Under £1,000

GRETSCH G5655T ELECTROMATIC CENTER BLOCK JR £679

Small in size but mighty in tone, these giant-killing Jr models retain all the charm of Gretsch’s unique heritage. Available in Casino Gold, Dark Cherry Metallic and Jade Grey Metallic, the Bigsby-equipped single cutaway G5655T has a laminated maple body and is constructed with a feedback-busting spruce centre block. It also features dual Black Top Broad’Tron humbuckers. www.gretschguitars.com

FENDER NOVENTA STRATOCASTER £729

The stripped-down format of these Mexican-made Noventa models oozes cool. You have a choice of three finishes on the dual-soapbar Strat, including this glossy Daphne Blue, and while that chunky neck P-90-style pickup might take some getting used to visually, the versatility it affords makes it more than worth it. Superb playability and an extremely keen price. www.fender.com

FENDER VINTERA ’60S STRAT £749

The Three-Colour Sunburst over alder, three-ply mint green pickguard and narrow headstock with spaghetti Fender logo really give this Strat that classic pre-CBS look. Not only does it look 60s but a set of vintage-style ’60s Strat pickups and a 184mm (7.25-inch) radius fretboard with 21 vintage-style frets make it sound and feel like the real thing. www.fender.com

IBANEZ RG421HPAH £699

Featuring a nyatoh body, figured ash top, Wizard III roasted maple neck and jatoba fretboard with 24 jumbo frets, this exotic gold-hardware-endowed high-performance axe really does stand out from the crowd. Not only does it look great but its powerful DiMarzio Fusion Edge humbuckers help it cut through the mix with plenty of clarity and precision. www.ibanez.com

REVEREND DOUBLE AGENT OG £729

Marrying classic guitar design with the needs of the contemporary guitarist, Reverend guitars are renowned for their striking looks and breadth of tone. This korina solidbody is available in a choice of seven colours and comes equipped with custom Alnico V pickups – the HA5 bridge humbucker and 9A5 neck P-90 – for maximum openness, clarity and depth. www.reverendguitars.com

STERLING BY MUSIC MAN VALENTINE JV60 £749

Also available with a vibrato in Toluca Lake Blue finish as the JV60T, the Valentine JV60 hardtail from Sterling by Music Man’s Artist Series comes in two finishes – namely Trans Buttermilk and Vintage Sunburst – and features a unique front humbucker/slanted single-coil rear pickup combination augmented by a 12dB boost for expanded tonal range. www.sterlingbymusicman.com