RJ GUITARS IN THE SPOTLIGHT
We’ve been making guitars for over 35 years.
Here’s what players and industry voices have said over the years.
Glenn Fricker (SpectreSoundStudios)
on RJ Custom Shop Guitars
Some of the finest guitars
that I’ve ever had on the show.
When it comes to value for money,
RJ is the brand to beat.
Who is he?
Glenn Fricker is one of the most influential voices in modern guitar YouTube, particularly in the recording, metal, and production world with nearly 650,000 subscribers. He is widely known for being outspoken, brutally honest, and dismissive of hype.
Why his opinion matters?
Glenn is famously difficult to impress and frequently criticizes guitars — including expensive ones — for poor execution, QC issues, or marketing nonsense.
intheblues (Shane O’Neill)
on RJ Custom Shop Guitars
I absolutely love this guitar and I bet you in 10 years,
as long as I’m still around, I’m still playing that guitar.
This is a much better guitar than any Fender I’ve played this year.
This guitar is a shining example of the craftsmanship that puts them way ahead of a lot of other folks.
Who is he?
Shane has been creating guitar content on YouTube since 2006 - nearly two decades of reviews, demos, and practical evaluations. Based in Australia, he's produced over 3,000 videos covering guitars, amplifiers, and pedals, with a focus on real-world performance over marketing claims. He also plays live regularly and has produced albums for artists with chart success in blues and roots genres.
Why his opinion matters?
Shane built his reputation on candor. He's known for calling out flaws in high-end instruments and praising budget gear when it earns it. His annual "Best & Worst" gear lists highlight both - no brand is immune to criticism. When he says something exceeded expectations, it's measured against nearly two decades of hands-on experience with hundreds of instruments.
Mary Spender
on RJ Custom Shop Guitars
This is a guitar built by people
who care how it behaves
after the honeymoon period.
Who is she?
Mary Spender is one of the largest and most respected guitar voices on YouTube, with nearly 800,000 subscribers. She is a UK-based musician and educator with roots in classical guitar and contemporary songwriting.
Why her opinion matters?
Mary is selective and measured in her reviews. She approaches reviews with the same thoughtfulness she brings to her songwriting - focused on what serves the music, not what impresses on a spec sheet.
Mike Cole
on RJ Custom Shop Guitars
One of the best Strats I’ve played this year.
Shows what level of quality
the mainstream brands are up against.
Who is he?
Mike Cole is a guitarist and content creator with almost 300,000 YouTube subscribers built primarily on coverage of established guitar brands - Fender, Gibson, PRS, and their mainstream alternatives. His channel focuses on practical player perspectives: how guitars feel, what they cost, and whether they deliver on their promises.
Why his opinion matters?
Mike's audience trusts him because he stays in his lane - established brands with retail presence and decades of market credibility. When he features a new, direct-to-consumer brand like RJ Guitars, it reflects genuine interest, not routine coverage.
intheblues (Shane O’Neill)
on RJ Custom Shop Guitars
The craftsmanship is off the planet with this guitar,
and for the price I think it’s probably unmatched
in the entire list of guitars here.
This plays every bit as easily as any of my much more expensive guitars I’ve owned over the years.
Who is he?
Shane has been creating guitar content on YouTube since 2006 - nearly two decades of reviews, demos, and practical evaluations. Based in Australia, he's produced over 3,000 videos covering guitars, amplifiers, and pedals, with a focus on real-world performance over marketing claims. He also plays live regularly and has produced albums for artists with chart success in blues and roots genres.
Why his opinion matters?
Shane built his reputation on candor. He's known for calling out flaws in high-end instruments and praising budget gear when it earns it. His annual "Best & Worst" gear lists highlight both - no brand is immune to criticism. When he says something exceeded expectations, it's measured against nearly two decades of hands-on experience with hundreds of instruments.
Danilo Vicari
on RJ Custom Shop Guitars
This guitar feels and sounds incredible,
truly something special.
Who is he?
Danilo Vicari is a modern electric guitarist recognized for his expressive playing style and polished visual presentation. His content blends musicality, tone, and contemporary aesthetics.
Why his opinion matters?
Danilo’s audience values feel and articulation over spec chasing. His features tend to highlight guitars that respond dynamically and reward nuanced playing, making his endorsement relevant to serious modern players.
RJ Ronquillo
on RJ Custom Shop Guitars
The Custom Shop luthiers were trained by luthiers at the Deviser Factory in Japan... so, we're talking
really high level quality and attention to detail.
That first handshake — it feels really comfortable.
Who is he?
RJ Ronquillo is a Nashville-based session and touring guitarist whose career spans over two decades working with artists including Santana, Stevie Wonder, Ricky Martin, and 2Pac. A graduate of the University of Miami's Frost School of Music, he's built a reputation both on stage and in the studio for versatility and reliability. His YouTube channel, with almost 200,000 subscribers and 25+ million views, has made him one of the most recognized product demonstrators in the guitar industry.
Why his opinion matters?
RJ evaluates instruments from a working musician's perspective—playability, consistency, and tone under professional conditions. As an in-demand demonstrator, he's played hundreds of instruments across every price point. His reviews reflect real-world professional standards, not hype cycles.
intheblues (Shane O’Neill)
on RJ Custom Shop Guitars
It might be the best value electric guitar you’re going to find for this price point.
Value for money, this might be one of the best deals of the year … I’m putting this in my Best of 2025.
Who is he?
Shane has been creating guitar content on YouTube since 2006 - nearly two decades of reviews, demos, and practical evaluations. Based in Australia, he's produced over 3,000 videos covering guitars, amplifiers, and pedals, with a focus on real-world performance over marketing claims. He also plays live regularly and has produced albums for artists with chart success in blues and roots genres.
Why his opinion matters?
Shane built his reputation on candor. He's known for calling out flaws in high-end instruments and praising budget gear when it earns it. His annual "Best & Worst" gear lists highlight both - no brand is immune to criticism. When he says something exceeded expectations, it's measured against nearly two decades of hands-on experience with hundreds of instruments.
Sean Daniel
on RJ Custom Shop Guitars
I love Fender. I’m a huge Fender guy…
but this is for sure just qualitatively better
than other bigger names in the same price point.
I don’t think I’ve ever been more impressed
by a guitar right out of the box than I am with that.
Who is he?
Sean Daniel is a guitarist, songwriter, and educator whose YouTube channel has grown to nearly 550,000 subscribers by blending performance, songwriting instruction, and thoughtful gear evaluation. In 2024, Martin Guitar selected him for a signature model collaboration - a distinction the company reserves for a small handful of artists and creators whose influence and credibility warrant co-designing an instrument that bears their name.
Why his opinion matters?
Sean's audience follows him for player-first perspectives on what makes guitars worth owning long-term. His content prioritizes feel, playability, and musical expression over spec chasing or brand prestige. Martin's decision to partner with him reflects the trust he's earned as an educator whose judgment resonates with serious players. When he's genuinely impressed by a guitar out of the box, it carries weight.
Alan Iarussi
on RJ Custom Shop Guitars
Who is he?
Alan Iarussi is a guitarist, educator, and visual artist known for his refined, minimalist guitar content. In addition to his widely recognized aesthetic work, he also produces educational lesson content focused on touch, phrasing, dynamics, and musical control.
Why his opinion matters?
Alan evaluates instruments not only by how they look, but by how they respond to a player’s hands. His background in teaching and technique gives weight to his judgment on feel, balance, and nuance. When he features a guitar, it is because it supports musical expression as well asvisual appeal.
Music Is Win
on RJ Custom Shop Guitars
I'm blown away at the quality and tones
- thank you, RJ, it's an honor to play your guitars!
Who is he?
Music Is Win is one of the largest guitar channels on YouTube, with well over a million subscribers. The channel is run by Tyler Larson and reaches a global audience spanning beginners, enthusiasts, and professional players.
HARMONY CENTRAL
on the RJ Supervintage
"The RJ Super Vintage is an exceptional and unique guitar that merits the consideration of any player looking for versatility without walking away from the comfort of classic guitar technology. It's a beautiful-looking, beautiful-playing guitar that's a “best of” collection of classic Fender and Gibson tones at a price point that fits the working musician’s budget."
