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Best Electric Guitars Under $1000

Are you ready for the best electric guitars under $1000?

It’s no secret that choosing a new electric guitar can quickly become a hassle.

With all of the different manufacturers, models and options, it can all be very confusing and quickly becomes frustrating.

Plus, there’s nothing worse than choosing a guitar only to find that it’s the wrong guitar for you.

All of this can quickly take the fun and excitement out of buying a new electric guitar.

Fortunately, we’ve done the hard work and thoroughly researched all the different manufacturers, models, and options to find the best electric guitars under $1000.

What does this mean for you?

Simply stated, you can leave the worry and hassle of buying a new electric guitar behind.

Check it out!


Best Electric Guitars Under $1000: Best Overall

Fender Deluxe Roadhouse Strat

Are looking for a guitar that is very versatile, meant to be a workhorse guitar, and will stand the test of time? Then check out the Fender Deluxe Roadhouse Strat!

It has an alder body with a gloss polyester finish, a 4-bolt asymmetrical neck plate, and a contoured neck heel making it easier to play at the higher frets, and giving you a classic tone and potent sustain.

The maple neck has a modern “C” shape and a 12″ radius so it’s comfortable to play chords on, easy to play leads on, and has a natural feel in your hand.

With 22 narrow-tall frets and black Pearloid dot inlays, the maple fretboard delivers a more vintage playing feel, the classic Stratocaster look, and adds a classic tone to your sound.

The three single-coil pickups are Fender Vintage Noiseless pickups which deliver the classic single-coil sounds Stratocasters are known for without any of the hum.

Additionally, they’re wired to a master 6-position rotary switch at the tone knob that has a preamp that gives you your choice of 6 distinct additional tone settings.

And that’s not all! The volume knob features the S-1 switch preamp bypass that allows you to eliminate the preamp so you get classic Stratocaster tones.

Finally, the 2-point synchronized tremolo features bent steel saddles while the headstock features locking tuners with vintage-style buttons. As a result, you’ll enjoy unsurpassed tuning stability, as well as a bit of original-era touches.

Pros

  • Comes with Deluxe Gig Bag
  • Available in Multiple Colors

Cons

  • Plastic Nut
  • Requires 9V Battery

As you can see, the Fender Deluxe Roadhouse Strat is a versatile Stratocaster with some amazing features that make it a dependable workhorse guitar.

We think you’ll find that it’s capable of delivering high-performance sounds, effortless playability, and a truly classic playing experience.

Act now! Click here and get yours now.

Best Electric Guitars Under $1000: Best Budget

Schecter OMEN-6

Are you looking for a guitar that has potent looks, solid tones, high-performance features, and unmatched playability? Then check out the Schecter Omen-6.

It has an arched basswood body with a bolt-on neck so it’s lightweight, resonance, and feels comfortable to play.

The maple neck has a thin “C” shape and a radius of 14″ so it’s comfortable, versatile, and flat enough to play easily play leads on.

Plus, with 24 extra-jumbo frets, a Graph Tech XL TUSQ nut, and Pearloid semi-goth inlays, the rosewood fretboard adds clarity and resonance to your tone, features a full 2-octave playing range, and has some high-powered looks.

The Schecter Diamond Plus pickups at the neck and bridge positions deliver a solid, clear clean tone, as well as a crunchy low end that slices through heavy distortion.

Finally, the Tune-O-Matic bridge has a string through body design that ensures solid tuning stability, enhanced resonance, and superior sustain.

Pros

  • Available in 3 Colors
  • TUSQ Nut
  • Left Hand Model Available

Cons

  • Left Hand Model More Expensive

As you can see, the Schecter Omen-6 delivers powerful tones, captivating looks, and enhanced features at a surprisingly affordable price.

We think you’ll find that the TUSQ nut, rosewood fretboard, and dynamic looks of this guitar make it a tantalizing purchase.

Don’t wait! Click here and get yours now.

Best Electric Guitars Under $1000: Best Runner-Up

ESP LTD EC-1000

Are you looking for a high-quality guitar that delivers high-performance playability, enhanced features, and a compelling look? Then check out the ESP LTD EC-1000.

It has a mahogany body in a Les Paul-type shape with comfort cutouts and a set-thru neck design. As a result, it delivers high-performance resonance and sustain as well as improved playing comfort and a classic sound.

The neck is in a thin “U” shape, has a radius of 13.75″ and is composed of 3 pieces of mahogany, so it feels great in your hand, is flat enough for effortlessly playing leads, and has high-performance stability.

With 24 extra-jumbo frets and flag inlays, the Macassar ebony fretboard adds a warm, full tone to your sound while giving you an easy-to-play fretboard that has a full 2-octave playing range.

The EMG humbuckers at the neck and bridge positions are both active pickups, so they have a clear tone, easily cut through the heaviest of distortion, and are an excellent choice for playing metal as well as a wide variety of other genres.

Finally, the headstock has LTD locking tuners while the bridge is a Tonepros Locking Tune-O-Matic so you’re guaranteed rock-solid tuning stability and dynamic sustain.

Pros

  • Available in Multiple Finishes

Cons

  • Plastic Nut

As you can see, the ESP LTD EC-1000 delivers a sleek look, high-quality features, and high-performance playability.

We think you’ll find its dynamic looks are matched by its versatile tones and exquisite.

Don’t hesitate! Click here and get yours now.

Best Electric Guitars Under $1000: Best Under $1500

Ibanez Prestige RG652AHMFX

Are you looking for a precision-crafted instrument that’s very versatile and has a great design? Then check out the Ibanez Prestige RG652AHMFX.

It has an ash body in classic RG-shape with a bolt-on neck and comfort cutouts so it has a wonderful sound, feels very comfortable to play, and has a dynamic look.

The 5 piece maple and walnut neck is in Ibanez’s Super Wizard HP shape and has a radius of 16.92″. As a result, it delivers high-performance stability, adds a classic tone to your sound, and ensures a very smooth playing experience.

With black dot inlays, jumbo frets, and a Graph Tech Nut, the bound Birdseye maple neck has an enticing look and ensures improved playability as well as better resonance and tone.

The bridge and neck pickups are both made by DiMarzio, an Air Norton humbucker at the neck and a The Tone Zone at the bridge, and provide a wide palette of tones.

The neck pickup is wired for parallel while the humbuckers can be set to split coil using the 5-way switch. Plus, master volume and master tone knobs keep things straightforward and functional.

Lastly, the Gibraltar Standard II bridge is paired with Gotoh MG-T locking tuners making string changes easier, providing rock-solid tuning stability, and enhancing both resonance and sustain.

Pros

  • Made in Japan
  • Available in 2 Colors
  • Comes with Hardshell Case

Cons

As you can see, the Ibanez Prestige RG652AHMFX delivers dynamics looks, enhanced playability, and high-quality construction.

We think you’ll find it’s a step up from your average electric guitar and is perfect for the uncompromising player.

Why wait another day? Click here and get yours now.

Best Electric Guitars Under $1000: Best Under $800

Fender Player Telecaster

Are you looking for a guitar that delivers classic sounds, has modern features, and is a true workhorse guitar? Then check out the Fender Player Telecaster.

It features an alder body that has been hand-shaped to have more traditional body radii. As a result, it delivers classic sounds with the ease, comfort, and playability of modern guitars.

The maple neck is in a modern “C” shape with a radius of 9.5″ so it adds a classic tone to your sound and a vintage playing feel with modern improvements.

The maple fretboard has 22 medium jumbo frets and black dot inlays. This means it has the timeless look and tone that Telecasters are famous for coupled with improved playability.

The two Player Series Alnico 5 Tele single-coil pickups at the neck and the bridge are designed to deliver a well-balanced and authentic Fender tone while still satisfying the modern player’s need for increased output.

Finally, the 6-saddle string-through-body bridge features block steel saddles allowing for easy intonation, high-performance tuning stability, and increased resonance and sustain.

Pros

  • Available in 6 Finishes
  • Some Finishes Come With Pau Ferro Fretboard
  • Also Available in a HH Configuration

Cons

  • Plastic Nut

As you can see, the Fender Player Telecaster delivers a classic playing experience with modern improvements that every current-day player will appreciate.

We think you’ll find it’s a modern-day workhorse guitar that delivers classic Telecaster performance.

Why wait any longer? Click here and get yours now.

Best Electric Guitars Under $1000: Best Under $600

Ibanez S670QM

Are you looking for a guitar that has a fast neck, a floating tremolo, and high-powered playability? Then check out the Ibanez S670QM.

It has an S-Series-shaped body made out of meranti with a quilted maple top and a bolt-on neck so it has a warm sound, a deluxe look, and feels comfortable when you’re playing.

The maple neck is in Ibanez’s Wizard III shape so it’s very stable, very flat, and fast, plus, it adds a classic tone to your sound.

With off-set white dot inlays and 24 jumbo frets, the rosewood fretboard adds a well-balanced solid tone, a high-performance look, and provides a full 2-octave playing range.

The Quantum pickups humbuckers at the neck and bridge and paired with a single-coil pickup at the middle position and provides an accelerated bass response, crushing mid-range and precise high-end articulation.

They’re controlled by a master volume control, a master tone control, and a 5-way pickup selector that is wired to include split-coil settings. All this results in a wide range of tones to choose from.

Finally, the Edge-Zero II tremolo bridge features a lower profile for a more comfortable playing experience as well as high-performance tuning stability.

Pros

  • Available in 2 Colors

Cons

As you can see, the Ibanez S670QM delivers the looks, playability, and tones to please any modern player.

We think you’ll find it’s very versatile in not only its sounds but also in its playability.

Why wait? Click here and get yours now.

Best Electric Guitars Under $1000: Best Under $500

Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Telecaster 

Are you looking for an excellent guitar that has a legendary look, a timeless design, and delivers classic tones? Then check out the Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Telecaster.

It has the classic Telecaster body made of pine with a bolt-on neck and a gloss polyurethane finish. As a result, it has a vintage look, a timeless tone, and is very resonant.

The maple neck has a “C” shape with a radius of 9.5″ so it’s comfortable in your hand, delivers a very vintage playing feel, and is excellent for a wide variety of playing styles.

With 21 narrow-tall frets, small dot inlays, and a bone nut, the maple fretboard delivers superior resonance and sustain while also delivering the classic look and feel of a vintage Telecaster.

Plus, the Fender-designed alnico single-coil pickups at the neck and bridge positions deliver the classic Fender tones that Telecasters are famous for, so you can play a wide variety of music.

Finally, the 3-saddle vintage-style bridge features a string-through-body design that optimizes resonance, enhances sustain, and delivers the classic Telecaster sound.

Pros

  • Available in 2 Classic Colors
  • Genuine Bone Nut Enhances Your Sound

Cons

  • 3-Saddle Bridge Delivers a Wonderful Vintage Tone but can be Tricky to Intonate

As you can see, the Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Telecaster delivers a vintage-style playing experience and classic tones at an affordable price.

We think you’ll agree that its straightforward design, modern playability, and timeless versatility make this a great option for any guitarist.

Don’t miss out! Click here and get yours now.

Best Electric Guitars Under $1000: FAQ

  • What is the best electric guitar under $1000?
  • What is the best electric guitar for the money?
    • This can be a hot topic of debate depending on what style of music you want to play and your personal preferences. Having said that, a Stratocaster or Strat-type guitar is probably your best bet since they have stood the test of time. Also, please see our Best Overall and Best Budget recommendations.
  • What is the best $1000 guitar?
    • Please see our Best Overall recommendation. At this price, you have a wide variety of options. Please see this post on acoustic guitar recommendations.
  • What is the best mid-priced electric guitar?
  • Are cheap electric guitars any good?
    • Yes, they can be very good. The only issue is sometimes they may need a setup in order to play properly. (This can also be an issue on expensive guitars, so it shouldn’t overly concern you.) Other than that they can be an excellent way to get started playing electric guitar. Please see this post, this post, and this one for some recommendations.
  • What is the best budget electric guitar for beginners?
  • Is it worth upgrading a cheap guitar?
    • If it’s a guitar you really enjoy playing, and you like the setup, it can make a big difference to upgrade the pickups.
  • What is the best all-around electric guitar?
    • Most often a Stratocaster. It has a design that remains popular to the day since it’s very versatile and lends itself to a wide variety of playing styles.
  • What is the best intermediate electric guitar?
    • If you’re an intermediate player you’ll probably have developed your preferred features and want to expand and try out some different types of guitars.
  • What is the easiest electric guitar to play?
    • A Stratocaster or Strat-type electric guitar is going to be the most comfortable thanks to its comfort cutouts and body shape.