Best Heavy Guitars 2025

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

Last updated: November 5, 2025 • Next update: November 12, 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

Solar Guitars V1.8SVART - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Solar Guitars V1.8SVART

by Solar Guitars

Progressive Metalcore Metal

Key Feature:

• Designed for high-gain amplifiers

✓ PROS

• Designed for high-gain amplifiers
• Extended range capabilities

✗ CONS

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

Solar Guitars V1.8SVART8-String Electric GuitarBody: MahoganyGlued-in neck: MapleFingerboard: EbonySolar Logo in the...

⭐ 4.8/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 591156

$1,649

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton EX-84 Modern EMG VW w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton EX-84 Modern EMG VW w/Bag

by Harley Benton

Death Metal Metal Metalcore

Key Feature:

• High-output pickups for distortion

✓ PROS

• Great for palm muting
• Extended range capabilities

✗ CONS

• Limited clean tone versatility
• Requires high-gain amplification

Harley Benton EX-84 Modern EMG VW w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton EX-84 Modern EMG VW*Electric Guitar*Pro...

⭐ 4.8/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 558030

$461

Buy at Thomann View Details

Kramer Guitars SM-1 Vintage Orange Crush - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Kramer Guitars SM-1 Vintage Orange Crush

by Kramer Guitars

Metal Djent Metalcore

Key Feature:

• Designed for high-gain amplifiers

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Requires high-gain amplification
• Limited clean tone versatility

Kramer Guitars SM-1 Vintage Orange CrushElectric GuitarMahogany bodyFull-length mahogany neckEbony fretboardHistoric...

⭐ 4.7/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 465969

$945

Buy at Thomann View Details

Kramer Guitars Nite-V Plus Alpine White - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Kramer Guitars Nite-V Plus Alpine White

by Kramer Guitars

Metalcore Metal Djent

Key Feature:

• Great for palm muting

✓ PROS

• High-output pickups for distortion
• Extended range capabilities

✗ CONS

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

Kramer Guitars Nite-V Plus Alpine WhiteElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: EbonyThron...

⭐ 4.6/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 606526

$549

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 V1.6VW Wolfmaster - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Solar Guitars V1.6VW Wolfmaster

by Solar Guitars

Djent Metal Hard Rock

Key Feature:

• High-output pickups for distortion

✓ PROS

• Extended range capabilities
• High-output pickups for distortion

✗ CONS

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

Solar Guitars V1.6VW WolfmasterElectric GuitarJonas Wolf Signature ModelBody: AlderSet-in neck: roasted...

⭐ 4.9/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 576429

$1,429

Buy at Thomann View Details

Solar Guitars V1.6AOP Canibalismo - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Solar Guitars V1.6AOP Canibalismo

by Solar Guitars

Metalcore Djent Death Metal

Key Feature:

• Extended range capabilities

✓ PROS

• Extended range capabilities
• Great for palm muting

✗ CONS

• Often heavier than standard guitars
• Limited clean tone versatility

Solar Guitars V1.6 AOP CanibalismoElectric GuitarBody: Swamp ashSet-in neck: MapleFretboard: EbonyNeck profile:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 538122

$1,319

Buy at Thomann View Details

Solar Guitars V2.6Canibalismo+ - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Solar Guitars V2.6Canibalismo+

by Solar Guitars

Hard Rock Metal Metalcore

Key Feature:

• Great for palm muting

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Limited clean tone versatility
• Requires high-gain amplification

Solar Guitars V2.6Canibalismo+Electric GuitarSungkai bodyNeck: MapleFingerboard: EbonyNeck profile: CNut:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 544774

$1,099

Buy at Thomann View Details

Solar Guitars V1.6FRLB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Solar Guitars V1.6FRLB

by Solar Guitars

Djent Metal Death Metal

Key Feature:

• Great for palm muting

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Solar Guitars V1.6FRLBV-Style Electric GuitarBody: MahoganyFigured maple veneerNeck: MapleFretboard: EbonyNeck...

⭐ 4.8/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 504543

$1,319

Buy at Thomann View Details

Solar Guitars X1.6SVART+ - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.5/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Solar Guitars X1.6SVART+

by Solar Guitars

Djent Metalcore Progressive

Key Feature:

• Designed for high-gain amplifiers

✓ PROS

• Extended range capabilities
• Great for palm muting

✗ CONS

• Limited clean tone versatility
• Often heavier than standard guitars

Solar Guitars X1.6SVART+Electric GuitarBody: AlderSet-in neck: MapleFingerboard: EbonyNeck profile: CFingerboard...

⭐ 4.5/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 576647

$1,264

Buy at Thomann View Details

Solar Guitars VAR2.6CLN Canibalismo - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.9/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Solar Guitars VAR2.6CLN Canibalismo

by Solar Guitars

Progressive Death Metal Metal

Key Feature:

• Solid construction for heavy playing

✓ PROS

• Solid construction for heavy playing
• Extended range capabilities

✗ CONS

• Complex electronics in some models
• Limited clean tone versatility

Solar Guitars VAR2.6CLN CanibalismoElectric GuitarBody: AlderSet-in neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodSolar logo...

⭐ 4.9/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 620812

$1,209

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#12

⭐ 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 E1.6SVART+ - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 5.0/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Solar Guitars E1.6SVART+

by Solar Guitars

Metal Progressive Metalcore

Key Feature:

• High-output pickups for distortion

✓ PROS

• Extended range capabilities
• Great for palm muting

✗ CONS

• Limited clean tone versatility
• Often heavier than standard guitars

Solar Guitars E1.6SVART+Electric GuitarBody: AlderSet-in neck: MapleFingerboard: EbonyNeck profile: CFingerboard...

⭐ 5.0/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 576642

$1,429

Buy at Thomann View Details

Solar Guitars XF1.6FRFBR+ - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 5.0/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Solar Guitars XF1.6FRFBR+

by Solar Guitars

Djent Death Metal Progressive

Key Feature:

• High-output pickups for distortion

✓ PROS

• Solid construction for heavy playing
• Extended range capabilities

✗ CONS

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

Solar Guitars X1.6FRFBR+Electric GuitarBody: MahoganyTop: flamed maple veneerGlued-in neck: MapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 565518

$1,374

Buy at Thomann View Details

Solar Guitars XF1.6FRFN - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.6/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Solar Guitars XF1.6FRFN

by Solar Guitars

Djent Hard Rock Death Metal

Key Feature:

• Designed for high-gain amplifiers

✓ PROS

• Solid construction for heavy playing
• Extended range capabilities

✗ CONS

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

Solar Guitars XF1.6FRFNElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyTop: Flamed mapleSet neck: MahoganyFingerboard: EbonySolar logo...

⭐ 4.6/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 620790

$1,539

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

Solar Guitars V1.8SVART

Harley Benton EX-84 Modern EMG VW w/Bag

Kramer Guitars SM-1 Vintage Orange Crush

Kramer Guitars Nite-V Plus Alpine White

Harley Benton EX-76 Classic GHW AN w/Case

Solar Guitars V1.6VW Wolfmaster

Solar Guitars V1.6AOP Canibalismo

Solar Guitars V2.6Canibalismo+

Solar Guitars V1.6FRLB

Solar Guitars X1.6SVART+

Solar Guitars VAR2.6CLN Canibalismo

Harley Benton EX-84 Modern WH w/Case

Solar Guitars E1.6SVART+

Solar Guitars XF1.6FRFBR+

Solar Guitars XF1.6FRFN

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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