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Five Electric Guitars That Offer the Best Value

Top 5 electric guitars for the money at glance:

Product	Image	Rating	Relative Price
#1 Overall Best Value Pacifica Series PAC12 Electric Guitar			$$
#2 Best Budget Model Epiphone Les Paul SPECIAL-II Electric Guitar			$$
#3 Most Versatile Jackson JS22 Dinky Eelctric Guitar			$$
#4 Fastest Neck C-1 SGR by Schecter Electric Guitar			$$
#5 Best Classic Features Epiphone Les Paul-100 Electric Guitar			$$$

Until you know for sure that guitar is something you want to stick with and want to keep on playing, you want to make sure your money invested goes as far as possible. Luckily, there are many great beginner electric guitars on the market that won’t break the bank.

Below, we have a list of five of the best low priced electric guitars that are definitely worth looking into.

In Review: The Top 5 Electric Guitars for the Money

1. Best Electric Guitar for the Money: Yamaha Pacifica PAC12 Electric Guitar

Yamaha Pacifica PAC12 Electric Guitar

If like most of us, you want to get the best value for your money, it’s essential to do your research such as that which went into this article.

The smooth design of the Yamaha PAC12 includes one of the sleekest external designs on the market. All Pacifica models have a similar design – meaning while the PAC12 is the lower-end model on the market, it benefits from a similar design to some of the more expensive models.

Yamaha’s Pacifica PAC12 is a popular choice for beginner players due to its low price and robust functionality. It’s a great way to get your foot in the door.

This guitar offers quality performance despite being less than $200, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a similar guitar in with the same performance at this price point. This model provides much more sound power and range than other guitars in its market segment.

Considering this model remains a popular stalwart in the industry after almost 30 years, you can trust the Yamaha Pacifica PAC12 is built to last.

Key Features

• Professional Quality at an Entry-Level Price
• Smooth Design
• Variations to choose from
• Plenty of power and internal master controls
• Factory Warranty Included
• Made under strict quality controls during the manufacturing process

Pros and Cons

Yamaha Pacifica PAC12 Electric Guitar Review

What Do Yamaha Pacifica PAC12 Owners Think?

For more details, read our complete comprehensive Yamaha Pacifica PAC12 review here.

2. Best Budget Model: Epiphone Les Paul SPECIAL-II

Epiphone Les Paul Special-II Electric Guitar

If you’re a fan of electric guitars, there’s a high chance you’ve heard of a Les Paul – it’s one of the world’s most popular designs. The Les Paul SPECIAL-II is Epiphone’s most basic offering, but being one of the most affordable electric guitars on the market, it also has plenty to offer.

Choosing the right guitar is a complicated process that should entail plenty of research. In this review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the Epiphone Les Paul SPECIAL-II with an aim to provide a bit of that research for you.

Epiphone is one of the world’s most notable guitar manufacturers. While they originated in Turkey in the 1800s, the current company, Gibson, is best-known as one of America’s most famous musical institutions. The firm is currently based in Nashville, Tennessee.

This particular Epiphone guitar model is also featured as a package in our Best Guitars for Beginners Guide. For a more detailed look at the instrument on it’s own,, you can read our full review here.

Read What Epiphone Les Paul Special-II Users are Saying

Key Features

• Classic Les Paul design
• Electronics that perform
• Warranty that lasts
• One of your best sounding options under $200.
• Built from basswood and a solid option in general.

Pros and Cons

Epiphone Les Paul SPECIAL-II Review

Are Epiphone Les Paul Special-II Owners Happy? >>

Interested in more info? Check out our in-depth Epiphone Les Paul II review here.

3. Most Versatility: Jackson JS22 Dinky

Jackson JS22 Dinky Electric Guitar

Do you want a solid body guitar that is attractive, plays well, and won’t cost you an arm and a leg? If so, look no further than the Jackson JS22 Dinky, with its solid basswood body made with a beautiful finish.

This right-handed guitar from Jackson has a one-piece neck made of solid maple, and it also has graphic reinforcement on the joint. The bolt-on scale length is 25.5 inches, and there is a truss rod. This affordable guitar looks great, and it sounds awesome when you play it through an amp.

If you love the classic Jackson tone, you will enjoy playing the JS22 Dinky. It has all of the things that musicians love about Jackson guitars, but it comes at an affordable price so anyone can have their own awesome Jackson guitar.

Key Features

• This guitar has many upgraded features, including an arched top, high-output ceramic pickups, a graphite-reinforced maple neck, bound fingerboard and headstock, and attractive black hardware, so you get a really great looking guitar
• The bound rosewood fingerboard has 24 jumbo frets. This makes this guitar really stand out from other beginner, low-end guitars that do not have the full fretboard. You can go a long way on this guitar, and it’s going to grow with you
• Enjoy the dual, high-output Jackson humbucking pickups that have ceramic magnets, along with three-way blade switching. There is also a synchronized fulcrum tremolo bridge, as well as die-cast tuners

Pros and Cons

Jackson JS22 Dinky Review

Read What Jackson JS22 Customers are Saying >>

Need more details? Read our comprehensive Jackson JS22 Dinky review here.

4. Fastets Neck: C-1 SGR by Schecter

Schecter C-1 SGR Electric Guitar

Let’s start by discussing the C-1 SGR from Schecter. This is an attractive, uniquely shaped beginner guitar that plays as great as it looks. It has one very unique feature in that it has 24 frets, something that you aren’t going to find in a lot of beginner electric guitars.

Priced very affordably, this SGR guitar from Schecter is an ideal inexpensive instrument you can definitely grow with. The pickups produce clean balanced tones that can easily be colored with a variety of effects.

If you are looking for a cheap guitar that has a decent sound quality, this is one of the models you need to seriously consider. It may be cost-effective, but there really is nothing cheap about this guitar. It looks and plays awesome.

Click Here to Read the Latest C-1 SGR Reviews >>

Key Features

• This electric guitar has a unique looking fretboard. While the pearloid dots aren’t unique to this guitar, they really do stand out against the rosewood fretboard, and there is a unique filigree pattern on the 12^th fret
• The shape of the C-1 SGR is interesting and attractive. It has a smooth, arched top that makes this guitar very comfortable to play, whether you are sitting or standing. This also makes it easy to use both the controls and the fretboard
• The hardware on this guitar is made from polished, black chrome, something else that sets it apart from other entry level guitars that just have regular or polished chrome in silver tone. This is just one more feature that gives this guitar its unique appearance

Pros and Cons

Schecter C-1 SGR Review

What are Schecter C-1 SGR Players Saying? >>

Read our complete expert Schecter C-1 review here

5. Best Classic Features: Epiphone Les Paul-100 Electric Guitar

Epiphone Les Paul 100 Electric Guitar

A lot of musicians enjoy playing on Epiphone guitars, and for some very good reasons. For starters, even the low-end models are fun to play on, and they look and sound terrific. Take the Epiphone Les Paul-100 electric guitar for instance.

This guitar has a mahogany body with a maple top and a rosewood fretboard, and it comes in the traditional sunburst finish. It has all of the features we love about a Les Paul, but comes at a fraction of the price.

One of the things we love about this guitar is the body, because it is slightly slimmer than LP Studio or Standard guitars. It is more lightweight than other models, making it easier to play while standing for extended periods of time.

Key Features

• This guitar has a classic LP tone, thanks to the 700T and 650R open coil, Humbucker pickups. Each pickup has its own separate volume and tone controls, so you can control each one individually to get the sound you really want
• Some of the standard features of all Epiphone guitars, including the Les Paul-100, include 500 Ohms potentiometers, as well as the Epiphone heavy-duty, three-way pickup selector toggle switch and non-rotating heavy duty output jack
• This guitar is going to tune easily, and stay in tune, thanks to the Epiphone Lock-Tone locking Tune-o-Matic bridge. There is also a stop-bar tailpiece that is going to give you more sustain, along with attractive chrome hardware

Pros and Cons

Epiphone Les Paul-100 Electric Guitar Review

What Do Epiphone Les Paul 100 Players Think? >>

For more info, you may be interested in our complete Epiphone Les Paul 100 review.

Our Best Value for the Money Guitars Finalists:

Best Electric Guitar Value

Yamaha Pacifica Series PAC12 Electric Guitar...

Best Budget Model

Epiphone Les Paul Special II, Vintage Sunburst

Most Versatile Guitar

C-1 SGR by Schecter Beginner Electric Guitar...

Conclusion – Which Electric Guitar is the Best Deal?

As you can plainly see, you don’t have to go out and spend hundreds of dollars for a decent beginner electric guitar. This is particularly good when you have children who want to learn, but you aren’t sure if they’re actually going to stick with it.

Any of these guitars will be a great choice for the beginner who wants a quality guitar to learn on, and they come from some of the most trusted guitar manufacturers in the world.

All told, considering fit, finish, cosmetics, playability, and bundled accessories, we’d have to say the overall winner in this shootout is the Yamaha Pacifica PAC12. Simply put, it represent the overall best electric guitar for the money.

EDITOR’S PICK

Yamaha Pacifica PAC12 Electric Guitar

Check Yamaha Pacifica Availability! >>

Remember the Guitar Accessories!

OnStage XCG4 Black Tripod Guitar Stand, Single

Snark SN5X Clip-On Tuner for Guitar, Bass & Violin...

Pick Punch - The Original Guitar Pick Punch SAME...

D'Addario Accessories Pro-Winder Guitar String...

The post Best Electric Guitar For The Money [Reviews & Buying Guide] first appeared on GuitarNiche.

In this expert review, we examine the best electric guitars under $500 that provide the greatest overall value for beginner to intermediate players.

Table of Contents

What’s the Best Electric Guitar Under $500? Let’s Find Out!

In Review: The Top 3 Electric Guitars Under $500

1. Squier by Fender Deluxe Stratocaster Electric Guitar
2. Schecter C-1 SGR Electric Guitar
3. Yamaha Pacifica Series PAC112V Electric Guitar

What To Look For When Choosing A Good Electric Guitar Under $500

Compare your best choices for electric guitars under $500

Final Verdict: Which Mid-level Electric Guitar Promises the Best Value?

We certainly hope you benefit from the information we provide in this article! Just so you know, we may receive compensation if you use the links on this page. If you do, thank you so much!

What’s the Best Electric Guitar Under $500? Let’s Find Out!

Budget Electric Guitars at a glance:

Product	Feature Image	Rating	Relative Price
#1 Best Value Squier by Fender Deluxe Stratocaster			$$
#2 Modern Voicing Schecter C-1 SGR			$$
#3 Most Versatile Yamaha Pacifica Series PAC112V			$$$

In Review: The Top 3 Electric Guitars Under $500

1. Best Value: Squier by Fender Affinity Series Stratocaster Guitar

Fender Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster Electric Guitar, Brown Sunburst, Laurel Fingerboard

The Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster Electric Guitar is a very affordable electric guitar that beginners and intermediate players can buy. It has a poplar body and maple neck with a radius of 10”.

The pickups used for the guitar are three Strat single coils. They’re dynamically responsive, clear-sounding  crisp, and provide a rich tone.

The Squier Affinity Stratocaster comes with suitable die-cast tuners good enough to tune the guitar and play it, although there are tuners that are better. The well-crafted maple neck sports a laurel fingerboard with a very smooth satin finish; perfect for moving up and down the fretboard .

The Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster comes in a rainbow of attractive finishes to suit any taste. Considering the parent company’s heritage and outstanding consistent level of quality, this is certainly one of the best electric guitar under $500.

A great option especially for those who want an electric guitar that not only sounds good, but looks good as well.

Squier Strat Key Features

• Guitar body is made of basswood and has a polyurethane finish
• Neck is made from maple and has a radius of 9.5”
• Has 22 medium jumbo frets that is on a maple fingerboard
• Makes use of single-coil pickups that are Three Duncan Designed
• Has a synchronous twin-pivot tremolo
• Has controls for volume, tone and a position selector
• Available in different colors

Explore All Squier Affinity Options:

Squier Affinity Series from Fender >>

Squier Affinity Stratocaster Electric Guitar in Review

What We Like

• • • Low price for the great value of the guitar
    • Looks just like a high end guitar
    • Frets and neck are smooth and comfortable

What We Don’t Like

• • • Difficult to keep in tune with excessive use of the whammy bar
    • Tuners are not the best quality
    • Guitar may not be set up and needs to be adjusted to lower the action

What are Squier Affinity Strat Owners Saying? >>

2. Most Modern: Schecter C-1 SGR Electric Guitar

C-1 SGR by Schecter Beginner Electric Guitar - Walnut Satin (Amazon Exclusive)

The C-1 SGR by Schecter beginner electric guitar has an arched top, carved body with a maple neck, and rosewood fretboard. It has pearloid dots, a custom inlay on the 12^th fret, and has black chrome hardware.

This is a great looking guitar that plays excellent considering it’s low price. The C-1 SGR by Schecter we examined on our workbench had all the earmarks of great overall value.

Many entry-level guitars can have less than great ergonomic design making uncomfortable to play.

This guitar is shaped with the comfort of the player in mind.

C-1 Key Features

• smooth, arched top
• pickups are clean and reasonably well balanced
• polished black chrome hardware
• 24 frets for a full two octave span
• pearloid dots
• unique pattern on the 12^th fret
• attractive and unique shape
• comes with its own gig bag
• easy playing, fast action neck

Schecter C-1 SGR Electric Guitar in Review

What We Like

• • • This guitar comes in a variety of colors, including walnut satin, electric blue, and midnight satin black
    • You have 24 frets to work with, so the guitar is going to be able to grow with you as you learn and want to experiment more on the higher frets
    • The rosewood fretboard is attractive with the pearloid dots and interesting 12th fret design, and it is smooth and easy to play on

What We Don’t Like

• • • One of the biggest problems we can find with this guitar is that it sometimes will buzz between frets, therefor a minor setup is necessary
    • There are other entry-level guitars around the same price that have much better pickups
    • This is probably not the best choice for advanced musicians, as it is designed to be a beginner guitar

What Are Schecter C-1 SGR Customers Saying? >>

Read our complete expert Schecter C-1 SGR electric guitar review here.

3. Most Versatile: Yamaha Pacifica Series PAC12 Electric Guitar

Yamaha Pacifica Series PAC012 Electric Guitar; Metallic Red

The guitars that fall under the Yamaha Pacifica Series such as this PAC12 Electric Guitar are well known for their tone as well as how great they are to play. It comes from a well- known brand when it comes to producing musical instruments.

It certainly qualifies as one of the best electric guitars under $500 for those who are looking for a guitar with a great quality of sound.

This Yamaha guitar comes in different colors and there are also different models that are under the same series. They can also be purchased as a set with accessories, with the amp only, or a guitar only.

Yamaha PAC12 Key Features

• Body is made from solid alder
• The neck is made of maple and is bolt-on
• It has a beautiful rosewood fingerboard
• It includes a vintage tremolo
• Finished with a clear varnish to showcase the natural grain of the wood
• Has a 5-position pickup switch with humbucker coil-splitting
• There are 2 single-coil pickups and an Alnico V magnet humbucker
• Guitar can be purchased as the guitar alone, with a set of accessories or only with the amp

Yamaha Pacifica PAC12 Electric Guitar in Review

What We Like

• • • Low action makes it easier for beginners to use and practice on it
    • Materials used for the guitar are properly built to make sure they are durable

What We Don’t Like

• • • Initially set up for low action which causes some fret buzz, but this can be remedied by having it properly set up by a local music store
    • Doesn’t include other accessories such as an amp, picks, guitar cord or a stand

What Do Yamaha Pacifica PAC12 Users Think?

What To Look For When Choosing A Good Electric Guitar Under $500

The best way to learn how to play an electric guitar is to have a decent instrument that you can practice on. At first it may seem that some electric guitars are too expensive, which is why some choose to go for a self-contained acoustic.

If you’re committed to learning and playing an electric guitar, you’ll certainly find one that will fit your $500 budget.

There are tons of electric guitars are under $500, but you still have to make sure a particular electric guitar you choose is well suited for you.

There are electrics that not only sound great but look great too – but keep in mind cosmetic appointments come at a price. Still, these are instruments you’ll certainly be happy to take with you to your gigs and jam sessions.

Of course there are electric guitars produced by well-known brands; these may be budget friendly, but they’re still great quality.

When selecting a guitar, it’s important to consider how you’re going to use it. It must It must also be user friendly and easy to play. This will help make sure the guitar you choose will really be useful to you.

Compare your best choices for electric guitars under $500:

Best Electric Under $500

Squier by Fender Deluxe Hot Rails Stratocaster...

Most Modern Voicing

C-1 SGR by Schecter Beginner Electric Guitar...

Most Versatile Guitar

Yamaha Pacifica Series PAC112V Electric Guitar...

Final Verdict: Which Mid-level Electric Guitar Promises the Best Value?

Affordable guitars under $500 are available today and you can find a great quality model within that budget.

The three mentioned here are all under $500 but if we just had to choose one, we’d say that the Squier Affinity Stratocaster Electric Guitar is the best electric guitar under $500.

For those who are concerned not only with the sound and quality but also the appearance of their guitar, this guitar can certainly be taken to gigs and jamming sessions.

EDITOR’S PICK

Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster Electric Guitar

What are Squier Strat Owners Saying? >>

• Overall Build Quality
• Overall Sound Quality
• Overall Value Factor

4.4

Summary

Overall Score:

Top Guitar Accessories:

OnStage XCG4 Black Tripod Guitar Stand, Single

Snark SN5X Clip-On Tuner for Guitar, Bass & Violin...

Pick Punch - The Original Guitar Pick Punch SAME...

D'Addario Accessories Pro-Winder Guitar String...

The post The Best Electric Guitars Under $500 [Quick Guide & Reviews] first appeared on GuitarNiche.