7 Best Electric Guitars for Kids Compared:

Guitar	Image	Rating	Relative Price
#1 Editor’s Pick! Squier Stratocaster Pack Three pickup configuration for tone simplicity		(4.9)	$$
#2 Best Budget Model Jackson JS Series Dinky Minion JS1X 22.5” scale length – ideal for small hands		(4.5)	$
#3 Best Premium Pack Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster HSS pickup configuration for playing diversity		(4.6)	$$$
#4 Epiphone Les Paul Player Pack Comes with a clip-on tuner		(3.9)	$$$
#5 Loog Pro Three-string simplicity		(3.6)	$$
#6 Ibanez Gio GRX70QA HSH pickup configuration for top genre versatility		(4.8)	$$
#7 Squier Bullet Mustang Incredibly resilient and stable		(4.1)	$$

We hope you find this article helpful, informative and unbiased. Just so you know, we may receive compensation if you use the links on this page. If you do, thank you so much!

There are more benefits to playing the guitar other than simply mastering an instrument. Some are social, while others revolve around the discipline of technical achievement.

This is what makes the guitar an excellent gift for your kid.

Of course, the price ballpark here isn’t thousands of dollars, meaning that you’re looking for the best electric guitar for kids, not adults.

However, bear in mind that most of the models on our list aren’t “kids’ guitars;” they’re simply guitars that are better suited for kids and beginners.

Top Electric Guitars for Kids Reviewed

1. Squier Stratocaster Pack

A classic-looking Stratocaster beginner’s pack from Squier.

A Traditional Stratocaster Pack

The typical Fender-built Stratocaster guitar has a SSS (three single coil) pickup configuration, which is fantastic for getting funky tones.

This Stratocaster Pack from Squier replicates its parent Fender guitar’s famous look, feel, and tone.

An affordable package that includes a kid’s electric guitar and amp, a gig bag, cable, picks, and some basic tools you need for this guitar’s setup.

Highlights

The Fender Frontman 10G amp that’s included here offers a range of brilliant crunch tones.

There’s a quick button that toggles between clean and crunch that allows your kid to adjust the gain level.

This is a fantastic for letting your child learn about the dynamics of electric guitar playing.

The guitar comes equipped with the typical tremolo bridge that will introduce your kid to the dynamic world of the whammy bar.

Squier Stratocaster Pack Features

• Lightweight body made of poplar is perfect for kids, plus it brings out a superb tone
• Custom-voiced overdrive from the Fender 10G amp
• Synchronized Tremolo bridge for whammy style of playing
• Included strap, picks, gig bag, cable, and setup tools
• Maple neck and rosewood fretboard for tonal stability

A Variety of Features at a Low Price

For a remarkably low price, you get a cool-looking beginner’s Squier Stratocaster, a solid amp, and various other features.

The SSS pickup configuration allows your kid to get introduced to the world of electric guitar gradually.

This is a truly classic beginner guitar package that offers a decent starter instrument with various simple tonal properties.

No Tuner

A clip-on tuner would be a nice addition to the package. It’s important that kids learn about guitar tuning from the get-go.

Fortunately, there are various smartphone tuner apps available out there.

Squier Strat Pack in Review

View the Latest Squier Stratocaster Packs from Fender >>

2. Jackson JS Series Dinky Minion JS1X

A serious-looking rock/metal guitar for kids from Jackson.

A Future Metalhead’s Ax

Jackson is a popular name, especially in heavier music. And the JS1X is as cheap as a Jackson model gets.

Although this guitar is aimed at the young future metalheads, don’t be surprised if you end up liking it yourself.

The default color of this model is Gloss Black, but Bright Blue, Neon Orange, and Ferrari Red are options that may appeal more to your kids.

Potent Humbuckers and No Whammy

You can use this guitar for various genres, but it’s primarily aimed at heavier music styles.

The two high-output Jackson humbucker pickups work wonders for heavily distorted sounds.

It comes with a fixed bridge, so your kid won’t be able to do any whammy bar tricks that compromise tuning – simplicity is definitely desired here.

Play this guitar through a decent amp, and you’ll be surprised at how good it sounds.

Jackson JS Series Dinky Minion JS1X Features

• Poplar body with a maple top for tonal balance
• 5” scale is ideal for small hands
• Fixed bridge for tuning stability and overall setup simplicity
• Four color options to appeal to everyone’s taste
• Graphite reinforcement truss rods for even more stability

Small Hands Love It

Normally, Jackson guitars feature a 25.5” scale used on many instruments such as Fender Guitars.

Nevertheless, a regular scale length might not be ideal for the young ones. The JS1X has a 22.5” scale, which is just perfect for small hands.

This shorter scale length makes the strings a little more flexible and easier on fresh fingers.

Furthermore, we’re talking about a relatively cheap, straightforward guitar that’s more than decent enough for talent shows and similar children’s performances.

Large Hands Do Not Love It

As time passes, your kid’s going to grow past the unusually short 22.5” scale. This model will last them a few years, but they’ll probably grow out of it. Fortunately, the price is perfectly fitting.

Jackson Dinky Minion in Review

3. Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster

Another Squier Stratocaster offering – but with a lot more oomph!

Similar to the previous Strat Pack, this is a quick-start guitar beginner’s pack from Fender’s daughter company, Squier.

Unpack, Plug In, and Play

The familiar Stratocaster look is known far and wide across the world. Many of the greats adore this model.

The Affinity Series Stratocaster is a great choice with a range of diversity. Inside the package, you get a strap, cable, gig bag, picks, and the Fender Frontman 15G amp.

In other words, your kid gets everything they need to get started right away.

Comfort and Diversity

Comfort is hugely important when it comes to beginner guitars. We’re talking about a complex and a fairly hard instrument to play here.

After all, making it easy for your kid to get started with it is the right way to go.

Thanks to the crisp maple neck and the fretboard made out of laurel hardwood, the player gets a ton of smoothness and ease of playing.

Diversity is another cool thing about the Affinity Series. With the HSS (humbucker, single, single) pickup configuration, you get to rock out with heavier music.

The super versatile pickup combination also lets you have fun with jazz, funk, and any other style you, or should we say, your kid, prefers.

Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster Features

• Poplar body brings rock-solid tone to the table
• HSS pickup configuration for maximum playing diversity
• 5-way blade selector for tone shaping variety
• A bunch of features inside the package to get you started
• Vintage-style tremolo

Undeniable Comfort

Expect unexpected comfort from this model. In fact, you might feel sort of jealous that you didn’t get the chance to own this guitar as a kid yourself.

With most guitar purchases, you get a guitar, and then you have to go out of your way and find various other features necessary to get your kid started.

With the Affinity Series, you get everything you need, including an upgrade, in a single package.

Pricey

Although the price point is low compared to more professional-level guitars, the Affinity Series is the most expensive option.

Nevertheless, when put against other products on this list. It does bring a lot of quality to the table.

Affinity Strat Pack in Review

View the Latest Affinty Series Models >>

4. Epiphone Les Paul Player Pack

Beginner’s pack from Gibson’s daughter company, Epiphone.

The Good Old Les Paul

Back in the day, there were two claimants to the throne of the best guitar in the world: Les Paul and Stratocaster.

The Les Paul model remains very recognizable. This from Epiphone also comes with a 10-watt amp, gig bag, cable, strap, picks, and a clip-on tuner.

A Simple Tuner Means a Lot

Unlike strat-style guitars, Les Pauls are more about that fat, rock/metal sound. This is why this Epiphone features two humbuckers in its pickup configuration.

The neck build is fairly standard – maple with a rosewood fretboard. This gives it a solid, balanced tone.

Also available in a Vintage Sunburst finish, the guitar itself is surprisingly good for the price, it’s also about all the additional things you get inside the package.

It may not seem like much, but the included clip-on tuner is incredibly useful for your kid’s ear development.

Epiphone Les Paul Player Pack Features

• Every piece of equipment your kid needs to start playing immediately
• 10-watt amp with clean and crunch settings
• Solidbody build – among the most popular design options
• Maple neck with rosewood fretboard
• One volume knob, one tone knob, and a 3-position switch – simplicity is king

HH Simplicity

If your kid is into rock-style music, the double humbucker setup is the best pickup configuration for them. This configuration is very straightforward.

The same goes for the included 10-watt amp. You get two channels – clean and crunch – and some basic amp options. Nothing too complicated.

Although it’s not the most affordable kids beginner electric guitar option, it offers everything you need to get started.

Your Kid Might Not Be Into Rock

If your kid’s into heavier music, this is a good place to start. But it can turn out to be less than ideal for a kids’ first guitar.

Epiphone Les Paul Pack in Review

5. Loog Pro

A real beginner’s three-string guitar from Loog, specifically aimed at kids.

A Kid’s Guitar That’s Not a Toy

You can always get a standard guitar and have your kid learn how to play it. But Loog is a manufacturer that’s specifically oriented toward youngsters.

To avoid any off-putting string confusion, this model has only three strings.

The idea here was to make a kid’s guitar that isn’t a toy. Although the string spacing is smaller and the neck is thinner, the feel of it is very much like on a real grown-up guitar.

Simplicity is King

The body here is made out of solid wood, and the maple neck brings out the classic trebly quality.

Control-wise, things are very straightforward – a single volume knob (no tone knob), a single-coil pickup, and an input jack. Simplicity is key when it comes to an absolute newbie guitar.

Loog Pro Features

• Lightweight, stable basswood body for tuning stability and solid resonance
• Low string action for ease of playing while learning
• Three real guitar strings to keep things simple but replicate the feel of a real guitar
• Fantastic sound and excellent intonation from the single-coil pickup
• Maple neck and fretboard for crispy spunkiness

Arguably the Best Kid’s Beginner Solution

Simply put, there isn’t a better way to get used to the feel of a guitar than playing a real guitar made for kids’ hands.

The bridge system is adjustable, which is fantastic for ideal comfort.

This instrument’s price is also appealing, especially when you consider the fact that a regular beginner’s guitar will set you back about the same.

Only Three Strings

Although the three strings feel and work the same as on a regular guitar, we’re still talking about three strings.

Some kids may find the transition from three to the traditional six strings a bit confusing.

Loog Pro in Review

6. Ibanez Gio GRX70QA

An affordable and versatile shredder-style guitar from Ibanez’s Gio line.

Overview

Ibanez’s Gio is a well-known affordable line of electric guitars. The GRX70QA is among the cheaper Gio options, which makes it ideal for kids.

This guitar is far from top-notch, but offers a ton of versatility. Plus, the finish looks simply fantastic.

Highlights

The HSH (humbucker-single-humbucker) pickup configuration makes this Ibanez very versatile.

You can get a very heavy lead tone from the bridge pickup, but the warmth of the neck humbucker for clean tones is not to be understated.

If you like the tonal properties of a single pickup, there is one available in the middle position.

Like most Ibanez guitars, this one puts an emphasis on the neck. It’s very comfortable, and the hand glides across it – amazing playability for the price.

Ibanez Gio GRX70QA Features

• Basswood body for tuning stability and light weight
• Maple neck for crisp, trebly tones
• Purpleheart fretboard works perfectly with the maple neck
• Solid FAT 6 tremolo bridge with a whammy bar
• 3 Powersound pickups

A Breathtakingly Good-Looking Beginner’s Guitar

The Gio GRX70QA from Ibanez definitely doesn’t look like a kids’ model. This is because it wasn’t primarily intended for youths.

Electric guitar practice starts with a comfortable guitar, and the Ibanez Gio GRX70QA is remarkably playable for its price.

Is it only for beginners? No. Is it a recommended electric guitar for beginners? Absolutely. And don’t forget its breathtaking looks.

Pickups Not Perfect

For a beginner, the pickups sound just fine. But given that the build quality of this model is more than decent, you may end up desiring a better pickup set.

The thing is, a set of solid pickups is likely to cost more than the original price of the guitar.

Ibanez Gio in Review

7. Squier Bullet Mustang HH

A cheap HH-configuration guitar from Squier.

An Indie Kid’s Guitar

It’s difficult to imagine the indie, underground, and alternative scenes without the popular Mustang guitar shape.

Well, here it is – a beginner’s Squier guitar with the popular Mustang shape and feel.

Yes, you get only two humbucker pickups, but this only means straightforward playing simplicity.

Your kid will rock out with the bridge pickup and enjoy the deep, resonant tones of the neck humbucker on clean settings.

Solid Workhorse

At 24 inches of scale length, this guitar’s neck is compact and a perfect fit for smaller kids’ hands.

Thanks to the dual humbucker configuration, expect a midrange-oriented tone. This guitar is quite the workhorse – a resilient and stable model.

Considering that kids aren’t exactly careful with their things, this means a lot.

Squier Bullet Mustang HH Features

• This is a no-nonsense, straightforward workhorse guitar
• Lightweight basswood body offers setup stability
• Smaller hands will greatly benefit from the 24” scale length
• Crunchy, hot, rock tone
• Soft laurel fretboard simply feels great

Brilliant Resilience

Kids aren’t careful. They will break things. This affordable guitar is very tough and, although dents and scratches may occur, the playing quality is unlikely to be affected by wear and tear.

The Squire Bullet Mustang is a perfect model for heavier tones. The 24” scale length is a true gift for smaller hands.

There are shorter-scale guitars on this list, but the 24” will prepare your kid for moving on to longer scales down the line.

Too Sturdy?

The sturdy build does come at a price. This guitar might feel a bit too stiff for some. This boils down to personal preference, though.

Squier Bullet Mustang in Review

Best First Electric Guitar For Kids Buyer’s Guide

The guitars that you’ll find on this list all make for great choices for the young ones.

Whether you’re a guitar player yourself or not, you should know what to look for when buying a guitar for your kid. They’ll undoubtedly have no idea where to start themselves.

With this in mind, here’s a buyer’s guide that will help you better understand the world of kids’ guitar playing.

What is the Best Age to Start Learning Guitar?

Ask any guitar player about the perfect age to get into guitar playing, and they’ll say “as soon as possible.”

Unlike the piano, for example, guitar playing does involve brute force, to an extent (fretting notes is not easy for beginners).

Buy your kid a guitar too soon, and they might end up being put off by this struggle.

Many top-of-the-line guitar players first picked up their instrument of choice in their teenage years. So, the age of 13 is optimal. It all boils down to knowing your kid, though.

Some will benefit from starting out as early as age seven, while others won’t pick up the instrument until they’re 17.

In any case, pushing your kid into guitar playing is not the way to go. Even if you get them a guitar early on, they might end up picking it up later in life.

What Guitar Should I Buy for a Beginner Child?

If you are a guitar player yourself, you probably have a small old amp lying around somewhere.

In this case, you don’t need to get them a beginner guitar package with an included amp and other guitar essentials.

If you don’t have any guitar-related equipment at home though, focus on getting them the best electric guitar starter kit that you think will fit them.

Get the best electric guitar starter kit that fits them, and your budget.

You can get them a guitar separately and buy them a cheap amp, but this will set you back quite a bit more.

The starter kits are usually the best idea; the included equipment is more than decent enough for young beginners.

Are Electric Guitars Worth It?

We tend to underestimate the importance of having a hobby. What’s great about music is that it can grow into a passion, leading to a profession that your child will love and cherish.

However, even if it forever remains a hobby, the value that playing the electric guitar brings to the table is immense.

In fact, even if they completely drop the instrument after a few years, the guitar can do wonders for your child’s motor development.

As opposed to acoustic guitars, electric guitars require much less brute force for playing. Starting with one of the mentioned is usually preferable to getting an acoustic model.

Therefor, yes, buying an electric guitar for your kid is definitely worth it, especially considering that the outlined models are very cheap.

How Big is a Junior Guitar?

Junior guitars tend to be a quarter, a half, or three quarters of the regular guitar size.

Most guitars on this list aren’t considered “junior” guitars, although some feature shorter scale lengths.

This is because we think that starting out with a normal-sized guitar is generally preferable – let your kid grow into it instead of out of it.

We have included the Loog Pro model, which is much more compact than the other models on the list and features three strings.

If you want your kid to start out with a non-adult model, why not introduce them to fewer strings as well, to avoid confusion.

Still, we think that your kid will have an easier time adjusting to the world of guitars if they have an instrument that has realistic proportions.

Can You Make a Cheap Electric Guitar Sound Good?

Go ahead and ask any guitarist out there if this is possible. In all likelihood, they will answer with a “yes.”

While acoustic guitars produce their sound, well, acoustically, electric guitars rely on electronics to reproduce sound.

Naturally, the wood quality, the overall build, the pickups, and other components each have a role here.

Even the cheapest electric guitar can sound good with a good setup, and some practice.

However, as long as you have a good amp, you can make pretty much any guitar sound at least decent.

In fact, learning how to set the tone on a cheap guitar will help develop your ear for this.

Additionally, not only can you make a cheap guitar sound good, but it’s even preferable to starting off with an expensive model. For your kids, $300 is the recommended ceiling.

How Much Does a Good Quality Electric Guitar Cost?

Most guitarists would answer, “depends.” And it truly does depend on many factors.

But, as a rule of thumb, the $1,000 ballpark is a reasonably certain range for a high quality electric guitar. With most products, you’re looking for quality.

Do not look at quality guitars when browsing the models for your kid. We don’t just say this for the sake of your budget, but for your kid’s guitar learning process, as explained above.

In reality, you can find production model and boutique guitars that go as far up as $3,000 or much more.

And then, you’ll see a famous musician rocking a $600 workhorse on the stage. There is absolutely no need to go overboard with your kid’s first model.

What is the Best Electric Guitar for Beginners?

The best electric guitar for a beginner is the one they like to observe while it’s played.

In truth, there is no way to tell whether your kid will find a perfect match on their own.

Taking them to the guitar store and having an employee play each model for your kid is the best way to have them choose their first instrument.

See what they like the most – unless you really want them to go with a junior-style guitar. In that case, we recommend the above-mentioned Loog Pro.

Who Wins Top Seat For The Best Electric Guitar For Kids?

Although we’ve reviewed many quality guitars, we’re going to have to go with a guitar-amp-essentials pack here.

The Squier Stratocaster Pack offers the most comprehensive set of extra features. The triple pickup combo is perfect for a beginner, and the included amp will help your kid learn how to dial in their tone.

With the Squier Stratocaster Pack, your kid has a chance to start learning electric guitar basics, from its playing aspects to the technicalities and tone.

This is why we think that the Squier Stratocaster Pack is the best electric guitar for kids.

EDITOR’S PICK

Squier Stratocaster Pack!

What Do Squier Stratocaster Pack Owners Think? >>

The post Best Electric Guitar for Kids (7 Exceptional Instruments) first appeared on GuitarNiche.

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!

The JS22 Dinky by Jackson Review – Is It Worthy of the Brand Name?

The Jackson Dinky Electric Guitar at a glance:

Jackson JS22 Dinky Guitar

If you’re an aspiring musician, it’s essential to choose the right electric guitar. After all, the quality of your instrument undeniably affects your end performance.

Not to mention, good electric guitars aren’t necessarily cheap – you should approach purchasing a new guitar the same way you would approach an investment opportunity—by looking for a sound investment. One such option is the Jackson JS22 Dinky.

What are Players Saying About the JS22?

Known as one of the most affordable modernized options on the electric guitar market, the Jackson strikes a perfect balance between quality and cost. Factor in plenty of color options and an excellent reputation for performance, and there’s a high chance this guitar will tick a lot of your boxes.

Jackson is one of America’s most famous domestic guitar brands. The company began producing high-quality guitars in the 1980s, and the popularity of their products resulted in an international fan base.

Now owned by Fender Musical Instruments Corporation, known for maintaining exceptionally high manufacturing standards, Jackson has leveraged factory production spread across the globe.

Built to last with a weight of under nine pounds, you can easily transport the Jackson JS22 Dinky to and from rehearsals or shows. With a solid design and excellent performance reviews, there’s little left not to love about the JS22 Dinky, but is it right for you? Let’s find out!

Unique Design

The Jackson JS22 Dinky is most noticeable for its unique exterior design. The guitar benefits from a sleek external build that became popular with players looking for a modernized style that better reflected their aggressive musical tastes. Looking less vintage,

it’s style is more of a refined, “Superstrat” design, as is evidenced by the pointed hockey stick headstock profile, sharper lines, and slightly smaller body – hence the term “Dinky”.

If you’re someone who loves progressive or heavier rock, you’ll most likely enjoy this guitar. Best of all, this model comes in a range of different color schemes.

Colors include metallic blue, satin black, red, snow white, and lefty-gloss black.There’s a Jackson JS22 Dinky for almost any preference.

Available variations:

Jackson 6 String Solid-Body Electric Guitar, Right...

Jackson 6 String Solid-Body Electric Guitar...

Jackson JS22L Dinky Left Handed Electric Guitar

Plenty of Features

If you’re looking for performance, you’ll be pleased to find plenty of features packed into the design of the Jackson JS22 Dinky. With a Rosewood fingerboard, maple speed neck, Sharkfin position inlays, and 24 jumbo frets, you have everything you need to get the most out of this guitar.

While the JS22 doesn’t come with an amplifier or many additional accessories, the price point should leave some room in your budget to purchase any additional hardware you may need.

Solid Jackson Warranty Coverage

Jackson provides one of the best warranty coverages on the market. While many guitar manufacturers offer a one-year warranty on their guitars, Jackson covers certain malfunctions for the life of the guitar, such as those that may arise due to design or workmanship.

Electrical components and other more technical features are only covered for the first year. Keep in mind to benefit from the lifetime warranty you need to be the only owner of the guitar.

How Does the Jackson JS22 Dinky Sound?

Despite its modest price tag, the Jackson JS22 Dinky is known for its excellent sound quality. Many similarly priced guitar models offer a cheap sound, but you won’t find anything shortchanged in the  JS22.

This guitar is known to emit a full and powerful sound – although some of this will depend on the amplifier you purchase. While there are better sounding guitars on the market, you won’t find many in this price range.

What’s the Build Quality Like?

The build quality of the Jackson JS22 Dinky is one of its most prominent benefits. Jackson is a multi-national company with a reputation for solid workmanship and building materials.

The body of the JS22 guitar is built out of basswood, and you’ll find maple finishing in the neck. Best of all, the guitar design is reinforced with graphite – making it a solid option with a sturdy feel.

Click Here for Jackson JS22 Dinky Users Reviews

Pros and Cons

JS22 Dinky by Jackson Review

What are JS22 Players Saying? >>

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Jackson JS22 Dinky DKA Electric Guitar Satin Black

Jackson JS32 Dinky DKA Electric Guitar Satin Black

Verdict: Is the Jackson JS22 for you?

If you’re looking for a sleek, attractive guitar at a very affordable price, you can’t go wrong with the Jackson JS22 Dinky electric. This guitar provides exceptional performance and design specifications for a markedly lower cost than many competitors.

You’re also benefiting from purchasing a guitar from one of the world’s most recognizable music brands with one of the best warranties on the market – some defects are covered for the life of the guitar.

However, if you prefer a package deal or budget is less of a concern for you, you might find a better match looking at higher-end models.

What Do Jackson Dinky Customers Think? >>

Manufacturer Info:

Website: https://www.jacksonguitars.com/

About: Jackson began back in the late 1970s, when heavy music experienced a flamboyant and virtuosic resurgence in popularity and a small Southern California guitar repair shop became the epicenter of a new level of shred-approved excellence.

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The post JS22 Dinky Review [Electric Guitar from Jackson] first appeared on GuitarNiche.

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!

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...

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