Best ST Style Guitars for Indie 2026

Perfect st style guitars for indie - easy to play and learn on

Last updated: January 21, 2026 • Next update: January 28, 2026

PRICE RANGES: Under $100 Under $200 Under $300 Under $500 Under $800 Under $1,000 Under $2,000 Under $5,000

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Rock For Blues For Pop For Country For Funk For Indie

BRANDS: Fender Ibanez Harley Benton PRS Jackson Squier Kramer Guitars Suhr ESP Charvel Yamaha Larry Carlton Mooer Schecter Music Man Solar Guitars Cort Evh Sterling by Music Man Xotic Guitars Maybach Friedman

Mayones Guitars Aquila Elite S 6 Poplar LB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Mayones Guitars Aquila Elite S 6 Poplar LB

by Mayones Guitars

Rock Blues Pop

Key Feature:

• Great for clean and overdriven tones

✓ PROS

• Great for clean and overdriven tones
• Versatile 5-way pickup switching

✗ CONS

• Electronics may need shielding
• May be too bright for heavy metal

Mayones Guitars Aquila Elite S 6 Poplar LBElectric GuitarBody: Swamp AshTop: AAAAA poplar burlBolt-on neck:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 622037

$5,279

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender 60 Strat C3TSB SH Relic - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Fender 60 Strat C3TSB SH Relic

by Fender

Funk Pop Rock

Key Feature:

• Great for clean and overdriven tones

✓ PROS

• Excellent sustain and playability
• Classic single-coil brightness

✗ CONS

• May be too bright for heavy metal
• String bending can cause tuning issues

Fender 60 Strat C3TSB SH RelicElectric GuitarCustom Shop modelTwo-piece body: Selected alderBolt-on neck: Roasted AAA...

⭐ 4.5/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 621730

$7,919

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ibanez TOD10 Tim Henson Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Ibanez TOD10 Tim Henson Set

by Ibanez

Country Funk Pop

Key Feature:

• Classic single-coil brightness

✓ PROS

• Classic single-coil brightness
• Versatile 5-way pickup switching

✗ CONS

• Requires quality amplifier
• String bending can cause tuning issues

Ibanez TOD10 Tim Henson Set*Bundle offer comprising*, Ibanez TOD10 Tim Henson*Electric Guitar*Tim Henson (Polyphia)...

⭐ 4.5/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 620509

$1,759

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender Hybrid II RAW ASH Strat BLK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Fender Hybrid II RAW ASH Strat BLK

by Fender

Rock Indie Pop

Key Feature:

• Comfortable body contours

✓ PROS

• Comfortable body contours
• Classic single-coil brightness

✗ CONS

• String bending can cause tuning issues
• Single-coils can pick up interference

Fender Hybrid II RAW ASH Strat BLKElectric GuitarBody: AshBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodWhite dot fingerboard...

⭐ 4.7/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 620113

$1,759

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ibanez RG565R-LB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Ibanez RG565R-LB

by Ibanez

Indie Blues Pop

Key Feature:

• Comfortable body contours

✓ PROS

• Classic single-coil brightness
• Excellent sustain and playability

✗ CONS

• Single-coils can pick up interference
• Requires quality amplifier

Ibanez RG565R-LBElectric GuitarBody: Basswood5-piece bolt-on neck: Maple / WalnutFingerboard: RosewoodNeck profile:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 620952

$1,319

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ibanez RG470DXW-CA - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Ibanez RG470DXW-CA

by Ibanez

Blues Pop Country

Key Feature:

• Excellent sustain and playability

✓ PROS

• Great for clean and overdriven tones
• Classic single-coil brightness

✗ CONS

• May be too bright for heavy metal
• Requires quality amplifier

Ibanez RG470DXW-CAElectric GuitarBody: MerantiBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: JatobaWhite Sharktooth fingerboard...

⭐ 5.0/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 620889

$659

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender 59 Strat RW Vintage Blonde JRN - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Fender 59 Strat RW Vintage Blonde JRN

by Fender

Blues Rock Funk

Key Feature:

• Excellent sustain and playability

✓ PROS

• Versatile 5-way pickup switching
• Comfortable body contours

✗ CONS

• Electronics may need shielding
• Requires quality amplifier

Fender 59 Strat RW Vintage Blonde JRNElectric GuitarBody: AshBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodWhite micarta...

⭐ 4.8/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 620262

$5,389

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ibanez AZ47P2K-DEB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Ibanez AZ47P2K-DEB

by Ibanez

Blues Country Funk

Key Feature:

• Comfortable body contours

✓ PROS

• Versatile 5-way pickup switching
• Classic single-coil brightness

✗ CONS

• Single-coils can pick up interference
• String bending can cause tuning issues

Ibanez AZ47P2K-DEBElectric GuitarBody: BasswoodTop: KoaBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: EbonyMother of pearl dot...

⭐ 4.6/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 620911

$1,704

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender 63 Strat Relic GYW HSS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Fender 63 Strat Relic GYW HSS

by Fender

Indie Blues Funk

Key Feature:

• Comfortable body contours

✓ PROS

• Excellent sustain and playability
• Versatile 5-way pickup switching

✗ CONS

• May be too bright for heavy metal
• Single-coils can pick up interference

Fender 63 Strat Relic GYW HSSElectric GuitarCustom Shop modelBody: AlderBolt-on neck: "Rift Sawn"...

⭐ 4.9/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 621190

$6,379

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ibanez S520AH-ABS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.5/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Ibanez S520AH-ABS

by Ibanez

Indie Rock Pop

Key Feature:

• Versatile 5-way pickup switching

✓ PROS

• Versatile 5-way pickup switching
• Classic single-coil brightness

✗ CONS

• String bending can cause tuning issues
• Electronics may need shielding

Ibanez S520AH-ABSElectric GuitarBody: AshBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodOffset dot fingerboard inlaysNeck...

⭐ 4.5/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 620905

$769

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender 63 Strat RW Black Relic HSS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.8/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Fender 63 Strat RW Black Relic HSS

by Fender

Country Pop Rock

Key Feature:

• Excellent sustain and playability

✓ PROS

• Classic single-coil brightness
• Versatile 5-way pickup switching

✗ CONS

• Requires quality amplifier
• May be too bright for heavy metal

Fender 63 Strat RW Black Relic HSSElectric GuitarBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodWhite micarta...

⭐ 4.8/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 620279

$7,149

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ibanez GRG320FA-TVT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.5/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Ibanez GRG320FA-TVT

by Ibanez

Indie Rock Country

Key Feature:

• Comfortable body contours

✓ PROS

• Excellent sustain and playability
• Classic single-coil brightness

✗ CONS

• Requires quality amplifier
• Single-coils can pick up interference

Ibanez GRG320FA-TVTElectric GuitarBody: PoplarTop: Basswood with Art Grain in flamed maple lookBolt-on neck:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 622775

$439

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender 70th Anni 1954 Strat SHREL SB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.9/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Fender 70th Anni 1954 Strat SHREL SB

by Fender

Indie Pop Blues

Key Feature:

• Versatile 5-way pickup switching

✓ PROS

• Classic single-coil brightness
• Great for clean and overdriven tones

✗ CONS

• Single-coils can pick up interference
• Requires quality amplifier

Fender 70th Anni 1954 Strat SHREL SBElectric GuitarLimited editonBody: Selected 2-piece ash with offset gluingBolt-on...

⭐ 4.9/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 621727

$6,929

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender Roasted '61 Strat ABLK/3TSB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.6/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Fender Roasted '61 Strat ABLK/3TSB

by Fender

Funk Indie Pop

Key Feature:

• Great for clean and overdriven tones

✓ PROS

• Comfortable body contours
• Great for clean and overdriven tones

✗ CONS

• Single-coils can pick up interference
• String bending can cause tuning issues

Fender Roasted '61 Strat ABLK/3TSBElectric GuitarLimited editionCustom Shop modelBody: AlderBolt-on neck:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 621224

$6,379

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender 63 Strat RW 3TSb CC HSS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.8/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Fender 63 Strat RW 3TSb CC HSS

by Fender

Funk Indie Pop

Key Feature:

• Classic single-coil brightness

✓ PROS

• Excellent sustain and playability
• Classic single-coil brightness

✗ CONS

• Requires quality amplifier
• String bending can cause tuning issues

Fender 63 Strat RW 3TSb CC HSSElectric GuitarBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodWhite micarta...

⭐ 4.8/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 620318

$5,939

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best ST Style Guitars

Budget Planning

• Under $200: Entry-level
• $200-$500: Intermediate
• $500-$1000: Advanced
• $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

• Sound clarity & tone
• Build materials & finish
• Hardware durability
• Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

• Your musical style
• Skill level match
• Intended use case
• Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.

Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.

Higher-priced st style guitars typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.

Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.

Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

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Best ST Style Guitars for Indie 2026

Mayones Guitars Aquila Elite S 6 Poplar LB

Fender 60 Strat C3TSB SH Relic

Ibanez TOD10 Tim Henson Set

Fender Hybrid II RAW ASH Strat BLK

Ibanez RG565R-LB

Ibanez RG470DXW-CA

Fender 59 Strat RW Vintage Blonde JRN

Ibanez AZ47P2K-DEB

Fender 63 Strat Relic GYW HSS

Ibanez S520AH-ABS

Fender 63 Strat RW Black Relic HSS

Ibanez GRG320FA-TVT

Fender 70th Anni 1954 Strat SHREL SB

Fender Roasted '61 Strat ABLK/3TSB

Fender 63 Strat RW 3TSb CC HSS

How to Choose the Best ST Style Guitars

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Best Lists

Best Humbucker Pickups

Best Distortion Pedals

Best Single Cut Guitars

Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

Best 4/4 Size Classical Guitars

Best 4-String Basses

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