AudioFu Chart · October 2026

Best ST Style Guitars for Advanced 2026

Q: Are higher fret access and thinner neck profiles always better?

Not necessarily. While easier access to the higher frets is useful, a super-thin neck can feel flimsy and lack sustain. It's about finding a profile that suits your playing style and hand size.

Q: What's the deal with roasted wood?

Roasting wood basically stabilizes it and alters its resonance. It's often marketed as a tone enhancer, and while the difference can be subtle, it generally improves stability and can add a touch of warmth and clarity - it's a nice-to-have, not a must-have.

Q: Is a tremolo system essential?

It depends. If you're into dive bombs and vibrato effects, then yes. But a hardtail bridge offers better tuning stability and sustain, which are often preferred for heavier styles of playing.

Q: What's the best wood for a versatile ST-style guitar?

Alder is the safe bet - it's balanced and doesn't strongly color the tone. Ash offers a more articulate and slightly brighter sound. Ultimately, pickups and amp settings will have a bigger impact on your overall tone.

Q: Should I be looking at boutique builders or are the high-end Fender/G&L models enough?

Both have their place. Boutique builders often offer incredible attention to detail and unique features, but the price reflects that. High-end Fender and G&L guitars offer a great balance of quality and value, and often have very playable specs.

The top pick is Fender Custom Shop '59 Reissue Stratocaster Relic ($5,630). Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 628 models across 28 brands, prices checked every night.

Last updated: October 28, 2026

628models in this chart

28brands

$1,092median price

215price drops since Aug

Top 10

Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.

Fender Custom Shop '59 Reissue Stratocaster Relic
59 Strat 2TSB JM Relic · Fender
104 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width41.9 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets21 frets
- Fingerboard radius241 mm (9.49")
- BodyAlder body
This is a seriously dialed-in Strat. The '59 D neck and those hand-wound pickups nail that classic, glassy tone. If you're chasing that vintage vibe and appreciate a well-worn feel, this Custom Shop relic is a premium-priced dream come true.
Pros
- Hand-wound '50s pickups deliver authentic, bell-like Strat tone.
- Relic'd finish replicates the feel of a well-loved vintage instrument.
- Comfortable '59 D neck profile enhances playability and speed.
Cons
- Relic'd finish may not appeal to players preferring a pristine look.
- Alder body, while resonant, can make it a bit heavier than some alternatives.
65AudioFu
Index
- Demand72
- Lineup37
- Price50
- Specs75
- Maker100
Stableno change since Aug 17
Aug 17$5,630 now

$5,630€5,049 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Fender Custom Shop '69 Reissue Stratocaster Relic
69 Strat Relic MN GYW HSS FR · Fender
69 for sale on Reverb4 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width42.9 mm (1.69")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets21 frets
- Fingerboard radius241 mm (9.49")
- BodyAlder body
This guitar mixes vintage styling with modern power. The bolt-on maple neck feels solid, and the EVH pickup drives the tone hard. It suits players who want heavy distortion but still love classic Strat styling.
Pros
- True vintage 69 Strat look with authentic black dot inlays
- EVH Wolfgang pickup adds aggressive modern rock tone
- Bolt-on maple neck offers rock-solid stability and sustain
Cons
- Graffiti Yellow finish requires extreme care to keep clean
- Heavy hand-wound pickups will significantly increase guitar weight
64AudioFu
Index
- Demand66
- Lineup43
- Price50
- Specs75
- Maker100
Stableno change since Aug 17
Aug 17$7,135 now

$7,135€6,399 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Fender Custom Shop '63 Reissue Stratocaster Relic
63 Strat NOS GYW HSS FR · Fender
68 for sale on Reverb4 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width42.9 mm (1.69")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius241 mm (9.49")
- BodyAlder body
This is a seriously cool Strat – a modern twist on a classic. The Floyd Rose adds a whole new dimension to the Strat experience, and the Wolfgang bridge pickup is a beast. It’s perfect for players who want that vintage vibe with the ability to crank up the gain and really shred.
Pros
- Quartersawn maple neck provides exceptional stability and a smooth, fast feel.
- EVH Wolfgang humbucker delivers powerful, high-gain tones for modern styles.
- Floyd Rose tremolo allows for extreme dive bombs and effortless pitch bending.
Cons
- Ebony fingerboard can be a bit brittle and unforgiving for some players.
- HSS configuration might limit versatility for players seeking a pure vintage tone.
63AudioFu
Index
- Demand65
- Lineup43
- Price50
- Specs75
- Maker100
Stableno change since Aug 17
Aug 17$6,131 now

$6,131€5,499 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
PRS SE Custom 24 Electric Guitar
Custom 24 CH · PRS
221 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Scale635 mm (25")
- Frets24 frets
- BodyMahogany body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This Custom 24 CH is a beautifully crafted instrument, marrying PRS’s signature playability with a warmer, more resonant tone. The 85/15 pickups are a real sweet spot – offering plenty of versatility for rock, blues, and even some lighter jazz. It's a great choice for players who want a high-end feel and sound without sacrificing comfort.
Pros
- Mahogany body delivers warmth and sustain; a premium tonal foundation.
- Flamed maple top adds visual flair and subtly enhances upper harmonics.
- 85/15 pickups offer a versatile range from glassy cleans to high-gain crunch.
Cons
- Mahogany construction contributes to a noticeably heavier feel compared to alder.
- Rosewood fretboard may require more frequent oiling to prevent dryness.
61AudioFu
Index
- Demand83
- Lineup18
- Price50
- Specs50
- Maker86
Stableno change since Aug 17
Aug 17$6,131 now

$6,131€5,499 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Fender Custom Shop '56 Reissue Stratocaster Journeyman Relic
56 Strat Journeyman Relic 2CS · Fender
42 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width42.9 mm (1.69")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets21 frets
- Fingerboard radius241 mm (9.49")
- BodyAlder body
This guitar feels like stepping into a 1956 shop with its aged sunburst finish and hand-wound pickups. The bolt-on maple neck gives it a solid feel that holds tune well. It suits players who want that classic clean tone but need a reliable vintage feel for their rig.
Pros
- Hand-wound pickups match the original 1956 sound exactly
- Bolt-on maple neck offers solid connection and stability
- Relic finish adds authentic vintage wear and character
Cons
- Heavy weight may be uncomfortable for long playing sessions
- Single coil pickups require high-gain amps for modern tone
59AudioFu
Index
- Demand58
- Lineup37
- Price50
- Specs75
- Maker100
Stableno change since Aug 17
Aug 17$5,797 now

$5,797€5,199 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Fender Custom Shop '65 Reissue Stratocaster Journeyman Relic
65 Strat CAR Relic · Fender
36 for sale on Reverb5 finishes at Thomann
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Fingerboard radius241 mm (9.49")
- BodyAsh body
This is a seriously gorgeous and fantastic-sounding Strat. The relic'd look nails that vintage vibe, and the Custom Shop pickups are a real step up in clarity and character. It's a dream instrument for players seeking a top-tier vintage-inspired Strat experience – especially those into classic rock, blues, and clean tones.
Pros
- Selected ash body delivers a resonant, lively tone with excellent sustain.
- Hand-wound Custom Shop '65 pickups offer authentic vintage Stratocaster voice.
- The '65 C-shape neck profile is exceptionally comfortable and familiar.
Cons
- The relic'd finish, while aesthetically pleasing, might not appeal to all players.
- Being a premium-priced instrument, it's a significant investment.
58AudioFu
Index
- Demand56
- Lineup48
- Price72
- Specs38
- Maker100
↓ 7.4%since Aug 17
$6,020 · Aug 17$5,574 now

$5,574€4,999 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Fender Custom Shop '55 Reissue Stratocaster Relic
55 Strat MN 2TSb JRN · Fender
58 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width41.9 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- BodyAlder body
- FingerboardMaple fingerboard
This Fender 55 Strat is a serious contender for players chasing that vintage EVH vibe. The combination of the alder body, custom Seymour Duncan pickups, and comfortable neck profile creates a responsive and articulate instrument, perfect for rock, blues, and modern tones. It's a premium-priced instrument, but the quality and feel are undeniable.
Pros
- Alder body delivers a balanced, resonant tone with excellent sustain.
- Seymour Duncan humbucker provides a thick, powerful bridge voice.
- Compound radius fingerboard enhances playability across the fretboard.
Cons
- High-end price point makes it inaccessible for many players.
- The relic'd finish may not appeal to those wanting a pristine instrument.
57AudioFu
Index
- Demand63
- Lineup18
- Price69
- Specs50
- Maker100
↓ 6.4%since Aug 17
$6,194 · Aug 17$5,797 now

$5,797€5,199 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Fender Limited Edition Vintera II Road Worn '60s Stratocaster
60s DM II CR Strat Relic 3TSB · Fender
91 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- BodyAlder body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This guitar feels like a real 1960s instrument with its roasted maple neck and heavy body. The hand-wound pickups sound tight and warm, perfect for classic blues or rock. It suits players who want that authentic vintage feel without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Alder body paired with roasted maple neck for solid resonance.
- Hand-wound Dual Mag II pickups deliver tight, vintage tone.
- Relic finish adds authentic character without compromising playability.
Cons
- Heavier weight due to roasted maple construction and hardware.
- No specific weight listed makes load assessment difficult.
57AudioFu
Index
- Demand70
- Lineup29
- Price50
- Specs38
- Maker100
Stableno change since Aug 17
Aug 17$6,354 now

$6,354€5,699 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
PRS Custom 24 10-Top
Custom 24 10 Top Cobalt SB · PRS
130 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Scale635 mm (25")
- Frets24 frets
- BodyMahogany body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This guitar feels like a solid choice for players who love mahogany warmth but want that bright snap from a maple top. The two humbuckers give you a fat sound right out of the box, though having only one tone knob means you can't dial in many different settings. It suits players who want a reliable workhorse for live gigs, but you might find the tremolo system tricky to keep perfectly in tune. Overall, it's a high-end instrument with a classic look and a big, rich voice.
Pros
- Premium flamed maple top adds bright top-end resonance
- Mahogany body and neck provide warm, punchy low frequencies
- Rosewood fingerboard offers smooth playability for fretting
Cons
- Single tone control limits tonal shaping options
- Tremolo system adds potential intonation instability
57AudioFu
Index
- Demand75
- Lineup18
- Price50
- Specs50
- Maker86
Stableno change since Aug 17
Aug 17$6,466 now

$6,466€5,799 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Suhr Custom Shop Classic T
Classic S Antique SSS RW 3TB · Suhr
70 for sale on Reverb7 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Fingerboard radius229 mm (9.02")
- BodyAlder body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This guitar kills annoying power line hum without making your tone sound muddy. The vintage neck shape and bright single coils give you that classic clean sound. It suits players who want a reliable vintage feel but don't need heavy hum at night. You get solid construction with no batteries required.
Pros
- Silent coil system kills mains hum without changing tone
- Vintage 60s C neck profile feels like a classic
- Graph Tech TUSQ nut stays stable under heavy string tension
Cons
- No weight spec listed means you cannot verify balance
- Light aging finish may fade significantly over many years
60AudioFu
Index
- Demand66
- Lineup55
- Price50
- Specs63
- Maker60
Stableno change since Aug 17
Aug 17$4,793 now

$4,793€4,299 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗

All 628 ST style guitars

Sort

Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.

11
Fender Custom Shop '56 Reissue Stratocaster Journeyman Relic56 Strat FRD Journeyman Relic · Fender

Index 56Stable
56
Stable$5,685€5,099
$5,685€5,099Check ↗
12
Fender Custom Shop '56 Reissue Stratocaster Journeyman Relic56 Strat BLK Journeyman Relic · Fender

Index 56Stable
56
Stable$5,685€5,099
$5,685€5,099Check ↗
13
Fender Custom Shop '55 Reissue Stratocaster Relic55 Strat MN Sunburst CC · Fender · 2 finishes

Index 58Stable
58
Stable$4,955€4,444
$4,955€4,444Check ↗
14
Fender Artist Series Yngwie Malmsteen Signature Stratocaster 2007…Yngwie Malmsteen SB NOS · Fender · 3 finishes

Index 55Stable
55
Stable$6,082€5,455
$6,082€5,455Check ↗
15
Fender Custom Shop '57 Reissue Stratocaster Journeyman Relic57 Strat FRD Journeyman Relic · Fender

Index 54Stable
54
Stable$5,685€5,099
$5,685€5,099Check ↗
16
ESP E-II EclipseE-II M-II Black Natural Burst · ESP

Index 55Stable
55
Stable$5,016€4,499
$5,016€4,499Check ↗
17
PRS Custom 24 "Birds of a Feather" Limited EditionBirds Of A Feather Custom 24 C · PRS · 3 finishes

Index 53↓ 1.3%
53
↓ 1.3%$8,807€7,899
$8,807€7,899Check ↗
18
Fender Custom Shop '57 Reissue Stratocaster Journeyman Relic57 Strat BLK Journeyman Relic · Fender

Index 54Stable
54
Stable$5,015€4,498
$5,015€4,498Check ↗
19
Fender Custom Shop '60 Reissue Stratocaster Journeyman Relic60 Strat CAR Journeyman Relic · Fender

Index 53Stable
53
Stable$5,127€4,598
$5,127€4,598Check ↗
20
Fender 099-2236-000 Pure Vintage '59 Stratocaster Pickup Set59 Strat RW Vintage Blonde JRN · Fender

Index 52Stable
52
Stable$5,462€4,899
$5,462€4,899Check ↗
21
PRS Limited Edition Custom 24 Mango TopCustom 24 Mango LTD Violet · PRS

Index 52↓ 12.3%
52
↓ 12.3%$5,573€4,998
$5,573€4,998Check ↗
22
Fender American Professional II StratocasterAm Pro HSS Strat MN BK · Fender · 8 finishes

Index 77Stable
77
Stable$2,318€2,079
$2,318€2,079Check ↗
23
Fender American Ultra II StratocasterAm Ultra II Strat HSS EB UBST · Fender · 11 finishes

Index 75Stable
75
Stable$2,541€2,279
$2,541€2,279Check ↗
24
Suhr Standard PlusStandard Plus HSS RM BHB · Suhr · 5 finishes

Index 52Stable
52
Stable$5,128€4,599
$5,128€4,599Check ↗
25
Fender Custom Shop '63 Reissue Stratocaster Journeyman Relic63 Strat BLK Journeyman Relic · Fender

Index 51Stable
51
Stable$6,243€5,599
$6,243€5,599Check ↗
26
PRS Custom 24 Artist PackageArtist Grade Custom 24 S/H FI · PRS · 2 finishes

Index 51↓ 3.1%
51
↓ 3.1%$7,023€6,299
$7,023€6,299Check ↗
27
Fender American Ultra II StratocasterLTD Am Ultra Strat NAT HSS · Fender · 2 finishes

Index 67Stable
67
Stable$3,344€2,999
$3,344€2,999Check ↗
28
Fender Custom Shop '69 Reissue Stratocaster Journeyman Relic69 Strat OLW Journeyman Relic · Fender

Index 50Stable
50
Stable$6,131€5,499
$6,131€5,499Check ↗
29
PRS Custom 24 Private StockPrivate Stock HPW Custom 24 N · PRS

Index 50Stable
50
Stable$16,278€14,599
$16,278€14,599Check ↗
30
PRS Silver Sky Defender John Mayer SignatureJM Silver Sky Defender LTD PR · PRS · 4 finishes

Index 59Stable
59
Stable$4,124€3,699
$4,124€3,699Check ↗
31
Fender American Professional Classic StratocasterAm Pro Clsc Strat RMN DPB · Fender · 11 finishes

Index 77Stable
77
Stable$2,039€1,829
$2,039€1,829Check ↗
32
Fender Custom Shop '65 Reissue Stratocaster Journeyman Relic65 Strat CAR Journeyman Relic · Fender

Index 49Stable
49
Stable$5,341€4,790
$5,341€4,790Check ↗
33
Fender Custom Shop Eric Clapton StratocasterClapton Strat Custom Shop MB · Fender

Index 49Stable
49
Stable$5,462€4,899
$5,462€4,899Check ↗
34
Fender Custom Shop Johnny A. Signature StratocasterJohnny A. Strat RW SSG · Fender · 2 finishes

Index 49Stable
49
Stable$5,462€4,899
$5,462€4,899Check ↗
35
Fender Custom Shop Eric Clapton StratocasterClapton Custom Shop MDB · Fender · 2 finishes

Index 49Stable
49
Stable$5,462€4,899
$5,462€4,899Check ↗
36
Fender 61 Strat RW HRR NOSFender · 4 finishes

Index 49Stable
49
Stable$5,574€4,999
$5,574€4,999Check ↗
37
Fender Custom Shop '65 Reissue Stratocaster Journeyman Relic65 Strat BLK Journeyman Relic · Fender

Index 49Stable
49
Stable$5,797€5,199
$5,797€5,199Check ↗
38
PRS Limited Edition Paul's Guitar Mango TopPaul's Guitar Mango LTD CH · PRS · 2 finishes

Index 49↓ 8.6%
49
↓ 8.6%$5,908€5,299
$5,908€5,299Check ↗
39
PRS 40th Anniversary Custom 2440th Anniversary Custom 24 SuZ · PRS

Index 49Stable
49
Stable$7,245€6,498
$7,245€6,498Check ↗
40
Suhr Custom Shop StandardCustom Shop Standard TR · Suhr

Index 49↓ 1.4%
49
↓ 1.4%$7,804€6,999
$7,804€6,999Check ↗
41
Suhr Pete Thorn Signature StandardPete Thorn Signature BK · Suhr · 5 finishes

Index 49Stable
49
Stable$5,184€4,649
$5,184€4,649Check ↗
42
PRS SE Special Semi-HollowSpecial Semi-Hollow BGWB · PRS

Index 48Stable
48
Stable$5,462€4,899
$5,462€4,899Check ↗
43
Fender 57 Strat WBL JM RelicFender · 3 finishes

Index 48Stable
48
Stable$5,630€5,049
$5,630€5,049Check ↗
44
Fender 56 Strat Black RelicFender · 3 finishes

Index 48Stable
48
Stable$5,853€5,249
$5,853€5,249Check ↗
45
Music Man Petrucci JP15 7 Ultramarine QTMusic Man · 10 finishes

Index 47Stable
47
Stable$5,351€4,799
$5,351€4,799Check ↗
46
Fender Custom Shop Jeff Beck StratocasterJeff Beck Custom Shop SFG · Fender · 2 finishes

Index 47↓ 7.8%
47
↓ 7.8%$5,552€4,979
$5,552€4,979Check ↗
47
Fender Custom Shop '65 Reissue Stratocaster Journeyman Relic65 Strat 3CS Journeyman Relic · Fender

Index 47Stable
47
Stable$5,797€5,199
$5,797€5,199Check ↗
48
PRS P24 / Custom 24 PiezoCustom 24 Piezo Cobalt SB · PRS

Index 47Stable
47
Stable$6,688€5,998
$6,688€5,998Check ↗
49
PRS Limited Edition Custom 24-08 Mango TopCustom 24 Mango LTD Blood O · PRS

Index 47Stable
47
Stable$6,689€5,999
$6,689€5,999Check ↗
50
PRS 40th Anniversary Custom 2440th Anniversary Custom 24 TE · PRS

Index 47Stable
47
Stable$7,804€6,999
$7,804€6,999Check ↗

ST Style Guitars by the numbers

Measured across all 1,452 models we track, not a sample.

Price distribution

Median $1,092 — half of all ST style guitars here cost less.

367

500

540

<$100$100–400$400–1.5k$1.5k–7.5k$7.5k+

Nut width42 mm (1.65")

median of 1,115 models · 41.9 mm (1.65")–43 mm (1.69")

Scale648 mm (25.51")

median of 1,317 models · 635 mm (25")–648 mm (25.51")

Frets22

median of 725 models · 21–24

Bodyalder, poplar

most common · 1,308 models

How to choose the best ST style guitars

Neck Profile & Feel

A comfortable C profile is fine for some, but advanced players often crave something with more character - a vintage-style soft V, a modern slim T, or even a D profile that digs in. It's about finding what gives you the best control and speed without sacrificing comfort during long gigs.

Pickup Voicing & Versatility

Forget generic single-coil sounds. We're looking for pickups that offer a wide range of tonal colors, from that bell-like clarity for clean passages to a snarling, articulate overdrive for heavier rhythms. Hot-wound pickups or coil-splitting options are huge bonuses for expanding your sonic palette.

Hardware Quality (Tremolo, Tuners, Nut)

Cheap tremolo systems dive-bomb and go out of tune. Low-quality tuners are a disaster on stage. A poorly cut nut can choke your sustain and affect intonation. These are the details that separate a good guitar from a frustrating one.

Body Wood & Construction

Alder is a classic for a reason, but roasted ash or chambered bodies can offer unique tonal properties. Bolt-on necks are common and offer a certain snap, while neck-through designs can provide extended sustain and a smoother feel, though they often come with a price premium.

Finish & Fretwork

It's a small detail, but a nicely rolled fret end and a satin finish on the back of the neck can make a huge difference in playability. Sloppy fretwork will kill your vibrato and make bending a chore - it's a non-negotiable for serious players.

Buying guide

Alright, so you've put in the hours, you're comfortable shredding scales and bending notes with accuracy, and you're looking for an ST-style guitar that can actually keep up. Forget the beginner packs and the budget clones - we're talking about instruments that offer nuance, versatility, and the kind of responsiveness that lets you dial in everything from glassy cleans to searing saturated overdrive. This isn't about who can play the fastest; it's about finding a platform that allows you to express your playing.

Don't chase specs; chase feel. A guitar with 'superior' pickups won't sound amazing if the neck feels wrong in your hand. Be wary of guitars that promise the world for a low price - corners will be cut, usually in hardware or fretwork.

Investing in a good setup from a qualified tech is crucial, even on a higher-end instrument - a well-setup mid-range guitar can often outperform a poorly set-up expensive one.

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 higher fret access and thinner neck profiles always better?

Not necessarily. While easier access to the higher frets is useful, a super-thin neck can feel flimsy and lack sustain. It's about finding a profile that suits your playing style and hand size.

What's the deal with roasted wood?

Roasting wood basically stabilizes it and alters its resonance. It's often marketed as a tone enhancer, and while the difference can be subtle, it generally improves stability and can add a touch of warmth and clarity - it's a nice-to-have, not a must-have.

Is a tremolo system essential?

It depends. If you're into dive bombs and vibrato effects, then yes. But a hardtail bridge offers better tuning stability and sustain, which are often preferred for heavier styles of playing.

What's the best wood for a versatile ST-style guitar?

Alder is the safe bet - it's balanced and doesn't strongly color the tone. Ash offers a more articulate and slightly brighter sound. Ultimately, pickups and amp settings will have a bigger impact on your overall tone.

Should I be looking at boutique builders or are the high-end Fender/G&L models enough?

Both have their place. Boutique builders often offer incredible attention to detail and unique features, but the price reflects that. High-end Fender and G&L guitars offer a great balance of quality and value, and often have very playable specs.