#1
Danelectro 56 Baritone
Classic baritone style (semi-hollow Masonite) · 29.75-inch scale, semi-hollow Masonite construction, single lipstick pickup, B-to-B tuning, classic retro aesthetics$400–$450 new / $270–$360 usedBest for: Classic baritone character, film score and surf-adjacent tones, Duane Eddy and Dick Dale-style low twang, budget baritone entry
The Danelectro 56 Baritone is historically significant — Danelectro pioneered the electric baritone guitar in the 1950s and the reissue 56 Baritone maintains the original character. The 29.75-inch scale and single lipstick pickup produce the spaghetti western, film score, and deep surf twang associated with Ennio Morricone's scores and early baritone electric playing. For players who want the classic baritone character for film scoring, Americana, and deep country, the Danelectro 56 is the authentic entry. Used at $270–$360.
What to check used: The Masonite (hardboard) construction of Danelectro instruments is unconventional and produces a specific, slightly nasal tone that is either loved or found limited. Danelectros are not intended for high-gain heavy playing — the Masonite construction does not sustain well under distortion. The 56 Baritone is specifically for clean to light-overdrive baritone applications.
#2
Squier Paranormal Baritone Cabronita
Budget baritone (Fender Squier entry) · 27-inch scale, alder body, single Fidelio humbucking pickup, B-to-B tuning, Cabronita-style body$280–$320 new / $190–$260 usedBest for: Most affordable new baritone guitar, Fender Squier quality at entry price, 27-inch scale for moderate extension
The Squier Paranormal Baritone Cabronita is the most accessible entry into baritone playing — Squier's quality control and the Paranormal series design provide a playable baritone at the lowest available price. The 27-inch scale (moderate baritone, between standard and full extended) makes the transition from standard guitar less dramatic. For players who want to explore baritone playing without significant investment, the Paranormal Baritone is the starting point. Used at $190–$260.
What to check used: The 27-inch scale of the Paranormal is the shorter end of baritone scale lengths — it provides B-to-B tuning with moderate tension but does not produce as dramatic a baritone character as 29-inch or 30-inch scale instruments. Players who want the full extended baritone depth and tension should look at the Danelectro 56 (29.75-inch) or ESP LTD Viper Baritone (27.7-inch) instead.
#3
Schecter Hellcat-VI
Rock/metal baritone (28-inch scale) · 28.5-inch scale, 6-string bass-style tuning (E-to-E, one octave lower), Schecter Diamond humbuckers, hardtail bridge$550–$650 new / $380–$520 usedBest for: Heavy music baritone applications, bass-line guitar technique, low tuning versatility, Schecter metal heritage
The Schecter Hellcat-VI is configured as a 6-string bass (tuned an octave lower than standard guitar) — the 28.5-inch scale and heavier string gauge allow standard guitar technique while producing bass-range notes. The Diamond humbuckers provide aggressive tone for rock and metal applications where a guitar player needs to play low bass-like riffs during specific song sections. Used at $380–$520.
What to check used: The Hellcat-VI is a 6-string bass, not a standard baritone — it is tuned E-to-E one octave lower than standard guitar (like a bass guitar with regular guitar string spacing and technique). Players who want a standard B-to-B baritone guitar (tuned a fifth below standard) should select the PRS SE 277 or Reverend Descent instead.
#4
ESP LTD Viper Baritone
Metal-focused baritone (extended scale) · 27.7-inch scale, mahogany body, ESP LH-301B humbuckers, 24-fret, baritone-specific string spacing$500–$600 new / $350–$480 usedBest for: Metal and hard rock baritone applications, ESP aesthetics, moderate extended scale for accessible feel, aggressive heavy tone
The ESP LTD Viper Baritone is the metal-focused baritone option — the 27.7-inch scale provides significant baritone tension without being as challenging as 29-inch or 30-inch scales. The ESP LH-301B pickups are voiced specifically for heavy baritone playing. For metal and hard rock players who want the tonal depth of baritone tuning with ESP's aggressive instrument aesthetic, the Viper Baritone is the recommendation. Used at $350–$480.
What to check used: The 27.7-inch scale on the Viper Baritone requires specific baritone string sets — standard electric guitar strings do not produce appropriate tension at baritone scale lengths. D'Addario and Ernie Ball make dedicated baritone string sets (typically 0.013-0.062 for B-to-B tuning at 27-inch scales). Factor string availability into the ongoing cost.
#5
PRS SE 277
Versatile semi-hollow baritone (27.7-inch) · 27.7-inch scale, semi-hollow body, 2 PRS-designed humbuckers, natural finish, versatile baritone for clean to moderate gain$800–$950 new / $580–$780 usedBest for: Versatile baritone beyond metal, clean baritone tones for country and Americana, PRS quality and aesthetics, semi-hollow resonance
The PRS SE 277 is the versatile mid-range baritone — PRS instruments have a different voicing from ESP or Schecter (warmer, more musical, less clinical) and the semi-hollow body adds acoustic resonance to baritone playing. For players who want baritone range for country, Americana, film scoring, and lighter rock styles rather than heavy metal, the PRS SE 277 is the recommendation. Used at $580–$780.
What to check used: The PRS SE 277's semi-hollow construction limits its use with high-gain distortion (feedback risk at heavy gain levels). The PRS is specifically recommended for clean to moderate-gain baritone applications. For high-gain heavy baritone, the Schecter or ESP solid-body options are more appropriate.
#6
Reverend Descent W
Professional rock baritone (American-designed) · 27.875-inch scale, korina body, Reverend Railhammer pickups, rocker switch for series/parallel/split coil, bass contour knob$1,100–$1,300 new / $780–$1,050 usedBest for: Professional baritone quality, Railhammer pickups for extended range, bass contour control for tonal flexibility, rock and alternative applications
The Reverend Descent W is a professional baritone guitar from Reverend — Reverend instruments are designed in the US and manufactured to high quality standards. The Railhammer Chisel pickups are specifically designed for extended-range instruments, producing clear articulation without the muddiness that standard humbuckers develop at low frequencies. The bass contour knob (cuts low frequencies) allows dialing out boom at baritone tunings. Used at $780–$1,050.
What to check used: Reverend is a smaller brand with limited dealer availability — primarily sold through specialty dealers and online. Used Reverend instruments are available on Reverb and eBay. The quality is professional; the purchasing process requires slightly more research than major brands.
#7
Gibson Les Paul Standard Baritone
Premium American-made baritone (rare) · 27-inch scale Les Paul, mahogany body, maple top, 2 Gibson humbuckers, limited production, USA-made$2,000–$2,500 new (limited availability) / $1,400–$2,000 usedBest for: Gibson tone in baritone format, professional investment, Les Paul playing feel in extended range, rare collector interest
Gibson produces Les Paul Baritone guitars in limited runs — the classic Les Paul body, mahogany/maple construction, and Gibson humbuckers in a 27-inch baritone scale. For players who want Gibson tone specifically in a baritone instrument, these rare production runs are the option. Used at $1,400–$2,000 when they appear, which is infrequent.
What to check used: Gibson Baritone Les Pauls are not regular production items — availability is limited and prices reflect scarcity. For players who want Les Paul baritone tone at more accessible prices, the Epiphone Les Paul Custom Prophecy series occasionally includes baritone configurations. Verify current stock and availability before making this a purchasing plan.
#8
Ibanez ICSB721 7-String Bass
7-string bass (extreme extended range) · 7-string bass, 34-inch scale, active Bartolini pickups, spans bass and guitar range simultaneously, professional gigging tool$1,100–$1,300 new / $750–$1,000 usedBest for: Extreme extended range, solo bass players who cover guitar and bass parts simultaneously, Chapman Stick alternative
The Ibanez ICSB721 is included as the extreme extended range option — a 7-string bass that spans from standard bass register through guitar range, allowing a single player to cover bass lines and chord/melody work simultaneously. Used by solo performers and contemporary fusion players. This is a specialist instrument for a specific performance approach rather than a standard baritone option. Used at $750–$1,000.
What to check used: The Ibanez ICSB721 is a 7-string bass, not a baritone guitar — it is significantly different from all other instruments in this guide. It requires specific technique for simultaneous bass and guitar-range playing. Only relevant for players who have a specific use case in mind.
