Best Heavy Guitars Under $5,000 2025

Affordable heavy guitars under $5,000 - 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

Jackson USA Corey Beaulieu KV6 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Jackson USA Corey Beaulieu KV6

by Jackson

Metalcore Death Metal Hard Rock

Key Feature:

• Designed for high-gain amplifiers

✓ PROS

• Designed for high-gain amplifiers
• Extended range capabilities

✗ CONS

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

Jackson USA Corey Beaulieu KV6Electric GuitarCorey Beaulieu KV6 signature seriesKing V shape bodyAlder body with flamed...

⭐ 4.9/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 306870

$4,729

Buy at Thomann View Details

Jackson RR1 Randy Rhoads BK USA - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Jackson RR1 Randy Rhoads BK USA

by Jackson

Death Metal Djent Metal

Key Feature:

• Extended range capabilities

✓ PROS

• High-output pickups for distortion
• Designed for high-gain amplifiers

✗ CONS

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

Jackson RR1 Randy Rhoads USA BKElectric GuitarRandy Rhoads USA seriesAlder bodyNeck-through neck: MapleEbony...

⭐ 4.7/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 244013

$4,619

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gibson 80s Flying V Ebony - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Gibson 80s Flying V Ebony

by Gibson

Hard Rock Progressive Death Metal

Key Feature:

• Extended range capabilities

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Gibson 80s Flying V EbonyElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyNeck: MahoganyFingerboard: RosewoodScale: 628 mmNeck profile:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 561978

$2,144

Buy at Thomann View Details

ESP E-II Horizon NT-II STBLKSB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

ESP E-II Horizon NT-II STBLKSB

by ESP

Metalcore Djent Hard Rock

Key Feature:

• Great for palm muting

✓ PROS

• Extended range capabilities
• High-output pickups for distortion

✗ CONS

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

ESP E-II Horizon NT-II STBLKSBElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyTop: Quilted maple3-Piece neck: MapleNeck attachment:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 385621

$3,299

Buy at Thomann View Details

⭐ 4.6/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

ESP E-II Arrow SW

by ESP

Metalcore Hard Rock Progressive

Key Feature:

• High-output pickups for distortion

✓ PROS

• High-output pickups for distortion
• Designed for high-gain amplifiers

✗ CONS

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

ESP E-II Arrow SWElectric GuitarBody: Alder3-Piece neck-thru-body: MapleFingerboard: EbonyNeck profile: Thin ULocking...

⭐ 4.6/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 458474

$3,079

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gibson Firebird Platypus Tobacco SB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Gibson Firebird Platypus Tobacco SB

by Gibson

Death Metal Hard Rock Metalcore

Key Feature:

• Great for palm muting

✓ PROS

• Solid construction for heavy playing
• Great for palm muting

✗ CONS

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

Gibson Firebird Platypus Tobacco SBElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyNeck: MahoganyFingerboard: RosewoodTrrapez fingerboard...

⭐ 4.6/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 601806

$2,199

Buy at Thomann View Details

Maybach Jetwing M Vintage Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Maybach Jetwing M Vintage Black

by Maybach

Death Metal Progressive Metal

Key Feature:

• Solid construction for heavy playing

✓ PROS

• Extended range capabilities
• High-output pickups for distortion

✗ CONS

• Limited clean tone versatility
• Complex electronics in some models

Maybach Jetwing M Vintage BlackElectric GuitarBody: OkoumeSet-in neck: MahoganyFingerboard: RosewoodFingerboard inlays:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 586387

$2,199

Buy at Thomann View Details

ESP E-II EX NT BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

ESP E-II EX NT BK

by ESP

Djent Hard Rock Metal

Key Feature:

• Extended range capabilities

✓ PROS

• Designed for high-gain amplifiers
• High-output pickups for distortion

✗ CONS

• Requires high-gain amplification
• Limited clean tone versatility

ESP E-II EX NT BKElectric GuitarBody: MahoganySet-in neck: MahoganyFingerboard: EbonyNeck profile: Thin U22 X-Jumbo...

⭐ 4.9/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 511458

$2,859

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gibson 80s Explorer Ebony - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Gibson 80s Explorer Ebony

by Gibson

Djent Death Metal Metal

Key Feature:

• Great for palm muting

✓ PROS

• Extended range capabilities
• Solid construction for heavy playing

✗ CONS

• Limited clean tone versatility
• Complex electronics in some models

Gibson 80s Explorer EbonyElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyNeck: MahoganyFingerboard: RosewoodScale: 628 mmNeck profile:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 561980

$2,364

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gibson Firebird Platypus Vintage C - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.7/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Gibson Firebird Platypus Vintage C

by Gibson

Progressive Death Metal Hard Rock

Key Feature:

• High-output pickups for distortion

✓ PROS

• High-output pickups for distortion
• Designed for high-gain amplifiers

✗ CONS

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

Gibson Firebird Platypus Vintage CElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyNeck: MahoganyFingerboard: RosewoodTrapeze fingerboard...

⭐ 4.7/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 601807

$2,474

Buy at Thomann View Details

Jackson MJ Series Rhoads RR24MG BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.6/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Jackson MJ Series Rhoads RR24MG BK

by Jackson

Djent Hard Rock Metal

Key Feature:

• High-output pickups for distortion

✓ PROS

• Designed for high-gain amplifiers
• Extended range capabilities

✗ CONS

• Limited clean tone versatility
• Requires high-gain amplification

Jackson MJ Series Rhoads RR24MG BKElectric GuitarRandy Rhoads ModelMJ SeriesBody: Alder3 Piece maple neckFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 570499

$2,859

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gibson 70s Flying V CW - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.7/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Gibson 70s Flying V CW

by Gibson

Progressive Hard Rock Death Metal

Key Feature:

• High-output pickups for distortion

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Gibson '70s Explorer CWElectric GuitarBody: Mahogany (Swietenia Macrophylla)Neck: Mahogany (Swietenia...

⭐ 4.7/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 482426

$2,683

Buy at Thomann View Details

Maybach Jetwing M Vintage White - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.5/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Maybach Jetwing M Vintage White

by Maybach

Hard Rock Djent Metal

Key Feature:

• Great for palm muting

✓ PROS

• Great for palm muting
• Solid construction for heavy playing

✗ CONS

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

Maybach Jetwing M Vintage WhiteElectric GuitarBody: OkoumeSet-in neck: MahoganyFingerboard: RosewoodFingerboard inlays:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 586386

$2,199

Buy at Thomann View Details

Maybach Jetwing M Pelham Blue - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.6/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Maybach Jetwing M Pelham Blue

by Maybach

Djent Metal Progressive

Key Feature:

• Great for palm muting

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Requires high-gain amplification
• Limited clean tone versatility

Maybach Jetwing M Pelham BlueElectric GuitarBody: OkoumeSet-in neck: MahoganyFingerboard: RosewoodFingerboard inaly:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 595336

$2,199

Buy at Thomann View Details

Jackson USA Corey Beaulieu KV6 TBB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.6/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Jackson USA Corey Beaulieu KV6 TBB

by Jackson

Progressive Djent Metalcore

Key Feature:

• Extended range capabilities

✓ 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 USA Corey Beaulieu KV6 TBBElectric GuitarCorey Beaulieu (Trivium) Signature ModelUSA SeriesBody: AlderTop:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 581334

$4,839

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 $5,000 2025

Jackson USA Corey Beaulieu KV6

Jackson RR1 Randy Rhoads BK USA

Gibson 80s Flying V Ebony

ESP E-II Horizon NT-II STBLKSB

ESP E-II Arrow SW

Gibson Firebird Platypus Tobacco SB

Maybach Jetwing M Vintage Black

ESP E-II EX NT BK

Gibson 80s Explorer Ebony

Gibson Firebird Platypus Vintage C

Jackson MJ Series Rhoads RR24MG BK

Gibson 70s Flying V CW

Maybach Jetwing M Vintage White

Maybach Jetwing M Pelham Blue

Jackson USA Corey Beaulieu KV6 TBB

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