With newer brands entering into the market every year, beginner guitar players just starting on their journey have this one constant question on mind: Which guitar to purchase and why? Well, the answer is not that simple as music tastes vary and so do tone preferences.
Various factors come into mind when you are considering purchasing a guitar. Pickups: Single coils or Humbucker? Guitar body shape, kind of wood used and many more. And obviously since it’s your first guitar, we are basing the list on the assumption that you do not want to bust the bank. While you may have certain preferences already running in your mind, this article will be a quick dive into the market so that you can get your hands on the best stuff in the market that is also the best option for you!
7. Squier Mustang Bullet HH
Although Bullet has been discontinued and we now have the “Sonic” instead this guitar from Fender still remains the preference for quite a number of musicians. The smaller 24-inch scale neck (A inch and a half shorter than the Tele/Stratocaster) makes it easy for smaller hands, incase you are thinking of gifting it to the young family member. With perfectly bright humbucker pickups, the guitar tone can be well adjusted to get a crunchy kick to softer melodies.
Click here to buy the Squier Bullet Mustang HH now!
6. Epiphone Power Player series
At around €279, this series from Epiphone is quite worth it. The Epiphone Power Player guitars are 3/4+ versions inspired by the Epiphone Les Paul and Epiphone SG shape. The 22.73″ scale length, with a slightly smaller mahogany body makes them an ideal beginner choice as well as a travel friendly option for anyone including the more experienced players. The guitar also stays is tune more than other guitars at this price point. The authentic Epiphone humbuckers deliver that excellent rich tone SGs and Les Pauls are known for. What’s best is the guitar already comes equipped with a gig bag, strap, picks and a guitar cable.
Click here to purchase one now!
5. Harley Benton CST 24
A knockoff of the PRS SE Standard, being less than half it’s price (€ 234), the Harley Benton CST 24 is no doubt a good choice for beginner guitarists. The guitar comes with a maple top and 2 AlNiCo-5 humbuckers with a 3 way switch.
Purchase link here!
4. Squier Classic Vibe Series
Fender has been a staple name in the affordable beginner guitars list when it comes to the Vintage strat shape. Although priced a little higher ( around € 339) than the above mentioned guitars, you can never go wrong with one of the models in this series. Although most models have all 3 single coil pickups(SSS) like a vintage strat, some models in the 70’s Classic Stratocaster segment also have an HSS configuration.
Click here to buy yours!
3. Epiphone Les Paul Studio Series
Priced quite close to the Classic Vibe’s, the Epiphone Les Paul Studio series is a better option if you are into the signature Les Paul sound, which is quite different from the strats with the signature humbuckers. The light weight is ideal for beginners. The guitar comes with a mahogony body and neck and a maple top. The modern no-nonsense version of the 80’s classic Les Paul is the ideal weapon to rock out!
Buy it here!
2. Squier Affinity Stratocaster/Telecaster
A staple series name in the list of affordable beginner guitars, the price range (around € 300) plus the amazing features makes it an absolutely ideal choice. The guitar is good enough to compete with it’s big brother, the Fender Player Stratocaster, made in Mexico, with almost all the features at half the price! Although the pickups are different, since the pick guard dimensions are same you can later upgrade it to the Special Fender Player pickups!
Click here to purchase the guitar!
1. Yamaha Pacifica Series
The series has been quite a name among beginner guitarists, as well as professionals, for its value for money.
Designed by Yamaha, in partnership with the LA Custom Shop team, the guitar is versatile with a good tonal quality at an affordable price (starting at around € 200). The Pacifica 012 comes with an HSS configuration which means more versatility whether you want the harsh rock tone or the blues twangy sound. While the 212 is a little upgraded version of the same at around € 350. The pickups come with Alnico-5 pickups and even more versatility as the humbuckers come with a coil split option making them ready to be used as a single coil. So now you also have an SSS configuration!
Click here to buy the guitar!
Also read: Best Guitar Tube Amps for Some Vintage Warmth this Winter
Affordable Beginner Guitars: Some Other Brands To Consider
Wanna stand out from the others and try something new? We have 3 more options for you.
Jackson JS 22
The first name to consider in the list of unique but affordable beginner guitars is the Jackson JS 22, with its Archtop Dinky Double Cutaway body, if you want to stand out from the crowd with your rock axe killer tone. Priced less than € 200, these can be a steal!
Buying link here!
Ibanez Gio GRG121
Ibanez is another name to consider with some really value for money options. Priced lower than € 200, the solid body electric guitar with Okoume body comes with 2 humbucker pickups. All of this makes it an indispensable choice in the list of affordable beginner guitars!
Click here to buy it!
Jet JS200/300
Another not so popular name, but with these Jet’s you get that value for money again!
Click here to know more(buying link)!
