as a great guitar for beginners. It has a simple design that is simple for someone new to the craft to master and the contours of the guitar are designed for comfort. If you are hunched over the guitar to see the placement of your hands, the curvature of the body to allow space for your leg and torso are a huge relief. With several color options and an endless catalog of unique pick guards, this model gives you a lot of room to customize it into something you will be comfortable with spending a lot of time with.
Aside from its look, the Fender

Gibson Guitars are one of the most popular and well-made guitars in history. In 1894, Orville Gibson created the Gibson Guitar Corporation in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Gibson had previously been manufacturing mandolins with arched tops. He is credited with being the inventor of the archtop guitar that is so commonly seen on Gibson guitars to this […]