Many modern guitar players want excellent sound to go with a robust construction that can stand up to the rigors of a highly mobile lifestyle. Add to this the changing preferences in guitar playing styles and the ever-growing need for sound with higher definition. That is why many of the upstart young companies today are slowly eating into the big pie that traditionally belonged to well-established guitar brands. Want to know which companies are making a dramatic headway into the competitive guitar market? Check out these 10 guitar brands that are sure to create waves this 2021.

10. Harley Benton Guitars

Harley Benton does not only make fascinating guitars. The company also produces basses, ukuleles, acoustics, amps, and guitar effects. This company might be new to the world of guitars. However, they are quite quick in establishing themselves as a provider of high quality guitars for beginner and intermediate-level musicians of all ages. You can find a guitar that suits your needs and your budget, without sacrificing the quality of its sound-producing capabilities. It is a company worth watching as we say goodbye to 2020.

9. Crafter Guitars

Crafter has been around since 1972, making high-quality guitars in limited numbers. Hyun Kwon Park established the company in the small 20-sqm basement of his property. Throughout the years, the small company invested in the research and development of the different elements that make the ideal guitar. From the tonewood to the design of the guitar body and fretboard, Crafter embarked on a mission to produce only the best-sounding guitars on the planet. One such product is the Crafter Mind W Premium, which is available in dreadnought and orchestra body shapes.

8. Lava Drops

Rapolas Grazys relied on his industrial design background to create innovative guitars that are the perfect blend of form and function. What makes the guitars of this brand so exciting is the use of authentic natural resources. From ancient amber stones to rare meteorites and exclusive hardwood, one can rely on the exquisiteness and uniqueness of each Drop. These are the kinds of musical instruments that one can use to unleash the human creativity, while ensuring optimum playability for a more engaging and fun guitar playing experience.

7. Shijie Guitars

Some Chinese brands take the unique mindset of American and global consumers to heart. They adhere to the highest possible standards to meet the exacting demands of their customers. One such brand that you can look forward to in 2021 is Shijie. Founded in 2011, Shijie started with only a handful of people, united in the vision of providing global customers with affordable and good quality guitars that adhere to American music standards. Whether you need an electric axe, an acoustic guitar, or even a bass guitar, you can expect the quality of the instruments to be topnotch.

6. PJD Guitars

Leigh Dovey established PJD Guitars in 2010 as a tribute to his father. Using his expertise in woodwork and knowledge in sound and video engineering, Dovey began realizing his dream of creating guitars that produce excellent sound. The company has three guitar series: Classic, St. John, and Carey. The Classic is slated to be released in December of this year, 2020. The limited number of guitar models that the company produces is a testament to the attention to detail given to the crafting of each guitar. You can bet you get your money’s worth with any of these guitars.

5. B&G Guitars

What do you get when a pair of seasoned and well-respected luthiers joins forces with an entrepreneur and an artist? B&G Guitars, of course. This is a Tel-Aviv, Israel-based company that designs and produces unique and well-balanced guitars. What separates the brand from modern guitar companies is that they draw inspiration from the guitar designs of the 1920s and the 1950s. For example, the company’s Little Crossroad looks a lot like the 1963 Gibson ES-295 or even the 1957 Gretsch Chet Atkins. Their Caletta looks like the guitars that early-20^th century country musician’s use.

4. LAVA ME

This is a company that shatters any negative preconceptions about Chinese brands. Established in 2013 by Zitian Lu, Zishun Deng, and Kayeung So, LAVA ME has become synonymous with the Air Sonic guitar technology. The founders focused on the design of guitars that call for the integration of art and technology to make music creation a lot more enjoyable and easier for everyone. Two of the brand’s most sought-after creations are the LAVA ME 2 and the LAVA ME PRO. Their Chemist Creations is also expected to generate the same level of enthusiasm among the guitar-loving crowd.

3. Orangewood Guitars

Fans of acoustic guitars will love the amazing products of Orangewood. Korean-born brothers Sooj and Eddie Park established the company in Orange, CA. The focus of the brand is in the making of good quality acoustic guitars at affordable prices. The brand aims to provide the best consumer experience when it comes to buying acoustic guitars.  One of the brand’s most exciting products to date is the Echo Live that features torrefied Sitka spruce top. The guitar can rival the tonal qualities of an aged C. F. Martin at a fraction of the price.

2. Rubato Guitars

Never underestimate this upstart guitar brand from Johannesburg, South Africa. Roger and Oliver Lambson may be new in the business, but this father-and-son tandem of engineers sure knows what modern guitarists want. The brand aims to provide the world with well-crafted, world-class electric guitars. From ultra-stiff carbon fiber monocoque construction to state-of-the-art pickup mounting and zero-fret string guide technology, Rubato guitars deliver uncompromising sound quality that can give well-established brands a run for their money. The guitars are lightweight and have the strength of steel. Such instruments are perfect for guitarists on the road.

1. Relish Guitars

The brainchild of Slivan Kung and Pirmin Giger, Swiss-based Relish Guitars is one of the fastest-rising stars in the guitar-manufacturing world. This is a company that revolutionizes the way you play electric guitars. All of their guitars feature unique playability and unparalleled tonal versatility. One of the brand’s latest creations, the Trinity, promises to reinvent guitar customization with its tool-free swappable elements. The company’s guitars guarantee a wealth of tonal clarity and well-balanced amplification to deliver a sound like you have never heard before. The piano-esque body construction only adds to the charm of their axes.

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