Best Heavy Guitars 2025

Top-rated heavy guitars 2025 - expert picks for every budget and skill level

Last updated: October 15, 2025 • Next update: October 22, 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 Metal For Hard Rock For Progressive For Djent For Metalcore For Death Metal

BRANDS: ESP Jackson Harley Benton Solar Guitars Gibson Schecter Kramer Guitars Epiphone Framus

Kramer Guitars Voyager Old School - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Kramer Guitars Voyager Old School

by Kramer Guitars

Hard Rock Djent Progressive

Key Feature:

• Designed for high-gain amplifiers

✓ PROS

• High-output pickups for distortion
• Solid construction for heavy playing

✗ CONS

• Limited clean tone versatility
• May be too aggressive for other genres

Kramer Guitars Voyager Old SchoolElectric GuitarBody: Mahogany3-piece maple neckFingerboard: MapleNeck profile: Slim...

⭐ 4.5/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 606454

$1,044

Buy at Thomann View Details

Solar Guitars T2.6BLOP-27+ - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Solar Guitars T2.6BLOP-27+

by Solar Guitars

Metal Metalcore Progressive

Key Feature:

• High-output pickups for distortion

✓ PROS

• Designed for high-gain amplifiers
• Great for palm muting

✗ CONS

• May be too aggressive for other genres
• Requires high-gain amplification

Solar Guitars T2.6BLOP-27+Bariton Electric GuitarBody: SunkaiSet-in neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleNeck profile:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 576454

$989

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton EX-84 Modern WH w/Case - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton EX-84 Modern WH w/Case

by Harley Benton

Djent Death Metal Metalcore

Key Feature:

• Solid construction for heavy playing

✓ PROS

• Extended range capabilities
• Great for palm muting

✗ CONS

• Requires high-gain amplification
• Often heavier than standard guitars

Harley Benton EX-84 Modern WH w/Case*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton EX-84 Modern VW*Electric Guitar*Mahogany...

⭐ 5.0/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 558033

$433

Buy at Thomann View Details

Solar Guitars A1.61FR Assassin - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Solar Guitars A1.61FR Assassin

by Solar Guitars

Hard Rock Metal Death Metal

Key Feature:

• High-output pickups for distortion

✓ PROS

• Designed for high-gain amplifiers
• Great for palm muting

✗ CONS

• Limited clean tone versatility
• Often heavier than standard guitars

Solar Guitars A1.61FR AssassinElectric GuitarBody: AlderNeck-thru-body neck: MapleFingerboard: EbonySolar logo...

⭐ 4.6/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 599523

$1,319

Buy at Thomann View Details

Solar Guitars A1.6FR SVART+ - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Solar Guitars A1.6FR SVART+

by Solar Guitars

Djent Metal Hard Rock

Key Feature:

• High-output pickups for distortion

✓ PROS

• Extended range capabilities
• Solid construction for heavy playing

✗ CONS

• Often heavier than standard guitars
• May be too aggressive for other genres

Solar Guitars A1.6FR SVART+Electric GuitarBody: AlderNeck-thru-body: MapleFingerboard: EbonyFluorescent Luminlay side...

⭐ 5.0/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 588859

$1,319

Buy at Thomann View Details

Solar Guitars V1.6 Canibalismo - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Solar Guitars V1.6 Canibalismo

by Solar Guitars

Metal Djent Metalcore

Key Feature:

• Designed for high-gain amplifiers

✓ PROS

• High-output pickups for distortion
• Extended range capabilities

✗ CONS

• Often heavier than standard guitars
• Requires high-gain amplification

Solar Guitars V1.6 CanibalismoElectric GuitarBody: Swamp ashNeck: MapleFretboard: EbonyNeck profile: CScale: 648 mmNut...

⭐ 4.5/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 498706

$1,429

Buy at Thomann View Details

Solar Guitars SBR1.6VC+ Vacillator Gloss - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Solar Guitars SBR1.6VC+ Vacillator Gloss

by Solar Guitars

Metalcore Death Metal Hard Rock

Key Feature:

• Great for palm muting

✓ PROS

• Extended range capabilities
• Solid construction for heavy playing

✗ CONS

• Requires high-gain amplification
• Complex electronics in some models

Solar Guitars SBR1.6VC+ Vacillator GlossElectric GuitarBody: AlderBolt-on neck: Roasted MapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 595534

$1,319

Buy at Thomann View Details

Solar Guitars X1.6Coroner - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Solar Guitars X1.6Coroner

by Solar Guitars

Progressive Djent Metal

Key Feature:

• High-output pickups for distortion

✓ PROS

• High-output pickups for distortion
• Great for palm muting

✗ CONS

• May be too aggressive for other genres
• Requires high-gain amplification

Solar Guitars X1.6CoronerElectric GuitarCreated in collaboration with Tommy Vetterli (Coroner)Body:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 605359

$1,759

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton EX-76 Classic GHW AN w/Case - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton EX-76 Classic GHW AN w/Case

by Harley Benton

Death Metal Metalcore Progressive

Key Feature:

• High-output pickups for distortion

✓ PROS

• Extended range capabilities
• Solid construction for heavy playing

✗ CONS

• May be too aggressive for other genres
• Limited clean tone versatility

Harley Benton EX-76 Classic GHW AN w/Case*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton EX-76 Classic GHW AN*Electric...

⭐ 4.8/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 618602

$462

Buy at Thomann View Details

Solar Guitars A1.6Silas Canibalismo - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.8/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Solar Guitars A1.6Silas Canibalismo

by Solar Guitars

Death Metal Metal Progressive

Key Feature:

• High-output pickups for distortion

✓ PROS

• High-output pickups for distortion
• Great for palm muting

✗ CONS

• Limited clean tone versatility
• Complex electronics in some models

Solar Guitars A1.6Silas CanibalismoElectric GuitarBody: AlderSet neck: MapleFingerboard: EbonyFluorescent Luminlay Dot...

⭐ 4.8/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 616759

$1,649

Buy at Thomann View Details

Schecter Damien Platinum 6 SBK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.7/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Schecter Damien Platinum 6 SBK

by Schecter

Djent Progressive Metal

Key Feature:

• Extended range capabilities

✓ PROS

• Extended range capabilities
• Designed for high-gain amplifiers

✗ CONS

• Requires high-gain amplification
• Often heavier than standard guitars

Schecter Damien Platinum 6 SBKElectric GuitarBody: MahoganySet-in neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodPlatinum Bat...

⭐ 4.7/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 437609

$1,011

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton EX-84 Modern EMG BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.6/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton EX-84 Modern EMG BK

by Harley Benton

Death Metal Hard Rock Progressive

Key Feature:

• High-output pickups for distortion

✓ PROS

• Designed for high-gain amplifiers
• High-output pickups for distortion

✗ CONS

• May be too aggressive for other genres
• Requires high-gain amplification

Harley Benton EX-84 Modern EMG BKElectric GuitarPro SeriesBody: NyatohSet-in neck: NyatohEbony fingerboardWhite dot...

⭐ 4.6/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 482140

$439

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton EX-76 Classic AN w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.9/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton EX-76 Classic AN w/Bag

by Harley Benton

Djent Metalcore Progressive

Key Feature:

• Great for palm muting

✓ PROS

• Extended range capabilities
• Designed for high-gain amplifiers

✗ CONS

• Complex electronics in some models
• Often heavier than standard guitars

Harley Benton EX-76 Classic AN w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton EX-76 Classic AN*Electric Guitar*Pro...

⭐ 4.9/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 618599

$351

Buy at Thomann View Details

Schecter E-1 FR S Special Edition GRNB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.9/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Schecter E-1 FR S Special Edition GRNB

by Schecter

Death Metal Hard Rock Progressive

Key Feature:

• High-output pickups for distortion

✓ PROS

• Extended range capabilities
• Solid construction for heavy playing

✗ CONS

• Limited clean tone versatility
• Often heavier than standard guitars

Schecter E-1 FR S Special Edition GRNBElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyTop: Quilted mapleGlued-in neck: MahoganyFretboard:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 537240

$1,979

Buy at Thomann View Details

Jackson Brandon Ellis Pro Kelly Gr.Cr. - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.7/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Jackson Brandon Ellis Pro Kelly Gr.Cr.

by Jackson

Djent Hard Rock Metalcore

Key Feature:

• Extended range capabilities

✓ PROS

• Solid construction for heavy playing
• Extended range capabilities

✗ CONS

• Often heavier than standard guitars
• Complex electronics in some models

Jackson Brandon Ellis Pro Kelly Gr.Cr.Electric GuitarBrandon Ellis (The Black Dahlia Murder) Signature ModelBody:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 511375

$1,363

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Heavy 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 heavy 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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TOP

Best Heavy Guitars 2025

Kramer Guitars Voyager Old School

Solar Guitars T2.6BLOP-27+

Harley Benton EX-84 Modern WH w/Case

Solar Guitars A1.61FR Assassin

Solar Guitars A1.6FR SVART+

Solar Guitars V1.6 Canibalismo

Solar Guitars SBR1.6VC+ Vacillator Gloss

Solar Guitars X1.6Coroner

Harley Benton EX-76 Classic GHW AN w/Case

Solar Guitars A1.6Silas Canibalismo

Schecter Damien Platinum 6 SBK

Harley Benton EX-84 Modern EMG BK

Harley Benton EX-76 Classic AN w/Bag

Schecter E-1 FR S Special Edition GRNB

Jackson Brandon Ellis Pro Kelly Gr.Cr.

How to Choose the Best Heavy Guitars

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying heavy guitars?

How much should I spend on heavy guitars?

Are expensive heavy guitars worth the investment?

What are the best brands for heavy guitars?

Should I buy heavy guitars online or in-store?

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