Best Heavy Guitars Under $2,000 2026

Affordable heavy guitars under $2,000 - 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

Solar Guitars XF1.6FRFN - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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

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

Solar Guitars E1.6SVART+ - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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 X2.6ROP+ - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Solar Guitars X2.6ROP+

by Solar Guitars

Metal Death Metal Hard Rock

Key Feature:

• Extended range capabilities

✓ PROS

• Designed for high-gain amplifiers
• Extended range capabilities

✗ CONS

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

Solar Guitars X2.6ROP+Electric GuitarBody: SungkaiSet neck: MapleFingerboard: EbonyNeck Shape: C ShapeFingerboard...

⭐ 4.7/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 563757

$1,044

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 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 V1.8SVART - 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

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

Epiphone Korina Explorer Aged Natural - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Epiphone Korina Explorer Aged Natural

by Epiphone

Metal Djent Metalcore

Key Feature:

• Extended range capabilities

✓ PROS

• High-output pickups for distortion
• Extended range capabilities

✗ CONS

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

Epiphone Korina Explorer Aged NaturalElectric GuitarBody: KorinaNeck: KorinaFingerboard: Indian LaurelWhite dot...

⭐ 5.0/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 549146

$1,208

Buy at Thomann View Details

Epiphone Korina Explorer Aged Nat. LH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.9/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Epiphone Korina Explorer Aged Nat. LH

by Epiphone

Progressive Death Metal Metal

Key Feature:

• Great for palm muting

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Requires high-gain amplification
• Limited clean tone versatility

Epiphone Korina Explorer Aged Nat. LHElectric GuitarLefthand / left-handed modelBody: KorinaNeck: KorinaFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 562208

$1,198

Buy at Thomann View Details

Kramer Guitars Voyager Old School - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 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 VAR1.6FRGN - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.7/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Solar Guitars VAR1.6FRGN

by Solar Guitars

Progressive Djent Hard Rock

Key Feature:

• Great for palm muting

✓ PROS

• Extended range capabilities
• Solid construction for heavy playing

✗ CONS

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

Solar Guitars VAR1.6FRGNElectric GuitarBody: AlderSet neck: MapleFingerboard: EbonySolar logo fingerboard inlay in the...

⭐ 4.7/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 616777

$1,539

Buy at Thomann View Details

Solar Guitars AB1.6FRMNS Sustainiac+ - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.5/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Solar Guitars AB1.6FRMNS Sustainiac+

by Solar Guitars

Metal Hard Rock Metalcore

Key Feature:

• High-output pickups for distortion

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Solar Guitars AB1.6FRMNS Sustainiac+Electric GuitarBody: AlderBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: Roasted...

⭐ 4.5/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 605372

$1,429

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#14

⭐ 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 V1.6VW Wolfmaster - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 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

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.

Related Best Lists

POPULAR

Best Single Cut Guitars

Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

TOP

Best Heavy Guitars Under $2,000 2026

Solar Guitars XF1.6FRFN

Solar Guitars X1.6Coroner

Solar Guitars E1.6SVART+

Solar Guitars X2.6ROP+

Solar Guitars V1.6 Canibalismo

Solar Guitars A1.6FR SVART+

Solar Guitars V1.8SVART

Solar Guitars A1.61FR Assassin

Epiphone Korina Explorer Aged Natural

Epiphone Korina Explorer Aged Nat. LH

Kramer Guitars Voyager Old School

Solar Guitars VAR1.6FRGN

Solar Guitars AB1.6FRMNS Sustainiac+

Solar Guitars V2.6Canibalismo+

Solar Guitars V1.6VW Wolfmaster

How to Choose the Best Heavy Guitars

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Best Lists

Best ST Style Guitars

Best Humbucker Pickups

Best Distortion Pedals

Best Single Cut Guitars

Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

Best 4/4 Size Classical Guitars

Cookie Preferences

Essential Cookies

Analytics Cookies

Functional Cookies

Marketing Cookies