Maybe your beginner days are behind you, and your starter guitar has seen some serious mileage. Now, you’re craving something that not only sounds better but also pushes you forward every time you pick it up. You don’t have a huge budget, but you’re looking for a guitar that feels like a true upgrade—one that inspires, is comfortable to play, and gives you room to grow. Here are five fantastic options that bring quality, versatility, and that unmistakable “next-level” vibe—all from trusted brands and readily available, wherever you are.

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1. Yamaha Pacifica 112V

Yamaha is an interesting brand. They’ve been making instruments even longer than Gibson and Fender, yet they don’t have the same “mojo” those American brands carry.

Having played Yamaha guitars for nearly 40 years, I can say this: at any price point, Yamaha delivers serious quality and value. You’ll get a solid, reliable instrument that punches well above its price.

The Yamaha Pacifica 112V is an incredible all-rounder with an alder body, maple neck, and rosewood fretboard. It has a humbucker in the bridge position and single-coils in the middle and neck, giving you tonal flexibility for rock, blues, pop, and jazz. Plus, it’s got a coil-split on the humbucker for added versatility.

Why It’s a Great Choice: The 112V is perfect if you want a guitar that feels responsive across different genres. With its solid build and useful coil-splitting, this model is a significant step up in tone and quality from most beginner guitars.

Pros:

• Alnico V pickups
• Humbucker picku may be coil-splitted for more versatility
• Comfortable to play for all levels
• Excellent build quality at a reasonable price

Cons:

• Some players may underestimate the brand, so it might not earn you instant popularity among certain circles.

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2. Squier Classic Vibe ‘70s Stratocaster

Some time ago, Squier was seen as just the budget-friendly alternative to Fender—but that’s changed. Today, Squier has carved out its own identity, more akin to Epiphone than the old “if you can’t afford a real Fender” vibe. Sure, there are still some entry-level models that aren’t the best, but if you’re ready to spend a bit more, you’ll get a guitar with real potential. These higher-end Squiers offer a solid foundation that’s perfect for upgrading with better hardware down the road, turning a good guitar into something even better.

The Squier Classic Vibe ’70s Stratocaster. Part of Squier’s Classic Vibe series, the ‘70s Strat is a tribute to vintage Fender tones without the price tag. With a poplar body and maple neck, it gives that iconic Strat sound and feel. The three single-coil pickups have that bright, clear sound you want in a Strat, great for blues, funk, and rock. The pickups are no longer the low-budget ceramic magnets but Alnico (Aluminum, Nickel, Copper Alloy) that are definitely better. And its “C” neck shape offers a comfortable, rounded profile that fits naturally in the hand, making it ideal for various playing styles.

Why It’s a Great Choice: This Strat captures the authentic feel and vibe of a true Stratocaster, delivering crisp, clean tones that cut beautifully through the mix, along with classic styling that says, “serious player.” It also provides a solid foundation for future upgrades, should you want to enhance the factory-installed hardware down the road.

Price: Around $450 USD

Pros:

• Classic Strat tones at an affordable price
• Vintage sound, look and feel
• Reliable quality for intermediate players

Cons:

• Limited for heavier music genres
• The hardware, including the tuning pegs and bridge, could benefit from smoother operation and improved quality.

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3. Ibanez RG421

Ibanez is a renowned Japanese brand celebrated for crafting solid guitars that are favorites among shredders like Steve Vai, Joe Satriani or Paul Gilbert. Known for their powerful sound, exceptional comfort, and playability, Ibanez guitars are perfect for those who lean toward heavier styles or love to shred. If that’s your vibe, you can’t go wrong with an Ibanez.

Known for its speed and rock power, the Ibanez RG421 is a great choice for players diving into faster styles. With a mahogany body, Wizard III maple neck, and Quantum humbuckers, this guitar can handle rock, metal, and even jazz fusion. It’s simple but powerful, with two humbuckers and easy-to-access controls.

Why It’s a Great Choice: The RG421’s fast neck and humbucker setup make it a fantastic option if you’re into rock or metal. This model offers enough flexibility for clean and overdriven tones, but really shines when you turn up the gain.

Price: Around $400 USD

Pros:

• 24 frets
• Slim, fast neck ideal for technical playing
• Strong humbucker tones for heavier styles
• Solid construction

Cons:

• Lacks a tremolo system
• Not as versatile for softer genres
• The satin finish may wear and develop a shiny patina in areas that experience heavy contact.

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4. Epiphone Les Paul Studio

Epiphone was already a respected brand when Gibson acquired it in the 1950s. Since then, it has established itself as a go-to option for musicians seeking great sound and quality without the hefty price tag associated with Gibson guitars. Epiphone offers an accessible way to enjoy the iconic sound, feel, and aesthetic of its parent brand without compromising on craftsmanship or performance.

The Epiphone Les Paul Studio delivers that classic Les Paul look and sound in a more affordable, stripped-down model. It features a mahogany body and neck with Alnico Classic PRO humbuckers that give it a warm, full-bodied tone. While it lacks the ornate binding of pricier Les Pauls, it keeps all the essentials intact.

Why It’s a Great Choice: The Les Paul Studio is perfect for those who want a heavier, more resonant sound that’s excellent for rock, blues, and jazz. It’s also built to last, making it a reliable choice for any advancing player.

Price: Around $500 USD

Pros:

• Vintage vibe
• Classic Les Paul tone with a rich, full sound
• Great sustain and depth

Cons:

• Slightly heavier than most guitars in this range
• Thick neck profile may not be for everyone

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5. PRS SE Standard 24

Originally founded as a boutique brand known for its premium-priced guitars, PRS (Paul Reed Smith) Guitars has evolved to compete directly with giants like Fender and Gibson. The introduction of their “SE” series, featuring beautifully crafted, high-quality guitars that deliver exceptional sound without breaking the bank, made this shift possible. These instruments offer a significant upgrade from your first beginner guitar, making them a fantastic choice for advancing players.

The PRS SE Standard 24 stands out as the most premium-feeling guitar on this list. Featuring a mahogany body, maple neck, and rosewood fretboard, it showcases the iconic PRS bird inlays, blending stunning aesthetics with top-notch performance. Its dual humbuckers, combined with a push-pull coil-split, provide an impressive array of tones, ranging from warm cleans to crunchy overdrives. Plus, it’s incredibly comfortable to play, making it a fantastic choice for musicians of all styles.

Why It’s a Great Choice: The SE Standard 24 is a phenomenal choice for someone ready for a significant step up. The coil-split feature allows you to get both humbucker and single-coil tones, giving you a highly versatile instrument that’s suited for jazz, blues, rock, metal, and even funk.

Although it’s the most expensive option on this list, it’s still quite affordable—well under the $1,000 mark—and difficult to criticize. This instrument is built for longevity, and should you choose to upgrade the electronics or pickups in the future, you’ll have a very solid foundation to build upon.

Here you can read my in-depth review for the PRS SE Custom 24.

Price: Around $650 USD

Pros:

• 24 easily accesible frets
• PRS 85/15 “S” pickups deliver a balanced, articulate sound with exceptional clarity
• Incredible versatility with coil-splitting
• Smooth playability and great comfort
• Great tremolo bridge
• Good quality hardware & electronics
• Signature PRS look and feel

Cons:

• Slightly on the higher end of the budget

Conclusion

Any of these guitars will feel like a real upgrade for the guitarist who’s ready for something more serious. Each model offers something unique—whether it’s the PRS SE’s incredible versatility, the Les Paul Studio’s thick tones, or the Ibanez RG421’s playability for rock and metal. Explore what feels right for your style and preferences, and enjoy this step up in your guitar journey.