Under £1,000

EPIPHONE CORONET £349

A real contender for the ‘coolest-looking guitar’ award, Epiphone’s reissued Coronet packs a single bridge P-90 Pro for brilliantly ballsy tones. It boasts a mahogany body and neck, and Indian Laurel fingerboard, with an intonation compensated ‘Lightning Bar’ bridge/tailpiece. An appealing symmetrical design that’s fabulous value for money. www.epiphone.com

G&L TRIBUTE ASAT SPECIAL FROM £399

As per the Telecaster, the ASAT was originally branded the Broadcaster upon its release in ’85. Available in a choice of three finishes including Gloss Black, Surf Green and Irish Ale, this under-the-radar Leo Fender-designed modern classic features a pair of wide/flat G&L MFD single coils similar in character to Jazzmaster and P-90 pickups. www.glguitars.com

RAPIER 33 £429

JHS and Alan Entwistle have revived the Watkins Rapier model from the early 60s – and while there’s pawn-shop charm in spades, its unusual pickup switching and dual-volume controls give considerable scope to this Chinese-made build. With hum-cancelling mini-humbuckers and a very in-tune vibrato, it’s a refreshing addition to the entry-level market. www.jhs.co.uk

VINTAGE V6 REISSUED £389

Whichever way you spin it, the V6 – part of the Vintage Reissued Series – performs well above its price with a very appealing modded vintage vibe that is good enough for the learning player or those of us who simply can’t justify more cash. This one, with a tortie scratchplate, Wilkinson pickups and hardware, is especially a steal. www.vintageguitarsrus.com

EPIPHONE SG STANDARD ’61 MAESTRO VIBROLA £429

A gem from Epiphone’s Inspired by Gibson Collection, this mahogany-bodied double-cut has a SlimTaper profile mahogany neck and a 304.8mm (12-inch) radius Indian laurel ’board with trapezoid inlays. Onboard are a Maestro Vibrola tailpiece with LockTone ABR tune-o-matic bridge, Epiphone Deluxe Vintage tuners, dual ProBucker pickups and CTS pots. www.epiphone.com

GRETSCH G5222 ELECTROMATIC DOUBLE JET BT £449

Inspired by Gretsch’s legendary Jet guitars that appeared in the 50s, this chambered mahogany body/maple top doublecutaway is kitted out with a V-Stoptail that is reminiscent of the Cadillac ‘V’ tailpiece styling of yore. From clean to gnarly overdrive, a pair of Black Top Broad’Tron humbuckers provides a pleasingly rich, full and focused sound. www.gretschguitars.com