10 Best Affordable Electric Guitars – Less Than $300
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What Is The Best Electric Guitar For The Money?
Have you always had a love for guitars? Are you a beginner looking to get your hands on a cool electric guitar? Did the prices in the market terrify you?
Buying one of the so-called cheap guitars can ruin your love for music if you end up choosing the wrong electric guitar. Finding a balance between passion, quality, and money is not easy. But, it’s not impossible either.
Buying the best affordable electric guitars is not as easy as it sounds. You will need to spend some time going through different brands, models, and their reviews before you finalize an electric guitar that is suitable to you in all ways.
We’ve collected a list of the top 10 best affordable electric guitars which don’t compromise on quality.
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Top 10 Best Affordable Electric Guitars.
1. Epiphone Les Paul Special – II
Our first best affordable electric guitar is Les Paul Special- II by Epiphone. It is known to have the features of the higher-priced models and plays very well.
It has a mahogany body with a narrow neck. The guitar offers an open coil humbucker with 700T/650R pickups. The nut width is 1.68″, and the die-cast-tuners are in the ratio 14:1. It’s dot acrylic fingerboard inlays makes it an easy-to-play guitar. There is a stop-bar tailpiece for easy string changes and sustains.
This electric guitar has a 22-fret medium-jumbo rosewood fingerboard along with LockTone Tune-O-Matic Bridge.
Attractions: The Les Paul Special- II looks great, has clear strings, and produces some beautiful tunes with proper intonations. It is a perfect choice for those who wish to learn and play Les Paul-style guitar without straining their budget.
- It is quick and easy to tune the guitar.
- It is less heavy when compared to others.
- The tuners need a little work.
2. Squier by Fender Affinity Stratocaster HSS
Squier is the entry-level model of Strat with features that belong to the expensive versions. It is quite famous for its double-cutaway body shape a multitude of colors to choose from. Lightweight electric guitar with an alder body, the Gloss Polyurethane body finish catches the eye and holds your attention with ease.
While there are numerous copied versions of Strat in the market, Squier by Fender is the best you will find.
The electric guitar has a C-shaped neck and its body of tonewood. It has a 21-fret narrow-tall fingerboard of Laurel. The guitar comes with a 1.6″ nut width and has a vintage-style synchronized tremolo bridge. The Humbucker bridge and single-coil neck pickup give incredible sonic variety. Squier has dots finger lay inlay and a 5-way blade pickup switch with a master control for volume. The guitar has 9s fender NPS strings. It also comes with die-cast sealed tuners for correct tuning and has 25.5″ scale length.
Attractions: The sound generated is the same as what is expected from an affordable Strat. It’s bright and sounds good to the ears. This is a Strat that is worth owning, especially at the price for which it is available.
- Great for both beginners and advanced-level musicians
- Durability and a long life span
- String action related problems
- Tuners need to be better
3. ESP LTD EC-10
ESP has launched LTD model electric guitars into the market during the mid-90s. The aim was to reach out to a wider audience who wanted an electric guitar in for low-cost. It is no secret that many famous guitarists use the premium models offered by ESP. This model is no less beautiful to play and is perfect for beginners who want to try humbucker.
The body of this guitar is made from basswood. With a 24-feet extra-jumbo fingerboard made of engineered hardwood, you 24.75″ scale length and the tune-O-Matic bridge. ESP LTD EC-10 has dual open-coil humbuckers at neck and bridge. This electric guitar comes with a maple neck with a thin U contour. It also carries a tailpiece similar to Epiphone Les Paul. The ESP guitar offers a 3-way pickup selector switch with master volume control along with LED tuners.
Attractions: Available in glossy black, EC-10 is surely a trendy and sleek piece to string and play at home, cafes, or jamming sessions. This electric guitar is one of the best affordable electric guitars for the price.
- Clean sound during solo plays
- Suitable for rock and metal
- Can be played anywhere, any time
- Fret buzz issues
4. Yamaha Pacifica PAC012
Yamaha is one brand that played a role in shaping up many guitarists. From beginners to acclaimed musicians, Yamaha has been a part of many lives. The brand is also known for releasing quite a few models into the market for affordable prices. Pacifica is one such series that has the quality of Japanese construction.
Yamaha Pacifica PAC012 comes with a double-cut body, which is similar to the Stratocasters series by Fender. It has a C-shaped maple neck. Its nuts are made of urea and are 1.614” in width. The guitar has medium-sized 22 frets with dots fingerboard inlay made of rosewood. This fantastic guitar piece has an Agathis body with a gloss polyurethane finish.
It has a 5-way blade pickup switch and comes with 9s strings and has Yamaha sealed tuners. Pacifica offers a vintage tremolo bridge to the players along with the ceramic single-coil middle pick up, and ceramic humbucker bridge pick up. No compromises of any kind have been made with the electric components.
Attractions: Pacifica PAC102 is the first model of electric guitar launched by Yamaha. It is more than a decent Strat that is right for beginners who wish to master the art.
- The pickups are manufactured by Yamaha and are of good quality
- Pretty good tuners
- Impressive sound quality
- Solid instrument
- Needs to be set up
- Buzz on E string
5. Squier Affinity Telecaster by Fender
A Fender Telecaster might cost well around $10,000. But worry not. We’ve got something way below that amount. Squier Affinity is a budget subsidiary of Fender and has gained a lot of popularity for being a lovely tribute to the Telecasters. The decor is quite simple and unassuming. The combination of butterscotch sauce and blonde looks pleasant on the eye.
The guitar has a C-shaped maple neck with a 9.35” radius. It comes with Alder body with a gloss polyurethane finish. Squier Affinity Telecaster has 21 medium jumbo frets with dots inlay and maple fingerboard and offers 25.5” scale length. The nuts of the guitar are made of synthetic bone and have 1.6” width. Also, the guitar comes with Fender 250L and 0.009-0.42 strings. It also offers vintage-style Tele Single-coil pickups for neck and bridge. The guitar has standard die-cast tuners and 3-way blade pickup switch.
Attractions: This right-handed electric guitar is lightweight, resonant, and sounds good and lives up to the image of Fender’s Telecasters, within the budget.
- It delivers the full-bodied sound Telecasters are so famous for
- It is the best deal for the price
- Amazing intonation
- Rough frets
- Not so good pickups
6. Ibanez GIO Series GRX20Z
The GIO series produced by Ibanez has sure surprised many of us. For the price they sell, the electric guitars are more than worth the investment. GRX20Z is the best of the lot and is a perfect choice for those who are on a tight budget. And what’s interesting is that the GIO series instruments are put through the same kind of quality checks which the premium versions are subjected to. That does say something about the brand, does it?
GRX20Z has a C-shaped maple neck and solid basswood body in GRX shape. It comes with 22-fret pearl dots inlay with a fingerboard made using treated New Zealand Pine. This electric guitar offers 25.5” of scale length. The nuts of the guitar are made of plastic and have a width of 1.654”. The guitar has a FAT6 adjustable vibrato bridge and tailpiece and comes with standard tuners. It offers Powersound PSND1 humbucker pickup along with 3-way switch control.
Attractions: The GRX20Z produces some powerful and strong sound. A definite piece for beginners, it works well for both distorted tones and the gentler ones. The electric guitars are available in two shades- black night and jewel blue.
- Good pickup
- Feels good in the hands
- Plays solid tones
- Fret buzz
- Issues with tuning at times
7. Jackson JS22 Dinky
Jackson is yet another company owned by the famous Fender brand. It is one of those worthy pieces that suit both beginners and advanced-level guitarists with equal ease. From soft rock to hard trashing metal, this beauty can string some wonderful tunes. Be it the design, color, cut, or the music it generates, JS22 Dinky is one of our favorites in this price range.
The guitar has 1-piece maple sleek, graphite-reinforced neck with 12”-16” compound radium. It has a polar dinky solid body. This electric guitar has a jumbo 24-fret fingerboard made of amaranth with Pearloid sharkfin inlays and offers 25.5” of scale length. The nuts of the guitar are made of black plastic and have 1.6875” width. JS22 Dinky has a 3-way blade switch with master control and one master tone. The guitar comes with Jackson sealed die-cast tuners. It has 2-point Fulcrum Tremolo Bridge. It comes with Jackson high-output humbucker neck and bridge pickups.
Attractions: Jackson Dinky is as edgy as its name. Many fall of its looks which are just as good (in fact even better) than the sounds it whips up. With an appearance that screams attitude, Dinky is one electric guitar you should proudly own.
- Super design and a range of colors to choose from
- Long warranty period
- It is affordable, sturdy, fast, and super fun to play
- Doesn’t match the premium versions
- No amplifier or additional accessories
8. Dean Vendetta XM Shredder
This is yet another solid piece of instrument categorized in the entry-level models in the market. It is not common to find a Dean electric guitar at this price range. Stylish and powerful, the Vendetta XM Shredder suits its name n all ways. The amplification is smooth and surprisingly without any hums. A lightweight, resonant guitar, it is a good instrument for performances.
The Vendetta XM Shredder has Paulownia body with double-cutaway design and a natural satin finish. It comes with a C-shaped maple neck and offers 25.5″ scale length. The medium-jumbo 24-fret with a 14-inch fingerboard is made of rosewood and pearl dot inlays. The player gets a vintage tremolo bridge and dean humbucker pickups for neck and bridge. This has die-cast tuners and a 3-way blade switch.
Attractions: The brand added quite a lot of features for a guitar that is available for a lot less than $200. The strings are coated with a special solution that reduces corrosion and increases their life. As a beginner, you will surely love the sounds this guitar can generate.
- Quality pickups
- Great sounds and tone
- Super electronics
- Cheap tuners
9. Squier Bullet Mustang HH
Classic design, solid powerful sound, and an attractive body- Squier Bullet Mustang HH has it all. Fender’s Mustangs are one of those straightforward, no-nonsense electric guitars that have been loved by amateurs and skilled musicians alike. A lightweight guitar, it is easy to play and works well on the stage for guitarists.
This is one of those instruments you will want to keep as a backup piece for unexpected situations.
The Squier Bullet Mustang HH has a C-shaped maple 1-piece neck of 12″ radius. It comes in a solid basswood body in mustang shape with a satin finish. With a medium-jumbo 22-fret Indian Laurel fingerboard with white dots inlay, it offers 24″ scale length. It comes with sealed standard tuners and offers standard humbuckers pickups for neck and bridge. This guitar has a 3-way blade switch and offers 6-saddle Modern Hardtail Bridge to the payers.
Attractions: It sits comfortably less than $200 while offering great features that can create quite an impact on the audience. Many famous brands have sported this trendy piece with aplomb. If you happen to be a fan of Mustang, this is a must-own electric guitar for you. It is available in two colors- Imperial Blue and Black.
- Lightweight body
- Comfortable neck and body
- Great for beginners
- Needs better pickups
10. Epiphone SG Special
This guitar is an Epiphone version of the Gibson rock classic and is worth its price and more. The last entry-level electric guitar on our list, SG Special is sure to attract a crowd wherever you start to play it. A classic style piece with equally lively performance, this guitar is one of the best affordable electric guitars in the market. Being Epiphone has its advantages.
The guitar possesses a slim-taper D neck in mahogany. It also has a mahogany double-cut solid-body. The SG Special comes with a LockTone Tune-O-Matic bridge and offers 24.75” scale length. It has 22-fret with dot inlays fingerboard, which is made of rosewood with a radius of 12”. You get one master volume control and one master tone control with KillPot. The product offers 650R humbucker pickup for the neck and 700R humbucker pickup for the bridge. It comes with premium 14:1 tuners.
Attractions: Epiphone SG Special is truly a special piece of instrument. This affordable electric guitar is a very good instrument to own, especially by beginners.
- It is easy to change the strings
- Achieves more sustain due to the stopbar tailpiece
- Lightweight and simple
- Good for hard rock
- Not for professional players
- Doesn’t have a lot of accessories
Differences between Electric Guitar and Acoustic Guitar
For those who are yet to start learning the instrument but want to buy one first, you should know what an electric guitar is. You might have seen that guitars come in various shapes, sizes, and colors. One thing you should know is the difference between an electric and an acoustic guitar.
Acoustic guitars are those with larger bodies that are hollow and have a soundhole. The soundhole is used to amplify the sound when the strings are strummed.
Electric guitars, on the other hand, have sleek bodies with no soundholes. The guitars have to be plugged in for you to be able to listen to the sound generated when you strum the strings. The speakers amplify the music, which is why you see electric guitars have wires connected to them.
Should only Beginners Buy Budget-friendly Electric Guitars?
Of course, not! Budget-friendly electric guitars are for anyone and everyone who wish to buy them. Unlike the real cheap ones which produce terrible sound, these are of good quality and can be used for learning, practising, and performing. You can continue keeping the guitar as a backup piece so that you’ll always have a spare one on your hands.
Still, electric guitars that come under $300 are mostly aimed at beginners and learners. The guitars are entry-level models that cannot fully compete with the high-end premium versions released by the same famous brands. The sound quality, hardware, wood, and finish are also quite basic and would do well for beginners.
Once you are in a position to buy a better model, you can aim to buy a guitar around $500 and slowly move on to even better models as you advance in your career. Still, you will have to compare the various models, brands, specifications, and reviews before selecting an electric guitar. Talking to other guitarists, musicians, being a part of social media groups, etc. are some ways to get useful information related to guitars and lessons.
However, you will need to remember that you will play the electric guitar you choose. So pick the one that you find the best. Until then, you can use your current guitar or practice on one of the affordable yet decent electric guitars available in the market.
What Do You Look For in the Best Affordable Electric Guitar?
Just because you are looking to buy an electric guitar in the affordable range, it doesn’t mean you can pick whichever has the lowest price. You will still need to focus on the quality, the brand, and the performance of the instrument.
While the ultimate selection will depend on your preference in music, the wood, the bridge, and the pickups also play an important role. In the current budget range, single-coil pickup and humbucker pickup are easily available.
The single-coil pickup produces a bright sound while the humbucker pickup delivers a fuller sound. It is best suited for metal and rock music lovers. You could get a guitar that has a mix of both so that it would be as versatile as it can be without having to extend the budget.
Accessories are yet another aspect you will need to consider. Spare strings (which are essential), an amplifier, a strap, and plectrums are some of the must-have accessories when you buy an electric guitar.
A Final Word to Conclude the Post
You should buy a new guitar instead of a used one. Even though used guitars are also less expensive, remember that they have been used. A portion of their life span has already been spent. And, choose a reliable seller or brand. We are emphasizing the point to show just how important it is. Picking a reputed brand will save you a lot of headaches.
However, you will have to understand that these cannot entirely compete with the high-end variants. They are every inch worth the dollars you invest in them and are an excellent option for you to fine-tune your skills and set up the stage to attract the spotlight.
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