Electric Guitars under £500

Whether you’re moderately new to the guitar and looking for an upgrade from your first guitar or someone in search of a six-string without a hefty price tag attached, there are plenty to choose from when it comes to great quality guitars under £500.

To make it easy, we’ve collected an array of stellar six-strings to suit a multitude of playing styles and genres for every type of modern player. 

Inspired by another notable semi-hollow electric guitar, the AQ35 delivers a superb playing experience at a price accessible to all. Its iconic semi-hollow design that boasts upper bout cutaways and violin-style "F"-holes, adds natural resonance to your playing.

The smooth neck ensures comfortable fretting, minimising hand fatigue during extended playing sessions, users will enjoy rich and mellow tones with covered humbucker pickups, perfect for clean signals or powerful overdrive.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player seeking a reliable backup, the Antiquity AQ35 is an ideal choice. Experience top-notch quality without breaking the bank.

Available in: Black, Red, Pelham Blue and Vintage Sunburst.

Offering a perfect balance of style and substance in a sleek and compact electric guitar, the G2655 Streamliner Centerblock Junior offers exceptional playability and remarkable resonance, thanks to its centre block construction. Showcasing a lush gunmetal finish, the G2655 provides a touch of sophistication, making it a true standout on any stage.

Equipped with high-quality Broad'Tron pickups, this six-string delivers a rich, full-bodied sound perfect for a wide range of musical styles. In addition, the smooth, comfortable neck ensures effortless playability, allowing users to explore and navigate new musical territories with ease.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or a passionate beginner, the Gretsch G2655 Streamliner Centerblock Junior is the ultimate companion for your musical journey.

Originally debuting in 1987, the iconic Ibanez JEM series, is notably a model that's synonymous with the iconic guitarist, Steve Vai. Boasting the iconic 'Monkey Grip' handle, the ornate Tree of Life inlay, the versatile HSH pickups, and a reliable double-locking tremolo, it equips you with all the tools necessary for an electrifying shredding escapade. 

The Wizard III neck provides rapid playing, effortlessly gliding along the fretboard. Whether you seek to channel your inner Steve Vai, captivating audiences with melodies from "Passion and Warfare," or simply yearn for an impeccably capable guitar, this Ibanez is undoubtedly primed for action. 

Featuring instantly recognisable JEM aesthetics and exceptional playability, this more affordable rendition brings a classic within the reach of the masses.

Initially launched back in 2015, this incarnation of the Yamaha Revstar shows off a chambered mahogany body, powerful humbuckers and much more. 

Popular amongst guitarists such as Chris Buck, the Revstar Element RSE20 comes with an innovative push/pull ‘Dry Switch’ high-pass filter that’s built into the tone knob, which enables players to easily adjust their tone to their exact requirements. 

With a satin neck, mobility across all frets is hassle-free, so whether you’re performing rhythms or blistering solos, the RSE20 is bound to achieve mesmerising results immediately.

Inspired by the more costly Fender version, the Squier Classic Vibe 70s Telecaster Thinline in the Natural finish offers stunning looks along with sonically rich tones that's sure to take any player's performance to new heights.

Bursting with vintage charm, this retro stunner is a true nod to the golden era of music. The semi-hollow body delivers a warm, resonant tone that's perfect for those soulful licks and twangy riffs. 

The smooth maple neck and fingerboard guarantee lightning-fast playability, while the built-in Fender-Designed pickups serve up those classic Tele tones with a touch of airy goodness. Whether you're gigging, recording, or simply jamming, this Telecaster Thinline will ignite any player's creative spark.

Articulately crafted to be a versatile powerhouse, this modern-day icon boasts exceptional playability and a breathtaking tone without costing too much.

The Pacifica 112V's S-type alder body delivers a resonant punch, while the trio of Alnico V pickups produces a rich palette of sounds for any musical genre. The smooth maple neck ensures effortless navigation across the fretboard, making it ideal for beginners refining their craft along with seasoned players looking for a cheap guitar that does sparkling cleans to roaring distortion.

Inspired by the legendary Green Day frontman himself, the Epiphone Billie Joe Armstrong Les Paul Junior is not only visually iconic but also offers a captivating tone that matches its looks. This Epiphone beauty is based on Armstrong's very own Les Paul Junior that’s become synonymous with him over the years. This guitar is a perfect choice for fans of Green Day's frontman or those looking to recreate their signature sound.

Packed with a quality P-90 PRO pickup, this guitar delivers a powerful sound with sparkling highs and rich, satisfying lows, while also providing impressive versatility for a range of styles. Furthermore, fine-tuning your sound is a breeze with the master tone and volume dials.

The Billie Joe Armstrong Les Paul Junior features a '50s neck profile, providing a comfortable playing experience that accommodates your unique style, making it a player’s dream to use in any environment. 

Exuding top-notch ESP craftmanship in both design and sound, the ESP LTD EC-256FM offers a stunning design that’s bound to catch any audience’s attention.  With playability that has been painstakingly achieved with a focus on elevating player performance, the EC-256FM is a joy to wield on stage or in the studio. The thin "U"-shaped neck ensures a comfortable grip, preventing hand cramps during long playing sessions. Moreover, the set-neck construction allows easy access to the highest frets, enabling effortless solos with complete freedom.

When it comes to sound, the ESP-Designed pickups deliver powerful and wide-ranging tones that are guaranteed to immerse players and listeners alike whether you're strumming or soloing. 

With its combination of striking aesthetics, beautiful sound, and exceptional playability, the ESP EC-256FM is an unbeatable choice for any guitarist. And the best part is, all of these premium features are available at a remarkably affordable price.

Crafted to meet the same high standards as its namesake, the EVH Wolfgang WG Standard QM in a stunning 3-colour sunburst finish is a guitar that's sure to exceed the expectations in this price range. Boasting exceptional craftsmanship and playability, this guitar features a mesmerizing quilt maple top on a basswood body, exuding both style and substance. 

The baked maple neck ensures durability and smooth playability, while the powerful EVH Wolfgang humbucking pickups deliver a wide range of dynamic tones. Whether you're riffing or shredding, the EVH Wolfgang WG Standard QM is designed to inspire, making it the ultimate choice for discerning musicians seeking top-notch performance and timeless aesthetics in one remarkable package.

Designed to impress, the Gretsch G2622 Streamliner Center Block Double-Cut embodies a perfect blend of vintage allure and modern playability. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the G2622 boasts a mesmerising Ocean Turquoise finish that exudes elegance and sets you apart on any stage. Its centre block construction not only enhances sustain but also minimises unwanted feedback, providing a clean and expressive sound that suits various musical genres.

Equipped with Broad'Tron humbucking pickups, this instrument delivers a powerful and dynamic tonal range, making it a versatile choice for every playing style. Whether you're indulging in smooth jazz, riffing through rock anthems, or blazing through blues licks, the G2622 is ready to complement your musical journey.

Beyond its stunning aesthetics and sound, the G2622 guarantees effortless playability. The comfortable "U"-shaped neck profile ensures a smooth and natural feel, making long gigs and practice sessions absolutely seamless.

For more information on electric guitars and to try one out for yourself, call us on 0151 448 2089 or check out your local store to speak to one of our Experts about your needs.