Pinpointing “the” indie and alternative guitar sound can be difficult, especially depending on your preferred subgenre and era of music.
Traditionally, we hear a lot of jangle in these genres, making single-coil guitars a particular favorite. However, with alternative music being so broad, there’s also a place for that thicker, fuller humbucking roar when things get heavier. Additionally, a lot of guitars frequented by popular indie and alternative artists take after some cool and unique old-school aesthetics.
The good news is, if it’s indie and alternative tones that you’re after, then Sweetwater has loads of guitars that fit the bill. No matter your budget, stylistic needs, or where your tonal preferences fall on the indie and alternative sound spectrum, these are the axes you want backing your band.
Below $500
Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Telecaster
Since the emergence of alternative music in the late 1970s, the Telecaster has stood as a simplistic, jangly, and devilishly handsome choice for experimental guitarists. The Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Telecaster channels the spirit of the earliest examples of these guitars and their vintage sound. Fender’s own alnico single-coils rest at the bridge and neck position, just as they did in the guitar’s early stages. And, if you’re into preserving that thrift-store vibe, the CV50’s vintage-style tuners, neck tints, and finishes will certainly scratch that itch. For crisp, classic single-coil Fender action, this pine-bodied six-string is a great place to turn!
Squier Classic Vibe ’60s Jazzmaster
In recent years, we’ve seen the Jazzmaster skyrocket in popularity within the indie scene — and that’s no coincidence! With the Squire Classic Vibe ’60s Jazzmaster, you’ll hear just how mesmerizing those Jazzmaster single-coils can be. Its original, trailblazing offset body style is eye-catching, and its intuitive electronics afford players an exceptional tonal range from bright and snappy to warm and bubbly. And, with several vintage-inspired finishes to choose from, including 3-tone Sunburst, Olympic White, and Sonic Blue, your Jazz is sure to look the part, as well. From J Mascis to Thom Yorke to Courtney Barnett, the Jazzmaster has become the trusted axe of choice for many artists of countless alternative and indie subgenres.
Ibanez AZES
The Ibanez AZES is an indie artist’s best option to enter the triple-single-coil game at a budget-friendly price all without compromising on playability. With its classic double-cutaway shape and “SSS” pickup configuration, you’ll achieve the legendary chime and familiar feel you need to frontload fuzzes and push through a mix. And, with Berklee professor and YouTube sensation Tomo Fujita spearheading its design process, you can bet the tones don’t end there. Dial in your exact indie or alternative tone of choice with the onboard proprietary dyna-MIX8 switching system, unveiling up to eight different tonal foundations to shape from. For modestly priced guitars, skimping on quality is easy — but Ibanez defied this stereotype with confidence with the AZES!
Yamaha Revstar Element RSE20
Looking for something affordable with effortless style and a little more richness in tone? The dual Alnico V humbuckers of the Yamaha Revstar Element RSE20 are sure to do the trick! This guitar offers fantastic midrange punch for indie and alternative styles with a push-pull-operated “Dry” switch for tightening up the low end and clearing up your tone. On top of sounding superb, this axe is quite easy on the eyes. The mini-horn double-cutaway body shape, racing stripes, and matching pickguard wrap this Revstar into a midcentury-style visual package that your audiences will adore. A mahogany neck and body combo gives this guitar off-the-charts sustain for shoegaze and post-rock leads.
Between $500–$1,000
Danelectro ’59M NOS+ Semi-hollowbody
Taking after the original designs of the ’50s and ’60s, the Danelectro ’59M NOS+ semi-hollowbody has a distinctive look matched by no other guitar on the market. This Dano boasts a pair of heritage lipstick-style NOS+ pickups for a rounder single-coil sound that’s bright on top, heavy down low, and very present right in the middle. Unlike many of the original models, this Danelectro doesn’t fall victim to intonation issues of the past, thanks to its reliable wraparound bridge and adjustable tension rod, making it totally tour ready. From the long pickguard/control plate to the stacked volume/tone controls, from the narrow headstock to its iconic and unique side binding, this guitar is an indie artist’s dream come true and pure Danelectro through and through.
Epiphone Riviera Semi-hollowbody
As cool as solidbodies are, we always love to see some open-top axes in the mix. A guitar like the Epiphone Riviera semi-hollowbody is one that fits the indie or alternative vibe perfectly. Thanks to its mini humbuckers, you can say hello to beefy cleans and furious distortion, making pronounced fingerstyle riffing and unforgettable alternative drones a cinch to manage. Whatever style you play, rest easy knowing that tuning stability won’t be an issue, thanks to the Riviera’s LockTone Tune-o-matic bridge and Epiphone Vintage Deluxe tuner combination. A sleek C-shaped neck feels great in hand for chord exploration, while that classic, ES-like double-cutaway design is an absolute head turner on any stage.
Above $1,000
Fender Kurt Cobain Jag-Stang
Where would alternative rock be without the grunge guitar influence of Kurt Cobain? We can’t say for sure, but we are positive his spirited riffing lives on in the Fender Kurt Cobain Jag-Stang. This axe is a tasteful blend, stylistically and electronically, of the unwitting legend’s original guitars of choice: the Fender Jaguar and Mustang. A custom Jag-Stang humbucker in the bridge position paired with a single-coil neck pickup gives you access to virtually any alternative tone you need, whether it be crunchy and full-bodied or plucky and chimey. It’s a short scale, too — only 24 inches in scale length — which makes it excellent for smaller-framed musicians and for reducing string tension. Phase settings, a Mustang tremolo, and J Bass control knobs and tuners round out this Fender blender with a myriad of dependable and tonally creative features!
Gibson ES-335 Semi-hollowbody
ES guitars have had a presence in the alternative scene for quite some time with notable wielders like Noel Gallagher and Chris Cornell remaining true to them for decades. One of the many attractive features of the Gibson ES-335 semi-hollowbody is the mixture of its iconic double-cutaway, semi-hollowbody shape and the dueling Calibrated T-Type humbuckers. You want fullness? You got it! Everything about this guitar is a show stopper from the mahogany set neck and rosewood fretboard combo to the Vintage Deluxe tuners with classic keystone buttons. It’s even equipped with 500K potentiometers and premium Orange Drop capacitors for maximum signal clarity. Per-pickup volume and tone controls offer up tremendous humbucking tonal freedom for crafting distortion, as well — and with pure vintage Top Hat class, too. Imagine taking the stage with this beauty!
Rickenbacker 330 Thinline Semi-hollowbody
Though Ricks have been used across numerous genres, it may surprise you to learn that alternative rock is arguably one of the most frequented. Try out the Rickenbacker 330 thinline semi-hollow at your next gig and put its pair of high output single-coils through their paces — you’ll soon understand why! The bright tone cuts with absolute ease, bringing lead lines and shimmering chords to life like it’s nothing. Johnny Marr of The Smiths? Peter Buck of R.E.M.? Yep — now we’re talking! Design elements like the classic cat-eye soundhole, tall horns, vintage control knobs, and traditional “R” tailpiece will catch the eyes of every audience member, guaranteed! And, when you’re tone shaping, don’t forget about the proprietary mini “blend knob” for some added color and output when you need it.
Take Your Pick!
We’re off to a great start, but this is only the beginning! If you found something on our list that called out to you, then give us a call at (800) 222-4700. Our devoted team of expert Sales Engineers will work with you to find the right guitar for your alternative or indie sound at the right price. From all of us here at Sweetwater — keep it alternative!
