Iconic Guitar Brands That Changed Rock Music

With the emergence of guitar-based music in the 1950s, the music landscape was changed forever. Sixty years later, the guitar is still the defining instrument of the rock music genre. Some brands have proven themselves as the best of the best. In loosely chronological order, here are guitar brands that changed rock music.

Martin

C.F. Martin & Co.® has been inspiring rock musicians worldwide for nearly two centuries. Martin guitars and strings remain the choice for musicians around the world. The company has a very large and unique collection of acoustic guitars in stock. It is also responsible for legendary innovations, such as “X-bracing,” and the 14-fret guitar.

What really set Martin apart, though, was quality, both of manufacture and sound. Martin guitars have been used by legendary performers such as Jimmie Rodgers and Willie Nelson. Today, it continues to innovate, introducing techniques and features.

Taylor

The company was founded in 1974 by Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug. Well, the 1970s was an exciting time to be in the music business. They started by making premium acoustic guitars, custom guitars, and electric guitars. Taylor Guitars evolved from a tiny manufacturing company to join the ranks of major guitar companies.

Among the company’s many innovations is its patented Taylor Neck. Taylor was also among the first companies to bring modern techniques that are now industry standard, such as computer mills. Gibson is the company that made the guitars played by Elvis Presley and B.B. King. Today, big music names like Taylor Swift strum to the tune of a Taylor guitar.

As a leading guitar company, Taylor continues to change the manufacture and design of high-end guitars. It markets more than 130 models and styles of six- and twelve-string guitars.

Gibson

Gibson Guitar Corporation is one of the most diversified musical instrument companies in the world. It has shaped the sounds of generations of rock musicians and music lovers across the world. Its instruments have been used by some of the best guitarists known, including Chet Atkins.

Gibson may be the most consequential stringed instrument company in all of rock music history. The modern Gibson provides contemporary updates to the ax.

Guild

The Guild is one of the world’s historic guitar manufacturers with a long-standing reputation. Guild Guitars was created to become a fantastic alternative after the Gibson-Epiphone merger.

 During the 1950s, Guild staked its reputation on archtop guitars. In the 60s, they also premiered models like the Thunderbird and the S-100 Polara. Today, Guild guitars are famous for having a big sound and great projection. Along with its elegant beauty, the first thing you’ll notice about a Guild guitar is its tone. It also embodies the ultimate retro vibe with unique body shape.

Seagull

 You’ve probably heard about Seagull Guitars from a friend who saw it at a rock music concert. Seagull is a Canadian company that produces handmade acoustic guitars.

For over 30 years, the company has been building its products with the utmost attention to detail. Another thing that’s great about the craftsmanship of Seagull Guitars is the wood management.

Compared to some other guitar manufacturers, Seagull is relatively new on the scene. However, Seagull guitars combine quality Canadian craftsmanship with affordable pricing. The acoustic guitars are high-quality instruments with incredible sound, features, and woods. This has made them a favorite instrument of rock musicians. 

Key Takeaway

 The birth of the guitar created a new genre of music — rock ‘n’ roll. Over the years, many guitar brands have had a great effect on the rock industry. But the guitar industry is now caught between rock and a hard place. We hope new companies will emerge and change the rock industry game.