Best Alternative Design Guitars Under $5,000 2025

Affordable alternative design guitars under $5,000 - 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

Rickenbacker 330 MG - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Rickenbacker 330 MG

by Rickenbacker

Modern Design Progressive Music Unique Style

Key Feature:

• Contemporary aesthetics

✓ PROS

• Unique visual appeal
• Contemporary aesthetics

✗ CONS

• Limited mainstream appeal
• May not suit traditional players

Rickenbacker 330 MGElectric GuitarThinline semi acoustic guitarMaple bodySet-in maple neckUnvarnished Caribbean...

⭐ 4.8/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 169944

$2,804

Buy at Thomann View Details

Duesenberg Starplayer TV Deluxe CR - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Duesenberg Starplayer TV Deluxe CR

by Duesenberg

Modern Design Innovation Distinctive Look

Key Feature:

• Often improved ergonomics

✓ PROS

• Contemporary aesthetics
• Often improved ergonomics

✗ CONS

• May not suit traditional players
• Limited mainstream appeal

Duesenberg Starplayer TV Deluxe CRElectric GuitarBody: Semi-hollow with sustain blockBody dimensions: 46 x 34 x 4.5...

⭐ 4.9/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 312960

$3,298

Buy at Thomann View Details

Duesenberg Starplayer TV Deluxe Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Duesenberg Starplayer TV Deluxe Black

by Duesenberg

Innovation Unique Style Modern Design

Key Feature:

• Often improved ergonomics

✓ PROS

• Conversation starter
• Innovative and modern design

✗ CONS

• Resale value uncertainty
• May not suit traditional players

Duesenberg Starplayer TV Deluxe BlackElectric GuitarSemi-hollow with sustain blockArchtop: Spruce plywood2...

⭐ 4.9/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 357247

$3,234

Buy at Thomann View Details

Duesenberg Paloma RS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Duesenberg Paloma RS

by Duesenberg

Innovation Distinctive Look Contemporary Players

Key Feature:

• Often improved ergonomics

✓ PROS

• Innovative and modern design
• Contemporary aesthetics

✗ CONS

• May not suit traditional players
• Resale value uncertainty

Duesenberg Paloma RSElectric GuitarBody: AlderNeck: MapleFretboard: RosewoodDiamond inlaysScale: 647 mmNut width: 42...

⭐ 5.0/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 380680

$2,848

Buy at Thomann View Details

Rickenbacker 360/12 FG - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Rickenbacker 360/12 FG

by Rickenbacker

Distinctive Look Contemporary Players Modern Design

Key Feature:

• Often improved ergonomics

✓ PROS

• Innovative and modern design
• Conversation starter

✗ CONS

• May sacrifice traditional tone
• Limited mainstream appeal

Rickenbacker 360/12 FG12-String Electric GuitarThinline Semi Acoustic GuitarBody: MapleSet-in maple neckFretboard:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 132976

$4,124

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender AM Pro II Jazzmaster DK NIT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Fender AM Pro II Jazzmaster DK NIT

by Fender

Modern Design Innovation Distinctive Look

Key Feature:

• Contemporary aesthetics

✓ PROS

• Often improved ergonomics
• Contemporary aesthetics

✗ CONS

• Limited mainstream appeal
• Resale value uncertainty

Fender AM Pro II Jazzmaster DK NITElectric GuitarBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodNeck profile: Deep...

⭐ 4.7/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 500914

$2,309

Buy at Thomann View Details

Rickenbacker 620 JG - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Rickenbacker 620 JG

by Rickenbacker

Modern Design Progressive Music Contemporary Players

Key Feature:

• Contemporary aesthetics

✓ PROS

• Unique visual appeal
• Innovative and modern design

✗ CONS

• Resale value uncertainty
• Higher cost for unique design

Rickenbacker 620 JGElectric GuitarBody: MapleContinuous maple neck (neck thru body)Fretboard: Caribbean rosewood...

⭐ 4.7/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 176513

$2,749

Buy at Thomann View Details

Rickenbacker 360/12 JG - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Rickenbacker 360/12 JG

by Rickenbacker

Unique Style Modern Design Progressive Music

Key Feature:

• Often improved ergonomics

✓ PROS

• Innovative and modern design
• Conversation starter

✗ CONS

• Higher cost for unique design
• Resale value uncertainty

Rickenbacker 360/12 JGElectric Guitar12-String thinline semi-Acoustic guitarBody: MapleSet-in neck: MapleFretboard:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 157778

$4,124

Buy at Thomann View Details

Rickenbacker 360/12 MG - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Rickenbacker 360/12 MG

by Rickenbacker

Distinctive Look Innovation Contemporary Players

Key Feature:

• Often improved ergonomics

✓ PROS

• Unique visual appeal
• Innovative and modern design

✗ CONS

• Limited mainstream appeal
• Resale value uncertainty

Rickenbacker 360/12 MGElectric Guitar12-String Thinline SemiAcoustic GuitarMaple bodyGlued maple neckUnvarnished...

⭐ 4.7/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 164452

$4,124

Buy at Thomann View Details

Suhr Classic JM S90 RW GD - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.9/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Suhr Classic JM S90 RW GD

by Suhr

Progressive Music Unique Style Contemporary Players

Key Feature:

• Innovative and modern design

✓ PROS

• Innovative and modern design
• Unique visual appeal

✗ CONS

• Higher cost for unique design
• Resale value uncertainty

Suhr Classic JM S90 RW GDJM-Style Electric GuitarClassic JM-style guitar with slimmermore refined body shape and...

⭐ 4.9/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 550184

$4,179

Buy at Thomann View Details

Rickenbacker 620 FG - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.5/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Rickenbacker 620 FG

by Rickenbacker

Modern Design Progressive Music Contemporary Players

Key Feature:

• Often improved ergonomics

✓ PROS

• Unique visual appeal
• Contemporary aesthetics

✗ CONS

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

Rickenbacker 620 FGElectric GuitarMaple bodyMaple neck-thruCaribbean Rosewood (Metopium Brownei) fretboard (with...

⭐ 4.5/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 169949

$2,749

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender Am Ultra II Meteora EB UBST - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.4/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Fender Am Ultra II Meteora EB UBST

by Fender

Innovation Unique Style Distinctive Look

Key Feature:

• Contemporary aesthetics

✓ PROS

• Innovative and modern design
• Unique visual appeal

✗ CONS

• Higher cost for unique design
• Resale value uncertainty

Fender Am Ultra II Meteora EB UBSTElectric GuitarBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: EbonyWhite pearloid dot...

⭐ 4.4/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 596071

$2,749

Buy at Thomann View Details

Suhr Classic JM HH RW GD - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.9/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Suhr Classic JM HH RW GD

by Suhr

Innovation Progressive Music Contemporary Players

Key Feature:

• Contemporary aesthetics

✓ PROS

• Conversation starter
• Innovative and modern design

✗ CONS

• May not suit traditional players
• Resale value uncertainty

Suhr Classic JM HH RW GDElectric GuitarBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodWhite dot fingerboard...

⭐ 4.9/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 618113

$4,289

Buy at Thomann View Details

Duesenberg Paloma CTB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.9/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Duesenberg Paloma CTB

by Duesenberg

Innovation Distinctive Look Modern Design

Key Feature:

• Conversation starter

✓ PROS

• Contemporary aesthetics
• Unique visual appeal

✗ CONS

• May not suit traditional players
• Limited mainstream appeal

Duesenberg Paloma CTBElectric GuitarBody: AlderNeck: MapleDual Action truss rodFingerboard: RosewoodFingerboard inlays:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 572132

$2,849

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender Am Ultra II Meteora EB TXT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.8/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Fender Am Ultra II Meteora EB TXT

by Fender

Modern Design Contemporary Players Unique Style

Key Feature:

• Unique visual appeal

✓ PROS

• Contemporary aesthetics
• Innovative and modern design

✗ CONS

• Resale value uncertainty
• Limited mainstream appeal

Fender Am Ultra II Meteora EB TXTElectric GuitarBody: ALderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: EbonyWhite pearloid dot...

⭐ 4.8/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 596073

$2,617

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 $5,000 2025

Rickenbacker 330 MG

Duesenberg Starplayer TV Deluxe CR

Duesenberg Starplayer TV Deluxe Black

Duesenberg Paloma RS

Rickenbacker 360/12 FG

Fender AM Pro II Jazzmaster DK NIT

Rickenbacker 620 JG

Rickenbacker 360/12 JG

Rickenbacker 360/12 MG

Suhr Classic JM S90 RW GD

Rickenbacker 620 FG

Fender Am Ultra II Meteora EB UBST

Suhr Classic JM HH RW GD

Duesenberg Paloma CTB

Fender Am Ultra II Meteora EB TXT

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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