Best Alder Body Electric Guitars in 2026
Here you'll find the best Alder body electric guitars. This is a lightweight type of wood that was popularized by Fender. According to them, it's a wood that offers a balanced tone but that favors the upper midrange slightly.
After comparing the 2000+ guitars in our database, these are the best scoring ones with these characteristics. You can use our filters to the left to narrow down these results, or click on "Compare" to get a deep comparison between them. Our automated scoring system takes into account the ratings from ours users who own the guitar, and dozens of parameters to determine the build quality, playability, pickups quality, value for money, and more.
There are affiliate links on this page that may earn us a commission if you purchase after clicking. We are members of the Amazon Associates Program, and many others. However, we compare each guitar against each other under the same parameters, so this doesn't influence our scoring.
After comparing the 2000+ guitars in our database, these are the best scoring ones with these characteristics. You can use our filters to the left to narrow down these results, or click on "Compare" to get a deep comparison between them. Our automated scoring system takes into account the ratings from ours users who own the guitar, and dozens of parameters to determine the build quality, playability, pickups quality, value for money, and more.
There are affiliate links on this page that may earn us a commission if you purchase after clicking. We are members of the Amazon Associates Program, and many others. However, we compare each guitar against each other under the same parameters, so this doesn't influence our scoring.
1. Jackson American Series Soloist SL2MG
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What our users think
- Neck access to high frets: Very Easy (1 vote)
- Fret edges: Smooth (1 vote)
- Tuning stability: Won't get out of tune (1 vote)
- Weight: Slightly heavy (1 vote)
- Neck profile shape: D (8 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Fast (9 votes)
- Pickups noise: Noiseless (23 votes)
- Pickups power: Hot (15 votes)
Show All Specs
| Jackson American Series Soloist SL2MG | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Jackson | |
| Year: | 2024 | |
| Configuration: | HH | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | United States | |
| Series: | American | |
| Colors: | Black, Green, Red | |
| Left-Handed Version: | No | |
| Body | ||
| Type: | Solid Body | |
| Body Material: | Alder | |
| Bridge: | Floyd Rose 1500 Series Double-Locking Tremolo | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Neck-Through | |
| Tuners: | Gotoh MG-T Locking | |
| Fretboard: | Ebony | |
| Neck Material: | Maple | |
| Decoration: | Inverted Mother of Pearl Sharkfin | |
| Scale Size: | 25.5" | |
| Shape: | Jackson Standard | |
| Thickness: | 1st Fret: 0.79'' (20.1mm) - 12th Fret: 0.85'' (21.6mm) | |
| Frets: | 24 Jumbo Stainless Steel | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 12" to 16" | |
| Nut: | Locking | |
| Nut Width: | 42.9mm (1.688'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Bridge Pickups: | EMG 81 (Humbucker / Active) | |
| Neck Pickup: | EMG 85 (Humbucker / Active) | |
| Switch: | 3 | |
| Knobs: | Dome | |
| Volume Controls: | 1 | |
| Tone Controls: | 1 | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | Yes | |
| Hardware Color: | Black | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Jackson American Series Soloist SL2MG
Jackson American Series Soloist SL2MG
- Stainless Steel Frets
- Locking Tuners
- Made in United States
- Expensive Wood
- Locking Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Neck-Through Build
- Luminescent Inlay
- Tremolo
- Compound Radius Fretboard
- Strap Lock
- No Push Knob or Extra Switch Option
- No Weight Relief
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Retainer Bar
All Prices
2. Ibanez TQMS1
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What our users think
- Neck profile shape: C (11 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Balanced (12 votes)
- Pickups noise: Slightly Noisy (1 vote)
Show All Specs
| Ibanez TQMS1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Ibanez | |
| Year: | 2022 | |
| Configuration: | SH | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | Japan | |
| Series: | TQM | |
| Colors: | Blue | |
| Left-Handed Version: | No | |
| Body | ||
| Top: | Maple(4mm) | |
| Type: | Solid Body | |
| Body Material: | Alder | |
| Bridge: | Gotoh T1802 Tremolo | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Bolt-On | |
| Tuners: | Gotoh Magnum Lock machine heads w/H.A.P. | |
| Fretboard: | Rosewood | |
| Neck Material: | 1pc Roasted Maple | |
| Decoration: | Mother of Pearl dot | |
| Scale Size: | 25.5" | |
| Shape: | AZ Oval C | |
| Thickness: | 1st Fret: 0.81'' (20.6mm) - 12th Fret: 0.89'' (22.6mm) | |
| Frets: | 22 Jumbo Stainless Steel | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 9" to 12" | |
| Nut: | Bone | |
| Nut Width: | 42mm (1.654'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Bridge Pickups: | Seymour Duncan Alnico II Pro Custom (Single Coil / Passive) | |
| Neck Pickup: | Seymour Duncan Magic Touch-mini (Humbucker / Passive) | |
| Switch: | 3 | |
| Knobs: | Dome | |
| Pickup Mods: | Parallel Split | |
| Volume Controls: | 1 | |
| Tone Controls: | 1 | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Chrome | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Ibanez TQMS1
Ibanez TQMS1
- Stainless Steel Frets
- Locking Tuners
- Made in Japan
- Expensive Wood
- Bone Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Parallel Split Pickups
- Luminescent Inlay
- Tremolo
- Compound Radius Fretboard
- No Neck-Through Build
- No Weight Relief
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
3. Charvel USA Select DK24 HH 2PT CM
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What our users think
- Neck profile shape: D (12 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Fast (17 votes)
- Pickups noise: Noiseless (6 votes)
- Pickups power: Slightly Hot (10 votes)
Show All Specs
| Charvel USA Select DK24 HH 2PT CM | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Charvel | |
| Year: | 2019 | |
| Configuration: | HH | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | United States | |
| Series: | USA Select | |
| Colors: | Purple, White Satin | |
| Left-Handed Version: | No | |
| Body | ||
| Type: | Solid Body | |
| Body Material: | Alder | |
| Bridge: | Gotoh Custom 510 Tremolo Bridge with Brass Block and Titanium Saddles | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Bolt-On | |
| Tuners: | Sperzel Die-Cast Locking | |
| Fretboard: | Caramelized Flame Maple | |
| Neck Material: | Caramelized Maple | |
| Decoration: | 4mm Pearl Dot | |
| Scale Size: | 25.5" | |
| Shape: | Charvel Speed | |
| Thickness: | 1st Fret: 0.77'' (19.6mm) - 12th Fret: 0.83'' (21.1mm) | |
| Frets: | 24 Jumbo Stainless Steel | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 12" to 16" | |
| Nut: | Ivory Tusq | |
| Nut Width: | 42.9mm (1.688'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Bridge Pickups: | Seymour Duncan Full Shred SH-10B (Humbucker / Passive) | |
| Neck Pickup: | Seymour Duncan APH-1N (Humbucker / Passive) | |
| Switch: | 5 | |
| Knobs: | Bell | |
| Pickup Mods: | Multi-Voicing | |
| Volume Controls: | 1 | |
| Tone Controls: | 1 | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Chrome | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Charvel USA Select DK24 HH 2PT CM
Charvel USA Select DK24 HH 2PT CM
- Stainless Steel Frets
- Locking Tuners
- Made in United States
- Expensive Wood
- Ivory Tusq Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Multi-Voicing Pickups
- Luminescent Inlay
- Tremolo
- Compound Radius Fretboard
- No Neck-Through Build
- No Weight Relief
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
4. ESP E-II Arrow
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What our users think
- Neck profile shape: C (4 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Fast (9 votes)
- Pickups noise: Noiseless (23 votes)
- Pickups power: Hot (15 votes)
Show All Specs
| ESP E-II Arrow | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | ESP E-II | |
| Year: | 2014 | |
| Configuration: | HH | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | Japan | |
| Series: | Arrow | |
| Colors: | White, Black, Gray | |
| Left-Handed Version: | No | |
| Body | ||
| Type: | Solid Body | |
| Body Material: | Alder | |
| Bridge: | Floyd Rose Original | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Neck-Through | |
| Tuners: | Gotoh Locking | |
| Fretboard: | Ebony | |
| Neck Material: | 3pc Maple | |
| Decoration: | Shark Fin | |
| Scale Size: | 25.5" | |
| Shape: | Thin U | |
| Thickness: | 1st Fret: 0.787'' (20mm) - 12th Fret: 0.866'' (22mm) | |
| Frets: | 24 XL Jumbo | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 12" | |
| Nut: | Locking | |
| Nut Width: | 42mm (1.654'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Bridge Pickups: | EMG 81 (Humbucker / Active) | |
| Neck Pickup: | EMG 85 (Humbucker / Active) | |
| Switch: | 3 | |
| Knobs: | Dome | |
| Volume Controls: | 1 | |
| Tone Controls: | 0 | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | Yes | |
| Hardware Color: | Black | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
ESP E-II Arrow
ESP E-II Arrow
- Locking Tuners
- Made in Japan
- Expensive Wood
- Locking Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Neck-Through Build
- Tremolo
- Retainer Bar
- Strap Lock
- Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
- No Push Knob or Extra Switch Option
- No Weight Relief
- No Luminescent Inlay
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
All Prices
5. ESP Horizon-III
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Show All Specs
| ESP Horizon-III | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | ESP | |
| Year: | 2017 | |
| Configuration: | HH | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | Japan | |
| Series: | Horizon-III | |
| Colors: | White | |
| Left-Handed Version: | No | |
| Body | ||
| Type: | Solid Body | |
| Body Material: | Alder | |
| Bridge: | Floyd Rose Original | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Neck-Through | |
| Tuners: | Gotoh Locking | |
| Fretboard: | Ebony | |
| Neck Material: | 3pc Maple | |
| Decoration: | Offset Blocks | |
| Scale Size: | 25.5" | |
| Shape: | Thin U | |
| Thickness: | 1st Fret: 0.787'' (20mm) - 12th Fret: 0.866'' (22mm) | |
| Frets: | 24 XL Jumbo | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 12" | |
| Nut: | Locking | |
| Nut Width: | 42mm (1.654'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Bridge Pickups: | Seymour Duncan Custom Shop JB/Custom Hybrid Trembucker (Humbucker / Passive) | |
| Neck Pickup: | Seymour Duncan Custom Shop '59/Jazz Hybrid (Humbucker / Passive) | |
| Switch: | 3 | |
| Knobs: | Dome | |
| Volume Controls: | 1 | |
| Tone Controls: | 1 | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Black | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
ESP Horizon-III
ESP Horizon-III
- Locking Tuners
- Made in Japan
- Expensive Wood
- Locking Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Neck-Through Build
- Tremolo
- Retainer Bar
- Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
- No Push Knob or Extra Switch Option
- No Weight Relief
- No Luminescent Inlay
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
6. Fender American Ultra Luxe Vintage '60s Custom Telecaster
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Show All Specs
| Fender American Ultra Luxe Vintage '60s Custom Telecaster | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Fender | |
| Year: | 2025 | |
| Configuration: | SS | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | United States | |
| Series: | American Ultra Luxe Vintage | |
| Colors: | Blue, Red | |
| Left-Handed Version: | No | |
| Body | ||
| Type: | Solid Body | |
| Body Material: | Alder | |
| Bridge: | 6-Saddle American Tele with Chromed Brass Saddles | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Bolt-On | |
| Tuners: | Deluxe Cast/Sealed Locking | |
| Fretboard: | Rosewood | |
| Neck Material: | Maple | |
| Decoration: | Clay Dot | |
| Scale Size: | 25.5" | |
| Shape: | Modern "D" | |
| Frets: | 22 Medium Jumbo Stainless Steel | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 10" to 14" | |
| Nut: | Ivory Tusq | |
| Nut Width: | 42.8mm (1.685'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Bridge Pickups: | Pure Vintage 63 Single-Coil Tele (Single Coil / Passive) | |
| Neck Pickup: | Pure Vintage 63 Single-Coil Tele (Single Coil / Passive) | |
| Switch: | 3 | |
| Knobs: | Dome | |
| Pickup Mods: | S-1 Switch | |
| Volume Controls: | 1 | |
| Tone Controls: | 1 | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | Yes | |
| Hardware Color: | Nickel | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Fender American Ultra Luxe Vintage '60s Custom Telecaster
Fender American Ultra Luxe Vintage '60s Custom Telecaster
- Stainless Steel Frets
- Locking Tuners
- Made in United States
- Expensive Wood
- Ivory Tusq Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- S-1 Switch Pickups
- Luminescent Inlay
- Compound Radius Fretboard
- Strap Lock
- No Neck-Through Build
- No Weight Relief
- No Tremolo
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
All Prices
7. Yamaha PACP12M
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Show All Specs
| Yamaha PACP12M | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Yamaha | |
| Year: | 2024 | |
| Configuration: | HSS | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | Japan | |
| Series: | Pacifica Professional | |
| Colors: | Black, Blue | |
| Left-Handed Version: | No | |
| Body | ||
| Type: | Solid Body | |
| Body Material: | Alder | |
| Bridge: | Gotoh 510T FE-1 | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Bolt-On | |
| Tuners: | Gotoh Locking | |
| Fretboard: | Maple | |
| Neck Material: | Maple | |
| Decoration: | Custom | |
| Scale Size: | 25.512" | |
| Shape: | Slim C | |
| Thickness: | 1st Fret: 0.787'' (20mm) - 12th Fret: 0.882'' (22.4mm) | |
| Frets: | 22 Medium Stainless Steel | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 10" to 14" | |
| Nut: | Ivory Tusq | |
| Nut Width: | 42mm (1.654'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Bridge Pickups: | Reflectone HH7b: Humbucker (Humbucker / Passive) | |
| Middle Pickup: | Reflectone HS7m: Single Coil (Single Coil / Passive) | |
| Neck Pickup: | Reflectone HS7n: Single Coil (Single Coil / Passive) | |
| Switch: | 5 | |
| Knobs: | Dome | |
| Pickup Mods: | Coil Split | |
| Volume Controls: | 1 | |
| Tone Controls: | 1 | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Chrome | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Yamaha PACP12M
Yamaha PACP12M
- Stainless Steel Frets
- Locking Tuners
- Made in Japan
- Ivory Tusq Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Coil Split Pickups
- Tremolo
- Compound Radius Fretboard
- No Expensive Woods
- No Neck-Through Build
- No Weight Relief
- No Luminescent Inlay
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
8. Schecter Keith Merrow KM-7 MK-III Stage
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What our users think
- Neck access to high frets: Very Easy (1 vote)
- Fret edges: Smooth (1 vote)
- Tuning stability: Holds tune well (1 vote)
Show All Specs
| Schecter Keith Merrow KM-7 MK-III Stage | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Schecter | |
| Year: | 2021 | |
| Configuration: | HH | |
| Strings: | 7 | |
| Made in: | United States | |
| Series: | Artist | |
| Colors: | White | |
| Left-Handed Version: | No | |
| Body | ||
| Type: | Solid Body | |
| Body Material: | Alder | |
| Bridge: | Hipshot Low Profile Fixed Bridge | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Bolt-On | |
| Tuners: | Hipshot open gear locking with Knurled Barrel adjustment | |
| Fretboard: | Ebony | |
| Neck Material: | 5 Ply Maple/Walnut | |
| Decoration: | Custom offset silver metal rings | |
| Scale Size: | 26.5" | |
| Shape: | Thin fast C | |
| Thickness: | 1st Fret: 0.765'' (19.4mm) - 12th Fret: 0.825'' (21mm) | |
| Frets: | 24 XL Jumbo Stainless Steel | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 12" to 16" | |
| Nut: | Compensated | |
| Nut Width: | 48mm (1.89'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Bridge Pickups: | Keith Merrow Custom Fishman Fluence (Humbucker / Active) | |
| Neck Pickup: | Keith Merrow Custom Fishman Fluence (Humbucker / Active) | |
| Switch: | 3 | |
| Knobs: | Dome | |
| Pickup Mods: | Multi-Voicing | |
| Volume Controls: | 1 | |
| Tone Controls: | 0 | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Black | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Schecter Keith Merrow KM-7 MK-III Stage
Schecter Keith Merrow KM-7 MK-III Stage
- Stainless Steel Frets
- Locking Tuners
- Made in United States
- Expensive Wood
- Compensated Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Multi-Voicing Pickups
- Luminescent Inlay
- Compound Radius Fretboard
- No Neck-Through Build
- No Weight Relief
- No Tremolo
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
9. Jackson American Series Soloist SL2MG HT
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What our users think
- Neck profile shape: D (8 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Fast (9 votes)
- Pickups noise: Noiseless (23 votes)
- Pickups power: Hot (15 votes)
Show All Specs
| Jackson American Series Soloist SL2MG HT | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Jackson | |
| Year: | 2024 | |
| Configuration: | HH | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | United States | |
| Series: | American | |
| Colors: | Black, Green | |
| Left-Handed Version: | No | |
| Body | ||
| Type: | Solid Body | |
| Body Material: | Alder | |
| Bridge: | Hipshot 6 Fixed .175 | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Neck-Through | |
| Tuners: | Gotoh MG-T Locking | |
| Fretboard: | Ebony | |
| Neck Material: | Maple | |
| Decoration: | Inverted Mother of Pearl Sharkfin | |
| Scale Size: | 25.5" | |
| Shape: | Jackson Standard | |
| Thickness: | 1st Fret: 0.79'' (20.1mm) - 12th Fret: 0.85'' (21.6mm) | |
| Frets: | 24 Jumbo Stainless Steel | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 12" to 16" | |
| Nut: | Ivory Tusq | |
| Nut Width: | 42.9mm (1.688'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Bridge Pickups: | EMG 81 (Humbucker / Active) | |
| Neck Pickup: | EMG 85 (Humbucker / Active) | |
| Switch: | 3 | |
| Knobs: | Dome | |
| Volume Controls: | 1 | |
| Tone Controls: | 1 | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | Yes | |
| Hardware Color: | Black | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Jackson American Series Soloist SL2MG HT
Jackson American Series Soloist SL2MG HT
- Stainless Steel Frets
- Locking Tuners
- Made in United States
- Expensive Wood
- Ivory Tusq Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Neck-Through Build
- Luminescent Inlay
- Compound Radius Fretboard
- Strap Lock
- No Push Knob or Extra Switch Option
- No Weight Relief
- No Tremolo
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
All Prices
10. Ibanez AZ2203N Prestige
Compare
What our users think
- Neck profile shape: C (11 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Balanced (12 votes)
- Pickups noise: Noiseless (1 vote)
- Pickups power: Clean (2 votes)
Show All Specs
| Ibanez AZ2203N Prestige | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Ibanez | |
| Year: | 2023 | |
| Configuration: | SSS | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | Japan | |
| Series: | AZ | |
| Colors: | Black, Blue | |
| Left-Handed Version: | No | |
| Body | ||
| Type: | Solid Body | |
| Body Material: | Alder | |
| Bridge: | Gotoh T1502S | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Bolt-On | |
| Tuners: | Gotoh Magnum Lock machine heads w/H.A.P. | |
| Fretboard: | Rosewood | |
| Neck Material: | Roasted Maple | |
| Decoration: | Mother of Pearl dot | |
| Scale Size: | 25.5" | |
| Shape: | AZ Oval C | |
| Thickness: | 1st Fret: 0.81'' (20.6mm) - 12th Fret: 0.89'' (22.6mm) | |
| Frets: | 22 Jumbo Stainless Steel | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 9" to 12" | |
| Nut: | Bone | |
| Nut Width: | 42mm (1.654'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Bridge Pickups: | Seymour Duncan Fortuna (H) (Humbucker / Passive) | |
| Middle Pickup: | Seymour Duncan Fortuna (H) (Humbucker / Passive) | |
| Neck Pickup: | Seymour Duncan Fortuna (H) (Humbucker / Passive) | |
| Switch: | 5 | |
| Knobs: | Bell | |
| Pickup Mods: | Coil Split | |
| Volume Controls: | 1 | |
| Tone Controls: | 2 | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Chrome | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Ibanez AZ2203N Prestige
Ibanez AZ2203N Prestige
- Stainless Steel Frets
- Locking Tuners
- Made in Japan
- Expensive Wood
- Bone Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Coil Split Pickups
- Luminescent Inlay
- Tremolo
- Compound Radius Fretboard
- No Neck-Through Build
- No Weight Relief
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
