The next big guitar company..

[Alec the Viking]

Who is the cream that is rising to the top out of all the guitar companies?

If you had to say.. just one.

[SPROING!]

If they keep doing what they're doing, Eastman.

[dysorexia]

Fender

[CowTipton]

How big is big?

Prior to 1990 I had no idea what a PRS was. They're pretty big now.
Prior to about 2002 I had no idea what a Suhr was. They're getting up there in name recognition now too.

[crhfish]

It might not be the answer you are looking for, but I think Fender is doing pretty good right now. I like what they are putting out at all levels. Including some of the brands they bought and started.

[Alec the Viking]

Originally Posted by Penosity

How big is big?

Not yet corporate (i.e. fender, gibson, taylor, martin, etc)

[John Hurtt]

Well...let's assume the "Big 3" are Fender, Gibson and PRS.

I think that there are a couple companies that could move into this group eventually. It will take more than making great gear...proper backing, business moves and some luck will play a huge role in this.

I could see Suhr going this route eventually...he seems to think pretty global and has shown he is willing to roll the dice on expansion. The PBG could collectively grow larger, but they will need (IMO) to decide to manufacture a lower priced line or build an economy line oversees. This will have to happen for everyone to succeed.

[Cream]

Apple.

[Alec the Viking]

Originally Posted by Twin-Amp

Apple.

[Lublin]

Squier.

[CoreyC]

Could possibly be Collings or Suhr. Small now, sure, but in ten years...?

[leonard d rock]

godin

[donthasslethehoff]

Dumble/two rawk

[patentcad]

Agile.

[stevieboy]

As far as the smaller high quality builders go it's hard to say without having some insight into which ones may even wish to become "big" in the sense of a Fender or Gibson. That takes a directed effort on their part which they might not feel is the course they wish to pursue.