What's a good guitar for $400 or less?

[abakerdabra]

Trying to stay in the range of $400-450 or less, either new or used in this price range.

So far have been keeping my eyes peeled for a nice Peavey T-60. Any other suggestions?

Hopefully one that looks and plays great. Thanks!

[RichieRich]

used highway 1 fenders

[Apartment 11]

The Laguna LE is nice. I'm thinking about getting one myself.

[codyj84]

used highway 1 fenders

was gonna suggest the exact same..... thats the way to go..

if thats not your flavor... i had a schecters-1 elite that was absolutely KILLER! had coil tapping abilities and the neck was really nice....

[daddyo]

Ibanez Artcore.

[Zhurh]

Lots of used Amer Teles out there for that. I have a 97 calif, $300; sounds better than 1800 dollar custom teles.

[atquinn]

What sort of guitar are you looking for? I have a Hamer Diablo that I got used for $400 and it's a great shredder. I've played some Godins in the past and they were all nice as well (not sure if you could get any of their models for $400 or less used nowadays though).

-Austin

[abakerdabra]

I have a tele so probably something different.

Was thinking maybe a Gibson, SG, or Strat style guitar in that price range... Or maybe something used (or less common) that I have not heard of.

[candid_x]

A used Music Man Sub 1 - around $400-450

A new Squire Classic Vibe Tele - $300 shipped

[Will Chen]

So so many options.

On an ultimate budget look at SX(RondoMusic.com), Xaviere (GuitarFetish.com), Lace (Huntington model), or Jay Turser (Strat or Tele Clones).

Slightly more expensive you might try Agile (RondoMusic.com), Michael Kelly (been really wanting to get my hands on a Valor X), Lace Cybercaster, or Squier Vintage Modified.

[musicman1]

Parker PM10 or used PM20.

[PerfectStranger]

Wow! There are literally dozens and dozens of guitars in that price range. Can you narrow it down a little. A type of guitar you're looking for....type of music you like to play, etc. Will's suggestions above are all excellent....but it really depends on what you're wanting.

[Redfish]

New Gibson Melody Maker.

[5E3]

PRS SE is a good value line.

[Jade]

+1 on the MusicMan Sub1. Just a fabulous playing guitar. Plays like it cost $2000, and it's American made.

Jade

[mad dog]

I'll tell you soon. Just swung for a used Dipinto Galaxie in that dollar neighborhood. Way strange cosmetics (which I find quite appealing), some great sounds too. Have to see how it plays ...

[gkoelling]

I've read good things about that pine bodied Squire Tele for $300.00.

[WurstBurst]

Used PRS SE.

[Dale]

There are so many options in that range. Way more then when I started it seems. Fender, Schecter, PRS, Hamer, Squire, ESP, and the list goes on. What type things are you looking for from the guitar?

[Will Chen]

I'll tell you soon. Just swung for a used Dipinto Galaxie in that dollar neighborhood. Way strange cosmetics (which I find quite appealing), some great sounds too. Have to see how it plays ...

I saw the bass version at the last Dallas Guitar show and loved the looks. If I saw one of their guitars, I probably would've picked it up if it was a good player.

[NJJax]

+1 Ibanez Artcore. I bought an AS73 and the matching Ibanez hard shell case for under $400 at the beginning of this year. I alternate playing it with my '05 Fender American Deluxe.

[Cowboy]

MIM Strat or Telecaster. Brilliant, esp. for the $$$$.

Cowboy

[abakerdabra]

What type things are you looking for from the guitar?

So far have been looking for playability, tone and nice build quality in order or importance. The ability to resell even better.
Have been looking to try some PAF pickups as well, are the cheap ones any good?

Looks like there's some great stuff out there for el'cheapo!

[HHB]

I paid $300 for a Yamaha AES820 w/ hardcase, a great rock guitar

[Spudman]

If you are interested in a semi-hollow body then look into the Hagstrom Viking. Right now the red ones are going for just $385.

[Will Chen]

So far have been looking for playability, tone and nice build quality in order or importance. The ability to resell even better.
Have been looking to try some PAF pickups as well, are the cheap ones any good?

Looks like there's some great stuff out there for el'cheapo!

With regards to resell, you might want to check out Agile. As their stock rotates I've on a rare ocasion seen a used guitar go for more than they originally cost new. However, if resell is a huge concern buy used in the first place then you'll more likely to get whatever you put into it back.

The buckers in the AL-3000 and JT-200Pro I reviewed for FrugalGuitarist.com were both nice and hot. PRS SE has less output and a more pronounced high end. Lace Huntington bridge is full bodied with strong midrange punch and a smoother low end and the single mid and neck on the hot side for singles with smoother high end response. Some others are hit or miss.

Trust me, I've played a ton of affordable guitars and the brands I listed (in addition to used PRS SE which I forgot to mention originally) are all good guitars. With a minimal ammount of work, often as little as a setup, they can be great.

[dk123123dk]

Agile is a good pick if you like the similar body shapes.

I would get a Schecter. I have an S-1 elite. Its like a sexy SG with full abalone binding. I see them used for well under 400 all the time. I happen to like the pickups, but I plan on upgrading them in the future with some Wolftone PAF's.

Everyone who plays that guitar seems to love it. When I purchased it, I was looking for a low end Gibson. I found the Korean Schecter had better features and better feel than the more expensive Gibsons. It was a no brainer.

dk

[Yuengling]

Reverend makes some interesting guitars that you can find used in that price range.

[FeloniousBishop]

I just sold a used Mexican Strat for $275. It was a decent guitar.

If you buy them used they are cheaper and the wood is older.

[JoseyWales]

G&L Tribute Series.

[ezyrydr]

New Gibson Melody Maker.

YES! This thing blew me away. Play a few at the shop cause some don't come off the line as good as others. I picked the lightest one that had the nicest feeling neck (frets that wern't pokey feeling)

[PerfectStranger]

Either Agile or Washburn will get you more bang for your buck! The both have solid
bodies and semi-hollow bodies that will blow away the competition in same price range.

[Digam11]

Epiphone Dot Deluxe

I love this guitar. Here`s mine on the right in this pic.....

main grid (http://s181.photobucket.com/albums/x40/Digam11/?albumview=grid) slideshow (http://s181.photobucket.com/albums/x40/Digam11/?albumview=slideshow)
Digam11 (http://s181.photobucket.com/albums/x40/Digam11/)

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[theraygun]

Michael Kelly Patriot series - great Les Paul style guitars on the cheap

[vdoochild7]

Reverend, MIM Strat (Robert Cray and Jimmy Vaughan), Artcore.

[KCWM]

I have a PRS SE Soapbar that I really like. It's a little lighter than I'd prefer, but I can deal with that. The only change I want to make is to get a wrap around bridge that I can intonate.

[Will Chen]

Michael Kelly Patriot series - great Les Paul style guitars on the cheap

I have a MK Valor X on the way. Can't wait to give her a spin...

[googoobaby]

I don't think you'd be making a mistake with the Peavey. I took out my old T-15 the other night and was surprised at how great it sounded.

[rivaeast]

PRS SE, Schecter or Reverend are all excellent choices