Finding a great guitar under $500 can be challenging, but it’s definitely possible. There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a guitar, such as the type of guitar you want, the wood it’s made from, the electronics it has, and the overall feel of the instrument.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best guitars for under $500 in 2023, based on a variety of factors including build quality, sound quality, and playability.
Electric Guitars
Here are a few of the best electric guitars for under $500 in 2023:
- Squier Classic Vibe ’60s Stratocaster: The Squier Classic Vibe ’60s Stratocaster is a great choice for beginners and experienced players alike. It has a classic Strat design with a comfortable alder body and maple neck. The pickups sound great, and the guitar is well-built and easy to play.
- Epiphone Les Paul Junior: The Epiphone Les Paul Junior is another great option for under $500. It has a single humbucker pickup for a big, bold sound. The guitar is also lightweight and easy to play.
- Yamaha Pacifica 112V: The Yamaha Pacifica 112V is a versatile guitar that’s well-suited for a variety of genres. It has two humbucker pickups and a single-coil pickup for a wide range of sounds. The guitar is also well-built and easy to play.
Acoustic Guitars
Here are a few of the best acoustic guitars for under $500 in 2023:
- Yamaha FG800M: The Yamaha FG800M is a popular choice for beginners and experienced players alike. It has a dreadnought body shape and a solid spruce top for a rich, full sound. The guitar is also well-built and easy to play.
- Fender CD-60S All-Mahogany: The Fender CD-60S All-Mahogany is another great option for under $500. It has a solid mahogany top and mahogany back and sides for a warm, mellow sound. The guitar is also well-built and easy to play.
- Epiphone J-200 EC Studio: The Epiphone J-200 EC Studio is a great choice for players who want a jumbo acoustic guitar with a big, bold sound. It has a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides. The guitar is also well-built and easy to play.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Guitar
When choosing a guitar, there are a number of factors to consider, including:
- Type of guitar: There are two main types of guitars: electric and acoustic. Electric guitars are plugged into an amplifier and produce a louder sound. Acoustic guitars can be played without an amplifier and produce a softer sound.
- Wood: The type of wood used to make a guitar has a big impact on its sound. Spruce is a popular choice for acoustic guitars because it produces a bright, clear sound. Mahogany is a popular choice for electric guitars because it produces a warm, mellow sound.
- Electronics: Electric guitars have pickups and other electronic components that affect their sound. Pickups are magnets that convert the vibration of the strings into an electrical signal. This signal is then amplified and sent to the speakers.
- Feel: The feel of a guitar is important, especially for beginners. You want to choose a guitar that feels comfortable in your hands and is easy to play.
Conclusion
Finding a great guitar under $500 is definitely possible. There are a number of great options available, both electric and acoustic. When choosing a guitar, it’s important to consider the type of guitar you want, the wood it’s made from, the electronics it has, and the overall feel of the instrument.
If you’re not sure where to start, it’s a good idea to visit a local music store and try out a few different guitars. The staff at the store can help you find a guitar that’s right for you.
