AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best ESP ST Style Guitars 2026
The top pick is ESP E-II Eclipse ($5,016). ESP LTD MT-130 Grey gives you the most for the money at $322. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 47 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.
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- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- BodyAlder body
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This guitar feels like a workhorse built to last. The set-through body keeps it stable while the quilted maple top looks great. It sits perfect for players who want that heavy, gritty rock sound without extra tweaking. The solid build makes it a great choice for anyone who loves deep, sustaining notes.
Pros
- Set-through body and neck join for rock-solid stability and sustain
- Quilted maple top adds visual depth and acoustic resonance
- BareKnuckle Battle Worn pickups deliver a gritty, high-output tone
Cons
- Heavy Floyd Rose bridge requires extra string tension to operate
- Only two volume and tone controls limit tone shaping options
55AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Oct 16Oct 16$5,016 now$5,016€4,499 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Fingerboard radius350 mm (13.78")
- BodyPoplar body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This guitar feels great to play thanks to its roasted maple neck and smooth XJ frets. The poplar body sounds warm, and the coil split switch lets you change the tone quickly. It is a solid choice for players who want a reliable, affordable instrument without heavy electronics.
Pros
- Roasted maple neck offers stable tuning and fast playability.
- 24 XJ frets provide a smooth, even surface for bending.
- Poplar burl body gives a warm, resonant natural tone.
Cons
- Poplar wood is less dense than maple, potentially affecting sustain.
- No active electronics mean limited output for loud stages.
53AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$556 now$556€499 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- BodyAlder body
This KH 602 BLK is a serious instrument built for shredders and metalheads. Kirk’s signature design delivers a focused, aggressive tone and a super-comfortable neck. It’s a premium-priced option that nails the high-performance vibe and comes with a case, a great value for the quality.
Pros
- Alder body provides a balanced, resonant tone with excellent sustain.
- Extra Thin U neck profile offers exceptional speed and comfort for fast playing.
- Active EMG Bone Breaker pickups deliver high-output, aggressive tone perfect for metal.
Cons
- Active pickups require an external power source, potentially limiting versatility.
- Neck-thru construction can make neck adjustments more complex for some players.
53AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,573 now$1,573€1,411 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets24 frets
- BodyMahogany body
This E-II Horizon QM FR is a seriously impressive instrument – a step up from entry-level, but not quite the price tag of the flagship ESPs. The combination of mahogany, quilted maple, and those Seymour Duncan pickups makes it a real tone monster, perfect for modern rock, metal, and even some heavier progressive styles. It’s a well-built, versatile axe for the discerning player.
Pros
- Mahogany body delivers rich sustain and warmth.
- Quilted maple top adds stunning visual appeal and clarity.
- Seymour Duncan Pegasus/Sentient combo provides versatile high-output tones.
Cons
- The thin 'U' neck profile might not suit all players' preferences.
- Reindeer Blue finish is a bold choice, potentially limiting appeal.
49AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$3,232 now$3,232€2,899 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets24 frets
- BodyMahogany body
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This guitar feels great in hand with a light neck and rich mahogany body. It plays smoothly thanks to the thin neck and long stainless steel frets. Perfect for players who want a reliable Strat-style sound with dive-baiting capabilities without extra electronics.
Pros
- Mahogany body paired with maple neck for solid resonance
- Extra Thin U neck profile offers comfortable playing feel
- Stainless steel frets ensure long-lasting playability
Cons
- Heavy construction may strain smaller players
- Limited to one volume and one tone control
48AudioFu
Index↓ 41.2%since Aug 27$1,894 · Aug 27$1,114 now$1,114€999 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Fingerboard radius350 mm (13.78")
- BodyAlder body
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This Horizon CTM '87 is a seriously cool-looking and playing guitar. The combination of alder, ebony, and those Duncan pickups gives it a modern edge with a nod to classic tones. It’s perfect for players who want a shred-ready instrument with a unique aesthetic and premium feel.
Pros
- Alder body delivers a balanced, resonant tone with excellent sustain.
- Macassar ebony fingerboard provides a smooth, fast playing experience.
- Seymour Duncan pickups offer a versatile range from clean to high-gain.
Cons
- Extra thin 'U' neck profile may not suit players preferring a thicker feel.
- Pearl White finish, while striking, is prone to fingerprints and blemishes.
48AudioFu
Index↓ 37.5%since Aug 17$1,783 · Aug 17$1,114 now$1,114€999 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
ESP LTD GL Desert Eagle George Lynch Signature
LTD GL Desert Eagle · ESP
24 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- BodyAlder body
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This Desert Eagle is a serious contender for players craving that signature George Lynch aggression and shred. The combination of alder, ebony, and the Duncan Distortion makes it a powerhouse for high-gain rock and metal. It's a premium-priced instrument built for players who prioritize attitude and performance over ultimate versatility.
Pros
- Alder body provides a balanced, resonant tone with good sustain.
- Seymour Duncan Distortion delivers aggressive, high-output rock and metal tones.
- Macassar ebony fingerboard offers a slick, fast playing experience.
Cons
- GL Original U neck profile may not suit players preferring thinner, modern feels.
- Desert Eagle finish, while striking, can be a fingerprint magnet.
48AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,095 now$2,095€1,879 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Fingerboard radius300 mm (11.81")
- BodyMahogany body
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This guitar feels great to play with its thin neck and smooth ebony fingerboard. The two Fishman pickups let you switch between a warm neck tone and a punchy bridge sound. It suits players who want a solid mahogany body with modern electronics without the weight of a full-size guitar.
Pros
- Extra Thin U neck profile offers fast playability for bending and string skipping.
- Jazz fingerboard radius provides a smooth feel under the fingers.
- Stainless steel frets maintain bright tone and stay smooth for years.
Cons
- Granite Sparkle finish may show fingerprints and scratches easily.
- Weight is not specified in the description.
47AudioFu
Index↓ 2.8%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$2,006 · Aug 17$1,950 now$1,950€1,749 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Fingerboard radius350 mm (13.78")
- BodyBasswood body
This guitar feels great to hold thanks to its solid basswood body and easy-to-grasp thin neck. The five-way switch lets you get both clean and dirty tones without extra gear. It is a solid choice for players who want a reliable workhorse without spending too much.
Pros
- Solid basswood body provides a full, warm tone foundation.
- Thin U neck profile offers easy playability for all hand sizes.
- 25.5-inch scale length delivers tight, responsive string action.
Cons
- Single middle pickup lacks the true humbucker power some players want.
- No active electronics means no EQ boost for high-gain tones.
46AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Oct 10Oct 10$322 now$322€289 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
ESP LTD GL-200K George Lynch Signature
LTD GL-200K Black · ESP
16 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Fingerboard radius350 mm (13.78")
- BodyBasswood body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This guitar sounds like George Lynch because it uses his exact signature parts. The thin neck lets you play fast, and the single coil pickup cuts through mixes. It suits players who want that classic hard rock tone without weighing them down.
Pros
- George Lynch signature brings iconic Dokken tone
- Thin U-neck profile feels fast under fingers
- LS-120 single coil delivers crisp, clean attack
Cons
- No weight spec listed makes heft unknown
- Single coil neck pickup may hum in noise
46AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$869 now$869€779 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 47 ST style guitars
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
ESP LTD MH-400HT QM STBESP · 2 finishes46↓ 7.4%$980€879$980€879Check ↗
- 12
ESP Edwards M-II CTM NATESP · 3 finishes46Stable$2,173€1,949$2,173€1,949Check ↗
- 13
ESP LTD JH-600 CTM Jeff Hanneman SignatureLTD Jeff Hanneman JH-600CTM BK · ESP46Stable$2,339€2,098$2,339€2,098Check ↗
- 14
ESP LTD JM-II Josh Middleton SignatureLTD JM-II Josh Middleton BSB · ESP44Stable$1,884€1,690$1,884€1,690Check ↗
- 15
ESP LTD SN-1000HT QM DBSBESP · 3 finishes44Stable$1,950€1,749$1,950€1,749Check ↗
- 16
ESP LTD MH-200HT QM BSESP43↓ 5.3%$791€709$791€709Check ↗
- 17
ESP LTD MT-I Mick Thomson BLKSESP · 2 finishes43↓ 0.7%$2,028€1,819$2,028€1,819Check ↗
- 18
ESP LTD M-400HT SMESP · 2 finishes42Stable$1,058€949$1,058€949Check ↗
- 19
ESP Edwards M-II-7 MBKSESP · 2 finishes42Stable$2,340€2,099$2,340€2,099Check ↗
- 20
ESP LTD KH WZESP40Stable$1,869€1,676$1,869€1,676Check ↗
- 21
ESP LTD MV-1000 Maverick PWESP40Stable$1,894€1,699$1,894€1,699Check ↗
- 22
ESP Edwards E-MII-CTM Smokey BlackESP40Stable$2,117€1,899$2,117€1,899Check ↗
- 23
ESP LTD SC-607B Magenta MetallicESP40Stable$2,563€2,299$2,563€2,299Check ↗
- 24
ESP E-II M-I NT DCARSESP40Stable$2,786€2,499$2,786€2,499Check ↗
- 25
ESP E-II M-II Neck Thru Snow WhiteESP40Stable$3,344€2,999$3,344€2,999Check ↗
- 26
ESP E-II Horizon 3 FM FR STBLKSBESP40Stable$3,344€2,999$3,344€2,999Check ↗
- 27
ESP E-II Horizon NT-II EMG STBCSBESP40Stable$3,344€2,999$3,344€2,999Check ↗
- 28
ESP E-II Horizon NT II TE AM FadeESP40Stable$3,344€2,999$3,344€2,999Check ↗
- 29
ESP E-II SN-III Flicker GunMet BKESP40Stable$3,790€3,399$3,790€3,399Check ↗
- 30
ESP E-II SN-III Flicker CGSESP40Stable$3,790€3,399$3,790€3,399Check ↗
- 31
ESP E-II M-II HST P MSFMGESP40Stable$4,013€3,599$4,013€3,599Check ↗
- 32
ESP E-II Maverick GunMetallic BKESP40Stable$4,013€3,599$4,013€3,599Check ↗
- 33
ESP E-II Maverick FR II AndromedaESP40Stable$4,013€3,599$4,013€3,599Check ↗
- 34
ESP E-II Horizon FR GunMetallic BKESP40Stable$4,013€3,599$4,013€3,599Check ↗
- 35
ESP E-II Horizon FR II AndromedaESP40Stable$4,013€3,599$4,013€3,599Check ↗
- 36
ESP E-II RZK-I FluenceESP40Stable$4,069€3,649$4,069€3,649Check ↗
- 37
ESP E-II M-II HT Mercury Blue BstESP40Stable$4,347€3,899$4,347€3,899Check ↗
- 38
ESP Horizon NT CTM ST Red BurstESP40Stable$8,696€7,799$8,696€7,799Check ↗
- 39
ESP LTD SN-201 HTSN-201 HT BK · ESP39Stable$668€599$668€599Check ↗
- 40
ESP Edwards Horizon-I BLKESP38Stable$2,117€1,899$2,117€1,899Check ↗
- 41
ESP LTD ALR-II QM STP Andy LaroqueESP38Stable$2,452€2,199$2,452€2,199Check ↗
- 42
ESP Edwards Horizon-8 FX BLKSESP38Stable$2,508€2,249$2,508€2,249Check ↗
- 43
ESP LTD M-1000HT BP Black FadeESP36Stable$1,671€1,499$1,671€1,499Check ↗
- 44
ESP E-II Horizon FR-II EMG STBCSBESP36Stable$3,678€3,299$3,678€3,299Check ↗
- 45
ESP LTD KH-202 Caution Kirk Hammett Signature Black w/ GraphicLTD KH-202 BLK Kirk Hammett · ESP · 2 finishes35Stable$724€649$724€649Check ↗
- 46
ESP LTD MH-10LTD MH-10 Black · ESP33Stable$289€259$289€259Check ↗
- 47
ESP KH-2 Neck Thru CTMESP33Stable$5,797€5,199$5,797€5,199Check ↗
ST Style Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 1,452 models we track, not a sample.
Median $2,006 — 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
Heritage & Design Philosophy
ESP’s ST-styles aren’t just copies. They draw inspiration from classic Strats but lean into a more modern, rock-focused aesthetic. Think sharper contours, often a thinner neck profile, and a focus on sustain – something often lacking in cheaper alternatives.
Neck Construction & Playability
ESP’s necks are generally fantastic. The Wizard III profile is a real winner for many – thin, fast, and comfortable for shredding, though it might feel a little too slim for some blues players. Action setup is usually spot-on out of the box, but a pro setup always elevates the experience.
Pickups & Tone Voicing
This is where ESP really differentiates itself. They often use their own LH pickups or DiMarzio pickups which deliver a more aggressive, high-output sound than many stock Strat pickups. Expect a tighter low-end thump, more defined articulation, and a slightly hotter, more saturated overdrive – great for rock and metal, but can be tamed with the tone knob.
Hardware & Build Quality
ESP’s hardware is consistently solid. Locking tuners are standard on many models, improving tuning stability, which is critical for live gigs. The bridges are usually designed for better sustain and tremolo performance than you’ll find on budget instruments, though some models might have a slightly less refined tremolo feel.
Sustain & Resonance
ESP guitars, particularly those with Mahogany bodies, tend to have exceptional sustain. It’s not just about long notes; it’s about how the guitar responds – a noticeable difference when bending strings or using vibrato. This is a crucial factor for expressive playing and cutting through a loud mix.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're in the market for an ESP ST-style guitar? Smart move. They’ve carved out a serious niche, especially for players who want that classic Strat vibe but with a bit more aggressive edge and rock-solid build. Forget the dime-a-dozen copies; ESP’s take on the ST platform consistently delivers a pro-level playing experience, but it’s got nuances you need to know about.
Don’t chase the flashiest finish – focus on the neck profile and pickup voicing. Higher-end ESPs use roasted maple necks, which offer increased stability and a smoother feel, but it's a luxury. If you're a gigging musician, prioritize tuning stability and a comfortable neck; those small details make a HUGE difference when you're sweating it out on stage.
Beware of super-budget ESP models; those often cut corners on hardware and wood selection.
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 70 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 ESP ST-styles worth the money compared to a Fender Strat?
It depends. If you want that classic Fender vibe *exactly*, a Fender is the way to go. But if you're after a more modern, aggressive playing experience with a tighter feel and better hardware, ESP offers incredible value.
What’s the difference between an ESP Standard Series and a LTD model?
LTD is ESP's more affordable line. They often use different woods and pickups to hit a lower price point, but still maintain a good level of quality. Standard Series are generally higher-end with more premium features.
Are ESP ST-style guitars good for blues?
They *can* be, but you might need to swap the pickups. The stock pickups are often too hot for traditional blues tones. A set of vintage-style single coils would mellow them out considerably.
I'm a beginner, should I buy an ESP ST-style?
Absolutely. The comfortable neck profiles and solid hardware make them a joy to play. Just be aware they might be a bit more aggressive sounding than a traditional Strat, which is fine for learning rock and metal.
Do ESP ST-style guitars have good sustain?
Generally, yes. The construction methods and wood choices often contribute to excellent sustain, especially models with Mahogany bodies. It’s a noticeable upgrade compared to many other ST-style guitars.
