Black Night is the no-frills finish for players who let their sound do the talking, and the GRG121SP backs that up with substance. The roasted maple neck is the standout feature here -- it's been heat-treated for extra stability and a slick, natural feel that plays faster than you'd expect from an entry-level instrument. Twenty-four medium frets give you full two-octave access.

The dual Classic Elite humbuckers through a 5-way switch cover a lot of tonal territory, from thick power chords to split-coil jangle. The fixed bridge and poplar body provide solid sustain and tuning stability, so you spend more time playing and less time fiddling. Whether you're learning your first riffs or need a dependable guitar that can take a beating at practice, the Black Night delivers.