There are good electric guitars under $300. There are also a lot of bad ones. The difference matters more at this price point than at any other — because a guitar that's hard to play will slow you down, and one that won't stay in tune will drive you out of the instrument entirely.
What to Look For
At the under-$300 price point, brand matters more than it does at higher prices. The major manufacturers — Fender, Squier, Epiphone, Yamaha — have consistent quality control at this level. Off-brand guitars at the same price often don't. You're not paying for prestige; you're paying for a guitar that was built to a standard.
Squier is the most reliable entry-level electric brand on the market. The Affinity series is fine; the Classic Vibe series is better. Either one, set up properly, plays well. If you want a Stratocaster or Telecaster feel without the Fender price, Squier is the answer.
Epiphone and Yamaha both make solid guitars at this price. Epiphone for players who want a Les Paul feel; Yamaha for players who want versatility and don't care about brand recognition. Both are reliable if you're buying from someone who actually stocks and stands behind what they sell.
What to Avoid
Avoid guitars from brands you've never heard of at prices that seem too good. At $99 for a full electric setup, something is being compromised — usually the hardware, the electronics, or both. Tuners that slip and pickups that hum aren't beginner problems, they're cheap-guitar problems, and they don't get better with practice.
Also avoid buying on looks alone. A guitar that looks like your favorite player's guitar but plays poorly is a bad trade.
New vs. Used at This Price
Used is often the better call under $300. A used Squier Classic Vibe or a used Epiphone in good condition will outplay a new entry-level guitar at the same price. The key is knowing what to look for — see our Used Guitar Buying Checklist before you buy from a private seller.
We carry a rotating selection of used electrics at the shop. If you're looking for something specific, get in touch and we'll let you know what we have.
Get It Set Up
Whatever you buy — new or used — get a setup before you start playing seriously. Factory action on new guitars is often higher than it needs to be. A setup at Paul's Guitar Hideout is $79 and makes a real difference on any guitar at this price point.
Come In and Play It
We carry new Fender guitars and a rotating used inventory at the shop in Glens Falls. Players come in from Queensbury, Lake George, Saratoga, and across the Capital Region to try what we have on the floor. We're not going to push you toward anything that doesn't fit your goals or your budget.
Paul's Guitar Hideout is located at The Shirt Factory in Glens Falls, NY. Use the Cooper Street entrance and take the stairs up. If you need assistance, give us a call and we'll come down.
The Shirt Factory
71 Lawrence St., Suite 201B, 2nd Floor
Glens Falls, NY 12801
Wednesday–Sunday, 12–5pm
(518) 217-8695 · info@paulsguitarhideout.com