AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best ST Style Guitars for Beginner 2026
The top pick is Harley Benton ST-20 BK Standard Series ($99). Ibanez AZES40 Essentials leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 628 models across 28 brands, 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")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- BodyPoplar body
The ST-20 BK is an unbelievable value, offering a surprisingly good playing experience for the price. It's perfect for beginners, students, or anyone needing a reliable, budget-friendly Strat-style guitar for practice or casual jamming – don't expect boutique quality, but it’s a solid performer.
Pros
- Poplar body offers surprisingly resonant, balanced tone.
- Maple neck with Modern C profile is comfortable and playable.
- ST-style single coils deliver classic Strat chime and bite.
Cons
- Factory strings are thin and will likely need immediate replacement.
- Poplar body can be prone to finish checking with temperature changes.
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- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
This guitar feels like a real vintage player with its maple neck and basswood body. The AlNiCo 5 pickups give a warm, classic sound that cuts through a mix without being harsh. It suits anyone who wants a reliable workhorse at a budget-friendly price. Just keep the hardware oiled and watch that pickguard.
Pros
- Vintage Caramelised maple neck offers classic feel
- Basswood body provides balanced resonance and sustain
- AlNiCo 5 pickups deliver warm, classic single coil tone
Cons
- Mint Green pickguard shows wear easily
- Kluson heads are basic compared to modern brands
63AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$166 now$166€149 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- BodyPoplar body
The GRX70QA-TKS is a solid entry point into Ibanez's world, offering a surprisingly good package for the price. It's perfect for beginner to intermediate players wanting a modern feel and a touch of visual style, especially those drawn to a slightly heavier rock or alternative sound. The build is decent for the budget, and it’s ready to plug in and play.
Pros
- Quilted maple top adds visual flair and a touch of brightness.
- Infinity pickups deliver surprisingly hot, versatile high-output tones.
- GRX neck profile is comfortable and fast for various playing styles.
Cons
- Poplar body can feel a bit lightweight and resonant.
- T106 tremolo is functional, but not a high-end, stable unit.
69AudioFu
Index↓ 10.0%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$255 · Aug 17$230 now$230€206 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets22 frets
- BodyAlder body
- FingerboardWalnut fingerboard
The Pacifica 112J RM is a seriously solid entry point for players wanting a versatile ST-style guitar. The alder body and HSS pickup combo give it a broad tonal palette, and the walnut fingerboard feels really comfortable. It's a great choice for beginners or gigging musicians looking for a reliable, affordable workhorse.
Pros
- Alder body provides a balanced, resonant tone with good sustain.
- Walnut fingerboard offers a unique feel, smoother than rosewood.
- HSS pickup configuration delivers versatility from bright cleans to crunchy distortion.
Cons
- Bolt-on neck construction lacks the inherent warmth of a set-neck design.
- Walnut fingerboard can be prone to slightly more visible wear over time.
68AudioFu
Index↓ 6.0%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$278 · Aug 17$261 now$261€234 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Jackson JS Series JS11 Dinky with Amaranth Fretboard
JS11 Dinky AH BLK · Jackson
114 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width42.8 mm (1.69")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets22 frets
This Dinky JS11 is a seriously fun, affordable guitar. It's built for players who want a shred-friendly neck, powerful pickups for heavier genres, and a tremolo system without spending a fortune. Great for beginners or anyone needing a reliable, hard-hitting backup.
Pros
- Poplar body provides a surprisingly resonant and balanced tone.
- Bolt-on neck offers snappy response and easy playability.
- High-output humbuckers deliver aggressive crunch and modern metal tones.
Cons
- Graphite reinforcement in the neck, while functional, can feel less 'vintage' to some players.
- The poplar body, while good, lacks the premium sustain of mahogany or alder.
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$188 now$188€169 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster
Affinity Strat HSS LR MH MBK · Squier
227 for sale on Reverb4 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets21 frets
- Fingerboard radius241 mm (9.49")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
This Affinity Strat is a solid entry point into the Strat world. The HSS configuration gives it a wider range of tones than a standard Squier, and the bolt-on neck makes it easy to play. It's perfect for beginners or players needing a versatile, budget-friendly instrument for practice and gigging.
Pros
- Poplar body offers a balanced tone, not overly bright or muddy.
- ’C’ neck profile is comfortable and familiar for most players.
- Humbucker in the bridge provides a surprisingly thick, rock-ready tone.
Cons
- Pickups are ceramic, lacking the nuance of alnico pickups.
- Synchronized tremolo can feel a bit 'floaty' and needs setup.
70AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$300 now$300€269 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale635 mm (25")
- Fingerboard radius250 mm (9.84")
- BodyPoplar body
- FingerboardJatoba fingerboard
The AZES40-TUN is a surprisingly well-equipped guitar for the price. It's a great entry point for players wanting a ST-style platform with some Ibanez DNA – the neck profile is comfortable, and the pickup system offers a wider range of sounds than you'd expect. Ideal for beginners or players seeking a versatile, budget-friendly workhorse.
Pros
- Jatoba fingerboard offers a surprisingly smooth, snappy playing feel.
- dyna-MIX9 system provides versatile tonal options, surprisingly good cleans.
- Bolt-on maple neck provides excellent clarity and responsiveness.
Cons
- Plastic nut can introduce tuning instability and a less premium feel.
- Tremolo system is basic, limiting more complex vibrato techniques.
72AudioFu
Index↓ 10.9%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$359 · Aug 17$320 now$320€287 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets24 frets
- BodyPoplar body
- FingerboardPurpleheart fingerboard
The GRG121DX-MGS is a seriously good deal for players wanting a modern feel and aggressive tone. That purpleheart fingerboard looks slick, and the IBZ-6 pickups give you plenty of crunch for rock and metal without getting muddy. It’s a fantastic starter guitar or a reliable workhorse for gigging musicians on a budget.
Pros
- Purpleheart fingerboard offers a snappy, articulate feel and unique aesthetic.
- IBZ-6 humbuckers deliver a surprisingly powerful and versatile high-output sound.
- Bolt-on neck provides a bright, responsive tone and easy playability.
Cons
- Poplar body, while lightweight, lacks the resonance of mahogany or alder.
- Synthetic nut can impact sustain and tuning stability compared to bone or graphite.
64AudioFu
Index↓ 6.0%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$278 · Aug 17$261 now$261€234 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- BodyAlder body
- FingerboardLaurel fingerboard
This guitar feels solid with a balanced alder body and a smooth roasted maple neck. The Alnico 5 humbuckers push a warm, thick tone that cuts well in a mix. It suits players who want a reliable workhorse for rock and blues without breaking the bank.
Pros
- American alder body gives balanced, mid-friendly tone
- Roasted maple neck plays smooth and fast
- Alnico 5 humbuckers deliver thick, warm output
Cons
- Laurel fingerboard can wear down quickly over time
- Single volume control limits volume flexibility options
52AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$177 now$177€159 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets24 frets
- Fingerboard radius400 mm (15.75")
- BodyPoplar body
The R-446 is a seriously impressive value. The slim neck and versatile pickup configuration make it surprisingly comfortable and adaptable for a wide range of styles, from blues to modern rock. It's a fantastic option for beginners or players wanting a reliable, good-sounding guitar without a premium-priced tag.
Pros
- Poplar body offers a surprisingly resonant and balanced tonal foundation.
- Canadian maple neck provides a smooth, comfortable feel and excellent stability.
- Artec ceramic humbuckers deliver a surprisingly powerful and articulate output.
Cons
- ABS nut can feel a bit slick and might benefit from a graphite upgrade later.
- Graphite Metallic finish, while attractive, can show fingerprints easily.
52AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$177 now$177€159 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 628 ST style guitars
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Jackson JS Series JS12 Dinky with Amaranth FretboardJS12 Dinky AH BLK · Jackson · 2 finishes54Stable$211€189$211€189Check ↗
- 12
Jackson JS Series Dinky JS20 DKQ 2PTJS20 DKQ TR TOB · Jackson · 4 finishes61↓ 5.4%$273€245$273€245Check ↗
- 13
Harley Benton ST-JAMster SCAHarley Benton · 2 finishes45Stable$144€129$144€129Check ↗
- 14
Harley Benton HWY-25BKS Progressive SeriesHarley Benton · 2 finishes43Stable$133€119$133€119Check ↗
- 15
Ibanez GRX40 GioGRX40-CA · Ibanez · 4 finishes52↓ 2.1%$211€189$211€189Check ↗
- 16
Harley Benton CST-24 Black Cherry FlameHarley Benton · 36 finishes60Stable$289€259$289€259Check ↗
- 17
Mooer MSC10 Pro Guitar BlackMooer · 6 finishes48Stable$188€169$188€169Check ↗
- 18
Squier Sonic Strat HT H MN SNBSquier · 10 finishes49Stable$200€179$200€179Check ↗
- 19
Ibanez GRX120SP GioGRX120SP-VRD · Ibanez · 4 finishes51↓ 4.8%$222€199$222€199Check ↗
- 20
Squier Sonic Strat HT Arctic WhiteSquier43↓ 10.1%$159€143$159€143Check ↗
- 21
Squier Affinity Stratocaster JuniorAffinity Strat Junior HSS 3TS · Squier · 2 finishes55Stable$262€235$262€235Check ↗
- 22
Jackson JS Series Surfcaster JS22 HTJS22 Dinky BLK AH · Jackson · 4 finishes56Stable$272€244$272€244Check ↗
- 23
Harley Benton S-620 TB Rock SeriesHarley Benton · 5 finishes46Stable$188€169$188€169Check ↗
- 24
Harley Benton ST-70RW Deluxe SeriesHarley Benton · 4 finishes47Stable$200€179$200€179Check ↗
- 25
Ibanez GRG131DX GioGRG131DX-BKF · Ibanez51↓ 1.8%$239€214$239€214Check ↗
- 26
Yamaha PAC112VM Pacifica HSSPacifica 112VM SP RL · Yamaha · 5 finishes59↓ 13.3%$313€281$313€281Check ↗
- 27
Harley Benton ST-57DG Black TributeHarley Benton46Stable$211€189$211€189Check ↗
- 28
Ibanez GRG120QASP GioGRG120QASP-BGD · Ibanez · 2 finishes55↓ 3.7%$291€261$291€261Check ↗
- 29
Harley Benton R-456FR BK Progressive SeriesHarley Benton · 3 finishes46Stable$222€199$222€199Check ↗
- 30
Ibanez GSA60 Gio 2008 - 2018GSA60-WNF Gio · Ibanez · 2 finishes51Stable$264€237$264€237Check ↗
- 31
Squier Sonic Strat HT H Flash PinkSquier40↓ 3.6%$182€163$182€163Check ↗
- 32
Ibanez GRGA120QA GIOGRGA120-BKN · Ibanez · 2 finishes56Stable$317€284$317€284Check ↗
- 33
Ibanez GRGR131EX GioGRGR131EX-BKF · Ibanez50Stable$266€239$266€239Check ↗
- 34
Mooer MSC18 Pro Dark Aurora SatinMooer · 3 finishes47Stable$244€219$244€219Check ↗
- 35
Mooer MSC11 Pro Guitar BlackMooer · 2 finishes43Stable$211€189$211€189Check ↗
- 36
Jackson JS Series JS32Q DKA HT Dinky Archtop with Amaranth FretboardJS32Q DKA HT TRS GRN BRST · Jackson · 8 finishes62Stable$378€339$378€339Check ↗
- 37
Squier Sonic Strat HT Torino RedSquier38Stable$177€159$177€159Check ↗
- 38
Jackson JS1X Dinky Minion Met.Bl.BurstJackson · 2 finishes40Stable$200€179$200€179Check ↗
- 39
Mooer MSC12 Pro Guitar Iron SilverMooer41Stable$211€189$211€189Check ↗
- 40
Harley Benton ST-80FR ESBHarley Benton · 17 finishes54↓ 3.3%$322€289$322€289Check ↗
- 41
Harley Benton ST-59HM Fiesta RedHarley Benton · 3 finishes42Stable$222€199$222€199Check ↗
- 42
Ibanez PGMM31 Paul Gilbert Signature miKroPGMM31-WH Paul Gilbert Sign. · Ibanez45Stable$255€229$255€229Check ↗
- 43
Harley Benton Electric Guitar Kit ST-StyleHarley Benton25Stable$88€79$88€79Check ↗
- 44
Ibanez GRG170DX GioGRG170DX-SV · Ibanez · 4 finishes53Stable$333€299$333€299Check ↗
- 45
Harley Benton Fusion-III HH EB BKHarley Benton · 5 finishes53↓ 14.3%$333€299$333€299Check ↗
- 46
Ibanez GRGR221FA-TDKIbanez · 3 finishes46↓ 7.9%$285€256$285€256Check ↗
- 47
Harley Benton ST-Modern MN HSS OW w/BagHarley Benton41Stable$244€219$244€219Check ↗
- 48
Harley Benton Electric Guitar Kit JAHarley Benton25Stable$110€99$110€99Check ↗
- 49
Cort G200SE SRDCort38Stable$222€199$222€199Check ↗
- 50
Ibanez GRG140 GioGRG140-WH · Ibanez43↓ 2.1%$266€239$266€239Check ↗
ST Style Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 1,452 models we track, not a sample.
Median $1,092 — 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
Playability
A comfortable neck profile is paramount. Chunky necks can be a real struggle when you're starting out; look for a 'C' or even a slightly softer U shape. Lower action (string height) also makes a huge difference - easier fretting, less finger fatigue. It's the difference between wanting to play for hours and giving up after 30 minutes.
Pickup Voicing
Many beginner STs come with single-coil pickups that can be a bit...thin. They're great for sparkly cleans, but when you want some grit, they can sound brittle. A slightly warmer pickup voicing, or even an HSS (humbucker/single/single) configuration, offers more tonal versatility without needing a bunch of pedals.
Hardware Quality
Cheap tuners are the enemy. They'll make staying in tune a nightmare, which is incredibly frustrating for a beginner. Better tuners mean less fiddling and more playing. Similarly, a decent bridge will keep the strings stable and intonation accurate.
Body Wood & Construction
Alder is the classic ST wood - balanced tone, not too bright, not too dark. While mahogany and basswood are options, they often shift the sonic profile in ways that aren't ideal for a beginner learning the ropes. Bolt-on necks are common and perfectly fine on budget instruments, but glued-in necks tend to resonate a little better, though it's a subtle difference at this level.
Finish & Aesthetics
While looks matter, don't let a flashy finish distract you from the fundamentals. A well-applied finish protects the wood, but it doesn't impact tone. Focus on playability and build quality over fancy colors or flame maple tops - those are just visual upgrades.
Buying guide
So you're diving into the world of ST-style guitars - excellent choice. They're versatile, iconic, and honestly, a ton of fun. But as a beginner, you don't need a vintage reissue costing more than your car; you need something playable, reliable, and that won't discourage you when you're wrestling with your first barre chords. Let's break down what to look for in your first ST-style guitar.
Honestly, at this price point, you're making compromises. Cheaper guitars often cut corners on hardware - tuners, bridge, pots - and the wood might be lower grade. Don't chase the 'vintage spec' - focus on a guitar that feels good in your hands and stays in tune.
Spending a little more for a reputable brand's entry-level model is often worth it for better build quality and a more enjoyable playing experience.
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
What's the difference between a 'C' and a 'D' neck profile?
A 'C' profile is generally more rounded and comfortable for most players. A 'D' profile is flatter and can feel wider - some players like it, others find it less comfortable. Try both if you can.
My guitar buzzes a bit - is that normal?
A little buzz is common, especially on guitars with lower action. It's often a setup issue - the neck relief needs adjusting. Take it to a tech if you're not comfortable doing it yourself.
Should I buy a guitar pack with an amp?
Guitar packs can be a good value, but be wary of the included amps. They're often low-wattage practice amps with limited features. A slightly better amp, even a small one, will make a bigger difference in your enjoyment than a 'free' amp.
What's 'intonation' and why is it important?
Intonation means that the guitar plays in tune all the way up the neck. If it's off, chords will sound sour. It's adjustable at the bridge - a guitar tech can set it up for you.
I'm left-handed - can I get a guitar strung for left-handed play?
Absolutely. Most music stores can restring a guitar for left-handed play, or you can learn to re-string it yourself. Just be aware that lefty guitars are often harder to find new.
