Top Guitar Brands That Hit the Right Note

When choosing a guitar, selecting a brand known for its quality craftsmanship and rich sound is crucial. Various brands have stood out in the market, each offering a unique blend of style, durability, and tonal excellence. Some brands are revered for their innovative features and commitment to enhancing the playing experience. If you're eager to find out which brands consistently rank at the top for guitar enthusiasts, keep reading below.

Illustration of guitar

Best brands of guitar in 2025

Fender

Fender is one of the leading guitar manufacturers globally, holding a significant 25% market share of the global guitar market. Founded by Leo Fender in 1946, the company has been at the forefront of innovation, introducing iconic models like the Telecaster in 1951 and the Stratocaster. Fender's revenue surged during the pandemic, with the company's growth rate increasing to mid-30% annually, and demand reaching the $1 billion mark. The brand continues to dominate with popular models such as the Fender Player Stratocaster and Telecaster, which were among the best-selling electric guitars in 2023. Fender's influence extends beyond guitars, including a range of amplifiers, basses, and digital experiences. For more information about their heritage and innovations, visit their official website.

Gibson

Gibson is one of the leading guitar manufacturers, holding a significant 34% market share in the United States as of 2023, according to data from NAMM. Founded by Orville Gibson in 1902, the company has been at the forefront of guitar innovation, introducing iconic models like the Les Paul in 1952 and the Gibson J-45. Gibson's guitars are produced in various facilities, including Nashville, Tennessee, and Bozeman, Montana. The company has a rich history of innovation, particularly under the management of Guy Hart from 1924 to 1948, and continues to be a major player in the global guitar market, accounting for 20% of the global market share. For more insights into Gibson's position in the industry, check out this analysis of the best-selling guitar brands.

Ibanez

Ibanez is a renowned Japanese guitar brand, owned by Hoshino Gakki, and is considered the third largest guitar manufacturer after Gibson and Fender. With a market share of 12%, Ibanez offers a vast array of instruments, including nearly 165 models of bass guitars, 130 acoustic guitars, and over 300 electric guitars as of 2017. Known for their high-quality products, Ibanez targets intermediate to professional level musicians, particularly with their GIO and Prestige series. The brand has a significant presence globally, with production facilities in Japan, China, Indonesia, and the USA. Ibanez guitars are favored by many professional musicians, such as Steve Vai and George Benson. For more information on their extensive range of instruments, visit the Ibanez official website.

PRS

PRS (Paul Reed Smith) is a renowned brand in the guitar industry, known for its exceptional quality and craftsmanship. The PRS Silver Sky SE, for instance, outsold all USA-made Fender Stratocaster models on Reverb in 2021, highlighting its popularity and competitive edge. PRS guitars are built with a strong focus on quality control, with 80% of PRS workers being musicians who ensure each guitar meets high standards. The brand has gained significant market share, particularly with its modernized versions of classic guitars, and is considered a major player alongside Fender and Gibson. PRS's commitment to innovation and excellence has made it a favorite among musicians.

Taylor

Taylor Guitars is a leading manufacturer of acoustic guitars, holding roughly 40% of the acoustic guitar market share. The company sells close to 175,000 guitars annually, generating around $150 million in sales, and has put over two million guitars into the hands of musicians worldwide. Founded in 1974, Taylor Guitars has grown significantly, earning more than $100 million in annual revenue and becoming the top guitar brand in the United States in terms of retail revenue. Known for their playability and sustainability, Taylor Guitars has built a strong brand legacy over its 50-year history. The company employs 1,300 people across its facilities in El Cajon, Tecate, and other locations. For more information, visit their official website.

Martin

C.F. Martin and Co. Inc. is one of the leading producers of guitars, particularly renowned for their acoustic guitars. They hold a significant market share, with Martin and Taylor together accounting for about 80% of the North American market for acoustic guitars, split roughly evenly between them. Martin produces around 70,000 guitars per year, a figure that highlights their substantial output. The brand's commitment to quality and craftsmanship has made it a favorite among musicians. With a long history and continuous innovation, Martin guitars remain highly sought after.

Yamaha

Yamaha is a leading manufacturer in the musical instrument industry, holding a significant market share in the guitar segment. As of 2020, Yamaha held a 7% market share in the guitar market, positioning it among the top brands like Gibson and Fender. Yamaha's diverse product range includes pianos, electronic instruments, wind and percussion instruments, and guitars, making it a comprehensive choice for musicians. The company's commitment to innovation and quality has enabled it to maintain a strong presence globally. With over 130 years of history, Yamaha continues to support musical expression and education worldwide. For more information, you can visit Yamaha's official website here.

Epiphone

Epiphone, acquired by Gibson in 1959, is a renowned brand in the guitar industry, known for its high-quality instruments. Despite holding a relatively smaller market share of 4% compared to other major brands, Epiphone has a significant presence, particularly with models like the Epiphone Casino, which has been favored by influential artists such as The Beatles. Epiphone's guitars are often considered more affordable alternatives to Gibson models, yet they maintain a distinct character and sound. The brand has a rich history, introducing its first line of acoustic guitars in 1928 to compete with Gibson, and has since become an intercontinental provider with a strong reputation. Epiphone's market presence is notable, especially given its lower market share, indicating a loyal customer base. For more about Epiphone's rich history, visit their official history page.

Gretsch

Gretsch, a renowned brand under Fender Musical Instruments Corporation, is distinguished for its unique sound and stylish guitars, particularly appealing to musicians seeking to empower their musical identity. The brand has seen significant growth, especially during the pandemic, with the guitar market surging due to increased demand, resulting in Fender's sales growing from $400 million to nearly $1 billion. Gretsch guitars, such as the Electromatic series, offer high-quality sound and aesthetics at an affordable price, making them a popular choice among guitar enthusiasts. The brand's strategy focuses on creating emotional connections with customers and supporting their musical journeys through tools like the Fender Play app. With a diverse player base and a strong market presence, Gretsch continues to thrive in the guitar industry.

Takamine

Takamine, a renowned Japanese guitar manufacturer founded in 1959 and officially named Takamine Gakki Ltd. in 1962, is celebrated for its high-quality steel-string acoustic and acoustic-electric guitars. The company pioneered the design of the preamplifier-equalizer component in 1978 and has since become a major brand worldwide, known for its innovative models like the CT ("Cool Tubes") tube-powered preamp family introduced at the turn of the millennium. Takamine guitars are favored by artists such as Garth Brooks, Steve Wariner, and Glen Frey, and the brand has maintained its reputation through rigorous quality standards and collaborations with other industry leaders like ESP Guitars, which handles their US distribution since 2015. With a strong global presence, Takamine continues to contribute significantly to the guitar market, which is forecast to grow by USD 1.95 billion from 2022 to 2027, with the acoustic segment dominating the market. To learn more about their innovative guitar designs, visit the Takamine official website.