If you’re searching for some of the best mid range electric guitars under $500, don’t worry – you’ve come to the right place! In today’s article, I’m going to highlight 10 of the coolest and most affordable models available on the market right now. Hopefully, this guide will help you to find your next dream guitar!
Finding a good and reliable mid range electric guitar is not that simple. There are hundreds of different guitars out there, so it’s really easy to get lost. But if you decide to stick to some of the most reputable guitar brands, you’ll notice that it’s totally possible to find a great electric guitar that doesn’t cost thousands of dollars.
That’s why I decided to create a list of 10 best mid range electric guitars under $500. Check out the list below and feel free to scroll down to the next section if you’d like to read more details about each of these models. Of course, the sound demos are included as well, so you can also hear how they all sound.
10 Best Mid Range Electric Guitars Under $500
| Squier Affinity Stratocaster | See on Amazon | Thomann |
| Ibanez AS53 | See on Amazon | Thomann |
| Squier Classic Vibe Jazzmaster (My Favorite!) | See on Amazon | Thomann |
| Jackson JS22 Dinky | See on Amazon | Thomann |
| Squier Affinity Deluxe Telecaster | See on Amazon | Thomann |
| Ibanez AS73 | See on Amazon | Thomann |
| Schecter OMEN-6 | See on Amazon | Thomann |
| Yamaha Pacifica PAC112J | See on Amazon | Thomann |
| Jackson JS32T | See on Amazon | Thomann |
| Squier Classic Vibe Starcaster | See on Amazon | Thomann |
1. Squier Affinity Stratocaster
Squier Affinity Stratocaster is one of the most popular and most affordable Strats available on the market right now. It’s cheap, but it’s suitable for both beginners and more advanced guitarists. I actually own that particular model and I have to admit that it offers a very high quality!
The guitar features a lightweight poplar body and a comfortable C-shaped maple neck. On top of that there’s a laurel fingerboard, which feels really smooth. The guitar has a satin finish which is not sticky at all. This is a really important feature, because guitars with the gloss finish on the neck tend to cause problems, especially for players with sweaty hands.
When it comes to sound, this is a classic Stratocaster. The manufacturer decided to equip this guitar with three single-coil pickups which offer a lot of versatility. If you like the legendary bright sound of a Strat, this guitar won’t disappoint you. This model can be efficiently used for both gigging and recording in the studio.
Although the Affinity Strat is not the best guitar in the world, it’s still one of the best mid range electric guitars available under $500. As a proud owner of that guitar, I have no hesitation of recommending this model to all guitarists who are searching for a good and reliable Stratocaster.
Here’s the video review that I recently uploaded on my YouTube channel. Feel free to check it out below and consider clicking the subscribe button – there are a lot of other gear reviews in there!
2. Ibanez AS53
Ibanez AS53 is an another very cool mid range electric guitar suitable for the most demanding guitarists. I own that guitar as well and I can totally confirm that this models can easily compete with much more expensive guitars.
The guitar features a sapele body and comfortable neck made of Nyatoh wood. On top of that, there’s a mahogany fingerboard, which feels amazing as well. Overall, the Ibanez AS53 looks fantastic from the outside – especially the Tobacco Flat version visible on the picture above.
The manufacturer decided to equip this guitar with a pair of Infinity R Ceramic Humbuckers, which offer a lot of versatility when it comes to tone. This model can be efficiently used for both punchy hard rock riffs and cleaner jazz melodies. Undoubtedly, a lot of guitarists will appreciate how versatile this guitar is.
Who is it for? Well, if you’re searching for a great and reliable semi-hollow guitar, you should definitely give the AS53 model a chance. In my opinion, this is one of the best and most affordable guitars of this type that are available on the current market.
Here’s the video review that I uploaded on my YouTube channel the other day – I encourage you to check it out.
3. Squier Classic Vibe Jazzmaster
Squier Classic Vibe Jazzmaster is an another excellent mid-level guitar suitable for the most demanding guitarists. This offset model is particularly loved by all the indie and alternative rock musicians! I have to admit that it’s one of my absolute favorites.
The guitar features a lightweight poplar body, a comfortable C-shaped maple neck and a pair of Fender-Alnico single-coil pickups. Of course, since it’s a classic Jazzmaster, it also has a lead & rhythm switch. As you can imagine, this is an extremely versatile guitar that can be used in a wide range of different music genres.
Who is it for? Well, I think that the vast majority of guitarists will be satisfied with using that model. Whether you’re an absolute amateur or a bit more intermediate guitarist, you’ll definitely appreciate the high quality and versatility of the Classic Vibe Jazzmaster.
In my opinion, Squier Classic Vibe Jazzmaster can easily compete with much more expensive guitars (such as Mexican-made Fenders). If you decide to get it, you’ll most likely have to set it up properly, but once you adjust the string action, it will be one of the best guitars that you ever had.
Here’s the video review that I recorded for my YouTube channel – feel free to check it out below.
4. Jackson JS22 Dinky
Jackson JS22 Dinky is na another really cool mid range electric guitar suitable for both beginners and more advanced players. This is actually one of the cheapest guitars on today’s list, so if you’re on a very tight budget, you should definitely check it out.
What makes it so special? Well, the JS22 model is perfect for rock and metal genres. A lot of aspiring metalheads choose that guitar as their first instrument! The guitar features a lightweight poplar body, a thin maple neck and a pair of Jackson High-Output Humbuckers, which offer a lot of punch.
What’s interesting, the manufacturer also equipped this guitar with the 2-point Fulcrum Tremolo which gives you an access to even more guitar tones. This is a really useful feature and it’s actually not that common, especially at this price. Surely, it makes this guitar even more interesting.
Overall, Jackson JS22 Dinky should be a good fit for a lot of guitarists. It looks great, it sounds good and it’s actually not that expensive. Who needs anything else? That’s why I highly encourage you to check it out!
Here’s the demo.
5. Squier Affinity Deluxe Telecaster
Squier Affinity Deluxe Telecaster is an another great instrument that offers a very high quality. Undoubtedly, this is one of the best mid range electric guitars under $500 that are available on the current market.
Why is it so cool? Well, this guitar is perfect for all guitarists who love the classic Telecaster tone. This particular model features a lightweight poplar body, a C-shaped maple neck with the maple fingerboard and a pair of Fender Ceramic Humbuckers. If you like to play punchy rock riffs, you will definitely appreciate these pickups!
What’s interesting, the guitar is available in a few different color versions. Personally, I really like the black version visible above, but there are also two models available: Burgundy Mist and Charcoal Frost Metallic. Both of these versions are pretty much the same as the black one, but they have a laurel fretboard instead of maple.
Overall, the Affinity Deluxe Telecaster offers a very high quality at a relatively low price. In my opinion, this guitar can easily compete with some of the Mexican-made Telecasters. I’m sure that you decide to get it, you won’t regret it!
Here’s the sound demo.
6. Ibanez AS73
Ibanez AS73 is an another great semi-hollow body guitar suitable for the most demanding guitarists. It’s similar to the AS53 model mentioned earlier in the article, but it’s a bit more expensive and it has a few additional features.
The guitar features a semi-hollow body made of linden wood and a comfortable Nyatoh neck with the walnut fingerboard. What’s important, the manufacturer equipped this guitar with a set of Classic Elite Humbuckers, which offer a lot of versatility when it comes to tone.
In comparison with the AS53 model, the AS73 features an additional black pickguard, covers on the humbuckers and pearloid block inlays on the fretboard instead of dots. Personally, I think that Ibanez AS73 looks way more expensive than it actually is. And trust me – it looks even better in real life!
Overall, I have no hesitation in recommending the Ibanez AS73 to all guitarists who are searching for a great and reliable semi-hollow body guitar. This is definitely one of the best mid range electric guitars available under $500.
Here’s the sound demo.
7. Schecter OMEN-6
Schecter OMEN-6 is an another popular mid range electric guitar suitable for all lovers of rock and metal. This model is made for punchy riffs and fast melodic solos, so if you’re into that kind of vibe, you should definitely check it out.
The guitar features a basswood body, a thin maple neck and a rosewood fretboard. It also has a gloss finish, which looks absolutely amazing in real life. But most importantly, the manufacturer decided to equip this guitar with a pair of Schecter Diamond Plus Pickups, which offer an incredible tone.
The OMEN-6 model can be efficiently used for home practice, gigging and even studio performances. As you can see, this is a really versatile instrument that can be used by all-level guitarists.
Although it’s not the cheapest guitar on today’s list, it definitely deserves a lot of recognition. Schecter is a popular brand among the fans of rock and metal, so if you want to play this type of music, you should definitely consider getting that instrument.
Here’s the sound demo.
8. Yamaha Pacifica PAC112J
Yamaha Pacifica PAC112J is an another popular cheap guitar suitable for the most demanding guitarists. Although it’s not the best guitar in the world, it offers a surprisingly good quality. Especially when you think about its price!
The guitar is heavily inspired by the legendary Fender Stratocaster – it has a very similar body shape. The guitar features an alder body and a comfortable C-shaped maple neck with rosewood fingerboard. Overall, the quality of these materials seems to be very high.
What’s important, the manufacturer decided to equip this model with the HSS pickup setting. As a result, the PAC112J is extremely versatile. Having a bridge humbucker gives you access to a really wide range of tones. This feature will be definitely appreciated by all fans of rock music!
Undoubtedly, Yamaha Pacifica PAC112J is one of the best mid range electric guitars under $500. I have no hesitation in recommending this model to all musicians who are searching for a reliable guitar that doesn’t cost thousands of dollars.
Here’s the sound demo.
9. Jackson JS32T
Jackson JS32T is an another great mid range electric guitar suitable for all the fans of rock and metal. If you like to shred, you should definitely give this guitar a chance!
The guitar features an iconic solid body made of poplar wood. There’s also a thin maple neck with Amaranth fretboard. What’s important, the manufacturer decided to equip this guitar with a pair of Jackson High-Output Humbuckers. These pickups sounds awesome – especially if you’re into heavy riffs!
In my opinion, it will be really tough to find a better electric guitar for shredding at this price level. The JS32T model definitely stands out from the competition. In fact, it can easily compete with more expensive Ibanez, Schecter and Charvel guitars.
Undoubtedly, all fans of metal will appreciate the high quality of Jackson JS32T. I highly recommend checking it out if you’re searching for a reliable mid range electric guitar for rock and metal music.
Here’s the sound demo.
10. Squier Classic Vibe Starcaster
Squier Classic Vibe Starcaster is an amazing semi-hollow body guitar suitable for the most demanding guitarists. Not many people know about that model, but the truth is that it’s one of the most interesting Squier guitars available on the market.
Why is it so special? Well, the guitar features an offset body made of laminated maple wood (with a center block made of alder). There’s also a really comfortable C-shaped maple neck with maple fingerboard. Overall, the guitar looks fantastic from the outside – especially with that large, vintage headstock!
What’s important, Squier decided to equip this guitar with a set of Fender Wide Range Humbuckers which sound absolutely amazing. Whether you’re into punchy riffs or a bit more mellow and clean sounds – this Starcaster won’t disappoint you.
In my opinion, Squier Classic Vibe Starcaster is one of the best mid range electric guitars under $500. It looks beautiful, it sounds awesome, it feels great and it’s actually not that expensive. Isn’t that all that matters? I highly encourage you to check it out.
Here’s the sound demo.
Summary
As you can see, the market is full of great mid range electric guitars. I’m positive that if you decide to stick with the options recommended in this article, you won’t be disappointed! I used the majority of these guitars in the past and I can totally confirm that they’re worth the money.
What do you think about these guitars and which one would you choose? Leave a comment down below and let me know what you think, I’m really interested to hear your thoughts!
Thanks for checking out today’s article! I hope that you found what you were looking for. If you liked that piece of content, you may also like:
