When readers are looking for an electric guitar and are on a budget, an electric guitar under $500 can be a great option. The best electric guitar under $500 can provide excellent sound quality, durability, and playability without breaking the bank.
Finding the best electric guitar under $500 can be difficult because there are so many options to choose from, and it can be hard to know which one is right for you. Some may have lower-quality components or be poorly constructed, while others may have better quality but be outside of your budget.
Fortunately, we have reviewed many electric guitars under $500 and can help you select the best one for your needs. We have carefully evaluated each guitar based on its sound quality, construction, components, and value for the price.
Contents
Top 3 Electric Guitar Under $500
1. Epiphone Les Paul Standard Electric Guitar
If you search for an inexpensive option to about $500 Gibson Les Paul without losing lastingness or sound, this is your best bet.
This simple top Epiphone Les Paul Standard is an electric guitar that provides all the trademark sounds of a Gibson Les Paul at a portion of the price. The mahogany body offers exceptional resonance, while the Alnico Classic humbucker pickups produce plenty of heat.
Les Paul’s are made out of mahogany wood, which helps give it the distinctive trademark sound that gets you to fall in love with it every time.
Being heavier than other kinds of wood used to produce guitars, it makes the Les Paul a little bit on the hefty side. But what comes out on the sound side of it makes up for the little suffering.
The mahogany gives deeper sounds with great keep up to it, giving it a rock-based sound, to begin with. Les Paul also has a rosewood fretboard, which additionally gives it its warm deep sound that is delicious.
This lovely Pelham blue guitar is the greatest for a Father’s Day gift. I’d read numerous reviews on this particular version, and most were quite pleased by it. The great cost proved to be a screaming bargain. The wonderful craftsmanship, superior sound, and great feel. And it seems excellent, with no ‘buzzing.’ This is the greatest guitar you can purchase, in case you are searching for a full, rich sound.
2. Fender Player Stratocaster HSS Electric Guitar
The Modern Player Telecaster Plus HSS is that rare bird among Telecasters-a triple-pick-up version with a mini-toggle coil-split switch for the Modern Player humbucking bridge pickup.
That is lots of assortment and electronic equipment of tone packaged into one guitar for having the ability to cover lots of musical ground that are already understood. This original model is further differentiated by a pine body whose grain feel provides a warm look.
Other characteristics include a C-shaped maple neck, a maple fretboard with a 9.5″ radius and 22 jumbo frets, Modern Player single-coil Telecaster neck pickup and Modern Player Stratocaster central pickup, five-way pickup switching, three-ply pickguard, knurled “chrome-dome” control knobs, classic-style Stratocaster string-through-body six-saddle hard-tail bridge, classic-style tuners, and nickel/chrome hardware.
This Telecaster is an extremely versatile guitar, as well as an excellent value. The bridge humbucker is great for that Nirvana sort of top-end crunching. Yet it can go into some types of alloy! Trust me, and this ax is a versatile animal.
3. Epiphone Limited Edition Les Paul Standard Plustop PRO Electric Guitar
There is nothing cooler than wielding a limited-edition ax like the Epiphone Limited Edition Wildkat Royale Electric Guitar. You do not have to be a rock star to possess one. When there’s such a thing as a ‘perfect guitar,’ this is it!
The limited-edition Wildkat Royale has the same conventional f-hole archtop design as the most popular Epiphone Wildkat set but with the appearance of a customized finish. It is bigger than a Les Paul, though smaller than a DOT 335.
The mahogany body has a laminated maple top with a classy pearl white finish, while the hard maple neck is topped with a rosewood fretboard adorned with gold hardware. The Bigsby trim adds to its chic look, as well as the two Alnico P90 single-coil pickups crank out the giant tone.
This is the top semi-hollow period for the cost. Build quality is terrible — great price on an alluring but badly crafted guitar. Purchase a Gretch Electromatic for a couple hundred more, and you will get a far greater guitar.
How To Choose The Best Electric Guitar Under $500
When you’re on a budget, finding the best electric guitar under $500 can be a daunting task. However, with careful consideration and research, you can find an electric guitar that suits your needs without breaking the bank. In this article, we’ll discuss the key factors to consider when choosing the best electric guitar under $500.
1. Build Quality
The build quality of an electric guitar is essential, even when you’re on a budget. Look for a guitar made of high-quality materials that can withstand regular use. Check for any visible flaws in the guitar’s construction, such as poor finishing, misaligned parts, or sharp fret edges.
2. Pickups
The pickups are responsible for capturing the guitar’s sound and transmitting it to an amplifier. Single-coil pickups produce a brighter, cleaner sound, while humbucker pickups offer a warmer, fuller tone. Consider the music style you’ll be playing and choose the pickups that best suit your preferences.
3. Bridge
The bridge is where the strings of the guitar are attached. A well-designed bridge ensures stable tuning and intonation. Look for a bridge that is easy to adjust and maintain, especially if you’re a beginner.
4. Neck Shape
The neck shape of an electric guitar affects how it feels in your hands. A slim neck is suitable for fast playing and is ideal for players with small hands. A thicker neck is better for players who prefer a more substantial feel.
5. Fretboard
The fretboard is where you place your fingers to play different notes and chords. Choose a fretboard that feels comfortable to play with, with smooth frets and well-spaced strings.
6. Tuners
Tuners are responsible for keeping the guitar in tune. Look for tuners that are easy to turn and don’t slip out of tune easily.
7. Aesthetics
While not as important as the other factors, the guitar’s appearance can still play a role in your decision. Choose a guitar that looks good to you and inspires you to play.
8. Brand Reputation
Consider the reputation of the guitar’s brand. Look for brands with a history of producing quality instruments, even at lower price points.
In summary, when choosing the best electric guitar under $500, consider the guitar’s build quality, pickups, bridge, neck shape, fretboard, tuners, aesthetics, and brand reputation. By carefully considering each of these factors, you’ll be able to find a guitar that meets your needs without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions About Electric Guitars Under $500
If you’re looking for an electric guitar on a budget, it can be overwhelming to navigate the options and make the right choice. In this article, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about electric guitars under $500 to help you make an informed decision.
1. What should I look for in an electric guitar under $500?
When shopping for an electric guitar under $500, you’ll want to look for quality construction, solid tonewoods, and reliable hardware. It’s also important to consider your playing style and the type of music you want to play, as different guitars may be better suited to certain genres.
2. Can I get a good electric guitar for under $500?
Yes, absolutely! While higher-priced guitars may offer more advanced features and better craftsmanship, there are plenty of excellent options available in the under $500 price range. With a little research and careful consideration, you can find a guitar that meets your needs and sounds great.
3. Are there any brands I should avoid when shopping for an electric guitar under $500?
While there are certainly lower-quality brands to watch out for, there are also some great options available from lesser-known or budget-friendly brands. It’s more important to focus on the quality of the guitar itself, rather than the brand name on the headstock.
4. Can I upgrade an electric guitar for under $500?
Yes, many electric guitars under $500 can be upgraded with better pickups, hardware, and other components to improve their sound and performance. However, it’s important to consider whether the cost of upgrades will ultimately exceed the cost of simply buying a higher-end guitar in the first place.
5. Should I buy a used electric guitar for under $500?
Buying a used guitar can be a great way to save money, but it’s important to thoroughly inspect the instrument before making a purchase. Look for any signs of damage or wear, and play the guitar to ensure it sounds and feels good. Additionally, be cautious of any deals that seem too good to be true, as there may be hidden issues with the guitar.
6. What types of electric guitars are available for under $500?
There are many types of electric guitars available in the under $500 price range, including solid body, hollow body, and semi-hollow body guitars. Each type offers its unique sound and playability, so it’s important to consider which will be the best fit for your needs.
7. How do I know if an electric guitar under $500 is a good fit for me?
The best way to determine if an electric guitar under $500 is a good fit for you is to play it! If possible, visit a music store and try out different guitars to get a feel for what works best for your playing style and preferences. Additionally, read reviews and watch demo videos online to get a sense of how the guitar sounds and performs.
8. Can I learn to play an electric guitar for under $500?
Absolutely! While a more expensive guitar may offer certain advantages in terms of tone and playability, it’s certainly possible to learn and make great music on an electric guitar for under $500. What’s most important is finding a guitar that feels comfortable to play and inspires you to pick it up and practice regularly.