Best Heavy Guitars Under $1,000 2026

Affordable heavy guitars under $1,000 - 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 Metal For Hard Rock For Progressive For Djent For Metalcore For Death Metal

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

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 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

Kramer Guitars SM-1 Vintage Candy Blue - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Kramer Guitars SM-1 Vintage Candy Blue

by Kramer Guitars

Metalcore Hard Rock Death Metal

Key Feature:

• High-output pickups for distortion

✓ PROS

• Extended range capabilities
• Great for palm muting

✗ CONS

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

Kramer Guitars SM-1 Vintage Candy BlueElectric GuitarBody: Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla)Mahogany neck-through-body...

⭐ 4.7/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 465967

$879

Buy at Thomann View Details

Framus D-Series Artist Line WH-1 SBS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Framus D-Series Artist Line WH-1 SBS

by Framus

Progressive Metalcore Metal

Key Feature:

• Extended range capabilities

✓ PROS

• Extended range capabilities
• High-output pickups for distortion

✗ CONS

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

Framus D-Series Artist Line WH-1 SBSElectric guitarWolf Hoffmann (Accept) signature modelBody: BasswoodGlued-in neck:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 532327

$857

Buy at Thomann View Details

Jackson Demmelition Fury PDT SW - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Jackson Demmelition Fury PDT SW

by Jackson

Djent Progressive Death Metal

Key Feature:

• Great for palm muting

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Jackson Demmelition Fury PDT SWElectric GuitarPhil Demmel (Machine Head) signature modelBuild: Demmelition FuryBody:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 455493

$856

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

Solar Guitars E2.6C - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Solar Guitars E2.6C

by Solar Guitars

Metalcore Metal Death Metal

Key Feature:

• Extended range capabilities

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Solar Guitars E2.6CElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyNeck: MapleFingerboard: EbonyNeck profile: C22 Super Jumbo...

⭐ 4.5/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 452324

$989

Buy at Thomann View Details

Jackson X Series Rhoads RRX24 PRPL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Jackson X Series Rhoads RRX24 PRPL

by Jackson

Hard Rock Djent Metalcore

Key Feature:

• Extended range capabilities

✓ PROS

• High-output pickups for distortion
• Extended range capabilities

✗ CONS

• Limited clean tone versatility
• Requires high-gain amplification

Jackson X Series Rhoads RRX24 PRPLElectric GuitarBody: PoplarNeck: MapleFingerboard: LaurelFingerboard inlays: Pearloid...

⭐ 4.5/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 570578

$868

Buy at Thomann View Details

Solar Guitars V2.6C - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 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

Epiphone Prophecy Extura ABTB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.8/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Epiphone Prophecy Extura ABTB

by Epiphone

Progressive Djent Metal

Key Feature:

• High-output pickups for distortion

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Complex electronics in some models
• Limited clean tone versatility

Epiphone Prophecy Extura ABTBElectric GuitarInspired by Gibson Custom Shop / Modern CollectionBody: MahoganyTop: flamed...

⭐ 4.8/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 588500

$987

Buy at Thomann View Details

Solar Guitars A2.6 LN - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 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

Solar Guitars A2.6C - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 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

Framus D-Series Artist Line WH-1 FSCW - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.8/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Framus D-Series Artist Line WH-1 FSCW

by Framus

Metalcore Progressive Death Metal

Key Feature:

• Great for palm muting

✓ PROS

• High-output pickups for distortion
• Extended range capabilities

✗ CONS

• Complex electronics in some models
• Limited clean tone versatility

Framus D-Series Artist Line WH-1 SCWElectric GuitarWolf Hoffmann (Accept) Signature ModelBody: BasswoodGlued-in neck:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 532325

$857

Buy at Thomann View Details

Jackson X Series Kex LGM - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 5.0/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Jackson X Series Kex LGM

by Jackson

Djent Metalcore Metal

Key Feature:

• Solid construction for heavy playing

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Requires high-gain amplification
• Limited clean tone versatility

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

⭐ 5.0/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 583555

$846

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 2026

Kramer Guitars SM-1 Vintage Orange Crush

Kramer Guitars SM-1 Vintage Maximum Steel

Kramer Guitars SM-1 Vintage Candy Blue

Framus D-Series Artist Line WH-1 SBS

Jackson Demmelition Fury PDT SW

Jackson RRX24 Red wBlack Bevels

Solar Guitars T2.6BLOP-27+

Solar Guitars E2.6C

Jackson X Series Rhoads RRX24 PRPL

Solar Guitars V2.6C

Epiphone Prophecy Extura ABTB

Solar Guitars A2.6 LN

Solar Guitars A2.6C

Framus D-Series Artist Line WH-1 FSCW

Jackson X Series Kex LGM

How to Choose the Best Heavy Guitars

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

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