Discover Secretly Excellent Guitar Brands That Deserve Your Attention

While the name Taylor is synonymous with bragging rights among guitar enthusiasts, there are numerous lesser-known brands that offer exceptional quality and value. In this article, we'll explore some of the best guitar making companies that have flown under the radar. From Canadian craftsmanship to Korean engineering, we'll delve into the unique features and benefits each brand brings to the table.

Seagull Guitars: Handcrafted Canadian Acoustic Marvels

Seagull guitars are renowned for their warm and rich tone, unmatched by any acoustic guitar I've played. After investing around $600 in a Seagull A-series, I couldn't be more pleased with its performance. Although it's a small bodied model, it delivers an impressive and vibrant sound, making it a fantastic choice for both rhythm and lead playing.

The action on the Seagull A-series is superb, providing a perfect balance between comfort and playability. The solos on this guitar truly 'shred'—a testament to its versatile tonal response and durable construction. Give this guitar a try if you're in the market for a classic sound that rivals Taylor but at a more affordable price point. Here’s a link to a live jam session I created to showcase its remarkable quality: Link to Live Jam (Note: Any shortcomings experienced here are personal and not reflective of the guitar's quality).

Taylor’s Journey to Recognition: A Glimpse into Early Success

Remember when Taylor guitars were the upstart newcomers to the guitar scene? I recall being utterly blown away by the sound of a Taylor guitar back in 1991, even though it wasn’t as small as today’s models. At that time, Taylor was still a fraction of the size of today’s market and wasn’t as widely recognized.

Interestingly, generic Asian-made instruments have now become quite good, and lesser-known branded instruments can be great as well. Cort, a South Korean company, is actually one of the largest guitar manufacturers globally by volume. However, it's not as widely known in the United States, as most of its output is geared towards “silent” production for major brands.

My experience with Cort guitars over the years has been positive, and they generally exceed expectations given the price point.

Suhr Guitars: A Custom-Driven Empire

Suhr guitars are a standout among custom-built instruments, offering a range of models that cater to both beginners and professionals. I personally own a Suhr Classic S Antique Strat-style guitar, an HSS model, which I initially purchased after considering a PRS Custom 22 due to its hefty price tag. After trying the PRS, I found it to be an underwhelming investment compared to the Suhr, which sounded superior to any guitar I had ever played or heard.

The Suhr Classic S Antique Strat-style guitar has a beautiful PRS-style neck with a compound radius satin finish, making it a joy to play. The pickups are top-notch, and its clean, versatile sound is a testament to the brand's craftsmanship. Although most Suhr customers customize their guitars down to the last detail, both of my Suhr guitars were off-the-shelf purchases. Despite being more expensive than many off-the-shelf options, these guitars have consistently offered me more enjoyment than a pile of cheaper guitars I had purchased.

For those who can afford it, I would highly recommend a Suhr Modern guitar, which offers the same level of customization and quality.