There’s never been a better time to get your hands on a gig-ready guitar without breaking the bank. Sure, we’ve all coveted the high-end models, but these 10 guitars balance affordability, functionality, and construction.
Squier J Mascis Signature Jazzmaster
This affordable signature Jazzmaster from Dinosaur Jr.’s famed decibel dealer brings the traditional lead and rhythm circuits a la vintage JM, but pairs them with an Adjusto-Matic bridge and slightly wider nut.
$499 street
fender.com
Jackson Dinky Arch Top JS32Q DKA
This sleek shredder builds on Jackson’s Super-Strat lineage with a 24-fret radius neck that’s smooth and fast. It’s fitted with a pair of the company’s high-output humbuckers. A twist: This particular model comes in the form of a hardtail. Dive bombers need not apply.
$299 street
jacksonguitars.fr
Epiphone Nancy Wilson fanatic outfit
Heart’s main ax wielder brought back his classic signature model last year. The mahogany body is based on the NightHawk and has a figured maple veneer top. Other highlights include a pair of ProBucker pickups (FB720 and 3 Slant), thru-body construction, and dual parallelogram inlays.
$579 street
epiphone.com
ESP LTD SN-200HT
While this is definitely a modern speed demon, the traditional styling shines through with a basswood body and maple neck. It is equipped with an anthracite metallic finish, a thin neck and a push/pull tone knob. The guitar is equipped with ESP LH-150 pickups and a fixed bridge.
$449 street
espguitars.com
Kramer Assault 220
The classic lines of this Les Paul-shaped body are time-tested, but Kramer has updated it to create a modern rock marvel. A mahogany body and licensed Floyd Rose tremolo with locking nut are highlights, while other features include alnico V humbuckers, K-Speed SlimTaper “Channel C “and 24 medium jumbo frets.
$379 street
kramerguitars.com
Gretsch G2215-P90 Streamliner Junior Jet Club
A mix-and-match approach can always open up new creative avenues and this particular Gretsch solid body combines a Broad’Tron BT-2S with a P-90 bar of soap. The wraparound deck is anchored to a nato body with distressed white binding.
$399 street
gretschguitars.com
Ibanez AZES40
Born from the high-end AZ series, this budget-friendly HSS guitar aims to replicate the same vibe and feel of its more boutique counterparts. They come in three colors, each loaded with ceramic pickups, T106 bridges, and Jatoba fingerboards.
$349 street
ibanez.com
Father Larry Carlton S7
One of the newest models in Carlton’s signature model line is this S-style setup featuring an HSS pickup array. Other highlights include a roasted maple neck, alder body, bone nut and 2-post tremolo bridge.
$599 street
sire-usa.com
G&L Tribute ASAT Classic
Built on the bones of Leo’s timeless T-style designs, this ASAT Classic offers bolt-on construction, a sassafras or poplar body, and a hard maple neck. As the name suggests, even the pickups pay homage to Leo’s design with a pair of MFD single coils.
$589 street
glguitars.fr
Yamaha Revstar RS320
Inspired by the design style the company uses in its high-end motorcycles, this nato-body model comes at the price of a high-end pedal. It features a pair of ceramic YGD humbuckers and a thin neck profile with a rosewood fingerboard.
$399 street
yamaha.com
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