If you’re looking for the guitar equivalent of a high-performance sports car - something steeped in tradition but fearlessly looking ahead - the A-Type delivers the goods. And yes: the hype is real.

Released in June 2023, the Powers Electric A-Type made an immediate impact within the guitar community, and it’s not hard to see why. Designed by Andy Powers (of Taylor Guitars), the A-Type reimagines what a modern electric guitar can be, pulling inspiration from his Southern California upbringing. It’s a guitar that feels deeply rooted in place - equal parts hot rod, surfboard, and skateboard deck.

For us, this Chroma Algae Color Shift finish captures that spirit perfectly. Depending on the light, it shimmers between green and blue - a subtle, metallic nod to ‘80s skate decals, beach cruisers, and Southern California sunsets. Like much of the A-Type’s design, it’s nostalgic without being retro, original without being over-designed.

Every spec on the A-Type reflects Andy's attention to detail: Porsche-inspired colorways, the hotrod-style Camtail trem, surf-culture-influenced knobs and tips, and a compound radius fingerboard shaped more like a surfboard than a traditional guitar neck - it's rounder under the bass strings, flatter under the trebles.

But the magic really happens when you plug it in. The A-Type plays like an extension of the player and is slinky, responsive, and endlessly musical. The in-house pickups offer warmth and clarity on clean tones, and surprising heft when overdriven. With gain, it compresses just right, delivering fat, sustaining notes that feel fluid and effortless.

Having played/sold dozens of A-Types, we can say confidently: these guitars are incredibly consistent. They feel broken-in out of the case, with a neck carve that just makes sense. Whether you're chasing clean tones or overdriven, the A-Type delivers with personality and serious vibe.