WHAT BRANDS GIVE YOU THE BEST GUITARS FOR UNDER $300.00 USD

 WHAT NEW GUITARS CAN YOU GET FOR UNDER $300.00 USD 
Everyone is different but I like to choose a keeper not something I already know I will trade in or sell.
My choice is the entry level Gretsch Streamliner Junior Jet Club at $300.00 USD. 
Why? It has no image issues. If you say you have a Gretsch others will give you a nod of approval. If you say you have a Squier or just about anything else at this price...you get that vibe that says ...cheap beginners sh@t. lol  
Later it can become that perfect backup guitar when you buy that Fender or Gibson etc. you already have your eye on. It is very well made with very serviceable hardware. You can always put some serious PU's in it to take it to pro level ...but the hardware is just fine,

Sure you could put on a intonatable wraparound bridge, change the knobs out to the classic chrome ones that even the top models have or put on some locking tuners. The Big But is you do not need too.
Ok maybe the knobs ...because that is dirt cheap. lol

What if you have zip to spend but want a back up guitar or something to mod etc.

Well I have found a gem. A guitar sold in the UK (You can order one from Andertons) The East Coast GT-100 at $130.00 USD.  For those who take one look and say. "It is not even a good copy! "
Bingo ...that is it's biggest asset. People have not heard of the name and it has that kind of look and name you would expect to get from a small luthier's hand made guitar. Changed just enough to give an identity but not enough to scare you off. lol

Best of all you get 2 good real tonewoods. Poplar for the body. Gibson uses this from time to time because it sounds like a lighter piece of Alder. ES-335 has plys of maple and popular. There are also luthiers who use it because it has a excellent resonance yet it is light. The best sounding tone with a bolt on like a Fender is a light piece of alder but a light piece is the luck of the draw and poplar is a given. It comes painted so is a non issue. The neck is Canadian hardrock maple. Killer quality wood and found on guitars costing thousands. The hardware and electronics are ...just passable. They can get you by but are begging to be upgraded. You can also get it in black.