Top 10 Guitars Under $500 for 2024
Choosing a new instrument can be hard, and budgeting can be even more difficult. Here are some great options for you or someone else, that will open the door for your next guitar or bass guitar, from Yanda's Music and Pro Audio!
1. The Squier Sonic Series
Having the most choices at a singular price point, Squier Sonic guitars offer the player three different models to choose from, with a good selection of colors and pickup configurations. For the starting price of $199.99, the player has access to a Stratocaster, Telecaster, and Mustang, which feature Fender designed pickups, and include 3 months of free Fender Play online lessons!
2. The Fender FA-15 and FA-15N
Players can begin or continue their acoustic guitar journey, with Fender's FA series guitars. These instruments offer both nylon strung and steel strung 3/4 size acoustic guitars with gig bags, for just $149.99! For fingerstyle players that do not require the wide string spacing of a traditional classical guitar, the FA-15N has strings that are spaced like a standard acoustic guitar. Meanwhile, the FA-15's steel strings offer great tone and projection for its reduced size!
3. The Squier Bronco Bass
Whether you harken for the look and sound of a Fender Musicmaster or Mustang bass guitar, or are looking for something more comfortable than a standard bass guitar, Squier has you covered with the Bronco bass. Featuring new colors and smooth playability, this single pickup bass guitar offers a comfortable offset body and straightforward tone at $209.99! Perfect for the simplistic and entry level players, or even collectors and seasoned bass guitars veterans!
4. The Yamaha JR-2
Sized for smaller or traveling players, the Yamaha JR-2 offers a traditional sunburst finish with a 3/4 scale, making it easy and fun to play! Using the high quality materials that are found on all Yamahas, the JR-2 sounds and feels like its legacy of Yamaha brethren, and its priced generously at $179.99! Vintage body style and color are all the rage in short scale fashion circles!
5. The Ibanez TMB100
Featuring stacked knobs and two types of pickups, the Ibanez Talman Bass makes a great first bass, or a first upgrade for bass guitarists. Available in multiple finishes and easy to play, this bass guitar offers the player accuracy and convenience at a modest price for its features. Starting at $249.99, the Talman bass is an accessible instrument for any bassist's arsenal!
6. The Yamaha GL-1
For players looking for quick access and easy storage, the Yamaha GL-1 provides a new tuning, ukulele-sized body, and amazing tone starting at $109.99! Easy to pack up and take places, this guitar is still able to provide access to the higher frets, and great projection for its smaller body. Strung with nylon strings, but tuned similarly to a guitar, this fun little instrument makes a great gift for players of any kind!
7. The Kala U-Bass
Available in a P-style bass guitar configuration, and awesome colors, the Kala U-Bass offers a ukulele size bass guitar! This instrument comes with both the sound, and the plug-in ability of an electric bass guitar, with that unmistakable bass guitar tone. Priced starting at $349.99, the brand includes a zippered gig bag at that price point, and also makes a 5-string bass guitar of the same variety!
8. The Jackson Dinky Arch Top JS22
Made specifically to be a more accessible for hard rock and metal, the JS22 offers tremolo, fast playability, and new colors to the heavier-toned electric guitarist. With high output and dirty tones easily achievable, this guitar utilizes its dual humbucking pickups to be very versatile for clean and ambient applications. This short scale guitar is light and fast for just $199.99!
9. The Gretsch Streamliner Jet Club Electric Bass
An outstanding short scale bass guitar, the Gretsch Streamliner Jet Club offers the authentic look of a Gretsch Jet, with dual pickups and amazing tone. This guitar fights heavily against other basses at its price point, for its many achievable sounds, and its sleek look and feel. It is available in a variety of vintage finishes, features a cutaway for higher fret access, and is available starting at $299.99!
10. The Gretsch Deltoluxe
Available in three sizes, the Gretsch Deltoluxe features a slick satin black finish, and a magnetic pickup across the sound hole. Whether looking to play at home or live, this guitar can be played plugged in or vice versa! The Deltoluxe separates itself not only with its tuxedo finish, but its sweet acoustic tones both plugged and unplugged. Its multiple sizes are all available at the $279.99 price point!
In Conclusion
Now that we have introduced you to both new and current models that are available to you through Yanda's Music and Pro Audio, it's time to assess your budget and come in to try a few! The best way to find your next instrument is by sitting with it and playing it. If we did not have your particular color or body style, let's get it ordered together! We also have layaways available for 15% down of the retail price, giving you 90 days to pay it off before taking it home for good! Contact us at 308-234-1970!
