A cheap electric guitar is just that. Tone-wise, the Demon-6 truly lives up to its name. And though it might not have the exact same contouring or come in ultra-deluxe finishes such as the jaw-dropping Violet Smoke Burst, you do get the world-renowned bird inlays, components and craftsmanship PRS has built its name on. Find out more at epiphone.com. But you'll find the best cheap guitars right here! In keeping with the classic vibe nomenclature, there are 1950s-style headstock markings and a tinted-gloss finish on the neck, ensuring the guitars vintage roots arent forgotten. If you see those names crop up when shopping for a new guitar, know you're getting quality every time. Tonally, though the guitar's cleans aren't always top-notch, its mid-range is phenomenal. You can expect gritty, abrasive driven tones perfect for blues and rock, and with it being a fat single coil, the cleans are smooth, punchy and prominent in any mix. Short scale means less string tension, which in turn means playability in spades - and that can only be good, right? Like the Ernie Ball Music Man version, the Sterling Albert Lee HH is built with an African Mahogany body and two humbuckers wired to a five-way-switch. In collating this list, weve taken into account both the actual price range of the instrument and the bang-for-buck factor in terms of playability, quality-of-life features and so on. Pay the rest on collection. It isn't uncommon to see our customers start with one of the guitars above and move up through the ranks as they improve. The guitar stands perfectly well on its own as an instrument that is poised for rock and blues, with a distinctive tone that cuts on its own terms. Its worth bearing in mind that all of these factors will affect the tone of an instrument before any further coloration from amplifiers or pedals. (Neck/Middle Pickups), Tone 2. Every one of these is taken through our robust quality control process to ensure they can be played straight out of the box. All rights reserved. There was a problem. In terms of sheer value for money, its practically impossible to beat the Epiphone Les Paul SL (opens in new tab). He's interviewed everyone from Ozzy Osbourne and Lemmy to Slash and Jimmy Page, and once even traded solos with a member of Slayer on a track released internationally. Amit has been writing for titles likeTotal Guitar,MusicRadarandGuitar Worldfor over a decade and counts Richie Kotzen, Guthrie Govan and Jeff Beck among his primary influences. The Cosmo black finish on the S521's hardware adds an elegant touch to the low-budget model. Considering the fair few thousands of dollars between this budget electric and the flagship American-made Custom 24 line, theres not much noticeable difference in what you hold in your hands. The guitars basswood body also lends it to a more neutral character, not particularly bass-heavy nor particularly sparkly meaning that its a great guitar to run through a more idiosyncratic array of effects for some out-there tones. This particular model comes with a dual-humbucker layout, and while that does mean no signature Jazzmaster oversized single coils, you can split the buckers with a push-pull tone pot if you want a bit more twang. The vintage tremolo, optional on the Ernie Ball Music man edition of the instrument, comes standard. Bath Production has come along way over the years, and it's exactly that which has enabled the manufacturing of good quality guitars, en masse. It also comes with two ProBucker humbuckers, voiced after the original PAF humbuckers found in guitars of this era. And while its no mystery where it draws its good looks from, dont let that distract you from its other features. Guitar.com is the worlds leading authority and resource for all things guitar. Lists for 349. These guitars, specs-wise, punch far above their price-class. Lists for 609. James Farmer Lists for 449. At its price-point, the Squier Classic Vibe 50s Strat begins to approach some of the cheapest Fender options, but if that gap isnt something you fancy crossing just yet, this is still a great instrument for the price. For starters, the guitar should be well-built, finished to a reasonable standard, and sound great. We're a music shop, so whether a guitar is 100 or 1,000, we're confident we're selling an instrument built for musicians. Lists for 599. The Sterling own-brand pickups offer sweet, chimey cleans in the neck position and full-fat grit in the bridge, and the two-point trem facilitates smooth, musical vibrato which will make you want to come back for more. Find out more at fender.com. Electric guitar bundles are the best option for players looking to get everything you need to start playing in one package. Lists for 566. For some subtle chord modulations and lead wobbles, theres a vintage-esque tremolo bridge, but other than that this guitar is a simple affair, with a master tone and master volume control and three-way pickup selector switch. We provide insight and opinion about gear, artists, technique and the guitar industry for all genres and skill levels. If this isnt something you see yourself taking advantage of, then it may be wise to avoid it. England and Wales company registration number 2008885. Then think about 349. Most, if not all guitarists will have started on a budget guitar, as it is a low-risk way to see if you like playing the instrument. While it might not be the definitive Jazzmaster experience, its a great low-mid-priced entry point for the world of Fender offsets. The ace up the sleeve of this budget-friendly Strat is the Squier humbucker and single-coil neck and middle pickups. The neck of a guitar - being the part you hold in your hand whenever you play - needs to be comfortable in your hands. These upgrades will keep it going far into the future. Sleek, and chock-full of visual and sonic attitude, the Jackson King V JS32T is simply one of the best bang-for-your-buck deals in the metal guitar market today. The first thing to consider when choosing from among the best budget electric guitars under $500 is what kind of tone you hear in your head. When we talk about buying a guitar from a reputable music store, we mean it. Though you won't be able to go blow for blow with an S2 with the SE Standard 24, at this price point, it's an incredibly impressive and formidable instrument. The Coronets hardware configuration continues the minimalistic theme, with a fixed wrapover bridge and vintage-style machine heads adorning this straight-to-the-point axe. Now, going to a guitar store is the best answer here, as you can hold a few in your hands and see what feels right for you, but if youre buying online, there are a few things to take note of. Of course many choose market places like eBay, Gumtree and Facebook Shopping, which is fine, but you're taking a risk on quality. Wed love to stay in touch, sign up for The Pick team to contact you with great news, content and offers. The BroadTron is a humbucker-sized FilterTron- style (PAF warmth and single-coil brightness), giving the guitar pristine cleans with a touch of vintage Gretsch twang. The Wilkinson tremolo is floating, so users can raise or drop pitch. Squier's take on the classic '70s Fender Telecaster Thinline brings the guitar's iconic looks and sound to the table at an incredibly affordable price point. Those who don't wish to summon demonic forces with their playing will find that the Demon-6's cleaner tones are just as satisfying. Then theres the physical aspect of holding a guitar for hours on end. Then you can finetune your tastes withdetails such as preferred fretboards, upgraded hardware, better pickups and all of the peripherals like amps and pedals. The tone knobs also allow each humbucker to be coil-split with a push-pull action. The '70s Telecaster Thinline's cleans from the neck and middle positions are rock-solid. Its brushed-metal hardware and vintage finishes complete the unique look that, perhaps unlike some budget guitars, dont betray any desire for imitation. The Sterling by Music Man Albert Lee HH provides the eye-grabbing looks and the amazing buffet of tones supplied by its Ernie Ball Music Man-produced counterpart at a price that won't make you cringe when you check your bank account post-purchase. This model also comes with gold hardware down to the metal locking nut lending it to look far more premium than its price would belie. The words cheap and expensive in the world of guitars are volatile things, their definitions shifting around depending on your level of experience with the instrument, personal tastes and, inevitably, amount of disposable income. Lists for 479. We've included some expert buying advice at the bottom of this page if you feel like you need some extra guidance on what to look out for when buying an electric guitar under $500. Hardware is another crucial factor in what makes a cheap electric guitar good. Metal-oriented guitars are made to be played fast and produce aggressive, high-gain sounds. By The November 2021 issue of Guitar Magazine is out now! Hard-rock and even metal tones are no sweat for this thing either. Lists for 459 (hardtail) or 549 (tremolo). Chris Gill If looked after, a cheap guitar will serve you well for a surprisingly long time. Gretsch-G2622TG Limited Edition Streamliner. Bundles contain an electric guitar (of course) and a mix of accessories such as a strap, guitar picks, gig bag, tuner, 1/4-inch cable and a guitar stand. Competitive prices in the EU & selected countries worldwide. Most cheap guitars don't include any of those high-end features, but they will play and feel like a real guitar. A string-through fixed bridge also provides some solid sustain and more precise intonation tweaking. Try as many models as you can. Weve stumbled back into shred-land, and who better to approach for affordable metal machines than Jackson. Likewise, a guitar with a locking tremolo such as a Floyd Rose requires a little more work to maintain and restring, so if you dont need it, go for a fixed bridge guitar. Yet, especially for a signature model, its mightily approachably-priced. 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You can expect solid, durable guitars that are built to a high standard and sound great. The guitar's tone is rich, thick, dynamic and musical. To be honest, in this day and age, it's pretty difficult to track down a genuinely awful guitar. If so, wed take a visit to a guitar tech to get those sorted out. For some, anything above the $500 mark is needless excess, and for others, anything below $1,000 is a bargain. The guitars notably feature many of the same design appointments as their standard-range alternatives only for around a third of the price. Far from it in fact. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. The Epiphone Coronet, first introduced as a reliable and solid entry level guitar back in 1959, is an icon of Epiphones solid-body guitar range. A deep cutaway for the lower horn does allow easy access to all 24 frets if that is your intention, however. Though, like most other Squier guitars, the Modified '72 Telecaster Thinline features a gloss-finished modern C neck, the guitar's performance and tone - considering its price tag - is simply phenomenal. When looking at guitars in this price bracket, its essential to check the common areas in which entry-level guitars tend to fall down. The Affinity series may be the entry-level point into the varied catalog of Fender guitars, but it certainly doesnt hold back on quality. Epiphones bold return for 2020 was something of a triumph. The guitar's rosewood fretboard is two-octave and features 24 jumbo frets, while its mahogany body is coated in an eye-catching burst finish. For controls, theres a three-way switch and individual volume and tones for each pickup. Buying from a music shop ensures you'll get excellent service and advice, a product warranty and a product that you can enjoy. Tone-wise, the SE Standard 24 really comes into its own at this price level. When you think Gretsch, you might not think P90s but for this model the brand embraces single-coils, resulting in an impressive machine indeed, as we noted in our review. Absolutely! A deeper, carved cutaway also makes reaching those higher frets easier than on a more traditional single-cutaway. To get an idea, look into the specs of the guitars wielded by your biggest guitar heroes or the players youre attempting to sound like. Other specs include a set mahogany neck completing a 24.75 scale length, a rosewood fingerboard and a mahogany body. you! The December 2021 issue of Guitar Magazine is out now! Guitar World is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. In fact, that clear divide between flagship, often American-made electric guitars and these more budget-friendly electrics has become even more blurred with many people not able to tell the difference between the premium or budget options in a blind test. And, of course, as you can see, aesthetically it goes above and beyond when considering its price. For more information about other relevant topics, check out our dedicated guides: Just 10% deposit. Find out more at fender.com. The 22-fret thin U-profile neck sports a rosewood fretboard, and a 12 radius. Its neck has 21 jumbo frets with a shallow, rounded profile, while the profile itself is a shallow C shape that plays fast and comfortably. The neck also comes with a satin finish, as opposed to the gloss found on the body, for comfortable movement around the guitar. It effectively acts as a coil-split, even though on these P90s, theres only one coil. This throwback guitar is built to celebrate the Birth of the Strat, sporting the same three-single-coil loadout as the original. We've even written this handy guide as to whyyoushouldbuyyourguitarfromamusicshop. This allows you to achieve any tone imaginable with a simple flick of the 5-way selector switch. The guitar's electronics are installed in a cavity as - just like the traditional USA-made Custom 24 design - the SE Standard 24 features no scratchplate. Read our full Epiphone Les Paul SL review. All of them are loaded with two of Guilds own HB-2 Alnico II humbuckers for some PAF-esque honk. Cheaper guitars often have to take compromises in order to keep the price down. Jazz guitarists, on the other hand, might gravitate to the woollier sound of a semi-acoustic with flatwound electric guitar strings. Its poplar body is light as a feather but still has all the substantial heft of a Les Paul Junior without feeling cumbersome. So, if this doesn't reassure you that the best cheap electric guitars under $500 are worth their salt, then we're not sure what else to say! Price does matter to some extent below $200 youre at much greater risk of running into dodgy fretwork, unplayable action and overall quality control issues. Heck, you can paint it and slap loads of stickers on it if you want. We sell plenty of parts, accessories and pickups for you to be able to get everything you need right here. The S521's fretboard is incredibly quick, and smooth as silk. If you're more into hard rock and metal, we'd recommend you opt for Ibanez or Kramer. Whether you're a first-time guitar-buyer, buying for your child or on a tight budget, there's a guitar to suit you. This slim mahogany single-cut can genuinely give a Les Paul a run for its money. Its low action also lends a hand to the instrument's shredding prowess, while also paving the way for titanic string bends. A younger brother of sorts to the S2 Standard 24, the PRS SE Standard 24 gives you a ton of bang for your buck. The January 2022 issue of Guitar Magazine is out now! Notably, theres through-neck construction for much more comfortable leads across all 24 frets, with a swooping scarf joint. Thank you for signing up to The Pick. Whie the core instrument is inspired by the 1950s, theres some modern player-friendly features thrown in for good measure, such as a slim C-profile neck and a comfortable 9.5-radius fingerboard. The low price does mean a few sacrifices in comparison to a vintage original but think about the price of a true vintage 50s Les Paul Special. The S521-MOL also comes with a price tag almost as thin as its body, meaning it could be a great guitar for a beginner, or an affordable way to expand your tonal palette to include the more metal side of things. Reissued multiple times since, the Coronet has proven itself to be a firm favorite. Find out more at guildguitars.com. The September 2021 issue of Guitar Magazine is out now. Its all well and good for a guitar to be cheap, but a guitar has to be more than just affordable for us to include it in this guide to the best electric guitars under $500. The bridge is simple but well-built, while the guitar's active pickups - powered by an easily accessible nine-volt battery - are absolutely terrific. With a white pearloid scratchplate, finely carved f-hole and Fender-embossed humbuckers, Squier's version of the guitar certainly looks the part. The October 2021 issue of Guitar Magazine is out now! Contributions from Aside from that though, the SL is a typical single-cut Les Paul Junior with no binding, a mahogany neck, a slim-taper D-profile neck shape, 22 medium jumbo frets, an adjustable intonated wraparound stopbar tailpiece,'tophat' master volume and tone controls with a three-way toggle switch and premium die-cast 14:1 tuners. On the higher end, its articulation is quite good and expressive, with leads sounding lean but nimble. Find out more at espguitars.com. Heres why you can trust us. For example, some come with a vibrato or whammy bar. Any punchy classic rock riffs are a breeze, while the cleanest settings yield startlingly articulate leads that are more than adequate for even the most subtle of parts. Its non-locking SE-level tuners are incredibly easy to handle, while its vibrato is near identical in appearance to the S2's. For example, Biffy frontman and lead ax-slinger Simon Neil headlined Glastonbury playing his signature Classic Vibe Strat, andMike Rutherford of Genesis played arenas with a $200 Squier Bullet (opens in new tab). This Starla Stoptail impressed us in our review of it, showing off an expressive, twangy character that evokes tones both Fender and Gretsch, while still retaining a characteristic PRS feel. See if you can remember what was different about the guitars you liked and the ones you didnt, bearing in mind that action and string gauges can always be adjusted to suit each player. It also comes with a true Floyd Rose Tremolo and matching locking nut, rather than the simpler 2-point tremolo on the Dinky. In stock at our store and warehouse, ready to ship directly to A mahogany body with a maple top also provides a nice weighty balance, both in terms of tone and ergonomics. Lean, mean and incredibly easy on the wallet, the Jackson King V JS32T is certainly a force to be reckoned with. Sharp frets will stop you wanting to play the guitar - and thats exactly what we dont want to happen. The guitar's thin-C profile neck, cut from maple with a satin finish, is incredibly quick and rewards a light touch. The bridge humbucker yields a much more formidable voice that would sound right at home coming from an overdriven, cranked-to-11 valve amp. The pickups found in the Player Series guitars, according to Fender, keep a foot in the past while looking to the future. So expect a distinct Fender character, but with enough output to keep up with the needs of your rig. Overall, the Wizard III maple neck is well-constructed and reliable. Do you prefer the sonic muscle of something heavy or instead like the idea of something less taxing on the spinal column? If youre looking for the best electric guitar under $500, we'd highly recommend the PRS SE Standard 24 (opens in new tab), as theres a lot to be said for just how much ground one PRS guitar can cover. Guitars can come with a lot of different features that vary from model to model. As mentioned earlier, it isn't uncommon for competent guitarists and pros to change parts of their cheaply-bought guitar to improve the sound or how it feels to play. Theres also a kill-pot on the top horn of the instrument, allowing for stuttering, on-off effects. Sterling by Music Man is responsible for some of the coolest, best feeling cheap electric guitars money can buy at the moment. Many a guitarist's tale is about their first guitar and many still own theirsto date. In addition to its rock-solid variety of tones, the S521's sustain stands out within its price range. For under $500, this is ideal for anyone who wants to make a no-frills racket on a budget. Is it darker and warmer? When it comes to guitars with the perfect combination of cool styling, righteous tones and amazing value, Danelectro has been the guitar industrys shining city on the hill since 1954. The King V JS32T features a bolt-on, graphite-reinforced maple speed neck with 24 jumbo frets and a 12" to 16" compound-radius. Please refresh the page and try again. Whats even better is how flawlessly the guitar plays, thanks to Epiphones consistent textbook setup on its instruments. Lists for 559. The Wilkinson tremolo has a vintage-style non-locking design with all of the expected tonal benefits, but even the most aggressive whammy action wont knock the strings out of tune. The Cutlass, in particular, is one of the most versatile and (in our opinion) one of the best sounding guitars in their affordable roster. This short scale version of the Cutlass is really ideal for anybody, whether youre a child or young person looking for your first guitar, or an experienced player looking for something new that feels a little different. In all, you get an incredibly giggable axe for 599 that doesnt feel like a compromise. The guitar's compound-radius makes it incredibly easy to play. Though it lacks the DiMarzios its big brother features, the Albert Lee HH's Sterling by Music Man four-conductor humbuckers certainly don't slouch themselves. With an extremely thin design, slick maple neck and dual Quantum humbucker loadout youd be forgiven for thinking this is aimed squarely at shredders. 2021 Guitar.com is part of NME Networks. But if you're sticking with all the stock features, most cheap guitars tend to stick around for a couple of years. Reminiscent of the sounds produced by fat P-90-esque single coils, they pack plenty of punch, while the semi-hollow body makes for a woodier, less aggressive tone than you'd get from a straight-up solidbody. Pretty much every cheap guitar is made on a production line and contains only the most basic guitar features. Quality electronics, the beating heart of your electric guitar, are also much harder to come by in this bracket. It's a special guitar and one that'll help shape the player you become, and that's why it is so important. BA1 1UA. Their instruments are also based on classic guitar designs, but feature a few unique twists to set them apart. While the SLX3X Soloist isnt quite as cheap as the uber-affordable JS11 Dinky model, theres quite a few notable upgrades when the two are compared. Find out more at jacksonguitars.com. Thinner and slinkier? A bona-fide Fender for under a grand is hard to say no to. Lists for 369. Advancements in technology have made high-quality instruments more accessible than ever before, with anyone being able to pick up a giggable guitar for well under $500! The pickups here exhibit a more refined upper-end, working in the guitars favour, with no unpleasant harshness, especially when combined with gain. instore! Of course, it helps for everything on your guitar to be perfect from the get go, but if you love a guitar and hate the pickups, you can always swap them out. This electric guitar is - despite its maker's metal target audience - a true all-rounder.
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