Q&A: Fender Limited Edition American Standard Telecaster

Just 50 of these distinctive Teles are available in the U.S., exclusively from Musician’s Friend.

Image by Eric Fairchild

Musician’s Friend recently collaborated with Fender to create a not-so-standard Limited Edition Standard Telecaster to stand apart from the crowd visually and sonically. Fender’s design team delivered in spades, the result being the Limited Edition Standard Rosewood Neck Ash Telecaster. Maybe it’s a mouthful to say, but this thing’s a pleasure to behold and play!

Gibson Custom: Vintage Mojo, Modern Playability

Gibson Custom: Vintage Mojo, Modern Playability

Proven methods and materials yield some of today’s most sought-after new guitars.

By Brad Porter
Musician’s Friend Managing Editor

Those who know vintage Gibson guitars will tell you there’s a magic about them that simply can’t be found in a production guitar. While the cutting-edge technology and airtight tolerances of Gibson USA’s production factory are comforting enough for many guitarists, diehard Gibson players sometimes demand “what was.” With that in mind, we visited our friends at Gibson Custom, not too far from the Gibson USA factory in Nashville, to learn more about the new line of Gibson guitars that has everyone talking.

Gibson Unveils 2017 Acoustic Guitar

New High Performance series delivers on modern performance needs & excellent value in U.S. handcrafted instruments.

For some time now, Gibson has recognized it has two distinct audiences: The first group are traditionalists who want instruments that precisely reflect the brand’s heritage. The second is composed of players looking for a guitar to take onstage or record with—one that can fully meet those needs with modern performance features and tweaks. This latter group is less concerned with exact historical accuracy; they want great sound capture and the playability features that make long sets and grueling recording sessions easier to handle.

First Look: Gibson’s 2017 Electric Guitar Collection

Gibson just lifted the tent flap on its new electric guitar offerings and early indications point to 2017 as a banner year for the brand. The new lineup continues to reflect Gibson’s appreciation for both of its audiences: diehard purists who want their Les Paul or SG built in the classic manner versus those looking for modern playability tweaks and extended tonal options.

Best Acoustic Guitar Under $500

The Seagull S6 Original Acoustic Guitar with Hard Shell Case and Guitar Stand is my #1 pick for best acoustic guitar under $500  

After reviewing dozens of guitars in the $400 to $500 price range, this Seagull S6 Original Acoustic guitar bundle (with hardhshell case and stand) is easily thebest acoustic guitar under $500.

In fact, the guitar alone (without a case or stand) retails for only about $419, and consistently receives 5 star reviews from other owners across different sites and reviews.

Finding the best acoustic guitar for a beginner

The best acoustic guitar for beginners

The #1 Selling Acoustic Guitar for beginners, a complete review.

Upon reviewing hundreds of acoustic guitars for beginning players, we have found the Yamaha FG700S to be the #1 selling acoustic guitar for beginners across the country (USA).  Though it happens to be the #1 seller, this alone does not make it "the best" - there are several reasons why it continues to be the best selling acoustic guitar in the U.S.  And though there is no real "best" acoustic guitar for beginners, there are certainly guitars you want to avoid and those you will want to consider buying if you want the best for your buck.   I experienced disappointment with my first guitar back in 1990 that I no longer own, (I'm still playing guitar and loving it) but have learned a great deal from the experience and have never bought a disappointing guitar since