AudioFu

Best Heavy Guitars Under $500 2026

Affordable heavy guitars under $500 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: February 11, 2026 • Next update: February 18, 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
Harley Benton EX-84 Modern EMG VW w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Harley Benton EX-84 Modern EMG VW w/Bag

by Harley Benton
Death Metal Metal Metalcore
Key Feature:
• High-output pickups for distortion
✓ PROS
  • • Great for palm muting
  • • Extended range capabilities
✗ CONS
  • • Limited clean tone versatility
  • • Requires high-gain amplification

Harley Benton EX-84 Modern EMG VW w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton EX-84 Modern EMG VW*Electric Guitar*Pro...

⭐ 4.8/5 (34 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 558030
$461
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton EX-84 Modern EMG BK w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Harley Benton EX-84 Modern EMG BK w/Bag

by Harley Benton
Metalcore Progressive Hard Rock
Key Feature:
• Extended range capabilities
✓ PROS
  • • Great for palm muting
  • • Solid construction for heavy playing
✗ CONS
  • • Often heavier than standard guitars
  • • Requires high-gain amplification

Harley Benton EX-84 Modern EMG BK w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton EX-84 Modern EMG BK*Electric Guitar*Pro...

⭐ 4.4/5 (19 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 558026
$461
Buy at Thomann View Details
Jackson JS32 Rhoads AH BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Jackson JS32 Rhoads AH BK

by Jackson
Progressive Death Metal Metal
Key Feature:
• High-output pickups for distortion
✓ PROS
  • • High-output pickups for distortion
  • • Great for palm muting
✗ CONS
  • • Requires high-gain amplification
  • • Limited clean tone versatility

Jackson JS32 Rhoads AH BKElectric GuitarRandy Rhoads ModelBody: PoplarNeck: MapleNeck attachment: Bolt-onFretboard:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (43 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 463389
$395
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton EX-84 Modern EMG BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Harley Benton EX-84 Modern EMG BK

by Harley Benton
Death Metal Hard Rock Progressive
Key Feature:
• High-output pickups for distortion
✓ PROS
  • • Designed for high-gain amplifiers
  • • High-output pickups for distortion
✗ CONS
  • • May be too aggressive for other genres
  • • Requires high-gain amplification

Harley Benton EX-84 Modern EMG BKElectric GuitarPro SeriesBody: NyatohSet-in neck: NyatohEbony fingerboardWhite dot...

⭐ 4.6/5 (20 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 482140
$439
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton EX-84 Modern VW - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Harley Benton EX-84 Modern VW

by Harley Benton
Djent Death Metal Metalcore
Key Feature:
• Extended range capabilities
✓ PROS
  • • Solid construction for heavy playing
  • • Extended range capabilities
✗ CONS
  • • May be too aggressive for other genres
  • • Often heavier than standard guitars

Harley Benton EX-84 Modern VWElectric GuitarMahogany bodySet mahogany neckEbony fingerboardWhite dot fingerboard...

⭐ 5.0/5 (37 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 480657
$329
Buy at Thomann View Details
Jackson JS32 Kelly Ferrari Red AH - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Jackson JS32 Kelly Ferrari Red AH

by Jackson
Metal Death Metal Metalcore
Key Feature:
• Extended range capabilities
✓ PROS
  • • Great for palm muting
  • • High-output pickups for distortion
✗ CONS
  • • Requires high-gain amplification
  • • Complex electronics in some models

Jackson JS32 Kelly Ferrari Red AHElectric guitarPoplar bodyBolt-on maple neck with graphite reinforcement and scarf...

⭐ 4.6/5 (9 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 461797
$384
Buy at Thomann View Details
Jackson JS32 Rhoads AH SG - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Jackson JS32 Rhoads AH SG

by Jackson
Progressive Death Metal Metal
Key Feature:
• Solid construction for heavy playing
✓ PROS
  • • Extended range capabilities
  • • Solid construction for heavy playing
✗ CONS
  • • Limited clean tone versatility
  • • Often heavier than standard guitars

Jackson JS32 Rhoads AH SGElectric GuitarBody: BasswoodOne-piece neck: Maple with graphite reinforcement and scarf...

⭐ 4.5/5 (44 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 460559
$395
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton EX-76 Classic GHW AN w/Case - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Harley Benton EX-76 Classic GHW AN w/Case

by Harley Benton
Death Metal Metalcore Progressive
Key Feature:
• High-output pickups for distortion
✓ PROS
  • • Extended range capabilities
  • • Solid construction for heavy playing
✗ CONS
  • • May be too aggressive for other genres
  • • Limited clean tone versatility

Harley Benton EX-76 Classic GHW AN w/Case*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton EX-76 Classic GHW AN*Electric...

⭐ 4.8/5 (31 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 618602
$462
Buy at Thomann View Details
Schecter C-6 Deluxe SMLB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Schecter C-6 Deluxe SMLB

by Schecter
Death Metal Hard Rock Djent
Key Feature:
• Extended range capabilities
✓ PROS
  • • High-output pickups for distortion
  • • Solid construction for heavy playing
✗ CONS
  • • Limited clean tone versatility
  • • Often heavier than standard guitars

Schecter C-6 Deluxe SMLBElectric GuitarBasswood bodyMaple neckRosewood fretboard (Dalbergia latifolia)Fretboard radius:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (27 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 475534
$417
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton EX-76 Classic GHW AN w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Harley Benton EX-76 Classic GHW AN w/Bag

by Harley Benton
Djent Metal Metalcore
Key Feature:
• Great for palm muting
✓ PROS
  • • High-output pickups for distortion
  • • Great for palm muting
✗ CONS
  • • Requires high-gain amplification
  • • Complex electronics in some models

Harley Benton EX-76 Classic GHW AN w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton EX-76 Classic GHW AN*Electric...

⭐ 4.8/5 (41 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 618600
$384
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton EX-84 Modern WH w/Case - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Harley Benton EX-84 Modern WH w/Case

by Harley Benton
Djent Death Metal Metalcore
Key Feature:
• Solid construction for heavy playing
✓ PROS
  • • Extended range capabilities
  • • Great for palm muting
✗ CONS
  • • Requires high-gain amplification
  • • Often heavier than standard guitars

Harley Benton EX-84 Modern WH w/Case*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton EX-84 Modern VW*Electric Guitar*Mahogany...

⭐ 5.0/5 (52 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 558033
$433
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton EX-76 Classic GHW AN - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Harley Benton EX-76 Classic GHW AN

by Harley Benton
Metalcore Metal Death Metal
Key Feature:
• Great for palm muting
✓ PROS
  • • Extended range capabilities
  • • Designed for high-gain amplifiers
✗ CONS
  • • Often heavier than standard guitars
  • • May be too aggressive for other genres

Harley Benton EX-76 Classic GHW ANElectric GuitarBody: MahoganySet-in neck: MahoganyFingerboard: AmaranthWhite dot...

⭐ 4.9/5 (16 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 480679
$362
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton EX-76 Classic AN w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Harley Benton EX-76 Classic AN w/Bag

by Harley Benton
Djent Metalcore Progressive
Key Feature:
• Great for palm muting
✓ PROS
  • • Extended range capabilities
  • • Designed for high-gain amplifiers
✗ CONS
  • • Complex electronics in some models
  • • Often heavier than standard guitars

Harley Benton EX-76 Classic AN w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton EX-76 Classic AN*Electric Guitar*Pro...

⭐ 4.9/5 (23 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 618599
$351
Buy at Thomann View Details
Jackson JS32 King V WH AH - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Jackson JS32 King V WH AH

by Jackson
Djent Death Metal Metal
Key Feature:
• Designed for high-gain amplifiers
✓ PROS
  • • High-output pickups for distortion
  • • Solid construction for heavy playing
✗ CONS
  • • Often heavier than standard guitars
  • • May be too aggressive for other genres

Jackson JS32 King V WH AHElectric GuitarBasswood bodyOne-piece bolt-on Maple neck with Graphite Reinforcement and Scarf...

⭐ 4.8/5 (16 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 459521
$384
Buy at Thomann View Details
Ibanez PSM10-BKPaul Stanley Sign. - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Ibanez PSM10-BKPaul Stanley Sign.

by Ibanez
Progressive Death Metal Metalcore
Key Feature:
• Designed for high-gain amplifiers
✓ PROS
  • • Great for palm muting
  • • Designed for high-gain amplifiers
✗ CONS
  • • Often heavier than standard guitars
  • • Limited clean tone versatility

Ibanez PSM10-BK Paul Stanley Sign.Electric GuitarPaul Stanley (Kiss) Signature ModelBody: PoplarNeck: MapleFretboard:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (10 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 406182
$362
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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