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Connect your business with electric guitar wholesale distributors and drop shippers that are 100% located in the USA by joining Wholesale Guitar Club USA.

The electric guitar has a fascinating history that spans nearly a century.

Early 1930s: The need for louder guitars in big band music led to the first electric guitar experiments.

1931: George Beauchamp and Adolph Rickenbacker created the “Frying Pan,” often considered the first electric guitar.

1936: Gibson introduced their ES-150 model, which became popular with jazz musicians.

1940s: Les Paul developed “The Log,” a solid-body electric guitar prototype.

1950: Leo Fender released the Fender Broadcaster (later renamed Telecaster), the first mass-produced solid-body electric guitar.

1952: Gibson, with Les Paul, introduced the Gibson Les Paul model.

1954: Fender launched the Stratocaster, which became one of the most iconic electric guitars.

1958: Gibson released the semi-hollow body ES-335.

1960s-1970s: Electric guitars became central to rock music, with various innovations in design and electronics.

1970s-present: Continued refinements in technology, including active electronics, locking tremolo systems, and digital modeling.

In the late 2010s and early 2020s, the US guitar market (including both acoustic and electric guitars) was estimated to be around $1.5 billion to $2 billion annually. Electric guitars typically make up a significant portion of this market, often around 40-50% of total guitar sales.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a notable impact on guitar sales, with many retailers reporting increased demand as people took up new hobbies during lockdowns. This led to a surge in sales in 2020 and 2021.

However, it’s important to note that the guitar market can fluctuate based on various factors such as economic conditions, music trends, and consumer preferences.

The most popular electric guitar body styles include:

Stratocaster: Popularized by Fender, it features a double-cutaway design with a contoured body.

Telecaster: Also by Fender, it has a single-cutaway design and a distinctive rectangular shape.

Les Paul: Gibson’s iconic model with a single-cutaway and arched top.

SG: Another Gibson design, featuring a thin, double-cutaway body.

ES-335: Gibson’s semi-hollow body design with a double-cutaway.

Flying V: A V-shaped body, originally by Gibson but now made by many brands.

Explorer: An angular, asymmetrical design first introduced by Gibson.

Jazzmaster/Jaguar: Fender designs with offset waists and unique electronics.

Superstrat: A modified Stratocaster style, often with sharper edges and different pickup configurations.

PRS-style: Designs inspired by Paul Reed Smith guitars, often featuring a distinctive bird inlay on the fretboard.

ARE ELECTRIC GUITARS MADE IN CHINA ANY GOOD?

Electric guitars made in China can vary widely in quality, but many are quite good, especially in recent years.

Pros:
Cost-effective: Chinese-made guitars often offer good value for money.
Improved manufacturing: Many Chinese factories have significantly upgraded their production methods and quality control.
Brand oversight: Major brands often closely monitor their Chinese manufacturing to maintain quality standards.
Good for beginners and intermediates: Many offer decent quality at affordable prices, making them suitable for new players.

Cons:
Inconsistency: Quality can vary between individual instruments, even within the same model.
Hardware quality: Some may use lower-quality electronic components or hardware.
Craftsmanship: High-end details and finishes might not match those of more expensive guitars.
Perception: Some players have a bias against Chinese-made instruments, though this is changing.

It’s worth noting that many respected brands like Epiphone, Squier, and PRS SE produce guitars in China. The key is to judge each instrument individually rather than generalizing based on country of origin.

Connect your business with electric guitar wholesale distributors and drop shippers that are 100% located in the USA by joining Wholesale Guitar Club USA.

WHAT ELECTRIC GUITAR BRANDS ARE MADE IN THE USA?

Several well-known electric guitar brands are made in the USA.

Fender (American-made lines)
Gibson
Paul Reed Smith (PRS) Core models
G&L
Music Man (Ernie Ball)
Rickenbacker
Gretsch (some models)
Taylor (electric models)
Collings
Tom Anderson
Suhr
Jackson (USA models)
Charvel (USA models)
ESP USA
Schecter USA Custom Shop
Guild (some models)
Reverend
Kiesel/Carvin

It’s important to note that many of these brands also have overseas production lines for more affordable models. The USA-made guitars are typically their higher-end or custom shop offerings.

Connect your business with electric guitar wholesale distributors and drop shippers that are 100% located in the USA by joining Wholesale Guitar Club USA.

 

Below are examples of popular electric guitar strings sold wholesale in the US.