Top 5 Guitars Under $1000 for Serious Musicians

[@zombieprivates]

If you don't mind it not saying Gibson or Fender on the headstock, there are literally too many great guitars to list under $1000. In my opinion, we are in the real golden age of guitars..

[@vmathias2023]

I prefer it not to say either. There are too many guitars that match them at 1/3 rd the price.

[@robertpickering641]

​@vmathias2023 what would you recommend for something gibson like? I have a tele and a strat so want something that can give me the gibson sound

[@vmathias2023]

For a few bucks more,a Schecter solo 2 is a phenomenal guitar. Look at the Harley Benton 550s or Sire as well.

[@robertpickering641]

@@vmathias2023 I've been looking at a sire L7 I think it was. I'll check them two out aswell. Thanks man 👌

[@vmathias2023]

No problem. I have no experience with Sire but have seen a ton of great reviews on them.

[@hellofx]

This channel is a big brand name hoarder lol . . . .

[@BlueberryStinkFinger62]

No it doesn't blow the MIM Fenders away you content creators are getting caught more and more in your own BS

[@risingson74]

I have had 3 Japanese guitars in my life, a mid 90's strat, a recent 2023 strat, and a new FGN (FujiGen) Iliad telecaster, which is my current #1, and they've all just been absolutely awesome.

[@aflashfloodofgear]

Absolutely LOVE FGN!

[@risingson74]

@@aflashfloodofgear for sure, I almost wish the brand would get a bit more attention, because it’s certainly warranted. Love the content man, keep it up!

[@aflashfloodofgear]

@@risingson74 cheers!! Thank you!!

[@MelodyCarroll-rx8tk]

I too have the FGN t style guitar. I sold it once and spent the next week absolutely crying over it. My husband went and bought it back for me. He put it in one of my cases and it took me another week before I discovered it. I guess they're both keepers; the guitar and the husband.

[@adamstein9333]

Want one so Bad, have a Chapman ML3 Pro modern holding Me down in the tele field. Does not sound like a Tele at all

[@rigorhead01]

Great list! I don't buy guitars to sell, I strictly buy a guitar to play. That said, I do not buy guitars often. I will obsess for months to get exactly what I want. Then I buy it and keep it forever. I do not know what my point is 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@djizzah]

Mexican player strat really nice for the money

[@deeray2957]

Sire L7

[@1thess523]

My son and I got a 1980's Greco SG Standard for $800 and a 1979 Greco RG 750 Standard for $700 a few years back , these Greco's fill that void of a Gibson LP or SG completely. Now we need a DC Junior P90 😁

[@ijumitzu]

I bought an SG tribute in walnut a few months ago that I didn’t even plan on getting for 999 brand new - it’s such a great guitar , plays fantastic , sounds great , doesn’t ruin my back , fret access is ridiculous . Nobody really needs a Gibson though and there’s probably better options for less but I just like this particular guitar a lot so each to their own 🤷‍♂️

[@CentaurusRelax314]

PRS SE 594. I changed the pickups to Bare Knuckle Mules, and put PRS USA knobs on it. Plays better than my Gibson Les Paul and sounds as good if not better. If i weren't such a traditionalist, obsessing over a nitro finish and the Gibson legacy, i'd prefer playing the PRS. But... i don't. Another-Epiphone Les Paul 60s Tribute. I bought one from a pawn shop for $450. Has USA Gibson Classic 57 pickups, locking tuners, CTS(?) pots, and a long neck tenon. My Hollywood guitar tech (the same one who works with Bonamassa) said this Epiphone is better than a lot of Gibsons.

[@elbib2446]

old mij westones can be found quite cheap,not the pettiest guitars,the basses are nice,really well made by matsumoku,but not as heralded as the grecos/tokais/fernandes etc

[@deeray2957]

Sire L7

[@DeXx_The_Reaper]

Wooow dude Fibsons and Genders? None has ever heard of those before. Tried them all out in a shop just to see WTF is the fuss about. They are an overpriced, overrated, outdated, unplayable and less ergonomic/fast than a bottle of water and I can go on for hours. There are so many brands out there that use better materials, craftsmanship, features, versitility, modernity and overall more though out designs.....FOR CHEAPER.

[@T.TEXAS.TILLER]

the SE Guitars Kill!

[@allstopblue5717]

They really do. I have a couple and fully plan on getting another one

[@tomaslopez2940]

My top recommendations for this list would be the Yamaha Pacifica 612/Revstar Standard, Squier Contemporary Series, Jackson X Series Soloist, and (if you can find them) Hamer XT Series Archtops. The last one I’ve owned since high school and modded with a Floyd rose trem and it’s been beat like crazy but still goes hard!

[@TJEvans98]

I'll go out on a limb and declare the Revstar Standard line of guitars to be THEE most under rated guitars out there. I would actually challenge anyone to find one, play one, and not fall in love with it.

[@olimon63]

I do like your list much more! I don't like the Jackson's style, so I would replace it with some Gretsch, Tokai or Sire model.

[@Msujfears]

I literally just bought an sg faded from GC for $700, weird timing!

[@voyxu143]

Almost any foreign guitar these days for around 6-800 is top of the line for them. Shout out to the Gibson Les Paul Tribute. Even unrepaired, they go for less than $1,000 US.

[@aflashfloodofgear]

Les Paul tributes are solid!

[@PennStacker]

I just bought a player strat from Sam ash clearance sale. HSS. I think it sounds pretty damn good for $630.

[@sevens8944]

Used I would find a modern player fender thinline telecaster deluxe 550-700 Or a telecaster plus modern player 450-550 Or a max strat or tele 450-600

[@allstopblue5717]

I lucked out with a 2018 Les Paul tribute right before covid hit. No weight relief. Dark rosewood board, dark mahogany neck and back, Trapezoid inlays. 2019 and beyond they get worse and worse. Weight relief, some with only dot inlays, and now the light maple necks. Such a shame. Still good value for the guitar but used to be even more value. I love the old SG faded. So cool if you get a good one

[@K-Rock1963]

Don’t SGs have a reputation for being neck heavy?

[@collin3729]

Unnoticeable unless you have significantly weak or short arms

[@K-Rock1963]

@@collin3729 what does that do with how the guitar hangs on its strap? I have normal arms and lift weights, and sold a Hamer because of the neck dive

[@BryanClark-gk6ie]

​@@K-Rock1963 He's probably trying to say he has short weak arms and probably didn't notice it when he let an average size person play it. He's probably a young kid.

[@BryanClark-gk6ie]

​@@K-Rock1963 He's probably trying to say he has short weak arms and probably didn't notice it when he let an average size person play it. He's probably a young kid.

[@watermelon1147]

Obviously necks are personal. I’ve been on the road for most my adult life, played with guys who swear by teles. Personally I feel like an entry level prs blows anything under a custom shop fender out of the water. Fender necks are super weird to me. 😅love the channel bro all the best wishes to you guys!

[@worthmoremusic]

Best $500 I spent on a guitar was the new PRS SE CE 24 Satin.... yep !

[@Aeidotronics]

Gretsch Electromatic...I've tried and like several of the models. Still have one. Ditch the "licensed" Bigsby.

[@jrm2fla]

Agree, Gretsch are excellent, I bought the Gretsch labeled Bigsby B3 with Towner bar and added it aftermarket… works well

[@St0n_e_man]

Glad to hear he worked tedious for his Gibson SG. Same story here! First pro guitar I owned and worked so hard for was that same guitar! Worth every penny! I sold it to buy my current SG 61’ sideways vibrola

[@jackvai2681]

vola...cort...get them while they're still cheap.

[@mRahman92]

$850 - Yamaha Revstar Standard $700 - Epiphone Casino Hollowbody $650 - Epiphone Flying V Solidbody $600 - Danelectro 59X12 12-string Semi-hollowbody $900 - D'Angelico Premier Brighton Solidbody $600 - Gretsch G5260T Electromatic Those are just some of the guitars out there that I would consider underrated.

[@aflashfloodofgear]

Love this list! Definitely enjoy Casinos as well

[@benallmark9671]

Out of curiosity how many of this list do you own ?

[@mRahman92]

@benallmark9671 probably the same number you do.

[@shanewalton8888]

Epiphone Casino is a horrid guitar to play live. Pure crap.

[@mRahman92]

@@shanewalton8888 sounds like someone doesn't know how to handle feedback.

[@timelwell7002]

Strangely, this list is concerned exclusively with solid-body guitars. But what about semi-hollow electrics for under $1,000? One guitar I really like is the *Reverend Club King 290,* which has a solid Spruce top - just as you'd find on an acoustic guitar or a high-end hollow body archtop. This guitar is NOT prone to feedback, but the acoustic qualities shine through.

[@aflashfloodofgear]

Gotta save some content to make more videos 😉

[@roytube10]

great video and picks! so many options these days. used market needs to normalize a bit as well so i think the next few years will get even better. the vintage stuff will stay ridiculous prices but places can't sit on used gear for too long and their will be deals to be had!

[@Patriot1777]

Absolutely Sire guitars 😊

[@SanderMom]

I still love my Gibson Les Paul Special Faded! Made in 2005, with two Alnico humbuckers. Same color as yours, cherry 👍🏻

No word on Sire guitars?

[@nelson1953]

The problem when you wish to buy a good guitar there's a big price difference between a Gibson or Fender and an underrated but honest guitar. I think that with the actual technology in pedals no one hears the difference in the Mix.

[@JamesJones-d5s]

I wish I had somebody that could support my artistic value in a musician way or through music because I don't want to make a video unless I have something in which is making me want to make a video 0:31 FREE NOT 🚫 OR TAKING IT TO A LEVEL LIKE YOU'RE SAYING PROFESSIONAL FOR PEOPLE THAT PRODUCTS NEED YO BE PROFESSIONAL 1:33

[@timesurfingalien]

I have recently purchased guitars from China and Korea. Both under $300. Both playable. China made Guitar needed more work to make playable. Korean made guitar only needed tuning. Ill have to say IYV is the best guitar purchase ive made. I own a Gibson, Epiphone and Alvarez, IYV holds it's own.

[@firecrackerheart]

recently, i'm a fan of all-things-rivolta (novo/dennis fano's import line/eastwood collab), and you can find many of their guitars used along with the new "duocata jr." for $1000 or under. fantastic necks, pickups, body styles, fit&finish, colors, and many of them are lightweight and quite resonant acoustically!

[@guitartoneSA]

Tokai

[@MrBossei]

You’re absolutely right. My Gibson SG Tribute 2008 is my cheapest guitar but definitely one of my best. Super value!

[@richardroyster6631]

THis was my first SG as well. I bought it for 445 and sold it for 900 with SD PUP's. Just not my cup of tea. I am not a big Gibson fan, lucky for me and my wallet.

[@joeandreana2645]

Older MIM Fenders (my tele over 20 years old never a problem) seem to be the ones that get great reviews. I will some day get an SG (Robbie Krieger nerd) and I'll come back to this video!

[@aflashfloodofgear]

Love those old MIM Telecasters!

[@jrm2fla]

Agree, I have an old MIM tele, love it, added a VEGATREM…. It’s a bit heavy but an excellent guitar

[@jonkerr2050]

I have a 2019 SG Tribute. I really like everything but the electronics. the stock pickups are fine. Just not exceptional. I'm still torn about leaving all stock, or pulling the electronics out and upgrading to some nice pups and hand wiring a harness for it. I have some uncovered Pearly Gates that would probably sound incredible in it.

[@james.kaloki]

Sire guitars

[@elbib2446]

fgn boundary illiad tele type,not much more new than a squier classiv vibe or a g and l tribute and made in japan by fujigen

[@richardroyster6631]

I find the MIJ guitars are well made but not better than the MIM. This is a typical opinion, but owning both I would not pay more for the MIJ than the MIM. PRS SE are great guitars, I agree here. You are into beating up guitars aren't you? just kidding

[@johnhareiel5118]

Just get a Chinese made SG! You wouldnt believe the price of a Chinese Gibson! So much value for the lowest price! Even better than the overpriced American version!

[@misterknightowlandco]

I will go to my grave screaming “80’s PEAVEY USA GUITARS” when answering this question.

[@Skylarlateef_guitar]

Cort and so many other budget brand provide better specs and just as good if not more consistently better build quality if you don’t mind it not saying Gibson or fender on the headstock. Been using my Cort gt300 pro for years and it cost barely £500

[@psychonaut689]

Yes love my SG Tribute - just a pared down blue collar standard. Great sounding pick ups. I got a Fender tele pro 1 for £1099 (a bit over your budget I know) but another great guitar with great pick ups. Not sure about the narrow tall frets though. Would like to try the PRS.

[@vpovince1001]

The Vola Oz Strat is under $850 and hear they are awesome same with the Nick Johnston Schecter signature models.

[@vadenk4433]

The older faded SG’s have ebony boards too. I have a 04 SG special faded and it’s a really good guitar. Not the prettiest, but a great sounding and feeling guitar. They have a nice big 50’s neck, & for an SG thats hard to find a lot of times.

[@chiquiabello4372]

I would add Paul Reed Smith S2s to your list. I've never pulled one off a music store wall that wasn't eminently gig-worthy

[@ivastewart7106]

THE BEST GUTAIR I GOT FOR A 1000 DOLLARS, IS MY TOMMI IOMMI EPIPHONE. 🕊🕯🕯🕯🕯🕯🕯🕯🕊

[@royrobles7423]

I bought my first gibson sg for 500.00 in 2004 from house of guitars in Houston Tx...brand new

[@southernpanda33]

I’ll throw in one of my picks. A Samick from the early 90’s. I have one of their h/s/s Strat style guitars and I love it.

[@aminahmed2220]

What a fantastic video have a wonderful weekend Alex and gang ❤❤❤❤❤❤😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@2good2betrue3]

Nice set of under $1000 guitars, mate. Definitely going to find and try them out in our local music store. Cheers. Liked and subscribed.🔥

[@madwheels65]

Epiphone Firebird… $649 great guitar for the price

[@StupidGuitar]

I love my McCarty SE. Plays like a dream and looks sexy af

[@tito.tarantula]

I recently purchased a repaired 2023 Gibson SG 61 Standard with a paint chipping issue on the neck, which the dealer repaired perfectly... and I saved €900!!! I have full year guarantee on the repairs and could have returned the guitar for free within two weeks if I wasn't happy with it. The dealer also had a couple of brand new Gibsons with headstock repairs (very well done, may I add) and had I not stumbled upon the "paint chip candidate", I wouldn't have hesitated to buy one for a single second. I've heard over and over again how some headstock broken Gibson actually sound better and are more stable after the fact. Kirk Hammett not only broke the headstock on his "Greeny" while he owned it, but the guitar was completely destroyed (in multiple pieces, literally) in a car accident way before he owned it.... and he still covets the guitar for its unique sonics and plays it live. I've purchased a couple of really nice Gibsons in the past but realised with time I hate baby'ing them since I'm not a collector, therefore I will never pay full price again for a custom shop Gibson, or any Gibson for that matter. Well repaired headstock break? Yes please. Actually, I'll take two.

[@michaeldutill9921]

Kid yourdoin a great job # big Mike ❤️the channel

[@nicolasbeaudry6158]

Good list ❤❤❤❤I like to get a PRS , Mira all white .first time I seen one was the guitarist in rollins band . Can’t remember is name but I loved the look and his tone !!!!

[@aflashfloodofgear]

Love the PRS Mira!

[@charleslascari7191]

How about hollow and semi-hollow under $1,000?

[@Lalodospuntocero]

I got a Gretsch 2622t brand new for 700 or a bit less. It's one of the most versatile guitars I've ever had.

[@geoffreycarter3981]

(*EDIT* I didn't finish the video before I posted this LOL.) his might not get you under $1000 but a little trick I do is look for Gibsons with previous headstock breaks. Check them out thoroughly to make sure they were repaired well and it's good when the break wasn't too wild or weird, but they often are $1,000 cheaper or more depending on the model, and have no downside except resale value, but your'e the one benefiting from that. I have a 96' standard les paul that I bought for $1200 and an ES 335 (with a flame top) for $2,000. Seriously good deals, and as they say, lightening doesn't (usually) strike in the same place twice.

[@aflashfloodofgear]

Was about to say, this sounds very familiar 🤣 Definitely a cool trick though big back it

[@gshankaran]

Plot twist - youtuber posts video, sees above comments, edits video to include Gibsons with broken headstock repairs.

[@davidyeager8524]

Great video, Alex. One I wouldn’t see in my collection would be the PRS SE. In my opinion, a very boring and overrated guitar. Love the SG special. Had one years ago and still kicking myself for selling it . I would add my 1984 Squier SQ prefix Strat. 3 bolt large head, MIJ guitar! Unbelievable playing and the pick ups are some of the best I’ve heard. I also own a 1986 A prefix MIJ Squier 3 bolt and love it also. Now I’m searching for a JV for under a G!

[@flogginga_dead_horse4022]

good thing opinions are just that...

[@davidyeager8524]

Yeah. And everyone has their own!

[@MrSkyfish7]

My first "real" guitar was a 2004 Gibson SG faded, bought it brand new. I thought it was a good guitar, especially for the money. I always resented that it didn't have inlays or looked more like one Angus used, but its what I could afford at the time. As I got a few more guitars, this one stayed in its case for a couple of years. Then around the time it turned 10 years old, I swear something happened to it... I guess it just aged into itself. The thing became super resonant and lively. The harshness of the bridge pickup mellowed, and harmonics just began jumping off the fretboard. I've come across a couple here and there, and try it out and I get the same feeling from them. I think they hit some kind of magical combination with the 2000's ones.

[@adamfindlay7091]

I appreciate it. I got a decent DeArmond that was very playable. Just got bored of it though and gave it away. Now got a Epi casino. Sounds great. Playability not so great.

[@philliptripolonejr.1589]

100% schill for Fender/Gibson/PRS.

[@These_go_to_eleven_1959]

Under one thousand? Used Gibson Les Paul 50' tribute! I got a gold top 50's tribute for $575 with case And it is impressive. I modded mine with all 50's historic parts And a set of custombuckers I had. Killer guitar for under a grand!🤘

[@sweezyjackson4935]

If you dont mind used there are tons under a grand. Strats SGs Esp Kramer Ibanez PRS Jackson Too many to list.

[@mRahman92]

Guitars are for making music, not "investing". The background music remind me of 2020 lol

[@tomaslopez2940]

Fact

[@aflashfloodofgear]

We couldn’t agree more!