Electric guitars for beginners usually cost between $100 and $400. The exact price will depend on the model, brand and quality of the guitar. Higher-end models may go up to around $1,000, although this is not necessary for a beginner player. It’s important to note that accessories such as an amplifier and guitar strings are also needed, which can add another few hundred dollars onto the total cost of setting up with a new electric guitar.
Contents:
- Factors that affect the cost of an electric guitar
- Quality of materials and workmanship
- Brand popularity and reputation
- Additional features and accessories
- Market demand and availability
- Type and style of electric guitar
- Average prices for beginner electric guitars
- Basic entry-level models for under $200
- Mid-range options between $200-$500
- High-end beginner guitars over $500
- Tips on finding affordable beginner electric guitars
- Consider buying used or refurbished instruments
- Look for sales, discounts, or clearance deals
- Check out online marketplaces and auctions
- Research lesser-known brands with good reviews
- Ask experienced musicians or music stores for recommendations
Factors that affect the cost of an electric guitar
Aspiring guitarists have a wide variety of electric guitars to choose from. Depending on the needs and budget, there are options that range in price from very affordable to exorbitantly expensive. Though there are many factors that affect the cost of an electric guitar, one key determinant is its build quality. Cheap guitars often employ low-quality parts and construction techniques, while higher-priced instruments boast superior materials and craftsmanship.
Another factor affecting the cost of an electric guitar is its type of hardware. For instance, some models come with pickups made by renowned brands like EMG or Seymour Duncan; these can significantly increase the total expense compared to models with generic pickups. Similarly, cheaper guitars may feature basic tone knobs whereas more expensive models will have more sophisticated circuit boards for improved sound sculpting capabilities.
Certain features can also impact the price of an electric guitar; tremolo bridges and locking nuts enable advanced playing styles but come at a premium price tag as well as installation costs if not included out of box. Other added accessories like hardshell cases or built-in tuners may also raise the overall cost yet provide extra protection and convenience respectively.
Quality of materials and workmanship
When it comes to investing in an electric guitar, beginner or otherwise, one of the most important considerations is the quality of materials and workmanship that goes into making the instrument. It’s easy to find a budget-friendly option, but lower-cost instruments may use cheap wood and other low-grade components. This can affect sound quality and playability, ultimately leading to frustration with your instrument. Fortunately, there are plenty of mid-range electric guitars available at affordable prices that offer great sound, exceptional playability and durability.
These mid-range electric guitars typically range in price from $500-$800 USD depending on brand name and features offered. Generally speaking you’ll get higher grade woods such as ash or alder for the body construction which will help enhance resonance and tone. The fretboards may be constructed out of rosewood or ebony which give greater sustain when playing chords while also offering greater comfort due to smoother textures than cheaper models made from maple or poplar wood.
Pickups used in these intermediate level guitars vary greatly; some will use passive single coil pickups similar to those found in vintage Stratocasters while others might have active pickups with more power for achieving higher gain tones often associated with hard rock and metal music styles. Manufacturers often add built-in tuners as well as two band equalization circuits for better control over various frequencies generated by their guitars’ pickups so you can dial in a wide variety of sounds both live onstage and in the studio setting easily.
Brand popularity and reputation
When it comes to selecting an electric guitar for beginners, brand popularity and reputation is an important factor to consider. Many popular guitar brands are well-known for their quality of craftsmanship and sound production. Fender, Gibson, Ibanez, Yamaha and Epiphone are some of the most recognized names in the industry. Each manufacturer offers a variety of models that come with different features like tone control knobs or built-in effects processors.
The pricing for entry level guitars varies from company to company; however budget-friendly instruments can be found from all these manufacturers. Depending on your playing style you may also want to look into semi-hollow body guitars which offer a different tonal range compared to solid body guitars. Other considerations include whether you prefer single coil pickups or humbuckers as each type produces a unique sound.
No matter what model you decide on, there are several factors that need to be taken into consideration such as build quality, string action height, neck shape profile and pickup selection before deciding on which electric guitar is right for you. Investing in the right instrument should not only make learning enjoyable but ensure longevity in terms of playability and reliability over time.
Additional features and accessories
Electric guitars for beginners come with a variety of features, as well as accessories that can be purchased separately. Depending on the player’s needs, extra pickups and bridges are available to customize the instrument. As is the case with any guitar, strings come in various gauges depending on the tone desired by the musician. These range from light to heavy and will affect how much force is needed to press down on each string.
There are several tools one can buy for electric guitar maintenance or repair purposes. For instance, a fret board cleaning cloth comes in handy for getting rid of dirt and other debris stuck between frets without damaging the surface. Guitar tuners may also be purchased to ensure all strings are always kept in tune, particularly if they’re prone to detuning quickly due to heavy usage.
To maximize sound quality while practicing or playing live, some musicians prefer amplifiers specifically designed for their instrument and genre preference instead of utilizing general purpose amps which may not be optimal for a specific type of music production. The cost of these pieces varies greatly according to size and power output but offers improved clarity when used correctly during performance and recording sessions alike.
Market demand and availability
Guitarists have always had to consider their budgets when it comes to purchasing musical instruments. Thankfully, electric guitars are no different. Many guitar brands have realized the demand for beginner-level electric guitars and now offer models that can fit into most budgets.
The best place to start looking for an electric guitar is online stores or local music shops. Although you may be able to find cheaper second-hand models in pawnshops, these are generally of a lower quality than what you will find at a dedicated guitar store. Moreover, these stores can provide valuable advice on what kind of electric guitar would suit your needs and budget best.
Prices vary greatly depending on the make and model, but most standard starter kits cost between $200-$500 USD new. Basic student models tend to be around this price range while more advanced beginner guitars can cost upwards of $1000 USD if they include add-ons like built-in effects or amplifiers. So when deciding on an electric guitar for beginners, it pays off to do some research beforehand so you know what type of instrument suits your style and budget the most.
Type and style of electric guitar
When selecting an electric guitar for beginners, type and style are two important considerations. For starters, there are three main categories of guitars – acoustic-electric, hollow body, and solid body. Each style has its own unique sound that lends itself to different genres of music.
Acoustic-electric guitars have a classic tone but with the added benefit of pickups built into the instrument. This makes them ideal for playing live or on stage since they don’t require an amplifier to be heard. Acoustic-electrics come in many shapes and sizes so they can fit any budget or desired look.
Hollow body guitars are often associated with jazz music due their full bodied tone which is perfect for complex chord progressions. They tend to be heavier than other styles of electric guitar due to their larger bodies and necks which is why some players may find them difficult to play if they’re just starting out. Despite this however, hollow body instruments make up a large portion of what’s available in terms of new beginner electric guitars because of their affordability and classic looks.
Solid body electric guitars are the most commonly seen type of guitar as they’ve been around since the 1950s and are used in almost all types of popular music from country to metal. Their distinct sound comes from single coil pickups which create a twangy tone that can cut through even a thick mix when you need it too. Solid bodies also tend to be much lighter than other types making them easy to hold during long practice sessions or gigs!
Average prices for beginner electric guitars
Buying an electric guitar is a major investment for any beginner, and one of the most important factors to consider when making the purchase is how much it costs. It can be difficult to determine exactly how much a beginner electric guitar will cost, as prices vary greatly depending on the brand, model, quality of craftsmanship and more. However, there are some general ranges that provide insight into what you can expect to spend.
An entry-level beginner electric guitar typically starts at around $100 – $200 USD. These guitars usually come with all of the necessary accessories like a strap and amplifier, but they tend to have low-quality construction materials and electronics which affect sound quality significantly. If you want something slightly better in terms of both build quality and sound clarity without spending too much money, then you should look for instruments between $250-$500 USD range. These will feature higher-grade woods like maple or rosewood on their bodies and necks along with better pickups which help improve your tone dramatically.
For those who don’t mind spending more money on their instrument, there are professional grade guitars available from respected brands starting from around $500 – $800 USD mark. While these models may not feature flashy hardware or fancy finishes like some other high-end guitars do, they offer superior performance with optimal playability right out of the box – perfect for experienced players looking for a reliable workhorse instrument that will last them years.
Basic entry-level models for under $200
Affordable electric guitars for beginners don’t need to break the bank. Entry-level models can be purchased for under $200 and still provide a quality sound, decent durability, and respectable looks. While it won’t necessarily turn heads in a crowd or carry the name recognition of more expensive brands, an electric guitar at this price point will give aspiring musicians everything they need to begin their journey.
The Yamaha Pacifica Series PAC012 is one such model that provides a great balance between price and performance. This particular guitar has two single coil pickups as well as a humbucker pickup which allows users to play rock, blues, funk or jazz depending on what sound they are going for. It also has a 5-position selector switch so that players can experiment with different sounds and tones. The body is made out of lightweight agathis wood giving it both aesthetic appeal as well as improved resonance over traditional basswood materials commonly used in low budget guitars.
For those looking for something even less expensive than the Yamaha Pacifica Series PAC012 there are plenty of cheap beginner electric guitars available online from manufacturers like Squier by Fender or Epiphone by Gibson. These companies have been around for years and have perfected the entry-level guitar design meaning that players don’t need to spend too much money yet still get dependable hardware at an affordable price point. Whether you’re just starting out or playing your first gig, these basic models should get you going without putting too big of dent in your wallet.
Mid-range options between $200-$500
The electric guitar is one of the most popular instruments in music today. With its vibrant sound and relatively low cost to begin playing, it has become a favorite among aspiring musicians. For those looking to purchase an electric guitar on a budget, there are many mid-range options that range between $200-$500 dollars. These guitars offer the perfect blend of quality and affordability for beginner players who are just starting out.
One example of a great mid-priced electric guitar is the Fender Player Series Stratocaster HSS Electric Guitar. It comes equipped with two single-coil pickups and one humbucker pickup for plenty of tonal variety when playing different styles of music. Its maple neck gives it an excellent feel and smooth playability right out of the box; no need to adjust truss rods or other settings here. Its aesthetic also stands out: made with classic “tortoise shell” pick guards and stylish 3 color sunburst finish, this instrument looks as good as it sounds.
For those who want something less traditional looking than a stratocaster, they can always go with the Gibson Les Paul Tribute Electric Guitar instead. This beauty features all mahogany construction for fullness in every note played plus two hot open coil humbuckers that deliver crunchy rhythm tones as well as cutting lead sounds through any amp setup you have at home or onstage. All these features come without sacrificing any modern touches like chrome hardware for extended durability and easy maintenance over time too.
High-end beginner guitars over $500
For those who are willing to invest more money in their electric guitar, there are some great options that don’t necessarily have to break the bank. High-end beginner guitars over $500 offer an excellent option for those looking to upgrade their sound and make a statement with their instrument.
These guitars feature more advanced construction techniques, higher quality components, and often custom finishes. Some models feature proprietary pickups that really help bring out unique tones that can be difficult to achieve on lower cost guitars. They tend to come equipped with better hardware such as tuning machines and bridges which provide improved performance from the first time you plug in your guitar up until years down the line.
Most importantly, these high-end electric guitars offer incredible craftsmanship; these instruments may not only look like works of art but also play like one as well. By investing in a slightly pricier beginner guitar you will be able to enjoy playing for many years and truly find yourself immersed into its soundscape every time you pick it up – something cheaper models simply cannot provide.
Tips on finding affordable beginner electric guitars
Beginning guitarists are often overwhelmed by the number of available options when it comes to purchasing an instrument. With so many brands, models, and price points out there, where do you start? Fortunately, even if you’re on a tight budget there are plenty of ways to get your hands on a quality electric guitar without breaking the bank.
First off, don’t think that just because you want to save money that you have to sacrifice sound quality or craftsmanship. Many companies make great-sounding guitars at very reasonable prices – all it takes is a bit of research and patience. Shop around for deals online or used in stores; often times dealers will offer lower prices for those who ask nicely. It’s also helpful to keep tabs on the sale pages for favorite brands as discounts can come up unexpectedly.
Consider local outlets such as music shops or private sellers who may be looking to unload gear at bargain basement prices; individuals tend to be more willing than big box stores when it comes to haggling over costs. Taking these tips into account should leave you with enough cash left over in your pocketbook while still getting an awesome beginner electric guitar.
Consider buying used or refurbished instruments
For budget-conscious beginners looking to start playing the electric guitar, buying used or refurbished instruments can be a great way to save money while still getting quality gear. A gently used guitar will often offer comparable sound and playability to a brand new instrument, but at a fraction of the cost. Finding second-hand guitars is typically easier than shopping for something fresh out of the box – simply hop on Craigslist or eBay and you’ll likely find plenty of options in your area.
Purchasing a second-hand electric guitar comes with certain risks though; even if it looks good online, it could have unseen flaws that wouldn’t be apparent until you actually have it in hand. To reduce potential problems, search for established sellers with reviews from other buyers who can vouch for their products. It also helps to pay attention to details such as wear around the bridge, loose wires or broken components when inspecting any used item before making a purchase.
Another option would be purchasing refurnbished items through reputable stores like Guitar Center or Sweetwater Music. Refurbished items are typically returned goods that were examined by professionals prior to being resold again at reduced prices, so they come with added assurance compared to buying off an individual seller. Though some products may not come with warranties (or just limited ones), they should all still be checked thoroughly before taking them home.
Look for sales, discounts, or clearance deals
In addition to researching prices for electric guitars, beginning guitarists should also keep an eye out for any sales, discounts or clearance deals that may be available. Many stores and websites periodically put their instruments on sale as part of seasonal promotions or to clear old stock. It is often possible to find discounts online through retailers like Amazon which can bring the cost of a new electric guitar down significantly. Some manufacturers offer incentive programs in which consumers are offered substantial discounts when purchasing a guitar directly from them.
Most musicians have little spare money when starting out so seeking out these special offers makes sense for those looking for value for money. A great way to ensure you don’t miss any deals is by signing up to mailing lists from your favorite music retailers or manufacturers and keeping an eye on social media sites like Twitter and Facebook where many companies post details about upcoming promotions. It’s worth doing some research online before heading into a shop too as not all shops will advertise their current specials outside the store itself.
In order to make sure you get the best deal possible always remember to compare prices across different vendors; look at reviews if buying online; check return policies; ask questions about warranties and service options if applicable; and always remember that patience pays off. With careful shopping it is possible to find high quality electric guitars at beginner-friendly prices.
Check out online marketplaces and auctions
In the market for an electric guitar, but not sure where to start? Look no further than online marketplaces and auctions. If you’re on a budget, this is definitely the route for you. Whether it be second-hand or brand new models, there is something out there to fit your needs without breaking the bank.
By browsing these websites, you can find different models of guitars with varying features and prices. This will help give you an idea of what type of instrument would work best for your situation and experience level before deciding which one to purchase. You might even come across some rare gems that are hard to find in stores. Some instruments may even include additional accessories such as strings, straps and picks that normally need to be purchased separately at music stores.
A great thing about buying from online marketplaces is being able to read reviews from other customers who have already purchased the product – so you know exactly what you’re getting into before making a final decision. These reviews provide detailed information about how well (or poorly) certain guitars perform so that buyers can make informed decisions when choosing their desired model.
Research lesser-known brands with good reviews
For aspiring guitarists on a budget, research is key. When it comes to purchasing an electric guitar, digging deeper than well-known brands may yield better results. If a consumer has limited funds but still wants quality sound and craftsmanship, they should consider researching lesser-known brands with good reviews. Many of these companies offer higher quality at lower prices due to their smaller scope of production.
These days many retailers have online stores that allow for comparison shopping before making a purchase decision. In order to make the best decision possible, users should take advantage of customer ratings and feedback for each model being considered. It can be time consuming but most websites have forums where experienced players discuss their preferences among different guitars and amplifiers from different price points as well as from various manufacturers.
It’s also beneficial to compare instruments side by side in person at music stores or even online through video reviews prior to committing to a purchase. This way potential buyers can get insight into the feel of the instrument they are thinking about buying such as weight balance, neck shape and fretboard size or texture so they can determine if it fits their needs without breaking the bank.
Ask experienced musicians or music stores for recommendations
It is important for a beginner to research the cost of an electric guitar before making any purchasing decisions. One way to start researching what kind of electric guitar and how much it might cost is by asking experienced musicians or music stores for recommendations. Experienced musicians have likely gone through the process of selecting their own guitar and can provide firsthand advice on which instruments are worth investing in, and at what price points. They can provide insights into available brands that are not as well known but may still offer good quality guitars at reasonable prices.
For those looking for more guidance than just one musician’s opinion, many music stores specialize in selling guitars to beginners and will be able to provide detailed information on all types of guitars from different brands within various price ranges. Music store staff can answer questions about different makes and models of electric guitar so that you can find the best fit for your individual playing style, sound preference, budget and other factors. They often know about special deals or discounts on certain products that may help lower costs even further.
If going into a store is not feasible due to time constraints or geographic distance, many online stores now carry full inventories including beginner-level electric guitars with helpful product descriptions along with reviews from previous buyers who have already used them in real life situations. This type of feedback provides invaluable insight into how certain models perform while also allowing potential buyers to see what kinds of prices they should expect when searching around online retailers.
Leave a Reply