Buying a Cheap Guitar - Is it Worth It?

Many people perceive low-cost guitars as poorly made and of low quality. Some may even be intimidated by the fact that it is not a US-made guitar. However, many major guitar manufacturers have started producing their guitars in countries like Korea, China, and India to offer more affordable options for the general guitar player. Not everyone can afford a $1000+ Fender or Gibson guitar, and there is a large market for inexpensive guitars under $500.

Many Epiphone guitar models owned by Gibson today are produced in Korea, as well as most of Kramer’s inexpensive guitars. Fender purchased Jackson a few years ago, and now most of its Jackson guitars are made in Korea and India. BC Rich inexpensive guitars and many Ibanez guitar models are also made in Korea.

The cost of labor may help provide cheaper guitars, but that alone cannot be the only reason for reducing guitar costs. There are several factors determining a guitar’s production cost, including the production process, the quality of materials used, and the quality of electronics and hardware that go into the guitar.

Cheaper guitars tend to use inexpensive woods like plywood for building the guitar body Schecter Guitars - Schecter Guitars: High-End Quality and Rarity Schecter guitars are currently known as high-end quality instruments that are sleek and beautiful, with a price to match. Best recognized for their custom-made guitars, which can only be purchased through authorized dealers with restrictions, Schecter Guitars have gained a reputation as a rare breed – and they are… , while more expensive guitars use quality woods like mahogany, rosewood, and alder. Low-cost guitars usually have cheap bridges, tuners, and stock pickups, while expensive guitars are created with quality hardware and electronics.

It really depends on your needs and level of expertise whether buying a cheap guitar is worth it. If you are a professional musician and the guitar is your tool of trade, then you may not want to buy a low-cost guitar. However, many cheap guitars today have good quality and can be a great option for beginners or those on a tight budget. Inexpensive guitars are no longer no-name guitars, as you can still get many popular guitar brands for less than $500.

For example, the author purchased a cheap guitar made in China by Fernandes for just $200. The guitar has a licensed Floyd Rose tremolo, a great, easy-playable neck, and good sound quality. Despite being inexpensive, the guitar is of better quality than some US-made Fenders the author has played.

Manuel Marino

Manuel Marino is a seasoned Senior Producer, Music Composer, and Artist with over a decade of experience. He specializes in branded entertainment across various mediums, including video games, films, and advertising campaigns. With 20+ years as a game music composer, Manuel has worked on numerous platforms, creating diverse orchestral soundtracks. HIRE ME