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Our top pick: Epiphone Les Paul Special-II in Ebony (Humbucker mahogany fans)
This roundup compares electric guitars using catalog specifications such as pickups, bridges, woods and included extras.
Each pick is described by its listed hardware and construction details rather than by hands-on impressions.
On this page
- Our Top Picks
- Epiphone Les Paul Special-II in Ebony
- Yamaha Pacifica PAC012 in Black
- Squier Affinity Stratocaster in Sunburst
- Yamaha Pacifica PAC112V in Black
- Jackson JS22 Dinky Arch Top in Snow White
- Squier Affinity Telecaster in Butterscotch
- Ibanez Gio GRGR131EX in Black Flat
- Ibanez GRX70QA Gio Bundle in Sunburst
- Start with the pickup layout
- Choose a bridge style
- Check what is in the box
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Category verdict
| Epiphone Les Paul Special-II in Ebony | Humbucker mahogany fans | Mahogany body | 700T humbucker pickups | Rosewood fretboard | View Latest Price | Read Our Analysis | |
| Yamaha Pacifica PAC012 in Black | Maple neck, tremolo | Agathis body | Maple bolt-on neck | Vintage tremolo | View Latest Price | Read Our Analysis | |
| Squier Affinity Stratocaster in Sunburst | Three single-coil setup | Three Squier single-coil pickups | 2-point tremolo bridge | 2-Year Warranty | View Latest Price | Read Our Analysis | |
| Yamaha Pacifica PAC112V in Black | Vintage tremolo, coil tap | Alder body | Vintage tremolo | 5 position switch with coil tap | View Latest Price | Read Our Analysis | |
| Jackson JS22 Dinky Arch Top in Snow White | Humbuckers with tremolo | Two humbucking pickups | 2-point tremolo | Poplar body with maple neck | View Latest Price | Read Our Analysis | |
| Squier Affinity Telecaster in Butterscotch | Twin single-coil simplicity | Two Squier single-coil pickups | String-through-body bridge | Slim C-shaped neck profile | View Latest Price | Read Our Analysis | |
| Ibanez Gio GRGR131EX in Black Flat | Hot pickups, poplar body | Poplar body | High output Infinity R pickups | Listed for beginner and intermediate players | View Latest Price | Read Our Analysis | |
| Ibanez GRX70QA Gio Bundle in Sunburst | Complete starter bundle | Includes amp, gig bag, tuner and cable | T106 tremolo bridge | Infinity pickups | View Latest Price | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
1. Epiphone Les Paul Special-II in Ebony
A mahogany body with 700T humbucker pickups and a rosewood fretboard defines this model's spec sheet.
The returned details do not describe a tremolo or bundled accessories, so buyers should check the listing for extras.
- Body:Mahogany body.
- Pickups:700T humbucker pickups.
- Fretboard:Rosewood fretboard.
- Scale length:24.75 scale length.
2. Yamaha Pacifica PAC012 in Black
This Pacifica lists an agathis body, a maple bolt-on neck and a vintage tremolo.
The returned details do not mention a bundle or accessories, so buyers should check the listing for extras.
- Body:Agathis body.
- Neck:Maple bolt-on neck.
- Fingerboard:Sonokeling fingerboard.
- Tremolo:Vintage tremolo.
- Switch:5 position switch.
3. Squier Affinity Stratocaster in Sunburst
Three single-coil pickups and a 2-point tremolo bridge sit on a thin, lightweight body.
The returned details do not describe an amp or other accessories.
- Body:Thin and lightweight body.
- Pickups:Three Squier single-coil pickups.
- Bridge:2-point tremolo bridge.
- Neck profile:Slim C-shaped neck profile.
- Tuners:Sealed die-cast tuning machines with split shafts.
- Warranty:2-Year Warranty is named in the title.
4. Yamaha Pacifica PAC112V in Black
This Pacifica pairs an alder body with a vintage tremolo and a switch that includes a coil tap.
The returned details do not mention a bundle or accessories, so buyers should check the listing for extras.
- Body:Alder body.
- Neck:Maple bolt-on neck.
- Fingerboard:Rosewood fingerboard.
- Tremolo:Vintage tremolo.
- Switch:5 position switch with coil tap.
5. Jackson JS22 Dinky Arch Top in Snow White
Two humbucking pickups and a 2-point tremolo are paired with a poplar body and a maple neck.
The returned details do not list included accessories.
- Body:Solidbody with poplar body.
- Tremolo:2-point tremolo.
- Fingerboard:Amaranth fingerboard.
- Pickups:Two humbucking pickups.
- Neck:Maple neck.
6. Squier Affinity Telecaster in Butterscotch
Two single-coil pickups pair with a string-through-body bridge on a thin, lightweight body.
The returned details do not describe an amp or other accessories.
- Body:Thin and lightweight body.
- Bridge:String-through-body bridge.
- Neck profile:Slim C-shaped neck profile.
- Pickups:Two Squier single-coil pickups.
- Tuners:Sealed die-cast tuning machines with split shafts.
- Warranty:2-Year Warranty is named in the title.
7. Ibanez Gio GRGR131EX in Black Flat
High output Infinity R pickups are paired with a poplar body.
The listing notes it is an international product sold from abroad that may differ from local versions.
- Body:Poplar body.
- Pickups:High output Infinity R pickups.
- Skill level:The listing describes it as ideal for beginner and intermediate players.
8. Ibanez GRX70QA Gio Bundle in Sunburst
The listing combines a maple neck, a T106 tremolo bridge and Infinity pickups with a multi-piece accessory bundle.
The returned details do not describe the amp's specifications.
- Neck:Maple neck.
- Bridge:T106 tremolo bridge with six independent saddles.
- Output jack:Mono-unit output jack built from a single piece.
- Pickups:Infinity pickups.
- Bundle:Amp, gig bag, tuner, cable, picks, instructional DVD and polishing cloth are included.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best electric guitar set-up for a beginner?
One listing here is an all-in-one bundle that includes an amp, gig bag, tuner, cable, picks, instructional DVD and polishing cloth.
How should I pick my first electric guitar?
Compare pickup type, bridge style and what comes in the box, then choose the combination that matches the sound and setup you want.
What's a decent beginner electric guitar?
The Ibanez Gio GRGR131EX listing describes the guitar as ideal for beginner and intermediate players.
Category verdict
Shoppers who want an all-in-one starter package can look at the Ibanez GRX70QA bundle, which lists an amp, gig bag, tuner and cable.
Those who prefer humbuckers on a mahogany body can start with the Epiphone Les Paul Special-II.
Players who want a vintage tremolo with a five-position switch can compare the two Yamaha Pacifica models.
Both Squier Affinity models name a 2-Year Warranty in their titles and list a slim C-shaped neck profile.