Good discussion. I see 5 classes -
I'd start with Gibson Hollowbody - really all variations on a theme up to the upscale Super 400. These are what a lot of the pioneers were playing on until the solidbody came along. While Gretsches are my favorite, they really do fall in line with these and were not particularly revolutionary - rather they're just plain awesome.
Then the Tele. A class by itself. The first popular solid-body and survives more or less unchanged.
Then the LP.
Then the Strat - the first radical design exploring the true possibilities of a solid-body.
Then the Danelectro, which made it affordable for the young shmoes who wanted to make noise. Really, it represents any number of bargain price-leaders (the Kays, and even Musicmasters and Melody Makers).
