There are virtually countless musical instrument brands out there. They range from massive companies, to niche manufacturers that only produce a few products each year. Despite that massive amount of companies and brands that are out there, a few have managed to position themselves as icons. These brands are timeless, and will always be respected as a quality instrument manufacturer. These brands are also favorited by many popular musicians and artists, who also helped the brand achieve their legendary status. We are going to take a look at the ten most iconic musical instrument brands of all-time and why they are so special.
10. Pearl
Established in 1946, Pearl is a Japanese manufacturer of many products, however drums and percussion instruments are their specialty. Over their relatively short history, they were able to establish themselves as one of the best drum manufacturer in the entire world. Today they are praised for their quality instruments and their higher-end models are some of the best money can buy. Their drums were/are used by the drummers in AC/DC, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Deep Purple, KISS, Santana, and many, many others.
9. Korg
Korg is another Japanese music-based company that produces a variety of electronic-based products. While electronic synthesizers, keyboards, or effect pedals aren’t as valuable as a hand-made guitar, for example, they are arguably the best company at what they do. Their instruments are used by virtually all musicians and artists whose music deals with any sort of electronic elements, and they definitely helped shape most of those genres. So while perhaps their instruments don’t have as much intrinsic value as others, they are still an extremely important musical instrument brand.
8. Gretsch
Gretsch is an American brand that was established in 1883 and they have been producing great instruments ever since. They originally started producing percussion-based instruments, but eventually expanded into the world of guitars and basses. Over the years the brand has produced many quality instruments, but their White Falcon guitar that was first introduced in the 1950’s went on to become one of the most iconic guitars of all time. Today their instruments are used by so many different artists, spanning many genres of music.
7. Baldwin Piano Company
The Baldwin Piano Company is a 158 year old American piano manufacturer that has been providing the world with some of the greatest pianos ever. They have a rich history of making premium instruments, and have become one of the most iconic musical brands ever. The recognition that they have received was due to their products, and the massive list of players who have used them. Notable Baldwin players include Philip Glass, Earl Wild, Igor Stravinsky, John Williams, Ray Charles, Dave Brubeck, Liberace, Richard Carpenter, and Carly Simon.
6. Taylor Guitars
Taylor Guitars is a well-known American company that produces Acoustic Guitars. While they are relatively a young company, being founded in 1974, the company quickly grew to prominence and are now known as one of the best acoustic guitar manufacturers. Their instruments are used by many popular and famous musicians today.
5. Rickenbacker
Rickenbacker is an American musical instrument company that was founded in 1932 in Santa Ana, California. The company pretty much exclusively produces electric stringed instruments, namely guitars and basses. They are also one of the earliest companies to start producing electric guitars. The company has been very successful over the years, and their instruments are quite expensive and sought-after, and are praised for their retro looks and tone. The company became an iconic brand in the 1960’s, as at one point in time or another, every member of The Beatles (minus Ringo) used a Rickenbacker guitar or bass. Their instruments also have a very unique sound which are also linked to The Beatles, so its obvious why they became so well known. Rickenbackers have also been used by members of The Beach Boys, Radiohead, Metallica, The Who, The Eagles, Yes, U2, R.E.M., Rush, Queen, The Clash, and a bunch of other notable bands. Their instruments are also extensively used in many modern-day indie bands.
4. C.F. Martin & Co.
Established in 1833 in Pennsylvania, C.F. Martin & Co. is arguably the best manufacturer of acoustic guitars. Their instruments are extremely expensive, and vintage ones can sell in auctions for at least six figures. I have personally visited their headquarters and have taken a tour of their factory and can attest to the amount of precision and expertise the company uses to build their instruments. Their flagship models are all made from hand from exotic wood sourced from throughout the world and are truly works of art. If you see a professional musician playing an acoustic guitar, there is a really strong chance it is a Martin. C.F. Martin & Co. is to acoustic guitars as Ferrari is to automobiles.
3. Steinway & Sons
Steinway & Sons has been the leading piano company for many years since it was originally founded in 1853. They are based out of both the United States and Germany, originally being founded in America by German immigrants, and produce easily the best pianos money can buy. You will find their pianos in nearly all orchestras and prominent music schools. The company produces all of their pianos by hand, and they only make a very limited amount every year. A new Steinway can easily cost over $120,000 dollars and their pianos from the 1800’s can sell for millions in auctions.
2. Gibson Guitar Corporation
This list is not complete without Gibson. The company produces guitars and basses of all kinds, and they were founded in 1902. When Gibson released the “Les Paul” electric guitar, it launched the company to new heights and is one of the most recognizable guitars in the world. It’s so famous, that there are hundreds of companies that have tried to make copies of it. The list of Gibson players is absolutely immense, but some of them include Jimmy Page, Chuck Berry, Bob Dylan, Jerry Garcia, Woody Guthrie, James Hetfield, B.B. King, Robby Krieger, and many more.
1. Fender Musical Instruments Corporation
It’s hard to rank Fender or Gibson in front or behind each other, as they are both just so iconic and famous. Fender was founded in 1946 in California, and quickly became the worlds leading guitar manufacturer. Fender is accredited with offering the first mass produced solid-body electric guitar and electric bass. Today they produce an endless list of guitars and basses that are used by so many musicians around the world. There are so many famous musicians that have used their instruments, that they actually have to break up the list of notable players by the specific instrument model. Fender is an industry standard, and if you’ve listened to any genre of music that has an electric guitar or bass on it in the last 70 years, theres a good chance a Fender was used to record it.
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