Kramer

While its name is synonymous with the flamboyant guitar heroism of the 1980s, Kramer Guitars came into a more humble existence in 1974 when Travis Bean and Gary Kramer began producing aluminium-necked instruments in Sun Valley, California. When Bean lost interest a year later, Kramer moved to Neptune, New Jersey in search of new partners.

The move would set into motion a dizzying ascent for the company. With Seymour Duncan pickups, Floyd Rose tremolos, and a distinctive 'hockey stick' headstock design, Kramer became the best-selling guitar brand of the mid-eighties. This meteoric rise was met with an equally swift fall, brought about by the decade's excesses and some poor business decisions. The company closed in 1991, and the brand was later bought out of bankruptcy by Gibson.

These days, the company produces remakes of its classic designs such as the Baretta, the 84, and the Jersey Star out of its Nashville headquarters. It also innovates with new designs of hard rock, progressive, and metal guitars that are kitted out for the modern performer. With endorsees such as Charlie Parra, Snake Sabo, and Tracii Guns, Kramer continues to have a lasting impact on contemporary music - just like the '80s heyday it became known for.