Electric Guitars

Music Mart has a vast selection of electric guitars from Yamaha, Ibanez, PRS, G&L, and more. Also, we sell used gear and offer guitar repairs on most models. In addition, we accept trades towards new instruments. Come check us out soon!

 How to Buy an Electric Guitar: Styles, Pickups, and Top Brands

Buying an electric guitar can feel overwhelming—especially with the number of body shapes, pickups, and brands out there. But understanding the core features and how they impact tone and playability will help you choose the right guitar for your style and budget.

This guide breaks down the key elements to consider when purchasing an electric guitar and highlights three standout manufacturers: Yamaha, PRS Guitars, and G&L Guitars.

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Body Styles of Electric Guitars: How Shape Affects Sound & Feel

Electric guitars come in three main body types, each with its own tonal and ergonomic characteristics:

Solid Body

Most common and versatile, solid-body guitars are made from a single piece (or slab) of wood. They offer great sustain, resist feedback, and suit most genres—from rock to funk.

Popular examples:

• Yamaha Pacifica
• PRS Custom 24
• G&L ASAT Classic

Semi-Hollow Body

These guitars have a solid center block but hollow wings. They produce warmer, more resonant tones and are favored in jazz, blues, and classic rock.

Popular examples:

• Yamaha SA2200
• PRS SE Hollowbody II
• G&L ASAT Classic Bluesboy Semi-Hollow

Hollow Body

Fully hollow guitars offer deep, rich tones with pronounced low end and resonance. They’re ideal for jazz and mellow blues, but can feed back at high volumes.

Popular examples:

• Yamaha AEX500
• PRS Hollowbody models
• G&L Tribute Fallout Thinline

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Pickups for Electric Guitars: The Heart of Your Tone

Pickups are magnets that convert string vibrations into sound. They shape the guitar’s tone more than any other component.

Single-Coil

Bright, clear, and articulate. Great for funk, blues, surf, and country—but may hum at high gain.

Brands using them:

• G&L (especially in Legacy and Comanche series)
• Yamaha Pacifica 112
• PRS Silver Sky (John Mayer signature)

Humbucker

Thicker, warmer, and higher-output with no 60-cycle hum. Ideal for rock, metal, and jazz.

Common in:

• PRS Custom 24 and SE models
• Yamaha Revstar series
• G&L ASAT Deluxe

P90

A middle ground between single-coils and humbuckers—edgy and full, with strong mids and bite.

Seen on:

• Yamaha Revstar Professional models
• G&L Fallout Tribute
• Select PRS SE models

Some guitars feature coil-splitting or coil-tapping, letting you switch between humbucker and single-coil tones for greater versatility.

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Key Electric Guitar Features to Consider

Neck Profile & Scale Length

• Neck shape affects comfort. PRS necks are generally medium thickness and very playable. Yamaha offers slim profiles in beginner-friendly models.
• Scale length affects tone and tension. PRS typically uses a 25″ scale (between Fender and Gibson lengths), offering a balanced feel.

Bridge Type

• Fixed bridge: Simple, stable tuning, great for beginners.
• Tremolo (vibrato) bridge: Allows pitch bends, but may require more maintenance. Found on PRS Custom 24 and some Yamaha Pacifica models.

Tonewoods

• Mahogany: Warm and smooth, common in PRS and Yamaha Revstar.
• Alder: Bright and balanced, used in Yamaha Pacificas and G&L Legacy.
• Maple tops: Add clarity and brightness, often used in PRS guitars.

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Spotlight on Electric Guitar Brands: Yamaha, PRS, and G&L

Yamaha Guitars

Yamaha electric guitars are known for exceptional build quality and value across price ranges. Their models suit everyone from beginners to professionals.

Top Yamaha Series:

• Pacifica Series – Ideal for beginners. The Pacifica 112V features a HSS pickup layout, coil tap, and solid build quality at a great price.
• Revstar Series – Stylish and performance-driven. Models like the Revstar Standard or Professional feature chambered mahogany bodies and P90/humbucker options.
• SA2200 – A premium semi-hollow guitar often compared to the ES-335, with flamed maple top and classic tones.

Yamaha guitars are well-balanced and incredibly consistent, making them a top choice for both starter and stage-ready instruments.

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PRS Guitars (Paul Reed Smith)

PRS Guitars are known for combining boutique looks with premium playability. They sit between Fender and Gibson in tone, offering flexibility and craftsmanship.

Top PRS Series:

• SE Series – Affordable, high quality guitars ideal for working musicians. SE Custom 24 and SE Standard are excellent all-rounders.
• S2 Series – USA-built, mid-tier models blending high-end features with competitive pricing.
• Core Line – High-end American guitars, meticulously crafted with luxurious woods and incredible tones.
• Silver Sky – PRS’s take on the classic S-style guitar, co-designed with John Mayer, featuring vintage single-coil tone with modern ergonomics.

PRS guitars are known for their 25″ scale length, bird inlays, and exceptional tonal clarity across styles from blues to prog metal.

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G&L Guitars

Founded by Leo Fender after his original company, G&L continues his legacy with refined versions of classic designs and advanced hardware.

Key G&L Features:

• Dual-Fulcrum Tremolo – A smoother and more stable trem system than vintage-style bridges.
• PTB Tone System – Allows bass roll-off in addition to treble, offering broader tone shaping.

Popular G&L Series:

• Tribute Series – Affordable import models with premium tonewoods and G&L pickups.
• Fullerton Deluxe – Made in the USA, these are elite guitars for professionals.
• Legacy – G&L’s version of the Strat, with better pickups and hardware.
• ASAT Series – G&L’s take on the Telecaster, with modern refinements.

G&L guitars provide a great balance between tradition and innovation, making them a top choice for players who love classic tones with modern precision.

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Price Range & Playability of Electric Guitars

• Under $500: Great beginner guitars include the Yamaha Pacifica 112, PRS SE Standard, and G&L Tribute Legacy.
• $500–$1,200: Ideal for advancing players. Look at the Yamaha Revstar Standard, PRS SE Custom 24, or G&L ASAT Tribute.
• $1,200+: Professional-level guitars like the PRS S2, Yamaha Revstar Professional, or G&L Fullerton Deluxe offer premium features and studio-grade tone.

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Final Tips Before Buying

• Try before you buy if possible. Feel matters just as much as sound.
• Pick a guitar that fits your style, not just looks.
• Consider future needs—a guitar with versatile pickups may suit you longer.
• Look into setup quality—a well-set-up guitar, even at a lower price, plays better than an expensive one with poor action.