Best Alternative Design Guitars Under $200 2025

Affordable alternative design guitars under $200 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: October 22, 2025 • Next update: October 29, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $200 Under $300 Under $500 Under $800 Under $1,000 Under $2,000 Under $5,000

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Modern Design For Unique Style For Progressive Music For Contemporary Players For Innovation For Distinctive Look

BRANDS: Fender Harley Benton Danelectro Reverend Squier Epiphone Rickenbacker Ibanez Evh Traveler Guitar Larry Carlton Duesenberg Suhr Guild Höfner Sterling by Music Man Steinberger Guitars DAngelico

Harley Benton JA-60CC Seafoam Green - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton JA-60CC Seafoam Green

by Harley Benton

Distinctive Look Progressive Music Contemporary Players

Key Feature:

• Unique visual appeal

✓ PROS

• Contemporary aesthetics
• Conversation starter

✗ CONS

• Limited mainstream appeal
• Higher cost for unique design

Harley Benton JA-60CC Seafoam GreenElectric GuitarVintage SeriesBody: BasswoodBolt-on neck: Vintage caramelised...

⭐ 4.7/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 514488

$197

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton JA-60CC Lake Placid Blue - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton JA-60CC Lake Placid Blue

by Harley Benton

Contemporary Players Innovation Unique Style

Key Feature:

• Often improved ergonomics

✓ PROS

• Unique visual appeal
• Often improved ergonomics

✗ CONS

• May sacrifice traditional tone
• May not suit traditional players

Harley Benton JA-60CC Lake Placid BlueElectric GuitarVintage SeriesBody: BasswoodBolt-on neck: Vintage caramelised...

⭐ 4.5/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 514451

$197

Buy at Thomann View Details

Höfner Shorty Guitar Yellow - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Höfner Shorty Guitar Yellow

by Höfner

Distinctive Look Unique Style Progressive Music

Key Feature:

• Conversation starter

✓ PROS

• Contemporary aesthetics
• Innovative and modern design

✗ CONS

• May not suit traditional players
• Limited mainstream appeal

Höfner Shorty Guitar YellowElectric Guitar80s ClassicBody: BasswoodBolt-on neck: MapleFretboard: RosewoodNut width: 42...

⭐ 4.5/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 567779

$186

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton HB JA-60SB Vint. Series w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton HB JA-60SB Vint. Series w/Bag

by Harley Benton

Progressive Music Innovation Modern Design

Key Feature:

• Often improved ergonomics

✓ PROS

• Often improved ergonomics
• Innovative and modern design

✗ CONS

• May not suit traditional players
• Resale value uncertainty

Harley Benton HB JA-60SB Vint. Series w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton JA-60SB Vintage Series*Electric...

⭐ 4.8/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 536811

$197

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton JA-60CC Shell Pink - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton JA-60CC Shell Pink

by Harley Benton

Unique Style Distinctive Look Contemporary Players

Key Feature:

• Often improved ergonomics

✓ PROS

• Often improved ergonomics
• Conversation starter

✗ CONS

• May not suit traditional players
• Higher cost for unique design

Harley Benton JA-60CC Shell PinkElectric GuitarVintage SeriesBody: BasswoodBolt-on neck: Vintage caramelised canadian...

⭐ 4.8/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 514462

$197

Buy at Thomann View Details

Höfner Shorty BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Höfner Shorty BK

by Höfner

Unique Style Innovation Modern Design

Key Feature:

• Contemporary aesthetics

✓ PROS

• Unique visual appeal
• Often improved ergonomics

✗ CONS

• May sacrifice traditional tone
• Resale value uncertainty

Höfner Shorty BKElectric GuitarA classics from the 80sInstrument length: 86 cmBasswood bodyMaple neckNeck attachment:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 168545

$175

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton JA-60SB Vintage Series - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton JA-60SB Vintage Series

by Harley Benton

Innovation Unique Style Contemporary Players

Key Feature:

• Contemporary aesthetics

✓ PROS

• Contemporary aesthetics
• Unique visual appeal

✗ CONS

• Higher cost for unique design
• May not suit traditional players

Harley Benton JA-60SB Vintage SeriesElectric GuitarBody: BasswoodBolt-on neck: vintage caramelised Canadian...

⭐ 4.8/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 304927

$186

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton JA-20HH Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton JA-20HH Bundle

by Harley Benton

Progressive Music Unique Style Innovation

Key Feature:

• Contemporary aesthetics

✓ PROS

• Often improved ergonomics
• Contemporary aesthetics

✗ CONS

• Resale value uncertainty
• May sacrifice traditional tone

Harley Benton JA-20HH Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton JA-20HH Active SBK*Electric Guitar*Body:...

⭐ 4.4/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 557853

$175

Buy at Thomann View Details

Höfner Shorty Cream - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Höfner Shorty Cream

by Höfner

Innovation Unique Style Progressive Music

Key Feature:

• Conversation starter

✓ PROS

• Unique visual appeal
• Innovative and modern design

✗ CONS

• May not suit traditional players
• May sacrifice traditional tone

Höfner Shorty CreamElectric GuitarLimited editionBody: BasswoodBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: JatobaScale: 628...

⭐ 4.5/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 599774

$186

Buy at Thomann View Details

Höfner Shorty Deluxe RD - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 5.0/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Höfner Shorty Deluxe RD

by Höfner

Distinctive Look Contemporary Players Modern Design

Key Feature:

• Conversation starter

✓ PROS

• Unique visual appeal
• Conversation starter

✗ CONS

• May not suit traditional players
• Limited mainstream appeal

Höfner Shorty Deluxe RDElectric GuitarClassics from the eightiesBasswood bodyBolt-on neck: MapleBlackwood...

⭐ 5.0/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 462983

$196

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton MS-60 VW Vintage Series - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.9/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton MS-60 VW Vintage Series

by Harley Benton

Innovation Unique Style Progressive Music

Key Feature:

• Often improved ergonomics

✓ PROS

• Innovative and modern design
• Conversation starter

✗ CONS

• Higher cost for unique design
• Resale value uncertainty

Harley Benton MS-60 VW Vintage SeriesElectric GuitarBody: BasswoodBolt-on neck: MapleFretboard: AmaranthDot fretboard...

⭐ 4.9/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 339362

$175

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton JA-60 OW - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 5.0/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton JA-60 OW

by Harley Benton

Modern Design Distinctive Look Progressive Music

Key Feature:

• Often improved ergonomics

✓ PROS

• Unique visual appeal
• Innovative and modern design

✗ CONS

• Resale value uncertainty
• Higher cost for unique design

Harley Benton JA-60 OWElectric GuitarVintage SeriesBody: BasswoodBolt-on neck: Vintage caramelised Canadian...

⭐ 5.0/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 398225

$186

Buy at Thomann View Details

Höfner Shorty Cadillac Green - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.7/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Höfner Shorty Cadillac Green

by Höfner

Distinctive Look Modern Design Unique Style

Key Feature:

• Innovative and modern design

✓ PROS

• Conversation starter
• Unique visual appeal

✗ CONS

• May sacrifice traditional tone
• May not suit traditional players

Höfner Shorty Cadillac GreenElectric GuitarA classic from the '80sBody: BasswoodNeck: MapleNeck attachment: Bolt...

⭐ 4.7/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 471366

$186

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton Electric Guitar Kit Square - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.6/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton Electric Guitar Kit Square

by Harley Benton

Contemporary Players Progressive Music Unique Style

Key Feature:

• Innovative and modern design

✓ PROS

• Innovative and modern design
• Contemporary aesthetics

✗ CONS

• May sacrifice traditional tone
• Resale value uncertainty

Harley Benton Electric Guitar Kit SquareElectric Guitar KitComplete DIY (do it yourself) kitSquare body for customised...

⭐ 4.6/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 549495

$127

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton JA-20HH Active SBK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.4/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton JA-20HH Active SBK

by Harley Benton

Distinctive Look Contemporary Players Unique Style

Key Feature:

• Conversation starter

✓ PROS

• Unique visual appeal
• Innovative and modern design

✗ CONS

• Limited mainstream appeal
• Resale value uncertainty

Harley Benton ST-20HH Active SBKElectric GuitarBody: PoplarNeck: Bolt-on mapleFingerboard: RoseacerNeck profile: Modern...

⭐ 4.4/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 537139

$164

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Alternative Design Guitars

Budget Planning

• Under $200: Entry-level
• $200-$500: Intermediate
• $500-$1000: Advanced
• $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

• Sound clarity & tone
• Build materials & finish
• Hardware durability
• Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

• Your musical style
• Skill level match
• Intended use case
• Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.

Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.

Higher-priced alternative design guitars typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.

Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.

Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

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Best Alternative Design Guitars Under $200 2025

Harley Benton JA-60CC Seafoam Green

Harley Benton JA-60CC Lake Placid Blue

Höfner Shorty Guitar Yellow

Harley Benton HB JA-60SB Vint. Series w/Bag

Harley Benton JA-60CC Shell Pink

Höfner Shorty BK

Harley Benton JA-60SB Vintage Series

Harley Benton JA-20HH Bundle

Höfner Shorty Cream

Höfner Shorty Deluxe RD

Harley Benton MS-60 VW Vintage Series

Harley Benton JA-60 OW

Höfner Shorty Cadillac Green

Harley Benton Electric Guitar Kit Square

Harley Benton JA-20HH Active SBK

How to Choose the Best Alternative Design Guitars

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying alternative design guitars?

How much should I spend on alternative design guitars?

Are expensive alternative design guitars worth the investment?

What are the best brands for alternative design guitars?

Should I buy alternative design guitars online or in-store?

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