What's the best quality electric guitar for around $500?

Epiphone definitely gives the best quality for the price you pay. I'd recommend a Les Paul. It's solid, heavy and quite versatile. I don't know what you play so a Les Paul is probably a good, all round kind of guitar for you. You could go for an SG though I find they don't balance to well.

Anyway, Epiphone is the way to go. Go to the shop and try out a few. That's the best way to see what you like.

For a little bit more money you can get a PRS SE which I heard are great quality guitars. (not made in America) I played the Paul Allender SE which is geared towards metalheads and I was pretty sold on their high quality. Contrarily I do recomond Epiphones which also arent made in America however they arent the highest quality guitars. I have the $999 Slash Les Paul and I really like it but I feel that their quality control isn't that high, so you may get an amazing guitar and you may get a crappy guitar. My Epi is good quality but it was set up like crap. I really love Schecter. I have the Syn Custom and it is incredible. You can get a Hellraiser pretty cheap I think. They are incredible quality guitars at a low price. Like the other yahooer said you can get a Fender but if you lean towards heavier rock I would stay away from Fenders. The only fender I would buy is the Dave Murray Strat (Iron Maiden) but thats $1700 and I don't have the money lol. I was pretty interested in the Epiphone SG Prophecy but that be more metal for you. You can get a Dean Razorback for $500 and cheaper. I love the look of the Razorback Skulls but its a grand.

You can get a standard Fender Strat for under $500 and an Epiphone Les Paul for about 500 from Guitar Center, Musicians Friend, Sweetwater, or Sam Ash.

Hamer XT SATF

Hamer XT Californian

Dean Vendetta

Hofner Colorama

Yamaha Pacifica

It really depends on what style of music you plan to play with it. For $500 you can get a lot of good quality guitars. Most guitarists have more than one guitar used for different styles. Whoever gave me a thumbs down on this is an asshole.

Gretsch Electromatic Pro Jet

i would go for Ibanez. Most of their guitars are pretty inexpensive and will last a long time, great guitars.

I suggest an Ibanez S520 EX.

Stay away from Epiphone (just the fake gibson models) and mexican fenders.

I own this model, one of the best guitars ive ever played, if you get an extra 100 or so it will absolutely be worth it.

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Ibanez-...

cheaper version...havent played, but its ibanez, and in your price range. I woulfd guess its pretty good, after reading all the reviews.

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Ibanez-...

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Ibanez-...

MIM Fender Telecaster.

I got a Godin Exit 22-S, but it was $581.40

So technically it's closer to $600...

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Ibanez-S320-S-Series-E...

Right up your alley...