Finding the Best Entry-Level Electric Guitar for $500

Whether you're a beginner shopping for your first electric guitar or a seasoned player looking for an affordable backup, the $500 price range is a sweet spot. At this level, you'll find guitars with real tone, solid craftsmanship, and performance features you'd expect from higher-end models.

To help cut through the noise, we've rounded up four of our top picks: the PRS SE Standard 24, Squier Classic Vibe, Yamaha Revstar Element, and Ibanez Steve Vai Jem Jr. From vintage vibe to shred-ready power, there’s something here for every kind of player.

Let’s take a closer look at what makes each of these guitars stand out—and why we believe in them at Roxy Music.

PRS SE Standard 24 – The Modern Classic

Price: $499 | Body: Mahogany | Neck: Maple | Fingerboard: Rosewood | Scale Length: 25” | Pickups: PRS 85/15 "S" Humbuckers

The PRS SE Standard 24 is a sleek, versatile instrument that offers premium performance at an entry-level price. Featuring a mahogany body and a set maple neck, this guitar delivers rich sustain and warm tones, making it ideal for rock, blues, and even jazz. The PRS 85/15 "S" pickups provide clarity and balance, allowing players to achieve anything from sparkling cleans to powerful distortion.

With its 24 frets and 25-inch scale length, the SE Standard 24 offers easy playability, while PRS’s trademark tremolo bridge ensures smooth vibrato effects. Whether you're jamming at home or performing on stage, this guitar gives you the reliability and feel of much higher-priced instruments.

Want a guitar that can grow with you? The PRS SE Standard 24 is a shop favorite for a reason.

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Squier Classic Vibe – Vintage Tone on a Budget

Price: $449 | Body: Poplar | Neck: Maple | Fingerboard: Indian Laurel | Scale Length: 25.5” | Pickups: Fender-Designed Alnico Single-Coils

If you love classic Fender tones but don’t want to spend a fortune, the Squier Classic Vibe series is a fantastic choice. Inspired by legendary guitars from the ‘50s, ‘60s, and ‘70s, these models capture the essence of vintage Stratocasters and Telecasters at an affordable price.

The Fender-designed Alnico pickups deliver bright, articulate tones perfect for blues, funk, and classic rock. The lightweight poplar body and comfortable C-shaped neck make playing effortless, whether you’re strumming chords or bending notes on lead lines.

For players looking to dive into the Fender experience, the Classic Vibe offers timeless design and sound without breaking the bank. And at Roxy Music, every Squier guitar receives a full inspection and setup before it ever hits the wall.

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Yamaha Revstar Element – Style and Substance

Price: $499 | Body: Mahogany | Neck: Nato | Fingerboard: Rosewood | Scale Length: 24.75” | Pickups: Yamaha Alnico Humbuckers

For those wanting something a little different, the Yamaha Revstar Element blends vintage aesthetics with modern performance. Inspired by classic motorcycles and Japanese craftsmanship, the Revstar features striking finishes and a comfortable contoured body that sits well during long playing sessions.

The mahogany body and Alnico humbuckers provide a warm, punchy tone with plenty of sustain, making it a great choice for rock and alternative players. One standout feature is the dry switch, which passively removes low-end frequencies, mimicking the sound of a single-coil pickup for added versatility.

With a bold look and flexible tones, the Revstar Element is perfect for players who want to stand out both sonically and visually. These guitars don’t just play well—they make a statement.

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Ibanez Steve Vai Jem Jr. – Shred-Ready Performance

Price: $499 | Body: Meranti | Neck: Maple | Fingerboard: Jatoba | Scale Length: 25.5” | Pickups: Quantum H-S-H Configuration

For players looking to dive into the world of fast riffs and screaming solos, the Ibanez Steve Vai Jem Jr. is an unbeatable option at this price point. Modeled after Vai’s legendary signature guitar, the Jem Jr. features the iconic “monkey grip” handle, a locking tremolo system, and a 24-fret neck—making it an excellent choice for aspiring shredders.

The H-S-H pickup configuration (humbucker-single-humbucker) provides a wide range of tones, from warm rhythm sounds to aggressive leads. The Wizard III maple neck is built for speed, allowing players to glide effortlessly across the fretboard.

If you’re into high-energy rock, metal, or virtuoso-style playing, the Jem Jr. is ready to take your skills to the next level. Just bring the fingers—we’ll supply the firepower.

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Final Thoughts

Finding the right electric guitar for $500 doesn’t mean compromising on tone or quality. Whether you prefer the modern versatility of the PRS SE Standard 24, the vintage feel of the Squier Classic Vibe, the bold personality of the Yamaha Revstar, or the shred potential of the Ibanez Jem Jr., there's an instrument here that can inspire your next riff.

At Roxy Music, we don’t just sell gear—we help musicians find their sound. Have a question? Want to try one in person? Reach out to our team, or explore more electric guitars here.