Marmite Guitars - Love Them or Loathe Them

Just like the famous British spread, some guitars divide opinion right down the middle. You either love them or loathe them – there's rarely any middle ground when it comes to these bold, unconventional instruments.

The Wild Side of Guitar Design

While classic sunburst finishes and traditional body shapes will always have their place, the guitar world has never been short of instruments that push boundaries and challenge conventions. These are the guitars that make you stop and stare – whether in admiration or disbelief.

Colour Chaos

From eye-searing neon pinks and electric greens to metallic flakes and wild graphic prints, some guitars wear their colours loud and proud. What one player sees as a bold statement of individuality, another might view as an assault on good taste. Manufacturers like Ibanez, Jackson, and Fender's Custom Shop have built entire lines around these polarising finishes.

Then there are the natural wood finishes that showcase extreme grain patterns – spalted maple, buckeye burl, or highly figured koa. These organic works of art can command premium prices from those who appreciate them, while others prefer the simplicity of a solid colour.

Shape Shifters

Body shape is where things get really divisive. The pointy, angular designs of 80s superstrats still inspire fierce debate. BC Rich's Warlock and Mockingbird models are legendary examples – absolute icons to metal players, but too extreme for traditionalists.

Modern boutique builders have taken things even further with asymmetric designs, radical cutaways, and body shapes that seem to defy physics. Some players celebrate the innovation; others question whether form has completely overtaken function.

Relic'd and Distressed

Perhaps no trend divides opinion quite like artificially aged guitars. The practice of creating new instruments that look decades old – complete with dings, scratches, and worn finishes – has passionate supporters and equally passionate critics. Is it paying homage to vintage mojo, or is it paying premium prices for fake wear?

The Beauty of Choice

Here's the thing about Marmite guitars: they're essential to the ecosystem. They push boundaries, spark conversations, and remind us that music and self-expression go hand in hand. What looks outrageous to one generation becomes iconic to the next. People moaned when they put pick-ups into guitars! The now ubiquitous stratocaster was once considered an outrage!

Whether you're drawn to a guitar that looks like it survived a paint factory explosion, or you prefer the understated elegance of a vintage-style instrument, the most important thing is that it inspires you to play.

So the next time you see a guitar that makes you think "who would play that?" – remember, somewhere out there is a player thinking exactly the same thing about your favourite axe.

What's your take? Are you team traditional or team outrageous? We'd love to hear about the most divisive guitar you've ever seen – or owned! Comment on this post and let us know your thoughts.

At Music Bits, we try to cater for everyone's tastes so there is always a variety of instruments to choose from.

Check our or range instore or online.

Instore: 17 High Street, Alford, LN13 9DS

Online: www.musicbits.co.uk