The electric guitar is one of the main components of a band – the instrument proved to be very useful for most genres, and Here’s the situation: you’re either a newbie who wants a high-end guitar to make sure that you’re playing with the best or an experienced player looking for an upgrade.
Either way, you need a guitar badly and you need some help. Look no further, for here are 7 of the best electric guitars available on your market, handpicked by yours truly.
Contents
The Best Electric Guitars Under $1500 (review)
- Ibanez RG Premium RG1070PBZ
- PRS S2 Custom 24
- Schecter Banshee Elite-7 FR S
- Schecter Hellraiser C-7 FR S
- Schecter 1743 Synyster Gates Custom-S
- ESP LTD KH-602 Kirk Hammett Signature
- Ibanez JEM70V Steve Vai Signature
Runner Up | Editor's Choice | Also Great |
Ibanez RG Premium RG1070PBZ
Topping the list is Ibanez’s RG Premium RG1070PBZ, a very cost-effective but exquisite guitar. It’s a solid ax body made of basswood with Mother of Pearl fret inlays on the hybrid neck. It comes in two unique colors (Charcoal and Cerulean Blue), and they both look great, all at a price that your pocket may enjoy. I’d recommend this for Ibanez players looking for an upgrade – look no further than the RG Premium RG1070PBZ.
- Premium quality body
- Unique design Well-rounded pickup
- There are cheaper alternatives
PRS S2 Custom 24
One of the more expensive products on our list, the PRS S2 Custom 24 is a very robust guitar. Its Mahogany body and Maple neck are very sturdy, and the body design looks fantastic, not to mention the pickups which are of premium quality, making this guitar sound like an angel. If you have the money and you’d like something unique, I’d say go for the PRS S2 Custom 24.
- Intricate body design
- Sounds great
- Sturdy construction
- Not everyone will appreciate PRS
- There are cheaper alternatives
Schecter Banshee Elite-7 FR S
Up next is a beautiful guitar from Schecter, the Schecter Banshee Elite-7 FR S, a 7-stringed guitar composed of a Swamp Ash body, hybrid pickups, and a clean sound, and what you have right here is an instrument that almost everyone will appreciate. Just don’t get carried away by its looks – be carried away by its price tag.
- Clean sound
- Great for lead
- Looks professional
- Hybrid pickup
- Relatively pricey 7-stringer
Schecter Hellraiser C-7 FR S
Up next is another Schecter guitar, the Schecter Hellraiser Hybrid C-7 FR S. Quite similar to its distant brother, the Banshee Elite, it features a hardy Mahogany body with a Maple neck instead of the Banshee’s Swamp Ash. When compared with the Banshee, they sound the same thanks to their similar pickups, only that this is a bit cheaper.
- Cheaper than the Banshee Elite
- Great sound quality
- Looks professional
- Similar to the Banshee
- Also a 7-stringer
Schecter 1743 Synyster Gates Custom-S
And here we have yet another Schecter guitar, the 1743 Synyster Gates Custom-S. It’s a very intricate guitar, sporting a Mahogany body with a beautiful Satin Gold Burst body design, along with the FR bridge as well as an ebony fretboard. It’s a classic choice for a veteran player.
- Very intricate
- Clean sound
- Great for solos
- Ebony fretboard
- Costly
- There are cheaper alternatives
ESP LTD KH-602 Kirk Hammett Signature
Coming up next on our list is the ESP LTD KH-602 Kirk Hammett, a signature guitar that rocks an Alder body, a Rosewood fretboard, a tremolo bridge, a Maple neck, with a glossy black finish to make it stand out. It’s worth considering given its price tag compared to other guitars on this list. Perfect for beginners who’d like to upgrade early.
- Cheapest on the list
- Great quality construction
- Sounds amazing
- Looks quite basic
Ibanez JEM70V Steve Vai Signature
The last guitar spot on our list belongs to the Ibanez JEM70V Steve Vai Signature. I’m serious when I say that this is one of the most aesthetically pleasing guitars I’ve ever seen. Its a Basswood body along with a Maple-Walnut neck, with the beautiful colors on the body and fretboard to make it stand out. Its DiMarzio Revolution pickup will surely give you tones that only angels’ harps could make.
- Professional
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Sounds great
- Pricey
- The hole on the body takes a while to get used to
Buying Guide
If you’re in the market looking for a guitar, chances are you’ve come across a multitude of models and brands. All these guitars have certain strengths and weaknesses when it comes to their playability – some will excel in a specific set of genres, while some are well-rounded and can perform well in most genres – The Hub explains this all in perfect detail. But all guitars are different in one way or another, and these tips will help you find the perfect guitar for you.
Your “own” sound
If you’ve played the guitar long enough, you may develop a certain kinship to a specific sound or style. This sound may be unique to you in the sense that you are very familiar with it when you hear it. When testing a guitar, try adjusting the modules as much as possible to determine if the guitar can make “your” sound. Different factors will also apply such as the amplifier used, the place where you play, and so on, but the tip remains clear: Check if the guitar can handle “your” sound.
Used VS. Brand-New?
When looking for your guitar, you may ask yourself if you should buy a used model from a person instead of a brand-new model from a shop or the internet. For quality assurance, I’d stick with buying brand-new products. Used products are a bit risky in the sense that they may be broken or modified. But if you choose to look for a used model to save money, make sure to test the guitar in person and to inspect the guitar for anything inconspicuous.
Editor’s Choice
It’s none other than the Ibanez RG Premium RG1070PBZ If you’re into quality and value for your money, this guitar will suit you. It’s got all you need: premium neck and body, professional pickups and strings, and a classic design finish.
This guitar will complement most genres with its classy and harmonious tones, and it’ll be okay for your wallet as well. I’m telling you – if you need a guitar upgrade, look no further than the Ibanez RG Premium RG1070PBZ.
And that wraps up our list. Keep in mind that I’m recommending ALL the guitars on this list, mainly because they all have their own strengths and weaknesses, and it’s up to you to decide which to buy and take home. That’s all, good luck and happy playing!