AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best ST Style Guitars 2026
The top pick is Fender Player II Stratocaster ($857). Ibanez GRX70QA Gio gives you the most for the money at $230. Fender American Ultra II Stratocaster leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 628 models across 28 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 28, 2026
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All ST Style GuitarsTop 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Fender Player II Stratocaster
Player II Strat MN RLO · Fender
655 for sale on Reverb25 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius241 mm (9.49")
- BodyAlder body
This guitar feels solid with its maple neck and alder body, giving it a balanced voice for most playing styles. The Alnico 5 pickups sound bright and clear, while the synthetic bone nut keeps tuning steady. It suits players who want a reliable, mid-range Strat without extra bells and whistles.
Pros
- Modern C neck profile fits many hands comfortably.
- Alnico 5 pickups deliver bright, crisp single-coil tone.
- Synthetic bone nut ensures stable intonation across strings.
Cons
- No weight spec listed makes total mass unknown.
- Simplified controls lack dedicated volume knob for clarity.
92AudioFu
Index↓ 13.5%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$991 · Aug 17$857 now$857€769 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Fender American Professional Classic Stratocaster
Am Pro Clsc Strat HSS MN FBLK · Fender
306 for sale on Reverb11 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width42.8 mm (1.69")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius241 mm (9.49")
- BodyAlder body
This guitar feels solid thanks to its bolt-on maple neck and heavy jumbo frets. The pickup mix gives you classic Strat crunch plus thick humbucker power when you need it. It suits anyone who wants reliable tuning and a look that ages well.
Pros
- Sturdy bolt-on maple neck offers rock-solid stability.
- Coastline '57 pickups blend vintage tone with modern punch.
- 6-saddle tremolo stays in tune better than single-saddle models.
Cons
- Humbucker adds noise for players who want pure single-coil clarity.
- Syntactic bone nut may feel slightly different than traditional bone.
79AudioFu
Index↓ 3.6%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$1,850 · Aug 17$1,783 now$1,783€1,599 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Fender Player II Modified Stratocaster
Player II Mod Strat FR RW OLP · Fender
175 for sale on Reverb14 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width42.9 mm (1.69")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- BodyAlder body
This Player II Mod Strat FR is a fantastic gateway to the Floyd Rose world. The combination of the humbucker and noiseless single-coils offers surprising versatility, from crunchy rhythm to soaring leads. It's ideal for players wanting a modern feel and tremolo capabilities without a premium-priced tag.
Pros
- Alder body delivers a balanced, resonant tone with good sustain.
- Modified humbucker provides a thick, powerful bridge voice for modern genres.
- Floyd Rose tremolo enables wide vibrato and dive bombs with reliable tuning.
Cons
- Rosewood fretboard may feel slightly dry compared to maple alternatives.
- Olympic Pearl finish, while beautiful, can be prone to fingerprints.
77AudioFu
Index↓ 3.5%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$1,212 · Aug 17$1,170 now$1,170€1,049 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Fender American Professional II Stratocaster
Am Pro HSS Strat MN BK · Fender
534 for sale on Reverb8 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width42.8 mm (1.69")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Fingerboard radius241 mm (9.49")
- BodyAlder body
- FingerboardMaple fingerboard
This guitar feels solid thanks to its maple bolt-on neck and a body that sings in the right frequency range. You get three distinct sounds from the V-Mod pickups, which is great for most genres. It is a practical choice for players who want a reliable workhorse with a case to match.
Pros
- Solid alder body offers a balanced, bright tone for rock and blues.
- Maple bolt-on neck provides a solid, stable connection for fast playing.
- V-Mod III pickups deliver a modern, responsive sound with clear highs.
Cons
- Lacks a master volume knob, limiting volume control compared to higher-end models.
- Black finish may show scuffs and wear on the body and hardware easily.
77AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Oct 14Oct 14$2,318 now$2,318€2,079 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets24 frets
- Fingerboard radius430 mm (16.93")
- BodyBasswood body
The RG550-BK is a seriously capable instrument, offering a modern, shred-ready feel and a surprisingly broad range of tones thanks to its pickup configuration. It's a great choice for players who want a high-performance guitar without the premium price tag – think rock, metal, and even some heavier pop styles. The Japanese construction really elevates the quality and feel compared to many similarly styled guitars.
Pros
- Maple/walnut neck offers excellent stability and a comfortable, fast feel.
- Ibanez V7/V8 pickups deliver a surprisingly versatile, high-output modern sound.
- Edge tremolo provides reliable tuning stability despite aggressive use.
Cons
- Basswood body, while lightweight, lacks the sustain of denser woods like mahogany.
- Super Wizard neck profile may be too thin for players preferring a thicker feel.
76AudioFu
Index↓ 7.9%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$1,125 · Aug 17$1,036 now$1,036€929 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Fender Player II Stratocaster
LTD Player II Strat RW SHP · Fender
655 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius241 mm (9.49")
- BodyAlder body
This guitar has a bright tone that cuts through loud bands thanks to the Alnico 5 pickups. The maple neck feels smooth and the rosewood fretboard adds a nice warmth. It is a great choice for players who want a classic Strat sound without extra knobs.
Pros
- Bright Alnico 5 pickups cut through any mix easily.
- Modern C neck profile feels comfortable for big hands.
- Rosewood fretboard adds warm resonance to the tone.
Cons
- No master tone control limits low-end depth.
- Pink shell color may show scratches quickly.
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Fender American Ultra II Stratocaster
Am Ultra II Strat HSS EB UBST · Fender
196 for sale on Reverb11 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width42.8 mm (1.69")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius254 mm (10")
- BodyAlder body
This Am Ultra II Strat is a serious instrument for the discerning player. The ebony board and modern neck profile make it a shredder's dream, while the HSS configuration offers a wide range of tones from glassy cleans to aggressive rock. It's a premium-priced option ideal for players who want modern playability and high-quality components without sacrificing that classic Strat vibe.
Pros
- Ebony fretboard offers exceptional clarity and sustain.
- Haymaker humbucker delivers thick, articulate high-gain tones.
- Modern 'D' neck profile is comfortable and fast for varied playing styles.
Cons
- Alder body, while resonant, can make it a bit heavier than some players prefer.
- The compound radius may not appeal to those strictly wanting a vintage feel.
75AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,541 now$2,541€2,279 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale635 mm (25")
- Fingerboard radius250 mm (9.84")
- BodyPoplar body
- FingerboardJatoba fingerboard
The AZES40-TUN is a surprisingly well-equipped guitar for the price. It's a great entry point for players wanting a ST-style platform with some Ibanez DNA – the neck profile is comfortable, and the pickup system offers a wider range of sounds than you'd expect. Ideal for beginners or players seeking a versatile, budget-friendly workhorse.
Pros
- Jatoba fingerboard offers a surprisingly smooth, snappy playing feel.
- dyna-MIX9 system provides versatile tonal options, surprisingly good cleans.
- Bolt-on maple neck provides excellent clarity and responsiveness.
Cons
- Plastic nut can introduce tuning instability and a less premium feel.
- Tremolo system is basic, limiting more complex vibrato techniques.
72AudioFu
Index↓ 10.9%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$359 · Aug 17$320 now$320€287 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster
Affinity Strat HSS LR MH MBK · Squier
227 for sale on Reverb4 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets21 frets
- Fingerboard radius241 mm (9.49")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
This Affinity Strat is a solid entry point into the Strat world. The HSS configuration gives it a wider range of tones than a standard Squier, and the bolt-on neck makes it easy to play. It's perfect for beginners or players needing a versatile, budget-friendly instrument for practice and gigging.
Pros
- Poplar body offers a balanced tone, not overly bright or muddy.
- ’C’ neck profile is comfortable and familiar for most players.
- Humbucker in the bridge provides a surprisingly thick, rock-ready tone.
Cons
- Pickups are ceramic, lacking the nuance of alnico pickups.
- Synchronized tremolo can feel a bit 'floaty' and needs setup.
70AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$300 now$300€269 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- BodyPoplar body
The GRX70QA-TKS is a solid entry point into Ibanez's world, offering a surprisingly good package for the price. It's perfect for beginner to intermediate players wanting a modern feel and a touch of visual style, especially those drawn to a slightly heavier rock or alternative sound. The build is decent for the budget, and it’s ready to plug in and play.
Pros
- Quilted maple top adds visual flair and a touch of brightness.
- Infinity pickups deliver surprisingly hot, versatile high-output tones.
- GRX neck profile is comfortable and fast for various playing styles.
Cons
- Poplar body can feel a bit lightweight and resonant.
- T106 tremolo is functional, but not a high-end, stable unit.
69AudioFu
Index↓ 10.0%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$255 · Aug 17$230 now$230€206 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 628 ST style guitars
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
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PRS SE Chleo Herman Li SignatureSE Chleo Herman Li OD · PRS · 3 finishes69↓ 9.6%$2,006€1,799$2,006€1,799Check ↗
- 12
Yamaha PAC112V Pacifica HSSPacifica 112J RM · Yamaha · 25 finishes68↓ 6.0%$261€234$261€234Check ↗
- 13
Ibanez AZ24S1F StandardAZ24S1F-VLS · Ibanez · 3 finishes67↓ 2.7%$595€534$595€534Check ↗
- 14
Ibanez AZ2204N PrestigeAZ2204AG-TGB · Ibanez · 12 finishes67↓ 7.4%$2,374€2,129$2,374€2,129Check ↗
- 15
Fender American Ultra II StratocasterLTD Am Ultra Strat NAT HSS · Fender · 2 finishes67Stable$3,344€2,999$3,344€2,999Check ↗
- 16
Ibanez TOD10 Tim Henson SignatureTOD10 Tim Henson · Ibanez · 4 finishes66↓ 1.9%$1,705€1,529$1,705€1,529Check ↗
- 17
Fender Custom Shop '59 Reissue Stratocaster Relic59 Strat 2TSB JM Relic · Fender · 3 finishes65Stable$5,630€5,049$5,630€5,049Check ↗
- 18
Ibanez GRG121DX GioGRG121DX-MGS · Ibanez · 8 finishes64↓ 6.0%$261€234$261€234Check ↗
- 19
Sire Larry Carlton S7 FMS7 HSS CAR New Gen · Larry Carlton · 16 finishes64↓ 17.2%$646€579$646€579Check ↗
- 20
Ibanez 540PIII Genesis Collection540PIII-PN · Ibanez · 3 finishes64↓ 1.5%$1,201€1,077$1,201€1,077Check ↗
- 21
Ibanez AZ2402 PrestigeAZ2402-GRM · Ibanez · 6 finishes64↓ 4.6%$2,340€2,099$2,340€2,099Check ↗
- 22
Fender Custom Shop '69 Reissue Stratocaster Relic69 Strat Relic MN GYW HSS FR · Fender · 4 finishes64Stable$7,135€6,399$7,135€6,399Check ↗
- 23
Harley Benton ST-62CC Lake Placid BlueHarley Benton · 42 finishes63Stable$166€149$166€149Check ↗
- 24
Fender Custom Shop '63 Reissue Stratocaster Relic63 Strat NOS GYW HSS FR · Fender · 4 finishes63Stable$6,131€5,499$6,131€5,499Check ↗
- 25
Harley Benton CST-24 Purple Burst w/CaseHarley Benton · 36 finishes62Stable$322€289$322€289Check ↗
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Jackson JS Series JS32Q DKA HT Dinky Archtop with Amaranth FretboardJS32Q DKA HT TRS GRN BRST · Jackson · 8 finishes62Stable$378€339$378€339Check ↗
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Jackson JS Series Dinky JS20 DKQ 2PTJS20 DKQ TR TOB · Jackson · 4 finishes61↓ 5.4%$273€245$273€245Check ↗
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Ibanez RGA42AHRGA42AH-BKS · Ibanez · 5 finishes61↓ 7.5%$456€409$456€409Check ↗
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PRS SE Custom 24 Electric GuitarCustom 24 CH · PRS61Stable$6,131€5,499$6,131€5,499Check ↗
- 30
Ibanez JEMJR Steve Vai JEM Junior SignatureJEMJR-BK · Ibanez60Stable$592€531$592€531Check ↗
- 31
Ibanez AZ22S1F StandardAZ22S1F-VLS · Ibanez · 3 finishes60Stable$601€539$601€539Check ↗
- 32
Yamaha PACS+12 Pacifica Standard PlusPacifica Std+ 12 Black RF · Yamaha · 2 finishes60Stable$1,028€922$1,028€922Check ↗
- 33
Fender STR RK Richie Kotzen Signature Stratocaster Made In JapanRichie Kotzen Stratocaster TRB · Fender · 2 finishes60↓ 3.1%$2,437€2,186$2,437€2,186Check ↗
- 34
Suhr Custom Shop Classic TClassic S Antique SSS RW 3TB · Suhr · 7 finishes60Stable$4,793€4,299$4,793€4,299Check ↗
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Harley Benton ST-20 BK Standard SeriesHarley Benton · 32 finishes59Stable$99€89$99€89Check ↗
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Yamaha PAC112VM Pacifica HSSPacifica 112VM SP RL · Yamaha · 5 finishes59↓ 13.3%$313€281$313€281Check ↗
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Harley Benton Fusion-IV HH RW QRGHarley Benton · 32 finishes59↓ 4.0%$534€479$534€479Check ↗
- 38
Ibanez RG460DX StandardRG460DX-BLH · Ibanez · 2 finishes59Stable$545€489$545€489Check ↗
- 39
Ibanez RG470AHM StandardRG470DXW-CA · Ibanez · 7 finishes59Stable$623€559$623€559Check ↗
- 40
Ibanez RG450DXB StandardRG450QMB-SPB · Ibanez · 4 finishes59Stable$623€559$623€559Check ↗
- 41
Jackson X Series Soloist SLXDX HTX Series SLXDX Gloss BLK · Jackson · 3 finishes59↓ 8.9%$822€737$822€737Check ↗
- 42
Ibanez RG565R Genesis CollectionRG565R-CA · Ibanez · 4 finishes59↓ 4.2%$1,281€1,149$1,281€1,149Check ↗
- 43
PRS Silver Sky Defender John Mayer SignatureJM Silver Sky Defender LTD PR · PRS · 4 finishes59Stable$4,124€3,699$4,124€3,699Check ↗
- 44
Fender Custom Shop '56 Reissue Stratocaster Journeyman Relic56 Strat Journeyman Relic 2CS · Fender · 3 finishes59Stable$5,797€5,199$5,797€5,199Check ↗
- 45
Ibanez AZ22S2 StandardAZ22S2-BK · Ibanez · 2 finishes58↓ 7.2%$471€422$471€422Check ↗
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Ibanez AZ24S2 StandardAZ24S2-BK · Ibanez · 2 finishes58↓ 3.8%$476€427$476€427Check ↗
- 47
Ibanez JIVA10 Nita Strauss SignatureJIVA10R-TRC · Ibanez · 2 finishes58Stable$2,006€1,799$2,006€1,799Check ↗
- 48
Fender Custom Shop '55 Reissue Stratocaster Relic55 Strat MN Sunburst CC · Fender · 2 finishes58Stable$4,955€4,444$4,955€4,444Check ↗
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Fender Custom Shop '65 Reissue Stratocaster Journeyman Relic65 Strat CAR Relic · Fender · 5 finishes58↓ 7.4%$5,574€4,999$5,574€4,999Check ↗
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Jackson JS Series JS11 Dinky with Amaranth FretboardJS11 Dinky AH BLK · Jackson · 3 finishes57Stable$188€169$188€169Check ↗
ST Style Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 1,452 models we track, not a sample.
Median $1,092 — half of all ST style guitars here cost less.
median of 1,115 models · 41.9 mm (1.65")–43 mm (1.69")
median of 1,317 models · 635 mm (25")–648 mm (25.51")
median of 725 models · 21–24
most common · 1,308 models
How to choose the best ST style guitars
Neck Profile
This is everything. A chunky '70s neck feels different than a slim modern 'C'. Consider your hand size and playing style – a thick neck can be a workout, while a super-thin one might feel noodly. It's the foundation of your playing feel.
Pickup Voicing
ST pickups are notorious for being…well, inconsistent. Some are shrill and ice-picky, others muddy and lifeless. Listen for clarity and articulation, especially when playing single-note lines. Do they cut through a dense mix, or get lost in the wash?
Hardware Quality
Cheap tuners mean constant retuning. Poorly made bridges can rattle and intonation suffers. Upgrading hardware isn't always the answer (sometimes it's just a bad design), but it's a sign of overall build quality.
Tremolo System
ST tremolos are a love-hate thing. Budget versions often feel flimsy and detuned easily. More expensive versions offer smoother action and better tuning stability, but still require careful setup. Consider a blocking kit to improve sustain if you're not a tremolo user.
Body Wood & Construction
Alder is the classic choice for a reason – it offers a balanced tone. Ash can be brighter and more resonant. Bolt-on necks are common on budget models and are less resonant than set-neck constructions. While not a dealbreaker, the wood does influence the guitar’s overall character.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're in the market for an ST-style guitar? It's a classic for a reason, but 'ST-style' covers a lot of ground – from budget axes you’ll find in every beginner’s pack to meticulously aged relics that cost more than a used car. This isn't just about aesthetics; it's about finding an instrument that feels good, sounds decent through your amp, and doesn't fall apart mid-gig. Let's break down what to look for.
Don't chase the looks. A relic'd finish doesn’t buy you tone. Focus on the neck profile and pickup voicing first.
Budget guitars often cut corners on hardware and fretwork – be prepared to pay for a professional setup. Spending a bit more for a guitar with decent stock pickups and a comfortable neck is almost always a better investment than buying a cheap guitar and hoping to upgrade later.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 1,452 ST style guitars from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
Are all ST-style guitars noisy?
ST single-coils are inherently prone to hum, especially with high-gain amps. Noise reduction circuits or stacked humbucker options are a band-aid, but a good ground job and shielding can help a lot.
Is a 'relic'd' guitar worth the extra money?
Absolutely not, unless you *really* like the aesthetic. The aging process doesn’t magically improve tone; it's purely cosmetic. You're often paying a premium for someone else's sanding and distressing.
What's the best ST-style guitar for a beginner?
Something comfortable to play, with decent pickups and a reliable setup. Don't break the bank – a well-set-up mid-range guitar will be far more inspiring than a cheap one.
Can I easily upgrade the pickups on an ST-style guitar?
Yes, it's a very common mod. The pickup routings are standard, so swapping them out is relatively straightforward, but you might need to adjust the pickup height for optimal tone.
What does 'string spacing' mean and why should I care?
String spacing refers to the distance between the strings at the bridge and nut. Wider spacing can be easier for fingerpicking and avoiding accidental string noise, but some players prefer the tighter feel of narrower spacing for faster playing.
