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If you are a guitar player, you simply haven't loved until you've gently cradled a good pre-CBS Strat. You've known no happiness like a few stolen moments with a pre-war Martin D-28.

And so it is we bring you part one of Guitarist magazine's definitive list of the 50 guitars you need to play before you die – the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost of guitar worship. They're in no particular order, and the best news is that price-wise, there's something here for everyone.

Just imagine seeing the big white light come closer, then realising you never took that chance to wrap your arms around a Collings CJ's waist. It's too unthinkable for words, so you'd better get to work, pronto.

Where possible, we've linked to reviews of the instruments on MusicRadar, and included more affordable mid-price and budget equivalents for the higher-end and rare vintage models. Don't forget to stay tuned for part two, coming soon…

1. Fender 1952 Telecaster

Give thanks to the plank, the first and best production solidbody

Plug a genuine '52 Tele into a great valve amp and a thing of sonic beauty manifests itself before your ears. The tone from the bridge pickup is fat, gnarly and the quintessential sound of the electric guitar. Since its inception, the Telecaster has featured in every form of modern music.

Price then: $169
Price now: approx £30,000
Best new equivalent: Fender Custom Shop Limited Edition '52 Heavy Relic Telecaster (£2,829)
Mid-price choice: Fender Road Worn '50s Telecaster (£859)
Budget buy: Squier Classic Vibe '50s Telecaster (£279)

2. Collings CJ

Flawless finish and stunning tone for the connoisseur

Bill Collings is an obsessive perfectionist whose ultra-high build and presentation standards result in nothing leaving his care unless perfect in his eyes.

The CJ is the model most likely to cause the lower jaw to drop, not just because of its looks, but also because of its extraordinary corpulent tone, arresting volume, room-filling projection and attention to detail.

Price: £3199
Mid-price choice: Faith FJHG (£499)
Budget buy: Freshman FA1FBJBK (£329)

3. Duesenberg Pomona 6 Lap Steel

A little bit country, a whole lotta fun...

Marrying a lap steel with palm benders and a moveable capo seems so obvious, we can't work out why this hasn't been around for decades. Western hula swing blues, anyone?

Price: £889
Budget buy: Gretsch Electromatic Lap Steel G5700 (£289)