All black with a maple neck -- the Sonic Strat HSS in this configuration has a sleek, no-nonsense look that works on any stage. The HSS layout puts a humbucker in the bridge alongside two single-coils, which is the most versatile pickup combination you can get on a Stratocaster-style guitar.

The bridge humbucker handles rock, metal, and higher-gain tones without the thin, buzzy quality that single-coils can have when distorted. Switch to the middle or neck position and you're in clean Strat country -- sparkling, chimey tones with plenty of character. The maple fingerboard contributes brightness and pick attack, complementing the humbucker's warmth nicely. For a first guitar that covers the widest range of styles, the HSS layout is hard to argue against. This is a practical, great-sounding starter that looks sharp doing it.