What Brands Are the 80s Guitars? Discover 10 Iconic Legends! 🎸 [2024]

Video: Guitars Brands, Who Makes Who?

Ah, the 80s—a decade defined by neon colors, big hair, and some of the most electrifying guitar riffs in rock history! If you’ve ever found yourself air-guitaring to Van Halen or headbanging to Metallica, you know the power of the guitar from this era. But did you know that the brands behind those iconic sounds are just as legendary? In this article, we’ll explore 10 brands that shaped the 80s guitar scene, diving deep into their history, standout models, and the guitarists who made them famous.

Imagine walking into a music store in the 80s, surrounded by the roar of amplifiers and the smell of fresh guitar strings—where the likes of Charvel, Jackson, and Ibanez were not just brands, but the very essence of rock ‘n’ roll! Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a curious newbie, this article will unravel the mystique behind these brands and their impact on modern music. Plus, we’ll share tips on spotting fakes and what to look for when hunting down your own vintage gem. Ready to rock? Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways

Iconic Brands: Discover the 10 brands that defined the 80s guitar scene, including Charvel, Jackson, and Ibanez.
Notable Models: Learn about standout models like the Charvel Superstrat and Ibanez JEM that shaped the sound of a generation.
Legacy of Guitarists: Understand the influence of legendary guitarists who played these brands and models, leaving a lasting legacy.

Collecting Tips: Get essential tips for spotting fake guitars and maintaining vintage instruments.
Historical Impact: Appreciate how 80s guitars continue to influence modern music styles and guitar designs.

If you’re ready to own a piece of this rock history, check out our recommendations for Charvel Guitars, Jackson Guitars, and Ibanez Guitars! 🎸✨

Quick Tips and Facts About 80s Guitars
The Iconic Brands That Defined 80s Guitars
A Deep Dive into Popular 80s Guitar Models

The Rise of Charvel: Wayne Charvel’s Legacy
Spotting Fake Charvels: What You Need to Know
The Evolution of Guitar Technology in the 80s

Influential Guitarists and Their Signature Models
The Impact of 80s Guitars on Modern Music
Collecting Vintage 80s Guitars: Tips and Tricks

Conclusion
Recommended Links
FAQ

Reference Links

Quick Tips and Facts About 80s Guitars

🎸 If you’re an 80s music enthusiast or a guitar collector, you’re probably interested in learning more about the iconic guitars of that era. Here are some quick tips and facts about 80s guitars:

80s Guitars: A New Era of Music – The 1980s saw the rise of new guitar brands, such as Hamer, Charvel, Jackson, ESP, Dean, and BC Rich. These brands gained popularity due to the emergence of heavy metal and shred guitarists.

Charvel: The Birth of a Legend – Charvel was founded by Wayne Charvel in 1974, but it was in the 1980s that the brand gained fame for repairing guitars for renowned musicians like Richie Blackmore, Billy Gibbons, Edward Van Halen, and Michael Anthony.
Vintage Definition – According to Webster and Wikipedia, a vintage guitar is defined as an instrument that is at least 30 years old. This means that guitars from the 1980s are now considered vintage.

The Iconic Brands That Defined 80s Guitars

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🎸 In this section, we’ll take a closer look at the iconic brands that defined the 80s guitar scene.

Charvel

Founded: 1974 in Azusa, California by Wayne Charvel.
Notable for: Becoming popular in the 1980s due to its association with rock and heavy metal guitarists such as Eddie Van Halen, Gary Moore, Warren DeMartini (Ratt), Jake E. Lee (Ozzy Osbourne), Eddie Ojeda (Twisted Sister), George Lynch (Dokken), Allan Holdsworth, Shawn Lane, and Richie Sambora (Bon Jovi).
Key Facts:
- Charvel guitars became popular due to their association with famous rock and heavy metal guitarists.
- The company specialized in customizing Fender Stratocaster designs, creating the “superstrat” style.
- The company was sold to Grover Jackson in 1978, and the name was later acquired by Fender Musical Instruments Corporation in 2002.

Jackson

Founded: 1980 by Grover Jackson.
Notable for: Creating the “Concorde” guitar for Randy Rhoads, which became popular during Rhoads’ time with Ozzy Osbourne’s Blizzard of Ozz band.
Key Facts:
- Jackson guitars became popular due to their association with rock and heavy metal guitarists.
- The company specialized in creating custom guitars with unique designs and features.

Ibanez

Founded: 1908 in Nagoya, Japan.

Notable for: Creating the JEM series, which became popular among shred guitarists in the 1980s.
Key Facts:
- Ibanez guitars became popular due to their association with rock and heavy metal guitarists.
- The company specialized in creating custom guitars with unique designs and features.

A Deep Dive into Popular 80s Guitar Models

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🎸 In this section, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most popular 80s guitar models.

Charvel Superstrat

Released: 1980s

Notable for: Its unique design, which combined the features of a Fender Stratocaster with a humbucking pickup and a Fender-style tremolo bridge.
Key Facts:
- The Superstrat was a popular choice among rock and heavy metal guitarists in the 1980s.
- The guitar was known for its versatility and playability.

Ibanez JEM

Released: 1987
Notable for: Its unique design, which featured a monkey grip on the body and a distinctive headstock.

Key Facts:
- The JEM was a popular choice among shred guitarists in the 1980s.
- The guitar was known for its playability and versatility.

The Rise of Charvel: Wayne Charvel’s Legacy

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🎸 In this section, we’ll take a closer look at the rise of Charvel and the legacy of its founder, Wayne Charvel.

Wayne Charvel’s Early Days – Wayne Charvel started his career as a guitar repairman in the 1960s. He worked with many famous guitarists, including Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton.
The Birth of Charvel – Charvel was founded by Wayne Charvel in 1974. The company started out as a small repair shop, but it quickly gained a reputation for creating high-quality custom guitars.

The Superstrat – The Superstrat was one of Charvel’s most popular models in the 1980s. It was known for its unique design, which combined the features of a Fender Stratocaster with a humbucking pickup and a Fender-style tremolo bridge.

Spotting Fake Charvels: What You Need to Know

Video: Fake Charvel Super Strat from eBay Review.

🎸 If you’re in the market for a vintage Charvel guitar, you need to be aware of the potential for fake or counterfeit instruments. Here are some tips for spotting fake Charvels:

Check the Serial Number – Charvel guitars have a unique serial number that can be used to verify their authenticity.

Inspect the Body and Neck – Charvel guitars are known for their high-quality construction. Look for any signs of poor craftsmanship or inconsistencies in the body and neck.
Check the Electronics – Charvel guitars are known for their high-quality electronics. Look for any signs of poor craftsmanship or inconsistencies in the pickups and wiring.

The Evolution of Guitar Technology in the 80s

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🎸 The 1980s saw significant advancements in guitar technology. Here are some of the key developments that shaped the decade:

The Rise of Solid-State Amps – Solid-state amps became increasingly popular in the 1980s. They were known for their reliability and consistency.
The Development of Digital Effects – Digital effects became increasingly popular in the 1980s. They offered a wide range of tonal possibilities and were known for their versatility.

Influential Guitarists and Their Signature Models

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🎸 Many famous guitarists have signature models that are inspired by their playing style and tone. Here are some of the most influential guitarists and their signature models:

Eddie Van Halen – Eddie Van Halen’s signature model is the Charvel Superstrat. It’s known for its unique design and versatility.
Steve Vai – Steve Vai’s signature model is the Ibanez JEM. It’s known for its playability and versatility.
Joe Satriani – Joe Satriani’s signature model is the Ibanez JS. It’s known for its playability and versatility.

The Impact of 80s Guitars on Modern Music

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🎸 The 1980s had a significant impact on modern music. Here are some of the ways in which 80s guitars influenced the music of the decade:

The Rise of Shred – The 1980s saw the rise of shred guitar. This style of playing emphasized technical virtuosity and was known for its fast-paced, intricate solos.
The Emergence of Heavy Metal – The 1980s saw the emergence of heavy metal as a major force in rock music. This genre emphasized powerful, aggressive riffs and was known for its dark, introspective lyrics.

Collecting Vintage 80s Guitars: Tips and Tricks

🎸 If you’re interested in collecting vintage 80s guitars, here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind:

Research, Research, Research – Before you start collecting, do your research. Learn about the different models, their features, and their values.
Condition, Condition, Condition – The condition of a guitar is crucial when it comes to its value. Look for guitars that are in good condition, with minimal wear and tear.

Authenticity – Make sure the guitar is authentic. Look for signs of tampering or modification, and check the serial number to verify its authenticity.

FAQ

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🎸 Here are some frequently asked questions about 80s guitars:

What is the difference between a Charvel and a Jackson? – Charvel and Jackson are both guitar brands that were popular in the 1980s. Charvel is known for its high-quality, custom guitars, while Jackson is known for its unique, innovative designs.
What is the value of a vintage 80s guitar? – The value of a vintage 80s guitar depends on a number of factors, including its condition, rarity, and demand. Research the market to determine the value of a specific guitar.

How do I care for my vintage 80s guitar? – To care for your vintage 80s guitar, keep it in a dry, cool place, away from direct sunlight. Use a soft cloth to clean the guitar, and avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.

Reference Links

🎸 Here are some reference links for further reading:

Wikipedia: Charvel – This article provides an overview of the Charvel guitar brand, including its history, features, and notable models.

Ibanez: JEM – This article provides an overview of the Ibanez JEM guitar, including its features, benefits, and notable users.
Guitar World: 80s Guitars – This article provides an overview of the different guitar brands and models that were popular in the 1980s.

Conclusion

woman sitting in front of table with two empty glass bottles

In summary, the 80s guitars not only defined a musical era but also set the stage for modern guitar design and playability. Brands like Charvel, Jackson, and Ibanez emerged as icons, offering innovative models that catered to the fast-paced, technical playing style that rock and heavy metal demanded.

Positives:

Innovative Designs: The introduction of the superstrat style and unique features like the monkey grip on the Ibanez JEM.
Wide Range of Choices: From shredders to rockers, there’s an 80s guitar for every style.

Cultural Impact: These guitars were played by legends and are now considered collectible vintage items.

Negatives:

Counterfeits: The rise in popularity has led to an increase in fake models, requiring careful scrutiny when purchasing.
Condition Sensitivity: Vintage guitars can vary significantly in quality based on previous ownership and care.

If you’re considering adding an 80s guitar to your collection, we confidently recommend exploring models from these iconic brands. They not only offer a piece of history but also deliver exceptional performance and playability. So, whether you’re a collector or a player, these guitars are worth your attention! 🎸✨

FAQ

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Are 80s guitars vintage?

Yes, 80s guitars are considered vintage. According to the widely accepted definition, a vintage guitar is typically regarded as one that is at least 30 years old. Since we are now in the 2020s, guitars produced in the 1980s fall into this category, often sought after for their unique features and historical significance.

What is a vintage guitar brand?

A vintage guitar brand refers to a brand that has produced guitars that are now considered collectible due to their age, craftsmanship, or association with famous musicians. Brands like Fender, Gibson, Charvel, and Jackson have guitars from the 80s that are now coveted by collectors and musicians alike.

What is the most sought after vintage guitar?

The most sought-after vintage guitars often include models like the 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard and the Fender Stratocaster from the late 1950s and early 1960s. However, in the context of the 80s, models like the Ibanez JEM and Charvel Superstrat have gained immense popularity and value among collectors.

What guitars were used in the 70s?

In the 1970s, iconic guitars included the Fender Stratocaster, Gibson Les Paul, and Martin acoustic models. These guitars were favored by many legendary musicians, including Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Jimmy Page, and laid the groundwork for the guitar innovations seen in the 80s.

What features should I look for in an 80s guitar?

When shopping for an 80s guitar, consider:

Condition: Look for signs of wear or damage.

Electronics: Ensure pickups and wiring are functional.
Authenticity: Verify serial numbers and brand markings.
Playability: Test the neck and action to ensure comfort.

How do I maintain a vintage guitar?

To maintain a vintage guitar:

Keep it clean: Use a soft cloth to wipe off dust and oils.

Control humidity: Store in a climate-controlled environment.
Regular check-ups: Have it professionally serviced to ensure optimal performance.

What Brands Are the 80s Guitars? Discover 10 Iconic Legends! 🎸 [2024]

Key Takeaways

Table of Contents

Quick Tips and Facts About 80s Guitars