You might start looking at budget guitars if you are just beginning to learn how to play or even just thinking about it. I hesitate to call them “cheap” guitars as those in the bottom price range have become quite good! Let’s explore this a little bit.
There was a hilarious series of articles in Guitar Player magazine years ago that explored the glories of the truly cheap guitars in the early days of the electric guitar. Many were manufactured in Japan and were, shall we say, experimental? For example, one covered in “mother of Naugahyde” or “mother of barstool” as the article described it. The author went by the pseudonym, Teisco del Ray. GP has recent article about one of these wonders: Why Teisco’s 1960’s TRG-1 Guitar Rules. There are a few el cheapos still around but the major brands have excellent options for a few dollars.
Epiphone
As pictured above, Epiphone’s are excellent guitars for the price. You get a lot of playability and features for the price. One of my favorite players, Tony Palacios, has an album covered in Epiphone models and he endorsed them at one time. I have had a Sheraton II for years now and just love it. If you are a Beatles fan, you will remember the Epiphone Casinos played by John and George in the later years. You can get nice versions of those same instruments and even faithful recreations of the vintage instruments these days. Worth looking into.
Fender
If you know any guitar history, Fender will be a big part of it. The founder, Leo Fender, was looking to create an electric guitar that was cheap and durable. Leo was a radio repairman when he started. He wasn’t looking to create the high end instrument of the day. He was looking to capitalize on a trend he saw in the music of his day. Fender still makes some great quality instruments that are inexpensive. An American made instrument might set you back a few more bucks than you are comfortable with but the Mexican made guitars are excellent. The necks have been especially lauded for their ease of playing and generally high quality.
Store brands
My oldest brother still has a store brand guitar from when he started playing. Look up Bradley guitars on Reverb and you will see them come up every now and again. I own a Rogue violin bass which is a Musicians Friend brand. I picked it up during one of their sales and I love it! It plays well and is just fun to have. A real Hofner Beatle bass would just be way out of my budget for an instrument I do not intend to seriously gig with.
I have an old Cort Strat copy I bought for $75 years ago that sits next to me for easy access. I don’t worry about bumping it or letting it get dusty. It has a job to do and that is be convenient to me for when I want to play at any time. I bought this guitar because I needed a decent electric for a 50’s band I was in at the time. The friend I bought it from wasn’t using it and I knew it was a decent serviceable instrument. I have made several mods to it but there it sits after 30 or so years.
Budget guitars need to be set up
One thing you lose with budget guitars at the bottom of the price range is proper set up. When you pay for an expensive guitar, it plays well right out of the case. This takes time that manufacturers are not will to spend. It takes time and attention to detail. You are also getting cheaper hardware and electronics but for the moment, you can get along with that. Have the store guitar tech go over the instrument and get it set up right and save yourself some trouble.
As you learn, your tastes may change and this first one may not fill the bill anymore. You can always upgrade to something better later. Save your money for that guitar. I had a pawn shop prize acoustic for many years that worked well until I wanted to upgrade. Properly cared for, it lasted me for a few decades. Learn and grow and evolve with your guitar!