Best Evh ST Style Guitars 2026
Alright, so you're after that iconic EVH striped guitar sound? It's more than just the looks, man. Those guitars carved a niche with a specific feel and a raw, aggressive tone that cut through everything - from arena rock to studio recordings. We're diving into the world of EVH ST-style guitars, figuring out what makes them tick and which ones actually deliver the goods.
Last updated: September 17, 2026
⚡ The best st style guitars in 2026 are Evh 5150 DX Baked Maple Black (top pick), Evh Frankie Striped MN Relic B/Y for tighter budgets, and Evh Wolfgang Special LTD DIV for pros — selected from 12 options, priced $725–$1,994, ranked by brand, price and popularity.
#1
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Evh 5150 DX Baked Maple Black
by
Evh
Nut width
42.9 mm (1.69")
Scale
648 mm (25.51")
Frets
22 frets
Fingerboard radius
304.8 mm (12")
Body
Basswood body
Fingerboard
Maple fingerboard
Pop
Blues
Funk
Key Feature:
This guitar feels solid with its roasted maple neck and bolt-on joint. The direct-mount pickups give you a clear, punchy tone right out of the box. It pairs that solid feel with a full Floyd Rose system for serious pitch bends. Perfect for players who want stability and a classic rock sound without extra gear.
PROS
- • Quartersawn roasted maple neck adds strength and stability.
- • Bolt-on joint ensures consistent tuning stability over time.
- • Two direct-mount pickups provide balanced, full-range tone.
- • Floyd Rose tremolo offers extreme pitch bend control.
CONS
- • No weight listed makes heavy neck feel uncertain.
- • Single volume/tone setup limits tone shaping options.
- • Fixed 25.5 scale length may suit some players less.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 636052
$1,266
#2
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Evh Frankie Striped MN Relic B/Y
by
Evh
Nut width
42.9 mm (1.69")
Scale
648 mm (25.51")
Frets
22 frets
Fingerboard radius
304.8 mm (12")
Body
Basswood body
Fingerboard
Maple fingerboard
Indie
Country
Pop
Key Feature:
This guitar sounds like Eddie with a twist. It has a real Wolfgang pickup for that fast, biting tone, but the neck pickup is just a dummy switch that does nothing. The locking tremolo lets you drop notes far below, which is cool for shredding. It suits players who want aggressive playability but should know the extra frets might feel tight.
PROS
- • Basswood body offers solid resonance for big attack
- • Maple neck provides strong, stable structure
- • Floyd Rose R3 locking nut allows extreme dive-bombs
- • Direct Mount pickup gives clear, direct tone
CONS
- • Dummy neck pickup won't produce usable sound
- • Relic finish adds weight and potential wear
- • 22 frets may feel crowded for smaller hands
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 634705
$1,995
#3
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Evh Wolfgang Special LTD DIV
by
Evh
Nut width
41.3 mm (1.63")
Scale
648 mm (25.51")
Frets
22 frets
Body
Basswood body
Fingerboard
Ebony fingerboard
Rock
Blues
Pop
Key Feature:
This guitar feels like a solid tool for playing heavy music. The maple neck is strong, and the extra-wide frets let you hit big chords easily. It is built for players who want a tight, fast tone right out of the box. While the locking tremolo is great for drops, it needs a bit of skill to use well. You will love the direct pickups for their clarity in a band mix.
PROS
- • Graphite-reinforced maple neck stays stable in hot weather.
- • 22 jumbo frets make bending notes feel easier.
- • Compound radius fingerboard smooths out tight chords.
- • Direct-mount pickups provide a tight, punchy tone.
CONS
- • Heavy brass block in the tremolo adds weight.
- • Two knobs limit volume and tone control options.
- • Floyd Rose bridge requires special strings and tech skills.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 648122
$1,949
#4
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Evh 5150 DX Baked Maple PCDR
by
Evh
Nut width
42.9 mm (1.69")
Scale
648 mm (25.51")
Frets
22 frets
Body
Basswood body
Fingerboard
Maple fingerboard
Country
Rock
Funk
Key Feature:
This guitar feels solid thanks to its roasted maple neck and quilted top. The Wolfgang pickups give a thick, heavy tone perfect for shredding. While the locking tremolo is cool, it can be tricky to tune for beginners. It suits players who want a classic 5150 feel with modern stability.
PROS
- • Quilted maple top adds visual flair and structural stability.
- • Roasted maple neck ensures consistent playability and comfort.
- • Two EVH Wolfgang humbuckers deliver thick, high-output tone.
- • Bolt-on construction allows precise alignment and easy setup.
CONS
- • Heavy Floyd Rose system can be difficult to tune.
- • Compound radius requires finger stretch adaptation.
- • No weight spec listed makes carrying uncertainty.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 636819
$1,499
#5
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Evh 5150 DX Baked Maple CAR MET
by
Evh
Nut width
42.9 mm (1.69")
Scale
648 mm (25.51")
Frets
22 frets
Body
Basswood body
Fingerboard
Maple fingerboard
Funk
Pop
Indie
Key Feature:
This guitar uses roasted maple for the neck and fretboard, making it feel smooth and stable under your fingers. The Wolfgang pickups give a thick, crunchy tone perfect for metal riffs, while the locking tremolo keeps your pitch tight after heavy playing. It suits players who need a reliable, high-end machine that handles distortion well without losing its sound.
PROS
- • Roasted maple neck offers better playability and stability.
- • Floyd Rose tremolo locks strings for tuning accuracy.
- • Wolfgang humbuckers deliver thick, aggressive tone.
- • Baked maple back adds durability and resonance.
CONS
- • Candy Apple Red finish may show wear easily.
- • High-end hardware costs more than standard models.
- • Tremolo system adds complexity to string changes.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 636055
$1,255
#6
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Evh 5150 DX Baked Maple LMZ
by
Evh
Nut width
42.9 mm (1.69")
Scale
648 mm (25.51")
Frets
22 frets
Body
Basswood body
Fingerboard
Maple fingerboard
Funk
Blues
Country
Key Feature:
This guitar feels solid thanks to the roasted maple neck and quilted top. It plays fast with the jumbo frets and sounds punchy with the direct mount pickups. The D-Tuna option lets you dive deeper into low notes if you like that heavy sound. It suits players who want a classic EVH tone with a modern, locked tremolo system.
PROS
- • Quilted maple top adds visual flair and structural rigidity
- • Roasted maple neck and fretboard ensure playability and stability
- • Direct mount pickups offer immediate, responsive tone
- • D-Tuna system provides extended low-end range easily
CONS
- • Heavy basswood body may feel cumbersome for some players
- • Lack of explicit weight rating creates uncertainty
- • Double locking tremolo can be complex to set up
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 636820
$1,499
#7
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Evh Frankie Striped MN Relic R/W/B
by
Evh
Nut width
43 mm (1.69")
Scale
648 mm (25.51")
Frets
22 frets
Body
Basswood body
Fingerboard
Maple fingerboard
Pop
Country
Blues
Key Feature:
This Frankie striped guitar nails the vintage vibe with a modern edge. The Wolfgang pickup delivers serious bite, and the compound radius neck makes shredding a breeze. It's an excellent choice for players craving that classic Van Halen tone and feel without the top-tier price tag.
PROS
- • Basswood body delivers a surprisingly resonant and balanced tonal foundation.
- • Direct-mount Wolfgang humbucker provides a thick, aggressive bridge tone with clarity.
- • Compound radius fingerboard enhances playability, comfortable for chording and soloing.
- • Floyd Rose 1000 series tremolo allows for extreme dive bombs and tuning stability.
CONS
- • Relic finish might not appeal to players seeking a pristine, modern aesthetic.
- • Single dummy coil limits tonal versatility compared to a true single-coil option.
- • Bolt-on neck construction, while stable, lacks the warmth of a set neck.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 483564
$1,729
#8
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
7/10
Value:
6/10
Evh Striped 5150 Red
by
Evh
Nut width
42.8 mm (1.69")
Scale
648 mm (25.51")
Frets
22 frets
Body
Basswood body
Fingerboard
Maple fingerboard
Country
Funk
Indie
Key Feature:
This 5150 Red is a serious contender for players wanting that iconic EVH vibe without the vintage price tag. The Wolfgang pickup delivers that aggressive, cutting tone perfect for rock and metal, and the Floyd Rose tremolo opens up a world of expressive possibilities. It's a great choice for intermediate to advanced players looking for a reliable, high-performance instrument.
PROS
- • The Wolfgang humbucker delivers a searing, articulate high-gain tone.
- • Modified C neck profile offers a comfortable, familiar feel for many players.
- • Floyd Rose tremolo with D-Tuna facilitates effortless dive bombs and alternate tunings.
- • Basswood body provides a lightweight feel and balanced tonal foundation.
CONS
- • Basswood, while lightweight, lacks the sustain and complexity of mahogany.
- • Limited pickup options restrict versatility beyond rock and high-gain genres.
- • The tremolo, while reliable, requires careful setup to avoid tuning instability.
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
7/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 405775
$1,522
#9
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
6/10
Value:
7/10
Evh Stripe Red
by
Evh
Nut width
43 mm (1.69")
Scale
648 mm (25.51")
Frets
22 frets
Body
Basswood body
Fingerboard
Maple fingerboard
Pop
Funk
Blues
Key Feature:
This Evh Stripe Red is a solid choice for players wanting that classic Eddie Van Halen vibe without the premium price tag. The Wolfgang pickup delivers a powerful, modern tone, while the Floyd Rose tremolo allows for expressive playing. It’s a great platform for rock, hard rock, and even some heavier styles, especially if you’re after a responsive, comfortable feel.
PROS
- • Basswood body delivers surprising resonance and a lightweight feel.
- • Wolfgang humbucker provides high-output, articulate tones perfect for rock.
- • Floyd Rose tremolo with D-Tuna enables effortless dive bombs and alternate tunings.
- • Maple neck and fretboard offer a fast, comfortable playing experience.
CONS
- • Basswood can lack the sustain of mahogany; higher gain tones may sound slightly less complex.
- • Single volume control limits tonal shaping; a tone knob would improve versatility.
- • Floyd Rose tremolos require a learning curve for proper setup and tuning stability.
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
6/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 304620
$1,176
Evh Stripe Black
by
Evh
Nut width
43 mm (1.69")
Scale
648 mm (25.51")
Frets
22 frets
Body
Basswood body
Indie
Pop
Funk
Key Feature:
This EVH Stripe Black is a solid choice for players wanting that iconic look and aggressive tone without a premium price tag. The Wolfgang pickup delivers serious bite, and the Floyd Rose tremolo is a blast to use. It's perfect for rock and hard rock enthusiasts who want a dependable, shred-ready instrument.
PROS
- • Basswood body offers surprising resonance and warmth for the price.
- • Maple neck provides excellent speed and clarity for fast playing.
- • Wolfgang humbucker delivers high-output, aggressive tones ideal for rock.
- • Floyd Rose tremolo allows for extreme dive bombs and expressive vibrato.
CONS
- • Basswood, while resonant, lacks the sustain of mahogany or alder.
- • Single Wolfgang pickup limits tonal versatility compared to multi-pickup guitars.
- • The D-Tuna can feel a little finicky and requires careful setup.
- • Relatively lightweight, which some players might find unstable.
⭐
4.7/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
6/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 304626
$1,153
Evh Wolfgang WG Std QM TA
by
Evh
Nut width
41 mm (1.61")
Scale
648 mm (25.51")
Frets
22 frets
Body
Basswood body
Country
Indie
Blues
Key Feature:
The Wolfgang Standard QM TA is a serious contender for players craving that classic Eddie Van Halen vibe without the premium price tag. The bolt-on neck offers a snappy response, and those Wolfgang pickups deliver a tight, modern high-gain sound perfect for rock and metal. It's a great option for intermediate to advanced players looking for a versatile shred machine.
PROS
- • Quilted maple top adds stunning visuals and a touch of brightness.
- • Wolfgang neck profile is exceptionally comfortable for fast playing.
- • Direct-mount Wolfgang humbuckers deliver a focused, articulate high-gain tone.
- • Floyd Rose tremolo provides wide-ranging vibrato capabilities with good stability.
CONS
- • Basswood body can lack sustain compared to mahogany or alder.
- • Maple fretboard might feel a bit sharp for some players without aging.
- • Limited pickup versatility; primarily suited for rock and high-gain genres.
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 481646
$726
Evh Stripe White
by
Evh
Nut width
43 mm (1.69")
Scale
648 mm (25.51")
Frets
22 frets
Body
Basswood body
Indie
Blues
Country
Key Feature:
This Stripe White is a solid entry point into the EVH world. The D-Tuna is a clever touch for instant drop tunings, and the Wolfgang pickup delivers a modern, aggressive tone that cuts through the mix. It's perfect for players wanting a versatile, shred-ready instrument with a distinctly EVH vibe.
PROS
- • Basswood body delivers a surprisingly resonant and balanced tone.
- • Wolfgang humbucker provides high-output, articulate crunch and sustain.
- • Floyd Rose tremolo allows for extreme whammy bar dives and returns.
- • Maple fretboard offers a snappy feel and bright upper-midrange response.
CONS
- • Basswood, while good, isn't as tonally complex as alder or ash.
- • Single volume control limits tonal shaping versatility.
- • Floyd Rose systems require a learning curve for tuning and maintenance.
⭐
4.7/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
6/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 304629
$1,153
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
Neck Profile
The '50s profile is a game-changer - thinner than most vintage Strats, it's fast and comfortable for shredding, but can feel a little too thin for some blues players. It's a matter of preference, but that neck feel is a huge part of the EVH vibe.
2
Floyd Rose Tremolo
EVH's signature Floyd Rose tremolo system isn't just for dive bombs. It offers incredible tuning stability, which is crucial when you're pushing your guitar to its limits, especially live. Cheaper Floyds can be finicky, so quality matters.
3
Pickups
That aggressive, biting tone? It's largely down to the pickups. EVH pickups are voiced to have a pronounced upper-midrange - that 'honk' that really slices through the mix. They're not for subtle, glassy cleans; they're for attitude and sustain.
4
Body Wood & Construction
The contoured bodies are undeniably comfortable, but the wood (often alder) isn't always the highest grade. You'll find some variation in resonance, which can affect the overall tone. It's not always a bad thing, though; it can add character.
5
Finish & Hardware
The relic'd finishes look the part, but can be a bit of a gamble - sometimes they're convincing, sometimes they feel a little forced. The hardware, generally, is solid, but cheaper models might use less refined components that can impact tuning stability and feel.
Buying Guide
Look, you're paying for the legacy and the signature features. The entry-level models get you close to the vibe, but corners get cut - often in the pickups and hardware. If you're serious about nailing that EVH tone and reliability, step up to a Pro or Artisan model. It's worth it for the better pickups and more consistent build quality.
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 12 of 1,405 st style guitars from the Thomann catalogue, which is the largest single source of specification data in this category: 12 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. They're not objectively 'better' than other Strats, but the signature features and the legacy definitely command a premium. Consider what you value - the looks, the neck profile, the Floyd Rose - and if those features are worth the extra cost to you.
EVH pickups are generally a bit more focused and articulate than the Super Distortion, which can be a bit muddy at higher gain. EVH pickups retain more of the original Strat characteristics, even when cranked.
You can get close, but it'll be a compromise. Swapping the pickups is the biggest win - look for something with a similar upper-midrange focus. The Floyd Rose is harder to replicate affordably without sacrificing tuning stability.
Frankenstrats are the closest to Eddie's original DIY builds, Wolfgangs are more modern and streamlined, and the Signature models are a blend of both. Each has its own nuances in neck profile, pickup voicing, and overall aesthetics.
The Floyd Rose tremolo can be intimidating, but there are tons of online resources. Getting the action right and ensuring tuning stability requires a bit of patience and potentially a professional setup, especially on models with the more complex tremolo systems.
