Best Heavy Guitars Under $500 2025

Affordable heavy guitars under $500 - 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 EX-76 Classic GHW AN w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

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

Schecter C-6 Deluxe SMLB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

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-84 Modern EMG BK w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

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

⭐ 4.6/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

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 WH w/Case - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

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

Jackson JS32 Rhoads AH Ivory - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Jackson JS32 Rhoads AH Ivory

by Jackson

Death Metal Progressive Metal

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

Jackson JS32 Rhoads AH IvoryElectric GuitarBody: PoplarOne-piece bolt-on neck: Maple with graphite reinforcement and...

⭐ 4.6/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 456265

$395

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton EX-84 Modern BK w/Case - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton EX-84 Modern BK w/Case

by Harley Benton

Metalcore Hard Rock Metal

Key Feature:

• Great for palm muting

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

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

⭐ 4.8/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 558024

$433

Buy at Thomann View Details

Jackson JS32 Kelly Snow White - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Jackson JS32 Kelly Snow White

by Jackson

Hard Rock Progressive Djent

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

Jackson JS32 Kelly Snow WhiteElectric GuitarPoplar bodyBolt-on maple neck with graphite reinforcement and scarf...

⭐ 4.5/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 378291

$395

Buy at Thomann View Details

Jackson JS32 Kelly Ferrari Red AH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

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

Harley Benton EX-84 Modern BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.6/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton EX-84 Modern BK

by Harley Benton

Metal Metalcore Hard Rock

Key Feature:

• High-output pickups for distortion

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Often heavier than standard guitars
• Limited clean tone versatility

Harley Benton EX-84 Modern BKElectric GuitarPro SeriesBody: MahoganyNeck: MahoganyNeck attachment: Set-inFretboard:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 480653

$329

Buy at Thomann View Details

Jackson JS32T Rhoads AH SBK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.5/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Jackson JS32T Rhoads AH SBK

by Jackson

Death Metal Progressive Hard Rock

Key Feature:

• Great for palm muting

✓ PROS

• Extended range capabilities
• Great for palm muting

✗ CONS

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

Jackson JS32T Rhoads AH SBKElectric GuitarRandy Rhoads ModelBody: PoplarNeck: MapleNeck attachment: Bolt-onFretboard:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 463387

$351

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton EX-76 Classic AN w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.9/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

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 MAH Rhoads Natural - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.8/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Jackson JS32 MAH Rhoads Natural

by Jackson

Death Metal Djent Metalcore

Key Feature:

• Great for palm muting

✓ PROS

• Extended range capabilities
• Great for palm muting

✗ CONS

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

Jackson JS32 MAH Rhoads NaturalElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyBolt-on neck: MapleFretboard: AmaranthFretboard inlays:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 511865

$472

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton EX-84 Modern EMG VW w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.8/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

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 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.6/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

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

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 $500 2025

Harley Benton EX-76 Classic GHW AN w/Bag

Schecter C-6 Deluxe SMLB

Harley Benton EX-84 Modern EMG BK w/Bag

Jackson JS32 Rhoads AH BK

Harley Benton EX-84 Modern WH w/Case

Jackson JS32 Rhoads AH Ivory

Harley Benton EX-84 Modern BK w/Case

Jackson JS32 Kelly Snow White

Jackson JS32 Kelly Ferrari Red AH

Harley Benton EX-84 Modern BK

Jackson JS32T Rhoads AH SBK

Harley Benton EX-76 Classic AN w/Bag

Jackson JS32 MAH Rhoads Natural

Harley Benton EX-84 Modern EMG VW w/Bag

Harley Benton EX-84 Modern EMG BK

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?

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