Top Best Electric Guitars For Indie Music
Indie is a fairly unique genre of music that has become more and more popular lately. Surely you understand that indie songs often mix several different elements in themselves, so both their overall sound and their sound separately are very important. If you love indie music, then you probably know that it means “independent”, so this genre is all-encompassing. Now some of the most famous indie musicians include such legends as Arctic Monkeys, The Smiths, King of Leon and others.
Over the past decades, indie has gained more and more recognition and popularity, so a huge number of people are interested in what kind of guitar could fit. However, here it is also important to take into account exactly your preferences, since indie music can be quite diverse. Do you want to get a more classic sound, or maybe a more ringing or calmer one? In any case, no matter what you are looking for, our top best electric guitars for indie music will help you find exactly what you are looking for.
Top 5 Best Electric Guitars For Indie Music
So, the five guitars below are ideal if you want to try your hand at indie music or you are already a professional musician who is looking for a good quality guitar for this genre.
Here are our top picks:
1)Fender Player Telecaster
Body: Alder
Neck: Maple, Bolt-on
Scale: 25.5″
Fingerboard: Maple/Pau Ferro
Pickups: Player Series Alnico 5 Tele Single Coil
Neck Profile: Modern C
Finish: Sunburst, Butterscotch Blonde, Black, Tidepool, Polar White, Capri Orange
The Fender Player Telecaster is often rightfully called the best electric guitars for indie rock, as it is not only quite versatile, but also visually appealing.
It combines everything from bright and ringing sound to warm and soft. This way you can experiment with sound until you find exactly what you need. In addition to all this, this model has a fairly reliable and proven design that will allow you not only to perform on stage, but also to transport the guitar without fear that you will damage it.
A guitar bridge is great for any harsh chords, but you can also get the softest sound that is also characteristic of indie music. Among other things, it is impossible not to mention the neck pickup which sounds as smooth and warm as possible, thanks to which you can convey the feeling of home in your music.
So, if you want to glue a universal model that is well suited for both beginners and professionals, then the Fender Player Telecaster is definitely a good solution.
2)Epiphone ES-335
Body: Semi-hollow, Layered Maple
Neck: Mahogany, Set
Scale: 24.724
”Fingerboard: Indian Laurel
Pickups: Alnico Classic PRO
Neck Profile: Rounded C
Finish: Cherry, Vintage Sunburst, Blueberry Burst (Figured), Raspberry Tea Burst (Figured)
Another classic option that is perfect for indie music lovers is the Epiphone ES-335. This model has a semi hollow layered maple body with a mahogany neck and is of fairly good build quality.
It is thanks to the semi hollow body and twin humbuckers that you can get not only spacious, but also a warm sound that will help you achieve classic indie sound. In addition, this guitar is perfect for both playing chords and fast guitar solos.
We would also like to mention the Epiphone ES-335 humbuckers, as they are suitable for the more rock side of indie.
That is why this model can rightfully be attributed to the best electric guitars for alternative rock. Sustain and resonance will also pleasantly surprise you thanks to the semi hollow body and maple block.
Among other things, this guitar also has the most convenient C neck profile, which will help you spend a lot of time playing the instrument without getting tired. So, the Epiphone ES-335 is the perfect indie guitar if you want to achieve a more rock sound.
3)Fender Vintera 60s Jazzmaster
Body: Alder
Neck: Maple, Bolt-on
Scale: 25.5″
Fingerboard: Pau Ferro
Pickups: Vintage-Style ’60s Single-Coil Jazzmaster
Neck Profile: Mid 60s C
Finish: Olympic White, Ice Blue Metallic
First of all, it is important to note that offset guitars are really popular among indie artists, as they differ not only in appearance, but also have a unique sound.
That’s why the Fender Vintera 60s Jazzmaster should be on our list of the best electric guitars for indies – it’s one of the most classic models with an incredible sound and impressive feature set.
Speaking of this model, one cannot fail to mention Vintage-Style ’60s Single-Coil Jazzmaster pickups, which are big single coils and they kind of bridge the gap between the regular single coils and humbuckers.
This way you can get a sound that is perfect for indie music. It will be not only warm, but also incredibly clean, but you can always add a little jazz dirt if necessary. Moreover, you should also pay attention to the traditional Jazzmaster lead rhythm circuit which will help you get not only darker tones, but also sparkly ones if necessary.
This is probably why the Vintage-Style ’60s Single-Coil Jazzmaster is one of the best-selling indie rock guitars in the world. Also, you should know that the Vintage-Style ’60s Single-Coil Jazzmaster is not the most practical guitar, but the sound of this model is incredibly versatile.
4)Reverend Double Agent OG
Body: Korina
Neck: Roasted Maple, Bolt-on
Scale: 25.5″
Fingerboard: Maple/Rosewood
Pickups: Reverend HA5/9A5
Neck Profile: Medium Oval
Finish: Midnight Black, Venetian Gold, Silver Freeze, Metallic Alpine
Reverend is a brand that is quickly gaining popularity, but it still hasn’t received the same recognition as Fender, for example. However, despite this, you should pay attention to it if you are close to indie music, and in particular indie rock.
The Reverend Double Agent OG is an excellent model that is notable for its stable tuning and its reliability, and also provides a decent sound and a beautiful appearance.
First of all, we would like to draw your attention to the fact that Reverend Double Agent OG has korina body and roasted maple neck. Also, the combination of Reverend HA5/9A5 pickups will help you vary the sound from classic to more harsh and rocky.
Specifically, having the humbuckers in the bridge allows you to get the most rock out of this model, while the second humbucker gives the guitar a smoother, softer sound. By using both pickups at the same time you can also get quite an interesting and unique sound.
The Reverend Double Agent OG is a great but underrated guitar that can be your go-to instrument if you love indie music.
5)Gretsch Electromatic G5422TG
Body: Hollow, Maple
Neck: Maple, Set
Scale: 24.6″
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Pickups: Black Top Filter’Tron
Neck Profile: Standard U
Finish: Snow Crest White, Walnut Stain
Our list of the best guitars for Indie music is completed by another incredible model, which is known not only for its great sound, but also for its incredibly expensive appearance – the Gretsch Electromatic G5422TG. Just by looking at it, you will understand that it was created to perform on stage instead of gathering dust in the closet.
The hollow body is made of maple, so you can get an incredible resonance that will perfectly complement the Black Top Filter’Tron pickups. However, this model will also not deprive you of the chime, which can sometimes be necessary in indie music.
Also not to mention is the Gretsch Electromatic G5422TG, so if you are not tall, you are a woman or a child, you should make sure that you will be comfortable using this guitar.
However, it has a classic shape, so most likely you will be able to get used to it and appreciate all its advantages. Moreover, its appearance continues to amaze not only beginners but also professionals who have been playing the guitar for many years. It is also capable of not only the warm classic sound, but also the traditional rock sound that all fans of indie rock music are looking for.
So, the Gretsch Electromatic G5422TG is a great guitar with impressive looks and an incredibly indie sound. If you decide to buy it, you won’t regret it.
Conclusion
Indie music will likely continue to gain popularity in the coming years, so now is the time to get your first indie guitar. When choosing the right tool, it is important to pay attention to your physiological characteristics. If you’re short and have small hands, you probably won’t be comfortable playing a full-size guitar with a wide neck. Also don’t forget about the sound you want to get. Do you dream of a more classical or rock sound? Ask yourself these questions before purchasing your first indie guitar. Good luck!
