Becoming the next great metal guitar player takes practice; there’s no way around that. But at least nowadays you don’t have to go broke to get there: with a number of high-quality guitars that are perfect for metal players on the market at low prices, learning to shred has never been more affordable!
Since we here at Gear Gods HQ are all about hooking up our loyal Gear Mortals with the best deals, we’ve teamed up with Adorama to highlight ten of the best shredder guitars under $1,000 in their extensive arsenal of guitars and professional audio gear. What you see listed below is just the beginning; make sure you check out Adorama for much, much more!
Schecter Blackjack SLS C-1 Floyd Rose 6-String
The renowned Ultra-Thin profile and fast SLS satin finished neck with compound radius is a favorite amongst Schecter artists world-wide. With active or passive pickups and TonePros TOM or Floyd Rose bridges (Hipshot on 8 string), the SLS covers a lot of sonic territory.
Regular price: $1549
Now: $1089.00
Schecter Blackjack SLS C-7 Passive 7-String
The renowned Ultra-Thin profile and fast SLS satin finished neck with compound radius is a favorite amongst Schecter artists world-wide. With active or passive pickups and TonePros TOM or Floyd Rose bridges (Hipshot on 8 string), the SLS covers a lot of sonic territory.
Regular price: $1,299.00
Now: $899.00
Ibanez RG Iron Label Series RGIB6
The RG is the most recognizable and distinctive guitar in the Ibanez line. Three decades of metal have forged this high-performance machine, honing it for both speed and strength. Whether you favor a hardtail (fixed) bridge or their industry-leading locking tremolo system, the RG is a precision instrument. 24 Frets, Nitro Baritone 3-piece Maple/Bubinga Neck, Bound Rosewood Fretboard, Gibraltar Standard II Bridge, Black.
Regular price: $964.43
Now: $699.99
Jackson JS Series Dinky Minion JS1X
Giant sound in a small package! Jackson JS Series guitars take an epic leap forward, making it easier than ever to get classic Jackson tone, looks and speedy playability without breaking the piggy bank. The new JS Series Dinky Minion JS1X is ideal for lil’ shredders or grownup road dogs who need an easy-traveling instrument jam-packed with the features they love. 24 Frets, Bolt-On Neck, Rosewood Fingerboard, Gloss Polyurethane, Black.
Regular price: $211.25
Now: $149.99
Dean Michael Amott Tyrant 6 String
Michael Amott Signature Tyrant is an affordable guitar that makes no apology with a lightweight mahogany body, set neck and 22-fret rosewood fingerboard. The short 24-3/4″ scale and “V” shape make this an extremely easy guitar to navigate with access up the entire fretboard. DMT Design pickups give you a wide range of great tones to work with – from sweet vintage to modern aggressive. Grover tuning machines and fixed Tune-o-matic bridge offer stability and added sustain. 22 Frets, C Neck, Rosewood Fretboard, Battle Axe Custom Graphic.
Regular price: $749.00
Now: $499.00
Jackson JS Series Monarkh SC JS22
Classic and familiar single cutaway style melds with powerful sound and Jackson’s illustrious legacy of cutting-edge design and construction for a top-notch guitar. Whether you play with crystal-clear clean tones or thick, heavily saturated distortion, the JS Series Monarkh SC JS22 easily keeps up with any playing style you can throw at it. Ideal for modern metal, this instrument is the ideal complement to your music, as creative as your playing. Two Jackson High Output humbucking pickups in the neck and middle positions crank out clear tone with plenty of the girth required for current styles. The pickups’ crisp, clear tone is channeled by a three-position pickup switch along with master tone controls for versatile sound that matches any playing situation, cutting through a thick mix to highlight your playing. 22 Frets, Bolt-On Neck, Rosewood Fingerboard, Gloss Polyester, Snow White.
Regular price: $277.76
Now: $199.99
Jackson Pro Series Monarkh SC Arched Quilt Maple 6-String
Brimming with technology and style, the Jackson Pro Series Monarkh SCQ is an amped-up, hot-rodded metal machine, aimed at the demanding player who needs a no-compromise performer. Enjoy unparalleled consistency and tonal variety at any volume level, from the quietest whisper to a mighty roar, while experiencing the bleeding edge of modern guitar craftsmanship and construction. 22 Frets, Set-Neck, Ebony Fingerboard, Gloss, Alien Burst.
Regular price: $1,020.39
Now: $749.99
Ibanez RG Standard RG470AHM 6-String
The RG is the most recognizable and distinctive guitar in the Ibanez line. Three decades of metal have forged this high-performance machine, honing it for both speed and strength. Whether you favor a hardtail (fixed) bridge or our industry-leading locking tremolo system, the RG is a precision instrument. Ash Body, 24 Frets, Maple Neck, Maple Fretboard, Passive Pickup, Blue Moon Burst.
Regular price: $688.88
Now: $499.99
Ibanez RG Iron Label RGIM8MH Multi-Scale 8-String
The RG is the most recognizable and distinctive guitar in the Ibanez line. Three decades of metal have forged this high-performance machine, honing it for both speed and strength. Whether you favor a hardtail (fixed) bridge or our industry-leading locking tremolo system, the RG is a precision instrument. Mahogany Body, 24 Frets, Maple/Bubinga Neck, Rosewood Fretboard, Active Pickup, Weathered Black.
Regular price: $1,102.21
Now: $799.99
Dean Dimebag ML Electric Guitar
The rosewood fretboard is fast and the DMT design pickups growl. Featuring the Pantera Far Beyond Drive Graphic, the Dean Dimebag Far Beyond Driven ML Electric Guitar is every metal players dream. 22 Frets, “C” Shape Neck, Rosewood Fretboard, Pantera Far Beyond Driven Graphic.
Regular price: $549.99
Now: $369.99
Machine Head's pet lion / April 20, 2018 5:36 pm
I just bought a Jackson Pro Monarkh in the purple burst. True story for that one. The thing is a monster and plays like a dream
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Monolithic Redundancy / April 20, 2018 7:31 pm
Most guitars pretty much need new pickups as stock ones generally suck. Just something to take note of if you buy one of these. That Ibby is actually very nice for a budget guitar, I dig the maple neck.
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mrw55 / September 8, 2018 2:29 pm
Jackson Pro Soloist, Jackson Pro Rhoads; OK, so the Pro Rhoads is $1099.00, however, both of these guitars are neck-thru, with Seymour Duncan pickups.
ESP LTD Black Metal Series, and Kirk Hammett series. Also neck-thru with either S.D. or EMG pickups
While all of the above skirt the $1000.00 limit they are all worth the extra coin. These are guitars one can keep without having to worry about buying a better guitar in the future. Besides, purchasing through online music stores like American Musical Supply, or Zzounds, will allow credit purchases up to 12 months. (No afliliation with any of the above mentioned companies.)
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