Guitar recommendations under 400$

Gear & Tools Talk 🎸 Guitars, Instruments & Maintenance
1

Hi all,
I was planning to sell my cheap strat knock off that i owned for three years and planning to get a better one for under 400… Honestly my only requirements are that it should be either a strat or tele, have a good clean tone, has respectable tuners and doesn’t go out of tune every practice session . Honestly don’t really care about the brand of the guitar.
For now was mainly looking into Harley Bentons for the price they provide but being a noob i was honestly overwhelmed with the options they have to offer…

I normally play some blues and RHCP… Would love to know your suggestions… I’m all ears :slightly_smiling_face:
I’m based in Europe in Germany

2

Hello

I have an AIO (All In One) brand Tele-style guitar that I purchased just over a year ago… it’s my only T-style & I find myself playing it most of the time. The brand is very well made & the company emails you to ask your setup preferences before they ship to you… pretty unheard of! Since I got mine, they’ve had a price increase across the board - they use to have several models for under $400 USD, but now it looks as if the least expensive ones are about $429. This is a pic of one of the cheaper models:

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and here’s the link to their website:

Not sure where in the world you’re located but if you’re in the US the shipping is free… other countries have a fee which varies depending where you live.
Good luck with your search & I hope to see a NGD post soon!!!

Tod

3

Don’t forget the second hand market. I buy most of my gear second hand, there are always bargains to be had.

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4

Also worth doing a search on the forum as similar questions pop up all the time and lots of useful responses have been given to others.

5

secondhand market has been looking pretty good.

Earlier this year I got an Epiphone Les Paul Modern for about $450. would probably sell for less now. Wouldn’t be surprised if you could find something like it within your price range.

6

100% this.

7

You should be able to get a used real fender strat for 400?

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8

Less than ideal for a noob though, could end up with a dud with little comeback !

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9

I have a few guitars covering quite a wide price range but the one I play 90% of the time is my cheapest purchase, a Jet JT300, you could step up to the jT350 just to get the strings through body feature.

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I paid £150 new and it’s fantastic.

10

A lot under $400, although I don’t know what inflation has done here…

Have fun looking for a guitar
:grinning: :sunglasses:

11

How many years playing to not be a noob?

12

Not sure but I based my comment on the OP stating he was a noob.

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13

He’s upgrading the guitar he’s had for 3 years, but I guess he describes himself that way. I’d expect after playing at least 3 years you can tell a duff guitar. Could also buy 2nd hand at a store if not comfortable.

14

Just my opinion my friend, personally I’d never buy second hand but each to their own :+1:

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15

Fair enough - your opinion is just as valid as mine :slight_smile:

16

About the worst that can happen is you spend a bit of time and money on a guitar you end up not liking and sell it on again, for about the same price.
The used market is flooded with good, unwanted guitars.
Very few are duds these days and a try out in person before handing over the cash reduces what risk there is to negligible. There is the option to walk away without buying. Asking for advice in advance. Taking a more knowledgeable friend.

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17

^ This.

Covid saw a LOT of entryish level guitars sold to people stuck at home wanting something to do.

Most of those wont have been played much and most modern guitars just dont go wrong that badly without some serious abuse.

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