Most Popular Guitar Choices For Musicians On A Budget

If you’re reading this, it’s probably because you’re in the market for a new guitar. 

Maybe you’re looking for your very first guitar! Either way, you want to buy a guitar but you don’t want to break the bank doing so. That is totally understandable!

Playing guitar is an absolute joy. Whether you play with friends or on your own, you’re sure to love it. But, where should you start when shopping around for your first guitar on a budget? Read on for some of the most popular models for people looking to buy their first - or a new - budget guitar.

Can You Get a Good Guitar on a Budget?

In short - yes. However, there is a little more to think about when looking for a great budget guitar. It’s not quite as simple as just buying a cheap guitar. You need to do a bit more research to ensure your chosen guitar doesn’t let you down!

In general, the body of a budget guitar will be just as sturdy and trustworthy as a comparable higher-end model. However, the wood used may be different which, in some cases, can lead to a slightly different tone. The same applies to the neck and headstock.

 

When looking for a budget guitar, you should look at brands that make both high-end and cheap models. In this case, their expertise will be shared across all teams, meaning you are likely to get a guitar made by professionals and with professional quality materials. Let’s take a look at some of the best guitars you can grab on a budget.

 

Squier Stratocaster

If you’re into guitars, you’ve heard of the Stratocaster. This guitar’s shape is legendary, having been played by some of the greats of music. But, what is the best Stratocaster for you, especially if you are shopping on a budget? Well, the answer could be the Squier model.

Squier is, by some distance, the most budget guitar linked to the Fender brand. Since 1982, they have been producing the Squier brand themselves, meaning, as suggested above, that they will be produced by expert guitar makers. You can pick up a Squier Strat for around half the price of Fender’s base model - which is also a great shout if you have a little more to spend.

 

Japanese or Mexican Fenders

Speaking of Fender entry-level models - there are loads to choose from. Fender makes their top-range guitars in the US. However, they also make their slightly cheaper models in Fender factories in Japan and Mexico.

These models, often named Modern Player or similar, are considerably cheaper than the US-made models. Once again, they are made with the precision and standards of a Fender guitar but made with slightly cheaper materials in a cheaper location. These savings are passed on to you.

 

Epiphone Models

Epiphone is similar to Squier in a way. However, they produce a more expensive line of budget guitars, this time based on Gibson models. The Epiphone brand is owned and produced by Gibson, much like Squier is with Fender. They, once again, make more affordable models comparable to their sister company’s models. An Epiphone Les Paul Classic will set you back around $3-400, whereas a Gibson model will cost you anywhere from $600 upwards!

Yamaha Guitars

Another huge player in the instrument game is the Japanese behemoth Yamaha. They make everything from grand pianos to bass guitars, even harps! So, it should come as no surprise that they make some great budget guitars.

The Yamaha Pacifica is often touted as one of the best entry-level guitar options in the world. It looks a little like the Fender Strat but with its own Yamaha style. One of these is often priced at around $300. You can’t go wrong!

Budget Acoustics

All of these models mentioned have been electric guitars, so here’s a quick word for those looking for an acoustic guitar. Once again, we come back to Fender. Fender makes some excellent entry-level acoustic guitars in the $100-150 price range. Yes, you can get some proper Fender acoustics for just that low amount of money! They may not be of the top Taylor-level acoustic quality, but you certainly won’t feel let down by the feel or the sound of these budget acoustics!

 

Armed with these tips, you should be able to make an informed decision about the best budget guitars on the market and which may suit you. The classics, like the Stratocaster, are always super appealing. But, if you want something a little different, there are plenty of other models out there, too.

 

Popnable /Popnable Media