Key takeaway: The best electric guitars under $1000 offer exceptional quality, versatility, and craftsmanship. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, these instruments deliver impressive sound and playability, making them a valuable addition to any guitarist's collection.
Are you in search of the perfect electric guitar that won’t break the bank? Look no further! In this article, we’ve curated a list of the best electric guitars under $1000 to help you find your dream instrument. Whether you’re a seasoned musician or just starting out, these guitars offer superb quality and tone without breaking your budget.
As an authoritative guide for local residents, cultural enthusiasts, lifestyle and wellness advocates, and music lovers alike, we understand the importance of finding the right guitar. That’s why we’ve taken into consideration factors such as affordability, playability, and versatility in our selection. So, let’s dive in and unleash your inner rockstar with these top picks!
PRS SE Custom 24
First up on our list is the PRS SE Custom 24, a sleek and versatile guitar that offers exceptional playability at an affordable price. The mahogany body combined with a maple top gives this guitar a warm and balanced tone, while the Wide, Thin neck profile provides a comfortable playing experience.
One standout feature of the SE Custom 24 is its coil-splitting ability, allowing you to switch between humbucker and single-coil tones effortlessly. This makes it a versatile choice for different music genres. Additionally, the PRS tremolo system ensures stable tuning and smooth tremolo effects.
Specifications:
- Body material: Mahogany with maple top
- Neck material: Maple
- Fingerboard material: Rosewood or Ebony (depending on the colour)
- Pickups: 85/15 “S” humbuckers
- Bridge: PRS Tremolo system
Pros:
- Versatile coil-splitting feature
- Comfortable neck profile
- Stable tuning
Cons:
- Limited colour options compared to other guitars in this price range
Chapman Guitars ML3 Pro Modern
Next up is the Chapman Guitars ML3 Pro Modern, a guitar designed in collaboration with British guitarist Rob Scallon. This guitar boasts a sleek and modern design, with a resonant mahogany body and Chapman’s own custom pickups.
One unique feature of this guitar is its “ghost fret” inlays, adding to the overall aesthetic appeal. The ML3 Pro Modern also offers versatile tones with its coil-splitting feature, making it suitable for various music styles.
Specifications:
- Body material: Mahogany
- Neck material: Maple
- Fingerboard material: Ebony or Rosewood (depending on the colour)
- Pickups: Chapman Custom Humbuckers
- Bridge: String-through hardtail
Pros:
- Unique “ghost fret” inlays
- Versatile tones with coil-splitting feature
Cons:
- Slightly heavier than other guitars in this price range
Charvel Joe Duplantier Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 2 HH
If you’re a fan of metal music, the Charvel Joe Duplantier Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 2 HH is the guitar for you. Designed in collaboration with the Gojira frontman, this guitar offers aggressive tones and a sleek design.
The mahogany body combined with Seymour Duncan humbuckers gives this guitar its signature punchy sound. The compound-radius fingerboard and slim neck profile make it easy to play even during intense shredding sessions.
Specifications:
- Body material: Mahogany
- Neck material: Maple
- Fingerboard material: Ebony
- Pickups: Seymour Duncan humbuckers
- Bridge: Floyd Rose FRT-O2000 Tremolo system with R2 Locking Nut
Pros:
- Designed in collaboration with Gojira frontman Joe Duplantier
- Punchy and aggressive tones are perfect for metal music
Cons:
- Limited colour options compared to other guitars in this price range
Yamaha Revstar RS502T
Yamaha is known for its high-quality instruments, and the Revstar RS502T is no exception. This guitar offers a vintage-inspired design paired with modern features, making it suitable for a wide range of music genres.
The mahogany body combined with P-90 pickups gives this guitar a warm and full-bodied tone, while the push-pull Dry Switch allows for coil-splitting and enhanced clarity. The set-in neck design also adds to its sustain and resonance.
Specifications:
- Body material: Mahogany
- Neck material: Mahogany
- Fingerboard material: Rosewood
- Pickups: P-90 Single-coil
- Bridge: Tune-o-matic bridge with aluminium stop tailpiece
Pros:
- Vintage-inspired design paired with modern features
- Warm and full-bodied tones from P-90 pickups
Cons:
- Basic 3-way pickup selector may not suit all playing styles
Fender Player Plus Stratocaster HSS
Last but not least, we have the Fender Player Plus Stratocaster HSS, a modern take on the classic Stratocaster model. It features an alder body and Player series Alnico 5 pickups for that iconic Fender tone.
The HSS pickup configuration gives this guitar added versatility, allowing you to switch between single-coil and humbucker tones. The “Modern C” neck profile also offers comfort and easy playability, making it suitable for players of all levels.
Specifications:
- Body material: Alder
- Neck material: Maple
- Fingerboard material: Pau Ferro or Maple (depending on the colour)
- Pickups: Player series Alnico 5 Strat single-coil and humbucking pickups
- Bridge: 2-point synchronized tremolo with bent steel saddles
Pros:
- Iconic Fender tone from Alnico 5 pickups
- Versatile HSS pickup configuration
Cons:
- Some players may prefer a more traditional Stratocaster design
FAQ
Why should I choose an electric guitar over an acoustic guitar?
Electric guitars offer greater versatility in sound, allowing players to explore a wide range of genres and styles with the use of amplifiers and effects. They are often easier to play due to lighter string gauges and lower action, making them suitable for various skill levels.
How do I know which guitar is best for my skill level?
When selecting a guitar, consider your playing style, preferred genres, and whether you want a beginner-friendly model. Many brands provide specific recommendations for beginner, intermediate, and advanced players, so it’s essential to research and try out different options to find the right fit for you.
What is coil-splitting, and why is it beneficial?
Coil-splitting is a feature that allows a humbucking pickup to function like a single-coil pickup by “splitting” one of its coils. This provides more tonal options, enhancing the guitar’s versatility. Players can achieve both warm, rich sounds and brighter, sharper tones, making it suitable for various musical styles.
How often should I change my guitar strings?
It’s recommended to change guitar strings every 1-4 weeks, depending on how frequently you play. If you notice a loss of brightness in tone or feel that the strings are becoming difficult to play, it’s a good indicator that a change is needed.
Conclusion: best electric guitars under 1000
There you have it, our top picks for the best electric guitars under $1000. Each of these guitars offers exceptional quality, tones, and features at an affordable price. Whether you’re looking for versatility, sleek design, or iconic tones, there’s something on this list for every type of player.
So go ahead and choose the one that speaks to your inner rockstar and start shredding! Keep in mind that these are just a few options in a sea of amazing guitars within this price range. Be sure to do your research and try out different models before making your final decision.