I love my Squire. I buy Squires in finishs I like then swap pretty much everything. I prefer the light weight and more playful finishes ( like the red sparkles ).
Yep the old silver tones just don't make the grade. Sears and Monte Gnomery Ward were the best! They were made in the same factory. But brand loyalty is a must! LOL!
@@gabrielledebourg2487 Squire and Epiphone have really pushed on from their earlier models. You are getting a quality guitar for a fraction of the price of Fenders or Gibsons.
@@gabrielledebourg2487 My Squier Vintage Vibe Mustang Bass is a better player than my 2001 American Series Precision Bass. Really hate to say that, but it's true.
"Good" is completely relative (but I know what you mean" what's more important is enjoying/ having fun. That will take your guitar playing further. Go for it!
Don’t consider myself good either! I’ve played more off than on for 35 years. Mainly rhythm player but bust out a lead here and there. my current go to is a 2018 Jackson dkny js34 dka m. Only guitar I’ve had that played better, imho, was my Gretsch bst 1500 (the one with the dual dimarZios) I bought used in 1986 ish.
One guitar I'd recommend is the Yamaha Pacifica 311h. I have owned one for a few years and gigged with it and it has been amazing. Very good spec for £300, locking tuners, tusq nut and string retainers, etc. Stays in tune extremely well, sounds awesome, and is very versatile.
@Fishy1337 Locking tuners make changing strings really easy. The ones on that guitar are also very good quality, which makes it easier to tune the guitar and keep the guitar in tune. Tusq nut and string retainers are self lubricating. This helps the strings stay in tune by eliminating a problem called binding, which is where the string gets caught in the nut or retainers. It's a common fault with plastic nuts. Having these components takes a lot of the headache out of playing a guitar. It means you don't have to re-tune it all the time and you can rely on it keeping in tune while playing. There are probably other guitars out there with similar specs for this price, but I don't think you can go too far wrong with Yamaha. Other than that, the rest of the guitar's spec is pretty impressive and will set you up well for pretty much anything. I've played all sorts of genres from Funk to Metalcore on it. Can't recommend it enough
I started playing again last year after a 9-year break and decided to treat myself with a new guitar back in June. I went to the store for a Squier strat, left with a metallic grey Gretsch G5222 and I couldn't be any happier. It cost me a little over €500 and not only is it an absolutely stunning guitar to look at, it plays amazingly as well. Classic rock? No problem. Thrash metal with a lot of sliding over the neck? Why not! The only thing left to do now is to improve my playing until I'm worthy of this beaut.
I had a similar experience with my gretsch. Never would have even considered getting rid of some of my guitars until i bought the gretsch, it does everything!
@@paxonearth they are indeed quite neck-heavy. I mostly play seated and I've mostly been able to mitigate the neck-dive by putting some stick-on weights inside the control cavity but if you don't feel like going through that I'd recommend going for one of their single cut models. Other than that it's a great guitar though! I love the way it plays especially in a seated position (the shape makes it very well balanced when you don't have it on a strap) and you get that typical Gretsch sound!
@@quintenvermeulen4576 Thank you. I know it's down to personal preference, but neck dive is a deal-breaker for me. That's a shame. They're quite pretty and sound great.
The Gretsch is my choice out of these. I own the P90 junior and you really do get professional level tones out of those things, but they are absolute bare bones rockers. No frills, flat tops, etc. They give you actual higher-output pickups and good quality pots, while most of it's competitors are sandbagging the quality of the electronics to protect the prices on the higher priced models.
It’s a long story, but I’m fresh home from the army and learning how to live with a disability. My doc said music was good for the spirit so here I am. Thank you for these videos.
I know that these are subjective and there are always ones that should be on the list-- but I am sooooo happy you included the Gretsch. My first electric guitar was an Electromatic Jet Club -- $359 in 2019, and was the lowest rung on the Gretsch ladder at that time (before the Streamliner line was introduced). It's *still* one of my favorites.
I grabbed up a cheap semihollow gretch at guitar center and I was pretty impressed by the feel and sound, light for the size too. I didn't buy it but it was a good impression.
I got one of those and just couldn't get into it and ended up getting rid of it. I found a used Epiphone Les Paul standard that I'm liking a whole lot, though
I picked up a 2002 Korean Les Paul studio for about $250 - 16 years ago. And while I have about 12 guitars and my Epi is not my go to guitar, when I pick it up - like today - I think this guitar is unbelievably good, great playability, superb cleans and it rocks - ok I changed one pick up. But it is a lovely guitar. I had a Gibson custom tribute which I swapped. It was different but not better than the Epi
I have bought the guitars you have reviewed over the last two or three years. A es-335, a very cool half hollow body telly with three knobs..and a flower pattern inlaid finger board, and a Les Paul knockoff you really liked when you reviewed it. I love them all..not as much as my real fender stratocaster, but close!! You have always given trustworthy reviews, and I have not been let down by one yet. I plan on buying more in the future..I do rework the fret ends, and polish a little here and there on them. A little action work..nothing big. I Changed a set of tuners on one of them to lockers..since then they are ALL solid as rocks! Thanks bro! 😁✌️
After having the obligatory starter guitar I managed to buy myself a Yamaha RGX 211 (iirc) for $499 - this was years ago. It had a Humbucker with coil split, and a single coil - sounded great in all positions. Had a floating type trem system proprietary (not a floyd), a neck to die for, 24 frets and great upper fret access, and an aggressive look. Was red of course, so it played faster :) To me it was Yamaha's answer to the Ibanez RG, except better in all respects. Was almost heartbroken when I accidentally stepped on the neck one dark night and it started creaking.
By far, my favorite under $500 is the Squier Classic Vibe. I bought one expecting that I was going to want to return it after hearing all the good reviews. Well, there’s a reason for all the good reviews-it’s a really nice feeling, playing and sounding guitar. It really exceeded my expectations.
Plus 1000 on the Gretsch, I added one of these to my collection a few weeks ago and every day it reminds me what it means to have fun playing a guitar.
A $499 guitar or a $4999 guitar in Darrell's hands sound fantastic and a pleasure to hear and watch. Thank you Darrell. Best wishes from Sydney Australia.
Both of my Ibanez RG's, 6 and 7 string were both around $250 each, they're both hardtail, and they're both string thru body which is a huge sell for me. That added tension for sustain is awesome.
Totally agree with the Cutless I couldn't believe the price when they came out last year. A guitar I think should be on there is the LTD 256.I have one from along time ago and now that I'm old and can afford it I have an Eclipse E-ll and a ESP one.I still find myself playing the LTD once in a while for nostalgic reasons and end up playing the whole time with it.Very solid guitar for under $500.
I also think the G&L tribute series should be mentioned, usually have USA hardware or pickups. The Fallout is really cool H/P90 with a coil split for the H
Harley Benton SC550 ll fabulous guitar for $375 shipped with gigbag, SS frets, good sounding Tesla pick ups and plays great out of the box; mahogany body, maple top, pau ferro fretboard. Man hard to beat. Hey come on Darrell 🤷🏻♂️
Ya really surprised there wasn’t anything from Harley Benton on the list. I got a sc450plus that sells for $200 on the Thoman site. It cost me $275 after taxes and shipping (to US) really hard to beat that price for a guitar with flame maple top, body and neck binding, contour set-in neck joint, 2 volume 2 tone with split coils. Really great guitars!
@@mattbparrish565 I totally agree; I’ve had many expensive boutique guitars and Gibsons, Fender CS; I think a lot of folks are drinking the cool aid of high priced hype. They are making huge strides in the over seas manufacturing process
@@mattbparrish565 I think Darrell had a not so nice experience with HB in the past. For me... well I'm playing for 8 years now and owned 10 Guitars over that time. 7 were HBs of which I still own 3. I started with a simple HB strat which was great for a beginner, followed by a vintage HB LP which is no longer in their lineup, but the SC 550 is the precedessor if I remember correctly. I also had an HB SG copy, which I didn't like that much, but I don't like SGs at all, so that's why. Next was a Fusion II (Strat Style, 2x Humbucker, FR, SS-Frets, extremly nice finish, no flaws or anything. I play this guitar nearly every day.) Long story short, the HBs never failed to impress me in the bang for your buck category. The ones I kept are the Fusion II, CST-24 (PRS copy) and SC Custom Active (ESP EC 1000 copy). All of those are great instruments. I also own a Slick SL 50, which is also increadible at that price point a bit over 200 Bucks, unfortunetly it is now nearly 300 Euro. I assume thanks to the pandemic. The other guitar I play regularly is a Strat which I build myself. I played a lot of 4-figure-priced guitars in the last few years and this thing beats everything. 25 Euros Glarry bought used from ebay, 20-30 hours of work, 350 Euros for the used hardware hand tailored to my needs and a lot of fun in the process. I just wanted to learn a bit more about guitar building and ended up with a perfect guitar for my needs. But to get back to the point: The Harley Bentons between 300 and 500 Bucks are absolutely great guitars with features totally out of their price range.
John Robson seems to be an honest guitar reviewer and has some great pointers on playing. Really appreciate his candor on the guitar manufacturing process; he has an informative video on his UA-cam channel regarding the guitar marketing process.
I got that Squier for $50 at a local pawn shop. Right now it's fully disassembled in preparation of stripping, sanding and priming. My kids are going to paint it and then I'm going to refinish it. Agreed, its a great guitar.
Eart guitars are good contenders in this category especially the Explorer series. 5 pcs neck roasted with compound radius and stainless steel frets all for $350. I have one and they are fantastic.
Just bought the J Mascis Jazzmaster & I can’t put it down!!! I went in with the money for an American Tele or another Strat. I tried like 20 different guitars and my favorite neck was on the Squier? Saved $1000 I’m very happy!
For the money..especially for beginners, i wholeheartedly recommended ibanez. Most of even their entry level guitars (GAX30 $160US when i bought it new) for example are fine guitars. They skimp on the hardware quality on lower end models. But not on the fit and finish. And thats fine. Youre not going to get DiMarzios or Fishmans, etc on a sub $200 guitar. Not getting gotoh tuners, etc either. I have several of all price points and love them all.
I wholeheartedly agree with this. I bought a GAX70 for 200 back in 2007 and I still have it and play it often even if I own a few american Fenders, a PRS and a Gibson. Properly made guitars, if anything I'd suggest upgrading the electronics a few years down the line and you're golden.
A great guitar in Australia - made in China is the Artist. Shane’s channel has reviewed them a couple of times. . I have their 335 and it was around 400 Aus $ and - sure it does not have the warmth of a guitar 7 or 8 times the price but it has a hell of a lot going for it, and certainly does not sound cheap. They also do a gold top with p90s which makes my mouth water, but having picked up a Tokai addiction I am hanging out for one of them if it won’t break the bank.
I checked out a few cheap Ibanez models when starting out - they definitely looked and felt really good. My only criticism is that they sounded a little "generic", even to my untrained ear.
@@peterklein5861 they definitely are a little cheap sounding. But its tolerable without having to upgrade pups. I think a little EQ shaping might improve them a bit. They do seem to be kinda flat.
My Ibanez RG was my least played guitar, so I gave it to my Neighbors Son as he really loved the Wine Quilt top and the Shark Tooth inlays. For me, the body is too "Blocky" and while I love the thin fast neck, the body is nowhere near as comfortable as my American Strat with all it's "Comfort Cuts", so I have no plans to buy any other Ibanez in the future. I'm not knocking lower end Guitars as my favorite guitar for the past few months has been a Semi Hollow Tele with P90's from Harley Benton... Nice feel and great P90 tone. The only pickups I don't have are Filtertrons and that's about to change as I ordered Blackface Filtertrons that are going into a double bound, cherry burst Tele by Jay Turser, that I picked up for $150 used. While there's nothing wrong with the Guitar, I didn't want to add another Guitar to my 21 Guitar collection. It's weird, I have some nice guitars (Gibson, Fender, Schecter and a Boutique Tele) but enjoy some of my entry levels guitars even more lol
I have the Dark Brown Sunburst and it rocks. My only issues have been the basic LTD tuners, which I'm going to replace soon anyways. Same goes to pickups. They aren't bad by any means, but not amazing either.
I’ve got 3 from different years lol. They are all a little different. My favorite is the vintage road worn. There’s no gloss finish so the neck feels awesome
I have a Yamaha Pacifica 212 and it's been a great beginner guitar. Really comfortable to play and it's hss with a coil split , so paired with my Boss Katana Mk II i have unlimited range. And i bought the guitar+amp for exactly 500€ so it was great deal.
Hi Darrell, just wanted to thank you for your videos - they have shown me that you do not need to be mega rich or mega talented to learn the guitar, just passion and will. Thank you and bless you!
Literally just got that first ibanez recently, it's really awesome I love it. can't stop dive bombing, my neighbors love it, they keep banging the wall to crank it up!
I bought an Ibanez RG470DX two years ago, it was $400. I love this guitar, it has the HSH pickup configuration, it’s got 25 jumbo frets, a locking tremolo and has a great design and finish. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed playing this guitar. Stay cool 😎 and… \m/ Stay Metal \m/
My first electric was a Pacific PAC012 tele. I was 11 at the time and 26 years later, the only part that’s not original are the Made in Germany Schaller strap locks, but even those are 24 years old. I adjusted the truss on it for the first time six months ago and it’s still an excellent guitar. It was 400 in 1995, and I would never give it up. It’s an amazing guitar and they’ve gotta be the most underrated guitar ever made.
I bought the Sterling Cutlass SSS after seeing you video and I'm SO HAPPY I did!!! Incredible value for what you get!!!!!! If I could get an HSS with a rosewood fretboard I'd be all over it!!!!! If you are thinking of getting one, just do it!!!
Have you tried a Wolf WLP750? Les Paul style. ALL In One Guitars is the brand. Out of Los Angeles. $450 or $495 with a gard case. I have the dark cherry burst. Very solid, well built, beautiful looking. Plays very well and sounds like a Gibson LP. They set up the guitar in their shop prior to shipping to the buyer. A substantial instrument.
Was looking at getting one of those Sterling guitars after seeing your review and almost did. Until I looked at used guitars. I ended up getting a used 1991 Ibanez RG570 for $550 online through GC. I think it had sat in the case for over 20 years as it had EMG pickups in it and the battery expired in March of 1996 and corroded off the battery clip. easy replacement. Took it apart cleaned and polished it and it almost looked new. best guitar I have now.
I wish any of these would have been available 40 years ago when I was first learning to play guitar. I'm glad they are now though , because price won't keep anyone from picking up this great instrument and having a lifetime of fun and enjoyment . Thanks Darrell as always , I love these videos.
Yamaha makes some really quality guitars under $500. Several Pacificas, for example. I have the 311 with the bridge humbucker and neck P90. It’s pretty sweet. Very nice matte finish neck. $399. Of course, I don’t play it much since I got my Classic Vibe 60s Strat in Lake Placid Blue. That thing is amazing and definitely deserves its place on your list.
I have the Pacifica 212 and I am very happy with it so far... I have to say I'm starting my electric guitar journey, so I am not that experienced to compare with other guitars
IMO the sterling cutlass might have been a better choice than the strat or gretsch. It's more versatile and has locking tuners, roasted maple necks, and easy truss rod adjustment acess. One of the best "budget" guitars for sure.
You'd be surprised how versatile the gretsch streamliners are ! Broadtron pickups are really great, fit and finish is great, I don't need anything else :D (Darrel got it wrong - these don't have filtertrons so they're not as chimey and bright, they're basically traditional humbuckers)
Eart is killing with it's stainless steel Frets and Saint Louis design pickups, some really wow I can't believe it guitars. Great videos Darrell, love your opinions.
I got a Raven West tele and it’s absolutely incredible! It was given to me but I think they are under $500. Incredible finish ( flame top, through neck, binding) I have no idea how they make these this cheap
Thank you for another great video. Love to hear about your choices and then hear you play. My choice under $500 has to be the Epiphone 339 pro. The specs, the size, the weight, and most of all the tone of the stock pickups and the come with coil splitting. I would love to hear you play one some day.
I’ve still got my rg from 2006, I still love it. It was $400 I think. There weren’t as many colors back then. I think Ibanez gives you a lot for the price.
Great video Darrel… can you do a video about eq pedals?? How to use them and which ones are the best for example the boss 7 band eq. Lots of people don’t understand how powerful a tool they can be!
My collection not that anyone asked: Yamaha acoustic (great for the money). Fender Strat AmPro II (wanted an official guitar). Epi LP (my personal fave, had it for 15 years, love it), a Squier Strat that started it all, from Costco about 20 years ago. And my little metal devil: the BC Rich Warlock. Most of these (minus the AmPro) are sub 500 and I love them to death, especially my Epi! Its the guitar that REALLY got me into guitar. Great video!
I mostly agree, but I think the cv tele also has a lot going for it as well ngl. I daily one with some mods, including Seymour Duncan pickups, bronze saddle, and bone nut, and dare i say, it's almost perfect
Great choice of guitars ….I have most of the guitars you review ….squire 60 s … Epiphone studio ….s heater demon ….Ibanez art 500 ….vintage ( English model ) superstrat ….all great guitars …but what you have in the USA for $ 500 would be around $ 800 to $ 1000 Australian …..etc ….love you reviews….honest and straight to the point ….
@@mikehurley5052 , congrats man. Looks like a pretty sweet guitar. Since I was feeling adventurous, I went with the JS32 DKA in Natural Oil. For the money, amazing guitar. You might wanna look at changing the pickups in the long-run though. Stocks are fine but I always felt them a bit lacking.
@@prohunter717 I was impressed with the fit and finish on it, bound neck, perfect paint, agree about the pickups, but cheap guitar, neck is awesome. I love natural finishes too, i have a Pacifica 112 VFM in natural finish with coil split and Alnico 5 pickups.
I have an HB fusion with maple neck and floyd rose that was about $279. Grover tuners, Mahogany body, coil splits, Alnico II Pups and SS frets. I've had it about 2 years and still have changed or repaired nothing. Things like a roasted neck and locking tuners come on the newer Fusion IIs still well under 500. Love the Sterling and of course the Ibanez but HB deserves at least and honorable mention.
I genuinely look forward to every video you make man. Highly quality stuff without going overboard or getting off on crazy tangents. 😂 though those can be entertaining too
Id like to see you check out a sawtooth mt24 with the original floyd rose. I picked one up new for 275 bucks (Black Friday..they sold them all), and the amount of stuff slapped on to a good (but very vanilla) body/neck seems to be punching above its weight...for the price. The thing about it is that while i put a lot of thought into specs prior to the purchase, im so new to guitars that i cannot ascertain or appreciate what i have or where to take it when i get better. Sawtooth appears to have been a junky brand that has been steered to more thoughtful, robust designs over the past few years. For me, i was anticipating a Squire Contemporary Strat purchase around 400 bucks and think i came out with the Sawtooth MT24 for almost a third under budget. It would be neat to see someone besides GuitarMax give them a thoughtful review. Might be an eye opener at the price point or near 400 bucks, OR it might turn out to be a stinker. This channel does thoughtful reviews and gets all the important points covered. Parting shot: i think the Floyd model might be one of their "get them in the door" units for the company to build brand appreciation when they run sales events.
I think the Ibanez azes40 should make the list at least for versatility (only guitar with 9 pickup config under $500.) and sounds quite good, i would like your opinion on this guitar. Thank you for your good reviews
Honestly, if you have the choice between an RG and an S series and you don't think the RG is uncomfortable, imo that beats out the S series on base of tone. I remember shooting out my RG to a similarly priced S with the same pickups and the RG just sounded fuller, more well rounded. (But hey, dead wood don't affect the tone amirite?)
Whenever I watch videos like this, it always inspires me to play and buy some New guitars. Awesome choices as always Darrell.👍 Anyway I just want to chime in with regards to the best value guitar. It's the ever amazing value "Chibson" Les Paul. Players who don't want to be named swear by the craftmanship and most of all value for money.😂 For just $250, you can own a Lemon Burst 1959 Les Paul who plays like a dream and surprisingly stays in tune. Chibson FTW! 😂😂😂
Always nice to see you in action! I bought myself a Harley Benton ST59, the Hank Marwin reiease. Half the price of a Squier Affinity but I think its just as good. Kluson style tuners, medium jumbo frets, Daddario strings, no sharp fret ends and pickups that in my opinion are better than the pickups in Squier Affinity.
Have a classic vibe jazzmaster and a thinline tele. great guitars. G & L has some amazing guitars in that same price range and kind of out of the blue, slick guitars are great. if they would do a slick guitar that wasn't relic'd i would buy it in a heartbeat
AIO W-400 (formerly Wolf Guitars) made in Vietnam, sold from All in One in L.A. Gator hard shell case and pro set up to your specs included, free shipping. PRS style guitar, ebony fingerboard, mahogany body, twin humbuckers, tremolo bar, Grover tuners. $469.00. Love playing it.
The Music Man Sterling Cutlass HSS is the only one of the guitars you have mentioned in this video that I would put my hard-earned $$$$ down for!!! I was really disappointed in this video until I saw you rate it as the best Bang for the Buck under $ 500.00. But, everyone has their own personal preferences, and that is why there are so many guitar manufacturers and choices. Having said all that? To each his own. I hope you find your perfect guitar to match your own personal preferences!!! That's why Darrell does this videos...I think, anyway. If I'm wrong? It won't be the first time. And...After over 70 years on this planet? I'm 100% positive it won't be the last!!!
I wasn't expecting much when you picked up that Squire. Holy cow, it sounded Just like Jerry's 'Alligator ' Stratocaster. I got chills. I went back and listened four or five times with my eyes closed to see if I was crazy but nope it really did sound as good as a Fender Stratocaster unless of course Garcia was messing with me.
Keep in mind he (and other professional guitar demo channels are playing through expensive amps and other signal processors that significantly enhance the sound. Almost never is it just guitar/ amp/mic. It's also going through a DAW and mixed so the sound levels/ quality remain consistent whether he's talking or playing. Having said that the guitar does still probably sound fine. But just keep the other factors in mind especially if you're not trying out a guitar in a store and ordering it online based on a demo.
You mention Samick elsewhere. I'd say, at the lower price range, Greg Bennett Ultramatic and Avion are superb bets too. Another option: Second hand Korean guitar of "any brand" + some set up. Career guitars are nice.
i was going to say... that's not that guitar. but i guess he was going to mention the evertune-less guitar but he did not want to get one just for this video...
So, for me here in Europe, the Cutlass CT50 is around 800$, which is the one that is more my vibe. I really think the Sire Larry Carlton S7 deserves a spot on this list as well. Great video mate!
Meh, you missed Schecter. They make the best budget guitars. I still have mine 13 years later and still have it. I also have a $2k Strat. The schecter will always be a part of the family.
I have 5 Ibanez, the 2013 S420, 2012 S570DXQM, the 1986 RG450, 1989 RG565R and the 2011 XH300. All are great guitars, I do not know their MSRP new, but have bought them all for 250 to 450 dollars used each in excellent to like new condition. They all are double locking full floating Edge trems of various type (from Original Edge to Edge Zeros) except for the hardtailed XH300. The S420 and the XH300 are HH. The S570 & RG450 are HSH. The RG565R is an interesting HS configuration. They're all rosewood/maple necks, except for the XH300 which has rosewood/mahogany neck. The S-series and the XH300 features mahogany bodies, with the S570 also having quilted maple veneer top. The RGs OTOH has basswood bodies. Each Ibby brings something unique to the tonal palette so I'm well satisfied with each one. Squiers are another favorites in my collection. I have 5. They range from the simple and cheap
I had never heard of the Cutlass. I thought all the Sterlings were high end/high dollar. Looked and sounded great. I will definitely look into them. Thanks for the heads up!
70’s concerts have rendered me near deaf...my Squire Jim Root Tele sounds awesome. Does it sound awesome or are my aging ears just saving me a bundle on gear?
Yeah, now days ALL guitars have a ringing quality to me. Back then, I used to find a seat on the lead guitar players side, right in front of the stadium PA.
Darrell, I just bought a new Fender Squire Contemporary Stratocaster HT in sunset metallic. I think you will have to add this to your list. I got it for $199.99 from ProAudioStar. This thing looks fantastic and sounds amazing on all settings of the pickup switch. Roasted maple neck, classic headstock with chrome over black lettering. Highly polished frets, laurel fretboard that looks like rosewood. Contoured body with sunset finish on back also. Lighter than average (poplar), but feels solid. Tuners work as well as any I've felt in this price range ($439 MSRP). I love it
I bought a 2021 Squier Classic Vibe Mustang Bass, and It's the best bass I've owned in 50 years of playing. Absolutely phenomenal quality and craftsmanship.
Do you really want a video about yamaha pacifica and harley benton? (And maybe squier, bc fender has to be mentioned in every guitar video for some reason...)
My Favourite Modest Priced Guitars: Epiphone Les Paul ES Pro Squier Standard Stratocaster Squier CV Thinline Telecaster Ibanez AZES40* *Looking forward to this one, my first Ibanez when it arrives this week. Hopefully a sign of good things to come 👍.
@@papajaa7387 never understood why didn't make a My Melody one, considering that's the "music character" of that franchise. Meh, brand recognition always wins.
Would you guys add any other models to my list? Share your top 5 under $500 and I'd love to see what you choose!
I always liked the Schecter platinum series!
Yamaha Pacifica
The EVH Wolfgang Standard is about as much bang for your buck as you can get in that price bracket
Schecter with the Omen Elites
I love my Squire. I buy Squires in finishs I like then swap pretty much everything. I prefer the light weight and more playful finishes ( like the red sparkles ).
It’s amazing how far budget guitars have come
Yep the old silver tones just don't make the grade. Sears and Monte Gnomery Ward were the best! They were made in the same factory. But brand loyalty is a must! LOL!
Agreed! The Squiers I own easily hold their own against my Fenders: even my US ones! Absolutely stellar guitars.
@@gabrielledebourg2487 Squire and Epiphone have really pushed on from their earlier models. You are getting a quality guitar for a fraction of the price of Fenders or Gibsons.
@@grayjack5021 e não é l
July 6 4 hr e km
@@gabrielledebourg2487 My Squier Vintage Vibe Mustang Bass is a better player than my 2001 American Series Precision Bass. Really hate to say that, but it's true.
Was never a good guitarist, but after 35 years, want to start again. These videos are perfect, new sub and watching as much as I can!
Never a better day to learn than today!
"Good" is completely relative (but I know what you mean" what's more important is enjoying/ having fun. That will take your guitar playing further. Go for it!
Get a cheap jackson and start learning again. Never too late ;)
Don’t consider myself good either! I’ve played more off than on for 35 years. Mainly rhythm player but bust out a lead here and there. my current go to is a 2018 Jackson dkny js34 dka m. Only guitar I’ve had that played better, imho, was my Gretsch bst 1500 (the one with the dual dimarZios) I bought used in 1986 ish.
I've got that Ibanez moon burst, good guitar for intermediate player.
One guitar I'd recommend is the Yamaha Pacifica 311h. I have owned one for a few years and gigged with it and it has been amazing. Very good spec for £300, locking tuners, tusq nut and string retainers, etc. Stays in tune extremely well, sounds awesome, and is very versatile.
Pacifica 611 and 612 are also great they’re like $750. better than fender
idk much about guitars, why are those things good to have?
@Fishy1337 Locking tuners make changing strings really easy. The ones on that guitar are also very good quality, which makes it easier to tune the guitar and keep the guitar in tune.
Tusq nut and string retainers are self lubricating. This helps the strings stay in tune by eliminating a problem called binding, which is where the string gets caught in the nut or retainers. It's a common fault with plastic nuts.
Having these components takes a lot of the headache out of playing a guitar. It means you don't have to re-tune it all the time and you can rely on it keeping in tune while playing. There are probably other guitars out there with similar specs for this price, but I don't think you can go too far wrong with Yamaha.
Other than that, the rest of the guitar's spec is pretty impressive and will set you up well for pretty much anything. I've played all sorts of genres from Funk to Metalcore on it. Can't recommend it enough
i had a used 102 paficica 10y ago it was way more playable than my fender deluxe that costs 10x
I started playing again last year after a 9-year break and decided to treat myself with a new guitar back in June. I went to the store for a Squier strat, left with a metallic grey Gretsch G5222 and I couldn't be any happier. It cost me a little over €500 and not only is it an absolutely stunning guitar to look at, it plays amazingly as well. Classic rock? No problem. Thrash metal with a lot of sliding over the neck? Why not! The only thing left to do now is to improve my playing until I'm worthy of this beaut.
I had a similar experience with my gretsch. Never would have even considered getting rid of some of my guitars until i bought the gretsch, it does everything!
Look up some Fender custom shop string trees, small subtle difference
That's a beautiful guitar. There is one exactly yours on CL nearby, but I've seen comments that they are neck-heavy. Is that your experience?
@@paxonearth they are indeed quite neck-heavy. I mostly play seated and I've mostly been able to mitigate the neck-dive by putting some stick-on weights inside the control cavity but if you don't feel like going through that I'd recommend going for one of their single cut models. Other than that it's a great guitar though! I love the way it plays especially in a seated position (the shape makes it very well balanced when you don't have it on a strap) and you get that typical Gretsch sound!
@@quintenvermeulen4576 Thank you. I know it's down to personal preference, but neck dive is a deal-breaker for me. That's a shame. They're quite pretty and sound great.
The Gretsch is my choice out of these. I own the P90 junior and you really do get professional level tones out of those things, but they are absolute bare bones rockers. No frills, flat tops, etc. They give you actual higher-output pickups and good quality pots, while most of it's competitors are sandbagging the quality of the electronics to protect the prices on the higher priced models.
The Gretsch shown here doesn't have Filtertrons like he says.
@@postoffice146 You’re right, they’re broadtrons, highish output humbuckers, sound somewhere between a PAF and a telecaster.
It’s a long story, but I’m fresh home from the army and learning how to live with a disability. My doc said music was good for the spirit so here I am. Thank you for these videos.
I know that these are subjective and there are always ones that should be on the list-- but I am sooooo happy you included the Gretsch. My first electric guitar was an Electromatic Jet Club -- $359 in 2019, and was the lowest rung on the Gretsch ladder at that time (before the Streamliner line was introduced). It's *still* one of my favorites.
I grabbed up a cheap semihollow gretch at guitar center and I was pretty impressed by the feel and sound, light for the size too. I didn't buy it but it was a good impression.
Ibanez is my go to for trying out new styles of guitars! They make one of any style at an entry level price and a high level of quality.
Love my Epiphone LP Studio for $450. Was a great “starter” guitar for me.
What model? My epiphone lp studio costed 250$
I got one of those and just couldn't get into it and ended up getting rid of it. I found a used Epiphone Les Paul standard that I'm liking a whole lot, though
I have a les Paul and that is what my used standard cost me plus setup plus replacement tuners plus pickup
I picked up a 2002 Korean Les Paul studio for about $250 - 16 years ago. And while I have about 12 guitars and my Epi is not my go to guitar, when I pick it up - like today - I think this guitar is unbelievably good, great playability, superb cleans and it rocks - ok I changed one pick up. But it is a lovely guitar. I had a Gibson custom tribute which I swapped. It was different but not better than the Epi
@@cristaud Wow, the Epi was better than Gibs? Anazing! I could never afford a Gibs but I love my Epis. They rock! In what way(s) was it better?
I have bought the guitars you have reviewed over the last two or three years. A es-335, a very cool half hollow body telly with three knobs..and a flower pattern inlaid finger board, and a Les Paul knockoff you really liked when you reviewed it. I love them all..not as much as my real fender stratocaster, but close!!
You have always given trustworthy reviews, and I have not been let down by one yet. I plan on buying more in the future..I do rework the fret ends, and polish a little here and there on them. A little action work..nothing big. I Changed a set of tuners on one of them to lockers..since then they are ALL solid as rocks!
Thanks bro! 😁✌️
After having the obligatory starter guitar I managed to buy myself a Yamaha RGX 211 (iirc) for $499 - this was years ago. It had a Humbucker with coil split, and a single coil - sounded great in all positions. Had a floating type trem system proprietary (not a floyd), a neck to die for, 24 frets and great upper fret access, and an aggressive look. Was red of course, so it played faster :) To me it was Yamaha's answer to the Ibanez RG, except better in all respects. Was almost heartbroken when I accidentally stepped on the neck one dark night and it started creaking.
Is it usable still?
can you tell me why is it better? Im trying to get this style guitar with a locking bridge, was thinking of the ibanez now thinking of this
By far, my favorite under $500 is the Squier Classic Vibe. I bought one expecting that I was going to want to return it after hearing all the good reviews. Well, there’s a reason for all the good reviews-it’s a really nice feeling, playing and sounding guitar. It really exceeded my expectations.
Which classic vibe did you purchase
@@daman2479 i have the classic vibe 50s strat i tried all classic vibe strats and 50s was the best one. It just feels like a vintage guitar
@@keremkaya1185 what's the difference between the different "dacades"? like the vibe '60 etc? thanks
Plus 1000 on the Gretsch, I added one of these to my collection a few weeks ago and every day it reminds me what it means to have fun playing a guitar.
My favorite part of the day is when my dog scratched it butt across my carpet.
" Carpet Surfing " 😝
Thats random
The ol'......booty scooty
"Yachting" when i dog tacs across a carpet using its tail as a rudder while trying to scrape barnicles from his keel
😂😂
A $499 guitar or a $4999 guitar in Darrell's hands sound fantastic and a pleasure to hear and watch. Thank you Darrell. Best wishes from Sydney Australia.
For me, the best are yamaha Pacifica in different configurations...
I have hh, hss, sss, and always is very good...
Both of my Ibanez RG's, 6 and 7 string were both around $250 each, they're both hardtail, and they're both string thru body which is a huge sell for me. That added tension for sustain is awesome.
Totally agree with the Cutless I couldn't believe the price when they came out last year. A guitar I think should be on there is the LTD 256.I have one from along time ago and now that I'm old and can afford it I have an Eclipse E-ll and a ESP one.I still find myself playing the LTD once in a while for nostalgic reasons and end up playing the whole time with it.Very solid guitar for under $500.
I also think the G&L tribute series should be mentioned, usually have USA hardware or pickups. The Fallout is really cool H/P90 with a coil split for the H
Under 500$?
@@martysparacino6682 yeah
They are roughly $500 though
I’m definitely getting that cutlass after my deployment. I’ve been looking at it for a while.
Harley Benton SC550 ll fabulous guitar for $375 shipped with gigbag,
SS frets, good sounding Tesla pick ups and plays great out of the box; mahogany body, maple top, pau ferro fretboard. Man hard to beat.
Hey come on Darrell 🤷🏻♂️
Ya really surprised there wasn’t anything from Harley Benton on the list.
I got a sc450plus that sells for $200 on the Thoman site. It cost me $275 after taxes and shipping (to US) really hard to beat that price for a guitar with flame maple top, body and neck binding, contour set-in neck joint,
2 volume 2 tone with split coils.
Really great guitars!
@@mattbparrish565 I totally agree; I’ve had many expensive boutique guitars and Gibsons, Fender CS; I think a lot of folks are drinking the cool aid of high priced hype. They are making huge strides in the over seas manufacturing process
@@mattbparrish565 I think Darrell had a not so nice experience with HB in the past. For me... well I'm playing for 8 years now and owned 10 Guitars over that time. 7 were HBs of which I still own 3. I started with a simple HB strat which was great for a beginner, followed by a vintage HB LP which is no longer in their lineup, but the SC 550 is the precedessor if I remember correctly. I also had an HB SG copy, which I didn't like that much, but I don't like SGs at all, so that's why. Next was a Fusion II (Strat Style, 2x Humbucker, FR, SS-Frets, extremly nice finish, no flaws or anything. I play this guitar nearly every day.) Long story short, the HBs never failed to impress me in the bang for your buck category. The ones I kept are the Fusion II, CST-24 (PRS copy) and SC Custom Active (ESP EC 1000 copy). All of those are great instruments.
I also own a Slick SL 50, which is also increadible at that price point a bit over 200 Bucks, unfortunetly it is now nearly 300 Euro. I assume thanks to the pandemic.
The other guitar I play regularly is a Strat which I build myself. I played a lot of 4-figure-priced guitars in the last few years and this thing beats everything. 25 Euros Glarry bought used from ebay, 20-30 hours of work, 350 Euros for the used hardware hand tailored to my needs and a lot of fun in the process. I just wanted to learn a bit more about guitar building and ended up with a perfect guitar for my needs. But to get back to the point: The Harley Bentons between 300 and 500 Bucks are absolutely great guitars with features totally out of their price range.
John Robson seems to be an honest guitar reviewer and has some great pointers on playing. Really appreciate his candor on the guitar manufacturing process; he has an informative video on his UA-cam channel regarding the guitar marketing process.
@@edatkinson322 Yes. Great channel. His Friday Live stream us a good hour spent.
Thanks again Darrell for all your hard work, dedication, education and appreciation for guitarists all over the world. You rock!! Well done.
The gretsch with the p90 in metallic mint plays so well. Sounds amazing. Feels amazing. Highly recommend
I got that Squier for $50 at a local pawn shop. Right now it's fully disassembled in preparation of stripping, sanding and priming. My kids are going to paint it and then I'm going to refinish it. Agreed, its a great guitar.
Eart guitars are good contenders in this category especially the Explorer series. 5 pcs neck roasted with compound radius and stainless steel frets all for $350. I have one and they are fantastic.
Ill check em out
Just bought the J Mascis Jazzmaster & I can’t put it down!!! I went in with the money for an American Tele or another Strat. I tried like 20 different guitars and my favorite neck was on the Squier? Saved $1000 I’m very happy!
For the money..especially for beginners, i wholeheartedly recommended ibanez. Most of even their entry level guitars (GAX30 $160US when i bought it new) for example are fine guitars. They skimp on the hardware quality on lower end models. But not on the fit and finish. And thats fine. Youre not going to get DiMarzios or Fishmans, etc on a sub $200 guitar. Not getting gotoh tuners, etc either. I have several of all price points and love them all.
I wholeheartedly agree with this. I bought a GAX70 for 200 back in 2007 and I still have it and play it often even if I own a few american Fenders, a PRS and a Gibson. Properly made guitars, if anything I'd suggest upgrading the electronics a few years down the line and you're golden.
A great guitar in Australia - made in China is the Artist. Shane’s channel has reviewed them a couple of times. . I have their 335 and it was around 400 Aus $ and - sure it does not have the warmth of a guitar 7 or 8 times the price but it has a hell of a lot going for it, and certainly does not sound cheap. They also do a gold top with p90s which makes my mouth water, but having picked up a Tokai addiction I am hanging out for one of them if it won’t break the bank.
I checked out a few cheap Ibanez models when starting out - they definitely looked and felt really good. My only criticism is that they sounded a little "generic", even to my untrained ear.
@@peterklein5861 they definitely are a little cheap sounding. But its tolerable without having to upgrade pups. I think a little EQ shaping might improve them a bit. They do seem to be kinda flat.
My Ibanez RG was my least played guitar, so I gave it to my Neighbors Son as he really loved the Wine Quilt top and the Shark Tooth inlays. For me, the body is too "Blocky" and while I love the thin fast neck, the body is nowhere near as comfortable as my American Strat with all it's "Comfort Cuts", so I have no plans to buy any other Ibanez in the future. I'm not knocking lower end Guitars as my favorite guitar for the past few months has been a Semi Hollow Tele with P90's from Harley Benton... Nice feel and great P90 tone. The only pickups I don't have are Filtertrons and that's about to change as I ordered Blackface Filtertrons that are going into a double bound, cherry burst Tele by Jay Turser, that I picked up for $150 used. While there's nothing wrong with the Guitar, I didn't want to add another Guitar to my 21 Guitar collection. It's weird, I have some nice guitars (Gibson, Fender, Schecter and a Boutique Tele) but enjoy some of my entry levels guitars even more lol
I would love to see you review the LTD ec-256. I think its a great little guitar, runs around $450 and sounds great
EC-256 Comes with dual humbuckers and coil split……hands down favorite guitar for under $500
@@BrandonTheBoyWonder same here i definitely love my 256, thinking about getting a 257.
I have the Dark Brown Sunburst and it rocks. My only issues have been the basic LTD tuners, which I'm going to replace soon anyways. Same goes to pickups. They aren't bad by any means, but not amazing either.
I’ve got 3 from different years lol. They are all a little different. My favorite is the vintage road worn. There’s no gloss finish so the neck feels awesome
@@BrandonTheBoyWonder That is awesome! From what year?
I have a Yamaha Pacifica 212 and it's been a great beginner guitar. Really comfortable to play and it's hss with a coil split , so paired with my Boss Katana Mk II i have unlimited range. And i bought the guitar+amp for exactly 500€ so it was great deal.
do you still think it's good?
Hi Darrell, just wanted to thank you for your videos - they have shown me that you do not need to be mega rich or mega talented to learn the guitar, just passion and will. Thank you and bless you!
I literally want one of all of those now
😂😂😂
Literally just got that first ibanez recently, it's really awesome I love it. can't stop dive bombing, my neighbors love it, they keep banging the wall to crank it up!
Darrel, the new Epiphone Special and Junior guitars are an outstanding choice for P90 guitars.
I bought an Ibanez RG470DX two years ago, it was $400. I love this guitar, it has the HSH pickup configuration, it’s got 25 jumbo frets, a locking tremolo and has a great design and finish. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed playing this guitar.
Stay cool 😎 and…
\m/ Stay Metal \m/
I got same thing a year ago, it took a while to grow on me, but at this point, really loving mine more all the time.
Who else was expecting the Yamaha Pacifica for best value?
Me. Just picked up the 612. The 212 looks good for this price point
My first electric was a Pacific PAC012 tele. I was 11 at the time and 26 years later, the only part that’s not original are the Made in Germany Schaller strap locks, but even those are 24 years old. I adjusted the truss on it for the first time six months ago and it’s still an excellent guitar. It was 400 in 1995, and I would never give it up. It’s an amazing guitar and they’ve gotta be the most underrated guitar ever made.
Sweetwater has them at around 600 dollars. Maybe this why it wasn't on the under 500 list? But of course everything is inflated right now.
I was. My nephew got one. Great value.
I bought the Sterling Cutlass SSS after seeing you video and I'm SO HAPPY I did!!! Incredible value for what you get!!!!!! If I could get an HSS with a rosewood fretboard I'd be all over it!!!!! If you are thinking of getting one, just do it!!!
I love that your very realistic about the amount of money guitars are worth
Have you tried a Wolf WLP750? Les Paul style.
ALL In One Guitars is the brand. Out of Los Angeles.
$450 or $495 with a gard case.
I have the dark cherry burst. Very solid, well built, beautiful looking. Plays very well and sounds like a Gibson LP.
They set up the guitar in their shop prior to shipping to the buyer.
A substantial instrument.
I agree - bot one and was pleased all around - very fine guitars and service !!!
Was looking at getting one of those Sterling guitars after seeing your review and almost did. Until I looked at used guitars. I ended up getting a used 1991 Ibanez RG570 for $550 online through GC. I think it had sat in the case for over 20 years as it had EMG pickups in it and the battery expired in March of 1996 and corroded off the battery clip. easy replacement. Took it apart cleaned and polished it and it almost looked new. best guitar I have now.
I wish any of these would have been available 40 years ago when I was first learning to play guitar. I'm glad they are now though , because price won't keep anyone from picking up this great instrument and having a lifetime of fun and enjoyment . Thanks Darrell as always , I love these videos.
Harley Benton Amarok: Neck through, ebony fretboard, 5 piece maple-mahogany neck (modern slim-C), mahogany body/wings, 24 stainless jumbo frets, glow-in-the-dark side markers, EMG RetroActive pickups, Grover locking tuners, GraphTech TUSQ nut, dual-action truss rod, HipShot style string-through bridge, quilt/flame arch top, matching reverse headstock, Alpha full-size pots, shielded cavities, black hardware, etc. $495 (or $395 for a “B-Stock”). Untouchable!🎸👍
Yamaha makes some really quality guitars under $500. Several Pacificas, for example. I have the 311 with the bridge humbucker and neck P90. It’s pretty sweet. Very nice matte finish neck. $399. Of course, I don’t play it much since I got my Classic Vibe 60s Strat in Lake Placid Blue. That thing is amazing and definitely deserves its place on your list.
Same, can confirm, love my 311!
Man, you should tr y the Yamaha Revstar 420! Easily a guitar that will cost 1000 bucks if it was an LP or a Fender. Such a high quality instrument!
@@konstantingeorgiev7521 I wanted to buy it but it was prohibitively expensive compared to the 311
I have the Pacifica 212 and I am very happy with it so far... I have to say I'm starting my electric guitar journey, so I am not that experienced to compare with other guitars
Agree completely. Ibanez, Classic Vibe and Epiphone Paul. (The the Junior as well). All great guitars at a reasonable price.
IMO the sterling cutlass might have been a better choice than the strat or gretsch. It's more versatile and has locking tuners, roasted maple necks, and easy truss rod adjustment acess. One of the best "budget" guitars for sure.
I have the music man cutlass hss it is by far the best guitar I own and have ever played can't say enough good things about music man
I don't think it has stainless frets.
You'd be surprised how versatile the gretsch streamliners are ! Broadtron pickups are really great, fit and finish is great, I don't need anything else :D (Darrel got it wrong - these don't have filtertrons so they're not as chimey and bright, they're basically traditional humbuckers)
@@gavinw5469 oh yeah, you’re right. I meant to say locking tuners 😅
@@SidGogi it's all right!
Eart is killing with it's stainless steel Frets and Saint Louis design pickups, some really wow I can't believe it guitars. Great videos Darrell, love your opinions.
I agree!
Great content that’s informative as well. Plus your enthusiasm always shines through.
I got a Raven West tele and it’s absolutely incredible! It was given to me but I think they are under $500. Incredible finish ( flame top, through neck, binding) I have no idea how they make these this cheap
Thank you for another great video. Love to hear about your choices and then hear you play.
My choice under $500 has to be the Epiphone 339 pro. The specs, the size, the weight, and most of all the tone of the stock pickups and the come with coil splitting. I would love to hear you play one some day.
Best value under $500 is definitely G&L. A bunch of models and great stuff at that price.
I’ve still got my rg from 2006, I still love it. It was $400 I think. There weren’t as many colors back then. I think Ibanez gives you a lot for the price.
Great video Darrel… can you do a video about eq pedals?? How to use them and which ones are the best for example the boss 7 band eq. Lots of people don’t understand how powerful a tool they can be!
My collection not that anyone asked: Yamaha acoustic (great for the money). Fender Strat AmPro II (wanted an official guitar). Epi LP (my personal fave, had it for 15 years, love it), a Squier Strat that started it all, from Costco about 20 years ago. And my little metal devil: the BC Rich Warlock. Most of these (minus the AmPro) are sub 500 and I love them to death, especially my Epi! Its the guitar that REALLY got me into guitar. Great video!
Cort guitars are a wonderful value; then again, they're the oem for the pair of Ibanez mentioned
I picked up a Cort Action PJ bass. It is beautiful & easy to play.
I mostly agree, but I think the cv tele also has a lot going for it as well ngl. I daily one with some mods, including Seymour Duncan pickups, bronze saddle, and bone nut, and dare i say, it's almost perfect
I have that Gretsch with the P90, and it’s soooo good! The selector switch could use a little contact cleaner, but incredible besides that.
Same man. Darrell helped me understand what to look for in equipment. Guitar is so much fun!
Washburn make some incredible budget guitars with DiMarzio PU’s, many around the $500 mark, and DBZ make some nice budget guitars also.
They're called Solar now.
I thought washburn didn't make electric guitars anymore.
Great choice of guitars ….I have most of the guitars you review ….squire 60 s … Epiphone studio ….s heater demon ….Ibanez art 500 ….vintage ( English model ) superstrat ….all great guitars …but what you have in the USA for $ 500 would be around $ 800 to $ 1000 Australian …..etc ….love you reviews….honest and straight to the point ….
Would've liked to see some love given to Jackson. They got some pretty decent budget guitars and has a nice variety as well.
Agreed, i just got a new JS22 in blue, awesome.
@@mikehurley5052 , congrats man. Looks like a pretty sweet guitar.
Since I was feeling adventurous, I went with the JS32 DKA in Natural Oil. For the money, amazing guitar.
You might wanna look at changing the pickups in the long-run though. Stocks are fine but I always felt them a bit lacking.
@@prohunter717 I was impressed with the fit and finish on it, bound neck, perfect paint, agree about the pickups, but cheap guitar, neck is awesome. I love natural finishes too, i have a Pacifica 112 VFM in natural finish with coil split and Alnico 5 pickups.
Thanks Darrell, your vids are always so upbeat and interesting. I would love to see you playing your iconic intro riff in full! (Request!)
Harley benton by thomann has the fusion III cost 399 and has a Floyd 1000 and a roasted neck. Check these guitars out they are amazing
I have an HB fusion with maple neck and floyd rose that was about $279. Grover tuners, Mahogany body, coil splits, Alnico II Pups and SS frets. I've had it about 2 years and still have changed or repaired nothing. Things like a roasted neck and locking tuners come on the newer Fusion IIs still well under 500. Love the Sterling and of course the Ibanez but HB deserves at least and honorable mention.
I genuinely look forward to every video you make man. Highly quality stuff without going overboard or getting off on crazy tangents. 😂 though those can be entertaining too
Thanks MC 😊
@@DarrellBraunGuitar Hey Darrell, what year model is your epi lp standard?
Id like to see you check out a sawtooth mt24 with the original floyd rose. I picked one up new for 275 bucks (Black Friday..they sold them all), and the amount of stuff slapped on to a good (but very vanilla) body/neck seems to be punching above its weight...for the price. The thing about it is that while i put a lot of thought into specs prior to the purchase, im so new to guitars that i cannot ascertain or appreciate what i have or where to take it when i get better. Sawtooth appears to have been a junky brand that has been steered to more thoughtful, robust designs over the past few years. For me, i was anticipating a Squire Contemporary Strat purchase around 400 bucks and think i came out with the Sawtooth MT24 for almost a third under budget. It would be neat to see someone besides GuitarMax give them a thoughtful review. Might be an eye opener at the price point or near 400 bucks, OR it might turn out to be a stinker. This channel does thoughtful reviews and gets all the important points covered. Parting shot: i think the Floyd model might be one of their "get them in the door" units for the company to build brand appreciation when they run sales events.
I really like this series of best guitars. Thank you.
I think the Ibanez azes40 should make the list at least for versatility (only guitar with 9 pickup config under $500.) and sounds quite good, i would like your opinion on this guitar. Thank you for your good reviews
i’m hyped to watch this video!
Honestly, if you have the choice between an RG and an S series and you don't think the RG is uncomfortable, imo that beats out the S series on base of tone. I remember shooting out my RG to a similarly priced S with the same pickups and the RG just sounded fuller, more well rounded. (But hey, dead wood don't affect the tone amirite?)
Whenever I watch videos like this, it always inspires me to play and buy some New guitars. Awesome choices as always Darrell.👍 Anyway I just want to chime in with regards to the best value guitar. It's the ever amazing value "Chibson" Les Paul. Players who don't want to be named swear by the craftmanship and most of all value for money.😂 For just $250, you can own a Lemon Burst 1959 Les Paul who plays like a dream and surprisingly stays in tune. Chibson FTW! 😂😂😂
Am from Ghana 🇬🇭..how do I get so to buy
Always nice to see you in action! I bought myself a Harley Benton ST59, the Hank Marwin reiease. Half the price of a Squier Affinity but I think its just as good.
Kluson style tuners, medium jumbo frets, Daddario strings, no sharp fret ends and pickups that in my opinion are better than the pickups in Squier Affinity.
Have a classic vibe jazzmaster and a thinline tele. great guitars. G & L has some amazing guitars in that same price range and kind of out of the blue, slick guitars are great. if they would do a slick guitar that wasn't relic'd i would buy it in a heartbeat
My thoughts exactly! I'd buy a Slick SL57 if they'd do a non-aged line of them.
Went and bought a Cutlass CT30 HSS 10mins after watching this video. Can’t wait for it to come in. I’ll let y’all know if it arrived in good quality
It arrived in good quality and is absolutely phenomenal, does everything i want it to do and with excellence at that
The G&L ASAT classic has unbelievable value. The MFD Bridge pickup is the best pickup I've played on! The necks are great!
AIO W-400 (formerly Wolf Guitars) made in Vietnam, sold from All in One in L.A. Gator hard shell case and pro set up to your specs included, free shipping. PRS style guitar, ebony fingerboard, mahogany body, twin humbuckers, tremolo bar, Grover tuners. $469.00. Love playing it.
The Music Man Sterling Cutlass HSS is the only one of the guitars you have mentioned in this video that I would put my hard-earned $$$$ down for!!! I was really disappointed in this video until I saw you rate it as the best Bang for the Buck under $ 500.00. But, everyone has their own personal preferences, and that is why there are so many guitar manufacturers and choices. Having said all that? To each his own. I hope you find your perfect guitar to match your own personal preferences!!! That's why Darrell does this videos...I think, anyway. If I'm wrong? It won't be the first time. And...After over 70 years on this planet? I'm 100% positive it won't be the last!!!
I wasn't expecting much when you picked up that Squire. Holy cow, it sounded Just like Jerry's 'Alligator ' Stratocaster. I got chills. I went back and listened four or five times with my eyes closed to see if I was crazy but nope it really did sound as good as a Fender Stratocaster unless of course Garcia was messing with me.
Keep in mind he (and other professional guitar demo channels are playing through expensive amps and other signal processors that significantly enhance the sound. Almost never is it just guitar/ amp/mic. It's also going through a DAW and mixed so the sound levels/ quality remain consistent whether he's talking or playing. Having said that the guitar does still probably sound fine. But just keep the other factors in mind especially if you're not trying out a guitar in a store and ordering it online based on a demo.
Would have loved to see a semi-hollow in there.
My top 5:
1. Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster
2. Ibanez S Series
3. Epiphone SG Standard
4, Squier Bullet Mustang
5. Hartwood Revival Hollowbody
Darrell, when you do a guitar review, can you always mention whether it is available in a left-handed version? Thanks
1000x yes!
Yes, and yes please.
Thank you for sharing!
Curious… Did you have the Evertune bridge installed on the Gretsch?
True
You mention Samick elsewhere. I'd say, at the lower price range, Greg Bennett Ultramatic and Avion are superb bets too. Another option: Second hand Korean guitar of "any brand" + some set up. Career guitars are nice.
Yes!!! I have 4 samick greg bennett and 2 are avion 7!!!
Darrell can't stop laughing when he talks about gretsch with evertune bridge that is more expensive than a guitar!
Thanks for pointing this out. I searched for that guitar and it lists for $799.00.
i was going to say... that's not that guitar. but i guess he was going to mention the evertune-less guitar but he did not want to get one just for this video...
So, for me here in Europe, the Cutlass CT50 is around 800$, which is the one that is more my vibe. I really think the Sire Larry Carlton S7 deserves a spot on this list as well. Great video mate!
Meh, you missed Schecter. They make the best budget guitars. I still have mine 13 years later and still have it. I also have a $2k Strat. The schecter will always be a part of the family.
Just got the cutlass hss. It is wonderful. It didn't come set up at all from GC but it is already a winner.
Saludos desde Mexico!🇲🇽
I have 5 Ibanez, the 2013 S420, 2012 S570DXQM, the 1986 RG450, 1989 RG565R and the 2011 XH300. All are great guitars, I do not know their MSRP new, but have bought them all for 250 to 450 dollars used each in excellent to like new condition.
They all are double locking full floating Edge trems of various type (from Original Edge to Edge Zeros) except for the hardtailed XH300. The S420 and the XH300 are HH. The S570 & RG450 are HSH. The RG565R is an interesting HS configuration.
They're all rosewood/maple necks, except for the XH300 which has rosewood/mahogany neck. The S-series and the XH300 features mahogany bodies, with the S570 also having quilted maple veneer top. The RGs OTOH has basswood bodies.
Each Ibby brings something unique to the tonal palette so I'm well satisfied with each one.
Squiers are another favorites in my collection. I have 5. They range from the simple and cheap
I had never heard of the Cutlass. I thought all the Sterlings were high end/high dollar. Looked and sounded great. I will definitely look into them. Thanks for the heads up!
I picked up a Gretsch G2215 w/P90 for $289 at my local GC. Spent $60 on a setup and this thing sounds amazing!
70’s concerts have rendered me near deaf...my Squire Jim Root Tele sounds awesome. Does it sound awesome or are my aging ears just saving me a bundle on gear?
Yeah, now days ALL guitars have a ringing quality to me. Back then, I used to find a seat on the lead guitar players side, right in front of the stadium PA.
Darrell, I just bought a new Fender Squire Contemporary Stratocaster HT in sunset metallic. I think you will have to add this to your list. I got it for $199.99 from ProAudioStar. This thing looks fantastic and sounds amazing on all settings of the pickup switch. Roasted maple neck, classic headstock with chrome over black lettering. Highly polished frets, laurel fretboard that looks like rosewood. Contoured body with sunset finish on back also. Lighter than average (poplar), but feels solid. Tuners work as well as any I've felt in this price range ($439 MSRP). I love it
No fair showing a 299 Gretch with an Evertune and not even adding the caveat of that guitar as shown is $800.
Exactly. That bridge costs more than the rest of the guitar
I bought a 2021 Squier Classic Vibe Mustang Bass, and It's the best bass I've owned in 50 years of playing. Absolutely phenomenal quality and craftsmanship.
Guitars under 300 dollars
Prolly just save money at that point
Save more money sheesh
Squier affinity hardtails, or Ibanez hardtails. Trems under around $450 are kinda bad.
Do you really want a video about yamaha pacifica and harley benton? (And maybe squier, bc fender has to be mentioned in every guitar video for some reason...)
Guitar center used section
My Favourite Modest Priced Guitars:
Epiphone Les Paul ES Pro
Squier Standard Stratocaster
Squier CV Thinline Telecaster
Ibanez AZES40*
*Looking forward to this one, my first Ibanez when it arrives this week. Hopefully a sign of good things to come 👍.
The price in my country is just too high. The RG costs $200 more here. Guess I will stick with my yamaha Pacifica for life.
You can get locking tuners, graphtech nut, stainless steel freets, roasted maple neck and even headless guitars for less than 400€ from Harley Benton
Under $50 next time
The best inflatable/cardboard guitars!! 😂😂😂
@@DarrellBraunGuitar The Hello Kitty acoustic kid guitar takes the top spot in my opinion.
@@papajaa7387 never understood why didn't make a My Melody one, considering that's the "music character" of that franchise. Meh, brand recognition always wins.