How Much Does A Good Electric Guitar Cost? (Examples)

There’s a broad spectrum depending on various factors regarding the cost of an electric guitar.

These factors include the brand, the type of construction, pickups, country of manufacture, and more.

Affordable Electric Guitars that Sound Good for Beginners

Balancing the budget with quality is crucial for beginners to avoid getting discouraged with a low-quality instrument.

Here are some notable affordable models that I find provide good value and will sound good:

Squier By Fender Bullet Series – $200

This series offers value for money with a cost between $200 and $300.

Compared to electric guitars at lower price points, the Squier Bullet Strat boasts a notable brand recognition and popularity advantage.

This guitar is widely recognized as one of the go-to choices for beginners, bringing with it a degree of assurance in manufacturing and performance consistency.

Lower-priced alternatives might present a riskier gamble regarding build quality, longevity, and most importantly the sound quality.

While no one would mistake it for a high-end professional guitar, its sound is clear, with no dead notes, even when tested with different amplifiers and effect pedals.

The tuning stability is commendable, especially considering the price; it remains relatively in tune even with light use of the whammy bar, which cannot be said for many Chinese brand guitars at a lower price point.

Ibanez RG Series RG470AHM – $500

Starting at approximately $200, Ibanez’s RG series guitars cater to beginners and those looking for an affordable entry into the world of electric guitars.

But don’t be fooled by the price tag – even in this range, Ibanez ensures that the guitars offer commendable build quality, playability, and sound.

One of the standout features of the RG series, especially in the budget-friendly range, is their commitment to sound quality.

Many users and reviewers have often praised these guitars for delivering tones that punch above their weight class.

Given the price point, some of these models’ rich harmonics, sustain, and clarity can be surprising.

Epiphone Les Paul Studio and SG Series – $200 to $600

Prices for these guitars generally range from $200 to $500, offering quality sound with classic aesthetics.

The Epiphone Les Paul Studio offers a remarkable balance of quality and affordability, making it an ideal pick for beginners.

Beyond aesthetics, the guitar features a slightly thicker neck, making it comfortable for new players.

One of its defining features is the coil split, allowing novices to switch between deep humbucker tones and sharper single-coil sounds, providing a range of musical exploration.

The hand-wired electronics mean as players grow, they can easily modify and personalize their guitars by changing pickups and electronics.

You get a solid build and really good sound for the money. Epiphone gives Gibson a solid competition with their version of the timeless les Paul design.

Jackson Dinky JS22 – $200

The Jackson JS22 Dinky is a testament to the fact that quality doesn’t always come with a hefty price tag.

With its sleek metallic blue finish and distinctive pearl white shark fin inlays, the JS22 captivates the eyes and the ears.

Its poplar body, carved in the iconic Dinky shape with an arch top, isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s ergonomically designed for comfortable play.

But it’s not all about looks. The JS22’s heart beats with high-output ceramic humbuckers, delivering a versatile sound range suitable for various genres.

Perhaps most impressively, the JS22’s playability feels premium. From its smooth-finished maple speed neck to its out-of-the-box setup boasting perfect intonation and action, it offers an experience often associated with guitars in a higher price range.

Intermediate Guitar Choices

For intermediate players who have progressed beyond entry-level instruments but aren’t quite ready to invest in professional-standard gear, there are still numerous excellent choices:

Squier Classic Vibe Series – $300 to $500

Further up the Squier range, the Classic Vibe Series costs around $400 to $500; these guitars replicate vintage Fender designs.

This range, a step up from the basic entry-level guitars, offers a surprising amount of quality given its price bracket.

At the lower end of the price spectrum, guitars often compromise on components, craftsmanship, and overall sound quality.

Entry-level guitars might come with generic pickups, less durable hardware, and might not always have the best finishing.

They are designed to offer a beginner the basic experience of playing an electric guitar without significant investment.

However, with the Squier Classic Vibe series, you’re venturing into a domain where those compromises become less pronounced. One of the most notable improvements is in the pickups.

While basic guitars tend to have generic pickups that might sound muddy or thin, the Classic Vibe guitars come equipped with pickups that reproduce clearer, more dynamic, and tonally rich sounds, getting closer to what professional guitarists look for.

The build quality also sees a marked improvement.

Using better quality tonewoods, more meticulous craftsmanship, and attention to detail in the Classic Vibe series means these guitars sound better and are more durable and reliable in the long run.

The finish on these guitars often rivals those of more expensive models, offering both aesthetic appeal and a more refined tactile experience.

Yamaha Revstar – $500 to $1000

This guitar bridges the gap between beginner models and high-end guitars, offering several features often reserved for its pricier counterparts.

At first glance, the Yamaha Revstar beckons with its unique design, echoing classic and contemporary aesthetics.

Unlike beginner guitars, which sometimes cut corners with generic designs, the Revstar boasts a distinct identity.

It’s not just another replica of famed guitars; it’s Yamaha’s testament to originality, standing tall amidst a sea of Strat and Les Paul-inspired designs.

The sound quality is noticeably superior to entry-level models as one might expect from a guitar positioned at an intermediate price point.

Beginner guitars, while sufficient for basic practice, often lack the depth and range of tonal qualities.

The Revstar, however, brings a richer tonal palette to the table, enhanced by its unique chambered design.

Yamaha didn’t just stop at the body design for acoustic improvement; the meticulous research behind the chambering ensures sound quality that resonates, quite literally, above the rest.

Schecter C-6 – $400 to $1000

The Schecter C6 Elite is a perfect example of what one might expect when venturing into the intermediate guitar bracket.

The aesthetics of the Schecter C6 are immediately striking. Unlike many lower-priced guitars, which might opt for simpler finishes, the C6 boasts a unique “aqua burst” design.

This radiant finish combines a green hue with a flamish-type top. It is complemented by deeper blue edges, giving the guitar a premium look often reserved for more expensive instruments.

However, the real value of an intermediate guitar like the Schecter C6 lies beneath its surface. Whereas entry-level guitars might have a decent sound suitable for beginners, the C6 offers an enriched tonal quality courtesy of its Schecter Diamond Plus pickups.

These pickups deliver clean and crisp sound and have the versatility to cater to various genres, be it rock blues, or even metal.

It’s a stark contrast to the generic pickups found in many beginner guitars, which often lack this level of clarity and adaptability.

Tuning stability, an often overlooked yet crucial aspect of guitar playability is addressed with the C6’s high-quality Schecter tuners.

These tuners are known for maintaining tune exceptionally well, a step up from the more basic tuners found in many entry-level models.

The ability to adjust these tuners is a nod to the musician’s desire for customization, setting the C6 apart from its less expensive counterparts.

Professional Level Electric Guitars

For those musicians looking to invest in their craft truly, professional-level guitars offer unmatched sound quality, build, and playability.

Here are some highly-regarded choices:

Fender American Professional II Series – $1500 to $2000

The American Professional II Telecaster by Fender epitomizes the value one can expect when transitioning from entry-level guitars to professional-grade instruments.

Price-wise, it might seem a significant leap from beginner or intermediate models, but the justification for that price difference is evident in several key areas.

Firstly, the build quality and craftsmanship are immediately noticeable. While lower-priced guitars often compromise on materials or construction to keep costs down, the American Professional II Telecaster employs premium tonewoods and meticulous construction techniques.

The neck of the guitar, with its maple construction, is a balance of gloss on the front and a satin finish on the back.

This design decision optimizes playability by ensuring the hand glides smoothly on the neck, a feature that can be underestimated until experienced firsthand.

Such subtle refinements might be missing or inconsistent in guitars at lower price points.

Electronics is another domain where the American Professional II Telecaster distinguishes itself.

Its mod two double-tap humbucking pickups blend classic and modern tones, expanding its versatility across genres.

This adaptability contrasts sharply with cheaper guitars, which might have a narrower tonal range due to less sophisticated electronics. Features like the treble bleed, which maintains high-end clarity even when the volume is dialed down, are emblematic of the professional-grade components you’re investing in.

Gibson Les Paul – $1700 to $3000

When exploring the realm of professional-level electric guitars, the Gibson Les Paul Classic undoubtedly stands as a beacon of quality and performance.

Its price tag, which hovers around the $1,999 mark for the latest model, might be a step up from intermediate guitars, but the investment reveals its worth in multiple aspects.

The Gibson Les Paul Classic isn’t just a guitar; it’s a piece of musical history. Introduced in the late ’80s, this model was instrumental in reviving Gibson’s standing in the guitar community.

Its significance transcends its storied past and is reflected in its construction and sound.

At this price point, one isn’t merely paying for the brand; they’re paying for the meticulous craftsmanship and the legacy of a renowned model.

When comparing it to guitars at a lower price point, the advanced electronics of the Gibson Les Paul Classic truly set it apart.

The coil splits, true bypass, and out-of-phase options provide a versatile tonal palette, allowing musicians to experiment with various sounds.

This becomes crucial for professionals who often must adapt their sound to different genres and playing techniques.

Moreover, the hardware is also a notch above. The stud-mounted ABR-1-styled bridge, while echoing the historic design, provides stability and ensures that the guitar stays in tune even with rigorous playing.

Burstbucker Lead 61 and Rhythm 61 pickups further accentuate the vintage Gibson tone, which is sought after by many professionals.

PRS SE Custom Lineup – $800 to $1200

Unlike many guitars at lower price points that may employ bolt-on necks, the Custom 24 boasts a set neck.

This ensures enhanced sustain and resonance and elevates the overall playing experience, providing smoother access to higher frets.

The carved maple top paired with a mahogany body is an aesthetic choice and a conscious decision rooted in tonal quality.

Such combinations are often found in high-end guitars and are known for producing a balanced and rich sound profile.

Another distinguishing feature is the proprietary 85-15 S pickups in the Custom 24.

Where more budget-friendly guitars might use generic or off-brand pickups, PRS ensures that their professional lineup is equipped with custom-designed pickups that cater specifically to the tonal requirements of the instrument.

This means that players can achieve a wider spectrum of sounds, from crystal-clear clean tones to growling overdrives, making the guitar incredibly versatile for various genres.

Regarding pricing, the PRS Custom 24, particularly the SE variant, offers incredible value.

While priced higher than beginner or intermediate models, every dollar invested is evident in its superior quality, sound, and playability.

The difference is palpable from the first strum for those transitioning from a lower-priced guitar.

Ibanez Prestige and Premium Series: Famed for their versatility and favored by shredders, these guitars fetch anything from $1500 to $3000.

The High-End of Electric Guitars

Exclusivity and rarity often drive up guitar prices considerably, but in these cases, you’re not just paying for the instrument but a piece of music history.

Signature models, limited editions, and especially historical instruments like Eric Clapton’s “Blackie” can fetch exorbitant prices, tens of thousands, and in some cases, even millions of dollars.

What You Get For Your Money At Different Price Points

This table summarizes what one can expect when buying an electric guitar at different price points:

Price Range	Typical Features & Remarks
Below $200	Recognizable brand models include Squier By Fender Bullet Series, Ibanez RG Series, and Epiphone Les Paul Studio. They generally offer better build quality compared to cheaper alternatives. Sound is clear with no dead notes, and they typically have adequate tuning stability. Decent finish and aesthetics are also expected in this range.
$200 – $500	Recognizable brand models include Squier By Fender Bullet Series, Ibanez RG Series, and Epiphone Les Paul Studio. They generally offer better build quality compared to cheaper alternatives. Sound is clear with no dead notes and typically have adequate tuning stability. Decent finish and aesthetics are also expected in this range.
$500 – $1000	Professional-level guitars such as the Fender American Professional II Series and Gibson Les Paul are in this category. These instruments are characterized by their premium build with meticulous craftsmanship. They come equipped with advanced electronics to provide diverse tonal palettes. Superior hardware is also a hallmark, ensuring consistent tuning and playability.
$1000 – $2000	The high-end, limited editions and signature models are priced at this range and above. Factors such as exclusivity, rarity, and brand prestige play significant roles in the pricing. Often, an investment in this category is not just the instrument but also a piece of musical history.
$2000 and above	The high-end, limited editions and signature models are priced at this range and above. Factors such as exclusivity, rarity, and brand prestige play significant roles in the pricing. Often, an investment in this category is not just in the instrument but also in a piece of musical history.

Additional Costs

It’s important to note that the cost of the guitar itself may be the beginning.

You might incur additional expenses such as amplifiers, cases or gig bags, guitar picks, tuners, care and maintenance tools, and more.

Buying Used Electric Guitars To Save Money

Moreover, purchasing a used electric guitar can present a budget-friendly alternative.

However, it’s crucial to investigate the condition thoroughly, make, model, and fair market price of the particular guitar before making a purchase.

Careful consideration and research will aid in finding the perfect match for your budget and skill, ensuring your musical journey is both enriching and enjoyable.

What I Recommend

For beginners, I advise starting with a comfortably priced beginner model from a reputable manufacturer, like the ones mentioned above.

Your first guitar’s purpose is to help you develop basic skills and to learn your preferences.

Your future purchases can grow more high-end and tailored to your unique needs as you grow into your style.

The “sweet spot” in pricing, particularly for those intermediate guitarists who take their craft seriously, is between $500 and $800.

You will find excellent build quality and premium features in this price range without breaking the bank.

Sometimes, the guitar that speaks to you might not be the priciest one on the rack, and that’s perfectly alright. Never feel pressured to overspend just for the prestige of owning a high-dollar instrument.

Related Questions

What is the average cost of a good electric guitar?

The cost of an electric guitar can vary widely depending on the brand, material, manufacturing quality, and additional features.

Nevertheless, a good quality new electric guitar usually costs between $300 and $800.

High-end models from iconic brands like Gibson or Fender can cost upward of $2,000. However, you can also find decent beginner models for under $200.

What other costs are associated with owning an electric guitar?

Besides the initial guitar purchase, there are other costs to consider. These include the amp, which is necessary to amplify the sound of the electric guitar and can cost from $50 for a beginner’s model to upwards of $1000 for professional quality.

You will also need to budget for a cable to connect the guitar and the amp, a guitar case, picks, a strap, extra strings, and potential maintenance or repair costs over time.

The cost for these items can add an additional $100 to $500 or even more to your initial investment depending on the quality and brand you choose.