I don't remember the model number, but it was a friend's Godin that I borrowed for a high school gig back about 15 years ago. I just remember that guitar feeling so silky smooth. Maybe my current Jacksons and Ibanezes are better (doubt it) but as a teenager that was my first time feeling a guitar and actually thinking "this feels HIGH-END". Since then, I've been wanting to try another Godin, but they're so hard to find here in Sudbury, Ontario (despite the brand being Canadian!).
My Jackson SLATX-M3-7 is probably my second-place guitar. Not bad for an Indonesian seven-string guitar. Good fret work, neck-thru design is ideal, and it's just comfortable to play.
The Top 5 Guitars I’ve ever played: Cheap Strat rip-off Epiphone Les Paul 3/4 size Cheap Ibanez ripoff Pawn shop acoustic And finally, a guitar hero controller
Honestly...you are the most humble guitarist I know on TH-cam. Such a great collection of guitars (many of them quite expensive), and such a simple and humble personality. No useless speeches or vain introductions, you get to the point and you do it well. And best of all, you play guitar perfectly well...thanks for everything, Darell.
Halo Fallen Angel. Unique design, but super uncomfortable body with a giant spike that stabs you in the chest when leaning over. Sounded like mushy trash even when I put an EMG 81 and 85 in it. Bought a Jackson dinky, put the EMGs in it, and it sings. Sold the Halo and never looked back.
So as an Italian man living in Japan, can I say that I am proud that three of your best five are Japanese guitars while the other two have Italian names on them?
@@volatorenotturno4769 ahh yes. The premise behind the story is still true, but yes you are correct, I confused the country, it was in fact Spain and not Italy. Good catch 😎
The ice blue on the Valenti Nebula is absolutely incredible. It’s one of the prettiest blue guitars I’ve ever seen! I think it would be worthwhile to create a video on the Top 5 Guitars under $1000.
That Valenti made me thinkof the blue on one of Knopfler’s customs-which also have to be seen to be believed. Knopfler’s is actually a metallic sky-blue (it’s otherworldly), but i they both exude these vibes like...’this guitar is not wholly of this Earf.’ Gold! Cabochon sapphire knob-tops! P-90s! Look up the Pensa Custom MKD...
5 favorite under $500 would be cool, since that is about my max allowance on guitars... (toys as my wife says). And if you could keep it between $250 $ $350, there is more chance that I could acquire these featured “toys”. Rock on brutha! Update. My wife has been more than accommodating with my love of guitars. She no longer calls them toys, because I now have 16 guitars, they have become: “The Collection”… 🤔 I’ll take it! So, while I appreciate the shared outrage… I think it’s safe to douse the torches and disband the angry mob. Thanks Fellas 🤘🤘🤘
Prs has been making some killer se models the past several years. I picked up a Starla se about a year ago, and it plays like something double its price.
The MIJ quality is legit. ESP Standards, Ibby Prestiges, and even Tokai premium LP copies (that have replaced 2 Gibsons) are all my most played and enjoyable guitars.
Japanese strong on this list.I can't be mad at that I've actually seen over the 40 years I've been playing you usually can't go wrong with Japanese made guitars.I love a ton of guitars made everywhere but price quality and such is strong on the Japanese guitars.
Japan just makes great stuff. I mean look at some of their automotive brands. Toyota is one of the greatest auto companies to ever exists (imo). They're almost bullet proof and you get a lot of car for your money
Out of your collection the Ibanez is my favorite you listed. 5 best I've played on are in no particular order below. 1. Charvel Pro mod DK24 HH 2pt 2. PRS Tremonti Signature 3. Fender Player Series stratocaster HSS Plus top 4. Sterling by Musicman Jason Richardson 7 string 5. way back in 2007 an Ernie Ball Music Man JP 6 string signature
They laughed at Japan's first car. They don't laugh now. It's a thing called respect. It's a good thing to earn. Shame the Chinese just wana take it. Don't buy cheap Chinese. Invaded Tibet. Tore up the Honkong treaty. Force organ harvest the Huan tribe. No one sees the CORPSES of the children.
@@GOREMAXXX the Chinese may be lovely people. But are governed by a Canibal sect that organ harvests the Huang tribe and no one sees the CORPSES of the children... SIK THE nation that had the last white rino killed for it's horn. The nation that made badly constructed seal's on it's CoVid lab. The Emporor bang's a stick... One sick old sucker needs venting till the next one comes along. One country paranoid about democracy when it's the only thing saving them.. That bar stool with only left legs that Lean's over to the right.
Can you please make a video for a complete beginner to know “How to get started in learning and stuff”? And maybe a “How to choose a guitar for you” will be great too! Btw great video man. I love all of your videos they are just amazing and are of brilliant quality.
I love the 5 under $1000 range idea. Would love to expand my guitar variety (currently have an Epi Les Paul and an Alvarez acoustic-electric) but realize I won’t be able to afford the “top” option for multiple guitars.
My favorite was a 70's Gibson Les Paul that I got from a Pawn shop when I was probably about 13. Wine red. Great guitar. Unfortunately I was totally stupid when I was about 17 and sold it!
Oh man that Japanese reissue telecaster is gorgeous. I’ve always known a telecaster was missing from my collection and now I’ve just found the one I need to hunt down... I have a ‘62 reissue Japanese Strat and it’s amazing. I’ll be on the lookout for a black and gold one like this. You got good taste 👌
I have a Japanese Squier Fender tele . It's blonde with a white pick guard . Maple neck and I up graded the saddles to brass ones . It has that Tele vibe and plays great. My Les Paul Custom , bought in 82 plays absolutely fantastic !
Brilliant Saturday morning video. Beautiful guitars! My favourite is the Ibanez S-series. So much guitar for the money... Amazing! A great day to you too, sir!
I don't ever get to play any of the super high end guitars, but I have played some really nice ones. By far, the best guitar (for me) that I have ever played is my Reverend 20th Anniversary Double Agent. It somehow has the ability to make me play better than I thought I could. Even if it's just something in my head, it still does the thing.
I think your question at the end gave two interesting video possibilities! I'd happily watch favorite 5 at or under $1000 to just over $500 and another at or under $500. Thanks.
I like all of your top five, but I agree that the Ibanez S-series prestige is Number One. I don't own one but I sure wish I did. I played one at the local GC a few years back and loved the tone and the thin body, but the neck was bowed. This was a used guitar and the kid working there was afraid to mess with the truss rod. I didn't want to lay out some big money if I wasn't sure the neck was okay, so I passed on that one. My favorite guitar that I own is my Baby, a double-cut solidbody that I built myself with hand tools. It's based on the Ibanez Artist, but I drew the curves myself by hand and made the cutaways deeper. The body and neck are cherry wood, rosewood fingerboard, and a carved maple top. It took me eight months to build and it was my second guitar I made. It has a two-octave neck with 21 frets clear of the body, and it plays and sounds just the way I envisioned it when I planned it out. Originally I had a pair of DiMarzio PAFs in there, but a few years back I put in a Super Distortion at the bridge and a Tone Zone at the neck, and I like it even better now. BTW, if you have anything custom built, I'd suggest that you try having a guitar made of cherry wood. Tonally it is halfway between mahogany and maple, and it really cuts through a loud band without sounding too thin.
That MIJ midnight Telecaster has always been a dream for me. I remember what it came out, the list price was $899.00. I really wanted to buy it for my son who is a guitar player and singer/songwriter (whose favorite colors are black and gold).... but, they sold out before I could get the money together. I will still check Reverb every once in awhile in a hopeful search that someone might be selling their used one. I'm glad to hear you regard it so highly, Darrell
Love your collection of guitars Darrell, and I would really love to see your top five guitars under 1000 bucks! I watch all your videos you’re doing a very good job keep rockin 🎸
@@jesuschristpose896 Yes, one can hardly go wrong with DiMarzio. I just kept the stock Infinity pups since I never felt that they weren't good enough. They seem to have enough depth and clarity compared even to the Seymour Duncans in my Charvel San Dimas too. I've heard others rag on Infinitys but first of all, they are a bit different and isn't that what everybody is always hunting for in pups? Ibanez seems to have put their very best innovations at the time into those S470'S and thereafter and I DON'T think Ibanez would pair a well made Saber with the awesome ZR ball bearing bridge, no less, to just any available low grade generic pickups. Pickups, pots and electronics can also be DAMAGED or defective leading someone to believe that their stock pickups are "bad"... which is actually rather unusual for even stock pickups on decently made guitars.
@@squirelova1815 I was just digging on Joe satriani sound and tone and that's why I changed pickups, I was pleased with the stock pickups but just wanted a little more out of my sound.
My favourite has to be the Schecter Diamond C 1+ , thinline neck, beautiful quilted effect body and wonderful Seymour Duncan pickups, sounds incredible.
I had the newest version of Darrell’s Ibanez S for awhile and loved that guitar. The Wizard neck was ultimately not for me but still, an amazing instrument.
in 30 or so years working in live music, hearing thousands of guitars live. i`ve only been blown away twice by the stand out tone from a guitar on stage and both times those guitars were old Hamers
I had a feeling the prestige and MIJ midnight tele might be on here! Your enthusiasm in previous videos with them even lead me (a complete beginner) to look them up to admire and appreciate. I'm playing an Ibanez SA largely because of your videos!
Best guitar I ever played... Johnny Smith Gibson jazz guitar with floating neck pickup, probably early 70s model. My current best ever played, esp in 'bang for buck' dept: Gibson R8, Epi 'Old Glory', MIJ Ritchie Kotzen Tele, Eric Johnson Thinline Strat.
@@emilyadams3228 For a second there, I thought of looking that up online. The SuperVee BladeRunner might actually be the real deal "Air Trem" and they even custom produce a Locking model set too.
You have such exquisite taste in guitars....there are so many great options for beautiful handmade guitars that aren’t Gibson fender or PRS, even though I love them too.
Watching one of your videos convinced me to get one of those Fender Midnight Traditional ‘60’s Telecasters, and I am so glad I did. Thanks for that. I absolutely love that guitar!
I have a 2005 Korean Epiphone LP Std that will stand up to ANY guitar- it's all in the craftmanship. It was a birthday gift from my fam and cost like $350.
My top 5, not in any order: Ibanez Jet King I, I can tune this to all kinds of crazy up and down tunings, it never complains. Fender Jaguar (90’s Japan), my first intro to shorter scale guitars, it’s very comfortable, and I have figured out how to keep that crazy bridge happy (cheating, filed down the “threads” on the low E to keep it from jumping out) Charvel Surfcaster 12 String, aka the guitar that got away. It had a great finish, great wood grain, great tone, and I didn’t mind that one of the tuners was sticky sometimes. Fender Strat with Koa body and vintage voiced Duncan pickups, really had that “strat” sound but warmer. Partscaster Tele, one of my first partscaster builds, it sounded so much like George Harrison’s all rosewood tele, even though it only had a rosewood fretboard, I wasn’t trying to replicate that tone it just happened to coalesce on it’s own.
MIJ telecaster. Yeah! I got a MIJ Hybrid for my birthday in indigo blue and man its so good. I am a guitar builder and have built a few strats and teles and this telecaster just surprises me everytime how well it's built and how well it plays for a mass produced instrument. It's just the craftsmanship of the Japanese factory that's so good.
My favorite guitars: 1. John Petrucci Music Man JP 6 2. PRS 22 3. Twin Neck Epiphone 4. Fender Strat 5. ESP Ltd (Amp: Mesa Boogie Road King, Hughes & Kettner Grand Meister 36, Marshall Mode Four) Luke from Switzerland
Best guitar I ever played is my Fender Classic Player Triple Telecaster. Vintage tuners, vintage ashtray bridge with three brass saddles, three Nocaster pickups, 5-way switch, black pick guard on black body with maple neck.
When I saw this list I couldn’t stop thinking about the stratospheric for a month. Pulled the trigger and it’s so perfect. Even prettier in person. Price tag is rough at around $4k but I’m glad I did
I know that you love small builders. You should really check out Barlow guitars. He basically only uses the most beautiful exotic wood, with his own unique body styles. His work looks impeccable.
Nobody who has ever owned or played an Ibanez would be surprised to find one on your top five list of Best guitars you’ve ever played They are just some of the most amazing guitars ever. Sg’s and rg’s are just super comfortable to play.
All beautiful looking guitars. I guess you like gold hardware! But to be honest they all sounded alike. Should have played them dry so we could hear the character of each one.
I like how your choices aren't the typical US made Gibson Les Paul, Fender Tele + Strat ect.. Not knocking the "typical" candidates but I like the variety and they kinda prove the point that there are amazing guitars being produced all around the world. Not just in the USA.
The finish on the Ibanez was something else, the people responsible for QC at the Ibanez Japan factory won’t consider letting a guitar leave the premises with even the slightest blemish.
🤤 Super nice 5... Why I hope the next video will be another top 5 like this one ? Or 6 ?! Dude it's the number ! Congratulations on this impressive and wonderful collection.
Great Video! I love the "Five Best" format. Keep 'em coming. How about Top 5 Acoustics, and top Five Acoustics under $1,000? The best guitar that I've ever played is my 1990's Made in Mexico Strat. This guitar has so much mojo. I've stacked it against guitars worth 10 times the price, and in the end, I love this one more. When I take into a music store to try out amps, it never fails to draw Strat lovers and blow them away.
I would love to see you do an episode on acoustic guitars. We can't all afford Furch guitars but we don't want < $300 instruments either. Something that would help a buyer. Maybe film from inside a music store.
My favorite guitar is my blue PRS 35th Anniversary. It was perfect out of the box and I have used to record several songs on Spotify. Back in the days I had a white Charvel-Jackson Model 6 with allthrough-neck 1986. It was a rock monster. 😆
Darrell, the best guitar ever is an Ibanez 200 FGM, that is the Frank Gamble signature, give it a go if you can get hold of one, it will put a bigger smile on your face.
Let me know which guitar was your favorite! What is the best guitar you ever played on?
Enjoy!
My Jackson Soloist
I don't remember the model number, but it was a friend's Godin that I borrowed for a high school gig back about 15 years ago. I just remember that guitar feeling so silky smooth. Maybe my current Jacksons and Ibanezes are better (doubt it) but as a teenager that was my first time feeling a guitar and actually thinking "this feels HIGH-END". Since then, I've been wanting to try another Godin, but they're so hard to find here in Sudbury, Ontario (despite the brand being Canadian!).
My Jackson SLATX-M3-7 is probably my second-place guitar. Not bad for an Indonesian seven-string guitar. Good fret work, neck-thru design is ideal, and it's just comfortable to play.
yo mama
I like my Ibanez grgrex120
The Top 5 Guitars I’ve ever played:
Cheap Strat rip-off
Epiphone Les Paul 3/4 size
Cheap Ibanez ripoff
Pawn shop acoustic
And finally, a guitar hero controller
😆😆😆😆🤘🤘🤘🎸🎸
The tuning machines on those guitar hero controllers are rock solid.
The only way is up!
Real talk.
The last one has the best playability for sure. It can make anyone play like the guitar gods.
Honestly...you are the most humble guitarist I know on TH-cam. Such a great collection of guitars (many of them quite expensive), and such a simple and humble personality. No useless speeches or vain introductions, you get to the point and you do it well. And best of all, you play guitar perfectly well...thanks for everything, Darell.
Something a bit different:
Five guitars that have let you down or somewhat disappointed you.
Most strats
This is a great idea
@@zeusapollo8688 lmao 😆. Painfully true.... On the other hand though I have two of them right now that play ridiculously well.
Yeah i think we all been there at some point.... dropped a hefty sum of cash on a piece of gear and then was like... meh...
Halo Fallen Angel. Unique design, but super uncomfortable body with a giant spike that stabs you in the chest when leaning over. Sounded like mushy trash even when I put an EMG 81 and 85 in it. Bought a Jackson dinky, put the EMGs in it, and it sings. Sold the Halo and never looked back.
That black telecaster is gorgeous, man.
Yes I agree. I looked em up. Average price around 1200. Dunno if I would give that much for one but it’s tempting for sure.
I’ve got one and it plays and sounds as good as it looks. Just an awesome guitar!
@@HVA58 Where’s the best place to check ‘em out? I was interested in a Japan tele years ago but this reminded me how nice they are.
@@JPMonstie This particular one was a limited edition, probably hard to find, so Reverb or eBay are possibilities.
What's the name of the 2nd guitar ?
There had to be a Tele, i'm at peace now, thank you DB
I was thinking how can he not have one on the list and then......😅
My problem is every guitar I've ever played is "the best guitar I've ever played".
Same , everything is great at something
@@atonofspiders All guitars look good till I start playing them 🤣
@@Mustaine1ify Learn to "enjoy" the practice.
Form a different vocation of playing with yourself
@@johnnorris1983 I do enjoy it, it's fun getting slightly better ever week. Thanks for the teamtalk 👍
Ill say 90% of the guitars I've played.
So as an Italian man living in Japan, can I say that I am proud that three of your best five are Japanese guitars while the other two have Italian names on them?
Fun fact - Ibanez, based in Japan, was named after a famous Italian guitarist as a tribute. The founder of Ibanez was a HUGE fan.
@@retroquest3579 Cool! I didn't know that.
@@retroquest3579 Not true, man. Ibanez is not even an italian name (i'm italian), sounds like a spanish one.
@@volatorenotturno4769 ahh yes. The premise behind the story is still true, but yes you are correct, I confused the country, it was in fact Spain and not Italy. Good catch 😎
What's the name of the 2nd guitar?
Lovely Paoletti Guitar!!
Hi! I love you mrtomofujita!
Respect, Professor.
hello proffessorrrrr
Another example of how a copy goes past the original
The ice blue on the Valenti Nebula is absolutely incredible. It’s one of the prettiest blue guitars I’ve ever seen! I think it would be worthwhile to create a video on the Top 5 Guitars under $1000.
Agreed. I normally hate blue guitars but that guitar is 100% cool
@@ivanwesley8182 Yeah, I agree, usually blue isn't my favorite on guitars but damn, it looks so slick, he really found something special with that.
That Valenti made me thinkof the blue on one of Knopfler’s customs-which also have to be seen to be believed. Knopfler’s is actually a metallic sky-blue (it’s otherworldly), but i they both exude these vibes like...’this guitar is not wholly of this Earf.’ Gold! Cabochon sapphire knob-tops! P-90s!
Look up the Pensa Custom MKD...
Agreed,...and yet Valenti cannot dress up or cover the unfinished trust rod pocket on the headstock? WTF Valenti...?
Indeed! I don't know why, it pretty much looks like what a Strat would look like if Gibson was the original maker xD
5 favorite under $500 would be cool, since that is about my max allowance on guitars... (toys as my wife says). And if you could keep it between $250 $ $350, there is more chance that I could acquire these featured “toys”. Rock on brutha!
Update.
My wife has been more than accommodating with my love of guitars. She no longer calls them toys, because I now have 16 guitars, they have become:
“The Collection”… 🤔 I’ll take it!
So, while I appreciate the shared outrage… I think it’s safe to douse the torches and disband the angry mob.
Thanks Fellas 🤘🤘🤘
Ouch 🤕
You can't go wrong with an Agile, Cort or Schecter. At this price range i think is the best for the buck. Maybe some second hand guitar too.
Prs has been making some killer se models the past several years. I picked up a Starla se about a year ago, and it plays like something double its price.
+1 for those under $500, would be interesting for quite a few of us!
I couldn't agree more
The MIJ quality is legit. ESP Standards, Ibby Prestiges, and even Tokai premium LP copies (that have replaced 2 Gibsons) are all my most played and enjoyable guitars.
I have a MIJ tokai reborn old SG and it is immaculate. Can’t find any info about it online though
I would love to see your "5 Best Guitars Under $500!" Even "5 Best Budget Guitars," like Harley Benton's, Firefly, etc. Keep up the EXCELLENT work!!!
Japanese strong on this list.I can't be mad at that I've actually seen over the 40 years I've been playing you usually can't go wrong with Japanese made guitars.I love a ton of guitars made everywhere but price quality and such is strong on the Japanese guitars.
I've got a mij strat 12 and i love it. Great tones out of it
Japan just makes great stuff. I mean look at some of their automotive brands. Toyota is one of the greatest auto companies to ever exists (imo). They're almost bullet proof and you get a lot of car for your money
@@nick044 Hondas, too. And Nikon cameras. Look for pictures of Don McCullin's black F that got, er, damaged in Cambodia in 1968.
I love my Japanese Vola guitars! The Vola Oz (S style) and Vola Vasti (T style) are insanely good - and even more so for the price!
@@emilyadams3228 definitely Hondas. I still see Hondas with 300k miles and still run with no weird ticks or knocks in the engine
After playing guitars for almost 20 years, I can say that Ibanez would definitely always be top 5.
Super comfy. And faaaast too.
They're chunky and awful sounding.
@@Presticles1 But i bet you probably like a les Paul.
@@Presticles1 What Ibanez are you playing lol. They have some of the thinnest necks on their super strats.
Out of your collection the Ibanez is my favorite you listed. 5 best I've played on are in no particular order below.
1. Charvel Pro mod DK24 HH 2pt
2. PRS Tremonti Signature
3. Fender Player Series stratocaster HSS Plus top
4. Sterling by Musicman Jason Richardson 7 string
5. way back in 2007 an Ernie Ball Music Man JP 6 string signature
Love to see a video on Tokai guitars. It seems most people appear to shy away from plugging these beautiful instruments.
Japan's Top Exports last 10 years:
a. Automobiles
b. Semiconductors
c. Darrell's Supply
They laughed at Japan's first car. They don't laugh now. It's a thing called respect. It's a good thing to earn. Shame the Chinese just wana take it. Don't buy cheap Chinese. Invaded Tibet. Tore up the Honkong treaty. Force organ harvest the Huan tribe. No one sees the CORPSES of the children.
@@johnnorris1983 ok but guitar
@@johnnorris1983 You are white
@@GOREMAXXX
colour is an irelevent statement. Are you trying to be racist
@@GOREMAXXX the Chinese may be lovely people. But are governed by a Canibal sect that organ harvests the Huang tribe and no one sees the CORPSES of the children... SIK
THE nation that had the last white rino killed for it's horn.
The nation that made badly constructed seal's on it's CoVid lab.
The Emporor bang's a stick...
One sick old sucker needs venting till the next one comes along. One country paranoid about democracy when it's the only thing saving them..
That bar stool with only left legs that Lean's over to the right.
Can you please make a video for a complete beginner to know “How to get started in learning and stuff”? And maybe a “How to choose a guitar for you” will be great too!
Btw great video man. I love all of your videos they are just amazing and are of brilliant quality.
I love the 5 under $1000 range idea. Would love to expand my guitar variety (currently have an Epi Les Paul and an Alvarez acoustic-electric) but realize I won’t be able to afford the “top” option for multiple guitars.
My favorite was a 70's Gibson Les Paul that I got from a Pawn shop when I was probably about 13. Wine red. Great guitar. Unfortunately I was totally stupid when I was about 17 and sold it!
I know what you mean.
Oh man that Japanese reissue telecaster is gorgeous. I’ve always known a telecaster was missing from my collection and now I’ve just found the one I need to hunt down... I have a ‘62 reissue Japanese Strat and it’s amazing. I’ll be on the lookout for a black and gold one like this. You got good taste 👌
I have a Japanese Squier Fender tele . It's blonde with a white pick guard . Maple neck and I up graded the saddles to brass ones . It has that Tele vibe and plays great. My Les Paul Custom , bought in 82 plays absolutely fantastic !
All gorgeous guitars! Especially that tele, it's like the guitar version of a tuxedo.
Brilliant Saturday morning video. Beautiful guitars!
My favourite is the Ibanez S-series. So much guitar for the money... Amazing!
A great day to you too, sir!
Never been this early before. Feels like I accomplished something.
Haha Same dude😂
Me too. Kinda feel special. 😂😂😂😂
Yeah I’m usually 2 or 3 years late😂 but not today.
Props for not being a tool and commenting "first" or something like that.
Omg Chris , you're here!!
I don't ever get to play any of the super high end guitars, but I have played some really nice ones. By far, the best guitar (for me) that I have ever played is my Reverend 20th Anniversary Double Agent. It somehow has the ability to make me play better than I thought I could. Even if it's just something in my head, it still does the thing.
I think your question at the end gave two interesting video possibilities! I'd happily watch favorite 5 at or under $1000 to just over $500 and another at or under $500. Thanks.
I like all of your top five, but I agree that the Ibanez S-series prestige is Number One. I don't own one but I sure wish I did. I played one at the local GC a few years back and loved the tone and the thin body, but the neck was bowed. This was a used guitar and the kid working there was afraid to mess with the truss rod. I didn't want to lay out some big money if I wasn't sure the neck was okay, so I passed on that one.
My favorite guitar that I own is my Baby, a double-cut solidbody that I built myself with hand tools. It's based on the Ibanez Artist, but I drew the curves myself by hand and made the cutaways deeper. The body and neck are cherry wood, rosewood fingerboard, and a carved maple top. It took me eight months to build and it was my second guitar I made. It has a two-octave neck with 21 frets clear of the body, and it plays and sounds just the way I envisioned it when I planned it out. Originally I had a pair of DiMarzio PAFs in there, but a few years back I put in a Super Distortion at the bridge and a Tone Zone at the neck, and I like it even better now.
BTW, if you have anything custom built, I'd suggest that you try having a guitar made of cherry wood. Tonally it is halfway between mahogany and maple, and it really cuts through a loud band without sounding too thin.
Nice guitars, can’t really afford any of them. I’ll stick with my fender Chris Shiflett
That MIJ midnight Telecaster has always been a dream for me. I remember what it came out, the list price was $899.00.
I really wanted to buy it for my son who is a guitar player and singer/songwriter (whose favorite colors are black and gold).... but, they sold out before I could get the money together. I will still check Reverb every once in awhile in a hopeful search that someone might be selling their used one. I'm glad to hear you regard it so highly, Darrell
You're a great father. I'm sure your son loves you.
So heart warming to hear someone getting excited about buying a guitar for someone else! You're awesome!
WOW that black Tele is beautiful!
Love your collection of guitars Darrell, and I would really love to see your top five guitars under 1000 bucks! I watch all your videos you’re doing a very good job keep rockin 🎸
wow the ibanez is super thin, never seen a guitar like that
Surprisingly not a Gibson or PRS on the list. I guess it’s more about what feels right to you and not company loyalty. I like this list.
Yeah, I was expecting a PRS on the list
Gibson don't hold tune well and PRS can be heavy.
@@johnnorris1983 through this channel I discovered so many guitars that are amazing and under $1500. I almost don’t want a PRS anymore haha
@@ramjam6934 "Almost" lol
Not a surprise at all...
i never really realised how great ibanez instruments are until i bought an SR like a few months ago. it's kinda crazy how good an ibanez feels to play
That Ibanez is still my favourite. Absolutely stunning 😍
Best playing and sounding guitar I have ever owned is a Ibanez s series, loved that guitar
My humble 2006 Korean S470 with its ZR ball bearing trem still plays like new.
@@squirelova1815 mine is a s520ex love it, put in a dimarzio paf joe pickup in neck and mojo in bridge
@@jesuschristpose896 Yes, one can hardly go wrong with DiMarzio. I just kept the stock Infinity pups since I never felt that they weren't good enough. They seem to have enough depth and clarity compared even to the Seymour Duncans in my Charvel San Dimas too. I've heard others rag on Infinitys but first of all, they are a bit different and isn't that what everybody is always hunting for in pups? Ibanez seems to have put their very best innovations at the time into those S470'S and thereafter and I DON'T think Ibanez would pair a well made Saber with the awesome ZR ball bearing bridge, no less, to just any available low grade generic pickups. Pickups, pots and electronics can also be DAMAGED or defective leading someone to believe that their stock pickups are "bad"... which is actually rather unusual for even stock pickups on decently made guitars.
@@squirelova1815 I was just digging on Joe satriani sound and tone and that's why I changed pickups, I was pleased with the stock pickups but just wanted a little more out of my sound.
The Tele looks awesome! The best sounding ones were the Zemattis and the Paoletti.
PLEASE do a video about the different les pauls! The way you go into depth and talk about whats relevant is incredible. Thank you
My favourite has to be the Schecter Diamond C 1+ , thinline neck, beautiful quilted effect body and wonderful Seymour Duncan pickups, sounds incredible.
I had the newest version of Darrell’s Ibanez S for awhile and loved that guitar. The Wizard neck was ultimately not for me but still, an amazing instrument.
Ibanez S series are incredible. They are so comfortable to sit down with. Now I just want one with satin finish, flame maple and a Sustainiac.
Yes, I've been wanting one for a long time.
Love to see a “Top 5 Under $1000” list.
in 30 or so years working in live music, hearing thousands of guitars live. i`ve only been blown away twice by the stand out tone from a guitar on stage and both times those guitars were old Hamers
That Ibanez is nice, but if only the switch cover wasn't so damn hideous.... ;)
The Nebula is one of the most beautiful guitars I've ever seen. My favorite of the 5, the Ibanez is right behind it.
I had a feeling the prestige and MIJ midnight tele might be on here! Your enthusiasm in previous videos with them even lead me (a complete beginner) to look them up to admire and appreciate. I'm playing an Ibanez SA largely because of your videos!
Thanks Darrell, I really like your suggestion of the top five guitars under $500. It is always a pleasure watching your channel.
Hi Darrel, You must try TAGIMA guitars! They are fantastic! Please read my message
Was sweating it out... for a sec, thought a fav Tele wasn't gonna make your list.
How about your 3, or 5, favorite Teles?
Best tele I've played is a Kiesel solo6
Two videos would be nice. One 1,000 and under and one 500 and under. Thanks for this video. You showed 2 that I've never heard but seen. Great job!!
Nice tele but can't do the 7 1/4" radius. Sure is a sweet one though.
Sorry, can't afford any of those....
Now we wait for the worst guitars he's ever played
👍
My worst guitar ever was a Jolanda Star VII. Was my first electric guitar in the mid seventies.
@@Juno58 That was a Jolana, not a jolanda right ?
Lol….worst I ever played was either a Kay LP copy, or a Ventura 12 string acoustic
Best guitar I ever played... Johnny Smith Gibson jazz guitar with floating neck pickup, probably early 70s model.
My current best ever played, esp in 'bang for buck' dept: Gibson R8, Epi 'Old Glory', MIJ Ritchie Kotzen Tele, Eric Johnson Thinline Strat.
Beautiful guitars. I like the flame maple ice blue. Not sure if you have any KIESEL guitars ... but you should !
5 best guitars I ever played were all made by the same company...air guitar
Jeremy Terry. I have the same air guitar about 45 yrs. It always holds tune! 😆
@@davidkastin4240 Mine is always out.
@@squirelova1815 Try the Air Locking Tremolo.
@@emilyadams3228 For a second there, I thought of looking that up online. The SuperVee BladeRunner might actually be the real deal "Air Trem" and they even custom produce a Locking model set too.
Can I get an Air, Base , left hander?
I was waiting for a tele for the entire video... I was not disappointed 😍
And yes, a "my top 5 guitars under $1,000" video would be awesome :)
All 5 of these are absolute works of art!!! Gorgeous and sound beautiful!!!
You have such exquisite taste in guitars....there are so many great options for beautiful handmade guitars that aren’t Gibson fender or PRS, even though I love them too.
I'm always surprised when the name on a headstock is either vilified or celebrated, its just a logo! Good selection Darrell!
Yeah... the logo represent an enterprise, therefore some work ethic, or lack of. Amazing how real life works.
Love your videos Darrell and I’d like to know your top five guitars between 500 and 1000 bucks, keep up the good work
When your favorite guitar channel drops your top five favorite video. Great episode, man. (disclaimer - Ibanez S fanboy)
Watching one of your videos convinced me to get one of those Fender Midnight Traditional ‘60’s Telecasters, and I am so glad I did. Thanks for that. I absolutely love that guitar!
Your last guitar made me press the like button. Other boutique guitars, couldn't say.
5 favs under a 1000 and 500 would be great to watch
I have a 2005 Korean Epiphone LP Std that will stand up to ANY guitar- it's all in the craftmanship.
It was a birthday gift from my fam and cost like $350.
Dude….I knew that tele would be the last one on your list lol. It’s an awesome guitar and would be on my top 5 as well.
My top 5, not in any order:
Ibanez Jet King I, I can tune this to all kinds of crazy up and down tunings, it never complains.
Fender Jaguar (90’s Japan), my first intro to shorter scale guitars, it’s very comfortable, and I have figured out how to keep that crazy bridge happy (cheating, filed down the “threads” on the low E to keep it from jumping out)
Charvel Surfcaster 12 String, aka the guitar that got away. It had a great finish, great wood grain, great tone, and I didn’t mind that one of the tuners was sticky sometimes.
Fender Strat with Koa body and vintage voiced Duncan pickups, really had that “strat” sound but warmer.
Partscaster Tele, one of my first partscaster builds, it sounded so much like George Harrison’s all rosewood tele, even though it only had a rosewood fretboard, I wasn’t trying to replicate that tone it just happened to coalesce on it’s own.
MIJ telecaster. Yeah!
I got a MIJ Hybrid for my birthday in indigo blue and man its so good.
I am a guitar builder and have built a few strats and teles and this telecaster just surprises me everytime how well it's built and how well it plays for a mass produced instrument.
It's just the craftsmanship of the Japanese factory that's so good.
My favorite guitars:
1. John Petrucci Music Man JP 6
2. PRS 22
3. Twin Neck Epiphone
4. Fender Strat
5. ESP Ltd
(Amp: Mesa Boogie Road King, Hughes & Kettner Grand Meister 36, Marshall Mode Four) Luke from Switzerland
Best guitar I ever played is my Fender Classic Player Triple Telecaster. Vintage tuners, vintage ashtray bridge with three brass saddles, three Nocaster pickups, 5-way switch, black pick guard on black body with maple neck.
I am actually happy to see you put that Ibanez on nr1 it was so amazing when I first heard you play on it.
I fell in love with the stratospheric when you released it's demo video! It's still on my gotta get one list ✌
When I saw this list I couldn’t stop thinking about the stratospheric for a month. Pulled the trigger and it’s so perfect. Even prettier in person. Price tag is rough at around $4k but I’m glad I did
Thanks for the great video. So now we know your top 5 favorite electrics. How about a video about your top five favorite acoustics?
Please do a demo on the Squier classic vibe
I know that you love small builders. You should really check out Barlow guitars. He basically only uses the most beautiful exotic wood, with his own unique body styles. His work looks impeccable.
Without playing any of these, I'd have to say my fave is the Italian made 'S' shape ~ my mother would say I have champagne tastes with beer pockets 🎸
Nobody who has ever owned or played an Ibanez would be surprised to find one on your top five list of Best guitars you’ve ever played They are just some of the most amazing guitars ever. Sg’s and rg’s are just super comfortable to play.
Huge respect for featuring the guitars you own. Love your videos, keep it going.
Love all my Ibanez Guitars. Especially The 80s Japan Roadstars, Blazers, etc.
All beautiful looking guitars. I guess you like gold hardware! But to be honest they all sounded alike. Should have played them dry so we could hear the character of each one.
My first guitar was an Ibanez, ST100, got it in 1979. I still have it, I still play it!!
I like how your choices aren't the typical US made Gibson Les Paul, Fender Tele + Strat ect.. Not knocking the "typical" candidates but I like the variety and they kinda prove the point that there are amazing guitars being produced all around the world. Not just in the USA.
I have been watching your videos for years, and I just now saw "Soli Deo Gloria!" Amen brother.
I have a PRS, I need a second guitar but I cant think of anything thats gonna make me feel good about it besides PRS
How about 5 favourite single cuts under 2000...that would be fun...
Thank you for the work you do...my favorite guitar you tuber.....
I held my breath waiting for a Tele! You didn't disappoint. Great Video.
The finish on the Ibanez was something else, the people responsible for QC at the Ibanez Japan factory won’t consider letting a guitar leave the premises with even the slightest blemish.
🤤 Super nice 5... Why I hope the next video will be another top 5 like this one ? Or 6 ?! Dude it's the number !
Congratulations on this impressive and wonderful collection.
Great Video! I love the "Five Best" format. Keep 'em coming. How about Top 5 Acoustics, and top Five Acoustics under $1,000? The best guitar that I've ever played is my 1990's Made in Mexico Strat. This guitar has so much mojo. I've stacked it against guitars worth 10 times the price, and in the end, I love this one more. When I take into a music store to try out amps, it never fails to draw Strat lovers and blow them away.
Love that the Tele made it! Beauty. Why don’t you have vintage guitars?
bro love the shotgun shell nobs on the Paoletti! took me a second to notice them! noice guitars man😁
I would love to see you do an episode on acoustic guitars. We can't all afford Furch guitars but we don't want < $300 instruments either. Something that would help a buyer. Maybe film from inside a music store.
My favorite guitar is my blue PRS 35th Anniversary. It was perfect out of the box and I have used to record several songs on Spotify.
Back in the days I had a white Charvel-Jackson Model 6 with allthrough-neck 1986. It was a rock monster. 😆
Also: it was the DC model.
An amazing 5 guitars. My favs were the Ibanez and the Fender Japan Tele. Both are awesome!
awesome Darrell if you're still around 🖐️👍
Darrell, the best guitar ever is an Ibanez 200 FGM, that is the Frank Gamble signature, give it a go if you can get hold of one, it will put a bigger smile on your face.
So happy to see that S being the first guitar on the list. That's my dream guitar. The ultimate one to save up for, for me. ☺
Great video Darrell!! As always! Can we can a counter video? Top 5 guitars that you have NEVER played/hope to play?