Best ESP ST Style Guitars 2026
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.
Last updated: September 17, 2026
⚡ The best st style guitars in 2026 are ESP Edwards M-II CTM NAT (top pick), ESP Edwards CY SWS for tighter budgets, and ESP Edwards CY BLKS for pros — selected from 15 options, priced $898–$8,997, ranked by brand, price and popularity.
#1
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
5/10
ESP Edwards M-II CTM NAT
by
ESP
Nut width
42 mm (1.65")
Scale
648 mm (25.51")
Frets
24 frets
Fingerboard radius
400 mm (15.75")
Body
Ash body
Fingerboard
Ebony fingerboard
Blues
Country
Pop
Key Feature:
This guitar feels solid under your hand thanks to the ash body and thick maple neck. The strings go all the way through the wood, which usually gives a deeper thump. It comes with two humbuckers for a heavy sound, but only one knob to turn the volume. If you want a straightforward, hard-hitting instrument without extra switches, this fits you well.
PROS
- • Ash body with flamed maple looks striking on stage.
- • Through-body string passage strengthens the bottom end.
- • Ebony fingerboard provides a fast, smooth playing feel.
- • Custom Lab humbuckers deliver thick, punchy output.
CONS
- • Fixed hardtail bridge lacks a tremolo system.
- • Single master tone control limits EQ flexibility.
- • No weight specification makes carrying uncertainty.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
5/10
Art. 649087
$2,249
#2
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
5/10
ESP Edwards CY SWS
by
ESP
Nut width
42 mm (1.65")
Scale
648 mm (25.51")
Frets
24 frets
Fingerboard radius
305 mm (12.01")
Body
Alder body
Fingerboard
Ebony fingerboard
Country
Funk
Indie
Key Feature:
This guitar feels like a well-built workhorse ready for the stage. The alder body and maple neck give it a solid feel, while the Floyd Rose bridge lets you dive-bomb whenever you want. It suits players who need a reliable tone but want to keep things simple with just one volume knob.
PROS
- • Solid alder body offers balanced resonance for all playing styles.
CONS
- • Single volume control limits tonal shaping options compared to standard 5-band setups.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
5/10
Art. 649075
$2,710
#3
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
5/10
ESP Edwards CY BLKS
by
ESP
Nut width
42 mm (1.65")
Scale
648 mm (25.51")
Frets
24 frets
Fingerboard radius
305 mm (12.01")
Body
Alder body
Fingerboard
Ebony fingerboard
Funk
Blues
Rock
Key Feature:
This guitar feels solid thanks to its thick maple neck and locking tuners. It handles fast bends and dive bombs easily with the Floyd Rose bridge. The black finish looks cool on stage. It fits players who want a reliable workhorse for heavy music without worrying about setup stability.
PROS
- • Sturdy three-piece maple neck holds its shape well for heavy playing.
- • Floyd Rose tremolo offers extreme dive-bombing capability for metal styles.
- • Seymour Duncan Rails provide a tight, responsive high-output humbucker tone.
- • Black satin finish looks sleek and hides minor scratches easily.
CONS
- • No weight specification listed makes heavy-set players unsure of comfort.
- • Master tone control lacks individual pickup tone adjustments.
- • Description omits specific tonal character of the Jazz Rails pickup.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
5/10
Art. 649071
$2,710
#4
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
5/10
ESP Edwards M-II-7 MBKS
by
ESP
Nut width
46 mm (1.81")
Scale
648 mm (25.51")
Fingerboard radius
305 mm (12.01")
Strings
7-string
Body
Okoume body
Blues
Country
Pop
Key Feature:
This guitar feels built for players who want a rock-solid platform. The strings go through the body, which gives a strong, clear tone that holds up well. The extra-jumbo frets are easy to play, even with a big hand. It is a good choice for those who prefer a simple, hardtail feel over complex hardware.
PROS
- • Heavy-duty fixed hardtail bridge locks string tension perfectly
- • Extra-jumbo nickel-silver frets play smoothly across the neck
- • 3-piece bolt-on maple neck stays stable under heavy use
- • Strings run through the body for solid sustain and clarity
CONS
- • Okoume body material lacks the density of maple or mahogany
- • No weight spec listed makes balance feel uncertain
- • Single volume and tone controls limit tone shaping options
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
5/10
Art. 649093
$2,422
#5
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
5/10
ESP Edwards M-II-7 IBM
by
ESP
Nut width
46 mm (1.81")
Scale
648 mm (25.51")
Fingerboard radius
305 mm (12.01")
Strings
7-string
Body
Okoume body
Blues
Indie
Funk
Key Feature:
This guitar has a solid maple neck and big humbuckers that make thick, warm tones. The strings-through-body bridge is strong but makes the instrument heavier than a tremolo model. It fits players who want a hardtail feel and big sound without a tremolo system.
PROS
- • Solid 3-piece bolt-on maple neck construction
- • Premium humbuckers for thick, warm tones
- • Strings-through-body hardtail bridge design
- • Extra-jumbo frets for easy playing
CONS
- • Heavy Okoume body may feel bulky
- • No tremolo system for vibrato
- • Single tone control limits tone shaping
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
5/10
Art. 649091
$2,422
ESP LTD H3-1000FR Metallic Silver
by
ESP
Nut width
42 mm (1.65")
Scale
648 mm (25.51")
Frets
24 frets
Body
Mahogany body
Fingerboard
Ebony fingerboard
Rock
Indie
Pop
Key Feature:
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
- • Seymour Duncan pickups deliver classic humbucker tone
CONS
- • Heavy construction may strain smaller players
- • Limited to one volume and one tone control
- • Lacks modern features like Bluetooth or active EQ
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 584663
$1,014
ESP LTD H3-1000 QM STBC
by
ESP
Nut width
42 mm (1.65")
Scale
648 mm (25.51")
Frets
24 frets
Body
Mahogany body
Fingerboard
Ebony fingerboard
Indie
Pop
Country
Key Feature:
This guitar feels great to play with its thin neck and smooth jumbo frets. The mahogany body sounds warm, and the Seymour Duncan pickups give you a solid tone. It suits players who want a reliable workhorse but only need basic controls.
PROS
- • Solid mahogany body with quilted maple top for stability
- • Thin U neck profile offers fast and easy playability
- • Seymour Duncan Pegasus and Sentient humbuckers for tone
- • Stainless steel jumbo frets provide a smooth playing surface
CONS
- • Only two controls limit volume and tone shaping options
- • No dedicated middle pickup selector for hybrid tone blending
- • Heavy mahogany and maple combination may feel stiff
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 536259
$1,024
#8
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
2/10
ESP Horizon NT CTM ST Red Burst
by
ESP
Nut width
42 mm (1.65")
Scale
648 mm (25.51")
Fingerboard radius
305 mm (12.01")
Body
Mahogany body
Fingerboard
Ebony fingerboard
Funk
Rock
Country
Key Feature:
This guitar feels like a high-end tool built for speed. The thin maple neck and big frets make it glide under your fingers like butter. It sits on a thick mahogany body that gives a warm, solid thump. Perfect for players who want that classic rock tone without sacrificing playability.
PROS
- • Extra Thin U neck profile plays fast and feels easy
- • Super jumbo frets allow smooth bends and fast runs
- • Mahogany body delivers warm and punchy low end
- • Seymour Duncan TB-4 and SH-1 pickups offer classic rock tone
CONS
- • No weight specification listed in the provided description
- • See Thru Red Burst finish may show wear quickly
- • High price point compared to standard ST models
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
2/10
Art. 648200
$8,998
ESP LTD GL-200K Black
by
ESP
Nut width
43 mm (1.69")
Scale
648 mm (25.51")
Fingerboard radius
350 mm (13.78")
Body
Basswood body
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Blues
Indie
Country
Key Feature:
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
- • Floyd Rose tremolo allows deep dive-bombs
CONS
- • No weight spec listed makes heft unknown
- • Single coil neck pickup may hum in noise
- • Rosewood fretboard can wear fast with heavy use
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 634721
$899
#10
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
6/10
ESP LTD MT-I Mick Thomson Sig.
by
ESP
Nut width
42 mm (1.65")
Scale
648 mm (25.51")
Fingerboard radius
300 mm (11.81")
Body
Mahogany body
Fingerboard
Ebony fingerboard
Country
Funk
Blues
Key Feature:
This guitar feels like a well-built workhorse with a thin neck that slides under your fingers easily. The mahogany body and ash top give it a solid, warm sound that holds up well through the amp. It suits players who want a fast, responsive instrument without overthinking the setup.
PROS
- • Solid mahogany body with ash top for warm tone
- • Thin U neck profile plays very fast and easy
- • Stainless steel frets stay bright for years
- • Through-body bridge adds solid sustain and punch
CONS
- • No weight listed makes handling feel uncertain
- • Single humbucker limits tonal range compared to dual
- • 25.5 inch scale may feel long to some players
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 634677
$2,099
ESP LTD MH-400 SW EMG
by
ESP
Nut width
42 mm (1.65")
Scale
648 mm (25.51")
Fingerboard radius
350 mm (13.78")
Body
Mahogany body
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Country
Rock
Funk
Key Feature:
This guitar feels light in the hands thanks to its maple neck and mahogany body. The EMG pickups cut through any mix with their tight, high-output sound. The extra thin neck makes bending notes easy for anyone who wants speed. It suits players who need a solid platform for heavy distortion and dive-bombs.
PROS
- • Mahogany body pairs with maple neck for solid resonance
- • EMG 85 and 81 pickups deliver tight, aggressive tone
- • Extra thin U-profile neck plays fast with low effort
- • Floyd Rose Special tremolo allows deep dive-bow control
CONS
- • Rosewood fingerboard can be slippery in humid weather
- • No specific weight listed makes balance feel uncertain
- • Black hardware may show dust and scratches easily
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 634460
$1,026
ESP LTD MH-400HT QM STB
by
ESP
Nut width
42 mm (1.65")
Scale
648 mm (25.51")
Fingerboard radius
350 mm (13.78")
Body
Mahogany body
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Indie
Pop
Rock
Key Feature:
This guitar sounds like a thick wall of bass mixed with clear highs thanks to its mahogany body and quilted top. The EMG pickups give it a tight, modern edge perfect for heavy playing. It feels comfortable under the fingers with its thin neck, though you can't bend notes as much with the fixed bridge. Great for players who want a solid, modern tone without a tremolo system.
PROS
- • Heavy mahogany body gives thick, dark low-end tone
- • Quilted maple top adds bright top-end sparkle
- • EMG Blackout humbuckers deliver tight, aggressive sound
- • Extra Thin neck profile fits large hands easily
CONS
- • Fixed bridge limits pitch bending compared to tremolo
- • No weight spec listed makes carryability unknown
- • Rosewood fretboard can wear down quickly with heavy use
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 634452
$1,026
#13
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
9/10
Value:
6/10
ESP LTD MH-1000NT GS
by
ESP
Nut width
42 mm (1.65")
Scale
648 mm (25.51")
Fingerboard radius
300 mm (11.81")
Body
Mahogany body
Fingerboard
Ebony fingerboard
Funk
Indie
Blues
Key Feature:
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.
- • Dual Fishman pickups give distinct neck and bridge voice options.
CONS
- • Granite Sparkle finish may show fingerprints and scratches easily.
- • Weight is not specified in the description.
- • Factory strings are heavy gauge which might not suit everyone.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 634434
$2,076
ESP LTD M-400HT SM
by
ESP
Nut width
43 mm (1.69")
Scale
648 mm (25.51")
Fingerboard radius
350 mm (13.78")
Body
Mahogany body
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Country
Blues
Pop
Key Feature:
This guitar plays like a dream for players who want speed and punch. The roasted maple neck is incredibly light, and the EMG pickups cut through any mix with ease. It suits anyone needing a reliable, high-output workhorse for live shows.
PROS
- • Roasted maple neck feels fast and light on the fretboard
- • EMG 85/81 humbuckers deliver a tight, modern low-end punch
- • Strings-through-body bridge design locks intonation perfectly
- • Mahogany body adds warm resonance under the active pickups
CONS
- • No weight specification listed makes handling feel uncertain
- • Active EMG pickups can sound harsh to non-amplified ears
- • Scarlet finish may show wear quickly with heavy playing
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 634404
$1,095
ESP LTD M-400HT CM
by
ESP
Nut width
43 mm (1.69")
Scale
648 mm (25.51")
Fingerboard radius
350 mm (13.78")
Body
Mahogany body
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Rock
Pop
Country
Key Feature:
This guitar feels like a well-oiled machine in your hands. The roasted maple neck slides under your fingers with ease, while the EMG pickups punch hard through any mix. It is built for players who want fast action and a solid low end without worrying about tuning stability. Perfect for anyone needing a reliable workhorse that stays in tune night after night.
PROS
- • Roasted maple neck offers faster playability and stable tuning.
- • Extra Thin U profile feels comfortable for long sessions.
- • EMG 85 and 81 combo delivers tight, aggressive low end.
- • 3-piece bolt-on construction ensures strong neck stability.
CONS
- • Mahogany body lacks resonance compared to maple alternatives.
- • Fixed bridge design limits microtonal pitch adjustments.
- • No weight specification provided for comfort checks.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 634393
$1,095
Every st style guitars that matches
62 models match this page. The 15 above are covered in detail; the rest are listed here with their published specifications.
| # | Model | Specifications | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | ESP LTD SC-607B Magenta Metallic | Nut width 48 mm (1.89") · Scale 685.8 mm (27") · Fingerboard radius 400 mm (15.75") · Body Mahogany body · Fingerboard Ebony fingerboard | $2,652 |
| 17 | ESP LTD MV-1000 Maverick PW | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 628 mm (24.72") · Fingerboard radius 350 mm (13.78") · Body Alder body · Fingerboard Ebony fingerboard | $1,960 |
| 18 | ESP LTD MH-200HT QM BS | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Fingerboard radius 350 mm (13.78") · Body Mahogany body · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $830 |
| 19 | ESP LTD M-200DX NT PB | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Fingerboard radius 350 mm (13.78") · Body Poplar body · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $576 |
| 20 | ESP LTD SN-1000HT QM DBSB | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 628 mm (24.72") · Fingerboard radius 300 mm (11.81") · Body Ash body · Fingerboard Ebony fingerboard | $2,018 |
| 21 | ESP E-II SN-III Flicker GunMet BK | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01") · Body Alder body · Fingerboard Ebony fingerboard | $3,921 |
| 22 | ESP E-II SN-III Flicker CGS | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01") · Body Alder body · Fingerboard Ebony fingerboard | $3,921 |
| 23 | ESP E-II Maverick GunMetallic BK | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01") · Body Alder body · Fingerboard Ebony fingerboard | $4,152 |
| 24 | ESP E-II Maverick FR II Andromeda | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01") · Body Alder body · Fingerboard Ebony fingerboard | $4,152 |
| 25 | ESP E-II Horizon FR GunMetallic BK | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01") · Body Mahogany body · Fingerboard Ebony fingerboard | $4,152 |
| 26 | ESP E-II Horizon FR II Andromeda | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01") · Body Mahogany body · Fingerboard Ebony fingerboard | $4,152 |
| 27 | ESP LTD Jeff Hanneman JH-600CTM BK | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Fingerboard radius 350 mm (13.78") · Body Alder body · Fingerboard Ebony fingerboard | $2,420 |
| 28 | ESP E-II RZK-I Fluence | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01") · Body Alder body · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $4,210 |
| 29 | ESP E-II M-II HT Mercury Blue Bst | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01") · Body Alder body · Fingerboard Ebony fingerboard | $4,498 |
| 30 | ESP LTD KH WZ | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Fingerboard radius 350 mm (13.78") · Body Alder body · Fingerboard Ebony fingerboard | $1,934 |
| 31 | ESP LTD Horizon CTM '87 Pearl WH | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Fingerboard radius 350 mm (13.78") · Body Alder body · Fingerboard Ebony fingerboard | $1,037 |
| 32 | ESP E-II M-II Neck Thru Snow White | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01") · Body Alder body · Fingerboard Ebony fingerboard | $3,460 |
| 33 | ESP E-II M-I Thru NT DCARS | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01") · Body Alder body · Fingerboard Ebony fingerboard | $2,883 |
| 34 | ESP E-II Horizon 3 FM FR STBLKSB | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01") · Body Mahogany body · Fingerboard Ebony fingerboard | $3,460 |
| 35 | ESP E-II Horizon NT-II EMG STBCSB | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01") · Body Mahogany body · Fingerboard Ebony fingerboard | $3,460 |
| 36 | ESP E-II Horizon NT II TE AM Fade | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01") · Body Mahogany body · Fingerboard Ebony fingerboard | $3,460 |
| 37 | ESP LTD MH1000 NT FM Charcoal | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Frets 24 frets · Body Mahogany body · Fingerboard Ebony fingerboard | $1,960 |
| 38 | ESP LTD GL Desert Eagle | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01") · Body Alder body · Fingerboard Ebony fingerboard | $2,168 |
| 39 | ESP Edwards E-MII-CTM Smokey Black | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Frets 24 frets · Body Ash body · Fingerboard Ebony fingerboard | $2,191 |
| 40 | ESP Edwards Horizon-8 FX BLKS | Nut width 55 mm (2.17") · Scale 666 mm (26.22") · Frets 24 frets · Fingerboard radius 400 mm (15.75") | $2,595 |
| 41 | ESP Edwards Horizon-I BLK | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01") · Body Alder body | $2,191 |
| 42 | ESP LTD KH-202 BLK Kirk Ham Bundle | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Body Basswood body · Weight 4 kg | $871 |
| 43 | ESP LTD MT-130 Snow White | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Fingerboard radius 350 mm (13.78") · Body Basswood body | $333 |
| 44 | ESP LTD MT-130 Red | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Fingerboard radius 350 mm (13.78") · Body Basswood body | $333 |
| 45 | ESP LTD MT-130 Neon Green | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Fingerboard radius 350 mm (13.78") · Body Basswood body | $333 |
| 46 | ESP LTD MT-130 BLK | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Fingerboard radius 350 mm (13.78") · Body Basswood body | $333 |
| 47 | ESP E-II Horizon QM FR RDB | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Frets 24 frets · Body Mahogany body | $3,345 |
| 48 | ESP LTD SN-1000 HT Silver Blast | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Body Ash body · Fingerboard Ebony fingerboard | $1,845 |
| 49 | ESP LTD MH-1000NT BB BLK | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Body Mahogany body · Fingerboard Ebony fingerboard | $1,887 |
| 50 | ESP LTD MH-1000 Black Ocean | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Body Mahogany body · Fingerboard Ebony fingerboard | $1,845 |
| 51 | ESP LTD M-200DX NT BLB | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Body Poplar body · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $575 |
| 52 | ESP LTD ALR-II QM STP Andy Laroque | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 629 mm (24.76") · Body Mahogany body · Fingerboard Ebony fingerboard | $2,537 |
| 53 | ESP LTD MT-I Mick Thomson OBSM | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01") · Body Mahogany body · Fingerboard Ebony fingerboard | $1,960 |
| 54 | ESP E-II Horizon FR-II EMG TESB | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Body Mahogany body · Fingerboard Ebony fingerboard | $3,806 |
| 55 | ESP LTD JM-II Josh Middleton BSB | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Body Alder body | $1,950 |
| 56 | ESP LTD KH 602 PSP | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Body Alder body | $1,729 |
| 57 | ESP LTD KH 602 BLK | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Body Alder body | $1,628 |
| 58 | ESP LTD MH-10 Black | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Body Basswood body | $299 |
| 59 | ESP LTD KH-202 BLK Kirk Hammett | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Body Basswood body | $749 |
| 60 | ESP E-II Horizon FR-II EMG STBCSB | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Body Mahogany body | $3,806 |
| 61 | ESP LTD M-1000HT BP Black Fade | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Body Alder body | $1,729 |
| 62 | ESP KH-2 Neck Thru CTM | Body Alder body | $5,998 |
ST Style Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 1,405 models in this category, so «wide», «short» or «expensive» mean something you can check.
Price
median $1,069
from $194 to $6,921
Nut width
median 42 mm (1.65")
from 41.9 mm (1.65") to 43 mm (1.69") · 1,090 models
Scale
median 648 mm (25.51")
from 635 mm (25") to 648 mm (25.51") · 1,271 models
Frets
median 22
from 21 to 24 · 725 models
Body
alder, poplar, basswood
most common · 1,253 models
Fingerboard
rosewood, maple, ebony
most common · 944 models
Fingerboard radius
median 305 mm (12.01")
from 184.1 mm (7.25") to 430 mm (16.93") · 698 models
Neck profile
C, D, U
most common · 189 models
Weight
median 3.44 kg
from 2 kg to 9 kg · 69 models
Strings
median 7-string
from 4-string to 8-string · 14 models
How to Choose the Best ST Style Guitars
1
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.
2
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.
3
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.
4
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.
5
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
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 This List Is Built
We don't play these instruments — we're a catalog, not a review desk, and we'd rather say so than pretend otherwise. This page covers 62 of 1,405 st style guitars from the Thomann catalogue, which is the largest single source of specification data in this category: 15 in detail, the rest listed with their specifications.
Position is computed, not curated. We parse the manufacturer's own description into actual values — nut width, scale, fret count, fingerboard radius, size, alloy — and rank on them: how many specifications a model has published, how many of them are measurable numbers, and how precisely it meets this page's criterion. A product image adds a little. Price is not a ranking signal: it tells you nothing about whether a neck fits your hand. The same inputs always produce the same order, so nothing here is shuffled to look fresh.
What this list is good for: narrowing a category down to a shortlist by spec and budget. What it isn't: a substitute for hearing an instrument. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
