AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Baritone Guitars Under $2,000 2026
The top pick is Squier Classic Vibe Baritone Custom Telecaster ($517). Harley Benton Baritone-7 SBK gives you the most for the money at $279. ESP LTD SN-1007 HT Baritone leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 41 models across 13 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 26, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Squier Classic Vibe Baritone Custom Telecaster
Tele Custom Baritone BK · Squier
53 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
This Squier Baritone Tele is a seriously cool option for players wanting extended range without the premium price tag. The neck feels great, and those single-coils deliver that classic Tele bite, just deeper and heavier. It's a fantastic platform for heavier rock, blues, or even some modern genres where a low-tuned growl is needed.
Pros
- Nyatoh body provides a surprisingly resonant and warm tonal foundation.
- C-shaped neck profile offers comfortable playability for a wide range of players.
- Fender-designed AlNiCo single coils deliver classic Tele twang with surprising output.
Cons
- Nyatoh body, while good, isn't as tonally refined as Ash or Alder.
- Limited pickup options restrict tonal versatility beyond classic Tele sounds.
66AudioFu
Index↓ 1.5%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$525 · Aug 17$517 now$517€462 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
ESP LTD SN-1007 HT Baritone
LTD SN-1007 Baritone HT BK Bl · ESP
13 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width48 mm (1.89")
- Scale686 mm (27.01")
- Strings7-string
- BodyAsh body
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This SN-1007 is a serious instrument for players wanting extended range and a modern voice. The combination of swamp ash and Fishman Fluence pickups gives it a really unique character – tight lows, clear highs, and a ton of tonal options. It's ideal for progressive metal, djent, or anyone who needs that extra bit of low-end grunt.
Pros
- Swamp Ash body delivers resonant, articulate low-end response.
- Roasted maple/purple heart neck offers exceptional stability and feel.
- Fishman Fluence pickups provide versatile tones, from clean to high-gain.
Cons
- Baritone scale limits versatility for standard tuning applications.
- Thin 'U' neck profile may not suit all players' preferences.
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,902 now$1,902€1,699 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale686 mm (27.01")
- Fingerboard radius355.6 mm (14")
- BodyMahogany body
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This Amarok-BT is a serious baritone guitar, built to deliver thick, powerful tones. The neck-through design and EMG pickups really make it shine for heavier genres. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly instrument with a modern feel and a deep, growling voice, this is a compelling option.
Pros
- Mahogany body and flamed maple top deliver a warm, resonant, and visually striking tone.
- EMG Retro Active pickups offer high-output, articulate tones suitable for rock and metal.
- Neck-through construction enhances sustain and provides exceptional upper fret access.
Cons
- The 27 in scale might feel unwieldy for players accustomed to shorter scale lengths.
- Limited tonal versatility; not ideal for clean, delicate genres like jazz or country.
62AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$615 now$615€549 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale756 mm (29.76")
- Frets24 frets
This Danelectro 56 Baritone Black is a quirky and characterful instrument. It's perfect for players seeking a distinct voice for stoner rock, blues, or alternative music – something with serious growl and a vintage vibe. Don't expect pristine cleans, but for its price, the unique sound and comfortable feel are hard to beat.
Pros
- Lipstick pickups deliver a unique, raw, and surprisingly powerful tone.
- The poplar body frame provides a surprisingly resonant and lightweight feel.
- 756mm scale offers a looser, more relaxed feel for baritone playing.
Cons
- Masonite top/back construction can feel less robust than solid wood alternatives.
- Limited tonal versatility; excels in specific genres, less adaptable overall.
61AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$693 now$693€619 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale755.7 mm (29.75")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius355.6 mm (14")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
- BodyAlder body
This 66BT is a seriously cool baritone, offering a unique blend of vintage vibe and modern playability. The Lipstick humbucker delivers a thick, saturated tone that's perfect for heavier styles, while the P90 adds a touch of warmth. It's a great option for players seeking a distinctive voice and a long scale length for dropped tunings.
Pros
- Alder body delivers a surprisingly resonant and focused low-end response.
- Lipstick Humbucker provides thick, creamy tones ideal for rock and stoner genres.
- Graphite nut improves tuning stability and minimizes fret buzz.
Cons
- Bolt-on neck joint can feel less integrated than a set-neck design.
- Rosewood fretboard may require more frequent oiling to prevent dryness.
60AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,230 now$1,230€1,099 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Scale712 mm (28.03")
- BodyNyatoh body
The RGIB21-BK is a seriously capable baritone, built for modern metal and progressive rock. That Nitro Baritone neck profile is comfortable even with the longer scale, and the EMG pickups deliver a powerful, saturated sound. This is an excellent choice for players needing a heavier, lower-tuned instrument without the premium-priced tag of some high-end models.
Pros
- Nyatoh body provides a surprisingly resonant and balanced tone.
- Maple/Bubinga neck offers excellent stability and a comfortable feel.
- EMG 81/60 combo delivers aggressive high-output and versatile tonal options.
Cons
- Nyatoh, while good, isn't as premium as mahogany or alder for tonal complexity.
- Plastic nut can be a potential upgrade point for improved sustain and tuning.
59AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$894 now$894€799 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Fingerboard radius350 mm (13.78")
- BodyMahogany body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
The ESP M-201 Baritone HT BK is a seriously cool instrument for players wanting that extended range and beefy low-end. The mahogany body and bolt-on neck create a solid foundation for everything from stoner rock to modern metal. This is an ideal choice for bassists wanting to explore guitar or guitarists looking for a massive, unique tone without a premium price tag.
Pros
- Mahogany body delivers a warm, resonant, and powerful low-end response.
- Thin 'U' neck profile offers comfortable, fast playability for various hand sizes.
- Coil-splitting pickup versatility expands tonal options beyond heavy rhythm tones.
Cons
- Limited pickup options restrict sonic flexibility for diverse genres.
- Mahogany body can make the guitar feel a little weighty for extended playing.
56AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$670 now$670€599 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Hagstrom VIDLXBARI Viking Deluxe Baritone
Viking Deluxe Baritone BK · Hagstrom
13 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Scale711 mm (27.99")
- Frets22 frets
- BodyMaple body
The Hagstrom Viking Deluxe Baritone BK is a serious contender for players seeking a unique baritone voice with vintage character. It’s built solid with a comfortable neck and those pickups give you a great blend of warmth and bite, making it ideal for rock, blues, and heavier styles where a low-end growl is essential. This is a great choice for players who want a distinctive instrument without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Maple top and body deliver a bright, articulate, and punchy tone.
- Hagstrom’s custom 58 pickup provides a thick, vintage-voiced bridge position.
- The Resinator fretboard is durable and offers a unique, smooth playing experience.
Cons
- The extended scale length (711mm) demands adaptation for players used to shorter scales.
- Maple construction can be somewhat dense, potentially leading to a heavier instrument.
56AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$950 now$950€849 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width48 mm (1.89")
- Scale689 mm (27.13")
- Frets24 frets
- Neck profileC-shape neck
- Strings7-string
This Harley Benton Baritone-7 is a seriously impressive value for the money. It’s built for players exploring extended-range and heavier genres, offering a neck-through design and surprisingly powerful pickups. If you need a baritone 7-string on a budget and appreciate a modern feel, this is a fantastic starting point.
Pros
- Graphite nut minimizes fret buzz and improves tuning stability significantly.
- Canadian maple neck-through design offers exceptional sustain and comfortable access.
- HBZ humbuckers deliver a surprisingly thick, high-output sound suitable for metal.
Cons
- Poplar body, while resonant, might lack the premium feel of mahogany or basswood.
- The 'C' neck profile could be too thin for players preferring a thicker feel.
54AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$279 now$279€249 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width48 mm (1.89")
- Scale689 mm (27.13")
- Frets24 frets
- Neck profileC-shape neck
- Strings7-string
This Harley Benton Baritone-7 is a seriously impressive value. The neck-through design and those humbuckers give it a surprisingly powerful and modern voice, perfect for metalheads and progressive players looking for extended range without the premium price tag. It’s a solid platform for experimentation and customization, too.
Pros
- Canadian maple neck-through construction offers excellent sustain and stability
- HBZ humbuckers deliver a surprisingly thick, high-output tone
- Graphite nut minimizes tuning instability and friction
Cons
- The matt black finish can show fingerprints easily and require frequent cleaning
- While versatile, the pickup configuration leans toward heavier rock and metal genres
54AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$290 now$290€259 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 41 baritone guitars
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Danelectro 58 Longhorn Baritone CBDanelectro · 2 finishes53Stable$670€599$670€599Check ↗
- 12
Harley Benton JA-Baritone P90 BKHarley Benton52Stable$223€199$223€199Check ↗
- 13
Harley Benton JA-Baritone HH BKHarley Benton52Stable$234€209$234€209Check ↗
- 14
Harley Benton SC-Custom III Baritone ABHarley Benton52Stable$391€349$391€349Check ↗
- 15
Harley Benton Amarok-BT BKNT Flame Bu w/BagHarley Benton52Stable$626€559$626€559Check ↗
- 16
Danelectro ‘56 Vintage Baritone56 Vintage Baritone Black · Danelectro · 2 finishes52Stable$726€649$726€649Check ↗
- 17
Cort KX500ETKX500 Baritone Black Burst · Cort52Stable$805€719$805€719Check ↗
- 18
ESP LTD M-7B HT Black Metal IIESP52Stable$1,902€1,699$1,902€1,699Check ↗
- 19
Harley Benton Amarok BT LH BKNT Flame BurstHarley Benton49Stable$615€549$615€549Check ↗
- 20
Harley Benton Amarok BT LH BKNT Flame w/BagHarley Benton49Stable$626€559$626€559Check ↗
- 21
Harley Benton Amarok-BT BKRD Quilted w/BagHarley Benton49Stable$626€559$626€559Check ↗
- 22
Harley Benton Amarok-BT EGNT Quilted w/BagHarley Benton49Stable$626€559$626€559Check ↗
- 23
Gretsch EMTC CVT Baritone BRSTL FOGGretsch49Stable$659€589$659€589Check ↗
- 24
Gretsch EMTC JET Baritone IMPRLGretsch49Stable$659€589$659€589Check ↗
- 25
Schecter Hellraiser C-VIHellraiser C-VI BCH · Schecter48Stable$1,622€1,449$1,622€1,449Check ↗
- 26
Danelectro 56 Baritone BMF 3+3Danelectro47Stable$760€679$760€679Check ↗
- 27
Danelectro Dan O. Cool Baritone GreenDanelectro47Stable$816€729$816€729Check ↗
- 28
ESP LTD BB-200B QM STBLKSB SatinESP47Stable$894€799$894€799Check ↗
- 29
Sterling by Music Man StingRay Baritone TLBSterling by Music Man47Stable$1,006€899$1,006€899Check ↗
- 30
Danelectro ‘56 Vintage Baritone56 Vintage Baritone Red Metal · Danelectro46Stable$738€659$738€659Check ↗
- 31
Reverend Descent Baritone Army GreenReverend46Stable$1,454€1,299$1,454€1,299Check ↗
- 32
Fender LTD Player Fusion Jag Bari SLVFender45Stable$1,308€1,169$1,308€1,169Check ↗
- 33
Reverend Descent W BaritoneDescent Baritone MBK · Reverend45Stable$1,454€1,299$1,454€1,299Check ↗
- 34
ESP LTD EC-1000 Baritone CHMSESP45Stable$1,622€1,449$1,622€1,449Check ↗
- 35
Danelectro 56 Baritone Black Metal FlakeDanelectro44Stable$760€679$760€679Check ↗
- 36
Danelectro 56 Baritone Silver Metal FlakeDanelectro44Stable$760€679$760€679Check ↗
- 37
Danelectro DE56 Baritone Guitar BKDanelectro42Stable$704€629$704€629Check ↗
- 38
Danelectro 56 Vintage Baritone Dark AquaDanelectro42↑ 4.6%$760€679$760€679Check ↗
- 39
Solar Guitars V2.6FBB Baritone Flame BlackSolar Guitars42Stable$1,118€999$1,118€999Check ↗
- 40
Hagstrom Tremar Viking Baritone DLX BLKHagstrom41Stable$1,096€979$1,096€979Check ↗
- 41
Harley Benton JA-Baritone BK BundleHarley Benton31Stable$245€219$245€219Check ↗
Baritone Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 46 models we track, not a sample.
Median $738 — half of all baritone guitars here cost less.
median of 31 models · 42 mm (1.65")–48 mm (1.89")
median of 44 models · 679 mm (26.73")–762 mm (30")
median of 22 models · 21–24
most common · 10 models
How to choose the best baritone guitars
Scale Length
Longer scale lengths (27" or more) are essential for baritone guitars to maintain string tension and avoid floppy, undefined low-end. Shorter scales just won't cut it; the string tension will be all over the place.
Pickup Voicing
Many cheaper baritones come with generic pickups that sound muddy or thin. Look for pickups with a slightly darker voicing or consider aftermarket upgrades to get the right tonal character - that sweet spot between a growl and a defined low-end.
Neck Profile
A comfortable neck is crucial, especially with heavier gauge strings. Check the neck profile - a slimmer C or D profile is often preferred for easier access to those lower frets and a more comfortable playing experience.
Hardware Quality
Cheap hardware (tuners, bridge) can lead to tuning instability and a generally lower-quality feel. Solid locking tuners are a worthwhile upgrade if the stock ones feel flimsy; they'll save you headaches on stage.
Construction & Materials
While you won't get exotic woods at this price point, look for solid bodies (not just laminate) and well-fitted hardware. A well-built guitar will stay in tune better, resonate more clearly, and simply feel more reliable - a huge factor for gigging.
Buying guide
So, you're chasing that cavernous low-end rumble and need a baritone to really fill out the sonic landscape? Good choice. Getting a baritone that doesn't sound like a muddy mess and can actually cut through a band mix doesn't have to bankrupt you. We've rounded up some solid options under $2000 that deliver serious thump without the premium price tag - these are the guitars you should be checking out.
At this budget, you're making trade-offs. You're unlikely to find a perfectly flawless instrument; expect some minor finish imperfections or slightly less premium hardware. Prioritize the scale length and pickup voicing above all else - those are the things that truly define a baritone's tone.
Don't be afraid to consider aftermarket upgrades like pickups or tuners to elevate the instrument's performance.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 46 baritone guitars from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
What gauge strings should I use on a baritone?
Generally, you'll want heavier gauges - 11s or even 12s are common. Experiment to find what feels comfortable and produces the tone you're after. Lighter gauges can feel floppy on a longer scale.
Are baritone guitars hard to play?
They can be, especially if you're used to standard-scale guitars. The heavier strings and longer scale require more finger strength. But with practice, it becomes second nature.
Can I use a regular amp with a baritone guitar?
Yes, but a good amp with ample headroom will help you get the most out of the low-end. A smaller amp might just breakup and sound muddy. A clean, powerful amp lets the baritone's unique character shine.
What kind of music is a baritone guitar good for?
Anything that needs low-end rumble! Think doom metal, stoner rock, progressive rock, blues, jazz - even country can benefit from the added depth. It's a surprisingly versatile instrument.
Should I buy used to save money?
Absolutely. You can often find excellent deals on used baritone guitars, especially if you're willing to do a little research and inspect the instrument carefully. Just check for neck warps and excessive wear.





