So, you're looking to buy a new guitar and have around $1,000 to play with. Well, fear not, as I have scoured the market and selected the best electric guitars under $1,000 you can buy right now. Whether you're playing blues, rock, country, jazz, or anything else, these guitars will serve you well on the road, in the studio, or just at home.
These days $1,000 can get you a lot of guitar, as this guide proves. I've recommended cut-price vintage reissues from Epiphone, do-it-all workhorses from PRS, shred machines from Charvel, and even a tasty offset from Music Man, as well as many more options for you to choose from.
Whether you are a seasoned pro looking for a new toy, upgrading from your first electric, or simply after a solid touring instrument to keep your pride and joy safe at home, there’s something here that cuts the mustard.
If you're interested in learning about my top pick before delving further into the guide, I've gone for the PRS SE Custom 24 – an excellent choice no matter what genre of music you love to play. It's versatile, comfortable to play, and works just as well on-stage and is does in the confines of your home.
With so many excellent guitars at this price point, undoubtedly there were many that didn't make my list, but I think I've chosen a good cross-section of what's available right now.
If you have a burning question needing answered, scroll to the FAQ section at the bottom. If not, let’s dive into it.
The quick list
The PRS SE Custom 24 is an exceptional guitar thanks to its versatility and playability. It has a wide range of tones, and the craftsmanship is superb. Genuinely, one of the best electric guitars you can get at this price point.
The first collaboration between Epiphone and the Gibson Custom Shop is truly impressive. Build quality is excellent and the '59 neck profile is very comfortable. The closest you can get to a vintage Les Paul without spending a fortune.
The SE version of the Silver Sky brings this popular model to a more accessible price point without sacrificing too much in quality. It feels more expensive than it is and the three finishes: Overland Gray, Nylon Blue, and Summit Purple looks fantastic.
With its rosewood fingerboards, rolled fingerboard edges and Alnico 5 single-coils, the Player II is an exciting guitar to get your hands on. There are also loads of finishes to choose from and it remains one of the most versatile guitars you can buy.
The fully hollow body of the Gretsch Electromatic G5420T makes the guitar really resonant and it delivers a beautiful full-bodied tone. It's an ideal instrument for blues, jazz and rock. If that wasn't enough, the G5420T also looks fantastic.
If a semi-hollow guitar is more to your tastes, then look no further than the Ibanez AS93FM. The vintage-voiced Super 58 humbuckers take mellow jazz tones to another level and it boasts deep bass and a rich top end.
Best overall
✅ Buy if you want a rock-solid guitar that covers all bases: This in an ideal option whether you're on the road or playing in the living room.
❌ Avoid if you want a more traditional design: Playing wise, it's hard to find fault here, although the bird inlays might not be to your taste.
Build quality rating: ★★★★★
Playability rating: ★★★★★
Sounds rating: ★★★★★
Overall: ★★★★★
The classics are classic for a reason. The Custom 24 has established itself as a major player in the world of guitars, alongside the likes of the Fender Strat and the Gibson Les Paul.
This latest PRS SE Custom 24 features a pair of 85/15 ’S’ humbuckers, based on their US-made counterparts. These are ideal for rock, blues, jazz and loads more. However, if you need more tones at your disposal, the tone knob also acts as a coil-split function so you can get more single-coil like tones, making this a really versatile instrument.
I've become so used to PRS’s great craftsmanship and superb playability, and the SE Custom 24 is no exception. It’s a joy to play, regardless of what style of player you are.
Whether you’re a gigging musician, bedroom guitarist or producer who needs a reliable ‘do-it-all’ guitar, then this has you covered.
Absolutely one of the best electric guitars you can buy for less than $1,000.
"Offering both humbuckers and piezo pickups, as well as separate outputs for each, the PRS SE Custom Semi-Hollow Piezo offers a huge range of electric and acoustic flavors and the ability to meld them for the broadest range possible. Like all the offshore-produced SE models, it looks stunning and plays like a dream, and leaves little daylight between the company's SE and domestic Core lines."
Read more: PRS SE Custom 24 review
Best single cut
✅ Buy if you want that classic Les Paul sound for less: This represents outstanding value for money and will deliver those classic Les Paul tones for considerably less cash.
❌ Avoid if you want a something a bit more modern: Its classic retro stylings won't be for everyone.
Build quality rating: ★★★★★
Playability rating: ★★★★★
Sounds rating: ★★★★★
Overall: ★★★★★
This represents the first collaboration between Epiphone and the Gibson Custom Shop, and it truly is one of the best electric guitars under $1,000. Aside from its incredible looks, this Epiphone Les Paul features a pair of Gibson USA Burstbucker 2 & 3s that do a superb job of recreating that hallowed late-’50s Burst-era tone. Other specs include CTS pots, Mallory caps and ’50s-era wiring.
In true Les Paul fashion, a solid mahogany body sits underneath a maple cap offering plenty of sustain, and a nice snappy attack. There’s also the fairly chunky but comfortable ’59 neck profile that so many players love, plus it comes shipped in a good quality hard case.
There’s a lot of magic in these Gibson pickups, and the build quality coming out of the Epiphone factory at the moment is very, very good. This is the closest you can get to those holy grail, late ’50s Les Pauls without dropping some serious cash.
"An impressive collaborative effort that delivers a tasty dose of vintage-inspired looks, feel, and tone at a very accessible price."
Read more: Epiphone 1959 Les Paul review
Best classic design
✅ Buy if you want beautiful tone at a decent price: The tone and playability here belies the Silver Sky's price.
❌ Avoid if you want a less beefy delivery: With the pickups wound to around 7 k-ohm, the sound leans more towards an in-your-face performance.
Build quality rating: ★★★★½
Playability rating: ★★★★★
Sounds rating: ★★★★½
Overall: ★★★★½
The Strat that isn’t a Strat recently received the SE treatment from PRS, making it more affordable for a wider audience. PRS has managed to do this without greatly reducing the overall quality or performance of the instrument. While the sound and look of the SE Silver Sky is hardly groundbreaking, there is something different about it.
All five pickup positions are nicely balanced and all very usable – there is nothing harsh about the bridge position, and the neck pickup is lovely, deep and rich. It sounds, and indeed feels, like a more expensive guitar.
While the guitar is made in Indonesia, unlike the more expensive US models, it still features the classic Paul Reed Smith workmanship that we’ve all come to know and love. Right out of the box (well, gigbag), this thing plays great and we know it will continue to do so, year on year.
New to the SE Silver Sky lineup is the option of a maple fingerboard, along with three fresh finishes – Overland Gray, Nylon Blue, and Summit Purple – for those who prefer a snappier attack.
While the PRS Silver Sky is still a relatively recent model, it has quickly carved out its own identity. Is it one of the best electric guitars under $1,000? John Mayer and his band certainly think so!
"Given its price, versatility and overall build quality the PRS SE Silver Sky easily earns an Editors’ Pick Award."
Read more: PRS SE Silver Sky review
Best Telecaster
✅ Buy if you want a versatile guitar with a nice choice of finishes: A great guitar is made even better with 11 different finishes.
❌ Avoid if you want to maximise high-gain styles: If you're after a harder edge to your playing, better options can be found elsewhere.
Build quality rating: ★★★★½
Playability rating: ★★★★½
Sounds rating: ★★★★½
Overall: ★★★★½
The Player II series is the latest evolution of Fender’s best-selling, Mexican-made guitars, and a few thoughtful upgrades have made me smile.
The return of rosewood fingerboards, the addition of rolled fingerboard edges and a set of jack-of-all-trades Alnico 5 single-coils make the Player II series even more appealing.
There is also a plethora of new finishes to choose from and, unlike the original Player series, you are no longer limited to alder – chambered mahogany and ash options are now on the table, adding even more tonal variety and lighter weights that those with a bad back will appreciate.
While the Tele remains one of the most versatile guitars out there, it is still not built for extreme high-gain styles and there are better chugging options out there – but for everything else, this one is hard to beat.
Best hollow body
✅ Buy if you want a guitar full of character that delivers awesome sound: This is a visually striking guitar that produces chunky, warm tones.
❌ Avoid if you want to avoid feedback issues: Higher gain can result in unwanted feedback - just be aware.
Build quality rating: ★★★★★
Playability rating: ★★★★½
Sounds rating: ★★★★½
Overall: ★★★★½
Gretsch makes some of the best-looking guitars in the business, but they also sound killer too.
The fully hollow body makes it really resonant and helps deliver a warm, full-bodied tone, and the BlackTop Filter’Tron pickups add some chime and sparkle to the top end.
Whether you’re playing blues, jazz, rockabilly or rock, the Gretsch G5420T really is one of the best electrics under $1k.
The guitar is visually striking too – it comes in some incredible finishes, the body is nice and big, and the Bigsby tailpiece and arm add a nice little touch of class.
This style of guitar has been around for decades now, and, after playing one, you’ll discover why!
Best semi-hollow
✅ Buy if you want a premium model for jazz and blues: The semi-hollow Ibanez AS93FM's sweet sound make it ideal for more laid-back playing.
❌ Avoid if you want a bit more oomph from your playing: Great for jazz and blues, but there are better options if you love to shred.
Build quality rating: ★★★★½
Playability rating: ★★★★
Sounds rating: ★★★★
Overall: ★★★★
While Ibanez is well known for their high-performance rock and metal guitars, it also excels when it comes to hollow and semi-hollow instruments. This guitar’s semi-hollow construction makes for a resonant instrument with plenty of sustain.
The Ibanez AS93FM comes with a pair of sweet-sounding, vintage-voiced Super 58 humbuckers. Whether you’re dialing back on the tone knob for mellow jazz tones, or you’re pushing that bridge humbucker through an overdriven tube amp, you’ll hear some detailed tones, with a nice attack, deep bass and a rich top end.
Good quality hardware helps the guitar stay and play in tune, plus it helps resonance. It looks really classy and it’s sometimes surprising that it comes in at way under $1,000.
Best super Strat
✅ Buy if you want a rock/metal guitar but would like some flexibility: On the surface, you might think this would only suit shredders, but single-coil sounds help give it an added dimension.
❌ Avoid if a Floyd Rose isn't quite your thing: The double-locking tremolo system might not be for everyone, especially if you want a more gentle delivery.
Build quality rating: ★★★★
Playability rating: ★★★★
Sounds rating: ★★★★
Overall: ★★★★
There are some great choices when it comes to super Strats at the moment, but none outperform the Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal at under $1k. Shredders and rock guitarists will love this, but it’s by no means a one-trick pony. It’s actually super versatile.
A pair of fairly high output Seymour Duncan humbuckers offer a tight bass response, along with a sweet top end. Dial back on the volume knob though, and they will clean up – though that’s probably not what you’re getting this guitar for.
The volume knob also works as a push/pull switch activating a coil split giving you single-coil sounds – this really isn’t just a shredder’s guitar.
They look great, and they’re made well, plus that slim neck profile is incredibly comfortable, for rhythm and lead work. The Floyd Rose trem system might not be for everyone, but if that’s your cup of tea, then you’ll love it.
Best value
✅ Buy if you want an excellent guitar for a brilliant price: The Squier Classic Vibe ’60s Strat looks great, plays great and sounds great - and the price is very hard to beat.
❌ Avoid if you have a little more money to splash: Amazing value? Sure, but if you have a bit extra cash to splurge, there are better options out there.
Build quality rating: ★★★★
Playability rating: ★★★★
Sounds rating: ★★★★
Overall: ★★★★
The entire Classic Vibe range from Squier offers amazing value for money, but I've picked out the ’60s Strat as being one of the best guitars under $1,000 for its playability, looks and sound.
You don’t quite get the same note definition and frequency range as you would with some more expensive models, but this guitar gives all the classic Strat tones for not a lot of money.
The Classic Vibes are built to a good standard – these will act as great instruments on the road, or just at home.
Vintage pre-CBS Strats are serious money, and Custom Shops and American Originals are well over our $1,000 limit. This sits comfortably under $500 – half of our budget here, and it’s a whole lot of fun to play.
Best with P-90s
✅ Buy if you want balanced tones: With two P-90 pickups, the RSS02T delivers everything from bright tones to smooth, warm sounds.
❌ Avoid if you want a more modern style: Yes, the RSS02T boasts some lovely finishes, but the overall design won't be for everyone.
Build quality rating: ★★★★
Playability rating: ★★★★
Sounds rating: ★★★★
Overall: ★★★★
Yamaha are one of the biggest names in the world of musical instruments. They introduced the Revstar range a few years ago and recently overhauled it.
The Revstar RSS02T is a stunning guitar fitted with two P-90 pickups that will dish out bright, upper-mid rich, bitey tones, and smooth, full and warm sounds in equal measure. P-90s are versatile pickups, and this guitar is one of the best ways of showcasing this.
The Revstar RSS02T also has a passive boost built-in that gives you the sound of slightly hotter, overwound pickups, as well as a five-way pickup selector, as opposed to three like you might expect.
While this might be a fairly new design, the guitar looks classy and timeless. It also has a few modern tricks up its sleeve, with a mahogany and carbon neck for extra stability. The mahogany body has also been strategically routed out so it’s lighter, but you still get plenty of sustain and resonance.
Best offset
✅ Buy if you want something a little quirky: I love the design of the Mariposa and Mars Volta fans are sure to fully embrace its style.
❌ Avoid if a more standard shape floats your boat: The Mariposa's distinctive look is sure to put some people off.
Build quality rating: ★★★★
Playability rating: ★★★★
Sounds rating: ★★★★
Overall: ★★★★
From the mind of Mars Volta and At The Drive-In axeman Omar Rodríguez-López, the Mariposa is as quirky and unique as the prog guitarist himself.
This stunning signature guitar is a more affordable version of the USA variant but is every bit as cool. This Sterling By Music Man option keeps the distinctive, angular body as the original, but this time it's made from Nyatoh rather than Okoume and opts for a roasted maple neck with rosewood fingerboard rather than ebony.
At its heart sits a robust set of Music Man humbuckers that deliver a warm, punchy tone perfect for hard rock, prog, and of course, hardcore punk.
Unfortunately, the budget version is missing the ornate laser-etched pickguard, but I can't complain too much, as this guitar is under half the price of its USA big brother!
For me, this stylish offset offers players a unique twist on the standard twin humbucker formula and is most definitely worth your time - whether you're a Mars Volta fan or not.
FAQ
How to choose the best guitar under $1,000
You can trust Guitar Player. Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing guitar products so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
If you’re in a position where you can spend up to $1,000 on a new guitar, you want to make sure that you’re getting the best one for the money, that will serve the purpose you need it for.
There are some really good choices, from well-known brands, including Fender, Epiphone, Gretsch, Ibanez and more. When making the choice between them, there are some key considerations you can make to ensure that you end up with the right instrument for you.
How important are the pickups on an electric guitar?
When it comes to choosing a new guitar, you should pay careful attention to the pickups. Of course, many players have a preference when it comes to humbuckers, single coils and P-90s, with each having its own tonal characteristics. As you'd expect, different pickups are more suitable for individual playing styles and types of music than others, so make sure you choose wisely.
There are always exceptions, but generally speaking, humbuckers tend to sound a little warmer and thicker, with a touch more output, and single coils brighter, thinner and crisper with a lower output. P-90s are still essentially single coil pickups, with a slightly altered design that has an impact on their sound – sonically, they’re usually punchier, with more mid-range bite than a regular single coil. What is right for you largely boils down to personal preference. Within blues, rock and jazz, you’ll find a range of different pickups used.
Some modern guitars fitted with humbuckers allow you to tap, or split the coils, giving you more single coil-like tones. This can be especially useful if you want an array of tones all from one guitar.
How does the construction of the guitar affect tone?
The construction of the guitar can also have an effect on how it sounds. Bolt-on necks, as opposed to set necks, can lend the guitar a snappier and more articulate sound – they’re also easier to replace should you need to do so. Set necks, which are glued into the body, can help with a warmer and fuller tone, with more sustain.
Hollowbody electric guitars usually mean more resonance, which is great for some players. Bear in mind though, if you’re cranking the gain quite high, then these are more prone to feedback. A middle ground would be a semi-hollow bodied guitar, that has a solid block running through the middle.
Follow the feel
How the guitar feels to play is another big factor in choosing the best sub $1k guitar for you, and a lot of this is in the neck profile. Nowadays, modern guitars tend to cater to a variety of playing styles, with neck profiles that are neither too thick nor too thin, however, they’re certainly not all the same.
Thinner necks can lend themselves nicely to speedy, shreddier players, especially if they’re combined with a flat fingerboard radius. Thicker neck profiles fill out the fretting hand a bit more, though, for most people, that doesn’t hinder them from playing in any particular way.
How we test
We are very aware that so much of an electric guitar comes down to personal preference, but that said, there are still a few key criteria that a guitar must meet for us to consider recommending it to our readers.
As you'd expect, the first and probably the most important is build quality. When putting a new six-string through its paces, we'll thoroughly check every element of the build, from head to tail-piece, to ensure it feels robust. We are checking to ensure the neck is fitted correctly, that the hardware feels solid, and of course, that there are no electronics issues. Once we are satisfied, we will move to the guitar's overall finishing, looking for any anomalies in the paintwork.
Next up is playability. A guitar must be playable straight out of the box. Yes, we will accept that slight adjustments may need to be made to the action to meet our personal tastes, but the guitar should be in a playable state when we first try it.
We will check how comfortable the neck is, as well as how well the frets have been fitted - no matter the price point, we will not accept shoddy fret ends.
Lastly, we'll look at tone. Again, this is very subjective, but we are looking to see if the guitar lives up to the manufacturer's claims and is fit for purpose.
Read more on how we test gear and services at Guitar Player.
Meet the experts
After spending a decade in music retail, Richard is now a freelance writer for MusicRadar, Guitar Player, Guitar World and Reverb, specialising in electric and acoustic guitars, bass, and almost anything else you can make a tune with. When his head’s not buried in the best of modern and vintage gear, Richard runs a small company helping musicians with songwriting, production and performance, and plays bass in an alt-rock band. Otherwise, you'll probably find him out walking the dog!
Daryl is a Senior Deals Writer at MusicRadar, and is responsible for writing and maintaining buyer's guides on the site as well as testing out products for reviews. Before writing for MusicRadar, Daryl worked for many years in music retail, helping musicians of all ages find the best gear for them.
Daryl also has a passion for live sound, having worked professionally as a sound engineer in a number of venues around Scotland and holds a first-class Bachelor's degree in Creative Sound Production from the University of Abertay. He's worked for various bands, as well as his fair share of pantomimes, dance shows, opera and has operated the sound for some of the country's top comedians, including Alan Carr, Ed Byrne and James Acaster, among others.
Ross has been a music lover and guitar player since the age of 8. He has spent the five years since graduating from university working in music retail, selling guitars, amps and more. Ross is particularly interested in electric guitars, pedals and amplifiers and his current rig includes a trusty 2009 American Standard Stratocaster and Vox AC30S1 with a few Walrus Audio and Way Huge pedals in between.
Latest updates
Recent updates
16/04/25: The guide has been updated to include two new products: Fender Player II Telecaster and the Gretsch Electromatic G5420T. A quick links section now appears towards the top of the guide and all guitars featured now have added "At a glance" sections alongside star-ratings for quick reference. Review verdicts have been included where applicable and the specifications on a number of entries has been updated to reflect new finishes and materials. A "Meet the experts" section has also now been included.
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