What about classical guitar? I.e: Nylon stringed, Spanish guitar. I've played Beethoven and Bach pieces on one. Granted one can do that on an electric or steel string, but something about the timbre lends classical guitar to classical music. Plus it's the only style of guitar which really sees regular classical concert performance.
I guess guitar is much less of a statement these days (being in a band is no longer the coolest thing to do) so the social pressure bit feels less relatable to me. I did catch the tail end of that era though so I know what you're talking about.
I had discovered that music was one of my few interests that I could actually trade for social credit.