Best Upgradable Guitars: Electric Guitars for less than 500 Euros!
With a few adjustments, you'll get your dream guitar!
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2X22MX4 Latin American luthier holds in his hand the new microphone system of an electric guitar that will change. Unrecognizable person. Concept repair, inst · Source: Amilciar Gualdron / Alamy Stock Foto
We all have that one dream guitar in mind, but many of us don’t have the budget to buy a high-end guitar. Or, worse, the guitar of our dreams is no longer available! The good news is that there’s an exciting alternative: electric guitars that you’ll then mod to your liking. We’ve selected the best upgradable guitars for you. All of them cost 500 euros or less, so it’s an affordable basis to start modding! Check out our suggestions!
Table of Contents
Originally published at Gearnews.de by Jan Rotring, translation by Julian Schmauch.
Choosing a solidly built and convincing model in terms of feel, sound fundamentals, and workmanship is no easy feat. All of these best upgradable guitars will allow you to build your dream guitar piece by piece, but affordable. Whether it’s better pickups, higher-quality hardware, or custom electronics, the goal is a guitar that sounds great and performs on stage and in the studio.
Unlike the cheapest entry-level guitars, which often start at $100 and offer limited upgrade options, the following best upgradable guitars offer better quality, making professional upgrades possible and worthwhile. This Buyer’s Guide includes models that are the perfect starting point for your upgrade project. tinkering!
Larry Carlton S7 SG 2nd Gen*
For me, this guitar is one of the surprise hits of recent years and a breath of fresh air in the ranks of long-established manufacturers. The Larry Carlton S7 SG is the result of a collaboration between legendary jazz and fusion guitarist Larry Carlton and Sire Guitars. Sire is a Korean manufacturer that has made a name for itself in recent years with affordable yet high-quality musical instruments. Originally known for producing electric basses (developed in collaboration with the esteemed Marcus Miller), Sire expanded its range by working with Larry Carlton to offer guitarists a similar quality and value for money.
The resulting Larry Carlton S7 SG is a high-quality electric guitar that follows the Fender Stratocaster’s footsteps and one of the best upgradable guitars. With an elegant shape, high-quality and robust workmanship, and an interesting selection of components, this electric guitar is the perfect basis for upgrades. Equipped with HSS pickups, a beautiful roasted maple neck, and a 2-point tremolo system that is stable in tuning, the S7 SG delivers impressive sound and excellent playability straight from the factory.
The low neck pocket, in particular, makes playing in high positions comfortable. I’ve only seen this type of design in the far more expensive Fender Ultra Series. And don’t get me started on the look of this Sherwood Green beauty. It doesn’t get any better than this!
Recommended Upgrades
Two steps are all it takes to turn the Larry Carlton S7 SG into a professional-grade axe for studio and stage.
On the one hand, the built-in electronics don’t seem to be the best. Noise caused by potentiometers is repeatedly mentioned in reviews and comments. It’s a good thing that the entire circuitry is built open and standardized. With a bit of skill in handling the soldering iron, a high-quality set of potentiometers, transformers, jacks, and switches can be installed in just a few simple steps.
The other upgrade is usually on the to-do list anyway: a proper setup or even a Plek service* will drastically increase how much of a joy it is to play the S7 SG.
Larry Carlton T7 FR*
My second suggestion for our best upgradable guitars also comes from the Sire group. This time, however, it is a classic T-style guitar for those looking for that Telecaster twang.
The Larry Carlton T7 FR combines classic T-style charm with modern versatility and an innovative sound, thanks to the rather unique T7 single coils.
Like the S7, the T7 comes with a maple neck and an ergonomic neck pocket, which is almost unheard of on a Telecaster. The vintage T-style bridge with brass saddles and a pleasant C-neck profile make for a very pleasant playing feel. In addition to the string-through design, its tuning stability is provided by the locking tuners and the bone nut. There’s absolutely nothing to complain about.
And don’t worry, the “FR” doesn’t mean there is a particularly complex tremolo system, rather it stands for the color. And the Fiesta Red is really well done here.
Recommended Upgrades
Let’s get one thing out of the way: the T7 FR is a great Telecaster throwback with very little to complain about. Ambitious musicians might want to optimize the setup. In particular, re-working the string action and a closer look at the nut are recommended.
If you are looking for the classic 50s Tele sound, you should be aware of the pickups’ independent (I’m not saying “bad”) characteristics. The parts sound super open and precise, but for me personally, they are not twangy enough for a classic Tele. A Fender Noiseless Gen4 Telecaster Set*, for example, brings the sound of the purists to the T7 FR and makes it a more than serious competitor for any Tele.
Epiphone Les Paul Special TV Yellow*
How about some in-house competition? With the “Inspired by Gibson” series, Gibson’s subsidiary Epiphone has introduced a new category of instruments that is particularly popular with upgrade fans.
Gone are the days of cheaply-made instruments from the Far East. This LP Special is a very well-made guitar that quickly makes it clear why the Les Paul Special is one of the most popular live and recording guitars of the last few decades.
Its light and resonant mahogany body is simple and classic, with the neck also being made of mahogany. Its Indian Laurel fingerboard could be a bit darker (an ebony fan writing this), but it does look good. What really inspires me is that the headstock finally looks the way it should. Open book is just way cooler than that Epiphone paddle.
Recommended Upgrades
What is there left to say about a Les Paul Special? This axe screams “punk”! But even this Epiphone model offers a few way to improve it.
In my experience, the workmanship of high-quality Epiphone models is on par with that of Gibson. Only the built-in hardware and pickups are not quite up there. It’s a good thing that this can be overcome quickly and easily.
With a set of TonePros* hardware, for example, the sound, response, and tuning stability can be taken to an entirely different level.
And if you want that P90s “thunder”, take a look at the Lollar P90 Dogears* – in my humble opinion, the best P90s currently on the market.
Equipped like this, the Epiphone is no longer overshadowed by its big sisters.
Epiphone SG Standard Heritage Cherry*
The Epiphone SG Standard Heritage Cherry is a very stylish new edition to Epiphone’s roster of a Gibson classic that has shaped rock history in many ways.
Its iconic double-cutaway shape in a vibrant Heritage Cherry finish, two humbuckers, and a lightweight yet resonant mahogany construction offer everything you would expect from a classic SG: crisp highs, assertive mids, and rich lows. The 60s Slim Taper neck profile ensures easy playability and a very familiar feel for all fans of Gibson’s work.
Its solid workmanship makes it an excellent choice among our selection of best upgradable guitars. With its timeless look and unmistakable sound, it is ready for the stage, studio and everything in between.
Recommended Upgrades
Another Epiphone “Inspired by Gibson” model, so my suggestions are pretty much the same. If you switch to a more suitable hardware set, you can give the SG more presence and character right away.
The range of available humbuckers is huge. Personally, I like somewhat more aggressive-sounding SGs. That’s why I’m leaning more towards the new Mojotone 59 Clone Hot Humbuckers* for passive pickups, which I’m also using for my current Les Paul-based project.
Ibanez RG421S-SEM*
What’s better for speedy guitarists than a decent RG? Exactly, nothing.
Like all its Ibanez RG sisters, this Ibanez RG421S SEM is a modern Superstrat with a slim design and versatile sound. It is ideal for players who value precision and flexibility.
The lightweight Meranti body with a matte turquoise (“Sea-Shore Matte”) finish has a transparent back. The maple neck with a Jatoba fretboard is also matte-finished and rather flat: perfect for technical riffs and lightning-fast solos.
Ibanez workmanship and the woods they use by are both of excellent quality – even in this less prestigious series. Therefore, this Indonesian-made instrument is also a perfect choice as one of the best upgradable guitars.
Recommended Upgrades
When it comes to choosing an upgradeable electric guitar, the RG421S SEM is one of the best choices: the wood, workmanship, and feel are all top-notch.
Let us reward that with a little hardware treatment. A new bridge and locking tuners will help you get used to making some compromises compared to the Prestige series.
Personally, I wouldn’t change the Quantum pickups because I like their distinct sound quite a bit. However, if you want to get a little closer to the Japanese-made Prestige models, take a look at the higher-grade models from DiMarzio*. Pickups from Tone Zone* and Air Norton* also work perfectly together.
Gretsch G2622 Strml CB DC FRGLW*
Let’s take a look at how a Hollybody model can be a starting point for upgrades. The Gretsch G2622 Streamliner is just that, and thanks to its Center Block, it sounds incredibly powerful and is almost immune to feedback.
The distinctive Gretsch double-cutaway design in a gorgeous Cadillac Green is a real eye-catcher. The two Broad’Tron BT-3S pickups offer a wide range of sounds, from warm and clean to assertive, overdriven tones – perfect for rock, blues, jazz, and more.
Gretsch has some of its series made in Indonesia and is doing extremely well with it. The woods are first-class, the finish is flawless, and the factory adjustment is already really good.
A few minor things could be better, and this price-performance ratio hit is also making room in the professional sector.
Recommended Upgrades
The uncomfortable truth for this Gretsch model is that the only thing I would like to change about the G2622 are the electronics. I realize this is not exactly quick to do as a basis for upgrades on a semi-hollow electric guitar.
But with a little patience and skill, it can be done. And if you persevere and are skilled with twine, you will be rewarded with so much more clarity and presence without the Broad’Tron BT-3S pickups.
And while we’re at it: a pair of nice tuners* will finally upgrade the package to the professional league. The look? Unattainable anyway.
Best Upgradable Guitars – Conclusion
It may seem strange to buy a fairly expensive electric guitar as a basis for upgrades with the plan to tinker with the new instrument right away.
But let’s be honest: how many of us have ever left an instrument completely unchanged? Exactly. Besides, upgrading electric guitars is a great way to go from good to perfect. And without breaking the bank.
I’m curious to see which electric guitars have found their way into your collections as the basis for upgrades. Let us know in the comments!
*Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links and/or widgets. When you buy a product via our affiliate partner, we receive a small commission that helps support what we do. Don’t worry, you pay the same price. Thanks for your support!
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