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.
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.
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.
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
