Newer companies in $350-$700 range?

[cram242]

Does anyone know of any newer guitar manufacturers out there that are producing "budget" electrics? I'm thinking along the lines of Michael Kellys or Dillions, in the $350-$700 range. I own a fantastic Michael Kelly and think some of the Dillions are just gorgeous, so I'm wondering what else is out there. Thanks!

[rich-96db]

Xaviere Guitars

Agile Guitars

Eastwood Guitars

[john1056]

http://www.reverendguitars.com/

[martyncrew]

I recently bought a Johnson Grooveyard ES335 clone - $331 inc tax. It's a very nice guitar for the $$$.

[telemike]

See the thread on the Gibson Melody Maker. I also recently picked up a Squire Vintage Modified Thinline for less than $300. Hardly newer companies, but both guitars are great values.

[scottlr]

Hmmm, my Fender 69 RI Thinline Tele was right at $700 new. My Baja was only $100 more. Both are excellent values, plus resale value should hold up well.

[A-Bone]

Although it is not a new company by any means, Hamer is also producing some astonishingly well made guitars in the $400 to $500 price range. I would also second the suggestions to check out Eastwood and Reverend guitars.

PRS is also producing some nice models in the lower price ranges for their opening price point instruments that look good and with sound quality that offers quite a bit of bang for the buck.

A recent issue of Guitar Player had a pretty good shoot out style round-up of guitars priced under $500. You might check that one out too.

[Mikey01]

Please do not go any further untill you check out this Parker DM20 ($550). It's there latest creation and the best yet. Better than the Fly, IMHO. LP sound with SG weight. A super fast neck thru design, all mahogony w/bubinga top and split coils. Plays and sounds wonderfully well. Fit and finish is first class.

[JSD]

I sell Dillion guitars which you already mentioned but you may want to check out some of our new guitars, the Roxbury Custom Shop Guitars. They are right in that price range and have some great features....:AOK

[backaxe]

A friend of mine bought me a lefty Agile (SX) PRS knockoff. I was skeptical, but what the hell, it was a gift, right? Superior axe for the $!! I have Fenders, Epis, and all sorts of mongrels, but I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Agile. Maybe they're mostly dogs, but mine took Best in Show!!!!:AOK

[Rock Johnson]

Tradition guitars are killer for the money.

Godins also, though not a new company, are tremendous guits for little coin.

[T. Caster]

Ibanez Art-Core for 335 style guitars, $327 that will surprise you, with your budget you could seasly swap out the pickups and electronics, though even stock it's not bad, plays very easily.

[bdegrande]

Benford Guitars - www.benfordguitars.com. You can customize them, they are built by someone who knows what he's doing, and prices start out at $350.

[Mikey01]

Originally Posted by Rock Johnson

Tradition guitars are killer for the money.

Godins also, though not a new company, are tremendous guits for little coin.

I second that motion. I have a semi hollow PRS style Tradition that is perfect at 4.5 pounds ($250 usd). I also have a Godin Freeway Classic ( pointy strat style). It is all American made and American assembled, as stated on the front of the top of the neck ($550 new). All have real good quality wood, fit, finish, and action.

[Rock Johnson]

Originally Posted by bdegrande

Benford Guitars - www.benfordguitars.com. You can customize them, they are built by someone who knows what he's doing, and prices start out at $350.

Their website is killer. I'm tempted to buy one, just to get a made in USA strat clone for under $500.