The electric guitar is one of the most popular musical instruments in the world. The instrument has undergone many changes throughout its history to become what it is today, but significant upgrades come every 10 years or so to make it better and more appealing to players.
It’s hard for an artist to find a good guitar at a low price, especially when they are looking for quality rather than the brand name.
Modern intermediate electric guitars are typically expensive, but their price does not necessarily reflect quality. Today, you can find excellent models for less than $500.
To help you choose the best among them, we have compiled a list including an overview of the guitar features and what people who have purchased that model liked or disliked about it.
Table of Contents
Buying Guide
People who own electric guitars enjoy the sweet sound of quality as well as the veritable variety offered by electric guitars. The choice of instrument is wide and the market is growing every day.
The Electric Guitar
The electric guitar has enjoyed steadily rising popularity in the last two decades, culminating in a near parallel with the acoustic. It’s not hard to see why either: electric guitars are much louder than acoustics, they can be played in more places without upsetting people or animals, and you don’t have to worry about them getting wet.
The Acoustic Sound
The sound of the acoustic guitar is something to appreciate. It’s not often you get to see a master play an acoustic, but when you do, the sound is stunning. The reason for this is that acoustic guitars rely solely on string vibration to produce their sound.
5 Best Electric Guitars Under $500 in 2024
Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. The ESP LTD EC-256FM Electric Guitar
- An affordable and popular guitar with many similarites to some of the most highly-regarded guitars in history
- Features a comfortable Mahogany body and 3 pc. neck, as well as roasted jatoba fingerboard and flamed maple top
- Also features covered passive pickups, set-neck construction, and 22XJ frets
- At home on blues, classic rock, hard rock, progressive rock, fusion, and much more
Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The ESP LTD EC-256FM Electric Guitar, See Thru Purple Sunburst is a beginner’s guitar that provides an affordable way for beginners to start playing electric guitar. The guitar is designed with a basswood body and a bolt-on maple neck.
Pros :
- Reasonably priced
- Good for beginners
- Comfortable neck
- Lightweight
Cons :
- Weight: The weight of the guitar may be a con for some, as it can cause a strain on one’s shoulder and hand.
- Sound: The sound is arguably the sole downfall from this guitar. It’s not very rich or dynamic, and it’s hard to distinguish from other guitars of its kind.
2. Dean Michael Angelo Batio MAB4 Gauntlet Electric Guitar
- Basswood Top
- Bolt-On Neck
- Rosewood Fingerboard
- Black Hardware
- Basswood Body
Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Dean Michael Angelo Batio MAB4 Gauntlet Electric Guitar is a high-end guitar from the renowned artist and guitarist, Michael Angelo Batio.
Pros :
- It is handmade to ensure quality
- It is extremely durable
- The parts are all replaceable if they wear out
Cons :
- The switch can be difficult to control.
- It has individual coil taps for each pickup, but this causes it to eat batteries like crazy.
3. Hagstrom ULSWE-BLK Ultra Swede Black
- Easy playabability
- Thin neck
- Custom pickups
- Beautiful finishes
- Easy playability
Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Hagstrom ULSWE-BLK Ultra Swede Black is a steel-string acoustic guitar with a flat black finish. It was produced by the Hager Group, which is best known for its electric guitars.
Pros :
- A versatile brown guitar
- Works well on stage with a matching custom Hagstrom hard case
- Swedish made, so it comes together beautifully
Cons :
- Upon arriving home you may find that the Hagstrom is a legitimate pain in the neck to set up, with a massive manual and various spare parts.
- The guitar is also notably heavy for its size, which may cause some discomfort when playing.
4. Ibanez RGA42FM Elec Gtr Dragon Eye Bst Flat
- Wizard III Maple neck Flamed Maple top Mahogany body Rosewood fretboard Off-set white dot inlay Jumbo frets Fixed bridge Quantum (H) neck pickup...
- If Ibanez can lay claim to the title of being the strongest name in Metal guitars, then the RGA is the model this reputation was built on
- Every inch of this classic screams speed, fury, and expression
- The RGA42FM is a hardtail 6-string electric built around a Mahogany body with stunning Flamed Maple top
- Its contoured top not only looks sleek—it creates a softer, more comfortable edge where the player’s right forearm rests
Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Ibanez RGA42FM Elec Gtr Dragon Eye Bst Flat is a solid body electric guitar made by Ibanez Guitars. Some of its features include a mahogany neck and rock maple top, with a 25-1/2 scale, thin U-shaped neck that is fast and comfortable for players.
Pros :
- Comes with a gig bag
- Locking tuners
- 34″ scale
Cons :
- No case
- Caster wheels are slightly close
5. Yamaha Revstar RS320, Red Copper
- Ceramic magnet and brass baseplate for powerful, punchy tone
- H3 Hot output humbuckers
- Solid Nato Body
- Die cast Tuners, Tune-O-Matic Bridge
- Set-in Neck with Thin Profile
Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Yamaha Revstar RS320 is a 3/4 Scale Premium Acoustic-Electric Guitar. The Yamaha Revstar RS320 is one of the newest additions to the family of Yamaha guitars and offers players impeccable craftsmanship and top-quality construction for an unbelievable price.
Pros :
- Perfectly weighted and balanced with a classic, vintage styling
- Clean and crisp sound
- Powered by a high-quality double-barrel 12-inch speaker
- Sophisticated electronics and 10w tweeters
- Stylish chrome rocker guards and LED running lights
Cons :
- Relatively heavy weight
- Height of the RS320 is a bit on the high side for some people
Conclusion :
There are only a few things that are considered must-haves for any musician. These include a guitar, an amplifier, and the ability to sing. Without these three basic tools, it would be nearly impossible to create music in any genre of music today. Sure, there are many places you could go if you’re not satisfied with your current musical abilities or equipment choices. You can take lessons or learn on your own through YouTube videos or the internet.
FAQ:
Q: What is the best affordable electric guitar?
A: – Great Les Paul tone – Humbucker pickups – Narrow neck – Just like the original Gibson model
Q: What are the best rated electric guitars?
A: Fender Classic Series 72 Telecaster Deluxe Electric Guitar. Fender is one of the pioneers in guitar production and makes some of the best guitars in the world. … Gibson Les Paul Faded T 2024 Electric Guitar. The Gibson Les Paul Faded T 2024 Electric Guitar is a complete mixture of modern and vintage. … PRS S2 Custom 24 Solid-Body Electric Guitar. …
Q: What are the top 10 electric guitars?
A: Top 10 Left-Handed Electric Guitars In 2024. 10. Gretsch G5420T Left-Handed Electric Guitars. Description: Presenting a gorgeous appearance, the incredible shape and balance of weight in this guitar allow you to play comfortably from every angle. Likewise, the interior of this guitar is hollow, which produces rhythmic tunes with less effort.
Q: What is the top rated electric guitar?
A: – Ibanez Paul Gilbert PGM FRM300. … – Gretsch Vintage Select ’89 Jet. … – Eastman Romeo LA. … – Duesenberg The Falken. … – Epiphone Emily Wolfe Sheraton Stealth. … – Ivison Guitars The Dakota. … – Epiphone Jared James Nichols Gold Glory. … – Fender J Mascis Telecaster. … – Ibanez AZES. … – Squier CV Late 50s Jazzmaster. …