The guitar is one of the most popular musical instruments, which is not surprising: it is easy to learn in basic training, and a whole layer of culture is tied to this instrument. As your skills grow, you’ll discover many techniques and styles of playing, revealing more and more new possibilities for the seemingly simple guitar. But you need to choose the right instrument for the job.
At the moment, there are a huge number of companies in the world that produce guitars, and it’s very easy to get confused about them.
Each guitar brand paints its unique sonic portrait. Some draw on their rich heritage, emphasizing the traditional techniques of a bygone era, while others strive for the avant-garde, combining cutting-edge technology with boundless imagination. And all the values of these brands are perfectly reflected by the designers in their logos. It is about the logos of the world’s guitar brands that we want to talk about today.
Collings
The visual identity of the Collings musical brand is set in a traditional guitar segment style — with the custom script lettering in a laconic black-and-white color palette. The logo of Collings features two levels — the bold designer wordmark with the name of the brand, written in a thick smooth line, and set slightly diagonally, with the letters going up-right; and the second level of the badge is the uppercase “Guitars” tagline set in an elegant font with slight flares thin bars and extended shapes of the characters.
Gibson
The Gibson logo has become as iconic for the musical industry as the guitars the company produces. It is a stylized diagonal lettering, which starts from the capital “G” in the bottom left corner of the banner and finishes with the lowercase “N” in the upper right one. Set in solid black against a white background, the wordmark is executed in a custom cursive typeface with bold neat characters written in thick lines with rounded angles, and the elongated tails of the first and last characters. Another interesting thing about the design of the logo is the open contours of the “B” and the “O”, which lighten up the massive construction and add motion to the composition.
Ibanez
Like most of its colleagues in the production of guitars, the Ibanez brand has chosen a simple black-and-white color palette for its visual identity. The badge of the company is based solely on the lettering, which is written in an extra-bold custom typeface with elongated thin and sharp serifs on the ends of the massive bars. The massive characters are connected to each other by relatively thin linking lines, which are smooth and elegant, adding delicacy to the composition. The closest font to the one, used for the Ibanez wordmark is Letraset Romictrade, but with much more sharpness in the contours.
PRS
The visual identity of the PRS brand stands out from the list of guitar producers’ logos due to its strict and professional design approach. The badge is based on classy uppercase lettering in different weights of one serif typeface, and thin horizontal lines, which make up framing, and separation and create the simple geometry of the badge. The main part of the logo is the enlarged and emboldened “PRS” abbreviation, set in the left part, and accompanied by the three-leveled “Paul Reed Smith” three levels. The segment is separated from the bottom part of the banner by a thin horizontal line, under which there is a lightweight “Guitars” inscription.
Taylor
The logo of the Taylor Quality Guitars manufacturer is also set in a laconic black and white color palette and uses solely the lettering for its design concept. Unlike its competitors, the brand decided to choose a circular shape for the badge, making the “Taylor” wordmark the star of the composition. It is written in the title case of a bold designer script font with smooth contours of the characters and sharp slightly curved ends. The wordmark is written a bit arched, and accompanied by the uppercase “Quality Guitars” inscription set above and under the “Taylor”, making up a roundel.
G&L
The G&L logo is a striking and bold emblem that features a red and white color palette, exuding a sense of energy and passion, which is fitting for a guitar brand. The logo consists of the letters “G” and “L” in a thick, sans-serif font, connected by a treble clef symbol, which elegantly intertwines with the ampersand. This musical note not only emphasizes the brand’s connection to the music industry but also adds a touch of sophistication and creativity to the design. The entire composition is enclosed within an oval shape, further enhancing its visual impact and making it instantly recognizable. The choice of colors and the dynamic design reflect G&L’s commitment to quality and innovation in the world of guitars, appealing to musicians who seek instruments that stand out both in performance and appearance.
Fender
The Fender logo is one of the most iconic in the guitar world, featuring a stylish and flowing script that captures the brand’s legacy and elegance. The red color of the logo is bold and vibrant, signifying energy and passion, qualities that are synonymous with Fender guitars. The script is smooth and cursive, with each letter seamlessly flowing into the next, creating a sense of continuous motion and fluidity. This design choice reflects the brand’s commitment to creating instruments that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also offer unparalleled playability. The simplicity and elegance of the Fender logo make it easily recognizable and timeless, embodying the brand’s rich history and enduring influence in the music industry.
Jackson
The Jackson logo is characterized by its sleek and modern script, which exudes a sense of power and sophistication. The black color of the logo adds a touch of elegance and authority, making it stand out in the competitive world of guitar brands. The script is slightly italicized, giving it a dynamic and forward-moving feel, which reflects Jackson’s reputation for producing high-performance guitars. The bold strokes and sharp angles of the letters convey a sense of precision and craftsmanship, qualities that are central to the brand’s identity. Overall, the Jackson logo is a perfect representation of the brand’s commitment to innovation and excellence in guitar manufacturing.
Breedlove
The Breedlove logo is a testament to simplicity and elegance, featuring a black script that is both modern and classic. The script is smooth and rounded, giving it a friendly and approachable feel, which reflects the brand’s dedication to creating guitars that are accessible to musicians of all levels. The understated design of the logo allows the quality and craftsmanship of Breedlove guitars to speak for themselves. The use of a single color and a clean, uncluttered script makes the logo timeless and versatile, capable of appealing to a wide range of guitar enthusiasts.
Seagull
The Seagull logo is a unique and visually appealing emblem that combines the elegance of script with the imagery of a seagull in flight. The brown color of the logo is warm and earthy, evoking a sense of natural beauty and craftsmanship. The script is flowing and cursive, with the letters seamlessly connecting to form the word “Seagull.” Above the script, the silhouette of a seagull in flight adds a touch of grace and freedom, symbolizing the brand’s commitment to producing guitars that inspire creativity and exploration. The overall design is both sophisticated and approachable, making it a fitting representation of the Seagull brand.
Parker
The Parker logo is a striking and contemporary design that features a black script with a unique twist. The script is slightly angular and bold, giving it a modern and edgy feel that reflects the brand’s innovative approach to guitar manufacturing. The inclusion of the word “Guitars” in a small, rectangular box beneath the script adds a touch of formality and structure to the design. The overall composition is clean and minimalist, with the bold strokes of the script creating a sense of movement and dynamism. This logo is a perfect representation of Parker’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of guitar design and performance.
Takamine
The Takamine logo is a beautiful and elegant script that exudes a sense of tradition and craftsmanship. The black color of the logo adds a touch of sophistication and timelessness, making it a perfect fit for the brand’s high-quality guitars. The script is flowing and cursive, with the letters connecting seamlessly to form the word “Takamine.” The inclusion of a subtle flourish on the “T” and the final “e” adds a touch of artistry and attention to detail, reflecting the brand’s dedication to producing finely crafted instruments. The overall design is both classic and modern, capturing the essence of Takamine’s rich heritage and innovative spirit.
Vox
The Vox logo is a bold and distinctive emblem that combines a classic design with a modern twist. The gold color of the logo is rich and luxurious, evoking a sense of quality and prestige. The logo features the word “VOX” in a thick, serif font that is both strong and elegant. The letters are set within a stylized shield shape, which adds a touch of formality and structure to the design. Beneath the wordmark, the phrase “AMPLIFICATION LTD.” is included in a smaller, sans-serif font, providing additional context and information. The overall design is clean and sophisticated, making it a fitting representation of Vox’s commitment to producing high-quality amplifiers and musical equipment.
Chapman
The Chapman Guitars logo is a striking and robust design that immediately captures attention with its distinctive grunge aesthetic. It features the word “Chapman” in a bold, uppercase font with a distressed texture, giving it a rugged, edgy appearance. Below “Chapman,” the word “Guitars” is presented in a slightly smaller, yet equally bold font, maintaining the same distressed look. The design is flanked by two stylized guitar headstocks on either side, emphasizing the brand’s core product. The headstocks are detailed with strings and tuning pegs, adding a realistic touch to the logo. At the bottom, a subtle infinity symbol adds a touch of elegance and suggests the enduring quality of Chapman Guitars. The monochromatic black and white color scheme enhances the boldness of the design, making it easily recognizable and memorable.
Yamaha
The Yamaha logo is a sleek and modern design that combines simplicity with a touch of elegance. The logo features the word “Yamaha” in a bold, uppercase font, rendered in a striking purple color that conveys creativity and sophistication. Above the wordmark, there is a circular emblem containing three interlocked tuning forks, symbolizing Yamaha’s rich heritage in musical instrument manufacturing. The emblem is also in purple, maintaining a cohesive color scheme. Below the main wordmark, the phrase “Make Waves” is written in a flowing, cursive font, adding a sense of movement and dynamism to the logo. The purple underline beneath the slogan further emphasizes this sense of fluidity and motion. Overall, the Yamaha logo effectively communicates the brand’s dedication to innovation and excellence in music.
Epiphone
The Epiphone logo is a masterful blend of tradition and modernity, featuring a flowing, cursive script that is both elegant and bold. The logo is presented in a solid black color, adding a touch of sophistication and timelessness. The initial “E” is uniquely designed, with its upper stroke extending horizontally to create a balanced and harmonious look. The remaining letters are seamlessly connected, forming a fluid and cohesive wordmark. This design choice reflects Epiphone’s commitment to producing high-quality guitars that appeal to musicians across generations. The clean lines and graceful curves of the logo make it easily recognizable and visually appealing, perfectly embodying the brand’s legacy and innovation.
Heritage
The Heritage Guitar Inc. logo exudes a sense of classic elegance and artisanal craftsmanship. The logo features the word “Heritage” in a flowing, cursive script, rendered in a solid black color. The script is slightly angled, giving the logo a dynamic and lively feel. Below “Heritage,” the words “Guitar Inc.” are written in a smaller, more formal serif font, providing a clear and professional touch. The combination of the two fonts creates a balanced and harmonious composition, reflecting the brand’s dedication to both tradition and innovation. The use of black adds a touch of sophistication and timelessness, making the logo easily recognizable and memorable.
Guild
The Guild logo is a bold and distinctive emblem that combines elements of tradition and modernity. The logo features the word “Guild” in a unique, stylized font that is both angular and sleek. Each letter is carefully crafted to create a sense of strength and stability. Above the wordmark, there is a shield-like symbol with a stylized “G” in the center, adding a touch of formality and structure to the design. The entire logo is presented in a solid black color, enhancing its boldness and making it easily recognizable. The Guild logo effectively communicates the brand’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship in guitar manufacturing.
Ovation
The Ovation Guitars logo is a refined and elegant design that combines simplicity with sophistication. The word “Ovation” is written in a bold, yet graceful cursive script, with each letter flowing seamlessly into the next. The solid black color of the logo adds a touch of timelessness and sophistication. Below the word “Ovation,” the word “GUITARS” is written in a smaller, uppercase serif font, providing a clear and professional touch. The overall design is clean and minimalist, reflecting the brand’s dedication to producing high-quality guitars that are both beautiful and functional. The Ovation logo is easily recognizable and memorable, making it a perfect representation of the brand’s legacy and innovation.
Lâg
The Lâg Guitars logo is a modern and dynamic design that features a unique, stylized wordmark. The logo is presented in a bold, black color, adding a touch of elegance and authority. The word “Lâg” is written in a custom script that combines sharp angles with smooth curves, creating a sense of movement and energy. Below the wordmark, the word “GUITARS” is written in a smaller, uppercase serif font, providing a clear and professional touch. The overall design is clean and contemporary, reflecting the brand’s commitment to innovation and excellence in guitar manufacturing. The Lâg logo is easily recognizable and visually appealing, making it a perfect representation of the brand’s modern and forward-thinking approach.
D’Angelico
The D’Angelico logo is a masterful blend of tradition and sophistication, featuring a flowing cursive script that exudes elegance and class. The logo is presented in a solid black color, adding a touch of timelessness and authority. The word “D’Angelico” is written in a graceful, cursive script, with each letter seamlessly connecting to form a fluid and cohesive wordmark. Below the main wordmark, the words “NEW YORK” are written in a smaller, uppercase sans-serif font, adding a modern and professional touch. The combination of the two fonts creates a balanced and harmonious composition, reflecting the brand’s rich heritage and commitment to quality. The overall design is both classic and contemporary, making the D’Angelico logo easily recognizable and memorable.
Gretsch
The Gretsch logo is a bold and dynamic design that perfectly captures the brand’s energetic spirit and rich heritage. Rendered in a striking orange color, the logo features the word “Gretsch” in an uppercase, custom typeface. The letters are slightly slanted, creating a sense of forward motion and progress. A horizontal line extends from the top of the “G” and crosses over the entire word, adding a touch of continuity and cohesion to the design. The sharp angles and clean lines of the font reflect the precision and craftsmanship that Gretsch is known for in the world of musical instruments. This logo is not only visually appealing but also instantly recognizable, embodying the legacy and innovation of the Gretsch brand.
Martin
The C.F. Martin & Co. logo is a timeless and elegant design that reflects the brand’s long-standing tradition and commitment to quality. The logo features the brand name “C.F. Martin & Co.” in a classic, serif typeface with flowing, cursive elements. The letters are beautifully crafted with delicate curves and flourishes, giving the logo a sophisticated and refined appearance. Below the main wordmark, the establishment year “EST. 1833” is prominently displayed, emphasizing the brand’s rich history and legacy in guitar manufacturing. The use of black adds a touch of formality and timelessness, making the logo both visually appealing and instantly recognizable. Overall, the Martin logo is a perfect representation of the brand’s dedication to producing high-quality, finely crafted guitars.
Godin
The Godin Guitars logo is a sleek and contemporary design that combines elegance with a touch of artistic flair. The logo features the brand name “Godin” in a flowing, cursive script, rendered in a solid black color. The script is smooth and fluid, with each letter seamlessly connecting to form a cohesive wordmark. The lowercase “g” is particularly distinctive, with its elongated tail adding a sense of motion and dynamism to the design. Below the main wordmark, the word “GUITARS” is written in a smaller, uppercase sans-serif font, providing a clear and professional touch. The overall design is clean and modern, reflecting the brand’s commitment to innovation and excellence in guitar manufacturing.
ESP
The ESP logo is a bold and modern design that exudes a sense of power and precision. The logo features the brand name “ESP” in a custom, uppercase typeface that is both striking and distinctive. The letters are thick and angular, with sharp edges and clean lines that convey strength and stability. The black color of the logo adds a touch of sophistication and formality, making it stand out in the competitive world of guitar brands. The overall design is minimalistic yet impactful, reflecting ESP’s dedication to producing high-performance guitars that appeal to musicians across genres. The ESP logo is easily recognizable and visually appealing, embodying the brand’s commitment to quality and innovation.
Dean
The Dean Guitars logo is a powerful and dynamic design that captures the brand’s bold and adventurous spirit. The logo features the word “Dean” in a bold, uppercase typeface, flanked by two stylized wings that extend outward, creating a sense of movement and freedom. The wings are detailed with sharp edges and clean lines, adding a touch of aggression and intensity to the design. Below the main wordmark, the word “GUITARS” is written in a smaller, uppercase serif font, providing a clear and professional touch. The black color of the logo adds a touch of sophistication and formality, making it easily recognizable and visually striking. The Dean Guitars logo perfectly represents the brand’s commitment to producing high-quality, innovative guitars that inspire musicians to push the boundaries of their creativity.
B.C. Rich
The B.C. Rich Guitars logo is a bold and stylish design that perfectly captures the brand’s edgy and rebellious spirit. The logo features the brand name “B.C. Rich” in a flowing, cursive script, rendered in a solid black color. The script is dynamic and fluid, with each letter seamlessly connecting to form a cohesive wordmark. Below the main wordmark, the word “GUITARS” is written in a smaller, uppercase sans-serif font, providing a clear and professional touch. The overall design is clean and modern, reflecting the brand’s commitment to innovation and excellence in guitar manufacturing. The B.C. Rich logo is easily recognizable and visually appealing, making it a perfect representation of the brand’s bold and adventurous approach to guitar design.
Ernie Ball Music Man
The Ernie Ball Music Man logo is a bold and dynamic design that combines elements of tradition and modernity. The logo features the brand name “Ernie Ball” in a custom, uppercase typeface with sharp edges and clean lines. Below “Ernie Ball,” the words “MUSIC MAN” are written in a bold, uppercase sans-serif font, creating a strong and cohesive wordmark. The logo is flanked by two stylized guitarists, adding a touch of personality and creativity to the design. The entire composition is enclosed within a rectangular box, providing a sense of structure and balance. The black color of the logo adds a touch of sophistication and timelessness, making it easily recognizable and visually appealing.
Schecter
The Schecter logo is a striking and distinctive design that exudes a sense of power and sophistication. The logo features the brand name “Schecter” in a bold, blackletter typeface that is both classic and modern. The letters are thick and angular, with sharp edges and clean lines that convey strength and stability. The black color of the logo adds a touch of elegance and formality, making it stand out in the competitive world of guitar brands. The overall design is minimalistic yet impactful, reflecting Schecter’s dedication to producing high-quality, innovative guitars that appeal to musicians across genres. The Schecter logo is easily recognizable and visually appealing, embodying the brand’s commitment to excellence and craftsmanship.
Rickenbacker
The Rickenbacker logo exemplifies simplicity and elegance with its distinct typography and monochromatic color scheme. The black-and-white design enhances readability and ensures the logo stands out. The custom typeface features a modern, stylized script that flows seamlessly from one character to the next, embodying the fluidity and artistry of the guitars the company produces. The bold, interconnected letters provide a sense of unity and strength, while the rounded edges soften the overall look, adding a touch of sophistication. The logo’s clean lines and balanced proportions reflect the precision and quality synonymous with the Rickenbacker brand, making it instantly recognizable in the music industry.
Larrivée
The Larrivée logo is a testment to the brand’s dedication to craftsmanship and elegance. Utilizing a sophisticated black-and-white color scheme, the logo features a custom script typeface that exudes a sense of refinement and grace. The flowing, cursive lettering captures the artisanal quality of Larrivée guitars, with each stroke reflecting meticulous attention to detail. The slight tilt and varying thickness of the characters add a dynamic quality to the logo, suggesting movement and musicality. The underlining stroke beneath the wordmark not only grounds the logo but also adds a touch of flair, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to high standards and artistic expression.
RainSong
The RainSong logo is distinctive and artistic, encapsulating the brand’s innovative approach to guitar manufacturing. The bold, black script typeface features intricate curves and flourishes, giving the logo a vintage yet timeless appeal. The thick lines and generous spacing between characters ensure that the logo is both readable and striking. The whimsical, almost playful design of the letters conveys a sense of creativity and uniqueness, qualities that are intrinsic to RainSong guitars. The cohesive flow of the typography mirrors the seamless sound and quality of their instruments, making the logo a fitting representation of the brand’s identity in the music world.
Cort
The Cort logo, with its elegant and refined design, speaks volumes about the brand’s dedication to quality and craftsmanship. The golden hue of the lettering adds a touch of luxury and sophistication, setting it apart from more conventional black-and-white logos. The custom typeface, with its smooth, flowing curves and subtle serifs, reflects the brand’s commitment to producing high-quality, aesthetically pleasing guitars. The slightly italicized script gives a sense of forward motion and dynamism, suggesting innovation and progress. The logo’s simplicity and clarity ensure it is easily recognizable, reinforcing Cort’s strong presence in the competitive guitar market.
Washburn
The Washburn logo is a classic and timeless design that effectively communicates the brand’s rich heritage and tradition in guitar manufacturing. The black script typeface features elegant, flowing lines that evoke a sense of craftsmanship and artistry. The bold yet graceful lettering is both eye-catching and legible, making it instantly recognizable. The logo’s simplicity is its strength, as it reflects the straightforward quality and reliability of Washburn guitars. The slight curvature and connection between the letters add a harmonious feel to the design, underscoring the musical essence of the brand and its instruments.
Suhr
The Suhr logo is modern and distinctive, capturing the essence of innovation and excellence that the brand stands for. The bold, black script typeface is characterized by its sharp, angular lines and unique letterforms, which give the logo a contemporary and edgy look. The dynamic strokes and the unconventional design of certain characters, such as the “S” and “h”, create a sense of movement and energy. This reflects the cutting-edge technology and high performance of Suhr guitars. The minimalist color scheme ensures the logo is versatile and impactful, making it a strong visual identifier for the brand in the music industry.
Waterloo
The Waterloo logo, featuring the tagline “By Collings Guitars,” epitomizes a blend of tradition and craftsmanship inherent in the brand. The visual identity of Waterloo is built on a robust and straightforward typeface, rendered in a rich, dark color that exudes a sense of vintage charm. The typography is reminiscent of early 20th-century aesthetics, with subtle curves and bold strokes that convey reliability and heritage. The distinct choice of font, with its slightly irregular edges, suggests a handcrafted quality, echoing the artisanal nature of Waterloo’s guitar production. The inclusion of “By Collings Guitars” underneath in a more understated font highlights the brand’s lineage and connection to the esteemed Collings Guitars, reinforcing a message of quality and authenticity. This logo’s simplicity and elegance make it instantly recognizable and synonymous with the timeless sound and meticulous craftsmanship of Waterloo guitars.
Strandberg
Strandberg’s logo is a testament to modernity and innovation in guitar design. The logo features the brand name in lowercase letters with a distinctive green color, which conveys a sense of freshness and progressiveness. The typeface is clean and sans-serif, reflecting the minimalist and ergonomic philosophy of Strandberg guitars. The unique dot before “strandberg” and the asterisk at the end add a playful yet sophisticated touch, setting the brand apart from traditional guitar logos. This visual identity speaks to Strandberg’s commitment to cutting-edge technology and design, appealing to musicians who seek both aesthetic and functional excellence. The green hue symbolizes growth and innovation, aligning with the brand’s ethos of continuous improvement and reinvention in the musical instrument industry. This logo encapsulates Strandberg’s vision of the future of guitar craftsmanship, where tradition meets avant-garde design.
Silvertone
The Silvertone logo encapsulates a sense of nostalgia and classic elegance, resonating with its rich history in the music industry. The logo is characterized by a flowing, cursive typeface that exudes a retro charm, harking back to the mid-20th century when Silvertone guitars were first introduced. The smooth, interconnected strokes of the letters create a sense of fluidity and movement, reflecting the musical heritage and the ease of play associated with Silvertone instruments. The choice of black for the typography enhances its timeless appeal, ensuring that it stands out against any background while maintaining a sleek and sophisticated appearance. The logo’s simplicity and the slight slant in the lettering suggest a dynamic and approachable brand, appealing to both vintage enthusiasts and contemporary musicians. Silvertone’s visual identity, through this elegant and understated logo, communicates a legacy of quality and affordability, making it a beloved name among guitar players for generations.
Duesenberg
The Duesenberg logo stands out in the world of guitar manufacturing for its distinctive and luxurious design. The emblem features a sleek and modern metallic “D” that appears to be in motion, with streamlined lines trailing behind it, reminiscent of speed and precision. This design not only captures the essence of high-performance but also pays homage to the brand’s automotive heritage. The choice of a shiny, metallic silver gradient adds a touch of elegance and sophistication, setting it apart from more traditional guitar logos. Below the dynamic “D” symbol, the company name “DUESENBERG” is presented in a clean, uppercase sans-serif typeface, which exudes confidence and clarity. The typeface is bold yet refined, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Overall, the Duesenberg logo combines elements of luxury, innovation, and timeless design, making it instantly recognizable and a symbol of excellence in the guitar industry.
Charvel
The Charvel logo is an iconic representation of the brand’s rich history and commitment to high-performance guitars. The design ingeniously incorporates the silhouette of a guitar into the typography, with the bold “C” and “H” forming the body of the instrument and the rest of the brand name extending outwards like the guitar’s neck and headstock. This creative integration not only emphasizes the brand’s focus on guitars but also creates a visually striking and memorable image. The solid black color of the logo adds a sense of power and simplicity, ensuring that it stands out in any context. The font used is robust and slightly angular, conveying a sense of strength and durability that aligns with the quality of Charvel guitars. The subtle curves and unique shaping of the letters add a dynamic and energetic feel to the logo, reflecting the brand’s association with rock and metal genres. Overall, the Charvel logo is a masterful blend of creativity and clarity, perfectly encapsulating the essence of the brand in a single, cohesive design.
Conclusion
In the world of the guitar industry, there are several well-known and influential brands whose instruments have had a huge impact on the development of music and have become an integral part of the history of rock and roll and other genres. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for new players in the market. In today’s article, we’ve looked at the logos of both legendary brands with long histories and comparative “newcomers” to the industry. However, no matter how much experience a company has behind it, its visual identity perfectly reflects the essence and spirit of the brand and its core values.
