The Guitars Behind YouTube’s Most Famous Guitarists
Many fans often wonder what guitars their favorite YouTube stars are playing when they watch viral covers or breathtaking performances online. These instruments aren’t just tools, they’re part of the artist’s unique identity and sound. In this article, we take a closer look at six well-known YouTube guitarists and uncover the exact guitars, their cost, and why these instruments perfectly match their styles.
Kfir Ochaion – Alan Walker: Faded
Guitar: Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster
Cost & Info: Fender’s Custom Shop Stratocasters typically cost $3,000–$6,000+, depending on the build and specifications. These are premium versions of the iconic Stratocaster, featuring high-end tonewoods, hand-wound pickups, and impeccable craftsmanship.
Context: Kfir Ochaion is known for his melodic and emotional guitar covers, and the Strat’s bright single-coil tone provides the perfect clarity and dynamics for his expressive style. Its versatility allows him to shift seamlessly from clean atmospherics to soaring leads.
Cole Rolland – Canon Rock
Guitar: Kiesel Cole Rolland Signature Series
Cost & Info: Cole’s Kiesel signature guitar starts at around $1,999, with higher-end models reaching above $3,000. It features a neck-through design for sustain, 24 frets for full range, and active EMG pickups, making it a modern shredder’s dream.
Context: As a guitarist famous for blending technical precision with cinematic arrangements, Cole Rolland needs a guitar that can handle fast runs and high-gain tones. The locking tremolo and active pickups make his signature Kiesel the ideal partner for his energetic performances.
Luca Stricagnoli – Lose Yourself (Fingerstyle)
Guitar: Lâg Tramontane HyVibe THV30ACE
Cost & Info: Priced around $1,299–$1,500, this smart acoustic features a solid spruce top, bocote back and sides, and the HyVibe system, which provides built-in effects, looping, and Bluetooth connectivity.
Context: Luca is a pioneer in fingerstyle guitar, and this instrument empowers his one-man-band approach. The built-in looper and effects allow him to create rich textures without pedals, while the guitar’s acoustic tone ensures every pluck and slap is crystal clear.
Alexandr Misko – Careless Whisper
Guitar: Lâg THV30ACE HyVibe (Natural Folk version)
Cost & Info: Similar to Luca’s guitar, Misko’s model falls within the $1,299–$1,500 price range. It features the same auditorium cutaway design, spruce top, and smart HyVibe electronics.
Context: Alexandr Misko is known for his innovative fingerstyle arrangements and percussive techniques. The HyVibe guitar allows him to add delay, reverb, or loops directly through the instrument, which enhances his signature groove-heavy style.
Marcin – Classical Dragon
Guitar: Saito S-622TLC (Electric) & Ibanez MRC10 Acoustic
Cost & Info: Saito guitars are boutique Japanese instruments, often priced around $2,000–$3,000. They feature swamp ash or alder bodies, custom-wound pickups, and lightweight ergonomic designs. His Ibanez MRC10 acoustic complements his diverse style.
Context: Marcin combines classical techniques with modern shredding, requiring instruments that balance clarity and power. The Saito’s boutique build and high-output pickups give him the punch needed for technical riffs, while his Ibanez acoustic allows for expressive solo pieces.
Tim Henson – Polyphia: Playing God
Guitar: Ibanez FRH10N (and Ibanez TOD10N Signature)
Cost & Info: The FRH10N thinline nylon-electric sells for around $529, while Tim’s signature Ibanez TOD10N is priced higher, around $699–$799. These guitars combine classical nylon tone with modern playability and electronics.
Context: As Polyphia’s lead guitarist, Tim Henson constantly blends genres from classical to hip-hop-infused prog rock. The nylon-electric guitars give him warmth and expressive dynamics while remaining stage-friendly, making them integral to his groundbreaking sound.
TL;DR — Which Guitar Should You Choose?
- For versatility and melodic clarity: Fender Custom Shop Strat (Kfir Ochaion)
- For shredders and technical players: Kiesel Signature (Cole Rolland)
- For fingerstyle innovators: Lâg HyVibe THV30ACE (Luca Stricagnoli, Alexandr Misko)
- For classical-meets-modern fusion: Saito S-622TLC & Ibanez MRC10 (Marcin)
- For nylon-electric experimentation: Ibanez FRH10N / TOD10N (Tim Henson)
Before buying, think about your style: lead guitarists might lean toward Strat or Kiesel, fingerstyle players toward the Lâg HyVibe, and genre-blending innovators toward boutique or nylon-electric options.
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