We tested guitars under $500 AUD and ranked them for playability, tone, build quality, and Australian value for money. All AUD prices have been verified at Australian retailers as of March 2026. Use the quick picks table below to find the right guitar for your playing style — or read the full reviews for every pick.

Historical Overview of the Telecaster The Fender Telecaster was born in 1950, making it the world’s first mass-produced solid-body electric guitar. Originally called the “Broadcaster” (quickly renamed due to trademark issues with Gretsch’s Broadkaster drums), the Telecaster emerged from Leo Fender’s workshop…