Who could say no to some good electric guitars under $500?
Are you curious about good electric guitars that are available for under $500?
It can be hard to find a good guitar in your price range.
Comparing the different models and features can become confusing.
Plus, it’s difficult to know which one is the right one for you.
All of this can turn the fun and excitement of buying a new guitar into a boring, frustrating experience.
Fortunately, we’ve done the hard work for you and found good electric guitars available for under $500.
Check it out!
Good Electric Guitars Under $500: Best Overall
Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Telecaster
Are you looking for an excellent guitar that has a legendary look, a timeless design, and 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 at an affordable price.
We think you’ll agree that its straightforward design, modern playability, and timeless versatility make this a great option.
Don’t miss out! Click here and get yours now.
Good Electric Guitars Under $500: Best Budget
Ibanez Gio GRX20Z
Are you looking for a good guitar that has a versatile design, dynamite playability, and is very easy on your budget? Then check out the Ibanez Gio GRX20Z.
It has an RG-shaped body made of poplar and a bolt-on neck, so it’s lightweight, has great resonance, and feels very comfortable to play.
The GRX-shaped maple neck has a radius of 12″ making it feel comfortable in your hand, flat enough to comfortably play chords or leads, and adding a classic tone to your sound.
Plus, the jatoba fretboard features simple dot inlays and 22 medium frets, so it has enhanced playability, classic looks, and adds a rich mid-range and a crisp high-end tone to your sound.
The Ibanez Infinity humbuckers at the neck and bridge positions let you control your sound using a master volume knob, master tone knob, and a 5-way switch. Additionally, they’re wired for split-coil tones so you have a wide variety of tones to choose from and can play a wide variety of sounds.
Finally, the T106 tremolo has a straightforward design that lets you add some vibrato to your sound while ensuring easy intonation.
Pros
- Available in 2 Galvanizing Colors
Cons
- Plastic Nut
As you can see, the Ibanez Gio GRX20Z delivers all the features and tones you’re looking for, at a price that’s easy on your pocketbook.
We think you’ll find its easy playability and versatile features make it a fabulous bargain.
Don’t miss out! Click here and get yours now.
Good Electric Guitars Under $500: Best Runner-Up
Squier Classic Vibe ’60s Stratocaster
Are you looking for a classic guitar that features timeless versatility, easy playability, and proven tones? Then check out the Squier Classic Vibes ’60s Stratocaster.
It has a nato body with a bolt-on neck and a gloss polyurethane finish so it has a warm and full voice, is lightweight and resonant, and feels comfortable when you’re playing.
The maple neck has a slim “C” profile with a radius of 9.5″ which makes it comfortable for your hand and gives you a very vintage playing feel.
With 21 narrow-tall frets and dot inlays, the Indian laurel fretboard has a classic look, provides a comfortable fretting surface and adds a warm timbre to your sound.
The Fender-designed Alnico single-coil pickups at the neck, middle and bridge positions deliver the classic Stratocaster sounds that have satisfied guitarists for decades.
Additionally, the 5-way switch, master volume knob, and separate tone knobs for the neck, and one for the bridge and middle pickups bring a modern touch to this Stratocaster.
Finally, the 6-saddle vintage-style tremolo is paired with vintage-style tuners giving it a world-class look and enhanced tuning stability.
Pros
- Bone Nut Enhances Your Tone
- Available in 3 Stunning Colors
Cons
- Vintage Feeling 9.5″ Radius Fretboard isn’t Everybody’s Favorite
As you can see, the Squier Classic Vibe ’60s Stratocaster is a really good guitar and an amazing value at under $500.
We think you’ll agree that it delivers the features, tones, and playability that have made Stratocasters popular for decades.
Why wait another day? Click here and get yours now.
Good Electric Guitars Under $500: Best Under $400
Ibanez RGA42FM
Are you ready for a high-quality guitar that has solid performance and a plush look? Then check out the Ibanez RGA42FM.
It has an RGA-shaped meranti body with a sculpted flamed maple top and a bolt-on neck so it is designed to be very easy to play, has a full and resonant tone, and a dynamic look.
The maple neck is in Ibanez’s Wizard III shape and has a radius of 15.74″. As a result, it is easy to play lightning-fast leads on, it’s very stable, and adds a classic tone to your sound.
Plus, with 24 jumbo frets and offset dot inlays, the jatoba fretboard adds an easy playing surface, a rich mid-range and crisp high end to your sound, and delivers a full 2-octave playing range.
The Ibanez Quantum humbuckers at the neck and bridge positions provide an accelerated bass response to help track high-speed staccato playing and high-end articulation which eliminates any muddy mid-range. As a result, your notes will be clear and easy to hear through distortion.
Plus, the 5-way pickup switch is wired to let you set the neck humbucker in parallel mode, as well as split-coil for both pickups which gives you a wide variety of tones that are perfect for a large range of musical styles.
Lastly, the F106 hardtail bridge delivers enhanced resonance and improved sustain while ensuring high-performance tuning stability.
Pros
- Available in 3 Gorgeous Finishes
- Comes in Left-Handed Model
Cons
- Plastic Nut
As you can see, the Ibanez RGA42FM has a stunning look, very versatile tones, and easy playability.
We think you’ll agree that its features and design deliver an amazing amount of value at a very affordable price.
Now is the best time! Click here and get yours now.
Good Electric Guitars Under $500: Best Under $300
Schecter C-6 Deluxe
Are you looking for a guitar that’s got a great look, easy playability, and is perfect for playing heavier tones? Then check out the Schecter C-6 Deluxe.
It has a basswood body that has sleek contours and a bolt-on neck so it’s lightweight, resonant, and comfortable to play.
The maple neck has a thin “C” shape and a radius of 14″. As a result, it adds a classic tone to your sound, feels comfortable in your hand, and is easy to play leads on.
With 24 narrow X-Jumbo frets and 4mm dot inlays, the rosewood fretboard delivers a classic tone, enhanced playability, and a full 2-octave playing range.
Plus, the bridge and neck pickups are both Schecter Diamond Plus humbuckers which deliver impressive tones when distorted as well as full, round clean tones.
Lastly, the Tune-O-Matic bridge ensures rock-solid tuning stability while the string-through-body design enhances sustain, and adds resonance to your tone.
Pros
- Satin Finish Comes in 3 Solid Colors
Cons
- Left-Hand Models More Expensive
As you can see, the Schecter C-6 Deluxe delivers clean, stylish looks, enhanced features, and exciting playability.
We think you’ll find it’s a stylish workhorse guitar, that’s surprisingly affordable.
You’ve waited long enough. Click here and get yours now.
Good Electric Guitars Under $500: FAQ
- What are the best electric guitars under $500?
- See our Best Overall and our Best Budget recommendations. Also, please see this post on on best electric guitars under $500, this post on metal guitars under $500, this post on best hollowbody guitars under $500, and this post on Ibanez guitars under $500.
- What is the best electric guitar for the money?
- Please see our Best Overall and our Best Budget recommendations. These are two of the best options for electric guitar players.
- What is the best electric guitar under $400?
- What is the best acoustic guitar under 500?
- Please see this post for our recommendations.
JT currently resides in Southern California and has been playing the guitar since he was 13. He enjoys baking French pastries, drinking loose-leaf tea, and running Slackware Linux.
