When it comes to guitars, there are many great brands from around the world.
Canada is home to some of the best guitar makers in the business, and their creations are celebrated for their quality and craftsmanship.
From electric to acoustic, Canadian-made guitars have a unique sound and style that is distinctively and very recognizable.
In this article, we’ve rounded up some of the top Canadian guitar brands and their signature instruments that have become popular around the world.
Read on to learn more about these incredible companies and their guitars!
Table of Contents
1. Godin Guitars
Godin Guitars is a leading Canadian guitar maker that has been in operation since 1972.
Robert Godin, the founder, it’s said started building guitars in a small rural Quebec village, following his passion for music and craftsmanship.
Their guitars are known for their quality and attention to detail, as well as their unique sound; from electric to acoustic guitars, they have something to suit every player.
In the past, they also produced ukuleles and even mandolin but have since shifted their focus to just guitars for the most part.
One of their most popular models includes the Multiac series of hybrid guitars, the LG Hmb, and other Les Paul-style electrics.
As they have started, their goal is to “always provide superior guitars that allow any musician to learn, develop, and most importantly, enjoy their musical abilities.”
Overall, Godin guitars are a great choice for players looking for high-quality Canadian-made instruments.
2. Seagull Guitars
Seagull Guitars is another top Canadian guitar maker, based in La Patrie, Quebec.
Their guitars are handmade from start to finish using sustainably sourced wood and materials from their home province of Quebec.
The company has been around since 1982, and they have a team of devoted guitar makers that take great pride in crafting each instrument.
Their award-winning S6 Original model is one of their most popular creations and has a distinct sound that players can recognize easily.
On top of that, they also offer Burnt Umber colors and the exquisite sound of their Artist Series guitars, which continues to make believers out of players across the world.
If you’re looking for an excellent Canadian-made guitar, Seagull is a great choice.
3. Larrivée Guitars
Larrivée Guitars is a family-run guitar company that has been around since 1967.
They are Canadian-made and have built a reputation for producing some of the finest acoustic guitars in the business.
Using FSC wood, which stands for ‘Forest Stewardship Council’ (an international non-profit organization dedicated to promoting responsible forestry) they make sure to engage in as much selective logging as possible.
In other words, they claim to be right there in the forest, taking part in the creation of each instrument from the very start to finish.
You can imagine that such attention to detail goes into making sure each guitar is of the best quality.
Many of their models have become fan favorites, so if you’re looking for an excellent acoustic guitar, Larrivée Guitars are definitely worth checking out.
4. Simon & Patrick
Simon & Patrick Guitars is a Canadian guitar maker that specializes in crafting acoustic guitars.
Their instruments are known for their exceptional craftsmanship and tone – all of which comes from their careful selection of tonewoods, such as solid spruce tops and exotic ebony back and sides.
They have a variety of models, ranging from classical to folk-style guitars, and their commitment to quality has made them well-respected guitar makers in Canada.
On top of that, they’re perfect for anyone who is looking for a reliable acoustic guitar that is designed with exacting standards and craftsmanship.
5. Northwood Guitars
Northwood Guitars is another Canadian guitar brand that has been around for a very long time now.
Founded by luthier John McQuarrie in 1994, they specialize in the production of custom-made electric and acoustic guitars.
The company prides itself on its use of high-quality tonewoods combined with top-of-the-line hardware and pickups to create a sound that is both warm and powerful.
Their guitars are known for their craftsmanship and attention to detail, making them a great choice for anyone looking for an instrument that will last a lifetime.
On top of that, Northwood Guitars also offers repair and restoration services, making it a great place to take your guitar in if you ever find yourself in need of some professional attention.
If you’re looking for a unique, high-quality guitar that will stand out from the crowd, Northwood Guitars is definitely worth checking out.
6. Prestige Guitars
Prestige Guitars is dedicated to the absolute highest quality craftsmanship and are dedicated to providing the best possible instruments that money can buy.
As a company, they pride themselves on their attention to detail and the level of care they put into each guitar.
Every Prestige instrument is hand-crafted with the utmost skill, using only the finest craftsmanship available.
The company’s commitment to quality extends far beyond the build process; its customer service team is second-to-none, offering prompt and reliable support for every one of its models.
As they’re easily recognized as a leader in the guitar industry, offering instruments that are dynamic, reliable, and well-crafted.
They’re located in Vancouver, Canada, and they’re proud of their commitment to the art of lutherie.
Each instrument is designed with a passion for tone and playability and tested thoroughly before leaving the shop.
Prestige Guitars are known for producing some of the finest electric guitars in the world, no matter what style you’re looking for.
7. Riversong Guitars
Riversong Guitars is another example of a Canadian guitar brand that is surely making its way into the Canadian guitar market.
Founded by Mike Miltimore, Riversong Guitars is a company that strives to provide premium quality guitars with innovative design and craftsmanship.
From their patented neck-thru design which increases resonance, to their unique aesthetic designs of various acoustic guitars, Riversong has something for everyone looking for a unique and wonderful playing experience.
Aside from the neck-thru design, Riversong guitars are also known for their innovative and beautiful etched designs on the body of their guitars, making them stand out compared to other guitar models in the Canadian market.
Having this patent in their pocket allows Riversong to be as unique and creative as they want with their designs, allowing guitarists to find the perfect guitar for their playing needs.
If you’re looking for a Canadian guitar brand that has something special and unique to offer, then Riversong Guitars is definitely worth checking out.
8. Frank Brothers Guitars
Frank Brothers Guitars is a family business based out of Toronto, Ontario.
Founded by three brothers, Nick, Jon, and Tim, Frank Brothers Guitars offers an array of custom-made guitars that range from electric to acoustic, and bass.
The brothers have been crafting guitars since they were teenagers, and their passion for music is reflected in each guitar they make.
Each instrument is unique with its own sound, look, and feel due to the meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into each one.
With their commitment to excellence and passion for music, Frank Brothers Guitars is definitely one of the best Canadian guitar brands out there!
On top of that, the company has a customer-first policy, and they strive to provide the best customer service experience possible.
They also offer an array of customization options such as wood, finish, color, hardware, and electronics so that you can create your own unique instrument.
9. Beneteau Guitars
Beneteau Guitars is one really good Canadian brand that has been making custom acoustic guitars since 1974.
They are based in Ottawa and specialize in handcrafted, custom-made instruments of the highest quality.
Using only the best tonewoods and craftsmanship, Beneteau Guitars make sure that your dreams for a perfect guitar come true!
All their instruments are made with love and care to ensure that they last a lifetime.
No matter what type of guitar you are looking for, Beneteau is sure to have something that will suit your individual style.
Whether it’s the classic dreadnought shape or something more intricate, you can be sure to get an instrument of exceptional quality.
10. Sorokin Guitars
We didn’t find Sorokin Guitars to be one of the top-known guitar brands in Canada, but we certainly think they should be.
Sorokin Guitars is an Edmonton-based small shop that specializes in handmade and highly customized guitars modeled after classic 50s instruments.
Using only the finest materials and meticulous attention to detail, Sorokin Guitars delivers a unique playing experience unlike any other guitar on the market today.
Each guitar is crafted with love and care, ensuring that each one is truly a work of art.
Some things you should know are that Sorokin Guitars doesn’t take custom orders, they are only available at Stang Guitars in Edmonton, and their cases smell like fine boutique desserts 🙂
Although there’s limited availability of Sorokin Guitars, they are definitely worth checking out if you’re in the market for an exceptional handmade guitar.
11. Gilmore Guitars
Gilmore Guitars is a small guitar-making business established in 1995 by David Gilmore.
Located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, which is a small city in the heart of Canada’s prairie provinces, Gilmore Guitars has become a highly sought-after brand.
The company is committed to providing each customer with unparalleled craftsmanship and quality materials.
Their focus on detail ensures that every guitar produced by Gilmore Guitars meets the highest level of performance and sound quality.
Each guitar is made with the customer’s individual needs in mind, making it a unique and valuable piece of art.
In addition to their commitment to craftsmanship and quality materials, Gilmore Guitars also provides excellent customer service.
They provide every customer with technical advice and assistance, as well as maintenance services specifically tailored to their individual needs.
The one thing I loved is their Build Your Own Guitar Program, which allows customers to customize their guitars with a multitude of options.
This will make your guitar truly one-of-a-kind and an instrument that you can treasure for years to come, so if you’re looking for a truly special guitar, then Gilmore Guitars is definitely the way to go!
12. Beardsell Guitars
Beardsell Guitars is a Canadian company that creates some of the most beautiful and unique custom instruments in the world.
Led by master luthier Al Beardsell, each instrument is handcrafted from start to finish with an eye for detail and craftsmanship.
From chambered bodies to multi-scale fan frets, Beardsell Guitars also uses a lot of top-quality materials to create their unique instruments.
These guitars are made for musicians looking to stand out from the crowd and make a statement with their playing.
Each instrument is completely unique, crafted with passion, and built to last.
On top of that, Beardsell Guitars also offers repair and restoration services, as well as custom parts and accessories, which makes them a great one-stop shop for all your guitar needs.
13. Acer Guitars
Acer Guitars is a Canadian-based company owned and operated by Michael Gowman.
Their mission is to create the highest quality guitars accessible for aspiring and professional musicians alike.
Every guitar is handcrafted with high-quality materials, attention to detail, and a passion for making the absolute best instrument possible.
Acer Guitars uses the finest woods available and their in-house luthier is dedicated to providing musicians with the best experience possible.
It seems that some success has come with this mission, as guitarists from all over the world have been praising Acer Guitars for their incredible sound and playability.
No matter what genre or level of skill you are at, Acer Guitars has something for everyone.
14. Cithara Guitars
Cithara Guitars is a Canadian-based company that creates one-of-a-kind, custom-built acoustic and electric guitars.
Head luthier Daniel Clark has been building custom instruments since around 2012.
Cithara Guitars offers 5 models named after Greek gods and goddesses, as well as repairs and restorations of existing guitars.
The company is based in Hamilton, Ontario, and also has a pickup and drop-off center in Mansfield.
Cithara Guitars is quickly becoming one of the best custom guitar brands in Canada.
Something that we really liked about them is their commitment to producing high-quality instruments that look as good as they sound.
If you are looking for a custom-built guitar, Cithara Guitars should be at the top of your list!
More than 10 years of experience playing and writing about guitars! When not writing, I can be found strumming away some Johnny Cash tunes. Favorite all time guitar is the Gibson Les Paul. #TeamGibson
