The 10 Best Acoustic Electric Guitar Under 1000, According to Our Testing

Top Picks

•  Best Overall:  Epiphone Les Paul Standard 60s 

The Gibson Les Paul is widely considered to be the standard rock guitar. Since Epiphone's Les Paul is less expensive, guitarists of varying skill levels may try it. Blues and rock players may now access a high-quality reproduction of this guitar's unique sound. The mahogany body is carved from a single piece of wood and houses high-quality pickups and hardware. The rigidity of the through-body constructed neck is offset by the instrument's lively and responsive playability.

•  Best Design: Fender Vintera '60s Stratocaster 

This solid-body Stratocaster offers all the classic Strat features at a far more reasonable price. In terms of Fender guitars, this Stratocaster is without a peer. The polyester finish on the ash body, the "C"-shaped maple neck, and the 25.5-inch scale length of this antique instrument are all hallmarks of its quality. The single-coil pickups are accurate reproductions of the originals. There is also a left-handed version of this product with various color and finish options. Those that have a strat attest to its great value.

•  Best Sound-Quality: ESP LTD EC-1000 Electric Guitar  

With its EMG humbucking pickups, this black ESP LTD Deluxe EC-1000 packs a serious punch and delivers a crystal-clear tone. A guitar this deadly has never crossed my path before. The EC-1000 Vintage Black has unrivaled sound quality. It's made of wood and has a classic black paint job outside. It's got a narrow, "U"-shaped neck, is very user-friendly, and is loads of fun to play. The EMG humbuckers' clear articulation and full sound make them a pleasure to play. Incredible, and it is still happening even now!

•  Best with Gloss Finish: Fender Player Stratocaster HSS Electric Guitar  

The Player Series is well recognized as a top-tier offering from Fender. Everybody here was blown away by the playability and craftsmanship of these instruments, particularly considering their reasonable prices and the illustrious Fender brand they carry. The Player Plus series provides the same high quality as the original but with the addition of some delightful bonuses. Similar stylistic decisions were made between the Player and Player Plus series, with the primary difference being electronics. This HSS model's Player series pickups were swapped out for a quieter pair of single coils and a Wide-Range-style humbucker in the bridge to enhance its tone and improve its overall aesthetic.

•  Best Lightweight: Fender Squier Affinity Stratocaster HSS 

In terms of playability, appearance, and tone, the '60s Strat is one of the greatest guitars in Squier's Classic Vibe collection for under $1,000. The guitar has a good price and produces the typical Strat tones, but its note clarity and frequency range aren't as good as those of more costly versions.