Best ST Style Guitars for Rock 2025

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

Last updated: October 22, 2025 • Next update: October 29, 2025

Ibanez S520AH-OBF - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Ibanez S520AH-OBF

Pop Blues Rock
Key Feature:
• Classic single-coil brightness
✓ PROS
  • • Comfortable body contours
  • • Excellent sustain and playability
✗ CONS
  • • May be too bright for heavy metal
  • • Requires quality amplifier

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

5.0/5 (14 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Fender 60 Strat C3TSB SH Relic - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Fender 60 Strat C3TSB SH Relic

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
Ibanez RGA21P1PB-DRL - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Ibanez RGA21P1PB-DRL

Indie Blues Pop
Key Feature:
• Comfortable body contours
✓ PROS
  • • Comfortable body contours
  • • Versatile 5-way pickup switching
✗ CONS
  • • Single-coils can pick up interference
  • • Requires quality amplifier

Ibanez RGA21P1PB-DRLElectric GuitarBody: BasswoodTop: Burl poplar / maple / walnut / curly maple / panga pangaBolt-on...

4.9/5 (22 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Mayones Guitars Aquila Elite S 6 Poplar LB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Mayones Guitars Aquila Elite S 6 Poplar LB

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
Ibanez GRG320FA-TVT - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Ibanez GRG320FA-TVT

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
Fender 55 Strat MN 2TSb JRN - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Fender 55 Strat MN 2TSb JRN

Funk Blues Pop
Key Feature:
• Classic single-coil brightness
✓ PROS
  • • Classic single-coil brightness
  • • Great for clean and overdriven tones
✗ CONS
  • • May be too bright for heavy metal
  • • String bending can cause tuning issues

Fender 55 Strat MN 2TSb JRNElectric GuitarBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleMicarta black fingerboard...

4.5/5 (35 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Fender 61 Strat Hot Rod Red  RW NOS - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Fender 61 Strat Hot Rod Red RW NOS

Rock Pop Indie
Key Feature:
• Versatile 5-way pickup switching
✓ PROS
  • • Comfortable body contours
  • • Versatile 5-way pickup switching
✗ CONS
  • • Electronics may need shielding
  • • Single-coils can pick up interference

Fender 61 Strat Hot Rod Red RW NOSElectric GuitarBody: AshNeck: MapleFingerboard: Slabboard 9 mm AAA rosewoodNeck...

4.6/5 (34 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Fender 63 Strat RW 3-TSB CC HSS - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Fender 63 Strat RW 3-TSB CC HSS

Indie Blues Funk
Key Feature:
• Versatile 5-way pickup switching
✓ PROS
  • • Excellent sustain and playability
  • • Great for clean and overdriven tones
✗ CONS
  • • String bending can cause tuning issues
  • • May be too bright for heavy metal

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

5.0/5 (17 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Fender 70th Anni 1954 Strat SHREL  SB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Fender 70th Anni 1954 Strat SHREL SB

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
Fender 63 Strat Relic GYW HSS - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Fender 63 Strat Relic GYW HSS

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
Fender 55 Strat MN White Blonde CC - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Fender 55 Strat MN White Blonde CC

Country Indie Blues
Key Feature:
• Classic single-coil brightness
✓ PROS
  • • Comfortable body contours
  • • Excellent sustain and playability
✗ CONS
  • • Requires quality amplifier
  • • Single-coils can pick up interference

Fender 55 Strat MN White Blonde CCElectric GuitarBody: AshBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleMicarta black...

4.5/5 (42 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Ibanez AZ47P2K-DEB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Ibanez AZ47P2K-DEB

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
Ibanez S520AH-ABS - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Ibanez S520AH-ABS

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
Fender Roasted '61 Strat ABLK/3TSB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Fender Roasted '61 Strat ABLK/3TSB

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
Ibanez TOD10-MM Tim Henson Set 2 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Ibanez TOD10-MM Tim Henson Set 2

Blues Pop Funk
Key Feature:
• Great for clean and overdriven tones
✓ PROS
  • • Versatile 5-way pickup switching
  • • Excellent sustain and playability
✗ CONS
  • • String bending can cause tuning issues
  • • Requires quality amplifier

Ibanez TOD10-MM Tim Henson Set 2*Bundle offer comprising*, Ibanez TOD10-MM Tim Henson*Electric Guitar*Tim Henson...

4.5/5 (16 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10

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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