The cheap-but-ace electric guitars to grab this Cyber Monday: 10 uber-tempting axes now under $500, starting at $149

Squier Bullet Mustang HH: Was $199, now $149
Discontinued, so in increasingly short supply, the Squier Bullet Mustang HH is playable, well-built, and looks cool. Oh, and right now it's just $149.

Squier Affinity Jazzmaster: $279.99, $223.99
Perfect for beginners, with a lightweight body, slim and comfortable C-shaped neck and Squier single-coil Jazzmaster pickups, this Squier Affinity Jazzmaster is a s approachable as six-strings get - especially at this price.

Gretsch G2217 Streamliner Junior Jet Club: $399, $299
For just $299, this single-but in limited edition Fairlane Blue, is seriously tempting. Not only does it look the part, its Broad’Tron humbuckers mean its certainly no tone slouch.

Squier Classic Vibe '60s Jazzmaster: $429 $349
If it's a photogenic but capable guitar you're after, this alluring combo of form factor and retro-but-so-right-now finishes (Daphne Blue, Shell Pink and Surf Green) could be for you. There's a rhythm/lead circuit, two Alnico single coils and a floating vibrato system to seal the deal.

Epiphone SG Traditional Pro: was $499, now $379
From the sharper, spikier end of the spectrum, this Epi SG Trad Pro has a speedy SlimTaper neck with rolled fretboard edges, a pair of Alnico Classic Pro humbuckers, push-pull volume pot, mahogany body and neck combo and LockTone tune-o-matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece. Nasty, in a good way.

Epiphone Les Paul Traditional Pro IV: $549, now $399
The classic lines and a classic finish make this a classy looking instrument, belying its temporarily sub-500 price point. Boasting Alnico Classic Pro humbuckers with push/pull coil-splitting and a maple-topped mahogany body, this one's good to go.

Sterling by Music Man Mariposa: $599.99, $399.99
Super-playable rock weapon, with features including a slick roasted maple neck and rosewood fingerboard, locking tuners and custom humbuckers. Plus, of course, it's endorsed and approve-stamped by Mars Volta man Omar Rodriguez-Lopez.

Squier Classic Vibe Jag: Was $499.99, now $399.99
More retro/classic eye-pleasing here, with this '60s-style offering Silver Sparkle finish. You won't get these vintage vibes for less this year,

Epiphone ES-335 Traditional Pro: was $599, now $449
One for the purist. The ES-335 has paid its dues in every genre and era. This Traditional Pro will get you a double-bound, 5-ply maple body, a mahogany neck and a pair of Alnico Classic Pro humbuckers. 

Sterling by Music Man Cutlass: $549.99, now $479.99
This Sterling by Music Man Cutlass, in alluring Rose Gold, has dipped temporarily below the .5k mark, and is well worth a serious look. Sports a maple neck and rosewood fingerboard, a Vintage-style tremolo, locking tuning machines, and Sterling by Music Man HSS pickup configuration with 5-way switching. Sweet.