10 Best Electric Guitars Under $750

What are the best electric guitars under $750?

Here’s how it goes. The cheaper the price range, the higher the chance of acquiring a shoddy guitar. So it’s integral that you do your research.

That said, $750 is a sweet spot. It won’t break the bank. Moreover, $750 ensures you won’t buy a budget guitar that’ll underperform.

So, how do you avoid the poor ones? Well, this article reveals the prime picks in this price band. The guitars are sorted into genres, so you can sit back and relax. 

Our analyses reveal the pros and cons of the best electric guitars under $750. With this knowledge, you can decide which guitar is best for you.

Note: Guitar prices mentioned are at the time of publishing this post. We will try our best to keep prices updated, but keep in mind manufacturers tend to raise their prices a few times per year.

The Best Electric Guitars Under $750

• Epiphone Les Paul Custom – Best Overall
• PRS SE Standard 24 – Most Versatile
• Schecter Damien Platinum 6 – Best for Metal
• G&L Tribute ASAT Classic – Best for Country
• Epiphone Les Paul Standard ‘50s – Best for Blues
• Epiphone SG Custom – Best for Rock
• Epiphone ES-335 – Best for Jazz
• Ibanez S670QM – Best for Shredding
• Schecter Omen Extreme-7– Best 7-String

Epiphone Les Paul Custom – Overall Best Electric Guitar Under $750

It’s hard to look past the Les Paul Custom as the best guitar in this price bracket.

First, the mahogany body has jaw-dropping good looks. To the naked eye, its gloss finish looks more expensive than the price.

The koa top adds a visual variation from a standard Les Paul. Accented with gold hardware, it’s a showstopper.

A Les Paul with a pair of PAF humbuckers is steeped in tradition. The ProBuckers are Epiphones ode to the vintage PAFs found in early Gibsons. They’re powerful and bold with serious bite.

The Grover Rotomatic tuners and Epiphone LockTone Tune-O-Matic Bridge both work to keep tuning stable.

This guitar is stage-ready with the mahogany SlimTaper neck performing with Gibson flair. While Epiphone could cut the nut with better precision, it’s a minor complaint. For around $750, you’ll own a guitar capable of stage and studio performance.

Pros:

• Stunning looks with classic Les Paul style
• ProBucker PAF humbuckers for biting yet vivid tone
• Grover Rotomatic tuners for improved tuning stability

Cons:

• Cutting of Graph Tech NuBone nut could be better.

Read Also: 10 Best Epiphone Guitars: Review & Buying Guide

PRS SE Standard 24 – Most Versatile Electric Guitar Under $750

PRS guitars are famous for their versatility. The PRS SE Standard 24 takes the legendary flexibility and serves it in a cheaper package. 

The Custom 24 is one of the best guitars ever made. But, you can expect to pay upwards of $3,500. So, the SE Series came along to fill the gap in the market, offering PRS designs at much lower prices. 

Versatility comes from the pickups. Fitted with Korean-made 85/15 “S” humbuckers, they sound close to the American-made 85/15. These pickups do the big fat-biting humbucker tone with warmth and a pronounced high end.

But it’s the coil-split that takes flexibility to the next level. By engaging the split, the humbuckers act as a single coil. So, you’ll have the tonal capabilities of two guitars in one package.

It does it all, whether it’s rock from the humbuckers or blues through the single-coil. So if you’re undecided to go humbucker or single-coil, this is your guitar for many genres.

The thin body and wide thin pattern maple constructed neck make for excellent playability of both chords and riffs.

We expect the best from PRS. But priced around $500, you’ll have to expect shortcuts. The PRS designed tuners are less effective than locking tuners on Custom models. But that’s expected, and it’s an inexpensive upgrade.

The PRS SE Standard 24 is for any guitar player wanting many sounds at their fingertips. Or, for anyone whose budget doesn’t extend to the price point of the Custom 24, it’s the ideal compromise.

Pros:

• Affordability
• PRS Custom 24 looks
• The versatility of 85/15 “S” coil-split humbuckers

Cons:

• PRS designed tuners aren’t as reliable as locking tuners.

Read Also: The 10 Best PRS (Paul Reed Smith) Guitars: Full Review & Buyer’s Guide

Schecter Damien Platinum 6 – Best Electric Guitar Under $750 for Metal

With its satin black finish, the Schecter Damien Platinum 6 looks as metal as they come. Schecter has even shaped the inlays like bats. But it’s also designed to play like a metal machine too.

The lower body joins the neck at around the 24th fret, offering clear high-fret access. And, made from a 3-piece maple, the neck has a slimline C-shaped carve for speedy playing.

There’s no cost-cutting on the pickups. EMG are leaders in creating high-output metal pickups. An EMG 81 Humbucker in the bridge and an EMG 85 Humbucker towards the nut will meet metal guitarists’ needs.

Engaging the 85 in the nut position, you’ll find a more traditional humbucker sound with an emphasized midrange. But, the 81 on the bridge is higher output and is begging for lead runs with its dark coloration. Of course, you can mix them for a full metal onslaught.

With hardware designed to withstand heavy playing, you can thrash, safe in the knowledge it’ll take everything you throw at it. Grover Rotomatic tuners are solid and will hold lower tunings. While the Tune-o-Matic string through design works wonders for sustain.

The South Korean build quality is fit for the stage. If there’s one downside, it’s that the frets could do with some leveling and polishing. Besides this, it’s an affordable guitar primed for metal.

Pros:

• Metal looks
• Access to all 24 frets
• EMG 81 & 85 pickups with high output

Cons:

• Frets need leveling

Read Also: 10 Best Schecter Diamond Series Guitars: Review & Buyer’s Guide

G&L Tribute ASAT Classic – Best Electric Guitar Under $750 for Country

G&L guitars are only a few famous. But, here’s the thing. Created by Leo Fender, George Fullerton, and Dale Hyatt, G&L guitars are the product of great minds. In fact, Leo Fender once said they’re the best guitars he’s ever made.

So, the Tribute ASAT is full of pedigree. It shares similar characteristics to a Tele. The body shape and layout are nearly identical.

But with both humbucker and single coil, there’s more versatility. The Paul Dagon-designed neck humbucker has vintage-tinged warmth, great for lead tones. While the Alnico Leo Fender-designed single coil on the bridge has a cutting attack for sparkling rhythm and sharp leads. 

An added feature is the f-hole. The Tribute ASAT is semi-hollow, so you can expect air and resonance to the already great tone. 

These tonal attributes point towards country and blues. You can’t go wrong if this is the tone you’re after. 

With vintage warmth and twang, complemented by modern bite, it’s a guitar with one foot in the past and the other in the future. The medium jumbo frets on a medium C profile solid maple neck make it modern to touch.

The out-of-the-box setup could do with a once-over by a pro technician. But, once it’s set up, you’ve got a guitar primed for all things country with appointments designed by Leo Fender himself.

Pros:

• Modern playability with classic looks
• Semi-hollow resonance with a blend of warmth and twang
• Paul Dagon designed humbucker & Leo Fender-designed single coil.

Cons:

• Out-of-the-box setup needs improving

Read Also: 9 Best Telecaster Style Copy Guitars

Epiphone Les Paul Standard ‘50s – Best Electric Guitar Under $750 for Blues

The Epiphone Les Paul Standard 50s isn’t the first of its kind to appear on our list of best electric guitars under $750. But, the Standard 50s offer some slight differences to the Custom, making this guitar a prime pick for blues playing.

50s Gibson Les Pauls were a mainstay in blues. Eric Clapton, Peter Green of Fleetwood Mac, and more all opted for those old designs. So, by resembling these early guitars, the Epiphone Standard 50s is an affordable way to recreate the sound.

With the mahogany body’s warmth and the maple top snap, blues riffs cut through a mix. Furthermore, Epiphone has even designed the wiring to rekindle the vintage spirit.

Fitted with two types of ProBuckers, both using Alnico II pickups, they’re an ode to Gibson’s Burstbuckers. The ProBucker 1 in the neck position is overwound for a darker and pronounced mid-range. The ProBucker-2 has less emphasis on mids, so the high-end shines through.

Both are outstanding value pickups for the sound they produce. Warm lows, and crystal highs, and they respond well to gain. Ideal for the variable dynamics of blues playing.

The out-of-the-box action needs lowering to suit. But for a killer bluesy tone, it looks and plays like an iconic relic from the golden era of the blues.

Pros:

• ProBucker 1 & 2 for warmth and crystal highs  
• ’59 rounded C neck for vintage style playability
• Limited lifetime warranty shows confidence in build quality

Cons:

• Action too high for some players upon arrival

Read Also: The 10 Best Electric Guitars for Blues

Epiphone SG Custom – Best Electric Guitar Under $750 for Rock

By now, you’ve realized Epiphone offers classic Gibson designs at an affordable price. Like it’s Gibson elder brother, the Epiphone SG Custom is a rock and roll machine.

The Alnico Custom PRO humbuckers offer a more 70s classic rock vibe than the 50s and 60s-inspired ProBuckers. One reason the SG Custom is the ultimate affordable rock guitar.

The Epiphone SG Custom shares near-identical specs to the Epiphone Standard SG. But a touch more expensive, what gives? Ebony fingerboard aside. It’s all in the elegance. The SG Custom offers a more striking visual with the gold hardware accenting the black body.

It’ll catch the eyes when rocking out on stage. And with the lightweight body, you’ll fly around said stage with no hassle. So, the Epiphone SG Custom belongs on the stage.

But only after a few amendments. It’s a mid-range guitar, and the finer details suggest that. Yet, it doesn’t have to stay that way, and you could push this SG beyond. 

Some truss rod adjustments wouldn’t go amiss for live performance to improve action. But with careful attention by a technician, the Epiphone Custom SG will rock with its stunning looks and high output pickups.

If you’re a rocker on a budget, consider a once-over by a technician into the budget. But even then, it’s still a bargain.

Pros:

• Lightweight for effortless performance
• Elegant good looks with gold appointments
• 70s classic rock style Alnico Pro Humbuckers

Cons:

• Truss rod adjustment is needed to improve performance.

Read Also: 10 Best Gibson SG Style Copy Guitars

Epiphone ES-335 – Best Electric Guitar Under $750 for Jazz

The ES-335 was the world’s first semi-hollow guitar. So, inspired by the early Gibsons, the Epiphone ES-335 replicates those early guitars.

Before the 50s, jazz musicians would use big hollow jazz boxes. When guitars went electric, they were prone to feedback. The antidote was a center block of wood set inside the body. The Epiphone ES-335 has a maple block through the length of the body to maintain the hollow-body vibe but with reduced feedback.

This allows the Epiphone ES-335 to take a little gain. So, it sounds great for jazz, blues, country, and rock-n-roll. While versatile, it’ll be a screaming mess for heavier genres that require high levels of distortion.

It says a lot that the design has stayed the same over the years. By reverting to the nut width of 1.693,” the space between strings feels like a classic ES-335. Combined with the rounded C-profile mahogany neck, it responds to your playing.

The Epiphone ES-335 offers superb playability. But, if you want sleek and slender, or you’re of a slighter build, you need a different guitar.

On the other hand, if you want a classic-looking guitar, then every detail points towards the ES-335. It oozes tradition from the Kalamazoo-inspired headstock to the big, bold, timeless body.

It looks like a classic, and with the Alnico Classic PRO Humbuckers, it sounds like one, too.

Pros:

• Semi-hollow body with classic ES-335 looks
• Warm and vintage tone from Alnico Classic PRO Humbuckers 
• Shares similar measurements and design to early ES-335 guitars

Cons:

• The semi-hollow design won’t take high-level distortion

Read Also: 10 Best Gibson ES-335 Alternatives

Ibanez S670QM – Best Electric Guitar Under $750 for Shredding

Following the big and bold ES-335, the streamlined, modern Ibanez S670QM is the complete opposite.

Ibanez introduced Wizard Necks to the world in 1987 during the height of a heavy metal invasion. Complete with a Wizard III neck, every inch of the S670QM caters to fast yet intricate playing. The neck is slim, and with a satin finish, it’s both comfortable and high-performance. 

Playing at an aggressive speed has its drawbacks. None more so than the loss of tune. But this is where the Edge Zero II bridge comes into play.

The Edge Zero II bridge has a stud lock function to enhance stability. It’s essential, as it’s a tremolo bridge. So you can duck and dive the whammy without worry.

With two Quantum humbuckers and a single-coil, a wide range of aggressive and loud tones are at your disposal. Set close to the strings, the pickups offer a bold, compressed tone. For more articulation and dynamic range, lowering the pickups will help, although this will cause lower volume.

Ibanez has designed every inch of the S670QM for fast playing. It’s an affordable shred guitar that’ll make difficult techniques easier to play. Hence, it’s a hit for the forward-thinking, fast player.

Pros:

• Speedy playability of the Wizard III neck
• Locking tremolo bridge for stable whammy use 
• Two Quantum humbuckers and a single-coil all voiced and set for loud playing

Cons:

• Lack of dynamic range

Read Also: The 9 Best Electric Guitars For Shredding

Schecter Omen Extreme-7– Best 7-String Electric Guitar Under $750

It’s rare for a guitarist to learn on a 7-string guitar. So, a 7-string is a tool to push your boundaries. But with the extra string added into the mix, you’ll want a guitar that’s easy to play. The Schecter Omen Extreme-7 makes your transition from 6 strings to 7 smooth.

The neck has fast-playing qualities. A thin C-profile makes light work of the extra string, even for players with smaller hands.

Made of the proven combo of a maple cap and mahogany, the body looks impressive. Cream binding accents the finish from head to strap pin. Also, the Omen body shape has streamlined dimensions to enhance manageability.

Something to consider, with the see-through black finish. Although it looks amazing, the finish has a slight green hue, which store pictures don’t show.

The Schecter Omen Extreme-7 looks like a more expensive instrument with a through-body bridge and black chrome hardware. The setup is sound for occasional use. However, some users experience some fret buzz on the b-string, so you’ll need a setup to up its capabilities.

There are push-pull Diamond Plus pickups for humbucker crunch and brighter single-coil tones. But, this guitar is at home in heavier genres such as metal.

Overall, it’s an affordable entry to the world of 7-string guitars. This price point is essential because if you’re new to 7-strings, you don’t want to spend big bucks, only to find out 7-strings isn’t for you.

Pros:

• Affordable 7-string guitar
• Humbuckers work great at high distortion
• High playability from the streamlined body and thin neck

Cons:

• Some users experience fret buzz

Read Also: 15 Best 7 String Guitars for Any Budget

How to Choose The Best Electric Guitar Under $750 – Buyer’s Guide

The above are the best electric guitars under $750. While there’s something for everyone, you can still look for something different. If so, let’s help you with some tricks in the buyer’s guide.

Materials & Build Quality

The materials and build quality play a huge role in the lifespan of your guitar. So you’ll want to make sure it’s up to scratch.

American-made guitars are of prime quality. But in the below $750 price point, you’ll be hard-pushed to find a US-built guitar.

Manufacturers make most guitars at this price point in China or Indonesia. But this doesn’t mean they’re bad quality. These countries have improved their manufacturing processes over the years.

The reason for the lower price is cheaper labor and factory costs. While in theory, you pay for what you get, cost-cutting comes at the expense of quality control and hardware.

For this reason, factor in a professional setup. They’ll refine the guitar to your needs and adjust it to have it perform better.

As for hardware, it’s easy and cheap to upgrade. Replacing cheap parts is also a technician’s job while setting up the guitar.

The wood is the core of the guitar. Koa, maple, alder, and ash mahogany are common body woods, even for premium guitars. So, with these, you’ll know you’re on the right track. Although the body of cheaper guitars uses pieces glued together, it won’t affect tone or durability.

Fine details such as fret edges and levels may have needed to have been fine-tuned. But to rectify, it’s a cheap fix.

The priority is a good core. So, check joints to ensure they’re strong and well-connected. Also, check the finish, looking for even paintwork with no missing areas.

There’s been a rise in copies, so be careful of fake guitars that crumble after a few strums. The best way to protect yourself is to buy new and also through a reputable company. Online retailers like Sweetwater are trustworthy. Also, they perform quality control before dispatch.

Price

Guitars in the beginner to intermediate price range have improved. In the past, to get a studio-ready guitar, you’d have to pay thousands of bucks. To some extent, this is still true. But with the improvement in manufacturing, a $750 guitar can be used professionally with some tweaks.

But, have a budget and stick to it. We’d all look to splash the cash on a Gibson but there are cheaper options that’ll perform. Some will surprise you. For example, Gibsons have Epiphones and Fenders have Squiers. These guitars mimic the classic designs but are at more affordable prices.

Besides, whatever the guitar, if you’re astonishing a crowd, no one will care about the name on the headstock. 

Read Also: How Much Does an Electric Guitar Cost?

Pickups

Pickups convert string vibration into an electric signal. So, they’re integral to your sound. First, you’ll need to establish what type of pickup you want. Humbucker or single coil?

One is equal. But they sound different. So, picking between the two pickup types will depend on the sound you want to achieve.

Single coils have a brighter coloration with a sharp attack. Whereas, humbuckers sound thicker and warmer.

A humbucker has two coils as opposed to one on a single coil. More wiring means humbuckers have a higher output, thus sending a stronger signal to your amp. So what does this mean? The stronger signal means your amp will reach distortion sooner.

For this reason, humbuckers are a favorite amongst heavier genres that require distortion, like rock and metal. On the other hand, single coils offer great clean tones with a sharp attack. So, they are ideal for genres like indie and blues. But this is a generalization.

Coil-split capabilities will allow you to turn humbuckers into single coils for both on one guitar.

Read Also: Active vs. Passive Pickups: What’s the Difference?

Body Style

When choosing a guitar, consider a body shape that’s comfortable for you. Guitars come in different shapes and sizes. From the big ES-335 to the streamlined S670QM.

Your build will play a big role in the decision. Guitarists of a slighter frame may find an ES-335 style body difficult to manage. But, a more ergonomic design will fit like a glove.

On that note, the depth of the guitar affects how easy it is to play. Deep bodies sound great with a resounding low end. But, if you have short arms, it’s at the detriment of playability.

There are three main types of body: hollow, semi-hollow, and solid. So which to pick?

A hollow body is fully hollow and is the oldest type of guitar. While they have acoustic-like qualities, they’re prone to feedback.

Semi-hollow came along to combat feedback when plugging in instruments became more common. They have a center block creating two chambers. This helps reduce feedback while maintaining acoustic-like resonance. A semi-hollow can handle some light gain.

Solid bodies arrived in 1949. These are pure blocks of wood, so have a more focused lower end. Because they’re solid, these guitars can handle high gain without feedback.

Last, the looks matter. The guitar’s body is the centerpiece and must capture your imagination. So it’s of utmost importance you find the design cool.

Read Also: 20 Different Types of Guitars Explained: The Complete List

Playability

Playability varies depending on the player. Yet, there are things you can do to improve playability regardless of make and model.

Make sure the guitar suits your playing style by using the right string gauges. Thin strings require little finger strength, so are great for beginners. They’re also brighter, so they sound good for pop and country.

Thicker strings can withstand different tuning without becoming too slack. They sound warmer and darker, so work well with metal and blues.

Of course, medium thickness acts as a great middle ground.

Especially when buying affordable guitars, the action may need adjusting. This is the distance between the string and the fingerboard. If it’s too high, it’ll be difficult to press on notes. A good setup will improve action, thus improving playability.

But most of all, the neck will play a huge role in playability. Different guitars have necks of varying sizes and profiles. The best method is to take the guitar for a test run. If buying online, look for retailers like Sweetwater with a no-hassle return policy should it not be your liking.

Genre of Music

Some guitars are synonymous with genres. It’s no coincidence. These guitars have tonal nuances that suit the genre. For example, the Telecaster with country. The twang in tone has become the staple of the Nashville sound.

For heavier genres, you’ll want pickups that’ll handle the thrash. So look for humbuckers to handle the onslaught.

Also, genre relates to certain playing styles. Heavier genres need a guitar to handle the shred so will have thin speedy necks. Whereas guitars for chording or bluesy riffs are bolder to hold.

Conclusion

There we have it, the best electric guitars for under $750.

$750 is a great price point for anyone on a budget. These guitars have the quality for a long lifespan. And, with some care and attention, the performance for recording and live use. Which is some achievement at this price point.

Which one’s right for you depends on many factors. But none more so than the genre of music you want to play. So consider the tone you want to achieve and look at the corresponding genre.

Whichever you choose, the guitars featured here are the top performers at this price point.

Hopefully, you now have an idea of the right guitar for you. Enjoy your new guitar!