Discover budget-friendly electric guitars from Squier to Epiphone or premium options that compromise on nothing, for your perfect musical companion.
There are many barriers to entry if you want to start playing an instrument. Beyond attaining the skill, the most obvious is that no instrument is free, and many of them cost quite a good deal of money. Walk into a Sam Ash, Guitar Center, or any local guitar shop, and you will see rows of electric guitars costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars. That is before you factor in the cost of amplifiers, pedals, cables, and accessories like cases, and straps.
Though many talk themselves (or their parents) into getting one, a guitar shouldn’t be thought of as a disposable product, as it takes a great deal of time not only to make but to master playing. That said, a guitar is likely something that will be a part of your life (or at least in your house) for decades. For those out there who are committed to playing and have the money to do so, they can go straight for those top-tier brands and models and get something not just worth playing but will likely increase in value as the years get on. For others, budget plays a significant factor in what kind of guitars you are going to be able to pick up. Though there is a definite floor on price — sorry, bargain basement still means a few C-notes — there is definitely an axe out there for every budget. Start with Squier
The top two brands in the electric guitar world are Fender and Gibson, but these are premium brands with prices to match, so … not a great place to go if you are someone on a budget or are just getting into playing. That being said, these companies do have subsections within them that offer more modestly priced guitars.
If you are someone who needs to keep costs low, Squier guitars are a perfect place to start. The company is owned by Fender and offers inexpensive versions of Fender’s signature guitar models. Fender’s most recognizable models are the Stratocaster (used by the likes of Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton) and the Telecaster (a go-to for Bruce Springsteen and Keith Richards). With the Affinity series, Squier offers inexpensive versions of these instruments at just $249.99 apiece. The reason for the massive price cut has to do with which woods, hardware, and luthiers are used to make the guitar, but the shape and mechanics of the Squier instruments are basically the same as their Fender counterparts.
Squier even offers a bundle for the Stratocaster for $359.99 that includes a case, a small amplifier, a strap, a cord, and three picks. This is why they make for great starter guitars. Once you know you are into guitar playing for good, the transition to the premium Fender brand is very easy if you choose to make that big investment.Epiphone also has great beginner guitars
Fender is to Squier as Gibson is to Epiphone, and part of their strategy too is to offer cheaper versions of the signature flagship models. There’s no question that Gibson’s pride and glory is the Les Paul, used by the likes of Jimmy Page, Duane Allman, Slash, and more. Epiphone makes a wide variety of budget Les Pauls that even come in under the price of Fender’s Squiers.
