Best Heavy Guitars Under $200 2025

Affordable heavy guitars under $200 - 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

Harley Benton Extreme-76 BK Classic Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton Extreme-76 BK Classic Bundle

by Harley Benton

Hard Rock Death Metal Metal

Key Feature:

• Great for palm muting

✓ PROS

• Designed for high-gain amplifiers
• Extended range capabilities

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton Extreme-76 BK Classic Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton Extreme-76 BK Classic...

⭐ 4.9/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 539308

$197

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton Extreme-76 BK Classic Series - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton Extreme-76 BK Classic Series

by Harley Benton

Death Metal Metalcore Hard Rock

Key Feature:

• Great for palm muting

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Requires high-gain amplification
• Limited clean tone versatility

Harley Benton Extreme-76 BK Classic SeriesElectric GuitarClassic SeriesBody: OkoumeSet-in neck: OkoumeFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 509463

$164

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton RX-10 BK Rock Series - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton RX-10 BK Rock Series

by Harley Benton

Djent Progressive Hard Rock

Key Feature:

• Extended range capabilities

✓ PROS

• Extended range capabilities
• Solid construction for heavy playing

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton ST-10 BK Electric GuitarElectric GuitarBody: PoplarBolt-on maple neckNeck profile: C-shapeFingerboard:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 155255

$142

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton BS-20BK Rock Series w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton BS-20BK Rock Series w/Bag

by Harley Benton

Metal Progressive Djent

Key Feature:

• High-output pickups for distortion

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Often heavier than standard guitars
• Limited clean tone versatility

Harley Benton BS-20BK Rock Series w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton BS-20BK Rock Series*Electric...

⭐ 4.9/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 563085

$167

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton MB-20BK Rock Series Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton MB-20BK Rock Series Bundle

by Harley Benton

Death Metal Metalcore Progressive

Key Feature:

• Designed for high-gain amplifiers

✓ PROS

• High-output pickups for distortion
• Extended range capabilities

✗ CONS

• Limited clean tone versatility
• Complex electronics in some models

Harley Benton MB-20BK Rock Series Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton MB-20BK Rock Series*Electric...

⭐ 4.8/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 426311

$197

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton Extreme-76 BK Classic w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton Extreme-76 BK Classic w/Bag

by Harley Benton

Metalcore Death Metal Metal

Key Feature:

• Designed for high-gain amplifiers

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton Extreme-76 BK Classic w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton Extreme-76 BK Classic Series*Electric...

⭐ 5.0/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 539303

$186

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton BS-20BK Rock Series - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton BS-20BK Rock Series

by Harley Benton

Hard Rock Death Metal Progressive

Key Feature:

• High-output pickups for distortion

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton BS-20BK Rock SeriesElectric GuitarRock SeriesBody: BasswoodBolt-on neck made from Canadian mapleC Neck...

⭐ 4.5/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 410023

$142

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton Electric Guitar Kit Extreme-76 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton Electric Guitar Kit Extreme-76

by Harley Benton

Metal Metalcore Hard Rock

Key Feature:

• High-output pickups for distortion

✓ PROS

• Great for palm muting
• Solid construction for heavy playing

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton Electric Guitar Kit Extreme-76Electric Guitar Kit EX-StyleComplete DIY (do-it-yourself) kitBody: Okoume...

⭐ 4.8/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 547685

$131

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton Electric Guitar Kit Extreme-84 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton Electric Guitar Kit Extreme-84

by Harley Benton

Death Metal Metalcore Hard Rock

Key Feature:

• Solid construction for heavy playing

✓ PROS

• Designed for high-gain amplifiers
• Extended range capabilities

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton Electric Guitar Kit Extreme-84Electric Guitar Kit EX-StyleComplete DIY (do it yourself) kitBody: Okoume...

⭐ 4.5/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 547683

$175

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton MB-20BK Rock Series - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.6/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton MB-20BK Rock Series

by Harley Benton

Metalcore Death Metal Progressive

Key Feature:

• Extended range capabilities

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton MB-20BK Rock SeriesElectric GuitarRock SeriesBody: BasswoodBolt-on neck: Canadian mapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 410027

$131

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton Electric Guitar Kit Victory - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.8/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton Electric Guitar Kit Victory

by Harley Benton

Metalcore Progressive Hard Rock

Key Feature:

• Great for palm muting

✓ PROS

• Solid construction for heavy playing
• Great for palm muting

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton Electric Guitar Kit VictoryElectric Guitar Kit V-StyleComplete DIY (do-it-yourself) kitBody: Basswood...

⭐ 4.8/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 547712

$142

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton Victory-BK Classic Series - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.8/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton Victory-BK Classic Series

by Harley Benton

Progressive Metalcore Death Metal

Key Feature:

• Extended range capabilities

✓ PROS

• Designed for high-gain amplifiers
• Extended range capabilities

✗ CONS

• Limited clean tone versatility
• Often heavier than standard guitars

Harley Benton Victory-BK Classic SeriesElectric GuitarClassic SeriesBody: PoplarSet-in neck: MapleNeck profile:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 151035

$153

Buy at Thomann View Details

Jackson JS1X Rhoads Minion Satin Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.4/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Jackson JS1X Rhoads Minion Satin Black

by Jackson

Metalcore Progressive Death Metal

Key Feature:

• Great for palm muting

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Jackson JS1X Rhoads Minion Satin BlackElectric GuitarMinion model with 2/3 scaleBody: PoplarBolted maple neck with...

⭐ 4.4/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 366052

$197

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton WL-20BK Rock Series - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.7/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton WL-20BK Rock Series

by Harley Benton

Djent Metal Progressive

Key Feature:

• Great for palm muting

✓ PROS

• Designed for high-gain amplifiers
• Extended range capabilities

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton WL-20BK Rock SeriesElectric GuitarRock SeriesBody: BasswoodBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: LaurelDot...

⭐ 4.7/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 308780

$131

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 $200 2025

Harley Benton Extreme-76 BK Classic Bundle

Harley Benton Extreme-76 BK Classic Series

Harley Benton RX-10 BK Rock Series

Harley Benton BS-20BK Rock Series w/Bag

Harley Benton MB-20BK Rock Series Bundle

Harley Benton Extreme-76 BK Classic w/Bag

Harley Benton BS-20BK Rock Series

Harley Benton Electric Guitar Kit Extreme-76

Harley Benton Electric Guitar Kit Extreme-84

Harley Benton MB-20BK Rock Series

Harley Benton Electric Guitar Kit Victory

Harley Benton Victory-BK Classic Series

Jackson JS1X Rhoads Minion Satin Black

Harley Benton WL-20BK Rock Series

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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