The Best Baritone Guitars for the Money

Finding the right baritone guitar is like tuning an amp—there's no single "best" setting for every player. What's perfect for a metal riffer might not suit a jazz explorer. The baritone guitar market has expanded beyond the niche it once occupied, and now you've got genuine choices across price points and styles. This guide walks through the models that have earned respect in the community and explains what makes each one valuable for different players and budgets.

Fender Baritone Models: The Accessible Standard

Fender makes several baritone guitar options, ranging from the affordable Baritone Jazzmaster to the professional-grade options. The Baritone Jazzmaster is a solid entry point—it captures baritone guitar character without demanding a large investment. Fender's understanding of balance and playability means even budget models feel professional. You get decent hardware, respectable pickups, and a baritone guitar that stays in tune without fighting you.

Mid-range Fender baritone guitars (around £800–1,200) offer genuine quality. The electronics are robust, the tuning stability is excellent, and the tone is warm and full-bodied without harshness. For players coming from standard Fender gear, a Fender baritone guitar makes intuitive sense. The playability translates directly from their standard electric guitar experience.

Ibanez Extended Range Models: For Players Chasing Heaviness

Ibanez built its reputation on extended-range instruments, so their baritone guitar options are thoughtfully designed. The Ibanez RG Baritone and RGIR models are engineered specifically for lower tunings and heavy playing. The necks are comfortable, the hardware is solid, and the pickups—especially in higher-end models—are voiced for extended range clarity.

Ibanez baritone guitars appeal to players who take the lower tuning seriously. The company understands what extended range demands and builds instruments accordingly. If you're playing drop-tuned metal or exploring the instrument seriously, an Ibanez baritone guitar rewards your commitment with consistency and tone that matches your ambition.

PRS Baritone Models: For Tone Seekers

PRS baritone guitars sit at the premium end and justify the cost through buildquality and tone. The SE Baritone is the accessible entry to PRS's approach, while the Custom and McCarty Baritone models represent genuine luxury instruments. PRS's attention to wood selection, finish quality, and hardware means a baritone guitar from PRS feels and sounds like a significant investment.

This is the choice for players who view the baritone guitar as a serious, long-term instrument. You're paying for an heirloom-quality guitar that will sound better in five years than it does on day one. If budget allows, a PRS baritone guitar is as good as this instrument category gets.

Schecter Baritone Options: Heavy Music Specialists

Schecter understands heavy music deeply, and it shows in their baritone guitar designs. The Hellraiser and Omen baritone models are purpose-built for metal and extreme tunings. They come standard with quality pickups (usually Seymour Duncan or EMG), solid hardware, and hardware designed for down-tuning reliability.

If you're playing heavy music and budget is £700–1,500, a Schecter baritone guitar deserves serious consideration. The company specializes in this market and builds instruments reflecting that expertise.

Danelectro Baritone: The Budget Wildcard

Danelectro's baritone guitar options are charmingly retro and genuinely playable. At £300–500, they're the most affordable baritone guitars on the market. The tone is warmer and less articulate than more expensive models, but it's characterful and usable. The hardware is basic but functional.

A Danelectro baritone guitar makes sense if you're curious but uncertain whether baritone will be your main voice. It's low-risk exploration. Don't expect professional buildquality; expect a playable, usable guitar that opens doors to the baritone sound.

Rogue and Budget Alternatives: Entry-Level Exploration

Sub-£300 baritone guitars exist from brands like Rogue and Chord. These are learning instruments, not keepers. The hardware barely functions, the pickups are thin, and the buildquality is unreliable. If you must start cheaper, fine—but commit to upgrading within a year if baritone sticks with you.

Scale Length and Your Choice

Most baritone guitar models come in 27-inch scale. Some manufacturers offer 30-inch options for extreme heaviness. Unless you're specifically chasing that extra depth or have huge hands, a 27-inch baritone guitar is the obvious choice. Every model mentioned above is available in 27-inch, making the decision primarily about brand, tone, and budget rather than scale complexity.

What Actually Suits Your Playing

For heavy metal and extreme tunings, Schecter or Ibanez baritone guitars deliver. For tone-focused players and jazz/blues exploration, PRS or Fender baritone guitars shine. For budget-conscious players wanting to explore, Fender's entry-level baritone guitar or Danelectro offer legitimate value. For long-term investment, PRS represents the pinnacle.

Test drive baritone guitars before committing. The best baritone guitar for you is the one your hands enjoy playing and that sounds inspiring through your amp. That's the choice that matters.