Today’s article is created specifically for all the shredders – we are going to highlight fifteen best Superstrat guitars for any budget (under $500, $1000 and $2000). Finding a good Strat is not that difficult – most of us choose Fender’s guitars. But things get a bit more challenging when you’re looking for a Superstrat. Why?
There are a lot of interesting Superstrats available on the market right now. Rock and metal guitarists usually choose Superstrats made by such brands as Ibanez, Jackson, ESP LTD, Schecter or Washburn. Since their offer is really broad and they all offer both cheaper and more luxury guitars, finding the right Superstrat can be tough.
If you’re a guitarist who’s looking for a new Superstrat, don’t worry – we got you covered! Let’s check out some of the best and most affordable guitars made for hot, punchy riffs and fast, melodic solos.
Under $500
Ibanez GRG 6
One of the most popular cheap Superstrats available on the market right now. It looks awesome, it sounds good and it’s budget-friendly – who needs anything else? The guitar is equipped with two high output Ibanez-6 pickups, which offer a cool and punchy sound.
Personally, I think that this is a perfect entry level guitar for anyone who loves rock and metal. It is really tough to be disappointed with this guitar, especially when you think about its price.
Jackson JS22
Another extremely popular and cheap Superstrat suitable for all-level players. The guitar is equipped with a tremolo bridge and it’s available in a really eye-catching metallic blue color. In addition, it’s made of basswood, which means that it’s lightweight.
Jackson decided to put two ceramic high-output humbuckers into that model, which offer a really unique tone that will be perfect for rock and metal. If you’re an enthusiast of these genres, you’re going to love the JS22 model – that’s for sure!
Ibanez RGA42FM
In comparison with two previous guitars, this Superstrat is from a bit higher shelf. Yet, it’s still a really affordable guitar. Undoubtedly, this is a guitar made for shredding. The guitars from RGA Series feature really thin and fast necks which are comfortable for even the most demanding players.
I think that this model will be perfect for more advanced players who know what they are looking for. In my opinion, the RGA42FM will be great not only for home use, but also for playing gigs and recording in studio.
Jackson JS1X
One of the cheapest guitars on today’s list. It’s not fancy, but it does the job – especially in rock and metal genres. This Superstrat features a poplar body, a maple neck and a hardtail bridge.
In my opinion, this is a perfect budget entry-level guitar. Thanks to the hardtail bridge, you should avoid problems with going out of tune (this is a pretty common issue that occurs in cheaper guitars with tremolo or Floyd Rose). At this price, it will be really tough to find something better for shredding.
Schecter 443 C-6 PLUS
For those who are not aware, Schecter is an American manufacturer or great and affordable guitars suitable for a wide range of guitarists. The 443 is one of their most popular models and as you can imagine – it’s one of the best budget Superstrats out there.
The guitar features a basswood body, which is really lightweight. It’s also equipped with two Diamond Plus pickups and a Tune-O-Matic bridge, which keeps your guitar in tune.
Under $1000
ESP LTD KH-202
Everyone who loves Metallica and Kirk Hammett should be able to recognize this guitar – that’s his signature model. And to be honest, this is one of the best Superstrats for shredding.
The guitar comes with a Floyd Rose bridge and similarly as the real Kirk’s guitar, it features skull-and-bones inlays. It’s also equipped with two awesome and powerful ESP-designed LH-301 pickups. Undoubtedly, it’s a really good and great-looking guitar that will suit a lot of metal guitarists (not only fans of Metallica!).
Schecter Hellraiser C-1
As you can imagine, the name Hellraiser is here for a reason. This C-1 model by Schecter is one of the coolest and most popular mid-level Superstrats that are made for fast solos and fat, powerful riffs.
The manufacturer equipped this axe with a set of amazing pickups – EMG Active 81TW/89. In addition, it features some really cool gothic cross inlays on the fretboard. In comparison with the previous Superstrat, it’s a bit heavier – mahogany is heavier than basswood. I’m sure that you’re going to shred A LOT on that beautiful red thing. Great guitar!
Jackson Soloist SL2Q
Another extremely good guitar. You have to admit that this golden color is really eye-catching! But apart from the unique design, this Superstrat has everything you need to shred.
Most importantly, it features a Double Locking Floyd Rose Tremolo (1000 Series), which is an absolute classic. When you combine it with two Seymour Duncan humbuckers, you get a remarkable shred machine. Undoubtedly, it will be perfect ever for the most demanding shredders out there.
Schecter 221
Although I’m not a massive fan of this color on guitar (it makes me think that it belongs to Shrek or Hulk), I have to admit that Schecter did a fantastic job with this axe. This is a signature model of Kenny Hickey, a former guitarist of Type O Negative and current guitarist of the Seventh Void.
Again, it’s really difficult to fail when you have a guitar made with such precision and attention to detail. In addition, two Seymour Duncan pickups featured in this guitar offer a remarkable tone which is perfect for heavy metal.
Ibanez RGA42HP
Most guitars at this price level usually feature the Floyd Rose, although in this case Ibanez had a different vision. There is no tremolo bar, but at the same time, there are no problems with tuning stability.
In addition, Ibanez decided to use a body made of Nyatoh, which is a pretty unusual type of wood for guitars. The guitar is extremely comfortable to play and really versatile, so whether you want to play fast solos or more chilled riffs, it should be more than enough for you. I highly recommend checking it out!
Under $2000
ESP E-II
One of the best Superstrats manufactured by ESP Guitars. This is a high-level guitar made for shredders who don’t like Floyd Rose bridges. The manufacturer decided to equip this axe with a Gotoh TOM Bridge and Gotoh Locking Tuners which feature an extreme tuning stability.
This is not a cheap guitar – top quality has its cost. Undoubtedly, this is a great guitar for advanced and professional players who know what they’re looking for. It’s amazing how cool you can sound with just one active pickup!
Jackson SL3Q
Another extremely comfortable and beautifully made Superstrat. This Jackson is a bit less expensive than previous ESP, but it still features top quality. In addition, the HSS pickup setting offers a lot of versatility when it comes to tone.
I think that this guitar will be perfect not only for metal, but also for hard rock and glam. I feel like in terms of appearance it could also compete with some of the most legendary 80’s hair metal guitars. Hence, I highly recommend checking it out!
Charvel DK24
If you’re not familiar with Charvel guitars, feel free to check out my separate article on that topic. The company may not be as popular as some of the bigger brands on today’s list, but they’re still making great guitars that deserve a lot of attention.
I think that DK24 is one of the best high-level Superstrats available on the market right now. Of course, it’s much more expensive than the cheapest guitars on today’s list, but it features an extreme playability and attention to detail. At this price, it will be really difficult to find a better guitar for live gigs and studio recordings.
ESP LTD H-1001
Another really ESP guitar that looks and sounds absolutely fantastic. I think that it’s a perfect instrument for all working musicians. So if you play in a metal band and this is what you want to do for the rest of your life, the H-1001 model will be a great choice that will last you for years to come.
Although this model is perfect for shredding, it can also be used in a wide range of other genres, such as blues, indie or fusion. In addition, the matching headstock adds a lot of character to this axe. Great guitar for the money!
Dean Exile
What a great looking guitar! I have to admit that I love this Satin Turquoise Burst finish. This high-level axe by Dean is one of the coolest guitar on today’s list. The Tune-O-Matic bridge and bolt-on neck offer a maximum tuning stability.
The Exile is one of the most popular models manufactured by Dean – and it’s even popular among professional musicians. If you’d like to find out more about this brand and their approach to guitars, here’s my other article on that subject.
About Superstrats
Superstrats are fairly new guitars – they were introduced by Wayne Charvel, a creator of Charvel guitars, who manufactured a lot of guitars for top rock and metal bands in the 1980s and 1990s.
Most often, the Superstrats are like regular Stratocasters on steroids. Their necks are much thinner, which improves the playing experience during fast solos. Undoubtedly, the Superstrats are made for shredding and they’re mostly used by metal and rock guitarists.
My Thoughts on Superstrats
As a guitar player, I’m hooked on Superstrats. They’re like the sports cars of guitars, sleek and speedy. The way they hug your body makes jamming a breeze.
And those pickups? Hotter than a summer gig.
Whether I’m rocking out or getting bluesy, Superstrats deliver. Plus, reaching high frets is smoother than a guitar solo. Reliable and ready for action, these guitars turn every session into a sonic adventure. Playing a Superstrat isn’t just playing a guitar; it’s like wielding a musical lightsaber – minus the Jedi robes!
Summary
As you can see, there are a lot of interesting Superstrats out there. No matter what you budget is and how much are you willing to spend, you should be able to find your perfect guitar on the list above.
Which one would I recommend? Well, all of them are awesome. But if I had to choose a specific model, I’d probably stick with the top level Charvel or ESP LTD guitars. I just love the fact that there are so many professional guitarists who use that gear. In addition, their guitars are absolute shred machines. But again, it’s only my subjective opinion – other guitars by Jackson or Ibanez are great too!
Thanks for checking out today’s article. I hope it was helpful to you! Which Superstrat would you buy? Let me know in the comments below. And if you enjoyed this article, you may also like:
