best electric guitar

20 Best Electric Guitar For The Money (Quality Tone!)

Updated on April 1, 2022 by Dan Harper

Will today be a new guitar day? I say YES! Check out these best electric guitars for the money picks.

Quick Links To Our Top Electric Guitar Recommendations

Here is a list of our best models to help you with buying advice to choose the best one for you from this collection of guitars perfect for rock ‘n’ roll, country, punk, and other genres: 

Still, we might just be able to help you out. Below is a list of the bestselling models on the guitar market today, covering a broad spectrum of styles/genres/budgets of electric guitars. You may come across one that ticks all your boxes if you’re lucky. If not, this guide will point you in the right direction.

Our Best Electric Guitars For The Money Reviews

Here are our recommendations and a full review of each.

Best Value Electric Guitar – Schecter Omen Extreme-6

This pretty little guitar from Schecter is Kicking off the list and choosing the best all-around electric guitar for the money. Featuring an arched double-cutaway mahogany body with a bolt-on maple neck and 24 extra-jumbo-fretted rosewood fingerboards, the Omen Extreme-6 is the perfect guitar brand for metalheads. This design, known as the Super-strat style, allows for quicker, more precise shredding and easy access to higher frets.

However, the Omen Extreme-6 could also prove a worthwhile pick if you’re looking for a solid-body electric guitar that won’t break your budget. It comes with Schecter Diamond Plus passive humbuckers that yield a meaty tone with plenty of bite for overdrive. These pickups might seem a little unrefined at first, but you’ll come to love them once you get familiar with the controls. Both are wired to a 3-way selector switch, a pair of volume knobs, and one push-pull tone knob.

Elsewhere, you’ll find the appearance of a Floyd Rose bridge complemented by a set of locking tuners (what are guitar locking tuners) on the headstock. The tuning mechanism holds its own quite well, and users have praised the guitar’s ability to stay in tune. This is because it’s one of the few budget models that comes with a decent set of strings. You’ll also be pleased to know that the action has already been set up. Overall, the Omen Extreme-6 is about as good as you can find in its price range. This is a great superstrat option.

Pros

  • Beautiful finish with elegant cosmetic appointments
  • Quick action
  • Can handle on-stage performances

Cons

  • It might not be suitable for some genres

Our Rating –
5/5


Check The Latest Price On The Schecter Omen Extreme-6

Epiphone Les Paul 100

Few guitars are as influential as the Gibson Les Paul. Launched in the early ’50s, it played a massive role in shaping the sound we now know as rock n’ roll. And while they weren’t the first solid-body electric guitars to hit the market, the LP is what brought the concept to the mainstream. It attained such a high level of reverence that it continues to be sold to date.

And the coolest part? Gibson will let you have a proper Les Paul for about 60 percent less than an Omen Extreme-6 costs. Epiphone guitars is a sub-brand of Gibson, so you can expect the Les Paul 100 to carry its larger-than-life father’s pedigree. This makes it an excellent choice for the starter entry-level beginner option.

It comes with a mahogany body and maple top to keep the tone solid and heavy. The bolt-on neck is also crafted from mahogany, while the fingerboard utilizes rosewood. Fret count and scale length are as usual: 22 frets with white dot inlays and 24.75 inches.

The LP 100 is outfitted with a Tune-o-Matic bridge and chrome die-cast tuners, a combo that ensures it doesn’t drop out of tune suddenly or require frequent setting intonation. Pickups take the form of two 700T open-coil humbuckers designed for high fidelity, with very little-to-no hum. Controls include volume and tone knobs for each pickup, plus a 3-way switch for mixing up the sound.

Pros

  • Refined, powerful sound
  • Suitable for a wide range of skill levels

Cons

  • It doesn’t come with a hardshell case

Our Rating –
4.5/5


Check The Latest Price On The Epiphone Les Paul 100

ESP LTD EC-256FM Electric Guitar

ESP’s LTD subsidiary has gifted us musicians some wonderfully-edgy options over the years, and the EC-256FM best electric guitar is no exception making it our choice for intermediates. It sports a single-cutaway body for that vintage Les Paul shape, but with lemon drop finish to remind you that this isn’t your ordinary LP. If that doesn’t cut it, you could choose between the ‘Cherry Sunburst’ and translucent black versions.

ESP gives the impression that the EC-256FM is crafted with nothing but the best materials. Solid mahogany and rosewood have been utilized for the guitar bodies and fingerboard, respectively. The U-shaped neck profile and neck shape are crafted of 3-piece mahogany to beef up its super-slim profile. This offers a 24.75-inch scale divided into 22 extra-jumbo frets. Overall, the EC-256FM has a nifty, almost-Strat-like feel in its demeanor.

Chrome die-cast tuners are provided on the headstock to offer tuning stability in conjunction with the tune-o-Matic bridge. The EC-256FM also sports ESP’s bespoke LH-150 pickups on the neck pickup and bridge pickup. Each has its volume knob, and you’ll find a handy 3-way toggle switch and a master tone control function. With a bit of effort, you should be able to achieve a creamy, bright sound with a long sustain feature. It will comfortably play anything you throw at it; blues, heavy metal, classic rock, lead guitar, etc. Overall, the EC-256FM is worth a try if you’re looking for a solid Les Paul that is affordable for any playing style.

Pros

  • Action is easily adjustable
  • Solid build
  • Great value for money

Cons

  • Significantly heavier than most other electrics

Our Rating –
5/5


Check The Latest Price On The ESP LTD EC-256FM

PRS S2 Custom 24

Few would’ve thought that a day would come when Paul Reed Smith’s mighty Custom 24 would make its way to the masses. But that day did come. The PRS S2 Custom 24 is here to give you a taste of the company’s flagship model as our choice of under $1500.

There is a catch, of course — PRS has toned down the recipe somewhat to make the S2 Custom 24 more accessibly priced. It still oozes the DNA of its older sibling nonetheless, sporting a mahogany body and a 2-piece maple top. The top has an asymmetric beveling that gives the S2 a sharper profile than the original’s curvy top. Its mahogany neck hosts a 24 fret guitar rosewood fingerboard rigged with bespoke PRS inlays.

Elsewhere, the S2 comes with two redesigned humbuckers based on the manufacturer’s Vintage Bass (neck) and HFS Treble (bridge) models. These can be selected individually/combined using the 3-way toggle or coil-tapped by tugging the tone control. The HFS Treble’ bucker centers on a smooth, clean tone with clearly-refined highs and tight, hefty lows; you can inject more life into this pickup with a bit of overdrive. Meanwhile, the Vintage Bass bucker on the neck has a more comprehensive dynamic range and slightly-warmer tone across the board.

Pros

  • Superb fit and finish; excellent build quality overall
  • Almost-flawless sound quality
  • Easy to play
  • Versatile enough for most genres

Cons

  • Bridge pickups lack the quick response offered by similarly-priced models

Our Rating –
5/5


Check The Latest Price On The PRS S2 Custom 24

PRS SE 245

It’s priced low enough to be your first guitar yet classy enough to be the last one you will ever need. The SE 245 still carries the PRS prestige and pedigree even with an affordable price tag. It sports a single-cutaway mahogany body that seems to take a page or two from the traditional Les Paul design. However, you will notice a beveled maple cap on the base to give you a glimpse of the level of craftsmanship that went into the construction.

The mahogany neck features an ample profile to let you access all 22 frets with ease. Scale length stands at 24.5 inches. The fretboard is made of rosewood but, unlike most models in its price range, the SE 245 uses bespoke PRS inlays instead of essential dot markers.

Sticking with the Les Paul motif, the SE 245 comes with two humbuckers tended to via a 3-way selector switch. Separate sets of tone and volume controls are provided for each of them. While there’s nothing exceptional about the pickups, it’s pleasing to see that PRS has stuck with a tried-and-tested formula. You can expect the same clean, warm, full-bodied sound you’d get from a typical LP, and with just about enough bite for overdrive.

The SE 245 has PRS-designed chrome tuners that feel pleasingly tight and accurate for tuning gear. A stop-tail bridge, also bespoke, will help keep the tuning stable and rock-steady.

Pros:

  • Looks great!
  • Pickups sound excellent!
  • Price

Cons:

  • The volume pot is too low for live playing needs an external volume controller.

Our Rating –
5/5


Check The Latest Price On The PRS SE 245

Epiphone Les Paul Standard

For the most part, the Epiphone Les Paul Standard, our choice for below $500, follows the same recipe as its sibling (the LP 100 seen earlier). It uses mahogany and rosewood for the body/neck and fretboard, respectively, with a maple veneer top. Fret count stays unchanged at 22, as does the 24.75-inch scale.

There are a few key differences, nonetheless. The LP Standard’s neck is hand-set, while the 100 is bolted. Pearloid inlays are used in place of white dots for fretboard markers. The Standard also feels and looks more polished, with Grover tuners and bolder color options.

Still, the most significant improvement comes in the electronics package. Epiphone has equipped the Standard with Alnico Classic Humbuckers, which are more powerful than its sibling’s 700Ts. Therefore, you can expect better clarity, warmth, and a high-end tone. Pickups are tended to with the same controls (volume, tone & 3-way switch) feature.

Overall, the Epiphone LP Standard makes a pretty good case for itself. You get the fidelity and class of a classic Les Paul, but with more confidence than the LP 100. If you’re looking for your first ‘serious’ instrument — you know, a step up from your beginner unit — be sure to give it a try.

Pros

  • It sounds and looks great
  • Build quality is exceptional for the price
  • It holds its tune well
  • Action is quick and user-friendly
  • The perfect mix of price and performance

Cons

  • Pickups aren’t the most versatile

 

Our Rating –
4.5/5


Check The Latest Price On The Epiphone Les Paul Standard

Looking for more options? We did an entire post on the electric guitars under 500 possibilities!

Fender Squier Classic Vibe 50’s Stratocaster Electric Guitar

Fender’s Squier sub-brand has gifted us a wonderful collection of Strats over the years. This particular guitar, the Classic Vibe 50’s, is Fender’s tribute to the birth of the Stratocaster in the 1950s and our pick for under $400. It features a double-cutaway Strat body made of solid alder; this can be adorned in one of 2 retro finishes (Sherwood Green Metallic or two-tone Sunburst).

The neck and fretboard feature a vintage-tint gloss finish to top off the look. Both are crafted of maple. The neck is C-shaped for comfortable play and easy access to the 21 medium jumbo frets spread along the 25.5-inch long scale.

The Squier CV 50’s come with Alnico III single-coil pickups at the neck, bridge, and middle for hardware. These are linked to a volume knob, two tone knobs, and the 5-way selector switch. A 6-saddle retro-styled tremolo bridge is provided for further pitch control. Tuning gear includes a set of chrome tuners on the headstock, plus a synthetic bone nut.

Thanks to the bespoke pickup coils and the alder body/neck, the CV 50’s Stratocaster delivers a meaty sound with a dynamic tone range. It doesn’t quite hit vintage quality, but it performs better than what you’d expect of a $400 unit, lending itself to a handful of genres. If you want a well-built, reliable workhorse Strat, don’t be afraid to give it a try.

Love the country twang tones too!

Pros

  • Gorgeous looks
  • Outstanding build quality
  • No fret buzzes

Our Rating –
4/5


Check The Latest Price On The Fender Squier Classic Vibe 50’s Stratocaster

Epiphone Les Paul SPECIAL-II

You can’t have too much of a good thing. Not according to Epiphone, at least. The LP Special II, our pick for best electric guitar below $300, is here to give you yet another taste of the Les Paul experience.

The Special II is cut from the same cloth as the original, featuring a single-cutaway body. However, you can expect a few budget cuts with a cheaper price tag. The body is made of Okoume, a more affordable and lighter hardwood than mahogany. Okoume has also been used for the bolted-on neck.

You’ll also notice that the body lacks the signature contour of a bonafide Les Paul. All that said, the Special II still handles quite well. The finish is superb, and the lighter choice of woods means this won’t be as heavy on your hands as a mahogany unit would. Also, the neck offers a pleasant feel with its ‘SlimTaper D’ profile. Playability is further enhanced by the rosewood fretboard featuring 22 medium jumbo frets with dot inlays.

The Special II comes with two humbuckers in classic LP fashion: A 650R at the neck and a 700T on the bridge. Both are Epiphone proprietary units. They provide just about enough oomph for heavy genres like rock. Controls include a 3-way switch, plus master volume and tone knobs.

Pros

  • Beginner-friendly design
  • Sound is OK for the price
  • It has better pickups than most budget models
  • It comes with a lifetime warranty

Cons

  • No accessories included

Are you looking for more? Take a look at our more detailed post on the electric guitars under 300 and our other position on top acoustic-electric guitars under 300.

 

Our Rating –
4/5


Check The Latest Price On The Epiphone Les Paul SPECIAL-II

Yamaha Pacifica Series PAC012

It’s impossible to overlook Yamaha when compiling a list of dependable options — or musical instruments, for that matter. The company makes products for practically everyone, from novices to hobbyists to professionals. With the PAC012, you’re getting one of the best electric guitars under $200.

Like other members of the Pacifica Series, the PAC012 features a double-cutaway Strat-style body but with a uniquely-curvaceous feel. This is made of agathis, an alder-like softwood, and covered in a high-gloss finish. The maple neck features a 25.5-inch scale, plus a 22-fret Sonokeling fingerboard (Sonokeling is a rosewood variety native to Indonesia).

Interestingly, this doesn’t come with SSS pickups like most Strats. Instead, it makes do with single-coils at the neck and middle position, with a bridge humbucker on the bridge to complement them. This unusual configuration does a rather commendable job at voicing the PAC012. The sound quality isn’t that great, but it’s not mediocre either. The stock pickups yield clear sounds, and the chunky tones provided by the humbucker will prove helpful in specific genres.

The PAC012 features a 5-way pickup selector switch and master volume/tone controls to create a fantastic learning curve for beginners. Sealed chrome tuners help keep it tuned, while the vintage-style tremolo bridge offers easy access to the onboard vibrato feature.

Pros

  • Feels solid and looks great
  • It holds its tune quite well
  • Very user-friendly
  • Affordably-priced

Cons

  • Not the best sound quality available in this range

Our Rating –
4.5/5


Check The Latest Price On The Yamaha Pacifica Series PAC012

Glarry GST

Glarry music has become famous for offering solid guitars at unbelievably-low prices. This one, in particular, the Glarry GST guitar, is a 6-string dressed in a basswood body and maple neck, with the fingerboard crafted out of rosewood. That sounds about good enough for an $85 Strat-style.

Whoa, wait a sec… Strat-style for under $100? Yeah, you did read that right. This is a good choice if you’re after that Strat feel but don’t want to part with a limb for, say, a Fender.

Granted, one can understand why you’re skeptical. It’s hard to come across a decent electric in the sub-$100 range, let alone a Strat clone. But the Glarry GST is a rare — and undoubtedly welcome — exception. While the basswood body feels a little light, it still has the thickness of a legit Strat. The smooth C-shaped neck lets you navigate all chords with ease, and a precision-cut string nut is included to help maintain optimal string pressure. A 5-way pickup switch and three single-coil pickups make it possible to achieve the classic Strat sound.

You also get bass/treble controls and adjustable gain to explore different levels of overdrive. It even comes with a 20W amp for when you want to make some noise and a headphone jack for when you don’t. Accessories include a gig bag, shoulder strap, tremolo arm, and a few tools for the initial setup. If that sounds good enough, why not give the Glarry GST a try?

Pros:

  • Vibrant colors
  • The decent tone for the price
  • Ease of use

Cons:

  • Poor durability
  • Uncomfortable neck
  • Lack of features

4/5


Check The Latest Price On The Glarry GST

Squier Affinity Stratocaster SSS

Nothing screams value for money like a sub-$300 Strat guitar, especially when it’s a Squier. The Affinity Stratocaster SSS’s budget choice brings you loads of goodness for 230 bucks. That’s almost half what you’d pay for the other Fender Strat you saw earlier, the Classic Vibe 50’s.

The Affinity SSS sticks to the classical Strat formula with a slender, contoured double-cutaway shape. The body is crafted from alder and finished in seven colors. Bolted onto the body is a maple neck with a 21-fret fingerboard composed of maple or rosewood.

A few users have pointed out that maple offers a quicker response. In truth, however, this snappiness has more to do with the C-shaped neck and asymmetric body shape. The two combine to put the 25.5-inch scale wholly within reach. The channel also has a fretboard radius of 9.5 inches for a firmer grip.

You’ll recall that this is configured in the SSS layout, utilizing standard single-coils for the pickups. These get the job done alright, offering a somewhat-pleasing sound with enough bite for overdrive, but don’t expect to be blown away. The controls can also say the same: the 5-way pickup toggle combines two tone knobs and a master volume for just enough tonal versatility. Pitch control takes the form of a six-saddle tremolo bridge. You get six chrome tuners and a synthetic bone nut for tuning gear.

Pros

  • Provides an affordable Strat experience
  • Accommodates quick play

Cons

  • Sub-par sound compared to the competition

Our Rating –
4/5


Check The Latest Price On The Squier Affinity Stratocaster SSS

Ibanez GRGM21MJB Mikro 3/4 Size

As the name suggests, the GRGM21MJB Mikro is a small electric with a three-quarter scale. That equates to 22 inches, which is about perfect for young guitarists just joining the fray. Or even seasoned rockers who want a mini-guitar — you know, for those last-minute rehearsals along hallways? The Mikro’s well-suited for those too and a great pick for kids.

It features a downsized body crafted from basswood, a maple neck, and a rosewood fretboard. The latter has 24 frets with customized Sharktooth inlays for position markers. Double humbucker pickups combine with the solid body to yield a clear tone with a warm mid and a solid sustain—a 3-way pickup selector switch variation with master volume and tone controls.

The sound can be somewhat heavy compared to what other mini electric guitars offer for a kid but never muddy. It’s about as good as you can expect for a budget-range model. Overall, the Mirka comes across as a worthwhile pick for the price. It has this inviting charm that urges you to try it out, and the compact profile means you can shred endlessly for hours without tiring.

Pros

  • Perfectly sized for kids, as well as adults with small hands.
  • Superb build and finish
  • Controls are smooth and responsive
  • It has a better electronics package than comparable models
  • Sound quality is OK for the price

Cons

  • Needs a few adjustments out of the box (bridge height, intonation, etc.).
  • Strings can go out of tune quickly.

Our Rating –
4/5


Check The Latest Price On The Ibanez GRGM21MJB Mikro 3/4 Size

Squier by Fender Mini Strat Electric Guitar

Here’s another option for those who want a mini, but this time from Squier. Tasked with the job of replicating the Fender Stratocaster on a smaller scale, Squier utilized a 3/4-size body featuring the usual double-cutaway for the Mini – our choice for small hands. These electric guitars are made of basswood, while the neck and fingerboard are crafted from maple and rosewood. The scale length has been shrunk to 22.75 inches, and the frets are a couple shy of the usual 22.

However, you still get the traditional Strat pickup layout employing a trio of single coils. As usual, a 5-way toggle switch is provided, as are volume and tone control knobs. The headstock also brings the familiar set of 6 die-cast tuners to aid tuning. The Mini also retains the Strat DNA in the sonic department. The combination of basswood and maple yields a bright tone with clear highs and warm basses.

Not to say that there aren’t any glaring trade-offs, though — the sound isn’t as thick as you’d get from a standard Strat. But then again, you’re looking at a downsized replica costing a tenth of what the real thing does. A decent amplifier might work to shrink the gap, but it does help to keep your expectations realistic.

Pros

  • Capable of rocking multiple genres, thanks to the 5-way pickup switch
  • Compact profile
  • It comes with an instructional manual for beginners and kids

Cons

  • Could use better tuning pegs and strings

Our Rating –
4/5


Check The Latest Price On The Squier by Fender Mini Strat

Looking for more options? We did a whole post on the electric guitars for small hands too. Take a look!

Fender Stratocaster

Aah, the good old Fender American Strat – our top pick for blues electric guitar. Practically every who’s who in history has had one, from Jimi Hendrix to Eric Clapton. Given the great sounds it has helped create, the Fender Stratocaster is what most players seek when they graduate into pro territory.

You know you have a legend on your hands the moment you pick up a Fender Strat. It has this uniquely-contoured body that looks like it was designed for your lap. This is made of solid alder, while maple is used for the C-shaped neck. Fender offers two choices for the fretboard (maple and Pau Ferro). Both varieties sport 21 medium jumbo frets.

The Strat is voiced by a trio of single-coil pickups set atop the neck, bridge, and middle position. All three are Alnico 5 Strat units controlled via a five-way blade switch. Master volume and tone controls are provided for the middle and neck pickups. You get a retro-style synced Tremolo bridge with a high-mass steel block for enhanced sustain. Located further up is a synthetic bone nut and set of die-cast sealed chrome tuners.

With such a neat hardware package, it should come as no surprise that the Fender Strat sounds fantastic. You will get a stage-quality sound right out of the box, but you could swap out the hardware if you’re not satisfied.

Pros

  • Gorgeous vintage design
  • Top-of-the-range craftsmanship
  • Impeccable sound
  • Hardware offers loads of versatility
  • Customizable

Cons

  • The tone is a bit stiff

Our Rating –
5/5


Check The Latest Price On The Fender Stratocaster

D’Angelico EXL-1

John D’Angelico’s early guitars were clone versions of the Gibson L-5, the perfect electric jazz guitar. With time, he developed a unique, highly-ornamented style epitomized by his two most famous creations, the New Yorker and the Exel. The EXL-1 is based on the latter. It’s a 17.5″ wide archtop cutaway with a side depth of 3.12 inches.

A laminate spruce top combines with maple sides and back to make up the body; this is available in sunburst and natural finishes. Couple that with signature D’Angelico appointments in the iconic headstock and Stairstep tailpiece, and you have an incredibly gorgeous instrument. One that’s also comfortable to play in any position; the manufacturer has done such a great job distributing the weight across the EXL-1’s body. It feels so light you hardly notice that you’re holding a 17-inch giant. Playability is further enhanced by the hard maple neck featuring an asymmetric D-profile, as well as the rosewood fingerboard.

Like most jazz-centric models, the EXL-1 is voiced by a single pickup. A Ken Armstrong-designed floating mini-humbucker, the pickup highlights the guitar’s classic amplified archtop tone when plugged in. Don’t expect too much power, but the sound will be markedly characterful with a good dose of sustain. And if you want to mold it, there’s a pair of volume and tone controls mounted discreetly on the pickguard.

Pros

  • Stellar craftsmanship, with great attention to detail
  • Exceptional sound
  • Plays great out of the box

Cons

  • It doesn’t offer much tonal versatility

Take a look here for more best jazz guitar or these best jazz guitars under $1000 recommendations.

 

Our Rating –
4.5/5


Check The Latest Price On The D’Angelico EXL-1

Epiphone Dot

The Epiphone Dot is based on the Gibson ES-335 guitar, the world’s first commercially available semi-hollow (or acousto-electric) guitar. The ES-335 has popularity with many top acts, including Larry Carlton, Noel Gallagher, and Alvin Lee. It’s so cool that it even appeared in ‘Back To The Future. So the Epiphone Dot’s gotta be good, right? Making it our choice for church music.

It has the same semi-hollow body profile; the center is solid, while the sides are hollow. The solid core is made of mahogany for a sustained and rich tone. Laminated maple is used for the rest of the body. At the top are two violin-style ‘F-holes’ over the hollow body chambers to boost resonance and balance the tone. You might find the mahogany neck a little thicker than you’re used to due to the 43mm width at the nut. It still features the same 24.75″ scale and rosewood fingerboard as other Epiphones.

Elsewhere, the setup will be easygoing, thanks to Gibson’s familiar Tune-o-Matic bridge. Not only is it easy to adjust, but it also guarantees a healthy dose of stability. More so after you add high-quality Grover tuners. The dot utilizes a pair of Alnico Classic humbuckers, so expect lots of punch and versatility.

Pros

  • Highly versatile: The acoustic-electric concept lends itself to a broad range of genres
  • Exceptional build quality
  • Great feel and finish
  • Handles well

Cons

  • Sounds dull when unplugged
  • Significantly heftier than most electrics

Our Rating –
4/5


Check The Latest Price On The Epiphone Dot

Traveler EG-1 Custom

Wouldn’t it be great to have something you can carry with you everywhere? The EG-1 Custom guitar, our choice for travel electric guitar, is built for just that. Measuring 28.5 inches in length and weighing a paltry 4 lbs, it’s compact enough to travel light without getting in your way.

So, how many corners were cut to achieve the lightweight guitar build? None. While the EG-1 Custom is significantly smaller than a typical electric, you still get the familiar 24.75-inch scale. Thanks to the manufacturer’s proprietary In-Body Tuning System, this negates the need for a headstock by tucking the tuners inside the body. The body is crafted from alder to save weight (lighter than mahogany pound-for-pound.

A Devastator Alnico Humbucker for the bridge position pick-up is included to give you the full-size tone. Achromatic tuner, specifically the Shadow E-Tuner, is built into the pickup ring to eliminate the need for external gear. Elsewhere, the EG-1 Custom features an onboard distortion engine as part of its electronics package. This allows you to choose between 4 tones (clean, boost, overdrive, and distortion) using the provided tone knob. A custom headphone amp is also included to allow private practice while on the go.

Pros

  • The compact build makes the EG-1 Custom the perfect traveling companion, and the manufacturer throws in a free gig bag.
  • Sounds excellent, mainly through headphones
  • Outstanding build quality
  • Affordably-priced

Cons

  • It takes a while to get accustomed to the tuners

Our Rating –
4/5


Check The Latest Price On The Traveler Guitar EG-1 Custom

Ibanez LGB30

Here’s a reason to smile if you’re a jazz guitarist: You don’t need to burn a hole in your wallet for an Ibanez GB signature – our choice for archtop electric guitar. The LGB30 is available for a little over 20{0794a961920d97099aea99cac5a861228867c4461e5cf936a4873e99fb4a0da6} the price of an authentic LGB300 (the model on which it’s based).

The Ibanez LGB30 features a single-cutaway hollow body but a slightly smaller footprint like its stablemate. This comprises a laminated spruce top with ‘F-holes,’ plus laminate maple back and sides. All pieces are adjoined using cream plastic binding, with a vintage-yellow sunburst finish to complement the flamed maple’s luxurious look. The neck is a set-in three-piece combining maple and mahogany, while the 20-fret fingerboard is crafted of ebony. Frets are marked with pearl/acrylic, and abalone split block inlays.

The LGB30 is powered by a pair of Alnico-loaded Ibanez Super 58 humbuckers outfitted with rubber-ribbed knobs for a secure grip. Controls are usual (3-way toggle, 2 volume, and two tones). Both pickups do a pretty good job. The bridge position pickup sounds clean, whether raw or processed, while the neck delivers a warm tone enriched by the substantial cutaway. Mild overdrive could work if you keep the volume low, which is kind of impressive for a hollow body. Overall, the LGB30 is worth a second look if you’re inclined towards jazz.

Pros

  • Superb construction
  • Comfortable neck
  • Well-balanced pickups
  • Much better tonal versatility compared to similar models

Cons

  • Not an all-rounder
  • Still too expensive for the average guitarist

Our Rating –
4.5/5


Check The Latest Price On The Ibanez LGB30

Gibson Les Paul Studio

The Gibson Les Paul Studio is designed for those who want a bona fide Gibson Les Paul and don’t mind preceding a few cosmetic features. It comes in the familiar Les Paul shape without all the cosmetic appointments that account for a chunk of the LP’s stratospheric price tag (bindings, inlays, etc.). The name ‘Studio’ implies that this should produce the same sound as a standard LP — at least within the confines of a recording studio. It’s our choice for advanced players.

Like the original, the Les Paul Studios have a solid mahogany body with a figured maple top. The neck is also made of mahogany; this features the classic ‘SlimTaper’ profile for enhanced ease of play. A 22-fret Grandadillo fingerboard employing period trapezoid markers is capped onto the neck. Scale length stands at the usual 24.75 inches.

To ensure the Studio still has the pedigree of an authentic Les Paul, Gibson outfitted it with 490R/498T pickups. With a penchant for aggressiveness and a generous midrange, these pickups will be perfect for the traditional rock-oriented Les Paul Studio applications.

It’s also pleasing to see that Gibson ditched the regular volume pots for push-pull coil-tapping units. Tweaking your tone will never be more manageable. Meanwhile, a Tune-o-Matic bridge equipped with a stop bar, plus the chrome Kluson tuners on the headstock, will help keep the strings accurate. Overall, the Gibson Les Paul Studio seems like a pretty good deal, and you can pretend that you are just like Jimmy Page!

 

Our Rating –
4.5/5


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Epiphone Les Paul Player Pack

If you’re not just in the market for a great guitar alone — if what you’re looking for is a complete package — look no further than the Epiphone Les Paul Guitar Player Pack. It is kitted with just about everything you might need for a great playing experience; amp, cable, picks, and so on. It even comes with downloadable lessons for those who’re just learning the ropes. This is our pick for top electric guitars starter pack for the cash.

The Epiphone Les Paul Special II LTD is at the heart of the package. This is much like the LP Special II you saw earlier, featuring the same tonewoods and body profile. However, the LTD edition utilizes nickel for the hardware instead of chrome.

The LP Player Pack comes with a 10W Epiphone Electar Amplifier packing a 6-inch speaker. It’s not exactly robust, but the amp holds its own rather well, providing clean, clear tones. You also get a 10-foot cable for on-stage flexibility, plus a headphone jack for your private practice sessions. Other extras include plectrums, a branded gig bag, and a strap. The Epiphone Les Paul Player Pack retails well within the beginner range (more guitars for beginners here) for many types of playing styles.

Pros

  • Ships ready to play out of the box
  • An all-inclusive package provides an excellent learning curve for beginners.
  • The included gig bag has pockets for peripherals
  • Stock tuning gear is accurate and easy to use
  • Good value for money

Our Rating –
4/5


Check The Latest Price On The Epiphone Les Paul Player Pack

If you are looking for more starter pack options, look at our electric guitar starter kits article.

Things To Consider When Buying Versatile Best Electric Guitar Deals

When you are looking to buy a good electric guitar, there are some things that you will want to keep in mind. For example, many factors will determine the price, such as the quality of the wood and what kind of strings they have.

When looking through options, it is essential to remember that you should always play them before buying them. This is important because if they don’t feel comfortable in your hands, then there is a good chance that this will influence how much you enjoy playing it. It would help if you also took note of the type that you plan on buying because different styles are functional.

What Genre Of Music Do You Play?

It is essential to know what kind of music they play before buying the best electric guitar. The style of music you want to learn will ensure that you can play it and feel comfortable with it. There is no reason to buy one if you don’t know how to play it. On top of that, it will probably be more expensive when compared with other guitars, so do your research beforehand.

Guitar Price

You should also take note of the price. The price could increase or decrease based on what condition it is in, what style it is, and how much time has passed since the guitar was made. Keep in mind that when you are looking to buy a new musical instrument, you should consider the value you want them to have. This might mean that you need to sell your old one if it doesn’t have a high value.

What Are The Electric Guitar Components Made Of?

You may prefer a maple fretboard over rosewood. You should also consider what the frets are made of because there is a chance that the price will differ based on their material. There is no need to pay more for something you don’t want simply because it has better quality components.

Do You Want A Solid Or Hollow Body Electric Guitar?

One of the first things you will want to think about is whether or not you would like a solid body or a hollow body. A substantial body usually tends to be more resistant, but it will be heavier. A hollow body is lighter and produces a unique tone, but the tone won’t be as loud as a solid body. This means that you should think about what kind of music you want to play.

Pickups

What about pickups? Do you prefer single coils or humbucking pickups? You should also think about what kind of pickups a particular option has. There is the option of single coils or humbuckers. Each type of electric guitar has its benefits and disadvantages, so you will want to choose which one you prefer.

As you can see, there are many factors to consider when buying a new one. Even if you have played a great electric guitar before, you must keep the above things in mind. Overall, it would be best to consider them when buying a new guitar because it could make a difference in how much fun you have playing the instrument.

Some More Quick Best New Guitars

  • Squier Bullet Mustang
  • Fender American Performer Stratocaster
  • Gibson SG Standard or SQ Special
  • Ibanez AX120
  • Epiphone Les Paul or Gibson
  • Yamaha Pacifica 112V
  • Ibanez Gio
  • Ibanez Artcore
  • Fender Telecaster
  • Gretsch G5222 Electromatic Double Jet
  • Gretsch G262
  • PRS SE Custom 24
  • Gibson Flying V
  • Ibanez Genesis Collection RG550

Check out these best DIY guitar kit options as well.

Best Electric Guitars for Price Conclusion

So, have you found the one you like? Good. If not, at least one or two should come close. You might want to re-examine your criteria and go through the list once more. At times, the best electric guitars needn’t be one that ticks all your boxes. A unit that meets most of your needs without too many compromises will be fine.

Whatever you end up choosing, be sure to try it out before buying. There’s nothing wrong with reading online guitar reviews of the best electric guitars on the market, but only a test drive can help you determine whether a particular option is right for you. Most music shops will be more than happy to offer you the chance.