Red has a lot of significance as a color, it expresses the joys of love and passion, as well as the perils of danger and aggression. It is also a common color representing good luck and happiness in various countries.
As for guitars, it is equally important, mainly because of the classic Fender guitar color, Fiesta Red. In the ‘40s and ‘50s, the United Kingdom imposed a severe restriction on imported goods to encourage people to buy locally produced products. This meant that US-made guitars and amplifiers were very hard to buy in the UK, and the guitar that everyone wanted was a Fender Stratocaster because Buddy Holly played one.
A number of the '60s guitar legends across the pond tried to get hold of Strat, and the first to do so was Hank Marvin, guitarist with The Shadows. The color… Fiesta Red. This guitar inspired a number of guitarists, such as Mark Knopfler, to also want to play a red strat to also want to play a red strat. And they, in turn, inspired more and more generations of guitar players to go for a red Strat. If you're also looking for other colors, we're written about pink electric guitars, black electric guitars, green electric guitars, white electric guitar, blue electric guitar.
Maybe you’re here because your guitar hero plays a red guitar, or maybe red is just your favorite color, either way, let’s start with the first on my list of the Best Red Guitars, the…
10. EastCoast ST1 Electric Guitar in Red with Maple Fretboard
If you’re a complete beginner, you don’t want to spend a lot of money on your first guitar, but you still want something that is playable and sounds OK. Luckily, Eastman has made the exact guitar you need.
It’s got all the features and looks of a standard Strat but for a lot less money and plays well straight out of the box. But, as with all guitars, especially more affordable ones, it’s worth taking it to a good Luthier to make sure it is set up properly. It will improve your enjoyment while playing the guitar, which is vital in the early beginner stages.
9. Encore E99 Electric Guitar In Wine Red
Next on my list of the 10 best red electric guitars you can buy, we move up slightly in price, with this Encore E99. It has a similar look to the much revered Les Paul, but for a lot fewer dollars.
Understandably, you won’t get the sound of a true Les Paul out of it, but it does have the same swagger, which can be vitally important to a beginner. If you like the way your guitar looks and your hero plays a guitar that looks the same, that can be enough to keep you practicing.
8. Squier Affinity Series Telecaster FMT SH in Crimson Red Transparent
I’ve covered two of the most iconic guitar shapes, the Strat, and the Les Paul already, so let’s move on to another with this lovely Crimson Red Transparent Squier Telecaster.
Squier is a division of the mighty Fender corporation which delivers their designs at more affordable prices but with quality components and rigid quality control. And that’s exactly what you get here, an excellent Telecaster that won’t break the bank.
Being a Squier, it not only features exactly what you would expect on a Tele but actually gives you more. The bridge single coil provides all the twang needed to put a big smile on any tele lover’s face, while the humbucker in the neck position gives you a mid-range boost, making this tele rock out more than most.
And don’t forget about the flame-maple top which gives it the look of a guitar costing a lot more. Highly recommended!
7. Gretsch G5210-P90 Electromatic Jet Two 90 in Firestick Red
Moving up in price, we have this gorgeous-looking Gretsch.
I’m a massive fan of Gretsch guitars, both the legendary hollow bodies like the White Falcon and the Country Gentleman, as well as the lesser-known solid bodies like the Duo Jet. And that’s exactly what you get here, the look and feel of a Duo Jet but with a pair of P90 pickups.
P90s are one of the oldest pickup designs still in common usage and provide a wonderful middle ground between the clarity of single coils and the grunt of humbuckers. So, if you find the sound of a Strat is too thin, but don’t want the full-on rock of a humbucker, get yourself some P90s, I promise you won’t regret it. Plus where better to place them, than on a fantastic-looking Gretsch?
6. Squier Sonic Mustang Electric Guitar in Torino Red
Back with Squier, let’s move on to a very affordable Mustang.
Mustangs were originally designed to be no-frills student guitars when they were first released, but since then they have gained super-cool ‘indie’ popularity. Players like Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain, My Bloody Valentine’s Bilinda Butcher, and Justin Meldal-Johnsen (Garbage, Nine Inch Nails), only add to their desirability.
So let your indie cool shine through with this delicious Torino red Mustang.
5. Yamaha Revstar Standard RSS02T Electric Guitar in Hot Merlot
The reason that so many guitarists love the classic guitar shapes - strat, Les Paul, 335, Tele, etc. - is that we have all seen our heroes playing one or more of these guitars live, in videos, on posters, etc. But some people don’t want to follow the crowd and are looking for something different.
The Yamaha Revstar is exactly that. It bears a similarity to a Les Paul, but it’s it still has its own distinctive look. Plus, this one features a pair of P90s, like the Gretsch covered earlier for that best of both worlds tone.
Solid construction, quality parts, and stunning looks make this an excellent choice for any guitarist who wants to stand out from the crowd.
4. Squier Mini Strat Electric Guitar in Dakota Red
Next, we have another guitar that is very similar to the famed Candy Apple Red Strat I mentioned in the introduction, but this time it’s super-cute, in Dakota Red and in miniature!
Well, it’s not exactly in miniature, it’s a smaller version of a Strat, which makes it a fantastic choice for younger kids who are taking up the guitar. In terms of features, it has everything you would expect from any Strat apart from having no tremolo (whammy) bar.
Being smaller in size, it’s also incredibly affordable. Plus, it’s a fantastic option if you need an easily portable travel guitar to have fun playing while away from home.
3. PRS Custom 24 Fire Red
Significantly moving up in price, let’s take a look at this gorgeous fire red Paul Reed Smith.
Without a doubt, my favorite guitars in the world are Les Pauls, but if I were only allowed to take one electric guitar to a desert island, would I take a Les Paul? Probably not. But I would take a PRS Custom 24.
Even though I love Les Pauls, they can be a bit of a one-trick pony. And even though they do that trick exceptionally well, they do lack versatility. But, you won’t have that problem with this PRS, do you want the low-end grunt of a Les Paul or the shimmer of a Strat/Tele? Take your pick, with this guitar, you can have either.
The craftsmanship is truly inspiring, the range of tones amazing, and it’s like silk to play. The ultimate red guitar? Probably!
2. Gibson USA Les Paul Standard '60s Electric Guitar in Solid Cardinal Red
And while on the subject of Les Pauls, let’s take a look at one.
The Les Paul has been with us since the early 50s, and in terms of design, next to nothing has changed since then. With this red beauty, you get a much-loved slim ‘60s neck profile, a pair of killer PAF humbuckers, and the swagger that only a Les Paul can provide.
Ready to rock? Then you need a Les Paul!
1. Fender American Vintage II 1961 Stratocaster Electric Guitar in Fiesta Red
Where better to finish than back where we started, with the legendary Fiesta Red Strat?
This is a fantastic recreation of the classic 1961 Strat, one of the most iconic guitars in musical history, down to the finest detail. It’s a dream to play, sounds amazing, and everyone should own one.
If you want the guitar that started it all, this is the one for you.
Maybe after going through all 10 of the best red guitars you can buy, you’ve decided that maybe you should stick with your current guitar and make a few upgrades. If so, no problem, you can add a bit of color to your current instrument with the…
Best Red Parts to Upgrade Your Guitar
Do you love your strat, but are a bit bored of the color? If so, you’ll want to upgrade it a little with some after-market guitar parts. You'll love the Guyker PG003 11-hole S/S/S Modern Resin Pickguard for Stratocaster®. This high-quality red and black swirl pattern pickguard will really bring your strat to life by adding a massive splash of color.
Or, if you want something a bit more subtle, why not upgrade your tuning machines and add a bit of color at the same time? These gorgeous GUYKER GK-D-434SP Dopamine Color 6R In-line No Screws Locking Tuning Key Pegs are available in a wide range of funky colors including red and gold. Perfect for a Strat with gold hardware.
Wrapping it Up
There you have it, 10 fantastic fury-red guitar options in various styles and budgets. Check them out, one of them could well be the guitar you’ve been dreaming of.
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