Best Alternative Design Guitars Under $800 2025

Affordable alternative design guitars under $800 - 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 DC-Custom 612 Cherry - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton DC-Custom 612 Cherry

by Harley Benton

Unique Style Distinctive Look Progressive Music

Key Feature:

• Often improved ergonomics

✓ PROS

• Innovative and modern design
• Contemporary aesthetics

✗ CONS

• Resale value uncertainty
• May not suit traditional players

Harley Benton DC-Custom 612 Cherry Custom LineDouble Neck Electric GuitarBuild: Double neck with 12-string and...

⭐ 4.7/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 368094

$548

Buy at Thomann View Details

Larry Carlton J3 3-Tone Sunburst LH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Larry Carlton J3 3-Tone Sunburst LH

by Larry Carlton

Distinctive Look Modern Design Progressive Music

Key Feature:

• Innovative and modern design

✓ PROS

• Innovative and modern design
• Contemporary aesthetics

✗ CONS

• May sacrifice traditional tone
• Limited mainstream appeal

Larry Carlton J3 3-Tone Sunburst LHElectric GuitarLeft-handed modelBody: MahoganyBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 584319

$523

Buy at Thomann View Details

Danelectro 59 Vintage 12 String VWH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Danelectro 59 Vintage 12 String VWH

by Danelectro

Unique Style Contemporary Players Modern Design

Key Feature:

• Often improved ergonomics

✓ PROS

• Conversation starter
• Innovative and modern design

✗ CONS

• Resale value uncertainty
• Limited mainstream appeal

Danelectro 59 Vintage 12 String VWH12-String Electric GuitarBuild: Double Cut with S-SoundholeBody frame and centre...

⭐ 4.6/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 447132

$714

Buy at Thomann View Details

Danelectro 59 Dano 12 BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Danelectro 59 Dano 12 BK

by Danelectro

Progressive Music Unique Style Distinctive Look

Key Feature:

• Unique visual appeal

✓ PROS

• Innovative and modern design
• Unique visual appeal

✗ CONS

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

Danelectro 59 Dano 12 BK12-String Electric GuitarBody: Frame and centre block made of poplar with masonite top and...

⭐ 5.0/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 353561

$692

Buy at Thomann View Details

Danelectro 59 Vintage 12 String Dark Aqua - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Danelectro 59 Vintage 12 String Dark Aqua

by Danelectro

Contemporary Players Distinctive Look Modern Design

Key Feature:

• Often improved ergonomics

✓ PROS

• Conversation starter
• Contemporary aesthetics

✗ CONS

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

Danelectro 59 Vintage 12 String Dark Aqua12-String Electric GuitarDesign: Double cut with S-SoundholeBody frame and...

⭐ 4.4/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 447135

$714

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Axis AX 3 Neptune Blue - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Axis AX 3 Neptune Blue

by Sterling by Music Man

Unique Style Innovation Distinctive Look

Key Feature:

• Conversation starter

✓ PROS

• Often improved ergonomics
• Unique visual appeal

✗ CONS

• Limited mainstream appeal
• May sacrifice traditional tone

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Axis AX 3 Neptune BlueElectric GuitarBody: JabonTop: Flamed maple veneerBolt-on neck:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 610640

$637

Buy at Thomann View Details

Epiphone Wilshire P-90 Ebony - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Epiphone Wilshire P-90 Ebony

by Epiphone

Distinctive Look Contemporary Players Modern Design

Key Feature:

• Innovative and modern design

✓ PROS

• Unique visual appeal
• Innovative and modern design

✗ CONS

• May sacrifice traditional tone
• Limited mainstream appeal

Epiphone Wilshire P-90 EbonyElectric GuitarBody shape: WilshireBody: MahoganyNeck: MahoganyFretboard: Indian LaurelNeck...

⭐ 4.6/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 502833

$505

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ibanez IC420FM-VLS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Ibanez IC420FM-VLS

by Ibanez

Innovation Progressive Music Distinctive Look

Key Feature:

• Often improved ergonomics

✓ PROS

• Conversation starter
• Contemporary aesthetics

✗ CONS

• Higher cost for unique design
• Resale value uncertainty

Ibanez IC420FM-VLS6-String Electric GuitarIC SeriesBody: OkoumeTop: Flamed mapleGlued 3-piece neck: OkoumeFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 576911

$758

Buy at Thomann View Details

Larry Carlton J5 Sherwood Green Metallic - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Larry Carlton J5 Sherwood Green Metallic

by Larry Carlton

Contemporary Players Modern Design Unique Style

Key Feature:

• Conversation starter

✓ PROS

• Unique visual appeal
• Innovative and modern design

✗ CONS

• Higher cost for unique design
• Resale value uncertainty

Larry Carlton J5 Sherwood Green MetallicElectric GuitarBody: AlderNeck: Bolt-on mapleFingerboard: MapleFingerboard...

⭐ 4.5/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 584300

$527

Buy at Thomann View Details

Danelectro 59M NOS+ DC GGB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.9/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Danelectro 59M NOS+ DC GGB

by Danelectro

Distinctive Look Modern Design Innovation

Key Feature:

• Conversation starter

✓ PROS

• Innovative and modern design
• Contemporary aesthetics

✗ CONS

• Resale value uncertainty
• May not suit traditional players

Danelectro 59M NOS+ DC GGBElectric GuitarImproved remake of the cult guitarBody: Frame and centre block made of poplar...

⭐ 4.9/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 351111

$637

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ibanez IC420-ABM - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.6/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Ibanez IC420-ABM

by Ibanez

Contemporary Players Distinctive Look Unique Style

Key Feature:

• Conversation starter

✓ PROS

• Innovative and modern design
• Unique visual appeal

✗ CONS

• Higher cost for unique design
• Limited mainstream appeal

Ibanez IC420-ABM6-String Electric GuitarIC SeriesBody: OkoumeGlued 3-piece neck: OkoumeFingerboard: Bound jatobaNeck...

⭐ 4.6/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 576908

$721

Buy at Thomann View Details

Larry Carlton J5 3-Tone Sunburst LH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.5/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Larry Carlton J5 3-Tone Sunburst LH

by Larry Carlton

Modern Design Distinctive Look Unique Style

Key Feature:

• Innovative and modern design

✓ PROS

• Innovative and modern design
• Often improved ergonomics

✗ CONS

• May not suit traditional players
• Limited mainstream appeal

Larry Carlton J5 3-Tone Sunburst LHElectric GuitarLeft-handed modelBody: AlderNeck: Bolt-on mapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 584316

$604

Buy at Thomann View Details

Danelectro 59M NOS+ DC SFG - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.7/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Danelectro 59M NOS+ DC SFG

by Danelectro

Distinctive Look Contemporary Players Progressive Music

Key Feature:

• Unique visual appeal

✓ PROS

• Contemporary aesthetics
• Often improved ergonomics

✗ CONS

• Resale value uncertainty
• Higher cost for unique design

Danelectro 59M NOS+ DC SFGElectric GuitarImproved remake of the cult guitarBody: Frame and centre block made of poplar...

⭐ 4.7/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 371911

$659

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton DC-Custom II 612 Cherry - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.9/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton DC-Custom II 612 Cherry

by Harley Benton

Distinctive Look Unique Style Progressive Music

Key Feature:

• Unique visual appeal

✓ PROS

• Often improved ergonomics
• Innovative and modern design

✗ CONS

• May sacrifice traditional tone
• May not suit traditional players

Harley Benton DC-Custom II 612 CherrySix and Twelve String Electric GuitarBody: MerantiSet-in necks:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 570328

$659

Buy at Thomann View Details

Evh Wolfgang Std T.O.M Cream White - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.8/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Evh Wolfgang Std T.O.M Cream White

by Evh

Progressive Music Innovation Contemporary Players

Key Feature:

• Contemporary aesthetics

✓ PROS

• Conversation starter
• Unique visual appeal

✗ CONS

• Higher cost for unique design
• Limited mainstream appeal

Evh Wolfgang Std T.O.M Cream WhiteElectric GuitarBody: BasswoodBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: Roasted...

⭐ 4.8/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 609266

$648

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 $800 2025

Harley Benton DC-Custom 612 Cherry

Larry Carlton J3 3-Tone Sunburst LH

Danelectro 59 Vintage 12 String VWH

Danelectro 59 Dano 12 BK

Danelectro 59 Vintage 12 String Dark Aqua

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Axis AX 3 Neptune Blue

Epiphone Wilshire P-90 Ebony

Ibanez IC420FM-VLS

Larry Carlton J5 Sherwood Green Metallic

Danelectro 59M NOS+ DC GGB

Ibanez IC420-ABM

Larry Carlton J5 3-Tone Sunburst LH

Danelectro 59M NOS+ DC SFG

Harley Benton DC-Custom II 612 Cherry

Evh Wolfgang Std T.O.M Cream White

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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