AudioFu

Best Alternative Design Guitars Under $800 2026

Affordable alternative design guitars under $800 - 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
Danelectro 59 Vintage 12 String RM - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Danelectro 59 Vintage 12 String RM

by Danelectro
Contemporary Players Modern Design Unique Style
Key Feature:
• Innovative and modern design
✓ PROS
  • • Conversation starter
  • • Often improved ergonomics
✗ CONS
  • • Higher cost for unique design
  • • May sacrifice traditional tone

Danelectro 59 Vintage 12 String RM12-String Electric GuitarBuild: Double Cut with S-SoundholeBody frame and centre...

⭐ 4.9/5 (23 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 447133
$747
Buy at Thomann View Details
Larry Carlton J5 3-Tone Sunburst LH - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

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
Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Axis AX3 Stain Pink - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Axis AX3 Stain Pink

by Sterling by Music Man
Modern Design Unique Style Innovation
Key Feature:
• Conversation starter
✓ PROS
  • • Innovative and modern design
  • • Unique visual appeal
✗ CONS
  • • May sacrifice traditional tone
  • • Limited mainstream appeal

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Axis AX3 Stain PinkElectric GuitarBody: JabonTop: flamed maple veneerNeck: Bolt-on...

⭐ 4.7/5 (55 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 585153
$604
Buy at Thomann View Details
Epiphone Crestwood Custom Cherry - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Epiphone Crestwood Custom Cherry

by Epiphone
Unique Style Innovation Distinctive Look
Key Feature:
• Contemporary aesthetics
✓ PROS
  • • Contemporary aesthetics
  • • Often improved ergonomics
✗ CONS
  • • May not suit traditional players
  • • May sacrifice traditional tone

Epiphone Crestwood Custom CherryElectric GuitarBody shape: WilshireBody: MahoganyNeck: MahoganyFretboard: Indian...

⭐ 4.8/5 (7 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 502835
$549
Buy at Thomann View Details
Larry Carlton J3 3-Tone Sunburst LH - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

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 Dark Aqua - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

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
Danelectro 59 Vintage 12 String VWH - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

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
Squier CV 60s Jazzmaster LRL CPB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Squier CV 60s Jazzmaster LRL CPB

by Squier
Unique Style Distinctive Look Contemporary Players
Key Feature:
• Innovative and modern design
✓ PROS
  • • Conversation starter
  • • Contemporary aesthetics
✗ CONS
  • • May sacrifice traditional tone
  • • May not suit traditional players

Squier CV 60s Jazzmaster LRL CPBElectric GuitarBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: Indian laurelWhite dot...

⭐ 4.5/5 (32 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 621820
$549
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Axis AX3 Trans Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Axis AX3 Trans Black

by Sterling by Music Man
Unique Style Distinctive Look Innovation
Key Feature:
• Unique visual appeal
✓ PROS
  • • Often improved ergonomics
  • • Conversation starter
✗ CONS
  • • Limited mainstream appeal
  • • May not suit traditional players

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Axis AX3 Trans BlackElectric GuitarBody: JabonTop: flamed maple veneerNeck: Bolt-on...

⭐ 4.7/5 (26 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 585163
$582
Buy at Thomann View Details
Ibanez IC420-ABM - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#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
Danelectro DBS68 Reissue Baby Sitar VS - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Danelectro DBS68 Reissue Baby Sitar VS

by Danelectro
Modern Design Contemporary Players Unique Style
Key Feature:
• Often improved ergonomics
✓ PROS
  • • Unique visual appeal
  • • Contemporary aesthetics
✗ CONS
  • • Limited mainstream appeal
  • • Resale value uncertainty

Danelectro DBS68 Reissue Baby Sitar VSElectric Guitar / Electric SitarStyle: HollowbodyMDF bodyNeck: MaplePau Ferro...

⭐ 4.7/5 (47 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 353384
$769
Buy at Thomann View Details
Danelectro 59M NOS+ DC GGB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

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
Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Axis AX 3 Neptune Blue - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

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
Evh Wolfgang Standard PELHAM BLUE - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Evh Wolfgang Standard PELHAM BLUE

by Evh
Unique Style Contemporary Players Distinctive Look
Key Feature:
• Conversation starter
✓ PROS
  • • Innovative and modern design
  • • Conversation starter
✗ CONS
  • • May not suit traditional players
  • • Resale value uncertainty

Evh Wolfgang Standard PELHAM BLUEElectric GuitarBody: BasswoodBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: Roasted...

⭐ 4.6/5 (10 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 594350
$692
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton DC-Custom II 612 Cherry - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

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

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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