Black is by far my favorite color for guitars. I have an extensive guitar collection and the majority of them are black, excluding the acoustic guitars, although I do have a black one of them as well.
I just think that a guitar looks better when it’s black, and I guess, since you’re on this page, you agree. If you're also looking for other colors, we're written about pink electric guitars, red electric guitars, green electric guitars, white electric guitar, blue electric guitar.
I’ve gathered together the 10 best black guitars you can buy in my opinion, covering various budgets and musical tastes, so let’s get started with number...
10. EastCoast ST1 Electric Guitar in Black with Maple Fretboard
Complete beginners don’t need to pay a lot of money for their first guitar. Spending a bit more will give you a better quality guitar and probably an improved playing experience, but money is tight for lots of people, and that’s where EastCoast excels.
This guitar is very playable and sounds OK, not as good as the Top few guitars on this list, but that’s understandable, you could buy about 50 of these for the cost of one of them.
It has the features and looks you’d expect on a standard Strat, and considering the price, you really have nothing to lose. Highly recommended for those on a tight budget.
9. Pignose PGG-200 Electric Guitar with Built-in Amplifier in Black
Lots of beginners wisely decide that buying an electric guitar is often a better bet than starting on an acoustic. Electric guitars generally have thinner strings under less tension and a lower action, which makes it easier to press down and get the notes to sound clearclearly.
But electric guitars are not very loud, so you’ll also need to buy an amplifier, which can start to get expensive. But, don’t worry, legendary busking amp manufacturer Pignose has come up with a great all-in-one solution.
With the PGG-200, the amp is built-in, so not only will you save on expanse, but it’s also easier to travel with and play anywhere.
8. Jackson JS22 Monarkh SC in Satin Black with Amaranth Fretboard
If you’re as big a fan of Les Paul-shaped guitars as me, but can’t afford a real Gibson, or even an Epiphone, then this Jackson is a fantastic option.
It’s also incredibly black - a black body with black pickups in black pickup surrounds, with black knobs, a black toggle switch, black tuning machines, and even black strap buttons. In fact, the only parts which are not black are the back of the neck and the fingerboard.
It plays nicely and sounds better than you would expect considering the cost, making it very good value for money for Les Paul lovers on a budget.
7. Squier FSR Affinity Stratocaster HSS Blackout
Squier is a division of the legendary Fender corporation delivering the same designs at more pocket-friendly prices. And that’s exactly what’s next on my list, an excellent blacker than black Stratocaster that won’t break the bank.
The ‘Blackout’ version I’m featuring here, is, like the Jackson I just covered, all black apart from the back of the neck and the fretboard. It features a humbucker in the bridge position for full-on rock tones with a pair of single coils in the neck and middle positions for the classic Strat sound.
As you expect from a Squier, it’s well made, excellent value, and will last a lifetime.
6. Squier Mini Strat Electric Guitar in Black
Next, and sticking with Squier, we have a very interesting take on the classic Fender Stratocaster - it’s the ultimate in cute, and small enough to fit in your pocket!
OK, that was quite an exaggeration, but it’s a lot smaller than a standard Strat, making it a superb choice for any child who wants to learn to play the guitar. It’s got everything you’d expect to find on a Strat - three pickups, a pickup selector switch, and volume and tone knobs, but doesn’t feature a whammy bar, which shouldn’t be a problem for most beginners.
It’s also very affordable, which also makes it a great option if you’re looking for a portable travel guitar.
5. Yamaha Revstar Standard RSS20 BLACK
We guitarists are creatures of habit and many of us, like magpies, are drawn to shiny things, things that we know and love. That’s the main reason why so many players go for the guitars that their heroes play, and why Les Pauls, Strats, SGs, 335s, Teles, etc. continue to sell more than any other style of guitar.
But, luckily, some people don’t want to follow the crowd and are on the hunt for something a little out of the ordinary. And the Yamaha Revstar gives you exactly that.
It bears a slight similarity to a cross between a Les Paul and an SG, but it retains its distinctive style and sound. Hard-as-nails construction, high-quality parts, and eye-catching looks make this the choice for any guitarist who wants to stand out from the crowd.
4. Schecter Robert Smith Signature UltraCure in Black Pearl
Moving on, let’s stay with more esoteric guitar shapes. I always like to include at least one unusual choice in my Top 10 lists, and for this one, it’s the Schecter UltraCure.
As the classic line from the movie ‘This is Spinal Tap’ states, “How much more black could it be?”... “None, none more black!”. And that’s exactly what you get with the UltraCure.
The massive black body has no binding, adding to the blackness, while the thick pickguard is also in the blackest of black. The only relief is the chrome hardware which creates a slight diversion from the dark gothic finish.
I own an original UltraCure from when it was first released. I bought it because of the quality of the parts, the finishing, and the fantastic tones it produces. It’s also a large guitar which makes a middle-aged, rotund guitarist like myself look a bit thinner on stage, which also might explain why Robert Smith went for the design?
If you don’t want the ‘standard’ guitar shapes but still want a high-quality instrument that is a real eye-turner, you really need to try an UltraCure. But, be warned, it weighs as much as a small elephant.
3. Fender American Vintage II 1977 Telecaster Custom Electric Guitar in Black
I’ve always loved telecasters, especially in black. The problem is that a standard black tele usually has a white scratchplate, which still looks good, but not exceptional. Easy enough to swap out for a black scratchplate, I know, but still… However, as soon as you go ‘custom’, things get a lot darker straight out of the case.
This is a fantastic recreation of the classic 1977 Tele Custom, one of the most iconic instruments in musical history, mainly down to Keith Richards. It’s definitely got the looks, is a dream to play, sounds incredible, and if there ever was a guitar to Paint It Black, this is the one.
2. PRS Modern Eagle V Electric Guitar in Charcoal Burst
Next, we move on to the top slots with the two most expensive guitars on my Greatest Black Guitars list, starting with this absolutely gorgeous charcoal burst Paul Reed Smith.
I went for this burst finish as opposed to an all-black top because I think that PRS does burstbursts better than any other manufacturer. This guitar is stunningly beautiful and will be treasured for generations.
Paul Reed Smith makes some of the highest quality and most versatile guitars on the market, if you only intend on having one high-end instrument, then you need a PRS. Whether you want the sparkle of a Strat/Tele or the roar and power of a Les Paul/SG, this will give you both and a lot more.
Phenomenal craftsmanship, truly inspiring tonal versatility, and arguably, the easiest guitars on earth to play after being perfectly set up for your style.
1. Gibson Custom Shop 1968 Les Paul Custom Reissue Gloss Ebony
In my humble opinion, the Gibson Les Paul is the greatest guitar ever made. And the King of Les Pauls just has to be the Custom in its finest livery, all black. But what could be better than a Les Paul Custom? Well, one that’s been manufactured in the Gibson Custom Shop!
The Les Paul Custom has been with us since 1954, and in design terms, not much has changed since then. Why would it, it’s difficult to improve on perfection.
With this black beauty, you get the much-loved ‘60s neck profile, a pair of 68 Custom humbuckers, and the swagger that you can only get from a Les Paul. It is the final say in historical accuracy, feel, and tone.
If you want the ultimate black guitar, then 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 to make it a bit more black. If so, let's take a look at the…
Best Black Parts to Upgrade Your Guitar
Most guitar parts are chrome or gold in color, but it doesn’t have to be. Need some more black on your guitar? Then change the hardware to give it a cool, classy, and chic new look.
Starting at the top with the tuning machines, you could go for these super-stylish GUYKER GK-D-434SP Dopamine Color 6R In-line No Screws Locking Tuning Key Pegs. Their quality construction and smooth action will make tuning a breeze. They are also available in many other hyper-cool color options, so check them out.
You might already love the tone of your guitar and don’t want to change the pickups. No worries, just change the covers. If you love humbuckers, you could go for the Guyker PC012 50-52MM Cool Humbucker Cupronickel Material Guitar Pickup Covers Set or, to bring out your dark side, the Guyker PC005 Cupronickel Eagle Surface Humbucker Guitar Pickup Covers Set 50/52MM.
As for the bridge, there is no end of options. For Gibson or Gibson-style guitars, there’s this high-quality Guyker GM005 & GS001 Stop Bar Tailpiece with Tune-O-Matic Roller Bridge for LP and SG Guitars. Not only will the black finish make your guitar look more sophisticated, but the roller bridge design ensures less friction, great for players who really love to bend the strings.
Or, for Fender lovers, how about the Guyker G510T Non-locking 2 Point Guitar Tremolo Bridge String Spacing 10.8MM With Tremolo System Saddle And Brass Block?
And finally, the knobs. Again there are countless choices, so I’ll just list a few of my favorites. I’ll start with the Guyker CKB019 Electric Guitar Metal Control Volume Knob Hat Type. Or if you really want to stand out from the crowd, go for either these mystical Guyker CKB028 Electric Guitar Brass Control Volume Knob or the dark and doomy Guyker CKB016 Potentiometer Knob Face Surface Inner Diameter 6MM.
Wrapping it Up
We’ve come to the end of my look at the Top 10 black guitars currently on the market.
Everyone needs a black guitar, they are simply cooler than any other color. So go for it, whether it’s your very first instrument, or you’ve decided to add a bit of black to your guitar collection, you just can’t go wrong.
Plus, there’s one other advantage that I’ve kept until the end… whatever clothes you decide to wear on stage, your black guitar will match them perfectly!
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