Best Alternative Design Guitars Under $500 2026

Affordable alternative design guitars under $500 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Next update: January 21, 2026

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 Epiphone Squier Ibanez Rickenbacker Evh Duesenberg Larry Carlton Traveler Guitar Guild Suhr Höfner DAngelico Steinberger Guitars Sterling by Music Man

Traveler Guitar Electric Ultra Light Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Traveler Guitar Electric Ultra Light Black

by Traveler Guitar

Contemporary Players Distinctive Look Innovation

Key Feature:

• Conversation starter

✓ PROS

• Often improved ergonomics
• Contemporary aesthetics

✗ CONS

• Higher cost for unique design
• Resale value uncertainty

Traveler Guitar Electric Ultra Light BlackElectric Travel GuitarBody: East American mapleNeck: East American mapleNeck...

⭐ 4.4/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 462387

$384

Buy at Thomann View Details

Steinberger Guitars Gt-Pro Deluxe HR - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Steinberger Guitars Gt-Pro Deluxe HR

by Steinberger Guitars

Progressive Music Innovation Unique Style

Key Feature:

• Unique visual appeal

✓ PROS

• Innovative and modern design
• Contemporary aesthetics

✗ CONS

• Resale value uncertainty
• May not suit traditional players

Steinberger Guitars Gt-Pro Deluxe HRElectric GuitarBuild: HeadlessBody side parts made of basswood3-Piece...

⭐ 4.8/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 449976

$472

Buy at Thomann View Details

Traveler Guitar Electric Ultra-Light Maple - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Traveler Guitar Electric Ultra-Light Maple

by Traveler Guitar

Distinctive Look Unique Style Progressive Music

Key Feature:

• Contemporary aesthetics

✓ PROS

• Innovative and modern design
• Conversation starter

✗ CONS

• Limited mainstream appeal
• Higher cost for unique design

Traveler Guitar Electric Ultra-Light MapleTraveler Electric GuitarBody: MapleNeck-through: MapleFretboard: Black...

⭐ 4.5/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 441397

$384

Buy at Thomann View Details

Steinberger Guitars GT-Pro Deluxe HY - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Steinberger Guitars GT-Pro Deluxe HY

by Steinberger Guitars

Distinctive Look Unique Style Innovation

Key Feature:

• Contemporary aesthetics

✓ PROS

• Often improved ergonomics
• Conversation starter

✗ CONS

• May not suit traditional players
• May sacrifice traditional tone

Steinberger Guitars GT-Pro Deluxe HYHeadless Electric GuitarBody: Basswood3-Strip maple neckFingerboard: SatinwoodSlim...

⭐ 4.6/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 449531

$483

Buy at Thomann View Details

Steinberger Guitars Gt-Pro Deluxe WH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Steinberger Guitars Gt-Pro Deluxe WH

by Steinberger Guitars

Innovation Progressive Music Contemporary Players

Key Feature:

• Often improved ergonomics

✓ PROS

• Often improved ergonomics
• Conversation starter

✗ CONS

• Limited mainstream appeal
• May not suit traditional players

Steinberger Guitars Gtpro Deluxe WhElectric GuitarDesign: HeadlessBody: Basswood3-Piece neck: MapleNeck attachment:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 261835

$483

Buy at Thomann View Details

Squier CV 70s Jaguar LRL SFG - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Squier CV 70s Jaguar LRL SFG

by Squier

Progressive Music Innovation Contemporary Players

Key Feature:

• Innovative and modern design

✓ PROS

• Contemporary aesthetics
• Unique visual appeal

✗ CONS

• Limited mainstream appeal
• May sacrifice traditional tone

Squier SQ CV 70s Jaguar LRL SFGElectric GuitarClassic Vibe seriesBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFretboard: Indian...

⭐ 4.4/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 457301

$428

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton BM-75 Trans Red Deluxe w/Case - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton BM-75 Trans Red Deluxe w/Case

by Harley Benton

Innovation Modern Design Distinctive Look

Key Feature:

• Innovative and modern design

✓ PROS

• Often improved ergonomics
• Unique visual appeal

✗ CONS

• Resale value uncertainty
• May not suit traditional players

Harley Benton BM-75 Trans Red Deluxe w/Case*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton BM-75 Trans Red Deluxe...

⭐ 4.5/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 545025

$406

Buy at Thomann View Details

Steinberger Guitars Gt-Pro Deluxe FB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Steinberger Guitars Gt-Pro Deluxe FB

by Steinberger Guitars

Distinctive Look Innovation Contemporary Players

Key Feature:

• Contemporary aesthetics

✓ PROS

• Conversation starter
• Unique visual appeal

✗ CONS

• Limited mainstream appeal
• May sacrifice traditional tone

Steinberger Guitars Gt-Pro Deluxe FBHeadless Electric GuitarBody: BasswoodSides of the body are made from maple3-Piece...

⭐ 4.7/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 449975

$472

Buy at Thomann View Details

Larry Carlton J3 Blue - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Larry Carlton J3 Blue

by Larry Carlton

Innovation Distinctive Look Modern Design

Key Feature:

• Conversation starter

✓ PROS

• Often improved ergonomics
• Conversation starter

✗ CONS

• Limited mainstream appeal
• Resale value uncertainty

Larry Carlton J3 BlueElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyBolt-on neck: mapleFingerboard: RosewoodWhite stripes fingerboard...

⭐ 4.7/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 584280

$384

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton BM-75 Trans Red Deluxe Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.7/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton BM-75 Trans Red Deluxe Bundle

by Harley Benton

Innovation Contemporary Players Unique Style

Key Feature:

• Unique visual appeal

✓ PROS

• Often improved ergonomics
• Innovative and modern design

✗ CONS

• Resale value uncertainty
• May not suit traditional players

Harley Benton BM-75 Trans Red Deluxe Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton BM-75 Trans Red Deluxe...

⭐ 4.7/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 545021

$342

Buy at Thomann View Details

Larry Carlton J3 Vintage White - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.6/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Larry Carlton J3 Vintage White

by Larry Carlton

Unique Style Distinctive Look Progressive Music

Key Feature:

• Innovative and modern design

✓ PROS

• Conversation starter
• Innovative and modern design

✗ CONS

• Higher cost for unique design
• May sacrifice traditional tone

Larry Carlton J3 Vintage WhiteElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyNeck: Bolt-on mapleFingerboard: RosewoodWhite stripes...

⭐ 4.6/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 584289

$406

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton RB-612CS Classic Series Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.5/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton RB-612CS Classic Series Bundle

by Harley Benton

Innovation Unique Style Distinctive Look

Key Feature:

• Innovative and modern design

✓ PROS

• Often improved ergonomics
• Contemporary aesthetics

✗ CONS

• Limited mainstream appeal
• Higher cost for unique design

Harley Benton RB-612CS Classic Series Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton RB-612CS Classic Series*12-String...

⭐ 4.5/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 599187

$325

Buy at Thomann View Details

Larry Carlton J5 Champagne Gold Metallic - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.9/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Larry Carlton J5 Champagne Gold Metallic

by Larry Carlton

Modern Design Distinctive Look Innovation

Key Feature:

• Contemporary aesthetics

✓ PROS

• Conversation starter
• Often improved ergonomics

✗ CONS

• May sacrifice traditional tone
• May not suit traditional players

Larry Carlton J5 Champagne Gold MetallicElectric GuitarBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: EbonyNeck Profile:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 584310

$494

Buy at Thomann View Details

Larry Carlton J5 White - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.9/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Larry Carlton J5 White

by Larry Carlton

Distinctive Look Unique Style Innovation

Key Feature:

• Conversation starter

✓ PROS

• Conversation starter
• Often improved ergonomics

✗ CONS

• Higher cost for unique design
• May sacrifice traditional tone

Larry Carlton J5 WhiteElectric GuitarBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: EbonyWhite stripes fingerboard...

⭐ 4.9/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 584308

$488

Buy at Thomann View Details

Squier CV 70s Jaguar LRL BK Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.5/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Squier CV 70s Jaguar LRL BK Bundle

by Squier

Distinctive Look Modern Design Contemporary Players

Key Feature:

• Often improved ergonomics

✓ PROS

• Innovative and modern design
• Conversation starter

✗ CONS

• May sacrifice traditional tone
• May not suit traditional players

Squier CV 70s Jaguar LRL BK Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Squier CV 70s Jaguar LRL BK*Electric Guitar*Classic Vibe...

⭐ 4.5/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 538954

$483

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.

Related Best Lists

POPULAR

Best Single Cut Guitars

Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

TOP

Best Alternative Design Guitars Under $500 2026

Traveler Guitar Electric Ultra Light Black

Steinberger Guitars Gt-Pro Deluxe HR

Traveler Guitar Electric Ultra-Light Maple

Steinberger Guitars GT-Pro Deluxe HY

Steinberger Guitars Gt-Pro Deluxe WH

Squier CV 70s Jaguar LRL SFG

Harley Benton BM-75 Trans Red Deluxe w/Case

Steinberger Guitars Gt-Pro Deluxe FB

Larry Carlton J3 Blue

Harley Benton BM-75 Trans Red Deluxe Bundle

Larry Carlton J3 Vintage White

Harley Benton RB-612CS Classic Series Bundle

Larry Carlton J5 Champagne Gold Metallic

Larry Carlton J5 White

Squier CV 70s Jaguar LRL BK Bundle

How to Choose the Best Alternative Design Guitars

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Best Lists

Best ST Style Guitars

Best Humbucker Pickups

Best Distortion Pedals

Best Single Cut Guitars

Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

Best 4/4 Size Classical Guitars

Cookie Preferences

Essential Cookies

Analytics Cookies

Functional Cookies

Marketing Cookies