While 2021 had a few less guitar reviews than we hoped, it did not lack in quality at all!
All I can say about 2021 is; you could really feel the long term impacts of the pandemic’s impact on the supply chain. Despite being a moderately well known reviewer at best (and that is generous), the number of guitars reviewed this year dropped to 19 from last year’s 41. However, the overall viewership and support for my work has increased in ways I never expected so there is much to be thankful for as well!
And while this year didn’t feature quite the vast number of brands and guitars, it had some incredible quality up and down the list. Some of my biggest surprises this year included how impressive the Sterling by Music Man guitars were as well as how far Fender has taken the Squier products. Vox’s Bobcat S66 was arguably the quirkiest guitar I’ve played in years as well, though it was flanked by some great reissues from Silvertone in 2021 as well.
Interestingly enough, signature models seemed to get a lot of attention this year, both from manufacturers and the media. In a year when it was hard to source loaner guitars to review, I got to try Epiphone’s Joe Bonamassa LP, Sterling’s take on the Mariposa, and Manson’s affordable Matt Bellamy signature.
Some disappointments included the Gibson Explorer, my dream guitar that showed up damaged, and it wasn’t from shipping. On a more positive, two single-P90 guitars absolutely had me drooling from Grez Guitars and Fender, and I’m determined to one day own both of them. In terms of highlights, it is also impossible to put into words how fun the Acoustasonic Stratocaster has been. It is easily the most inspiring and musical instrument I own.
Superlatives:
Best Sub-$500 Guitar: Sterling By Music Man Cutlass CTH50 – read full review
Best Overall: Rubato Guitars Lassie – read full review
Best Import Guitar: Dunable DE Cyclops – read full review
Best Candidate For Mod Project: Squier Affinity Telecaster Deluxe – read full review
Most Versatile: PRS SE Custom 24-08 – read full review
Best Reissue: Vox Bobcat S66 – read full review
A Look Back In Time
2019’s Highest Rated Sub-$1000 Guitar: Guild Jetstar (9.7 out of 10, $599)
2019’s Highest Rated $1000+ Guitar: Fender Ultra Stratocaster (9.5 out of 10, $1999)
2020’s Highest Rated Sub-$1000 Guitar: Schecter Ultra III (9.4 out of 10, $949)
2020’s Highest Rated $1000+ Guitar: PRS Silver Sky (9.8 out of 10, $2299)
2021’s Highest Rated Sub-$1000 Guitar: PRS SE Custom 24-08 (8.6 out of 10, $899)
2021’s Highest Rated $1000+ Guitar: Rubato Guitars Lassie
Guitars For Idiots 
One thought on “2021 Guitar Ranks: Everything We Reviewed This Year”