Looking at a recent video on “Sounds Like” on Anderton’s TV, I found the comments section, um, interesting.  In the video, the goal was to sound like Kurt Cobain for $500.  I’d pay $500 to NOT sound like Kurt Cobain, but that’s because I love tone.  I’m kidding, of course – Nirvana changed rock music and were a super important band and I really dig some of their songs a lot.  The sound isn’t for me, but that doesn’t matter.

But they used a Fender Champion and a Squier Mustang Bullet (or Bullet Mustang) and a BOSS pedal that sounded like bees in a can.  And in the comments there were a lot of “That’s my setup.”  So I figured it’s time for a quick post about what Budget Guitarist is all about.

This website is about getting professional sounding results from relatively inexpensive gear.  My definition of a budget guitar that is still a professional instrument is something $500 or less that plays and sounds professional.  Usually I’m talking used.  So used MIM Strats or used Epiphone Les Pauls would fit this description.  A Squier Bullet anything would not.  Not to say that they’re not great for the money.  They ARE great for the money.  But don’t tell me they’re pro quality.  Some pros would laugh at me for calling an Epiphone Les Paul a “pro” guitar.  But put a good pickup in it and play it through a good amp, and it sounds pro.

The entire PRS SE line is great, and you can pick them up for $500 or less for the most part.

The Squier Classic Vibe and Regular series are both super great for the money.  They sound like pro guitars.

So there you go.  If it plays great and it honestly sounds great, and it’s under $500, it’s a budget guitar by the definition of this site.

Side note – I also admit that more expensive guitars usually are better.  I got a PRS S2 Satin 24 used for $500 a few years ago.  It goes for a grand and it’s made in the USA.  It stays in tune better than any guitar I’ve ever owned.  If you have two and a half grand to drop on something amazing, more power to you.  But I’m here to tell you that an Epiphone Les Paul and a Gibson Les Paul sound crazy similar IF you put the same pickups in them.  I’ve done it.  The Gibson played better, though.

As always, thanks for reading!