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Best ST Style Guitars 2025

Top-rated st style guitars 2025 - expert picks for every budget and skill level

Last updated: November 19, 2025 • Next update: November 26, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $100 Under $200 Under $300 Under $500 Under $800 Under $1,000 Under $2,000 Under $5,000
SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced
GENRES & STYLES: For Rock For Blues For Pop For Country For Funk For Indie
BRANDS: Fender Ibanez Harley Benton PRS Jackson Squier Kramer Guitars Suhr ESP Charvel Yamaha Larry Carlton Mooer Schecter Music Man Solar Guitars Cort Evh Xotic Guitars Sterling by Music Man Maybach Friedman
Sterling by Music Man CT30CHSS Daphne Blue - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Sterling by Music Man CT30CHSS Daphne Blue

by Sterling by Music Man
Funk Pop Country
Key Feature:
• Versatile 5-way pickup switching
✓ PROS
  • • Excellent sustain and playability
  • • Comfortable body contours
✗ CONS
  • • Requires quality amplifier
  • • String bending can cause tuning issues

Sterling by Music Man CT30CHSS Daphne BlueElectric GuitarBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleFingerboard...

⭐ 4.4/5 (45 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 609731
$549
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CT20HSS Electric Blue - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CT20HSS Electric Blue

by Sterling by Music Man
Rock Pop Blues
Key Feature:
• Comfortable body contours
✓ PROS
  • • Comfortable body contours
  • • Classic single-coil brightness
✗ CONS
  • • Requires quality amplifier
  • • Single-coils can pick up interference

Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CT20HSS Electric BlueElectric GuitarBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: Amaranth...

⭐ 4.5/5 (45 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 612678
$380
Buy at Thomann View Details
Kramer Guitars Baretta White Lotus D - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Kramer Guitars Baretta White Lotus D

by Kramer Guitars
Pop Rock Funk
Key Feature:
• Excellent sustain and playability
✓ PROS
  • • Comfortable body contours
  • • Versatile 5-way pickup switching
✗ CONS
  • • String bending can cause tuning issues
  • • Requires quality amplifier

Kramer Guitars Baretta White Lotus DElectric GuitarBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleBlack dot...

⭐ 4.7/5 (12 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 606360
$1,209
Buy at Thomann View Details
Larry Carlton S10 SSS Tobacco Sunburst - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Larry Carlton S10 SSS Tobacco Sunburst

by Larry Carlton
Pop Blues Funk
Key Feature:
• Excellent sustain and playability
✓ PROS
  • • Versatile 5-way pickup switching
  • • Great for clean and overdriven tones
✗ CONS
  • • May be too bright for heavy metal
  • • String bending can cause tuning issues

Larry Carlton S10 SSS Tobacco SunburstElectric GuitarBody: Swamp AshBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleAbalone Dot...

⭐ 4.6/5 (53 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 584537
$1,429
Buy at Thomann View Details
Larry Carlton S7 HSS SB New Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Larry Carlton S7 HSS SB New Gen

by Larry Carlton
Rock Indie Pop
Key Feature:
• Classic single-coil brightness
✓ PROS
  • • Comfortable body contours
  • • Great for clean and overdriven tones
✗ CONS
  • • Requires quality amplifier
  • • String bending can cause tuning issues

Larry Carlton S7 HSS SB New GenElectric GuitarBody: AlderTop: MapleBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodFingerboard...

⭐ 5.0/5 (30 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 611288
$791
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sterling by Music Man CT30CHSS Olympic White - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Sterling by Music Man CT30CHSS Olympic White

by Sterling by Music Man
Blues Country Pop
Key Feature:
• Comfortable body contours
✓ PROS
  • • Comfortable body contours
  • • Excellent sustain and playability
✗ CONS
  • • May be too bright for heavy metal
  • • Single-coils can pick up interference

Sterling by Music Man CT30CHSS Olympic WhiteElectric GuitarBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (42 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 609734
$549
Buy at Thomann View Details
Mayones Guitars Aquila Elite S 6 Poplar LB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Mayones Guitars Aquila Elite S 6 Poplar LB

by Mayones Guitars
Rock Blues Pop
Key Feature:
• Great for clean and overdriven tones
✓ PROS
  • • Great for clean and overdriven tones
  • • Versatile 5-way pickup switching
✗ CONS
  • • Electronics may need shielding
  • • May be too bright for heavy metal

Mayones Guitars Aquila Elite S 6 Poplar LBElectric GuitarBody: Swamp AshTop: AAAAA poplar burlBolt-on neck:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (16 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 622037
$5,279
Buy at Thomann View Details
Xotic Guitars XSC-2 MN LPB Heavy Aged - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Xotic Guitars XSC-2 MN LPB Heavy Aged

by Xotic Guitars
Funk Pop Country
Key Feature:
• Excellent sustain and playability
✓ PROS
  • • Comfortable body contours
  • • Great for clean and overdriven tones
✗ CONS
  • • Single-coils can pick up interference
  • • Electronics may need shielding

Xotic Guitars XSC-2 MN LPB Heavy AgedElectric guitarBody: AlderNeck: Roasted Master Grade curly mapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.4/5 (39 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 454905
$4,888
Buy at Thomann View Details
Larry Carlton S5 HSS Dark Navy - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Larry Carlton S5 HSS Dark Navy

by Larry Carlton
Country Indie Pop
Key Feature:
• Classic single-coil brightness
✓ PROS
  • • Excellent sustain and playability
  • • Comfortable body contours
✗ CONS
  • • Single-coils can pick up interference
  • • Electronics may need shielding

Larry Carlton S5 HSS DNElectric GuitarBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleFingerboard inlays: DotsNeck...

⭐ 4.9/5 (38 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 611015
$549
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton Fusion-III HH EB OCT - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Harley Benton Fusion-III HH EB OCT

by Harley Benton
Funk Country Pop
Key Feature:
• Excellent sustain and playability
✓ PROS
  • • Classic single-coil brightness
  • • Versatile 5-way pickup switching
✗ CONS
  • • Electronics may need shielding
  • • May be too bright for heavy metal

Harley Benton Fusion-III HH EB OCTElectric GuitarErgonomically shaped body: NyatohBolt-on neck: Canadian...

⭐ 4.9/5 (25 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 521279
$384
Buy at Thomann View Details
Solar Guitars S1.6PP - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Solar Guitars S1.6PP

by Solar Guitars
Country Rock Indie
Key Feature:
• Versatile 5-way pickup switching
✓ PROS
  • • Great for clean and overdriven tones
  • • Excellent sustain and playability
✗ CONS
  • • Electronics may need shielding
  • • Requires quality amplifier

Solar Guitars S1.6PPElectric GuitarBody: Mahogany with poplar burl veneer5-Piece neck-thru-body:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (47 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 474602
$1,429
Buy at Thomann View Details
Kramer Guitars SM-1 H Buzzsaw gold - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Kramer Guitars SM-1 H Buzzsaw gold

by Kramer Guitars
Indie Funk Pop
Key Feature:
• Classic single-coil brightness
✓ PROS
  • • Versatile 5-way pickup switching
  • • Comfortable body contours
✗ CONS
  • • Electronics may need shielding
  • • Single-coils can pick up interference

Kramer Guitars SM-1 H BZG LimitedElectric GuitarLimited EditionBody: MahoganyNeck-through: MahoganyFretboard:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (48 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 525219
$879
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton Amarok-6 BKNT Flame Bur w/Case - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Harley Benton Amarok-6 BKNT Flame Bur w/Case

by Harley Benton
Blues Rock Country
Key Feature:
• Excellent sustain and playability
✓ PROS
  • • Versatile 5-way pickup switching
  • • Comfortable body contours
✗ CONS
  • • May be too bright for heavy metal
  • • Requires quality amplifier

Harley Benton Amarok-6 BKNT Flame Bur w/Case*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton Amarok-6 BKNT Flame Burst*Electric...

⭐ 4.4/5 (56 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 558099
$648
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CT20HSS Canvas White - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CT20HSS Canvas White

by Sterling by Music Man
Blues Funk Indie
Key Feature:
• Versatile 5-way pickup switching
✓ PROS
  • • Versatile 5-way pickup switching
  • • Excellent sustain and playability
✗ CONS
  • • Requires quality amplifier
  • • Single-coils can pick up interference

Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CT20HSS Canvas WhiteElectric GuitarBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleBlack...

⭐ 4.6/5 (41 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 612727
$380
Buy at Thomann View Details
Solar Guitars S1.6MS Signature - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Solar Guitars S1.6MS Signature

by Solar Guitars
Blues Rock Funk
Key Feature:
• Excellent sustain and playability
✓ PROS
  • • Versatile 5-way pickup switching
  • • Great for clean and overdriven tones
✗ CONS
  • • Electronics may need shielding
  • • String bending can cause tuning issues

Solar Guitars S1.6MS SignatureElectric GuitarMarcus Siepen (Blind Guardian) Signature ModelWith Evertune...

⭐ 4.6/5 (15 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 592415
$1,869
Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best ST Style Guitars

Budget Planning

  • • Under $200: Entry-level
  • • $200-$500: Intermediate
  • • $500-$1000: Advanced
  • • $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

  • • Sound clarity & tone
  • • Build materials & finish
  • • Hardware durability
  • • Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

  • • Your musical style
  • • Skill level match
  • • Intended use case
  • • Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.
Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.
Higher-priced st style guitars typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.
Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.
Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

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