Black Friday guitar deals 2023: We've hand-picked the top guitar deals that are still live

Fender Ltd Ed Player Strat, Fiesta Red: $849 $594
You won’t find the Player Stratocaster cheaper than this in 2023, available from Fender.com. This limited-edition Fiesta Red model features a classy pau ferro fingerboard, along with the Player Strat’s winning formula of three Alnico V single coil pickups, a two-point Synchronized tremolo and Modern C-shaped neck. With over $250 off, it’s this year’s cheapest deal on one of Fender’s most popular models.

Sterling by Music Man Mariposa: $599.99, $399.99
One of the best Sterling by Music Man launches in recent years, this signature model for Mars Volta maverick Omar Rodriguez-Lopez is a no-nonsense, endlessly playable rock machine, with a slick roasted maple neck and rosewood fingerboard, locking tuners and two tonesome custom humbuckers. We rated it 4.5/5, and it's available now from Musician's Friend with an almighty $200 off.

G&L Placentia ASAT: was $449 now $249
G&L was founded by Leo Fender, and the company’s designs take inspiration from his work with Fender. So if you’re in the market for a Telecaster, this is a remarkable deal on a budget model with proper heritage. Its poplar body keeps the weight down, while its dual Tele pickups deliver all the tones you’d expect. And at $200 off at Musician’s Friend, this is an unbeatable deal.

Fender Player Stratocaster, Ltd Ed Black: $799 $649
This Strat will appeal to fans of David Gilmour. There aren't too many Stratocaster spec combos more iconic than a black body and pickguard with a maple fingerboard, and thanks to this tasty Guitar Center deal you can harness that classic Gilmour black Strat vibe and those sought-after Strat sounds for $200 cheaper than usual.

Fender Player Strat in Shell Pink: $824, now $649
This might be the best-looking Stratocaster on sale this Black Friday: this Limited Edition Fender Player Stratocaster not only boasts a stunning Shell Pink finish, but it's topped off with a tortoiseshell scratchplate. And with $175 off the list price at Guitar Center, it’s a steal to boot.

Epiphone Les Paul Traditional Pro IV: $549, now $399
What’s better than a Goldtop Les Paul? A discounted Goldtop Les Paul – and you can also snag this budget beauty in Ebony, Wine Red and Pacific Blue finishes. Loaded with Alnico Classic Pro humbuckers with push/pull coil-splitting, this is a surprisingly versatile guitar, while its maple-topped mahogany body nails the classic LP vibe – and right now you can bag $100 off at Musician’s Friend.

Fender Ltd Ed Player Tex-Mex Strat: $849 $699
This upgraded take on Fender's popular Player format is equipped with a set of the company's Tex-Mex pickups for a fatter single-coil sound that's perfect for Texas blues. It's one of this year's best lookers, too, with a Sonic Blue finish, complemented by a mint green-hued pickguard. Guitar Center has shaved $150 off its $849 asking price, bringing the final figure down to $699.

Gibson Les Paul Trad Pro V: $2,499, now $1,999
The Gibson Les Paul Traditional Pro V is about as versatile as a Les Paul gets, packing coil-splits and out-of-phase switches, and comes in a luxurious Satin Wine Red finish. If you're in the market for a bonafide rock machine, this has to be your next guitar – especially with Guitar Center slashing the price to just $1,999.

Price check: Musician's Friend $1,999

D'Angelico Premier Bedford SH: $899.99 $509.99
Guitar Center is offering a huge $390 discount on this stunning semi-hollow offset from D'Angelico. It's got retro charms a-plenty, but a seriously flexible HSS setup that – thanks to the Duncan Design mini humbucker – gives you access to a huge range of tones, but doesn't look like it's been culled from a Super Strat...

Squier Classic Vibe Jag: Was $499.99, now $399.99
Next up is the retro-inspired '60s Jag in the eye-catching Silver Sparkle finish. This guitar has all the vintage charm of an original Jag but without the hefty price tag. Right now this guitar is down to $399.99, that's a saving of $100. 

Price check: Sweetwater $459.99

Fender Vintera '50s Tele Modified: $1,199.99, $839.99
The Vintera Modified Tele is the perfect axe for those who want the best of both worlds. This Tele has plenty of vintage mojo in the style department but also benefits from modern features such as a contemporary neck profile and hotter pickups. 

Price check: Sweetwater $839.99

Fender Vintera '60s Mustang: $1,149.99, $804.99
The Mustang Bass has made quite the impact since it was released back in '64, finding its way into the hands of everyone from Tina Weymouth of the Talking Heads, Bill Wyman of The Rolling Stones and even Mikey Way of My Chemical Romance - and now you can join the club for a less, with 30% off while stocks last.  

Price check: Sweetwater $804.99

Neural Quad Cortex: Free plugin and GigCase
We don’t need to tell you how good the Neural DSP Quad Cortex is. The price has recently dropped on this cutting-edge modeller/multi-FX unit, but here you can get even better value with a Neural DSP plugin bundled in (worth $159.99) as well as a Neural GigCase worth $119.99.

Positive Grid Spark 40: Was $299, now $229
The Positive Grid Spark 40 might just be the ultimate at-home amp - and it's even better with a $70 discount today. The tones are great, and the smart tech is indeed smart. Auto Chord and Smart Jam are incredible practice and learning tools, and a lot of fun, too.

Price check: Sweetwater $229

MESA/Boogie Mini Rectifier 25: $1,699, now $1,359
If a full-size Dual Rectifier is likely to cause you problems with your neighbours, this mini-MESA/Boogie is your answer. All the tone of the 90s classic is scaled down into a 25-watt tone machine that will work great for at home, in the studio and on stage. Especially at this price, with $330 off at Guitar Center.

Price check: Sweetwater $1,699

Guitar Tricks Black Friday: $99 one-year sub
Now is the best time to sign up for Guitar Tricks, with the best price of the year on a Full Access annual subscription, plus hundreds of dollars of extras, including a custom lesson plan, access to one premium Bootcamp, a copy of Guitar Tricks’ Ultimate Beginner Guide and exclusive access to their brand new 100 Essential Licks video series. If you’re serious about learning the guitar, this deal places a serious amount of valuable content at your fingertips.

Sterling by Music Man Mariposa: $599.99, $399.99
One of the best Sterling by Music Man launches in recent years, this signature model for Mars Volta maverick Omar Rodriguez-Lopez is a no-nonsense, endlessly playable rock machine, with a slick roasted maple neck and rosewood fingerboard, locking tuners and two tonesome custom humbuckers. We rated it 4.5/5, and it's available now from Musician's Friend with an almighty $200 off.

G&L Placentia ASAT: was $449 now $249
G&L was founded by Leo Fender, and the company’s designs take inspiration from his work with Fender. So if you’re in the market for a Telecaster, this is a remarkable deal on a budget model with proper heritage. Its poplar body keeps the weight down, while its dual Tele pickups deliver all the tones you’d expect. And at $200 off at Musician’s Friend, this is an unbeatable deal.

Epiphone Les Paul Traditional Pro IV: $549, now $399
What’s better than a Goldtop Les Paul? A discounted Goldtop Les Paul – and you can also snag this budget beauty in Ebony, Wine Red and Pacific Blue finishes. Loaded with Alnico Classic Pro humbuckers with push/pull coil-splitting, this is a surprisingly versatile guitar, while its maple-topped mahogany body nails the classic LP vibe – and right now you can bag $100 off at Musician’s Friend.

Squier Classic Vibe '60s Jazzmaster: $429 $349
Be still, our aching wallets: this offset stunner comes in three of the all-time best Fender finishes – Daphne Blue, Shell Pink and Surf Green – and delivers all the typical Jazzmaster playability via a rhythm/lead circuit, two Alnico single coils and a floating vibrato system. And it’s now $110 off at Musician’s Friend. What are you waiting for?

Gibson Les Paul Trad Pro V: $2,499, now $1,999
The Gibson Les Paul Traditional Pro V is about as versatile as a Les Paul gets, packing coil-splits and out-of-phase switches, and comes in a luxurious Satin Wine Red finish. If you're in the market for a bonafide rock machine, this has to be your next guitar – especially with Guitar Center slashing the price to just $1,999.

Fender Player Strat, Fiesta Red: $849.99, $594.99
First up is the drop-dead-gorgeous Player Strat in Fiesta Red. It's no secret that we absolutely love the Player Series and we love them even more when there is 30% off! 

PRS SE John Mayer Silver Sky: Was $849, now $679
Both the maple and rosewood-equipped versions of John Mayer's highly praised SE Silver Sky signature guitar is now 20% off at Guitar Center, so trust me when I say now is as good a time as any if you've been thinking about getting one. 635JM single-coils, serious playability and that Sob Rock flair make this an absolute winner for Black Friday. What's more, all of the finish options are on offer, too. A Nylon Blue maple SE Silver Sky? for $679?! Don't mind if I do.

Huge Epiphone sale: Save up to 25% at Guitar Center
Whether it's a 1959 Les Paul, ES-335 semi-acoustic, or a Silverburst Les Paul Custom, Guitar Center might have just served up one of the most drool-worthy lists of guitar deals we're going to see this Black Friday, with up to $250 off. The guitars mentioned are just a few of the stunning deals that caught our eye, click through for the full list. 

Squier Classic Vibe Jag: Was $499.99, now $399.99
Next up is the retro-inspired '60s Jag in the eye-catching Silver Sparkle finish. This guitar has all the vintage charm of an original Jag but without the hefty price tag. Right now this guitar is down to $399.99, that's a saving of $100. 

Fender Aerodyne Strat: $1,329.99, now $999.99
One of the best playing Fender guitars we've played in years, the Fender Aerodyne Special Strat HSS has an unbelievably fast-playing neck and seriously good-sounding pickups to boot. 

Fender Vintera '50s Tele Modified: $1,199.99, $839.99
The Vintera Modified Tele is the perfect axe for those who want the best of both worlds. This Tele has plenty of vintage mojo in the style department but also benefits from modern features such as a contemporary neck profile and hotter pickups. 

Squier Affinity Jazzmaster: $279.99, $223.99
This low-cost series is superb for beginners and now offers more choice than ever. We can't get enough of the Affinity Jazzmaster, its lightweight body, slim and comfortable C-shaped neck and Squier single-coil Jazzmaster pickups add up to a guitar that is way more than the sum of its parts. 

Epiphone ES-335 Traditional Pro: was $599, now $449
What do you call a guitar that has you covered for everything from jazz to blues, indie to classic rock and more? Easy, it’s the ES-335. Check out the ES-335 Traditional Pro. It’s on sale for $449 (down from $599) with a choice of Inverness Green, or Metallic Gold. You'll get a double-bound, 5-ply maple body, a mahogany neck (with the classic dot fretboard markers) and a pair of Alnico Classic Pro humbuckers. Bag yourself a slice of semi-hollow royalty for less before they’re gone.

Fender Vintera Road Worn '50s Strat: $1,299.99, $909.99 Like your guitars to be played in? Well, this limited edition Vintera Road Worn '50s Stratocaster is the axe for you. Featuring Custom Shop Fat '50s pickups and plenty of vintage mojo this guitar is a total bargain at only $909.99. 

Guild Starfire IV: Was: $1,399, now $899
Save up to $600 on five Guild Starfire models over at Sweetwater. These guitars are seriously underrated at the best of times, so $899 for each is a really great deal. They've each got '60s-voiced LB-1 humbuckers for Golden Era tones, and are uber-playable thanks to their three-piece U-profile necks and thinline maple bodies. Oh, and they look drop dead gorgeous, too.

Fender Ltd Ed Player Tex-Mex Stratocaster: $849 $699
This upgraded take on Fender's popular Player format is equipped with a set of the company's Tex-Mex pickups for a fatter single-coil sound that's perfect for Texas blues. It's one of this year's best lookers, too, with a Sonic Blue finish, complemented by a mint green-hued pickguard. Guitar Center has shaved $150 off its $849 asking price, bringing the final figure down to $699.

D'Angelico Premier Bedford SH: $899.99 $509.99
Guitar Center is offering a huge $390 discount on this stunning semi-hollow offset from D'Angelico. It's got retro charms a-plenty, but a seriously flexible HSS setup that – thanks to the Duncan Design mini humbucker – gives you access to a huge range of tones, but doesn't look like it's been culled from a Super Strat...

Epiphone SG Traditional Pro: was $499, now $379
A contemporary take on Gibson’s classic rock machine. The Traditional Pro has a speedy SlimTaper neck (with rolled fretboard edges), while the pair of Alnico Classic Pro humbuckers are wired to a push-pull volume pot, opening up coil-splitting tone and phase-switched options. Elsewhere, it keeps the traditional mahogany body and neck combo with a rock solid LockTone tune-o-matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece. Here it’s back in Graphite Black and Metallic Gold, knocking $120 off the list price, in the process.

Squier Bullet Mustang HH: Was $199, now $149
The Squier Bullet Mustang HH isn’t going to be with us for much longer, so you’ll need to act fast if you want to snap this one up for just $149 at Guitar Center. We gave it a 4.5-star rating when we reviewed it, and for good reason: it’s playable, well-built, stocked with great tones and that Surf Green finish looks uber cool. Beginner guitars don’t get much better than this.

Epiphone SG Special-I: Was $199, now $149
For those wanting to harness their inner Angus, you will not find a deal more perfect than this Epiphone Special-I SG, which is 25% off at Guitar Center. Young AC/DC fanatics will be able to cut their teeth on the real deal, with the guitar offering a no-nonsense wraparound bridge and a dual humbucker setup for classic rock tones.

Epiphone Les Paul Special-I Pack: Was $249, now $189
It's well-known that Epiphones are used by a handful of the best guitarists on the planet, and for $60 off you can get in on the action with this solid single-cut. The Les Paul itself will let you channel your inner Slash, while the included amp, strap, cable and picks will help you get to grips on the guitar. This pack has been around for a while, and for good reason: it's one of the best you can get.

Donner DST-100S starter pack: Was $179, now $143 
Donner is a solid alternative to the familiar household brands. Here, the guitar is as good as it gets at this price range, featuring a poplar body, maple neck and HSS configuration. The extras also make this a deal worth shouting about: the accompanying guitar amp is portable, and the guitar arrives with a capo, cable, strap, clip-on tuner and gig bag.

Donner DST-152R starter pack: Was: $199, now: $159
Like the above, the Donner DST-152R is 20% off at Amazon, but this model takes things a step further. That bridge pickup is coil-splittable, the neck is premium Canadian AAA maple, and there's also a laurel fingerboard. At $159, you get an impressively versatile, well-spec'd guitar with all the bells and whistles you'll need to get going. In the absence of much activity from Fender, this might be the best Strat-style pack you'll find this Black Friday.

Squier Stratocaster pack: Was: $249, now: $199
This is one of the only Squier Stratocaster starter packs we've clocked (so far), so it's worth mentioning. It's not the cheapest, but that extra cash is going towards genuine Fender-approved gear – including a Strat perfect for young players, a Squier Frontman guitar amp to play through, and a wealth of extras to keep your instrument in good nick – so we'd say that's worth the investment.

Yamaha F335 acoustic: was $189 now $129
Acoustic guitars for beginners simply do not get much better than this – especially with $50 off at Guitar Center. The F335's dreadnought body delivers a deep bass response with a rosewood fingerboard and comfortable neck shape. It features a laminated spruce top with meranti back and sides, and comes in a choice of three finishes: natural, black and Tobacco Brown Sunburst.

Fender CC-60SCE: was $349.99, now $279.99
Perfect for beginners and advanced acoustic players alike, the Fender CC-60SCE in Aged Cognac Burst finish boasts superb playability courtesy of its satin-finished mahogany neck, and a well-balanced tonal response and sleek aesthetic thanks to its all-mahogany build. Plus, a Fishman CD preamp means you can plug in no problem. And in this killer Musician's Friend deal, you can get it for sub-$280.

Epiphone PRO-1 acoustic: was $189 now $149
The PRO-1 is the cheapest entry point to an acoustic from the iconic guitar builder. This dreadnought-bodied model is smartly designed, with an EZ-Profile neck contoured to make forming chords that bit easier. There’s also a slim nut width for faster position shifts, while JumboPRO frets give you extra surface area to fret strings. Top hardware from Graph Tech and Grover, as well as Custom PRO-Prietary bracing for a bigger sound make this an ideal acoustic for your first steps on the instrument – especially with $40 off at Guitar Center.

Fender FA-135CE: was $249, now $199
Sure, you know Fender for its classic electric guitars, but its acoustics are no slouches. This affordable offering features a laminated spruce top with basswood back and sides, while a built-in Fishman Ion-T preamp allows for easy plugged-in recording and live performance. A trim neck shape makes for easy playability, too. You can save $50 off the FA-135CE from Guitar Center now, in natural, sunburst and black finishes.

Guild OM-240CE: was $529 now $249
Given Guild is one of the most storied acoustic guitar builders on the planet, you wouldn’t typically see its acoustics in a beginner roundup. But with an astonishing $280 off – that’s 53%, percentage fans – you can get a record-and-gig-ready acoustic as your very first. Available with a solid Sitka spruce top (a feature normally only found on more expensive models), plus mahogany sides and built-in Guild electronics, this Charcoal Burst-finished model is an undeniable bargain at this price, and one of the most impressive offers we’ve seen this year.

Lava Music Blue Lava: was $329 now $259
Lava has quickly made a name for itself as a forward-thinking acoustic manufacturer, and the Blue Lava Original is its most affordable model. Its ergonomic shape and light weight are designed for comfort and easy playability, while its high-pressure laminate construction is resistant to temperature, humidity and even the occasional spilled drink. The Blue Lava also features onboard effects, while its aesthetics really set it apart. It’s now $70 off at Guitar Center.

Breedlove Discovery S mahogany concert: $449 $249
Typically a name associated with more expensive guitars, this mahogany-finished Breedlove Concert acoustic is now down to $249 at Guitar Center – a $200 saving. Built from sustainable woods and boasting a solid mahogany top, the Discovery S features a thinner neck profile with a narrow nut width and fretboard, making it a perfect choice for beginners, whether your style is based around strumming, fingerstyle or both.

Yamaha C40II classical: was $169 now $149
If classical guitar is more your speed, this nylon-string classical offering from Yamaha is a great place to start. It features a spruce top with meranti back and sides, plus a rosewood fingerboard, while its two-inch nut width means you can develop your full-sized classical repertoire. For smaller hands, the 3/4-sized CGS103AII is also available for the same price.

Epiphone PR-150 acoustic: Was $179.99, now $129.99
Epiphone’s PR-150 sticks to the traditional blueprint of a spruce top with mahogany back and sides to deliver a textbook all-round beginner acoustic guitar. It’s got a rosewood fingerboard and sturdy Epiphone tuners, so you can focus on learning to play with a trusted brand for under $130 courtesy of Musician's Friend.

Guild D-240E acoustic electric: Was $439, now $299
We wouldn’t normally class Guild’s D-240E as a beginner acoustic, but with $140 scratched off the price tag thanks to Sweetwater, it sits into the upper end of the market. Not only does it have a solid top and Guild’s archback, mahogany body design, but it’s equipped with electronics too. Get this, and you’ll have a studio or gig-ready acoustic from the off!

Get a Taylor, Gift a Taylor: Travel guitars from $99
Buy any Taylor 200 series or higher model from Guitar Center and add an acoustic Baby Taylor BT1 for $99 or an acoustic GS Mini Sapele for $199. The saving on the RRP is a generous $300 and the promotion runs until 15 January 2024. So, buy your dream Taylor and get a second guitar to take on vacation or give away to a loved one this holiday season.

Fender Malibu Player, Shell Pink: $449.99, $314.99
The Malibu Player may be small, but this pint-sized acoustic packs a punch. Featuring a solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and 6-in-line headstock, this guitar is immensely playable, sounds fantastic and looks pretty cool while doing it. 

Fender DE FA-235E Concert: Was $349.99, now $244.99 Even when it isn't on sale, this striking acoustic offers fantastic value for money and with its slim neck it's ideal for beginners. It even comes loaded with Fishman electronics. So, with 30% off for Black Friday, the deal just got even sweeter. 

Positive Grid Spark 40: Was $299, now $229
The Positive Grid Spark 40 might just be the ultimate at-home amp - and it's even better with a $70 discount today. The tones are great, and the smart tech is indeed smart. Auto Chord and Smart Jam are incredible practice and learning tools, and a lot of fun, too.

DigiTech Whammy: was $299 now $249
You’ve heard this perennially popular pitch-shifter on countless recordings, from Rage Against the Machine to Muse, Steve Vai, Radiohead and beyond. Its trademark octave-up squeals and synthesizer-esque harmonies have made it one of the most iconic pedals of all time, so any kind of discount is a rare thing indeed. Save $50 now at Guitar Center and revolutionize your pedalboard.

Marshall amps: Up to $1,000 off
The cornerstone of that 'British' amp sound, Marshall is a name that transcends the guitar itself, with the company's ubiquitous gold and black styling becoming synonymous with guitar amps in the popular sphere. There are some phenomenal savings in the Sweetwater sale at the moment, with $1,000 off a selection of tube amp heads and up to $700 off select guitar cabs.

IK Multimedia AmpliTube pedals: $329 $229
Equip your pedalboard with a wealth of new tones with this killer deal on IK Multimedia’s feature-packed (and just a little bit Strymon-inspired) AmpliTube X-Gear pedals. The X-Drive overdrive, X-Time delay, X-Space reverb and X-Vibe modulation each boast 16 cutting-edge algorithms, a trio of footswitches and an aluminum chassis – and now feature a tasty $100 off at Sweetwater.

MESA/Boogie Mini Rectifier 25 tube head:
Was $1,699, now $1,359
If a full-size Dual Rectifier is likely to cause you problems with your neighbors, this mini-MESA/Boogie is your answer. All the tone of the 90s classic is scaled-down into a 25-watt tone machine that will work great for at home, in the studio and on stage. Especially at this price, with $330 off at Guitar Center.

Blackstar HT Club 40 MKII: Was $899, now $599
One of the most dependable, portable gigging tube-driven combos has had $300 knocked off its price at Sweetwater for Black Friday. With two channels, reverb and Blackstar’s ISF control, you’ll have classic Brit and US tones covered in a manoeuvrable, stylish 1x12 combo amp.

Mesa/Boogie amps: A massive 25% off
One of the biggest names in the guitar amp game has got a huge discount in the Sweetwater early Black Friday sale. With a healthy 25% off a range of tube combos and tube amp heads, you can get $340 off the fearsome Mesa/Boogie Mini rectifier and a massive $756 reduction on the Mesa/Boogie Mark Five:35 tube combo.

EarthQuaker Devices Plumes: Was $99, now $79.20
As one of our favorite