6 Best Electric Guitars Under $2000

If you’re here, chances are you’re ready to start your guitar game without entirely emptying your bank account. Great choice!

The $2000 mark is where you’ll find some of the best-valued electric guitars that combine premium craftsmanship, sound, and playability.

So, let’s get into this rocking list:

1. Fender American Professional II Stratocaster

The Modern Twist to a Classic

Any guitar list without a Fender Strat is like a rock song without a killer riff – incomplete. The American Professional II Stratocaster is Fender’s modern flagship model.

• Body & Neck: Made from alder or roasted pine, with a “Deep C” neck profile that fits comfortably in your hand.
• Pickups: It’s equipped with the new V-Mod II pickups which promise a balanced tone across all strings.
• Unique Features: It has a push-push tone knob that adds the neck pickup to any switch position, expanding the tonal possibilities.

If you’re a Strat fan and are looking for something that combines vintage tones with modern features, this guitar is an excellent choice. Before purchasing a used one, don’t forget to check the Fender serial number.

2. Ibanez RG5120M Prestige

The Shredder’s Dream

Ibanez guitars have always been synonymous with speed and technical play. The RG5120M from their Prestige line keeps that flag flying high.

• Body & Neck: It sports an ash body and a Super Wizard HP neck, which is super thin, perfect for fast play.
• Pickups: The guitar comes with Fishman Fluence Modern pickups, offering a plethora of tones suitable for metal, rock, and beyond.
• Unique Features: It has a unique topographic finish and features the acclaimed Edge tremolo system, known for its stability.

Metalheads and shredders, this Ibanez is crafted with you in mind.

3. Gibson Les Paul Studio

Iconic Tones, Studio Quality

You can’t mention electric guitars without paying homage to the Gibson Les Paul. The Studio version provides that unmistakable Les Paul sound and feel but at a fraction of the price of its more ornate siblings.

• Sound & Pickups: Equipped with Gibson’s 490R and 498T pickups, expect classic tones with clarity and midrange punch. The Studio can roar with overdriven sounds and sing with clean settings.
• Playability: Its slim taper mahogany neck ensures a fast and comfortable grip. And the iconic single-cutaway body? Pure Les Paul goodness.
• Extras: The Studio foregoes the fancier aesthetic details, focusing on the essentials. But it still sports the classic trapezoid inlays on a rosewood fretboard.

4. Ibanez RG652AHM Prestige

Shred Heaven, Aesthetic Dream

Ibanez’s Prestige line represents some of the best the brand offers without going into custom shop territory. The RG652AHM is no exception, especially if shredding is your game.

• Sound & Pickups: Armed with DiMarzio Air Norton and The Tone Zone pickups, this guitar is built for clarity and speed. Whether it’s intricate legato runs or heavy chugging, the RG652 delivers.
• Playability: It’s got a super-fast Super Wizard HP neck. Combine that with the guitar’s ergonomic body, and you’ve got a shred machine.
• Extras: That ash body isn’t just for its stunning looks; it brings a bright and resonant tonal quality to the mix.

5. ESP Eclipse EC-1000T

Marrying Modern Playability with Vintage Vibe

ESP’s Eclipse series has long been a favorite among modern rock and metal guitarists. The EC-1000T variant brings a more traditional vibe but keeps the high-performance features ESP is known for.

• Sound & Pickups: It’s powered by a set of Seymour Duncan JB and ’59 pickups. While the JB gives you that aggressive, hot-rodded humbucking tone perfect for modern rock and metal, the ’59 in the neck position provides smooth, vintage-inspired leads and crystal-clear clean sounds.
• Playability: This guitar features a comfortable thin “U” shaped neck profile, making it super playable. Its full-thickness mahogany body gives it a substantial feel without being overly heavy.
• Extras: Its full body and neck binding, coupled with the beautiful burst finishes available, make this guitar as much of a looker as it is a player. The locking tuners and Tonepros locking TOM bridge & tailpiece ensure your tuning remains stable, even during the most aggressive playing sessions.

6. Schecter Hellraiser C-1 FR S

A Perfect Blend of Power and Precision

Schecter has long been known for making guitars that cater to the hard rock and metal community. The Hellraiser series, in particular, is revered for its aggressive tone and playability.

• Sound & Pickups: The EMG 57/66 Active pickups give this guitar a powerful punch, delivering clear, crisp highs and deep, growling lows. As a bonus, the addition of the Sustainiac in the neck position offers infinite sustain and some really creative tonal opportunities.
• Playability: With its set neck, ultra-access cutaway, and a thin ‘C’ neck profile, you’ve got unhindered access to all 24 frets. The Floyd Rose 1000 Series Tremolo lets you dive-bomb to your heart’s content without losing tuning stability.
• Extras: The beautiful quilted maple top, abalone binding, and gothic cross inlays give the Hellraiser C-1 a look as aggressive as its sound.

And there you have it! Six stunning electric guitars that not only sound amazing but are also quite kind to your wallet, considering their value. Remember, it’s not about how much you spend but how the guitar feels in your hands and resonates with your soul.