Best Heavy Guitars Under $800 2025

Affordable heavy guitars under $800 - 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-84 Modern EMG BK w/Case - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Harley Benton EX-84 Modern EMG BK w/Case

by Harley Benton

Djent Metalcore Death 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

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

⭐ 4.6/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 558027

$541

Buy at Thomann View Details

Epiphone Flying V Ebony - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Epiphone Flying V Ebony

by Epiphone

Progressive Hard Rock Metalcore

Key Feature:

• Great for palm muting

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Often heavier than standard guitars
• Complex electronics in some models

Epiphone Flying V EbonyElectric GuitarInspired by the Gibson CollectionBody: MahoganyNeck: MahoganyFretboard: Indian...

⭐ 4.8/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 482581

$659

Buy at Thomann View Details

Jackson Warrior WRX24 Satin Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Jackson Warrior WRX24 Satin Black

by Jackson

Progressive Hard Rock Metalcore

Key Feature:

• Extended range capabilities

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Jackson Warrior WRX24 Satin BlackElectric GuitarPoplar bodyMaple neckLaurel fretboardPearloid Sharkfin fretboard...

⭐ 4.5/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 536374

$769

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

⭐ 4.9/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Harley Benton EX-84 Modern EMG VW w/Case

by Harley Benton

Metal Djent Hard Rock

Key Feature:

• Solid construction for heavy playing

✓ PROS

• Extended range capabilities
• Solid construction for heavy playing

✗ CONS

• Limited clean tone versatility
• Requires high-gain amplification

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

⭐ 4.9/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 558031

$538

Buy at Thomann View Details

ESP PHOENIX-201 BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

ESP PHOENIX-201 BK

by ESP

Hard Rock Metalcore Metal

Key Feature:

• Solid construction for heavy playing

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Often heavier than standard guitars
• Complex electronics in some models

ESP PHOENIX-201 BKElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyNeck: Set-in 3-ply mahoganyFingerboard: RosewoodNeck profile: Thin...

⭐ 4.5/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 608840

$747

Buy at Thomann View Details

ESP LTD EX-200 Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

ESP LTD EX-200 Black

by ESP

Progressive Metal Hard Rock

Key Feature:

• Solid construction for heavy playing

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Often heavier than standard guitars
• Complex electronics in some models

ESP LTD EX-200 BlackElectric GuitarBody: Mahogany3-Piece neck-thru-body: MapleFingerboard: roasted jatobaFingerboard...

⭐ 4.7/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 431690

$648

Buy at Thomann View Details

Jackson Warrior WRX24M Ferrari Red - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Jackson Warrior WRX24M Ferrari Red

by Jackson

Metal Djent Progressive

Key Feature:

• Solid construction for heavy playing

✓ PROS

• Extended range capabilities
• Designed for high-gain amplifiers

✗ CONS

• Limited clean tone versatility
• Complex electronics in some models

Jackson X Series Warrior WRX24M Ferrari RedElectric GuitarBody: PoplarNeck: MapleFretboard: MapleBlack Sharkfin...

⭐ 4.7/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 545664

$780

Buy at Thomann View Details

ESP LTD EX-201 Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

ESP LTD EX-201 Black

by ESP

Hard Rock Progressive Death Metal

Key Feature:

• Designed for high-gain amplifiers

✓ PROS

• Extended range capabilities
• Designed for high-gain amplifiers

✗ CONS

• Limited clean tone versatility
• Complex electronics in some models

ESP LTD EX-201 BlackElectric GuitarBody: MahoganySet neck: MahoganyFingerboard: RosewoodNeck profile: Thin UFingerboard...

⭐ 4.4/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 608611

$692

Buy at Thomann View Details

ESP LTD EX-200 Olympic White - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

ESP LTD EX-200 Olympic White

by ESP

Metal Djent Progressive

Key Feature:

• High-output pickups for distortion

✓ PROS

• Solid construction for heavy playing
• Designed for high-gain amplifiers

✗ CONS

• Limited clean tone versatility
• Complex electronics in some models

ESP LTD EX-200 Olympic WhiteElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyGlued-in 3-piece neck: MapleFingerboard: roasted jatobaNeck...

⭐ 4.9/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 584607

$714

Buy at Thomann View Details

Kramer Guitars Nite-V Crimson Metallic - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.9/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Kramer Guitars Nite-V Crimson Metallic

by Kramer Guitars

Metal Djent Death Metal

Key Feature:

• Designed for high-gain amplifiers

✓ PROS

• Extended range capabilities
• Solid construction for heavy playing

✗ CONS

• Requires high-gain amplification
• Limited clean tone versatility

Kramer Guitars Nite-V Crimson MetallicElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyBolt-on neck: MahoganyFingerboard: EbonyPearloid...

⭐ 4.9/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 623232

$769

Buy at Thomann View Details

Kramer Guitars Nite-V Plus Alpine White - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.6/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Kramer Guitars Nite-V Plus Alpine White

by Kramer Guitars

Metalcore Metal Djent

Key Feature:

• Great for palm muting

✓ PROS

• High-output pickups for distortion
• Extended range capabilities

✗ CONS

• Often heavier than standard guitars
• Complex electronics in some models

Kramer Guitars Nite-V Plus Alpine WhiteElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: EbonyThron...

⭐ 4.6/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 606526

$549

Buy at Thomann View Details

ESP LTD EX-201 Black Satin - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.4/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

ESP LTD EX-201 Black Satin

by ESP

Hard Rock Death Metal Progressive

Key Feature:

• High-output pickups for distortion

✓ PROS

• Solid construction for heavy playing
• Great for palm muting

✗ CONS

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

ESP LTD EX-201 Black SatinElectric GuitarBody: MahoganySet-in neck: MapleFretboard: Roasted JatobaNeck profile: Thin...

⭐ 4.4/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 536100

$692

Buy at Thomann View Details

ESP LTD Alexi-200 Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.9/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

ESP LTD Alexi-200 Black

by ESP

Metal Progressive Hard Rock

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

ESP LTD Alexi -200 BlackElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyBolt-on neck: MapleFretboard: Roasted jatobaFretboard inlays:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 109998

$769

Buy at Thomann View Details

ESP LTD GH-SV-200 BLK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.8/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

ESP LTD GH-SV-200 BLK

by ESP

Hard Rock Death Metal Metalcore

Key Feature:

• Solid construction for heavy playing

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

ESP LTD GH-SV-200 BLKElectric GuitarGary Holt (Exodus) Signature modelBody: MahoganyBolt-on 3-piece neck:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 584683

$787

Buy at Thomann View Details

ESP LTD HEX-200 Nergal BLKS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.9/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

ESP LTD HEX-200 Nergal BLKS

by ESP

Metalcore Djent Progressive

Key Feature:

• Designed for high-gain amplifiers

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Often heavier than standard guitars
• Limited clean tone versatility

ESP LTD HEX-200 Nergal BLKSElectric GuitarNergal (Behemoth) Signature ModelBody: MahoganyBolt-on 3-piece neck:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 565569

$725

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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Best Heavy Guitars Under $800 2025

Harley Benton EX-84 Modern EMG BK w/Case

Epiphone Flying V Ebony

Jackson Warrior WRX24 Satin Black

Harley Benton EX-84 Modern EMG VW w/Case

ESP PHOENIX-201 BK

ESP LTD EX-200 Black

Jackson Warrior WRX24M Ferrari Red

ESP LTD EX-201 Black

ESP LTD EX-200 Olympic White

Kramer Guitars Nite-V Crimson Metallic

Kramer Guitars Nite-V Plus Alpine White

ESP LTD EX-201 Black Satin

ESP LTD Alexi-200 Black

ESP LTD GH-SV-200 BLK

ESP LTD HEX-200 Nergal BLKS

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?

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