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Top 10 Best Metal Guitars Under 500 [Buying Guide] Reviews 2021

Metal is always considered a complicated genre, but none of us want to spend all our money on guitars. It may be a daunting task, but not impossible to find the best metal guitars under 500. Some people think, the higher the price, the better the instrument, but it’s not true. You can choose the right one by looking closely at the features and making a decision wisely. If you were on the mission of finding the metal guitar, here you are at the right place. Let’s go through some of the best options available in the market within your budget that can help you performing perfectly.

Our Top Picks of 10 Best Metal Guitars Under 500 USD Product Reviews for 2021


1.ESP LTD EC-256 Electric Guitar, Black

ESP LTD EC-256 Electric Guitar, Black

While searching for an affordable way to buy a guitar that can support all types of music without creating unnecessary notes, this is the one you should go for. ESP LTD EC-256 electric guitar has a Mahogany body with Alder top material to provide durability to an instrument. It’s a classic combination with roasted Jatoba fingerboard to deliver a rock star look to the whole personality. It has all the features you don’t find in low-cost instruments like headstock binding, set-neck construction, and more.

For splitting pickup or to control them individually, each of them has different volume controls to customize your notes. It has a tone knob with push or pulls knobs for instant access to sound settings. It’s the best metal guitar under 500 you can use as an alternative to an expensive instrument. The classic, slick and shiny look of an ESP LTD EC-256 electric guitar has a metal tone that can last for decades to come. This elegant guitar has a tune-o-Matic bridge with a stop bar tailpiece. This guitar is famous due to its performance and decent design.

Key Features

  • Rosewood Fingerboard With 350Mm Radius
  • The Classic Combination Of Mahogany Body
  • Individual Pickup Volume Control
  • Nickel Steel-String Material
  • Tom And Tailpiece Bridge
Pros
  • Clear and excellent tone
  • Support all types of music
  • Elegant classic combination
  • Easy to handle for hours
Cons
  • Edges are sharp to injure

2.Schecter Omen Extreme-6 Electric Guitar

Schecter Omen Extreme-6 Electric Guitar

If searching for the best metal guitars under 500 with a complete package of performance, sound, and quality, then Schecter Omen Extreme-6 electric guitar is your music companion. This elegant music piece has made its place in the market by showing the modern-day features on a limited budget. It’s an elite model with basswood construction and maple top material. This 6-string modern guitar has good looks, and it’s comfortable to handle for a long time while performing.

The double-cutaway construction of a guitar allows the musician to connect to the fast maple neck without getting uncomfortable. Another essential feature a musician want from an instrument is speed. It has 24-extra jumbo frets to deliver consistent speed while playing it. For the old-school metal, there is nothing better than Schecter Omen Extreme-6 electric guitar. It’s a versatile instrument that has a coil-split feature for enhancement in sound. You can choose this one for easy playing and when you want a great action out of a guitar. You can adjust the settings, and there are no complications involved in setting up.

Key Features

  • 24-Extra Jumbo Frets
  • Mahogany Body With A Maple Neck
  • String-Thru Bridge Design
  • Master Volume Control
  • Modern 6-String Electric Guitar
Pros
  • Versatile instrument for clear sound
  • Easy to adjust sound settings
  • Comfortable to wear for long hours
  • Durable construction to last
Cons
  • A bit heavy.

3.Ibanez RG450DX Electric Guitar White

Ibanez RG450DX Electric Guitar White

Ibanez RG450DX is considered the top-rated metal guitars in the market. This beautiful music piece is suitable for everyone, from beginner to expert, due to its supportive features. It has a solid body type with a maple neck to complete the personality of an instrument. This high-end performance instrument gets recognized due to the strength and speed in a limited time.

Musicians who play heavy metal music must find this guitar versatile and exceptional in quality. For the massive notes, the guitar has 24-jumbo frets to create filtered sound. The fingerboard of a guitar is of rosewood and offers maximum comfort to a musician. It’s a deal-breaker guitar that is ready to provide all the groove you need.

The best thing about Ibanez RG450DX electric guitar white is it’s affordable, and you don’t have to invest a massive amount. The guitar is connected to the 5-way switch for the versatility of coil combinations and sound. You don’t have to worry about the adjustment as it’s not complex and made for everyone to handle. If performing for long-hours on stage, you can hang it for a long time without feeling discomfort.

Key Features

  • 24-Jumbo Frets
  • 5-Way Switch Connection
  • Edge-Zero Tremolo Bridge
  • Quantum Pickups With Accelerated Bass
  • Precise High-End Articulation
Pros
  • Versatile to enhance sound
  • High-speed and comfortable
  • Durable body to last
  • Consistent performance
Cons
  • Sound requires improvement

4.Jackson JS32 King V Electric Guitar (Gloss Black)

Jackson JS32 King V Electric Guitar (Gloss Black)

Jackson JS32 King V is one of the best metal guitars under 500 that is great in playability and performance. It can support various genres and playing styles no matter where you are performing or for how long? The Poplar wood body style with bolt-on fast maple neck is responsible for carrying it comfortably. It has 24-jumbo frets to make this music piece unique and easy to play. Once you have this instrument, you can feel how it’s loaded with features.

The radius of the fretboard is 12″-16″, and the material is rosewood. Every musician loves the loud sound and simple settings of a guitar where they don’t have to feel uncomfortable in front of an audience. It has a dual Jackson high-output hambucking feature to support music all the way. The appearance of the Jackson JS32 King V electric guitar gives a strong feeling and suitable for jamming. If you are a music enthusiast, this is the best music instrument we can suggest to you.

Key Features

  • 24-Jumbo Frets
  • Fast Maple Neck
  • Easy To Setup
  • 12-16″ Radius Fretboard
  • Dual Jackson High-Output Hambucking
Pros
  • Support various genres
  • Elegant and rockstar appearance
  • Easy to carry for long hours
  • Adjustable volume control
Cons
  • It’s not easy to tune for the first time.

5.Squier by Fender Contemporary Active Stratocaster HH Electric Guitar

Squier by Fender Contemporary Active Stratocaster HH Electric Guitar

It’s not easy to find the modern body style with a neck to play with comfort while performing. The C-shaped profile with a slim neck is easy to carry and gives instant access to the playing features. The radius of a fingerboard is about 12″ and has a bit of bend. This fine fingerboard is suitable for changing the notes instantly and provides low profile action. For the consistent vibration and notes, Squier by Fender Contemporary electric guitar has tall narrow frets.

If you want to create heavy-tone rock music, the guitar featuring Squier active ceramic humbucking pickups in a bridge and neck position. This instrument is appropriate to use when you want punchy-low end in the music. The string’s stability is vital, and to maintain, this instrument has a Floyd Rose dual-locking two-point Tremolo Bridge with a locking nut. Due to these features, this guitar can provide dynamic action.

It’s one of the best metal guitars under 500 and can support all the genres without leaving complex settings on you. While performing solo, you can always count on this musical instrument for a power-packed performance.

Key Features

  • 12″ Fingerboard Radius
  • Squier Ceramic Humbucking Pickups
  • Floyd Rose Dual-Locking Two-Point Tremolo Bridge
  • Poplar Body Construction
  • Chrome-Plated Black Hardware
Pros
  • Create heavy rock tone music
  • Give instant access to notes
  • Support all music genres
  • Comfortable to carry for hours
Cons
  • Not suitable for beginners

6.Jackson JS Series Dinky Arch Top JS32Q DKA Transparent Purple Burst

Jackson JS Series Dinky Arch Top JS32Q DKA Transparent Purple Burst

How cool would it look if you have a purple bursting guitar in hand while performing on stage that can bring a lively look to the personality? Jackson JS Series Dinky Arch Top JS32Q DKA Transparent purple burst is made from poplar, similar to Alder material. When accessing the higher notes, this guitar make is visible and easy to grab. To keep bass tones a secret, the neck is constructed from Maple, while the fretboard is of Amaranth.

The majority of best metal guitars under 500 don’t have enough features to serve the musician. This guitar has 24-jumbo frets and Pearloid Sharkfin inlays to add versatility and for convenience while playing. It has a 3-way pickup switch and master tone control for customizing settings. You can always set the sound accordingly, and it’s not complicated at all. The overall performance and tone of the guitar are smooth that creates crisp tones for you naturally. The durability is out of the question as the construction is quite robust, and you will love the handling.

Key Features

  • 24-Jumbo Frets
  • 3-Way Pickup Switch
  • Master Volume Control
  • Sealed Die-Cast Tuners
  • A Ceramic Magnet For Crisp Voice
Pros
  • Rock-solid stability
  • Provides dynamic trem action
  • Easy to control
  • Affordable for everyone
Cons
  • The body may require a bit of adjustment while playing

7.Jackson X Series Signature Adrian Smith SDXQ Electric Guitar

Jackson X Series Signature Adrian Smith SDXQ Electric Guitar

There are so many guitars out there that are more friendly and handsome than modern models. Jackson X series signature Adrian Smith SDXQ electric guitar is the best music companion you own, to play music anytime. It has a bolt-on quartersawn maple neck that gives quick access to the notes, and construction is of basswood. The durability of a guitar is exceptional, and you can use it for many years to come.

It has a maple fingerboard with compound radius ebony that helps to generate the best sound ever. The master volume and tone control allow you to set the intensity of music as you want. Floyd Rose Special double-locking tremolo bridge will get over all the challenges you throw at it. For rock-solid sound and durability, you can count on it for playing the best tunes ever.

Key Features

  • Bolt-On Quartersawn Maple Neck
  • Maple Fingerboard
  • Basswood Construction
  • Floyd Rose Special Double-Locking Tremolo Bridge
  • Master Volume And Tone Controls
Pros
  • Produce music with the right intensity
  • Stable and durable for long-term use
  • Support all types of music
  • Excellent playability
Cons
  • May feel heavy in handling

8.ESP LTD MH-203QM Electric Guitar, See-Thru Blue

ESP LTD MH-203QM Electric Guitar, See-Thru Blue

While searching for the affordable best metal guitars under 500, the model that must pop into your mind is ESP LTD MH-203QM electric guitar. The body material of a guitar is Mahogany with Maple top material. The glossy body finish of an electric guitar is up to the mark and provides durability to the instruments for performing anywhere. It has 24-extra jumbo frets with a small block offset inlays. For making this instrument suitable for everyone, it has passive pickups.

If you don’t want an instrument to sound like a toy, ESP LTD MH-203QM electric guitar is the right music companion. The bright tones of a guitar give a new life to composition, and you will be satisfied with the performance. In terms of prices and features, this music piece has the potential of beating every other model. It’s a fast, smooth, and high-quality musical instrument that can serve you for years to come. It has an impressive list of features that help musicians performing under any conditions without making adjustments difficult.

Key Features

  • 24-Extra Jumbo Frets
  • Bolt-On Maple Neck
  • Floyd Rose Tremolo Bridge System
  • Esp Designed Pickups
  • Durable And Elegant Black Hardware
Pros
  • Versatile features for high-end performance
  • Lightweight and comfortable to carry
  • Product incredible and warm tones
  • Supportive for many genres
Cons
  • It’s difficult to tune the settings

9.Schecter Omen Extreme-FR Electric Guitar, Vintage Sunburst

Schecter Omen Extreme-FR Electric Guitar, Vintage Sunburst

As a modern guitarist, Schecter Omen Extreme-FR electric guitar will support you in playing every genre. It has a maple-topped Mahogany body that adds premium visual to an instrument. The unmatched appearance of an electric guitar is easy to carry on a body and gives instant access. This elegant guitar supports several technical styles of playing, and a C-shape thin profile feels light. To save you from hand cramps, and irritating buzzes, Schecter Omen Extreme-FR electric guitar has 24-extra-jumbo frets.

Tone and flexibility are maintained due to Diamond plus humbucking pickups, and it helps to perform everywhere. You can count on this instrument for playing on stage or studio. It has 6-distinct pickups for supporting several music genres from rock to metal. It has Floyd rose Special bridge that can satisfy all your music needs from this modern instrument with ease. The reliability is exceptional for everyone who is trying to move ahead in the music career.

Key Features

  • 24-Extra Jumbo Frets
  • Diamond Plus Humbucking Pickups
  • Floyd Rose Special Bridge
  • Durable Maple-Topped Mahogany Body
  • 3-Way Toggle Switch
Pros
  • Supports other technical styles
  • Saves from irritating buzzes
  • Provides instant access to the notes
  • A well-balanced instrument
Cons
  • It doesn’t have Tremolo

10.Schecter Omen Extreme-7 Electric Guitar (Black Cherry)

Schecter Omen Extreme-7 Electric Guitar (Black Cherry)

For achieving sound and bright appearance goals, you can’t find a better instrument than Schecter Omen Extreme-7 electric guitar. The body has double-cutaway Mahogany construction with a quilted top that adds comfort and style to the look. We switch to the latest models due to the playability issue, but now due to the rosewood fingerboard, this problem is solved. Maple neck and rosewood fingerboard are responsible for enhancing playability to the point where playing anywhere is possible.

If you are tired of looking for the best metal guitars under 500 then this is the option you can have. It will help in producing every sound you need to express the highs and lows of music. It has 24-jumbo frets with vector inlays to get access to a neck. To give you complete access to a volume, it has master tone control with push and pulls coil splitting. It also has a 3-way toggle switch and every feature makes playability simpler.

Key Features

  • Mastertone Control
  • 3-Way Toggle Switch
  • Rosewood Fingerboard
  • 24 Jumbo Frets
  • Double Cutaway Mahogany Construction
Pros
  • Elegant and durable construction
  • Stable and reliable for playing
  • Generate any type of tones
  • Easy to play as a beginner
Cons
  • Quality control requires improvements

Buying Guide For Best Metal Guitars Under 500

Before buying a metal guitar, the first thing you need to consider is the budget. When exploring the best metal guitars under 500, you may have to go through several features and technical specifications. Ensure you are picking the right instrument to perform and can work with you for a longer time. Let’s go through this ultimate guide that can help in choosing the best guitar.

Playability

There is nothing worse than end up with a guitar that doesn’t have proper playability to support different genres. For technical performance, you always have to check the playability. Guitars with a thin neck are suitable to carry for a long time and provide comfort. You will get endless options in the market but always check before investing in the product.

Body Shape

If you are not comfortable with the body shape of a guitar, it’s impossible to hang it for a long time. Always choose the guitar with the right weight, and it should be suitable for your body. When buying a guitar, make sure that you are easy as oddly shaped guitars are not easy to play. Complex guitars can’t balance the body, and you won’t access the fingerboard easily.

Pickups

It depends on the type of playability you are choosing for the performance. Pickups are of two types’ active and passive. Active pickups are suitable when you want to play loud sounds, but they require excessive tuning to produce the right sound. Passive pickups are easy to tune, and they change tones smoothly as compared to the active ones. Choose the guitar features wisely, so you don’t have to go through embarrassment.

Neck

Many people may not pay attention to the neck, but it plays a vital role in stability. If you want long stability, choose the one with a three-piece than the one-piece neck. It will enhance the life of a guitar, and you will love the tone out of it. Neck also distribute vibrations equally throughout the body and maintains consistency.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) For Best Metal Guitars Under 500


Final Thoughts

The best metal guitars under 500 are not easy to find, but when you are passionate, you will find the right one. To help you out in this hard situation, we have mentioned some of the best metal guitars that can support all the genres and produce the accurate sound you require to perform. These guitars are on our list solely based on the performance and modern-day features.

We have explained the features and functions of every guitar you were looking for, and now you can choose the suitable one for the next session. Metal music is all about punchy sound and distortion; if it can’t energize your soul, there is no use in playing it.

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