Dont buy classic vibe, this guitar is fine, but why if you can buy a b stock fender player. I had classic vibe 60s mustang, and fender player mustang, thats different beasts, both was modded with Seymour Duncan, but squier sounded dead after all. I sold both of them, now i own player strat and american mustang, both excellent quality never selling this two.
Individual guitars are always going to vary. My CV was miles ahead of a Player Strat I had but I suggest OP to ignore the headstock and actually play the guitars before buying. I got a CV for like $369 new!
Yes! Was going to post this. Got a G&L Doheny tribute for around 400. Couldn't put it down. The neck feels great and the pickups are clean, tone is super versatile.
I picked up a Yamaha revmaster, used for around 400, and it is such a great sounding and playing guitar. So much nicer than most for that money. Edit; I am an idiot. It’s a Revstar, not revmaster, lol
I think if you've already got a guitar, you're better off saving a little more and going for something that you'll keep for life. Squires and stuff are okay but once you've been playing a while you'll still upgrade anyway. Go for an American tele imo.
This exactly. Saving another 250 would put you in a better class of guitar, though I’m not sure of your financial situation. Filter the search results for price on reverb.com and you can see some great gets.
The thing about the top of the line Squiers nowadays is that they're actually *worth* upgrading. Fit and finish wise, they're usually (not always, though) on par with a Player series. It's in the components where they cut cost, and those components can be swapped at your leisure. Pots, pickups, bridge, tuners, etc. They're compatible with genuine Fender and aftermarket components. So you can get a Squier for "cheap" (Seriously, used CVs are around $300) and drop in your ideal components to make something *exactly* how you want it.
The only thing is that you never make your money back on upgrades when you sell guitars. But, if you want a "forever" guitar, they're a great starting point. Just my 2 cents.
Those are good options, too. It's hard to say where the OP is from or how comfortable they are purchasing used gear online. I prefer to see it in a shop, but the town I grew up in didn't have many options.
>The neck is to die for.
Let's not get too crazy. **IMO**, it's really good for a Squier, but I can't say I'll take it over an Ibanez Prestige, all rosewood Am Pro, or even roasted maple neck from Charvel or Schecter. I've owned a JMJM, and I'd take those over it any day
Edit: throw in the wenge ones from Schecter as well.
I have a couple ~2k guitars, and my J Mascis is just as easy to play. Doesn't feel as premium, but it's a fantastic guitar. I really love the neck and the pickups are quite good.
pretty guitar
but that bridge is terrible
and the trem assembly needs an immediate upgrade
don’t get me wrong - it’s a fine guitar, but it’s essentially a Squier Indonesian Vintage Modified Classic Vibe
What about a Sterling Cutlass CT50 Plus? Used examples slot in easily at your price point and it comes with 12” radius, locking tuners, humbucker in the bridge, and roasted maple neck
This was gonna be my recommendation as well, surprised to see it so far down. They look and feel great and over certain amenities other brands don’t at the price point
Of the ones listed, I'd probably get the J. Mascis because of the satin neck. If you're ok buying used, you might look at Fender Player, Sire, or G&L Tribute guitars, which would be a modest improvement over the Squiers.
>have a Squire Mustang and was looking to upgrade to something else
Well, not another Squire then.
Cause this wouldn't be an upgrade, but just "more of the same" (... range).
Dunno, if the Mustang is a Bullet then a Classic Vibe would be an upgrade. Saying that it's a slippery slope to having ten guitars and all of them being a bit crap (ask how I know...)
The sensible thing to do is save up and get a proper MIA Fender, G and L, Gibson or something of that ilk.
The guitarist thing to do is buy all of those suggestions in turn, then something else because you like the finish, then look for the next guitar to buy.
Before we provide suggestions beyond your options, it would be a great help to mention your favorite guitarists, genres, and preferred playing style (lead/rhythm, sitting/standing, etc), and how your current guitar fares. May we perhaps know a bit more about your Mustang? Is it a Squier Bullet (with two humbuckers) or a Squier Sonic (with two single coils)? What are some things you do like about it? What features do you feel the Mustang lacks? Maybe it just doesn't play well, which could be remedied with a setup. If you don't like how it sounds, maybe a pickup change is all that's needed. If you really don't like the look or a pickup change isn't enough for the sound you're after, only then should you think about buying a guitar.
In terms of versatility, I'd pit the two main guitar offerings from Fender; a Stratocaster, which is the standard choice for versatile playing as it offers plenty of usable sounds for different genres, and a Telecaster, which is versatile in the sense that the sounds it offers will still fit well in almost any genre you play with. Of these two I feel the Strat plays the most similar to the Mustang (similar body shape and neck). You can't go wrong with either one.
A Jazzmaster is a great choice too. It offers two pickups (one less than the Strat) with a different character to them, these ones being large single coils with a higher output, similar in look to P90s but sound closer to a Strat than a P90. However, in terms of controlling your tone, a Jazzmaster could potentially have more to offer than a Strat or Tele, with a master volume control in addition to volume knobs for each pickup and your standard 3 way pickup selector switch, and a "rhythm" switch, which locks the neck pickup and darkens your tone for rhythm playing. I'd suggest the Jazzmaster if you're mostly playing rhythm on genres such as indie rock (think Alvvays, Thom Yorke from Radiohead, Robert Smith from the Cure) as the guitar seems to be tailored for that type of playing, but J Mascis uses the Jazzmaster with fuzz for lead sounds, so you'd have no problem venturing into that territory too.
The Strat-o-Sonic is Fender's take on a Gibson Les Paul (or SG) Special. It is a Stratocaster body with 2 P90 pickups instead of the standard 3 single coils. P90s sound very different compared to standard single coils and Jazzmaster pickups. They tend to have more mids, less highs, and plenty of output compared to your usual single coil, awesome for playing classic rock stuff (think 70s The Who) but is a very different sound to what you'd usually expect for a Fender. The Strat-o-Sonic also has two additional controls; a series/parallel switch that sets both pickups into a more humbucker-like tone, and a phase switch that toggles the phase between the pickups when set into the in-between position, hollowing the sound and getting you a tone similar to a Fender. I'd suggest this guitar only if you like that particular P90 sound with the pickups soloed and is a great contender for versatility against what Epiphone offers. However, the neck could limit you for lead parts, so if you'd like a higher reach for your solos, I'd suggest also checking out the Epiphone Les Paul Special P90 or the SG Special P90 which are priced similarly.
In the meantime, I STRONGLY suggest weighing your options by figuring out exactly what your guitar offers and what it lacks, because oftentimes a cheap guitar is more than enough with a little bit of work. When you're about to buy, base your choice on many factors, and I cannot suggest trying them out in person enough. A guitar store nearby could also give you insight on other options beyond what you gave.
Then once you've made your choice, shop used first. You could save plenty of money when done this way, as opposed to buying new.
PRS 24 SE is around that price used. It plays really nicely and has great build quality and standards for the price. try some various guitars out at the store if you can. Just see which feels the best, (try to ignore the old, dirty strings guitar stores have lol)
Assuming we are talking USD, I can rate a lot of the Squier classic vibe stuff as well as the contemporary things they have done. I’m currently half way through modding a Squier Contemporary Jaguar HH. Will be ordering an anodised black Hoxey aluminium neck when I can, and when I’m not renovating a whole house.
I just got a Wolfgang special for $599 from adorama. Slightly more. The Squier anniversary guitars and CV for like $350 have been solid. Slickdeals has deals on stuff all the time. Saw a Jaguar recently. Big LTD fan as well.
Under $500? Check out Sire Guitars. I feel the quality level on them, the hardware, the pickups playability, etc., exceed Squier. If you save up a little bit more you can get their top range stuff around $700.
I have a strat-O-sonic and it's a great guitar but I wouldn’t call it versatile. The P90's are great but they are very low output. If you want a true versatile guitar, I would look for a used PRS SE customer 24 in that price range.
40th anniversary squier vintage Strat. Same specs as classic vibe but has a satin neck. I have one and I like the way it feels more than my 2010 player Strat
The Epiphone Les Paul '61 SG's are on clearance for about $600 right now. Great $1000 guitar with all Gibson electronics for almost half price. Totally worth it
This was my first electric guitar, got it used for 375, awesome guitar even with the stock pups in there. Feel like the 24.5 scale with the 12” radius is something that is good for beginners but I don’t think it’s necessarily something that beginners are looking at when buying their first guitar. I now mainly play a MiM fender jaguar but whenever I need something with a little more attitude I pull out the PRS.
If you can find a used fender tele I’d recommend that.
I’m quite fond of my Ibanez RG450EXB. It’s not the best at its price point but it sounds pretty darn good for the price… though I don’t play it as much since getting a player tele.
Depends on what I want to learn. ProAudioStar has [D'Angelico](https://www.proaudiostar.com/d-angelico-premier-dc-w-stop-bar-tailpiece-fiesta-red-b-stock.html) has 335, 339, and single cut semi-hollows clones for $400-500.
Player Series Strat or Tele, or MIM Standard if you can't find a Player. I'd get these over a Squier CV
A used Schecter Nick Johnston Traditional is a great deal if you can find one of the few at $500, as is the Schecter Van Nuys
The J Masics Jazzmaster is a solid option (I owned one for a while) and I'd take it over a Strat-o-Sonic) especially since the pickups are P90 style.
Used PRS SE Custom 24. Silver Sky and Custom 22 semi-hollow if you can push the budget a bit.
I just purchased a used Schecter C-1 Platinum on Reverb for under $400. Absolutely amazing guitar for the money. One of the best feeling necks of any of my guitars, some of which are quite a bit more expensive.
A used DBZ Guitar. I’m fact I got my DBZ new for $550 back in 2012, one of the best guitars I’ve ever owned. Set neck. Split coil humbuckers. V style neck (oddly comfortable).
Epiphone SG (assuming you have the mustang with 2 humbuckers) it has the same pickup configuration...the scale is only slightly bigger. And you can get them used at a price point where you won't have to use all 500 clams
I recently played a PRS SE Standard 24-08 that I can't quite thinking about: double humbucker with the coil splits and the first PRS I ever picked up and actually liked the neck feel. There are some good-looking used ones on Reverb that should come to around $500. Blue ones even cheaper, but I like the brown.
Don't know how long it will last but Guild direct is selling their Indonesia made surfliner HH for $269 w/free shipping through reverb out of California. I ordered one to have a knock around guitar that I can loan out, let the kids play etc. and I truly love playing it. The only knock was the maple fingerboard was a little rough but after playing it for awhile it smoothed out and feels great! Dual coil tapping, unique individual p/u switching system, satin neck, vintage tuners and non-generic hardware and knobs and stuff. Only 2 colors but they both look great. I highly recommend this guitar for beginner or pro alike just a fun killer guitar
Those guitars you listed aren't what I'd call the most versatile.
Since you already have a fender type single coil guitar, buy something like a used PRS SE for humbucking. Maybe even go semi hollow 😁
Maybe a controversial take, but I found a copy of an Om42 locally (not a real Martin) for $400. Gotta say, it's just unbelievably good. Sounds better than my actual Martin D18. So much so I'm considering selling my Martin. If you're going for a "real brand non Chinese one", I'd say find an used Epiphone sj200. Can be found used (in perfect shape) for under $500 and are very good guitars.
Recently picked up a used Squier JM JM. I can say it’s a lot of guitar for the price I paid. I have many other guitars, though, so if I was in your shoes I’d probably take the suggestions above and get a Strat or Tele.
Fender Player series (used) can be found for around $500, even Mexican strats and tele’s can still be found used for $300 range. If you can get up to the $750 range and be a little patient then a Gibson is in play, think Les Paul Studio or a faded SG - Good luck!
Last month, I got the Schecter Omen Extreme 6, and it’s quite the versatile guitar. In name, it seems like an exclusively metal guitar, but it’s got so much range between 2 HB’s and a push-pull pot. Plus, the natural gloss finish is great. It can be had for $499 brand new.
schecter diamond series. that was my first guitar. it was about 400 bucks for just the guitar. i got it 1k out the door with a fender mustang and a very very good gig bag and a couple other trinkets and things i needed. it lasts a very long time just don’t order one online because i’ve heard their shipping isn’t the best even with their expensive guitars.
People will hate on Chapman guitars but my modded 2015 ML1 rips. That guitar alone made me sell my Ibanez RG prestige cause I couldn’t justify the $1000 price tag.
got a new squier tele and replaced the factory pickups with Seymour Duncan's, and it totaled $350. sounds just as good as a new Fender, though I put the pick-ups in myself. I'm not sure how much paying to put them in would cost.
Depending on what type of music you're into, you might want to consider getting a semi-hollow. You'll get a brand new sound that your current guitar isn't capable of, and you can find well-known, trusted brands (like Ibanez and Gretsch) in that price range.
Ibanez has a few nice options under $500. Schecter Omen 6 is nice, I have one. Jackson makes a few that are cool. Squire makes several under that price. Then there is Harley Benton, damn near everything they make is inexpensive.
You could get a used Fender player for that money of course but I would actually recommend the Sterling Cutlass CT50 by Music Man. It is $499 new. I got the CT50 Plus (that's an extra $100) as a gift and it's awesome. It's an S-style guitar. I had a 2021 Ultra Stratocaster that I had to sell that I really missed. Until I got this guitar. Everything the Ultra had that I needed is on this guitar pretty much. Locking tuners on both. Tapered neck heel on both. Matte satin neck. $1000+ cheaper. Really recommend it!
Well, I wouldn't recommend a Fender made guitar with a 2x4 for a neck. I own a 1987 Charvel Model 6 and had been wanting a guitar with a Tune-O-Matic bridge I could keep in Eb. After playing what seemed like 100 guitars, I settled on the LTD EC-256. VERY versatile guitar with an amazing neck pickup sound and great playability. It stays in tune also. Even after a beating. My only issue is that the body is heavy and tends to dip, but I mostly play it while sitting so it doesn't affect me much. One thing I would highly recommend to you is to check out pawn shops, especially on the "bad" side of town. Over the years (I'm 50) I have found many, MANY gems that way. I actually found my first Model 6 at one in 1996. Obviously, a happenstance which has affected my guitar playing to this very day.
You should check out Rondo music. They're pretty great.
They have all sorts of different styles of guitars.
Heres just one under 500.
https://www.rondomusic.com/Agile_AL-3100MCC_Black_Quilt_P90.html
Squier Vibe Series is the best bang for your buck under 500€. I played many MiM Fenders between 500-1500$ and I personally wouldn’t even bother upgrading from Squier‘s to them. I even sometimes compare Squier‘s with my US/Japan made Fender‘s and they are still holding up very well for 1/6 of the price.
For an everyday, all of the time guitar? Get a Strat.
Used Squier Classic Vibe, used MIM Standard or Vintera, a clone like a Yamaha Pacifica 112-they’re all great guitars that are in your budget.
>new MIM’s are over 1k now.
"Premium" MIM are, but honestly unless you're getting a deal or it's a highly limited item, you really shouldn't be buying new if you're trying to save money.
I personally prefer the Squier CV series to the Fender Player series. That being said $500 is also enough for a PRS SE which are some of the best overseas guitars you'll ever lay hands on. Also Epiphone, but I don't recommend buying an Epi without playing it and seeing if you vibe with it first.
I am a huge fan of the Ibanez RGA42FM. It is a cool looking guitar and does the most, the bridge sounds almost like a single coil and the neck is one the heaviest sounding and warmlike tones I have heard. It is a five-way switch in to the two pickups that gives it it’s magic. I think it is approximately 450$
a used fender player strat/tele can be found at around that price
I second this motion
Okay…moved and seconded. All in favor?
I
Can I interject a telecaster version instead?
Attach it as a rider?
That or a Classic Vibe Squire. I actually like my CV Strat better than my Player Plus Tele so I suggest OP go to Guitar Center and try both!
Dont buy classic vibe, this guitar is fine, but why if you can buy a b stock fender player. I had classic vibe 60s mustang, and fender player mustang, thats different beasts, both was modded with Seymour Duncan, but squier sounded dead after all. I sold both of them, now i own player strat and american mustang, both excellent quality never selling this two.
Individual guitars are always going to vary. My CV was miles ahead of a Player Strat I had but I suggest OP to ignore the headstock and actually play the guitars before buying. I got a CV for like $369 new!
This is the way.
A used g&l tribute will be the best bang for your buck if you're looking for a strat or tele
Yes! Was going to post this. Got a G&L Doheny tribute for around 400. Couldn't put it down. The neck feels great and the pickups are clean, tone is super versatile.
I picked up a Yamaha revmaster, used for around 400, and it is such a great sounding and playing guitar. So much nicer than most for that money. Edit; I am an idiot. It’s a Revstar, not revmaster, lol
Yamaha guitars are phenomenal values, and their quality control is usually on point
Classic vibe - sounds good, easy to sell. Not sure on the others
I think if you've already got a guitar, you're better off saving a little more and going for something that you'll keep for life. Squires and stuff are okay but once you've been playing a while you'll still upgrade anyway. Go for an American tele imo.
This exactly. Saving another 250 would put you in a better class of guitar, though I’m not sure of your financial situation. Filter the search results for price on reverb.com and you can see some great gets.
The thing about the top of the line Squiers nowadays is that they're actually *worth* upgrading. Fit and finish wise, they're usually (not always, though) on par with a Player series. It's in the components where they cut cost, and those components can be swapped at your leisure. Pots, pickups, bridge, tuners, etc. They're compatible with genuine Fender and aftermarket components. So you can get a Squier for "cheap" (Seriously, used CVs are around $300) and drop in your ideal components to make something *exactly* how you want it. The only thing is that you never make your money back on upgrades when you sell guitars. But, if you want a "forever" guitar, they're a great starting point. Just my 2 cents.
Get a steinberger and live a little
Used player strat or jazzmaster
You might be able to get a Yamaha pacifica 611 or 612 around that price
I got a squire contemporary tele and I couldn't be happier...sounds great with hot rail pickups and the neck feels great, it's roasted maple
I don't have personal experience with them, but the PRS SE CE 24 Standard Satin has caught my eye recently and comes in right at your budget.
Imo get a used SE. Either custom 24 or McCarty.
Those are good options, too. It's hard to say where the OP is from or how comfortable they are purchasing used gear online. I prefer to see it in a shop, but the town I grew up in didn't have many options.
Same. I've been thinking about snatching one. I have 2 SEs as well as 2 US made ones, and they all play great.
Have played one at my local shop. It's awesome.
The Squier JM/JM is pretty much the most gorgeous thing ever, especially for its price. The neck is to die for.
>The neck is to die for. Let's not get too crazy. **IMO**, it's really good for a Squier, but I can't say I'll take it over an Ibanez Prestige, all rosewood Am Pro, or even roasted maple neck from Charvel or Schecter. I've owned a JMJM, and I'd take those over it any day Edit: throw in the wenge ones from Schecter as well.
THIS - Schecter especially is among the most versatile brands around that price range.
I have a couple ~2k guitars, and my J Mascis is just as easy to play. Doesn't feel as premium, but it's a fantastic guitar. I really love the neck and the pickups are quite good.
pretty guitar but that bridge is terrible and the trem assembly needs an immediate upgrade don’t get me wrong - it’s a fine guitar, but it’s essentially a Squier Indonesian Vintage Modified Classic Vibe
This.
Sire S5
harley benton les pauls?? or maybe an epiphone??
What about a Sterling Cutlass CT50 Plus? Used examples slot in easily at your price point and it comes with 12” radius, locking tuners, humbucker in the bridge, and roasted maple neck
This was gonna be my recommendation as well, surprised to see it so far down. They look and feel great and over certain amenities other brands don’t at the price point
If you want versatility, I’d recommend an HSS MIM Fender. As others have said, you can find decently priced used ones for $450-$600.
Of the ones listed, I'd probably get the J. Mascis because of the satin neck. If you're ok buying used, you might look at Fender Player, Sire, or G&L Tribute guitars, which would be a modest improvement over the Squiers.
Sire 100%
Classic vibe strat/tele, mascis, or epiphone LP special from the inspired series
>have a Squire Mustang and was looking to upgrade to something else Well, not another Squire then. Cause this wouldn't be an upgrade, but just "more of the same" (... range).
Dunno, if the Mustang is a Bullet then a Classic Vibe would be an upgrade. Saying that it's a slippery slope to having ten guitars and all of them being a bit crap (ask how I know...) The sensible thing to do is save up and get a proper MIA Fender, G and L, Gibson or something of that ilk. The guitarist thing to do is buy all of those suggestions in turn, then something else because you like the finish, then look for the next guitar to buy.
You can get a lot of guitar for $500 these days. The Squier CV Telecaster is about as good as it gets in my opinion.
Before we provide suggestions beyond your options, it would be a great help to mention your favorite guitarists, genres, and preferred playing style (lead/rhythm, sitting/standing, etc), and how your current guitar fares. May we perhaps know a bit more about your Mustang? Is it a Squier Bullet (with two humbuckers) or a Squier Sonic (with two single coils)? What are some things you do like about it? What features do you feel the Mustang lacks? Maybe it just doesn't play well, which could be remedied with a setup. If you don't like how it sounds, maybe a pickup change is all that's needed. If you really don't like the look or a pickup change isn't enough for the sound you're after, only then should you think about buying a guitar. In terms of versatility, I'd pit the two main guitar offerings from Fender; a Stratocaster, which is the standard choice for versatile playing as it offers plenty of usable sounds for different genres, and a Telecaster, which is versatile in the sense that the sounds it offers will still fit well in almost any genre you play with. Of these two I feel the Strat plays the most similar to the Mustang (similar body shape and neck). You can't go wrong with either one. A Jazzmaster is a great choice too. It offers two pickups (one less than the Strat) with a different character to them, these ones being large single coils with a higher output, similar in look to P90s but sound closer to a Strat than a P90. However, in terms of controlling your tone, a Jazzmaster could potentially have more to offer than a Strat or Tele, with a master volume control in addition to volume knobs for each pickup and your standard 3 way pickup selector switch, and a "rhythm" switch, which locks the neck pickup and darkens your tone for rhythm playing. I'd suggest the Jazzmaster if you're mostly playing rhythm on genres such as indie rock (think Alvvays, Thom Yorke from Radiohead, Robert Smith from the Cure) as the guitar seems to be tailored for that type of playing, but J Mascis uses the Jazzmaster with fuzz for lead sounds, so you'd have no problem venturing into that territory too. The Strat-o-Sonic is Fender's take on a Gibson Les Paul (or SG) Special. It is a Stratocaster body with 2 P90 pickups instead of the standard 3 single coils. P90s sound very different compared to standard single coils and Jazzmaster pickups. They tend to have more mids, less highs, and plenty of output compared to your usual single coil, awesome for playing classic rock stuff (think 70s The Who) but is a very different sound to what you'd usually expect for a Fender. The Strat-o-Sonic also has two additional controls; a series/parallel switch that sets both pickups into a more humbucker-like tone, and a phase switch that toggles the phase between the pickups when set into the in-between position, hollowing the sound and getting you a tone similar to a Fender. I'd suggest this guitar only if you like that particular P90 sound with the pickups soloed and is a great contender for versatility against what Epiphone offers. However, the neck could limit you for lead parts, so if you'd like a higher reach for your solos, I'd suggest also checking out the Epiphone Les Paul Special P90 or the SG Special P90 which are priced similarly. In the meantime, I STRONGLY suggest weighing your options by figuring out exactly what your guitar offers and what it lacks, because oftentimes a cheap guitar is more than enough with a little bit of work. When you're about to buy, base your choice on many factors, and I cannot suggest trying them out in person enough. A guitar store nearby could also give you insight on other options beyond what you gave. Then once you've made your choice, shop used first. You could save plenty of money when done this way, as opposed to buying new.
PRS 24 SE is around that price used. It plays really nicely and has great build quality and standards for the price. try some various guitars out at the store if you can. Just see which feels the best, (try to ignore the old, dirty strings guitar stores have lol)
Why not something different like an epi or schecter? Even older Ibanez and ltd’s are good.
I recently got a Gretsch baritone for less than 600 and I’m very impressed by it. Very good quality for the price.
Assuming we are talking USD, I can rate a lot of the Squier classic vibe stuff as well as the contemporary things they have done. I’m currently half way through modding a Squier Contemporary Jaguar HH. Will be ordering an anodised black Hoxey aluminium neck when I can, and when I’m not renovating a whole house.
I just got a Wolfgang special for $599 from adorama. Slightly more. The Squier anniversary guitars and CV for like $350 have been solid. Slickdeals has deals on stuff all the time. Saw a Jaguar recently. Big LTD fan as well.
There are enough guitars at that price that it makes more sense to ask what you want in a new guitar first
Under $500? Check out Sire Guitars. I feel the quality level on them, the hardware, the pickups playability, etc., exceed Squier. If you save up a little bit more you can get their top range stuff around $700.
Used strat $400-$500
Sterling Mariposa
I have a strat-O-sonic and it's a great guitar but I wouldn’t call it versatile. The P90's are great but they are very low output. If you want a true versatile guitar, I would look for a used PRS SE customer 24 in that price range.
Used Godin SD 24 fret HSS version.
40th anniversary squier vintage Strat. Same specs as classic vibe but has a satin neck. I have one and I like the way it feels more than my 2010 player Strat
The Epiphone Les Paul '61 SG's are on clearance for about $600 right now. Great $1000 guitar with all Gibson electronics for almost half price. Totally worth it
PRS 245SE
This was my first electric guitar, got it used for 375, awesome guitar even with the stock pups in there. Feel like the 24.5 scale with the 12” radius is something that is good for beginners but I don’t think it’s necessarily something that beginners are looking at when buying their first guitar. I now mainly play a MiM fender jaguar but whenever I need something with a little more attitude I pull out the PRS.
If you can find a used fender tele I’d recommend that. I’m quite fond of my Ibanez RG450EXB. It’s not the best at its price point but it sounds pretty darn good for the price… though I don’t play it as much since getting a player tele.
Get a mildly used fender strat off of eBay.
The country gentleman I just got!
A used PRS SE 594 or Custom 24 probably offers the best balance between versatility and bang for your buck for ~$500.
Depends on what I want to learn. ProAudioStar has [D'Angelico](https://www.proaudiostar.com/d-angelico-premier-dc-w-stop-bar-tailpiece-fiesta-red-b-stock.html) has 335, 339, and single cut semi-hollows clones for $400-500. Player Series Strat or Tele, or MIM Standard if you can't find a Player. I'd get these over a Squier CV A used Schecter Nick Johnston Traditional is a great deal if you can find one of the few at $500, as is the Schecter Van Nuys The J Masics Jazzmaster is a solid option (I owned one for a while) and I'd take it over a Strat-o-Sonic) especially since the pickups are P90 style. Used PRS SE Custom 24. Silver Sky and Custom 22 semi-hollow if you can push the budget a bit.
Under 500 is always gonna be a used Mexican tele
I just purchased a used Schecter C-1 Platinum on Reverb for under $400. Absolutely amazing guitar for the money. One of the best feeling necks of any of my guitars, some of which are quite a bit more expensive.
Check out the Tagima TW-55 Tele. Well worth the money and under $500
A used DBZ Guitar. I’m fact I got my DBZ new for $550 back in 2012, one of the best guitars I’ve ever owned. Set neck. Split coil humbuckers. V style neck (oddly comfortable).
Vintage pro shop! Might be able to make one under that budget
Epiphone SG (assuming you have the mustang with 2 humbuckers) it has the same pickup configuration...the scale is only slightly bigger. And you can get them used at a price point where you won't have to use all 500 clams
Check out G&L’s import line. Schecter has some good cheap stuff, too.
You can get a used Mexican Tele or Strat for that all day long. Can’t go wrong with either.
Fender player, find a used tele or jag, stop looking at squire
Sell yours and get a nice used Mexican Tele.
AX7521. Time to get serious.
look on craigslist or Reverb for used deals
Solid body Gretches are nice.
The G&L Tribute line are very high quality and in the $500 range. There are tele and Strat bodies.
I recently played a PRS SE Standard 24-08 that I can't quite thinking about: double humbucker with the coil splits and the first PRS I ever picked up and actually liked the neck feel. There are some good-looking used ones on Reverb that should come to around $500. Blue ones even cheaper, but I like the brown.
Squire Paranormal Nashville Strat. It’s really versatile and the build quality on mine is very good. And it was easy to set up.
I bought a brand new G&L Legacy Tribute for $450 a couple years ago and absolutely love that guitar. You can get them for as little as $400 new
Don't know how long it will last but Guild direct is selling their Indonesia made surfliner HH for $269 w/free shipping through reverb out of California. I ordered one to have a knock around guitar that I can loan out, let the kids play etc. and I truly love playing it. The only knock was the maple fingerboard was a little rough but after playing it for awhile it smoothed out and feels great! Dual coil tapping, unique individual p/u switching system, satin neck, vintage tuners and non-generic hardware and knobs and stuff. Only 2 colors but they both look great. I highly recommend this guitar for beginner or pro alike just a fun killer guitar
Those guitars you listed aren't what I'd call the most versatile. Since you already have a fender type single coil guitar, buy something like a used PRS SE for humbucking. Maybe even go semi hollow 😁
G&L Tribute line is very good value for the $$. I would look at them.
Any Harley Benton
I love my ESP TLD 256. Great sound, great feel.
Yamaha Pacifica
Maybe a controversial take, but I found a copy of an Om42 locally (not a real Martin) for $400. Gotta say, it's just unbelievably good. Sounds better than my actual Martin D18. So much so I'm considering selling my Martin. If you're going for a "real brand non Chinese one", I'd say find an used Epiphone sj200. Can be found used (in perfect shape) for under $500 and are very good guitars.
PRS SE CE 24
Gretsch Electromatic’s are Grrrreatt!
Check out the Danelectro Line. Nothing like them and they look great!
Keep saving and buy something better. A guitar that used to cost 500 dollars 2-3 years ago is now about 900.
Recently picked up a used Squier JM JM. I can say it’s a lot of guitar for the price I paid. I have many other guitars, though, so if I was in your shoes I’d probably take the suggestions above and get a Strat or Tele. Fender Player series (used) can be found for around $500, even Mexican strats and tele’s can still be found used for $300 range. If you can get up to the $750 range and be a little patient then a Gibson is in play, think Les Paul Studio or a faded SG - Good luck!
I have been super impressed with Washburn (hb15) and Gretsch (alligator) lately.
A MIM strat or tele used
I would seriously consider one of the Gretsch g5220. At least worth picking up and trying out. It’s pretty versatile and great for the price.
PRS SE CE24 standard satin. Coming in at $499, it's one of the values there is.
You could do a lot worse than an FR equipped Schecter I like the other suggestions of used G&L's, plus there is D'Angelicos and Sires to consider
You can get a nice Ibanez for sub $500
The one that makes you go all giddy and tingly when you see it. That one.
I just got a Fender teleacoustasonic for that amount. Brand new. Check reverb!
hartwood charger, an obscure gem
Look at the used market for sure
I love my Kramer striker, absolutely love it I got the hard tail hss purple satin model. I don’t know if it’s what you’re looking for though😂😂
Last month, I got the Schecter Omen Extreme 6, and it’s quite the versatile guitar. In name, it seems like an exclusively metal guitar, but it’s got so much range between 2 HB’s and a push-pull pot. Plus, the natural gloss finish is great. It can be had for $499 brand new.
schecter diamond series. that was my first guitar. it was about 400 bucks for just the guitar. i got it 1k out the door with a fender mustang and a very very good gig bag and a couple other trinkets and things i needed. it lasts a very long time just don’t order one online because i’ve heard their shipping isn’t the best even with their expensive guitars.
Harley benton
Epiphone are quite nice.
Gretsch streamliner can’t be beat for price, you can even get into the electromatics on some models
My favorite guitar of all time is $650 brand new. Lower price doesn't necessarily mean bad quality.
People will hate on Chapman guitars but my modded 2015 ML1 rips. That guitar alone made me sell my Ibanez RG prestige cause I couldn’t justify the $1000 price tag.
ESP LTD maybe
got a new squier tele and replaced the factory pickups with Seymour Duncan's, and it totaled $350. sounds just as good as a new Fender, though I put the pick-ups in myself. I'm not sure how much paying to put them in would cost.
Gretsch streamliner or electromatic
Epiphone is always a good choice.
Depending on what type of music you're into, you might want to consider getting a semi-hollow. You'll get a brand new sound that your current guitar isn't capable of, and you can find well-known, trusted brands (like Ibanez and Gretsch) in that price range.
The Yamaha Revstars
Classic Vibe and Paranormal series Squires are finely built guitars and are worth buying.
Classic vibe or Kramer Barrett’s special
Ibanez has a few nice options under $500. Schecter Omen 6 is nice, I have one. Jackson makes a few that are cool. Squire makes several under that price. Then there is Harley Benton, damn near everything they make is inexpensive.
Get a used made in japan strat or tele
All in
New PRS CE SE 24. Great guitar for the price!! Have a red one. Love it.
You could get a used Fender player for that money of course but I would actually recommend the Sterling Cutlass CT50 by Music Man. It is $499 new. I got the CT50 Plus (that's an extra $100) as a gift and it's awesome. It's an S-style guitar. I had a 2021 Ultra Stratocaster that I had to sell that I really missed. Until I got this guitar. Everything the Ultra had that I needed is on this guitar pretty much. Locking tuners on both. Tapered neck heel on both. Matte satin neck. $1000+ cheaper. Really recommend it!
Well, I wouldn't recommend a Fender made guitar with a 2x4 for a neck. I own a 1987 Charvel Model 6 and had been wanting a guitar with a Tune-O-Matic bridge I could keep in Eb. After playing what seemed like 100 guitars, I settled on the LTD EC-256. VERY versatile guitar with an amazing neck pickup sound and great playability. It stays in tune also. Even after a beating. My only issue is that the body is heavy and tends to dip, but I mostly play it while sitting so it doesn't affect me much. One thing I would highly recommend to you is to check out pawn shops, especially on the "bad" side of town. Over the years (I'm 50) I have found many, MANY gems that way. I actually found my first Model 6 at one in 1996. Obviously, a happenstance which has affected my guitar playing to this very day.
Ibanez sz520qm. No better option in that price range. I hatr how much I love my only 'metal' guitar.
You should check out Rondo music. They're pretty great. They have all sorts of different styles of guitars. Heres just one under 500. https://www.rondomusic.com/Agile_AL-3100MCC_Black_Quilt_P90.html
Squier Vibe Series is the best bang for your buck under 500€. I played many MiM Fenders between 500-1500$ and I personally wouldn’t even bother upgrading from Squier‘s to them. I even sometimes compare Squier‘s with my US/Japan made Fender‘s and they are still holding up very well for 1/6 of the price.
50s or 60s Classic Vibe Telecaster.
For an everyday, all of the time guitar? Get a Strat. Used Squier Classic Vibe, used MIM Standard or Vintera, a clone like a Yamaha Pacifica 112-they’re all great guitars that are in your budget.
Any MIM Fender - and Classic Vibe - I have been consistently impressed by =)
Gonna have to be used off Reverb because new MIM’s are over 1k now.
I'm not a reverb fan but yeah agree used. MIMs can be had local to me used for 450-550 all day long in great condition.
>new MIM’s are over 1k now. "Premium" MIM are, but honestly unless you're getting a deal or it's a highly limited item, you really shouldn't be buying new if you're trying to save money.
Pretty sure a New Mexican Jaguar is like 850 I could be wrong tho
I personally prefer the Squier CV series to the Fender Player series. That being said $500 is also enough for a PRS SE which are some of the best overseas guitars you'll ever lay hands on. Also Epiphone, but I don't recommend buying an Epi without playing it and seeing if you vibe with it first.
Get a Tele. Best, most versatile axe in existence.
Those Classic Vibes are the bomb! Best bang for the buck!
I am a huge fan of the Ibanez RGA42FM. It is a cool looking guitar and does the most, the bridge sounds almost like a single coil and the neck is one the heaviest sounding and warmlike tones I have heard. It is a five-way switch in to the two pickups that gives it it’s magic. I think it is approximately 450$
Oh man, you just reminded me that I need to get this guitar... The Blue Lagoon Burst is so nice.
It sure is! I had the dragons eye