Published on this page in the GuitarFella archive — what our editors chose at the time, not a lab test.
Last Updated: November 19, 2019
We took at a look at this important chart and decided to make a few changes – removing some older models, such as the Ibanez Paul Stanley Signature PS120SP, and inserting some newer guitars, including the awesome Charvel Pro-Mod DK24. We also added the cool Ibanez S Series Iron Label SIX6FDFM and the versatile Lee Malia Signature Les Paul from Epiphone.
If you can afford to spend around a thousand bucks on a guitar, you’d better prepare to become the envy of your pals, as your generous budget allows you to choose from a staggering level of quality.
Whether you have your eye on a genuine American Strat, a one-of-a-kind body design, or the signature axe from your favorite shredder, that $1000 pretty much guarantees you’ll find a guitar you love, and one that will last a lifetime.
Naturally there are a few duds out there, but providing you are clever you’ll be able to find something that rivals even those
guitars sold in the $2000 range.
In the chart below we have highlighted some of the guitars that offer the best value for money in this price range.
Top 10 Best Electric Guitars Under $1000:
A New Era For The Electric Guitar!
As we’ve seen, high-tech electronics and quality hardware are available to every guitar manufacturer these days, which allows them to pump their models full of premium components at much lower prices than before. So $1000 really will go a long way, getting you something that perhaps feels like it should be a lot more.
What to Look for in a Guitar Under $1000
As the price of the instrument goes up, so too does the quality of woods, components, design and hardware.
In
other articles I’ve discussed how body woods should never be a deciding factor, as in this day and age some cheaper woods (such as basswood and alder) can be found in very expensive signature models.
However, if you do hold certain tone woods in high regard you’ll be pleased to see an increase in woods such as mahogany and maple used in bodies, while you’ll also find different neck and fretboard materials such as ebony used more frequently.
Depending on your style, you have a wider range of pickups on offer in this price bracket – including brand names (such as Seymour Duncan) instead of more generic manufacturer-made pickups.
You’ll also find the arrival of active pickups, which can produce explosive sounds and have a huge output, which are perfect for the heavier rockers and metal players.
Prefer a little jazz to death metal? Fear not! This price range also gives you a great choice of guitars offering smoother looks and sounds, including retro-inspired designs and vintage-style components, as well as hollow bodied guitars (make sure to
check out our top hollow bodied guitar chart).
Giant names such as Fender and Gibson have some spectacular offerings in this under $1000 category, but don’t bypass Ibanez, Dean, Kramer, Schecter and even the traditionally budget manufacturers like Epiphone, who all have some serious contenders at prices their rivals will struggle to match.
You’re Not A Beginner… Are You?
Chances are, if you’re shopping around in this price range you aren’t a beginner. Who would spend $1000 on something they can’t even play – aside from an eccentric millionaire who wants to attach it to the wall in their games room?
So let’s assume you are at least playing guitar to an intermediate standard, or know beyond doubt that guitar is the instrument for you.
This new purchase may be your second, third or fourth guitar, which is great because now you know what you like – and what you don’t. You’re unlikely to care for an American Special Telecaster if you’re a die-hard shredder, just as you won’t be particularly fussed on Dean’s spectacular Angel of Deth model if jazz is more your thing.
Think about what it is you want to achieve with this new guitar, as it will go a long way to helping you decide which model to settle on.
If you are a beginner and want to have something premium to learn on, then don’t let me stop you. However it’s not necessary to spend so much on what would essentially be a learning platform. You can find some
excellent guitars that will suit you perfectly in a lower price range.
New or Used?
A great question, and one I’m sure you’ve asked yourself many times.
As with any purchase, buying new gives you peace of mind when it comes to quality – especially when you’re parting with so much cash. If you spot a crack or the pickup is loose, chances are the guitar store or online retailer will repair or replace it for you – no questions asked. Buying new is also great if you change your mind, as most offer a cooling off period.
Buying a used guitar in this $1000 price range is more risky, but with risk often comes reward. You could find a sensational guitar at a fraction of the price, just because it’s been played with. Or you could even find yourself a rare out-of-production model that will grow with value.
The Final Word
If you do choose the used route, ensure you stick to a reputable online retailer like Amazon or a trusted guitar store, who can explain their returns policy to you before you purchase. Always test the guitar for as long as possible, especially through an amp (your own amp if possible). Good luck!