Best Heavy Guitars Under $2,000 2025

Affordable heavy guitars under $2,000 - great value without compromising quality

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

Kramer Guitars Dave Mustaine Vanguard R.I.P. - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Kramer Guitars Dave Mustaine Vanguard R.I.P.

Hard Rock Progressive Metal
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

Kramer Guitars Dave Mustaine Vanguard R.I.P.Electric GuitarDave Mustaine (Megadeth) signature modellBody:...

4.5/5 (26 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Solar Guitars X2.6FRGN+ - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Solar Guitars X2.6FRGN+

Death Metal Progressive Metalcore
Key Feature:
• Extended range capabilities
✓ PROS
  • • High-output pickups for distortion
  • • Designed for high-gain amplifiers
✗ CONS
  • • Often heavier than standard guitars
  • • May be too aggressive for other genres

Solar Guitars X2.6FRGN+Electric GuitarBody: MahoganySet-in neck: MapleFingerboard: EbonyNeck Shape: C ShapeFingerboard...

4.6/5 (39 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Kramer Guitars Voyager Old School - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Kramer Guitars Voyager Old School

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
Solar Guitars V1.6AAN - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Solar Guitars V1.6AAN

Progressive Djent Metalcore
Key Feature:
• Great for palm muting
✓ PROS
  • • High-output pickups for distortion
  • • Extended range capabilities
✗ CONS
  • • Often heavier than standard guitars
  • • May be too aggressive for other genres

Solar Guitars V1.6AANElectric GuitarBody: AlderGlued-in neck: MapleFretboard: EbonyNeck profile: CFretboard radius: 350...

4.5/5 (14 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Kramer Guitars Dave Mustaine Vanguard Ebony - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Kramer Guitars Dave Mustaine Vanguard Ebony

Death Metal Metal Metalcore
Key Feature:
• Designed for high-gain amplifiers
✓ PROS
  • • Solid construction for heavy playing
  • • High-output pickups for distortion
✗ CONS
  • • Limited clean tone versatility
  • • Requires high-gain amplification

Kramer Guitars Dave Mustaine Vanguard EbonyElectric GuitarDave Mustaine (Megadeth) Signature ModelBody: MahoganySet-in...

4.7/5 (19 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Solar Guitars VAR1.6FRGN - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Solar Guitars VAR1.6FRGN

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
Ibanez FRM350-BK Paul Gilbert - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Ibanez FRM350-BK Paul Gilbert

Hard Rock Death Metal Metal
Key Feature:
• Great for palm muting
✓ PROS
  • • Extended range capabilities
  • • Designed for high-gain amplifiers
✗ CONS
  • • Requires high-gain amplification
  • • Limited clean tone versatility

Ibanez FRM350-BK Paul GilbertElectric GuitarPaul Gilbert Signature ModelBody: OkoumeSet-in neck:...

4.9/5 (51 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Epiphone Kirk Hammett 1979 Flying V EB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Epiphone Kirk Hammett 1979 Flying V EB

Metal Djent Metalcore
Key Feature:
• Great for palm muting
✓ PROS
  • • Solid construction for heavy playing
  • • Great for palm muting
✗ CONS
  • • Often heavier than standard guitars
  • • Limited clean tone versatility

Epiphone Kirk Hammett 1979 Flying V EBElectric GuitarKirk Hammett (Metallica) Signature ModelBody: MahoganyGlued-in...

4.8/5 (38 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Epiphone Flying V Prophecy Aged BTB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Epiphone Flying V Prophecy Aged BTB

Metal Djent Hard Rock
Key Feature:
• Solid construction for heavy playing
✓ PROS
  • • Extended range capabilities
  • • Solid construction for heavy playing
✗ CONS
  • • May be too aggressive for other genres
  • • Complex electronics in some models

Epiphone Flying V Prophecy Aged BTBElectric GuitarInspired by Gibson Custom Shop / Modern CollectionBody: MahoganyNeck:...

4.5/5 (45 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Framus D-Series Artist Line WH-1 BLK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Framus D-Series Artist Line WH-1 BLK

Death Metal Hard Rock Progressive
Key Feature:
• Extended range capabilities
✓ PROS
  • • Extended range capabilities
  • • High-output pickups for distortion
✗ CONS
  • • Requires high-gain amplification
  • • Complex electronics in some models

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

4.8/5 (41 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Solar Guitars V1.6MP Wolfmaster - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Solar Guitars V1.6MP Wolfmaster

Metalcore Hard Rock Death Metal
Key Feature:
• Solid construction for heavy playing
✓ PROS
  • • Extended range capabilities
  • • Designed for high-gain amplifiers
✗ CONS
  • • Complex electronics in some models
  • • Requires high-gain amplification

Solar Guitars V1.6MP WolfmasterElectric GuitarJonas Wolf Signature modelBody: AlderSet-in neck: roasted...

4.7/5 (27 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Evh Star LTD Ebony SBK w/ Gold - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Evh Star LTD Ebony SBK w/ Gold

Hard Rock Metal Djent
Key Feature:
• Great for palm muting
✓ PROS
  • • High-output pickups for distortion
  • • Extended range capabilities
✗ CONS
  • • May be too aggressive for other genres
  • • Limited clean tone versatility

Evh Star LTD Ebony SBK w/ GoldElectric GuitarLimited Edition StarBody: BasswoodNeck: 1-piece bolt-on...

5.0/5 (52 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Kramer Guitars Dave Mustaine Vanguard SM - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Kramer Guitars Dave Mustaine Vanguard SM

Death Metal Metalcore Progressive
Key Feature:
• Great for palm muting
✓ PROS
  • • Solid construction for heavy playing
  • • Designed for high-gain amplifiers
✗ CONS
  • • Limited clean tone versatility
  • • Complex electronics in some models

Kramer Guitars Dave Mustaine Vanguard SMElectric GuitarDave Mustaine (Megadeth) signature modelBody: MahoganySet-in...

4.6/5 (32 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Epiphone Flying V Prophecy Aged JBM - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Epiphone Flying V Prophecy Aged JBM

Death Metal Hard Rock Metal
Key Feature:
• Designed for high-gain amplifiers
✓ PROS
  • • Great for palm muting
  • • Solid construction for heavy playing
✗ CONS
  • • May be too aggressive for other genres
  • • Often heavier than standard guitars

Epiphone Flying V Prophecy Aged JBMElectric GuitarInspired by Gibson Custom Shop / Modern CollectionBody: MahoganyNeck:...

4.5/5 (5 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Solar Guitars X1.6Coroner - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Solar Guitars X1.6Coroner

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

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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