Best Guitars Under $700: Top Recommendations & Buying Guide
Hey guys! Finding the perfect guitar can feel like a quest, especially when you're trying to balance quality with budget. If you're in the market for a fantastic instrument in the 600-700 price range, you've come to the right place. This range is a sweet spot where you can find guitars that offer excellent playability, sound quality, and durability. We're going to dive into some top recommendations that will give you the best bang for your buck. Whether you're a beginner ready to take your first steps or an experienced player looking to expand your collection, there's something here for everyone. So, let's get started and explore the amazing guitars waiting for you!
Electric Guitars
Fender Player Series Stratocaster
When discussing electric guitars, the Fender Player Series Stratocaster invariably comes up, and for good reason. This guitar is an iconic instrument that offers a blend of classic design and modern features, making it a top pick for guitarists of all levels. For those shopping in the 600-700 price range, the Player Series Stratocaster is an outstanding choice due to its exceptional versatility and build quality. One of the standout features of this guitar is its sound. The Player Series Stratocaster is equipped with Player Series Alnico 5 single-coil pickups, which deliver that signature Strat tone—bright, articulate, and full of character. Whether you're playing blues, rock, funk, or pop, this guitar can handle it all. The pickups provide a wide range of tonal possibilities, allowing you to dial in the perfect sound for any genre. Beyond its sound, the Player Series Stratocaster excels in playability. The neck is crafted with a modern “C” shape, which is incredibly comfortable and allows for smooth and fast playing. The fretboard typically features 22 medium-jumbo frets, making it easy to bend notes and play chords. The overall construction of the guitar is top-notch, ensuring that it can withstand the rigors of regular playing and gigging. The body is usually made of alder, a tonewood known for its balanced tone, and the hardware is reliable and sturdy. In terms of value, the Fender Player Series Stratocaster is hard to beat. It offers the legendary Stratocaster experience at an accessible price point. This guitar is not just an instrument; it’s a piece of musical history. Owning a Stratocaster is like having a blank canvas for your musical expression. Its versatility means you can explore countless genres and styles, making it a lifelong companion in your musical journey. The Fender Player Series Stratocaster is an investment in your musical future. Its quality construction and timeless design mean it will hold its value and continue to inspire you for years to come. For guitarists looking for a reliable, versatile, and iconic instrument in the 600-700 price range, the Player Series Stratocaster is a clear winner.
Yamaha Pacifica Series
The Yamaha Pacifica Series is another stellar option in the 600-700 price bracket, renowned for its exceptional value and versatility. Yamaha has a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality instruments, and the Pacifica series is a testament to their commitment to excellence. These guitars are designed to offer a wide range of tones and playability features, making them suitable for various musical styles. When you're exploring electric guitar options, the Yamaha Pacifica should definitely be on your radar. One of the key highlights of the Yamaha Pacifica Series is its versatility. Many models in this series come equipped with a combination of pickups, such as humbuckers in the bridge position for a thicker, more powerful sound, and single-coils in the middle and neck positions for brighter, cleaner tones. This configuration allows you to switch seamlessly between genres, whether you’re playing rock, blues, jazz, or anything in between. The switching options are typically quite flexible, with coil-splitting capabilities that further expand the tonal palette. The build quality of Yamaha Pacifica guitars is another major selling point. The bodies are often made from alder, which provides a balanced and resonant tone, and the necks are designed for comfortable playability. Yamaha pays close attention to detail in their construction, ensuring that each guitar is well-intonated and plays smoothly right out of the box. The hardware is also reliable, contributing to the overall stability and longevity of the instrument. Value for money is where the Yamaha Pacifica truly shines. These guitars offer features and quality that rival much more expensive instruments. For guitarists who need a reliable, versatile, and well-built guitar without breaking the bank, the Pacifica series is an excellent choice. Whether you're a beginner looking for a guitar that can grow with you or an experienced player in need of a versatile workhorse, the Yamaha Pacifica has something to offer. Owning a Yamaha Pacifica means you have a dependable instrument that can handle a wide range of musical situations. Its versatility makes it a great tool for learning and experimenting with different styles, and its quality construction ensures it will be a reliable companion for years to come. The Yamaha Pacifica Series is a smart investment for any guitarist who values quality, versatility, and affordability. Its consistent performance and thoughtful design make it a standout option in the 600-700 price range.
G&L Tribute Series
The G&L Tribute Series is an exceptional line of electric guitars that offers incredible value for money, making it a strong contender in the 600-700 price range. G&L, founded by Leo Fender (yes, the same Leo Fender of Fender fame), carries on the legacy of innovation and quality that Fender is known for. The Tribute Series allows guitarists to experience G&L's renowned designs and features at a more accessible price point. These guitars are built with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that they deliver top-notch performance and tone. For players seeking high-quality instruments without the premium price tag, the G&L Tribute Series is a fantastic choice. One of the defining characteristics of G&L guitars is their unique pickup designs. Many models in the Tribute Series feature Magnetic Field Design (MFD) pickups, which offer a distinctive and powerful tone. These pickups provide a wide dynamic range and excellent clarity, making them suitable for a variety of musical styles. Whether you’re playing clean, articulate passages or high-gain rock riffs, G&L pickups deliver exceptional sound. The build quality of the G&L Tribute Series is another major draw. These guitars are typically made with high-quality materials and assembled with great care. The necks are designed for comfortable playability, and the hardware is robust and reliable. G&L's commitment to quality ensures that each guitar feels and plays like a professional instrument. In terms of value, the G&L Tribute Series is hard to beat. These guitars offer features and performance that rival instruments costing much more. They are a favorite among guitarists who appreciate quality craftsmanship and unique tonal characteristics. Owning a G&L Tribute guitar means you have an instrument that stands out from the crowd. Its distinctive design and exceptional sound make it a joy to play, whether you're practicing at home, recording in the studio, or performing on stage. The G&L Tribute Series is an excellent investment for guitarists who demand quality and performance. Its combination of unique features, excellent build quality, and affordable price make it a standout option in the 600-700 price range. For those looking for an instrument that offers something different while maintaining high standards of quality, the G&L Tribute Series is definitely worth considering.
Acoustic Guitars
Yamaha FG/FS800 Series
The Yamaha FG/FS800 Series represents an outstanding option in the acoustic guitar realm, particularly for those shopping in the 600-700 price range. Yamaha has a long and storied history of producing high-quality instruments, and the FG/FS800 series is a shining example of their expertise. These guitars are celebrated for their exceptional sound, playability, and build quality, making them an ideal choice for beginners and experienced players alike. If you’re searching for an acoustic guitar that offers incredible value for money, the Yamaha FG/FS800 Series should be at the top of your list. One of the most compelling aspects of the Yamaha FG/FS800 Series is its sound. These guitars feature a solid spruce top, which is a premium tonewood known for its bright, clear, and resonant tone. The solid top enhances the guitar’s projection and sustain, allowing it to produce a rich and full sound. The back and sides are typically made of nato or mahogany, which contribute to the guitar’s warm and balanced tonal character. Whether you’re strumming chords or fingerpicking melodies, the FG/FS800 series delivers a pleasing and versatile sound. Playability is another key strength of these guitars. The necks are designed for comfort, with a slim profile that makes it easy to grip and play chords. The action is set low from the factory, ensuring that the strings are easy to press down, which is especially beneficial for beginners. The overall construction is solid and reliable, ensuring that the guitar will stand up to years of use. In terms of value, the Yamaha FG/FS800 Series is hard to beat. These guitars offer features and quality that rival instruments costing significantly more. They are a popular choice among guitar teachers and students alike, thanks to their consistent performance and affordability. Owning a Yamaha FG/FS800 series guitar means you have a reliable and inspiring instrument that you can count on. Its excellent sound and playability make it a joy to practice and perform with, whether you’re playing at home, in a classroom, or on stage. The Yamaha FG/FS800 Series is a smart investment for any guitarist who values quality and affordability. Its consistent performance, thoughtful design, and exceptional value make it a standout option in the acoustic guitar market. For those seeking a dependable and versatile acoustic guitar that won’t break the bank, the Yamaha FG/FS800 Series is an excellent choice.
Seagull S6 Original
The Seagull S6 Original stands out as a premier acoustic guitar option in the 600-700 price range, celebrated for its exceptional craftsmanship and distinctive sound. Seagull Guitars, part of the Godin family of brands, has earned a reputation for producing high-quality instruments with innovative designs, and the S6 Original is a prime example. This guitar is renowned for its unique construction, using a combination of tonewoods and a distinctive headstock design that contributes to its impressive sound and playability. For guitarists looking for an acoustic guitar with character and quality, the Seagull S6 Original is a must-consider. One of the defining features of the Seagull S6 Original is its solid cedar top. Cedar is a tonewood known for its warm, rich, and responsive tone. It produces a sound that is particularly well-suited for fingerstyle playing, but it also holds up well to strumming. The back and sides are made of Canadian wild cherry, which adds to the guitar’s balanced and resonant tone. The combination of cedar and wild cherry gives the S6 Original a unique tonal character that sets it apart from many other guitars in its price range. The playability of the Seagull S6 Original is another key selling point. The neck is designed with a comfortable profile, making it easy to grip and play for extended periods. The slightly wider nut width is particularly beneficial for fingerstyle players, providing ample space for the fingers to move. The overall construction is solid and reliable, ensuring that the guitar will withstand the test of time. In terms of value, the Seagull S6 Original offers an impressive package. It provides the sound and playability of a much more expensive instrument at an accessible price point. This guitar is a favorite among both beginners and experienced players who appreciate quality craftsmanship and distinctive tone. Owning a Seagull S6 Original means you have an instrument with character and soul. Its unique sound and comfortable playability make it a joy to play, whether you’re practicing at home, recording in the studio, or performing on stage. The Seagull S6 Original is a smart investment for any guitarist who values quality, craftsmanship, and unique tonal characteristics. Its exceptional sound, comfortable playability, and affordable price make it a standout option in the acoustic guitar market. For those seeking an acoustic guitar that offers something different and special, the Seagull S6 Original is an excellent choice.
Taylor 114ce
The Taylor 114ce is an outstanding acoustic-electric guitar that falls perfectly within the 600-700 price range, offering a harmonious blend of Taylor's renowned craftsmanship and innovative design. Taylor Guitars has long been celebrated for its commitment to quality and playability, and the 114ce is a testament to their dedication. This guitar is particularly appealing to players who require a versatile instrument that performs exceptionally well both acoustically and when amplified. If you're in the market for an acoustic guitar with built-in electronics, the Taylor 114ce is a top contender. One of the key highlights of the Taylor 114ce is its balanced tone. The guitar features a solid Sitka spruce top, which is a premium tonewood known for its bright, clear, and powerful sound. The back and sides are made of layered walnut, which contributes to the guitar’s warm and balanced tonal character. This combination of tonewoods results in a sound that is versatile and pleasing across a wide range of musical styles. Whether you're strumming chords, fingerpicking melodies, or playing lead lines, the Taylor 114ce delivers a rich and expressive sound. The inclusion of Taylor’s Expression System 2 (ES2) electronics is another major selling point. The ES2 system is known for its natural and articulate amplified sound, making it ideal for live performances and recording. The system captures the guitar’s sound with exceptional clarity, ensuring that your amplified tone is true to the instrument’s acoustic character. Playability is a hallmark of Taylor guitars, and the 114ce is no exception. The neck is designed with a comfortable profile that makes it easy to play for extended periods. The action is set low, ensuring that the strings are easy to press down, which is particularly beneficial for beginners. The guitar also features a Venetian cutaway, which provides easy access to the higher frets. In terms of value, the Taylor 114ce offers an impressive package. It combines Taylor’s renowned craftsmanship with high-quality materials and electronics, all at an accessible price point. This guitar is a favorite among gigging musicians and home players alike. Owning a Taylor 114ce means you have a versatile and reliable instrument that you can count on in any situation. Its balanced tone, excellent playability, and high-quality electronics make it a joy to play, whether you’re practicing at home, performing on stage, or recording in the studio. The Taylor 114ce is a smart investment for any guitarist who values quality, versatility, and amplified performance. Its exceptional sound, comfortable playability, and reliable electronics make it a standout option in the acoustic-electric guitar market. For those seeking a guitar that can handle a wide range of musical styles and performance settings, the Taylor 114ce is an excellent choice.
Conclusion
So, there you have it, guys! We've explored some fantastic guitar options in the 600-700 price range, covering both electric and acoustic models. Whether you're drawn to the iconic Fender Player Series Stratocaster, the versatile Yamaha Pacifica, the distinctive G&L Tribute Series, the reliable Yamaha FG/FS800 Series, the unique Seagull S6 Original, or the versatile Taylor 114ce, there's a guitar here to suit every player's needs and preferences. Remember, the best guitar for you is the one that feels right in your hands and inspires you to play. So, take the time to try out these options, read reviews, and find the instrument that speaks to you. Happy playing, and may your musical journey be filled with joy and creativity!