Best Solid Electric Guitars of 2025

"I received my guitar on 11/29/2024, and it was set perfectly. The neck relief and string height were just right. The tuners worked smoothly and held their tune. I appreciate the highly polished frets and the comfortable neck shape. The pickups sound great, and the guitar is very enjoyable unplugged. Although the tremolo needed some pressure to work, I understand it was likely designed that way to maintain tuning stability. Overall, it’s a fantastic guitar for learning, and I couldn't be happier with it!"

"After getting my guitar on Friday night, I immediately swapped out the bridge pickup and used it as my backup for a gig the next night. Surprisingly, it stayed in tune despite the tuners being a bit of a weak point. I was impressed with the matte finish and the thinner body. I recommend new tuners and possibly a bridge swap for anyone looking to modify it, but the tone of the pickups was quite nice. Five stars, as it exceeded my expectations for a guitar at this price!"

"I really wanted to adore this guitar right out of the box, especially since I love Squier Strats, but my experience was a bit mixed. I was thrilled with the gorgeous matte burgundy red color and the quality overall. However, upon tuning it, every string buzzed due to the truss rod being too tight. After some adjustments, it played well, but I worry about beginners who might not know how to fix these issues. Regardless, I love the guitar now and think it’s a great choice for those who are handy with setups!"

"I am absolutely thrilled with my Donner Electric Guitar, model DST-152! As a beginner, I couldn't have asked for a better instrument to kick-start my musical journey. The sleek and stylish design initially caught my eye, and upon playing it, I was blown away by its impressive sound quality. The rich, resonant tones it produces have motivated me to practice for hours. The smooth fretboard and comfortable neck enhance my learning experience, and its versatility has exceeded my expectations."

"This guitar is a great choice for beginners! As someone with arthritis, I found the strings are close to the fretboard, making it easy to push them down with minimal effort. The pickups are high output, resulting in a louder sound on the treble side, but overall, the guitar sounds fantastic. I would have rated it 5 stars, but the strings felt a bit harsh on my pinky, so I recommend switching to half-rounds if you're a beginner. The full package includes a guitar bag, strap, tuner, and more."

"As a seasoned player with 30 years of experience, I picked up this guitar as a backup practice instrument. I wasn't expecting much, but I'm genuinely impressed with the overall quality. It required a mild setup and a fret dressing, but everything else was perfect. It's lightweight, and the fit and finish are excellent. I’d recommend this guitar for beginners, and for advanced players, a few mods might enhance it further."

"I absolutely love this guitar! I got it as a lay-around instrument, but over a year later, it's still my go-to for strumming whenever I feel like it. I did change the strings to D'Addario right away, but that's the only upgrade I've made. It looks gorgeous in black, and while I wasn't a fan of the ivory-ish switch housing at first, it's starting to grow on me. Just remember, it's not a high-end guitar, so don't expect top-notch pickups or a perfectly sturdy bridge, but it plays well and has great potential for upgrades. It’s an excellent choice for anyone wanting to learn, or as a gift!"

"I bought this Donner LP Electric Guitar through Amazon, and I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of tone and action right after tuning it. However, I did find some defects on the back, but Donner's customer service was fantastic—they agreed and promptly issued a refund. Their quick response made me check out more of their products. I've definitely become a new customer!"

"After waiting eagerly for my SunBurst finish guitar, I was excited to try it out. It looked amazing, but I faced a lot of fret buzz that I've never encountered in 45 years of playing. I tried adjusting the truss and bridge, but nothing helped. I took it to a local shop, and they discovered issues with the fretboard and a possible hairline crack in the neck. I’ve read that many others have had similar problems, so be cautious if you decide to buy one."

"I highly recommend the IYV 6 String IP-350 guitar. I bought it to play and perform, and it did not disappoint. This is my second IYV guitar after being satisfied with the IJZ-300 TSB. It was playable right out of the box, and I found no noticeable finish flaws. While I enjoy setting up my guitars, I advise anyone unfamiliar with the process to seek professional help. This guitar is worthy of customization, and the modifications I made were straightforward and effective. The ease of playability is impressive."

"For the price, I believe this guitar is a remarkable value. It arrived in excellent condition, and after minimal adjustments, it was ready for pro-level playability. I had to address some minor fret leveling and pickup height, but everything else was solid. The tuners are dependable, and this guitar stays in tune better than my more expensive instruments. Overall, I find it an outstanding option for anyone looking for quality at an affordable price."

"I found the IYV IP-350 to be an incredible value for under $240. The finish looks great, though it has a less expensive quality. The neck is my favorite feature; it's comfortable and thick enough for larger hands. While the strings were a bit subpar, the hardware is decent, and the pickups sound good for clean tones. Overall, it's a great guitar for beginners and experienced players alike who are looking for something different."

"I literally just received my guitar, and it feels and plays great! Compared to my Epiphone Special P90, I find this one lighter and more comfortable. The fretwork is impressive, and the finish is flawless. Once the strings settled, it held tune well. All I need to do is a small truss rod adjustment. Overall, it’s a fantastic guitar for the price!"

"Let me tell you, I wasn't expecting much at this price, but this guitar is beautiful and well-setup right out of the box. All I had to do was tune it. I did replace the bridge for better quality, but the neck feels great and it’s sturdy. With 40 years of experience, I can say this guitar is a tremendous value at $129!"

"I really appreciate the fast action fretboard on this SG style guitar. It intonates well and stays in tune for long periods. I ordered the white version, and I’m absolutely thrilled with my purchase, especially considering the affordable price point!"

"I can't go wrong with this cool guitar! The design is great, and it sounds awesome for the price."

"I picked this up as a project guitar. Out of the box, I noticed the neck was nice, but the fretboard needed some work. After upgrades, it really sings and feels great to play!"

"For a beginner, this guitar is fantastic! I noticed a little buzzing on the 11th fret, but overall, it's a great setup for anyone starting out."

"I had to set it up myself, which was straightforward. The neck relief needed adjustment, but once I got it right, it felt great to play. The bridge pickup is excellent, reminiscent of a DiMarzio Super Distortion. Although the headphone amp is a nice touch, it could be more useful with added effects in the future. The strap positioning was a bit awkward for standing play, and I would prefer 24 frets and a deeper cutaway, but overall, it’s nearly perfect for travel. The craftsmanship is top-notch for this price point."

"After receiving a guitar that wouldn't keep the G-string in tune, I exchanged it for another, but faced the same issue. My attempts to contact customer service were frustrating; I sent videos but received no follow-up. Though the guitar looked great and had many accessories, it was ultimately unplayable. Luckily, after reaching out again, they took my concerns seriously and provided a satisfactory resolution, including a functional replacement guitar. Despite the initial hiccups, I'm now pleased with the outcome and appreciate their support."

"I unpacked this guitar last night and was pleasantly surprised by how quickly I could set it up. It comes with everything necessary: a tuner, quality picks, and even headphones. The sound through my iPad was impressive, and I found it easy to keep in tune. After 20 years of playing and owning expensive guitars, I initially viewed Donner as beginner-level, but this guitar has changed my perception. It’s an exceptional travel companion that may even become a regular in my collection."

"I just received my Ibanez GRX 6 guitar in transparent violet sunburst. This is my third less expensive guitar, and I've owned over 20, including brands like Martin, Gretsch, Gibson, Fender, and Epiphone. I was pleasantly surprised; it plays and sounds as good as my Fender Telecaster. The delivery was two days early, and the guitar was in pristine condition. The setup was almost in tune, needing just a quick adjustment. The finish is flawless, and it sounds amazing with its HSH pickup setup, providing five distinct voices. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a great-looking and playing guitar."

"After years away from playing, I purchased the Ibanez GIO GRX70. I was impressed by the craftsmanship right out of the box; the finish is stellar, and the fretboard is smooth. The HSH pickup configuration is a fantastic feature for this price point. The guitar action was a bit high, but I plan to get a full setup soon. The sound through my Orange Crush 20 Combo exceeded my expectations, offering a wide range of tones from mellow to hard metal crunch. I would say this guitar is like the Subaru of guitars: stylish, rugged, and versatile. I highly recommend it, especially for beginners."

"The guitar arrived well-packaged and flawless, with no fingerprints or scratches. It was tuned and ready to play, with an excellent setup. The playability is fantastic, and it produces outrageous power with great flexibility for various styles. The neck is both fast and comfortable, making it a joy to play. I would definitely recommend this model!"

"I waited three months for my guitar and was disappointed with its condition upon arrival. The guitar came in a soft cardboard box without external protection, resulting in various flaws. However, I was impressed with its overall heft, finish, and playability. It plays better than typical imports, and I appreciate its resonance. Just manage your expectations regarding quality control, as mine had several cosmetic issues."

"I recently received my IYV SG style guitar, and after a thorough inspection, I can confidently say it's near perfection. The craftsmanship is incredible, and the pickups are fantastic. I've been playing it all day and love the gorgeous finish. The only minor drawback for me is the tremolo system, but it holds tuning well. Overall, I'm thrilled with my purchase!"

"As a long-time guitarist, I have a large collection, but my IYV SG is truly stunning. The dark cherry finish is immaculate, and I've always been impressed with the quality of IYV guitars. They provide excellent value compared to more expensive brands. I'm excited to add this beauty to my collection!"

“I was surprised by the quality of this Squire! I've owned other Strats and even an Epiphone LP, but this affordable guitar exceeded my expectations. After a simple setup, I found it to be fantastic for what it is.”

“I’m very impressed by the finish and the quality. The action was just how I like it, though I had to replace the tuners. The neck pickup has a sweet sound, and the overall playability is excellent at this price.”

“We ordered two of these guitars and found the price to be very reasonable with good customer service. I highly recommend Ardens Music for anyone looking for an affordable instrument.”