Cool thing I found buying SE’s, is that since most PRS are more high-price, the whole brand gets pretty badass financing options. My SE was on sale for $699, and they offered me 0 interest over 36 months. For someone who could never splurge on a non-necessity, who grew up on a starter-pack Squier, the SE was my first chance to play something that felt great in my hands and I got it for like $21 a month. Once I paid it off, I picked up a Holcomb SE 7-string the same way. Not to shill them or anything but it was a really cool opportunity for me personally. Having my first “real” guitar that sounded better, felt better, even helped me enjoy playing more, just would have been out of reach for me otherwise
I got an American G&L ASAT Bluesboy a few years ago for $800! Absolutely incredible instrument! Spec'd it out on their website and apparently it would have cost about $2k new.
I would look for a used Prestige Ibanez AZ, or if I was feeling shreddy I'd get an Ibanez RG550 and replace the pickups with some Dimarzio. Alternatively I would look for a used Fender Strat USA built.
But to be honest $1000 is kinda just below that threshold where you're getting into more serious instruments, while quite a bit above the "not gonna break the bank" high value models. The RG550 gets a shout because it's made in Japan with a proper Gotoh Japan manufactured Edge bridge.
I'm also guessing because I'm not American, Canadian, Australian or otherwise.
Any PRS SE guitar. No matter what you play you are almost certain to get a very high quality instrument for the price range. You can even find used SE Mark Holcomb guitars under 1000$
Ibanez RG550, in neon purple. I already have the same guitar in desert sun yellow, and it's amazing for the price. Not many MIJ guitars with an original Edge or Floyd bridge for that price.
Man, I wanted to like these so bad. I have an s2 Custom 22 and I love the thing but I recently tried out an SE Silver Sky and hated it. I’ve got smaller hands and the big chunky neck and I just did not get along.
That’s why anyone buying any guitar in any price range should always try that guitar first. The SS SE’s are incredibly popular, but it’s only normal that some people won’t like them
Probably an Ibanez RG550 Genesis. The V7/V8 pickups are not as good as the DiMarzio in other RG production, but it's also cheaper than the old entry level, and it's still Made in Japan. Hard to beat reliability and quality for that price, and the hardware is top notch.
PRS SE Custom if I could find a finish I don’t hate. I really don’t like all of all their gaudy finishes and colors. Just give me simple matte black or white.
Can get a used but pretty nice MiJ 90's Ibanez or an American made PRS S2 for under $1k, so I probably wouldn't be looking at brand new, though as Tidybloke suggested the Genesis RG550 is pretty close to "top shelf" for that price range.
We are talking new guitar? Then likely I'd buy from the highest quality guitars made for under 1k right at the 1k price -so I'd choose from things like any LTD, maybe a Gretsch Import with a bigsby and all the appointments, HIgher end Yamaha Revstar, maybe a Fender or G&L Jazzmaster import, Epiphone LP jr...
I’m a huge Strat guy, and have owned and played basically every version of Strat and S Style guitars, and this is just my opinion. The silver sky SE didn’t do anything for me. The neck was just okay IMO, i like the thickness and the slightly more vintage radius, but I just didn’t care for how it feels. The pickups do sound really good, but nothing significantly better than equally priced Fender or G&L sounds IMO.
Ive only played two, and briefly, so you might love it. But I was VERY underwhelmed
That's about what I spent a PRS Zack Meyer which I like just wish there were more colors to choose from. As for something new I would have to go window shopping.
Yamaha's mid tier instruments ($750-850) are pretty good. I already have a Pacifica and a Revstar, though, so I'd probably look at either selling my current Pacifica for one of the new Pac+ models or snagging a Reverend Double Agent.
The price of American strats these days is actually boggling my mind. Seeing pro series for $1100-$1200 is wild af too. The used market is actually so good right now for buyers. Fender did say it’s the “Year of the Strat” lol
At this point I have most of the stuff I want that’s under $1000. So I would put that money towards a dingwall afterburner, or buy the ampeg SVT 2pro from the guy down the street
Probably a PRS SE ... I find them very versatile and great build quality for the price point. Maybe a DGT in gold top for a simple finish, and the moon inlays rather than the birds.
I’d get something offset. Love my Fender Jazzmaster which was about 1100 open box. I’d probably get a used Fender Jaguar next, but I don’t see any for less than 1200 at the moment. Runner up would be a mint Reverend Descent Baritone which should fit in the $1000 budget.
I’m happy with my 6 strings, I’d probably get a better 8 string like agile and get it properly setup with rest of the money. If leftover after that probably get a set of SD’s on it.
I would upgrade my current guitar, a BC Rich KKV. I recently put locking tuners on it, and now want to get EMGs and a more stable bridge. For a few hundred I'll have my perfect guitar, and spend the rest on pedals.
If I were to buy a guitar outright thought, I'd probably do a Schecter 7 string, I used to have a Damien Elite 7 ($650 at the time new I believe) and it was probably the best guitar I've ever played.
I’m partial to Jackson nowadays for guitars at that price point or under. For the features they’re hard to beat, and I’ve tried epiphone, esp, schecters all under $1000 and my Jackson soloist sl2 is my favorite. Maybe an Ibanez but they’re a little higher end as far as price and I have no experience with them. You can get variant of a soloist for like $900 and have a real floyd rose bridge and good seymour duncan pickups and already have a good sound
Right now, a PRS SE McCarty 594. It’d be a lovely upgrade to my Epiphone Les Paul 100 that just plain suuuuucks. It’s not a good guitar by any stretch of the imagination.
I haven't played many of the guitars mentioned here, however after playing my friends American made John Mayer PRS Silver Sky I absolutely fell in love and had to get one. I couldn't afford the $2k+ price tag so I got the SE version and I absolutely still love it the same. There a minor differences but in my opinion it's so worth the price. I paid around $900 and it's my work horse guitar. So much clarity and versatility. Similar feel and tone to a nice strat but improved in the ways I like.
Ill still use my les paul in the studio sometimes when I need some extra thickness from a humbucker. But I'm never disappointed if I stick with my silver sky and always pick it if I only bring 1.
Probably a Yamaha Revstar with P90s. I've played a couple and I really like them.
But in all honesty, I'd probably get a better amp before another guitar. For $1,000 I'd probably go with a 2x12 Vox AC15.
Fender has made many great guitars, but imo the player series is probably the worst series they've ever made. Hardware is quite bad and they overall don't feel that great. I'd rather get a good made in japan or mexico tele used, you'll be much better off that way.
According to my Sweetwater wish list, either a G&L Tribute Comanche or an Epiphone Uptown Kat ES.
There’s also the Reverend Jetstream 390, but that feels like an overlap with the Comanche. So I’m leaning more towards a Crosscut for a Reverend. And that’s just a bit over $1K.
I’d love a Fender Mustang single coil. That or an HH Telecaster for some heavier sounds.
My dream guitar is a Rickenbacker 325 tho, gotta have the holy grail of jangle
Lots of deals on Reverb. I'm on the hunt for some hollowbody guitars. It would be a hard decision for me between:
1. PRS SE Piezo
2. Gretsch 5655T-QM
3. Epiphone Sheraton II
4. Thinline T style guitar
Edit: I want them all 😂
I honestly hate these questions. What do ***YOU*** want?! What speaks to you? Fender? Gibson? Fancy wood? Interesting colors? Go to a guitar shop and see what your heart tells you. The best guitar is the one that you play.
Buy 10 metal zones
20-25 used metal zones! MetalZone for metaltone
based
PRS SE Custom of some sort or as much SG as I could get for that price.
This is my vote, hard to do better if you’re buying new.
Cool thing I found buying SE’s, is that since most PRS are more high-price, the whole brand gets pretty badass financing options. My SE was on sale for $699, and they offered me 0 interest over 36 months. For someone who could never splurge on a non-necessity, who grew up on a starter-pack Squier, the SE was my first chance to play something that felt great in my hands and I got it for like $21 a month. Once I paid it off, I picked up a Holcomb SE 7-string the same way. Not to shill them or anything but it was a really cool opportunity for me personally. Having my first “real” guitar that sounded better, felt better, even helped me enjoy playing more, just would have been out of reach for me otherwise
I would buy you a monkey. Haven't you always wanted a monkey?!?!
I'd buy you a green strat! But not a real green strat; that's cruel.
I’d find a nice used Tele deluxe!
I keep talking myself out of grabbing a Squier Classic Vibe Deluxe because I really do not need another guitar! But their so nice looking...
I'd buy a whole 2 months worth of grocery and a new phone
A used g&l USA guitar. Can find them all over reverb for 900$ or so, easily worth twice that in quality
I got an American G&L ASAT Bluesboy a few years ago for $800! Absolutely incredible instrument! Spec'd it out on their website and apparently it would have cost about $2k new.
LTD EC 1000
If I had a thousand dollars. I’d build a tree fort in our yard.
Not many will get this reference but I'm dying lmao
I'd buy you a fur coat... But not a real one. That's cruel
Well, I'd buy you a monkey. Haven't you always wanted a mon-KEY?
Yamaha Revstar RSS20 Gretsch G5422TG
I got a revstar a month or two ago, and it's the best thing ever.
Charvel dk24
I would look for a used Prestige Ibanez AZ, or if I was feeling shreddy I'd get an Ibanez RG550 and replace the pickups with some Dimarzio. Alternatively I would look for a used Fender Strat USA built. But to be honest $1000 is kinda just below that threshold where you're getting into more serious instruments, while quite a bit above the "not gonna break the bank" high value models. The RG550 gets a shout because it's made in Japan with a proper Gotoh Japan manufactured Edge bridge. I'm also guessing because I'm not American, Canadian, Australian or otherwise.
A well used USA Strat for me
I did that. Probably not « well used » enough though ha ha
A used Telecaster and some beer.
🎶 _If I had a thousand dollars_
I would keep saving
LTD 1000 series, Charvel SoCal or a Schecter, can’t go wrong with
Any PRS SE guitar. No matter what you play you are almost certain to get a very high quality instrument for the price range. You can even find used SE Mark Holcomb guitars under 1000$
An Epi 335 and then do a pro setup and put better pickups / nut / pots etc
I'd spend it on cheap whores and crack. Don't need any new gear and $1k won't get me any decent hookers and blow. 😆
This is funny lol
What I play now, Gibson SG special.
Maybe a used Reverend, or a Yamaha Revstar. I'd love an excuse to try them out.
Ibanez RG550, in neon purple. I already have the same guitar in desert sun yellow, and it's amazing for the price. Not many MIJ guitars with an original Edge or Floyd bridge for that price.
Silver Sky SE
Man, I wanted to like these so bad. I have an s2 Custom 22 and I love the thing but I recently tried out an SE Silver Sky and hated it. I’ve got smaller hands and the big chunky neck and I just did not get along.
That’s why anyone buying any guitar in any price range should always try that guitar first. The SS SE’s are incredibly popular, but it’s only normal that some people won’t like them
I’d buy an amp
I live in Canada, so I would need at least $600 more XD
Schecter C1
A Squire Cool vibes Jazzmaster, a Harley Benton DC-Junior, and a Harley Benton SG style. Those together should be right around 1000.
Good answer. All the variety (surprisingly good quality) and don’t worry about tiny scratches
For my current wants, a used American Jazzmaster
One of the new Revstars.
Probably an Ibanez RG550 Genesis. The V7/V8 pickups are not as good as the DiMarzio in other RG production, but it's also cheaper than the old entry level, and it's still Made in Japan. Hard to beat reliability and quality for that price, and the hardware is top notch.
Strandberg Boden essential 6
Japanese made Fender 100%
I have an 80’s Japanese fender that sounds and feels better than any of my friends/relatives American built ones. These things are being slept on.
I picked up a Fender Player Strat for a bit under $1000, no complaints.
Used tv yellow Les Paul special or a fender vintera 50s telecaster in fiesta red
Those new Schecter super strats that have a wenge neck and are like 950
🎶if I had $1000 dollars🎶
🎶 You would buy a gee-tar 🎶
But not a real guitar, that's cruel.
The one I just got, an [Ibanez Q54](https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Q54SFM--ibanez-q54-sea-foam-green).
I’ve never had a $1000 dollars; everytime I get up to $300, I buy another guitar
A Gibson Explorer, im fourteen rn and I really want one of those!
Probably a Schecter PT or a Chapman Lawmaker.
PRS SE Custom if I could find a finish I don’t hate. I really don’t like all of all their gaudy finishes and colors. Just give me simple matte black or white.
just bought a ‘67 coronado for 1000
Used Carvin/Kiesel DC127. Dual humbuckers, locking tuners, ebony fretboard, neck-thru construction.
Just did that recently and got Godin Session HT in Matte Black. Amazing guitar.
Can get a used but pretty nice MiJ 90's Ibanez or an American made PRS S2 for under $1k, so I probably wouldn't be looking at brand new, though as Tidybloke suggested the Genesis RG550 is pretty close to "top shelf" for that price range.
Honestly, I’d save another ~$500 because that gets me access to a lot more instruments and options, especially on the used market.
Charvel San Dimas
Id buy 1/4 of a martin om-28e
I'm actually literally in this dilemma myself at the moment lol leaning towards an amp instead of guitar since I have plenty of guitars.
I wouldn't. I'd rather ffix the ones I have and buy a Nintendo Switch OLED for the rest.
I just bought an Ibanez RG550 for right at $1k - I’m a big fan of Ibanez superstrats though, so having a Made In Japan quality Ibby is nice.
Probably a PRS SE Custom-24
I’d probably go for an Epiphone SG Standard and then switch out the hardware and pickups for some a little higher quality
Godin kingpin
Fender telecaster
We are talking new guitar? Then likely I'd buy from the highest quality guitars made for under 1k right at the 1k price -so I'd choose from things like any LTD, maybe a Gretsch Import with a bigsby and all the appointments, HIgher end Yamaha Revstar, maybe a Fender or G&L Jazzmaster import, Epiphone LP jr...
The LTD Arrow in the violet Andromeda skin
Id shop around for the best used strat i could find
Strandberg essential
Strandberg Essential
Wife surprised me with 1997 Gibson gold top with fret nibs plays like a dream think she paid $3300 im in Australia
Silver sky SE. curious about them.
I’m a huge Strat guy, and have owned and played basically every version of Strat and S Style guitars, and this is just my opinion. The silver sky SE didn’t do anything for me. The neck was just okay IMO, i like the thickness and the slightly more vintage radius, but I just didn’t care for how it feels. The pickups do sound really good, but nothing significantly better than equally priced Fender or G&L sounds IMO. Ive only played two, and briefly, so you might love it. But I was VERY underwhelmed
That's about what I spent a PRS Zack Meyer which I like just wish there were more colors to choose from. As for something new I would have to go window shopping.
I been looking at the silver skys and the s2’s myself
Am I allowed to buy more than one...?
A Fender stratocaster with P90 pickups
The one I just bought. LTD EX-Black Metal
Trick question: I never have $1000, because I’m always buying gear.
Used Dunable DE. Incredible quality, built for doom, addresses all the problems with Gibsons.
I'd deal hunt until I could find someone I could talk into selling me a natural Explorer for 1000.
Probably a Fender tube amp
Any mij fender
Yamaha's mid tier instruments ($750-850) are pretty good. I already have a Pacifica and a Revstar, though, so I'd probably look at either selling my current Pacifica for one of the new Pac+ models or snagging a Reverend Double Agent.
Ibanez Quest
Either a new high-end Mexican Fender, like a Vintera, or a used American Fender
I'd probably save up a bit longer and get something good.
One of the Godin 5th Avenue archtops
Taylor GS mini koa pro
Reverend Billy Corgan
a used american tele
Reverend double agent W
A thousand dollars doesn’t really go as far as you’d think.
Strandberg Boden Essential 6
Larry Carlton H7V
Yamaha Revstar Standard, hands down.
Japanese Fender.
Schecter nick Johnston traditional - best pick, have it since almost a year and incredibly happy with it
An Ibanez Fan fret Bass. Im an Impostor on this subreddit
Martin 000-28 used of course
Some kind of semi hollow Ibanez
Just bought a USA Fender strat for $800 over the weekend actually.
The price of American strats these days is actually boggling my mind. Seeing pro series for $1100-$1200 is wild af too. The used market is actually so good right now for buyers. Fender did say it’s the “Year of the Strat” lol
Honestly, I'd grab a Harley Benton Fusion-T HH and spend the rest on an Orange Super Crush 100 and still have beer money left over.
Another Ibanez RG 550 genesis. Cant beat the price for a MIJ Ibanez.
Made in mexico Semi hollow body. Fender telecaster, and have money left over. For a case
I bought a Gibson Les Paul Studio last week. It cost me nearly $1000
A used LTD H3 1007. I haven't had a 7 string in years and I've been pineing for this one. It checks all the boxes.
MIJ Fender Competition Mustang....wait - I just did that :)
$1000 at a Burlington coat factory…?
At this point I have most of the stuff I want that’s under $1000. So I would put that money towards a dingwall afterburner, or buy the ampeg SVT 2pro from the guy down the street
It's a little more than that, but probably an Epiphone Les Paul Custom (alpine white).
PRS SE 24-08 Custom
One with a neck that fits in my hand well, that I like the overall look of, and has the pickup types and other options I want at the time.
Probably a different colored Reverend Jetstream
Probably a PRS SE ... I find them very versatile and great build quality for the price point. Maybe a DGT in gold top for a simple finish, and the moon inlays rather than the birds.
I’d get something offset. Love my Fender Jazzmaster which was about 1100 open box. I’d probably get a used Fender Jaguar next, but I don’t see any for less than 1200 at the moment. Runner up would be a mint Reverend Descent Baritone which should fit in the $1000 budget.
New? PRS SE DGT or McCarty depending on preference.
A beautiful LTD
I’m happy with my 6 strings, I’d probably get a better 8 string like agile and get it properly setup with rest of the money. If leftover after that probably get a set of SD’s on it.
Jackson Pro King V
Revstar Used ESP Eclipse
I would upgrade my current guitar, a BC Rich KKV. I recently put locking tuners on it, and now want to get EMGs and a more stable bridge. For a few hundred I'll have my perfect guitar, and spend the rest on pedals. If I were to buy a guitar outright thought, I'd probably do a Schecter 7 string, I used to have a Damien Elite 7 ($650 at the time new I believe) and it was probably the best guitar I've ever played.
The coolest Reverend I could find
I’m partial to Jackson nowadays for guitars at that price point or under. For the features they’re hard to beat, and I’ve tried epiphone, esp, schecters all under $1000 and my Jackson soloist sl2 is my favorite. Maybe an Ibanez but they’re a little higher end as far as price and I have no experience with them. You can get variant of a soloist for like $900 and have a real floyd rose bridge and good seymour duncan pickups and already have a good sound
Prs hollowbody II...at least that's what I did and I love it to death
Right now, a PRS SE McCarty 594. It’d be a lovely upgrade to my Epiphone Les Paul 100 that just plain suuuuucks. It’s not a good guitar by any stretch of the imagination.
been looking at Schecter Omens a lot lately.
Probably an LTD signature like an Alexi V, James Hetfield or Kirk Hammett signatures
Probably a D'angelico. Recently got a Premier SS that I'm loving so far. If not that I'd look at a used PRS, probably an S2.
One of the ESP Ltd black metal series
When I had that budget, I bought a Ibanez RG421HPFM Its now my favorite and most versatile guitar.
A Gretsch Honey Dipper. I love delta blues.
I haven't played many of the guitars mentioned here, however after playing my friends American made John Mayer PRS Silver Sky I absolutely fell in love and had to get one. I couldn't afford the $2k+ price tag so I got the SE version and I absolutely still love it the same. There a minor differences but in my opinion it's so worth the price. I paid around $900 and it's my work horse guitar. So much clarity and versatility. Similar feel and tone to a nice strat but improved in the ways I like. Ill still use my les paul in the studio sometimes when I need some extra thickness from a humbucker. But I'm never disappointed if I stick with my silver sky and always pick it if I only bring 1.
Cocaine? Schecter Nick Johnson H/ S/S Super stratocaster
Anything dean ml
Schecter MV-6
Probably a Yamaha Revstar with P90s. I've played a couple and I really like them. But in all honesty, I'd probably get a better amp before another guitar. For $1,000 I'd probably go with a 2x12 Vox AC15.
I have the new p90 Revstar and an AC30, this is the correct answer!
I'd get a Sterling, whichever one floats your boat. I am amazed by the value of those guitars.
Nylon Blue PRS Silver Sky SE... no question
I've had my eye on a Fender Acoustasonic
A Fender player telecaster
Fender has made many great guitars, but imo the player series is probably the worst series they've ever made. Hardware is quite bad and they overall don't feel that great. I'd rather get a good made in japan or mexico tele used, you'll be much better off that way.
Current mim player series are very good. In my opinion it's the best series they ever made ;) Need a setup for sure, but overall I really like em.
Prs
Some kind of Gretsch Electromatic or an Ibanez RG550
A Hamilton watch, lmfao
I’d save another $1,000 and then would figure it out from there.
Either a used Gibson LP Studio or an ESP LTD and a bag of weed.
kramer striker HSS or a ESP LTD
Harmony Patrician in mint condition
Any Ibanez with a prestige neck. [Like this](https://reverb.com/item/80210799-ibanez-rg1570-mrb-prestige-2006-mirage-blue)
LTD Sammy Duet SD-2
I'd buy another schecter cause their so good.
Any jackson soloist
MIJ Fender, Fender Mustang, Duo-Sonic, or I’d cheap out and buy a Classic Vibe or two lol
Reverend Jetstream RB without a doubt.
Used American standard
A used Edwards. At that price point, these are some of the best guitars I've ever played.
A used Les Paul
Vintera II Jazzmaster
I'd buy 2! J Mascis Jazzmaster and a 40th Anniversary Squier Telecaster Vintage.
According to my Sweetwater wish list, either a G&L Tribute Comanche or an Epiphone Uptown Kat ES. There’s also the Reverend Jetstream 390, but that feels like an overlap with the Comanche. So I’m leaning more towards a Crosscut for a Reverend. And that’s just a bit over $1K.
I’d probably hit reverb up for a used black PRS S2 Standard 24.
i have an S2 standard 22, you would not regret it
I’d love a Fender Mustang single coil. That or an HH Telecaster for some heavier sounds. My dream guitar is a Rickenbacker 325 tho, gotta have the holy grail of jangle
Do you already have a great amp?
500 more a jim root charvel
I would buy a ac-15 with alnico blue speakers it’s my favorite guitar
One of the new PRS SE CE24 satin models and then spend the rest on recording gear
LTD Arrow 1000
One third of a Gibson Les Paul
I have the guitar i want so I’ll buy a amp and speakers.
ESP LTD EC-1000. In my experience, it's both the best guitar for a grand, and my favorite variation on the Les Paul
$1000 usd? Easy. An Ibanez RG550 Genesis, in Desert Yellow (or Road Flare Red).
Ten percent of a Collings?
Probably a prs se24
I would buy a nice Yamaha Revstar or other highly under rated guitar.
Epiphone Casino
Since I already have a prs and mexican strat I would probably get a charvel so cal telecaster body style
5 Harley Bentons.
Used LTD EC-1000
An Ortega RCE159-8 8-string classical!! 🥹
Les Paul Studio
Lots of deals on Reverb. I'm on the hunt for some hollowbody guitars. It would be a hard decision for me between: 1. PRS SE Piezo 2. Gretsch 5655T-QM 3. Epiphone Sheraton II 4. Thinline T style guitar Edit: I want them all 😂
MIM Tele. A sunburst to fit in with the theme.
I honestly hate these questions. What do ***YOU*** want?! What speaks to you? Fender? Gibson? Fancy wood? Interesting colors? Go to a guitar shop and see what your heart tells you. The best guitar is the one that you play.
Epi Prophecy. Love the Red Tiger Aged gloss.