Best Electric Guitars Under $3000 in 2024
Here you'll find the best electric guitars under $3000. Here you'll find the best electric guitars under $3000.
After comparing the 2000+ guitars in our database, these are the best scoring ones with these characteristics. You can use our filters to the left to narrow down these results, or click on "Compare" to get a deep comparison between them. Our automated scoring system takes into account the ratings from ours users who own the guitar, and dozens of parameters to determine the build quality, playability, pickups quality, value for money, and more.
There are affiliate links on this page that may earn us a commission if you purchase after clicking. We are members of the Amazon Associates Program, and many others. However, we compare each guitar against each other under the same parameters, so this doesn't influence our scoring.
After comparing the 2000+ guitars in our database, these are the best scoring ones with these characteristics. You can use our filters to the left to narrow down these results, or click on "Compare" to get a deep comparison between them. Our automated scoring system takes into account the ratings from ours users who own the guitar, and dozens of parameters to determine the build quality, playability, pickups quality, value for money, and more.
There are affiliate links on this page that may earn us a commission if you purchase after clicking. We are members of the Amazon Associates Program, and many others. However, we compare each guitar against each other under the same parameters, so this doesn't influence our scoring.
1. Jackson American Series Soloist SL2MG
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What our users think
- Neck profile shape: D (5 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Fast (7 votes)
- Pickups noise: Noiseless (11 votes)
- Pickups power: Clean (5 votes)
Show All Specs
| Jackson American Series Soloist SL2MG | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Jackson | |
| Year: | 2024 | |
| Configuration: | HH | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | United States | |
| Series: | American | |
| Colors: | Black, Green, Red | |
| Left-Handed Version: | No | |
| Body | ||
| Type: | Solid Body | |
| Body Material: | Alder | |
| Bridge: | Floyd Rose 1500 Series Double-Locking Tremolo | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Neck-Through | |
| Tuners: | Gotoh MG-T Locking | |
| Fretboard: | Ebony | |
| Neck Material: | Maple | |
| Decoration: | Inverted Mother of Pearl Sharkfin | |
| Scale Size: | 25.5" | |
| Shape: | Jackson Standard | |
| Thickness: | 1st Fret: 0.79'' (20.1mm) - 12th Fret: 0.85'' (21.6mm) | |
| Frets: | 24 Jumbo Stainless Steel | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 12" to 16" | |
| Nut: | Locking | |
| Nut Width: | 42.9mm (1.688'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Bridge Pickups: | EMG 81 (Humbucker / Active) | |
| Switch: | 3 | |
| Knobs: | Dome | |
| Volume Controls: | 1 | |
| Tone Controls: | 1 | |
| Neck Pickup: | EMG 85 (Humbucker / Active) | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | Yes | |
| Hardware Color: | Black | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Jackson American Series Soloist SL2MG
Jackson American Series Soloist SL2MG
- Stainless Steel Frets
- Locking Tuners
- Made in United States
- Expensive Wood
- Locking Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Neck-Through Build
- Luminescent Inlay
- Tremolo
- Compound Radius Fretboard
- Strap Lock
- No Push Knob or Extra Switch Option
- No Weight Relief
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Retainer Bar
All Prices
2. ESP E-II Horizon-III FR
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What our users think
- Neck access to high frets: Very Easy (1 vote)
- Fret edges: Smooth (1 vote)
- Tuning stability: Won't get out of tune (1 vote)
- Weight: Heavy (2 votes)
- Neck profile shape: Baseball / U (3 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Fast (8 votes)
- Pickups noise: Noiseless (4 votes)
- Pickups power: Slightly Hot (1 vote)
Show All Specs
| ESP E-II Horizon-III FR | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | ESP E-II | |
| Year: | 2021 | |
| Configuration: | HH | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | Japan | |
| Series: | Horizon-III | |
| Colors: | See Thru Black Sunburst | |
| Left-Handed Version: | No | |
| Body | ||
| Top: | Flamed Maple | |
| Type: | Solid Body | |
| Body Material: | Mahogany | |
| Bridge: | Floyd Rose Original | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Neck-Through | |
| Tuners: | Gotoh Locking | |
| Fretboard: | Ebony | |
| Neck Material: | 3pc Maple | |
| Decoration: | Offset Blocks | |
| Scale Size: | 25.5" | |
| Shape: | Thin U | |
| Thickness: | 1st Fret: 0.787'' (20mm) - 12th Fret: 0.866'' (22mm) | |
| Frets: | 24 XL Jumbo | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 12" | |
| Nut: | Locking | |
| Nut Width: | 42mm (1.654'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Bridge Pickups: | Seymour Duncan Custom-5 (Humbucker / Passive) | |
| Switch: | 3 | |
| Knobs: | Dome | |
| Pickup Mods: | Coil Split | |
| Volume Controls: | 1 | |
| Tone Controls: | 1 | |
| Neck Pickup: | Seymour Duncan Jazz SH-2 (Humbucker / Passive) | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | Yes | |
| Hardware Color: | Black | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
ESP E-II Horizon-III FR
ESP E-II Horizon-III FR
- Locking Tuners
- Made in Japan
- Expensive Wood
- Locking Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Neck-Through Build
- Coil Split Pickups
- Tremolo
- Retainer Bar
- Strap Lock
- Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
- No Weight Relief
- No Luminescent Inlay
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
All Prices
3. Ibanez LM1
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What our users think
- Neck profile shape: C (9 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Balanced (9 votes)
- Pickups noise: Noiseless (1 vote)
- Pickups power: Clean (1 vote)
Show All Specs
| Ibanez LM1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Ibanez | |
| Year: | 2022 | |
| Configuration: | SSS | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | Japan | |
| Series: | LM | |
| Colors: | White | |
| Left-Handed Version: | No | |
| Body | ||
| Type: | Solid Body | |
| Body Material: | Alder | |
| Bridge: | Gotoh T1702B | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Bolt-On | |
| Tuners: | Gotoh MG-T locking machine heads | |
| Fretboard: | Rosewood | |
| Neck Material: | Roasted Maple | |
| Decoration: | Abalone dot | |
| Scale Size: | 25.5" | |
| Shape: | AZ Oval C | |
| Thickness: | 1st Fret: 0.81'' (20.6mm) - 12th Fret: 0.89'' (22.6mm) | |
| Frets: | 22 Jumbo Stainless Steel | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 9" to 12" | |
| Nut: | Bone | |
| Nut Width: | 42mm (1.654'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Bridge Pickups: | Seymour Duncan Fortuna (H) (Humbucker / Passive) | |
| Switch: | 5 | |
| Knobs: | Bell | |
| Pickup Mods: | Coil Split | |
| Volume Controls: | 1 | |
| Tone Controls: | 2 | |
| Middle Pickup: | Seymour Duncan Fortuna (H) (Humbucker / Passive) | |
| Neck Pickup: | Seymour Duncan Fortuna (H) (Humbucker / Passive) | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Chrome | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Ibanez LM1
Ibanez LM1
- Stainless Steel Frets
- Locking Tuners
- Made in Japan
- Expensive Wood
- Bone Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Coil Split Pickups
- Luminescent Inlay
- Tremolo
- Compound Radius Fretboard
- No Neck-Through Build
- No Weight Relief
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
4. Charvel Guthrie Govan Signature MJ San Dimas SD24 CM
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What our users think
- Neck profile shape: D (12 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Fast (16 votes)
Show All Specs
| Charvel Guthrie Govan Signature MJ San Dimas SD24 CM | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Charvel | |
| Year: | 2021 | |
| Configuration: | HSH | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | Japan | |
| Series: | Artist Signature | |
| Colors: | Sunburst | |
| Left-Handed Version: | No | |
| Body | ||
| Top: | Ash | |
| Type: | Solid Body | |
| Body Material: | Basswood | |
| Bridge: | Recessed Charvel Locking Tremolo Bridge | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Bolt-On | |
| Tuners: | Gotoh Locking | |
| Fretboard: | Caramelized Maple | |
| Neck Material: | Caramelized Maple | |
| Decoration: | Crème Dots | |
| Scale Size: | 25.5" | |
| Shape: | Charvel Speed | |
| Thickness: | 1st Fret: 0.77'' (19.6mm) - 12th Fret: 0.83'' (21.1mm) | |
| Frets: | 24 Jumbo Stainless Steel | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 12" to 16" | |
| Nut: | Ivory Tusq | |
| Nut Width: | 42.9mm (1.688'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Bridge Pickups: | Charvel Custom Humbucking (Humbucker / Passive) | |
| Switch: | 5 | |
| Knobs: | Dome | |
| Pickup Mods: | Coil Tap | |
| Volume Controls: | 1 | |
| Tone Controls: | 1 | |
| Middle Pickup: | Charvel Custom Single-Coil (Single Coil / Passive) | |
| Neck Pickup: | Charvel Custom Humbucking (Humbucker / Passive) | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Chrome | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Charvel Guthrie Govan Signature MJ San Dimas SD24 CM
Charvel Guthrie Govan Signature MJ San Dimas SD24 CM
- Stainless Steel Frets
- Locking Tuners
- Made in Japan
- Ivory Tusq Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Coil Tap Pickups
- Luminescent Inlay
- Tremolo
- Compound Radius Fretboard
- No Expensive Woods
- No Neck-Through Build
- No Weight Relief
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
5. Yamaha PACP12M
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Show All Specs
| Yamaha PACP12M | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Yamaha | |
| Year: | 2024 | |
| Configuration: | HSS | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | Japan | |
| Series: | Pacifica Professional | |
| Colors: | Black, Blue | |
| Left-Handed Version: | No | |
| Body | ||
| Type: | Solid Body | |
| Body Material: | Alder | |
| Bridge: | Gotoh 510T FE-1 | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Bolt-On | |
| Tuners: | Gotoh Locking | |
| Fretboard: | Maple | |
| Neck Material: | Maple | |
| Decoration: | Custom | |
| Scale Size: | 25.512" | |
| Shape: | Slim C | |
| Thickness: | 1st Fret: 0.787'' (20mm) - 12th Fret: 0.882'' (22.4mm) | |
| Frets: | 22 Medium Stainless Steel | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 10" to 14" | |
| Nut: | Ivory Tusq | |
| Nut Width: | 42mm (1.654'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Bridge Pickups: | Reflectone HH7b: Humbucker (Humbucker / Passive) | |
| Switch: | 5 | |
| Knobs: | Dome | |
| Pickup Mods: | Coil Split | |
| Volume Controls: | 1 | |
| Tone Controls: | 1 | |
| Middle Pickup: | Reflectone HS7m: Single Coil (Single Coil / Passive) | |
| Neck Pickup: | Reflectone HS7n: Single Coil (Single Coil / Passive) | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Chrome | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Yamaha PACP12M
Yamaha PACP12M
- Stainless Steel Frets
- Locking Tuners
- Made in Japan
- Ivory Tusq Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Coil Split Pickups
- Tremolo
- Compound Radius Fretboard
- No Expensive Woods
- No Neck-Through Build
- No Weight Relief
- No Luminescent Inlay
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
6. Schecter California Classic
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Show All Specs
| Schecter California Classic | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Schecter | |
| Year: | 2023 | |
| Configuration: | HSS | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | Japan | |
| Series: | California Classic | |
| Colors: | Red | |
| Left-Handed Version: | No | |
| Body | ||
| Top: | Solid Maple Cap/Quilted Maple Veneer | |
| Type: | Semi-Hollow | |
| Body Material: | Swamp Ash Semi-Hollow | |
| Bridge: | Schecter Nouveau 2-Point Tremolo | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Bolt-On | |
| Tuners: | Schecter Nouveau Locking Tuners | |
| Fretboard: | Ebony | |
| Neck Material: | Flamed Maple | |
| Decoration: | Mother of Pearl Dots | |
| Scale Size: | 25.5" | |
| Shape: | Custom C | |
| Thickness: | 1st Fret: 0.79'' (20.1mm) - 12th Fret: 0.85'' (21.6mm) | |
| Frets: | 22 Jumbo Stainless Steel | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 14" | |
| Nut: | Black Tusq XL | |
| Nut Width: | 42.4mm (1.67'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Bridge Pickups: | Schecter USA Pasadena Plus (Humbucker / Passive) | |
| Switch: | 5 | |
| Knobs: | Dome | |
| Pickup Mods: | Coil Split | |
| Volume Controls: | 1 | |
| Tone Controls: | 1 | |
| Neck Pickup: | Schecter USA MonsterTone Stack (Single Coil / Passive) | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Black | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Schecter California Classic
Schecter California Classic
- Stainless Steel Frets
- Locking Tuners
- Made in Japan
- Expensive Wood
- Black Tusq XL Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Coil Split Pickups
- Luminescent Inlay
- Tremolo
- No Neck-Through Build
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
7. Jackson American Series Soloist SL2MG HT
Compare
What our users think
- Neck profile shape: D (5 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Fast (7 votes)
- Pickups noise: Noiseless (11 votes)
- Pickups power: Clean (5 votes)
Show All Specs
| Jackson American Series Soloist SL2MG HT | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Jackson | |
| Year: | 2024 | |
| Configuration: | HH | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | United States | |
| Series: | American | |
| Colors: | Black, Green | |
| Left-Handed Version: | No | |
| Body | ||
| Type: | Solid Body | |
| Body Material: | Alder | |
| Bridge: | Hipshot 6 Fixed .175 | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Neck-Through | |
| Tuners: | Gotoh MG-T Locking | |
| Fretboard: | Ebony | |
| Neck Material: | Maple | |
| Decoration: | Inverted Mother of Pearl Sharkfin | |
| Scale Size: | 25.5" | |
| Shape: | Jackson Standard | |
| Thickness: | 1st Fret: 0.79'' (20.1mm) - 12th Fret: 0.85'' (21.6mm) | |
| Frets: | 24 Jumbo Stainless Steel | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 12" to 16" | |
| Nut: | Ivory Tusq | |
| Nut Width: | 42.9mm (1.688'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Bridge Pickups: | EMG 81 (Humbucker / Active) | |
| Switch: | 3 | |
| Knobs: | Dome | |
| Volume Controls: | 1 | |
| Tone Controls: | 1 | |
| Neck Pickup: | EMG 85 (Humbucker / Active) | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | Yes | |
| Hardware Color: | Black | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Jackson American Series Soloist SL2MG HT
Jackson American Series Soloist SL2MG HT
- Stainless Steel Frets
- Locking Tuners
- Made in United States
- Expensive Wood
- Ivory Tusq Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Neck-Through Build
- Luminescent Inlay
- Compound Radius Fretboard
- Strap Lock
- No Push Knob or Extra Switch Option
- No Weight Relief
- No Tremolo
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
All Prices
8. ESP E-II Horizon FR-II
Compare
What our users think
- Neck profile shape: Baseball / U (3 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Fast (8 votes)
- Pickups noise: Noiseless (3 votes)
- Pickups power: Hot (3 votes)
Show All Specs
| ESP E-II Horizon FR-II | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | ESP E-II | |
| Year: | 2021 | |
| Configuration: | HH | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | Japan | |
| Series: | Horizon | |
| Colors: | Tiger Eye Sunburst, See Thru Black Cherry Sunburst | |
| Left-Handed Version: | Yes | |
| Body | ||
| Top: | Quilted Maple | |
| Type: | Solid Body | |
| Body Material: | Mahogany | |
| Bridge: | Floyd Rose Original | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Neck-Through | |
| Tuners: | Gotoh Locking | |
| Fretboard: | Ebony | |
| Neck Material: | 3pc Maple | |
| Decoration: | Offset Blocks | |
| Scale Size: | 25.5" | |
| Shape: | Thin U | |
| Thickness: | 1st Fret: 0.787'' (20mm) - 12th Fret: 0.866'' (22mm) | |
| Frets: | 24 XL Jumbo | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 12" | |
| Nut: | Locking | |
| Nut Width: | 42mm (1.654'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Bridge Pickups: | EMG 57TW (Humbucker / Active) | |
| Switch: | 3 | |
| Knobs: | Dome | |
| Pickup Mods: | Coil Split | |
| Volume Controls: | 1 | |
| Tone Controls: | 1 | |
| Neck Pickup: | EMG 66TW (Humbucker / Active) | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | Yes | |
| Hardware Color: | Black | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
ESP E-II Horizon FR-II
ESP E-II Horizon FR-II
- Locking Tuners
- Made in Japan
- Expensive Wood
- Locking Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Neck-Through Build
- Coil Split Pickups
- Tremolo
- Retainer Bar
- Strap Lock
- Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
- No Weight Relief
- No Luminescent Inlay
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
All Prices
9. Jackson American Series Soloist SL3
Compare
What our users think
- Fret edges: Smooth (1 vote)
- Neck profile shape: D (5 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Fast (7 votes)
- Pickups noise: Noiseless (5 votes)
- Pickups power: Hot (5 votes)
Show All Specs
| Jackson American Series Soloist SL3 | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Jackson | |
| Year: | 2022 | |
| Configuration: | HSS | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | United States | |
| Series: | American | |
| Colors: | White, Black, Blue, Green | |
| Left-Handed Version: | No | |
| Body | ||
| Type: | Solid Body | |
| Body Material: | Alder | |
| Bridge: | Floyd Rose 1500 Series Double-Locking Tremolo | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Neck-Through | |
| Tuners: | Gotoh MG-T Locking | |
| Fretboard: | Ebony | |
| Neck Material: | 3-piece Maple | |
| Decoration: | Inverted Mother of Pearl Sharkfin | |
| Scale Size: | 25.5" | |
| Shape: | Jackson Standard | |
| Thickness: | 1st Fret: 0.79'' (20.1mm) - 12th Fret: 0.85'' (21.6mm) | |
| Frets: | 24 Jumbo | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 12" to 16" | |
| Nut: | Locking | |
| Nut Width: | 42.9mm (1.688'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Bridge Pickups: | Seymour Duncan JB TB-4 (Humbucker / Passive) | |
| Switch: | 5 | |
| Knobs: | Dome | |
| Volume Controls: | 1 | |
| Tone Controls: | 1 | |
| Middle Pickup: | Seymour Duncan Custom Flat Strat SSL-6 RWRP (Single Coil / Passive) | |
| Neck Pickup: | Seymour Duncan Custom Flat Strat SSL-6 (Single Coil / Passive) | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | Yes | |
| Hardware Color: | Black | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Jackson American Series Soloist SL3
Jackson American Series Soloist SL3
- Locking Tuners
- Made in United States
- Expensive Wood
- Locking Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Neck-Through Build
- Luminescent Inlay
- Tremolo
- Compound Radius Fretboard
- Strap Lock
- Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
- No Push Knob or Extra Switch Option
- No Weight Relief
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Retainer Bar
All Prices
10. Ibanez TQMS1
Compare
What our users think
- Neck profile shape: C (9 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Balanced (9 votes)
- Pickups noise: Slightly Noisy (1 vote)
Show All Specs
| Ibanez TQMS1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Ibanez | |
| Year: | 2022 | |
| Configuration: | SH | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | Japan | |
| Series: | TQM | |
| Colors: | Blue | |
| Left-Handed Version: | No | |
| Body | ||
| Top: | Maple(4mm) | |
| Type: | Solid Body | |
| Body Material: | Alder | |
| Bridge: | Gotoh T1802 Tremolo | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Bolt-On | |
| Tuners: | Gotoh Magnum Lock machine heads w/H.A.P. | |
| Fretboard: | Rosewood | |
| Neck Material: | 1pc Roasted Maple | |
| Decoration: | Mother of Pearl dot | |
| Scale Size: | 25.5" | |
| Shape: | AZ Oval C | |
| Thickness: | 1st Fret: 0.81'' (20.6mm) - 12th Fret: 0.89'' (22.6mm) | |
| Frets: | 22 Jumbo Stainless Steel | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 9" to 12" | |
| Nut: | Bone | |
| Nut Width: | 42mm (1.654'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Bridge Pickups: | Seymour Duncan Alnico II Pro Custom (Single Coil / Passive) | |
| Switch: | 3 | |
| Knobs: | Dome | |
| Pickup Mods: | Parallel Split | |
| Volume Controls: | 1 | |
| Tone Controls: | 1 | |
| Neck Pickup: | Seymour Duncan Magic Touch-mini (Humbucker / Passive) | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Chrome | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Ibanez TQMS1
Ibanez TQMS1
- Stainless Steel Frets
- Locking Tuners
- Made in Japan
- Expensive Wood
- Bone Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Parallel Split Pickups
- Luminescent Inlay
- Tremolo
- Compound Radius Fretboard
- No Neck-Through Build
- No Weight Relief
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
