Best Heavy Guitars Under $1,000 2025

Affordable heavy guitars under $1,000 - great value without compromising quality

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

Kramer Guitars SM-1 Vintage Maximum Steel - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Kramer Guitars SM-1 Vintage Maximum Steel

by Kramer Guitars

Djent Progressive Metal

Key Feature:

• Great for palm muting

✓ PROS

• Designed for high-gain amplifiers
• Extended range capabilities

✗ CONS

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

Kramer Guitars SM-1 Vintage Maximum SteelElectric GuitarBody: Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla)Mahogany...

⭐ 4.5/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 465968

$945

Buy at Thomann View Details

Solar Guitars V2.6C - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Solar Guitars V2.6C

by Solar Guitars

Progressive Hard Rock Metal

Key Feature:

• Solid construction for heavy playing

✓ PROS

• Great for palm muting
• Solid construction for heavy playing

✗ CONS

• Complex electronics in some models
• May be too aggressive for other genres

Solar Guitars V2.6C G2Electric GuitarBody: MahoganyNeck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodNeck profile: C24 Super Jumbo...

⭐ 4.5/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 452311

$989

Buy at Thomann View Details

Solar Guitars A2.6 LN - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Solar Guitars A2.6 LN

by Solar Guitars

Hard Rock Metal Djent

Key Feature:

• Designed for high-gain amplifiers

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Limited clean tone versatility
• Complex electronics in some models

Solar Guitars A2.6 LNElectric GuitarMahogany bodyMaple neckEbony fretboard"C" neck profileScale: 648 mmNut...

⭐ 4.9/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 452276

$934

Buy at Thomann View Details

Jackson RRX24 Red wBlack Bevels - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Jackson RRX24 Red wBlack Bevels

by Jackson

Hard Rock Metalcore Djent

Key Feature:

• Great for palm muting

✓ PROS

• High-output pickups for distortion
• Extended range capabilities

✗ CONS

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

Jackson RRX24 Red wBlack BevelsElectric GuitarX SeriesBody: PoplarNeck-thru-body: Maple with graphite reinforcement and...

⭐ 4.4/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 455502

$835

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

Kramer Guitars Charlie Parra Vanguard - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Kramer Guitars Charlie Parra Vanguard

by Kramer Guitars

Djent Metal Metalcore

Key Feature:

• Designed for high-gain amplifiers

✓ PROS

• High-output pickups for distortion
• Extended range capabilities

✗ CONS

• Often heavier than standard guitars
• Limited clean tone versatility

Kramer Guitars Charlie Parra VanguardElectric GuitarCharlie Parra Signature ModelBody: Mahogany3-Piece neck: MapleEbony...

⭐ 4.7/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 502731

$879

Buy at Thomann View Details

Jackson Demmelition Fury PD RTF - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Jackson Demmelition Fury PD RTF

by Jackson

Metalcore Progressive Death Metal

Key Feature:

• High-output pickups for distortion

✓ PROS

• Designed for high-gain amplifiers
• Solid construction for heavy playing

✗ CONS

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

Jackson Demmelition Fury PD RTFElectric GuitarPhil Demmel Signature ModelStyle: Demmelition FuryBody: MahoganyNeck:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 455494

$901

Buy at Thomann View Details

⭐ 4.8/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

ESP LTD Arrow-200 MGS LH

by ESP

Metalcore Death Metal Progressive

Key Feature:

• Extended range capabilities

✓ PROS

• Great for palm muting
• Solid construction for heavy playing

✗ CONS

• Limited clean tone versatility
• Often heavier than standard guitars

ESP LTD Arrow-200 MGS LHElectric GuitarLefthand / left-handed modelBody: Mahogany (Swietenia Macrophylla)Glued-in maple...

⭐ 4.8/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 535765

$813

Buy at Thomann View Details

Solar Guitars A2.6C - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Solar Guitars A2.6C

by Solar Guitars

Metalcore Hard Rock Djent

Key Feature:

• High-output pickups for distortion

✓ PROS

• Extended range capabilities
• Solid construction for heavy playing

✗ CONS

• Complex electronics in some models
• Limited clean tone versatility

Solar Guitars A2.6 C G2Electric GuitarBody: MahoganyNeck: MapleFingerboard: EbonyNeck profile: CScale: 647 mmNut width:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 452283

$879

Buy at Thomann View Details

Solar Guitars V2.6LB Flame Lime Burst Matte - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.8/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Solar Guitars V2.6LB Flame Lime Burst Matte

by Solar Guitars

Death Metal Metal Progressive

Key Feature:

• Solid construction for heavy playing

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Solar Guitars V2.6LB Flame Lime Burst MatteElectric GuitarBody: Mahogany with curly maple veneerNeck: MapleFretboard:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 530319

$989

Buy at Thomann View Details

ESP LTD EX-401 SW - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.6/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

ESP LTD EX-401 SW

by ESP

Hard Rock Metalcore Progressive

Key Feature:

• High-output pickups for distortion

✓ PROS

• Designed for high-gain amplifiers
• Extended range capabilities

✗ CONS

• Requires high-gain amplification
• Limited clean tone versatility

ESP LTD EX-401 SWElectric GuitarBody: Mahogany3-Piece neck: MapleFretboard: Rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia)Neck profile:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 385416

$977

Buy at Thomann View Details

Jackson Scott Ian KVXT BLK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.6/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Jackson Scott Ian KVXT BLK

by Jackson

Progressive Hard Rock Metalcore

Key Feature:

• High-output pickups for distortion

✓ PROS

• High-output pickups for distortion
• Extended range capabilities

✗ CONS

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

Jackson Scott Ian KVXT BLKElectric GuitarScott Ian (Anthrax) signature modelBody: MahoganyGlued-in neck:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 609588

$824

Buy at Thomann View Details

Jackson X Series Kex DPM - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.8/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Jackson X Series Kex DPM

by Jackson

Death Metal Progressive Metal

Key Feature:

• Great for palm muting

✓ PROS

• Extended range capabilities
• Solid construction for heavy playing

✗ CONS

• Complex electronics in some models
• May be too aggressive for other genres

Jackson X Series Kex DPMElectric GuitarBody: PoplarNeck: MapleFingerboard: LaurelFingerboard inlays: Pearloid...

⭐ 4.8/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 583563

$846

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#14

⭐ 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

#15

⭐ 4.8/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

ESP LTD Arrow-200 Black

by ESP

Metal Djent Progressive

Key Feature:

• Solid construction for heavy playing

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

ESP LTD Arrow-200 BlackElectric GuitarBody: MahoganySet Thru Hals: MapleFingerboard: roasted jatobaNeck profile: Thin...

⭐ 4.8/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 431696

$802

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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Best Heavy Guitars Under $1,000 2025

Kramer Guitars SM-1 Vintage Maximum Steel

Solar Guitars V2.6C

Solar Guitars A2.6 LN

Jackson RRX24 Red wBlack Bevels

Solar Guitars T2.6BLOP-27+

Kramer Guitars Charlie Parra Vanguard

Jackson Demmelition Fury PD RTF

ESP LTD Arrow-200 MGS LH

Solar Guitars A2.6C

Solar Guitars V2.6LB Flame Lime Burst Matte

ESP LTD EX-401 SW

Jackson Scott Ian KVXT BLK

Jackson X Series Kex DPM

Kramer Guitars SM-1 Vintage Orange Crush

ESP LTD Arrow-200 Black

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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