What is a good electric guitar under $500?

1. 73

   toptendealsposted 12 years ago

   What is a good electric guitar under $500?
   
   I've played on a $100 charvel for 10 years and perhaps it's time to get something nicer.  Gibson and Les Paul seem to be the best but those generally cost $500+.

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2. 68

   jabelufirozposted 12 years ago

   Ditto. I also really like Steinberger--they go for $400 to $450 new for the Spirit Korean reissue.
   
   http://www.harmonycentral.com/t5/Electr … p/31498787

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   1. 73

      toptendealsposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for the link Jabelufiroz.

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3. 73

   The Public Imageposted 12 years ago

   In your price range, there are a surprising number of high-quality, good-playing and good-sounding guitars available. My recommendation would depend on what your intended application is.
   
   However, I'll hazard a guess based on the fact that you play a Charvel and want a Gibson Les Paul that you play some form of hard rock or metal. If that's the case, I'd strongly urge you to check out an Epiphone Les Paul Standard or Les Paul Plus Top. These are gorgeous guitars, though you might have to play ten to find "the one" that has the right feel, sound and build as they're also mass-produced and therefore the quality can vary a bit from instrument to instrument.
   
   I have an Epi LP Plus Top and it's become my main axe, even over a fairly nice Fender Stratocaster. I'm in a band with a guy who owns an actual Gibson LP, and my Epi actually sounds better than his real-deal, way-more-expensive guitar. And mine will probably only sound better after I make a few modifications to it, such as upgrading the pickups and hardware.
   
   Good luck in your search, and don't hesitate to let me know if you need other recommendations!

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   1. 73

      toptendealsposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for the detailed answer.  I'm not in a band.  But I enjoy playing guitar every day for a bit as a hobby.  My current one is banged up and in need of repair.  Was a good starter guitar.
      The Epi LP Plus Top looks like the perfect fit for me.

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   2. 73

      The Public Imageposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Glad you found the advice useful! Even better news is that you should be able to find a used Epi LP Plus Top for between $250 and $350, probably with a hardshell case. If you're interested in used gear, that is :-)

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