AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Cort ST Style Guitars 2026
The top pick is Cort G250 SE Vivid Burgundy ($282). Cort G200SE SRD gives you the most for the money at $222. Cort KX700 Evertune Open Pore Black leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 10 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 28, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
-
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius240 mm (9.45")
- BodyBasswood body
- FingerboardMaple fingerboard
The G250 SE Vivid Burgundy is a solid, playable guitar offering a lot of value for the money. It's a great choice for beginner to intermediate players who want a versatile ST-style instrument with a modern feel and a touch of vintage vibe—perfect for rock, blues, and even some lighter pop.
Pros
- Roasted maple neck and fretboard provide stability and a smooth playing feel.
- Cort’s VTS63/VTH59 pickups deliver a surprisingly versatile range of tones.
- The 2-point tremolo offers decent vibrato without excessive tuning instability.
Cons
- Basswood body, while lightweight, lacks the sustain of mahogany or alder.
- Chrome hardware can feel a bit budget-oriented compared to premium options.
43AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$282 now$282€253 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets22 frets
- BodyPoplar body
- FingerboardMaple fingerboard
This guitar uses a roasted maple neck that feels smooth under your fingers. The poplar body pairs with a 2-point tremolo for a modern pop sound. It fits players who want a solid, playable instrument without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Roasted maple neck feels warm and easy to play
- Graph Tech TUSQ nut protects strings from wear
- Seymour Duncan and Cort pickups mix humbucker and single coils
Cons
- No weight listed means you can't check the actual heaviness
- Poplar body might sound thinner than traditional woods
43AudioFu
Index↓ 3.7%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$668 · Aug 17$643 now$643€577 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Frets24 frets
- Fingerboard radius400 mm (15.75")
- BodyBasswood body
- FingerboardMaple fingerboard
The X-700 Multility II is a seriously impressive instrument for the price. The multiscale design really opens up the fretboard, and those Fishman Fluence pickups give you a huge range of tones – from glassy cleans to aggressive modern rock sounds. This is a great choice for players who want a modern, versatile guitar with excellent build quality and a comfortable feel.
Pros
- Roasted maple neck provides exceptional stability and feel.
- Fishman Fluence pickups deliver versatile, high-output tones.
- Multiscale design optimizes string tension for improved playability.
Cons
- Basswood body, while resonant, lacks the tonal complexity of mahogany.
- Hardware finish (black) might not appeal to all aesthetic preferences.
42AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,114 now$1,114€999 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Fingerboard radius400 mm (15.75")
- Neck profileD-shape neck
- BodyMahogany body
This guitar feels solid thanks to its roasted maple neck and ebony fingerboard. The Seymour Duncan Sentient and Nazgul pickups give it a punchy, modern sound. It is great for players who want a reliable workhorse at a great price.
Pros
- Roasted maple neck offers tight, stable playability
- Macassar ebony fingerboard provides smooth action
- Sentient and Nazgul pickups deliver thick tone
Cons
- No weight listed in the provided description
- Only one volume and one tone control
41AudioFu
Index↓ 1.9%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$835 · Aug 17$820 now$820€735 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets24 frets
- BodyBasswood body
- FingerboardMaple fingerboard
This G300 PRO is a seriously impressive instrument for the money. The roasted maple neck and those Seymour Duncan pickups deliver a fantastic playing experience and a surprisingly thick, powerful sound – perfect for rock, blues, and even some heavier styles. It's a great option for intermediate players looking to step up to a more professional-grade guitar.
Pros
- Roasted maple neck and fretboard offer exceptional stability and a smooth feel.
- Seymour Duncan pickups deliver a powerful, versatile range of classic rock tones.
- Cort's CFA-III tremolo with stainless steel components enhances tuning stability.
Cons
- Basswood body, while resonant, lacks the sustain of mahogany or alder.
- The 5-way switch's modified circuitry might limit tonal flexibility for some.
40AudioFu
Index↓ 3.5%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$869 · Aug 17$838 now$838€752 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Fingerboard radius400 mm (15.75")
- BodyBasswood body
- FingerboardMaple fingerboard
This guitar feels like a solid workhorse for stage use. The roasted maple neck plays smoothly, while the basswood body gives a nice warm tone. It has a single volume knob and humbuckers, so it is simple but effective. Ideal for players who want a reliable, affordable option without too many choices.
Pros
- Roasted maple neck offers tight, fast playability
- Walnut body adds warmth to the tone
- Strings-through-body bridge ensures solid sustain
Cons
- No electronics jack input listed for effects
- No specific weight data provided in text
40AudioFu
Index↓ 1.0%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$1,114 · Aug 17$1,103 now$1,103€989 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- BodyPoplar body
- FingerboardMaple fingerboard
This guitar feels solid thanks to its roasted maple neck and bolt-on joint. The HSS pickups give you a full range of sounds without needing extra knobs. It is a budget-friendly choice for players who want a reliable starter instrument.
Pros
- Roasted maple neck offers stable playability
- HSS pickup set covers all genres
- Poplar body provides a balanced tone
Cons
- No weight specification listed for comfort
- Single tone control limits sound shaping
38AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$222 now$222€199 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets24 frets
- BodyMahogany body
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
The Cort KX700 is a seriously well-equipped guitar for the price. The Evertune system is a game-changer for locking in your tuning, and the Seymour Duncan pickups give you a ton of options – from crunchy rhythm to searing leads. It’s an excellent choice for players who want a modern, high-performance instrument without the premium-priced tag.
Pros
- Mahogany/Ash combo delivers warmth and focused high-end response.
- Seymour Duncan Nazgul/Sentient pairing offers high-gain versatility.
- Evertune bridge provides reliable tuning stability across the fretboard.
Cons
- Mahogany body might make it a bit heavier than some players prefer.
- Open pore finish, while aesthetically pleasing, requires more careful handling.
38AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,170 now$1,170€1,049 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets22 frets
- BodyAsh body
This G260SE is a solid choice for players wanting a vintage-inspired feel and tone at an affordable price. The ash body and maple neck combo really sings, and the Cort pickups offer a surprisingly warm and usable range. It's perfect for classic rock, blues, and indie players who want a reliable workhorse guitar.
Pros
- Ash body delivers a resonant, balanced tone with good sustain.
- Maple neck provides a snappy feel and clear articulation.
- Cort Voiced Tone humbuckers offer a surprisingly warm and versatile sound.
Cons
- Tremolo system might require occasional maintenance for optimal tuning stability.
- Maple fretboard can show wear faster than rosewood, requiring more care.
36AudioFu
Index↓ 4.4%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$434 · Aug 17$415 now$415€372 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets22 frets
The Cort G110 is a surprisingly capable guitar for the money. The open pore finish and jatoba fretboard contribute to a unique feel and brighter tone, making it ideal for beginners or players seeking a versatile, budget-friendly ST-style instrument with a vintage vibe. It’s a solid platform to build on – easy to mod if you want to customize it further.
Pros
- Open pore finish allows the poplar body to breathe, offering a surprisingly resonant tone.
- Jatoba fingerboard provides a smoother feel than rosewood, improving playability.
- Powersound humbucker delivers a thick, warm tone suitable for rock and blues.
Cons
- Vintage tremolo system may require setup and careful use to prevent tuning instability.
- Poplar body, while resonant, lacks the sustain of mahogany or alder.
32AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$197 now$197€177 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
ST Style Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 1,452 models we track, not a sample.
Median $668 — 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
Build Quality
Cort consistently delivers surprisingly robust construction for the price point. The necks are straight, frets are generally well-dressed (though a leveling might be needed on some models), and the hardware is reliable. You're not getting boutique-level craftsmanship, but it's a far cry from the flimsy feel of some other budget guitars.
Tonewood & Resonance
While Cort doesn't always specify wood types with laser precision, their guitars often exhibit a pleasing warmth and sustain. The basswood models tend to be balanced, while the alder ones can have a bit more of that classic ST chime, but don't expect miracles - it's still a budget instrument.
Pickups & Electronics
This is often the biggest compromise. The stock pickups on many Cort STs are decent enough for crunchy rhythm tones, but they often lack nuance and can sound a bit muddy in clean settings. Upgrading the pickups is a common and worthwhile mod if you're serious about dialing in a specific tone.
Neck Profile
Cort offers a range of neck profiles, from slim C to thicker D shapes. The slimmer profiles are comfortable for faster playing, but the thicker ones provide better grip and stability for heavier styles. Pay attention to the specs or, better yet, try before you buy.
Value for Money
This is where Cort really shines. You're getting a guitar that punches way above its weight class. It's not going to replace a vintage Strat, but it's an excellent platform for customization and a reliable workhorse for any gigging musician.
Buying guide
Look, you're after an ST-style guitar without dropping a grand. Cort's been quietly building some seriously solid instruments for years, often overlooked in favor of the bigger names. They've carved out a niche for themselves by offering fantastic value and surprisingly good build quality, and if you need a workhorse for gigging or tracking, you owe it to yourself to check them out. Forget the hype - let's talk about what makes Cort ST guitars tick.
Don't expect flawless finishes or perfectly aged hardware - that's what you pay extra for elsewhere. Focus on the neck - make sure it's straight and comfortable in your hand. If you're planning on playing clean tones a lot, budget for a pickup upgrade; the stock pickups are fine for rock and metal, but they can be limiting.
Honestly, for the price, these are hard to beat, but understand the limitations.
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 19 ST style guitars from the Thomann catalogue (of 1,452 in the category). 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 Cort guitars any good?
They're surprisingly good, especially considering the price. They offer a great balance of quality and value, making them ideal for beginners and experienced players alike.
Can I upgrade the pickups on a Cort ST?
Absolutely! It's a very common and recommended upgrade. The pickup cavities are standard, so you can easily drop in aftermarket pickups to customize the tone.
What's the difference between a Cort G200 and a G300?
Generally, the G300 series represents a step up in terms of wood quality, hardware, and overall finish. Expect slightly better resonance and a more refined feel, but the difference isn't always night and day.
Are Cort guitars made in Korea or China?
Most Cort guitars are manufactured in Indonesia now, with some higher-end models still being made in Korea. The Indonesian-made guitars still offer excellent value.
Is a Cort ST a good guitar for metal?
They can be! With a pickup upgrade and maybe a tweak to the action, a Cort ST can handle a good amount of gain and distortion. Just be aware the stock pickups might lack some clarity in high-gain situations.
