AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Harley Benton ST Style Guitars 2026
The top pick is Harley Benton ST-62CC Lake Placid Blue ($166). Harley Benton ST-20 BK Standard Series gives you the most for the money at $99. Harley Benton Fusion-IV HH RW QRG leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 47 models, 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")
- 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")
- Scale635 mm (25")
- Fingerboard radius350 mm (13.78")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
- BodyMeranti body
This CST-24 is a seriously impressive offering for the price. The roasted fingerboard and Roswell pickups give it a surprisingly refined feel and a warm, punchy sound that’s great for rock, blues, and even some heavier styles. It’s a fantastic option for players seeking a quality instrument without the premium-priced tag.
Pros
- Flamed maple top adds visual flair and slight resonance.
- Roasted jatoba fingerboard offers stability and a smooth feel.
- Roswell HAF pickups deliver a surprisingly thick, vintage-voiced tone.
Cons
- Meranti body, while decent, lacks the resonance of ash or alder.
- Graphite nut can feel a little slick for some players, requiring adjustment.
62AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$322 now$322€289 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- 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")
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- BodyNyatoh body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This guitar has a roasted maple neck that feels great and stays in tune well. The Alnico 5 pickups give a warm tone, and the 10-way switch lets you change sounds easily. It suits players who want a classic sound but need a sturdy bridge to hold the tremolo. The Nyatoh body is unique but might need care in humid rooms.
Pros
- Roasted Canadian maple neck ensures stable tuning and smooth playability.
- Graph Tech TUSQ XL nut reduces string break-in time and fret buzz.
- 10-way switch offers multiple pickup combinations for varied tones.
Cons
- Nyatoh body material may warp over time if humidity changes.
- Double-action truss rod adjustment is harder to operate than single.
59AudioFu
Index↓ 4.0%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$556 · Aug 17$534 now$534€479 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- Neck profileD-shape neck
- BodyAlder body
This guitar feels solid thanks to the roasted maple neck and graphite nut. The variable radius makes it easy to play fast runs and big chords. It sounds great with its Alnico 5 pickups and split coil option. Great for players who want a reliable workhorse without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Roasted Canadian maple neck offers stable playability.
- Graphite nut ensures smooth action across all frets.
- Variable radius neck aids both bending and chording.
Cons
- No bridge material or type is listed in specs.
- Weight of the guitar is not specified in text.
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$445 now$445€399 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- BodyBasswood body
This guitar uses roasted maple for a stable neck and solid basswood for the body. The locking Floyd Rose bridge keeps the strings tight while the Alnico V pickups give a warm sound. It fits players who want a reliable, solid instrument without needing too many knobs.
Pros
- Roasted maple neck offers stable tuning
- American basswood body feels solid
- Floyd Rose bridge provides locking stability
Cons
- Single volume and tone control is basic
- No active electronics for EQ boosting
55AudioFu
Index↓ 5.7%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$389 · Aug 17$367 now$367€329 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- BodyNyatoh body
This Fusion-III is a seriously impressive value. The ebony board and Roswell pickups deliver a modern, versatile tone that's surprisingly punchy and clear. It's perfect for players wanting a shred-ready instrument with a comfortable feel and a touch of flair – especially those who like a bit of a shorter scale for a slightly looser feel.
Pros
- Ebony fretboard offers slick playability and sustain.
- Roswell pickups deliver a surprisingly articulate and powerful tone.
- Modern 'C' neck profile is comfortable for a wide range of players.
Cons
- Nyatoh body can feel a bit 'budget' compared to mahogany or alder.
- Push/pull tone control might feel cheap and less refined.
53AudioFu
Index↓ 14.3%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$389 · Aug 17$333 now$333€299 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 ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- BodyNyatoh body
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This Fusion-III is a seriously impressive package for the money. The Roswell pickups deliver a surprisingly versatile range, from clean chime to searing high-gain, and the Wilkinson trem is a welcome upgrade. It's a fantastic option for players seeking a modern, comfortable feel and a broad sonic palette without a premium price tag.
Pros
- Nyatoh body offers surprising resonance and sustain.
- Roswell pickups deliver thick, articulate high-gain tones.
- Canadian maple neck provides a comfortable, modern playing feel.
Cons
- Nyatoh body might feel less premium than mahogany or alder.
- Ebony fingerboard can be brittle and susceptible to cracking with humidity changes.
50AudioFu
Index↓ 16.3%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$411 · Aug 17$345 now$345€309 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 47 ST style guitars
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Harley Benton Fusion-III HH FR EB FBB w/CaseHarley Benton50↓ 11.7%$423€379$423€379Check ↗
- 12
Harley Benton Fusion-III HH EB BK w/BagHarley Benton48↓ 16.3%$345€309$345€309Check ↗
- 13
Harley Benton Fusion-III HH FR EB FBB w/BagHarley Benton48↓ 12.2%$400€359$400€359Check ↗
- 14
Harley Benton ST-70RW Deluxe SeriesHarley Benton · 4 finishes47Stable$200€179$200€179Check ↗
- 15
Harley Benton Fusion-III HSH Roasted FBLBHarley Benton · 2 finishes47↓ 5.0%$423€379$423€379Check ↗
- 16
Harley Benton S-620 TB Rock SeriesHarley Benton · 5 finishes46Stable$188€169$188€169Check ↗
- 17
Harley Benton ST-57DG Black TributeHarley Benton46Stable$211€189$211€189Check ↗
- 18
Harley Benton R-456FR BK Progressive SeriesHarley Benton · 3 finishes46Stable$222€199$222€199Check ↗
- 19
Harley Benton Guitar MAX Fusion Signa w/CaseHarley Benton · 3 finishes46Stable$523€469$523€469Check ↗
- 20
Harley Benton ST-JAMster SCAHarley Benton · 2 finishes45Stable$144€129$144€129Check ↗
- 21
Harley Benton Fusion-III HSS Roasted FBBHarley Benton · 2 finishes45↓ 5.0%$423€379$423€379Check ↗
- 22
Harley Benton Guitar MAX Fusion Signature WNHarley Benton · 4 finishes45Stable$501€449$501€449Check ↗
- 23
Harley Benton ST-Modern Carlos Asensio CGMHarley Benton · 2 finishes45Stable$668€599$668€599Check ↗
- 24
Harley Benton HWY-25BKS Progressive SeriesHarley Benton · 2 finishes43Stable$133€119$133€119Check ↗
- 25
Harley Benton ST-59HM Fiesta RedHarley Benton · 3 finishes42Stable$222€199$222€199Check ↗
- 26
Harley Benton Fusion-III HH EB OCT w/CaseHarley Benton42Stable$378€339$378€339Check ↗
- 27
Harley Benton ST-Modern Plus HSS MOD w/SafeHarley Benton42Stable$434€389$434€389Check ↗
- 28
Harley Benton ST-Modern Plus HSS LPB w/SafeHarley Benton42Stable$434€389$434€389Check ↗
- 29
Harley Benton Guitar MAX Fusion HO w/CaseHarley Benton42Stable$579€519$579€519Check ↗
- 30
Harley Benton ST-Modern MN HSS OW w/BagHarley Benton41Stable$244€219$244€219Check ↗
- 31
Harley Benton Fusion-III HSS Roasted w/SafeHarley Benton41Stable$478€429$478€429Check ↗
- 32
Harley Benton ST-Modern Plus HSS SBK w/SafeHarley Benton41Stable$478€429$478€429Check ↗
- 33
Harley Benton Amarok-6 BKNT Flame BurstHarley Benton · 2 finishes41Stable$556€499$556€499Check ↗
- 34
Harley Benton Guitar MAX Fusion Signa w/BagHarley Benton41Stable$579€519$579€519Check ↗
- 35
Harley Benton Amarok-6 BKNT Flame Bur w/CaseHarley Benton41Stable$579€519$579€519Check ↗
- 36
Harley Benton Amarok-6 BKNT Flame Bur w/BagHarley Benton39Stable$568€509$568€509Check ↗
- 37
Harley Benton Amarok-6 BKRD Quilted B w/BagHarley Benton39Stable$568€509$568€509Check ↗
- 38
Harley Benton Fusion-III HSH EB FBLB w/SafeHarley Benton37Stable$445€399$445€399Check ↗
- 39
Harley Benton Fusion-III HH EB BK BundleHarley Benton · 2 finishes31↓ 18.3%$423€379$423€379Check ↗
- 40
Harley Benton Fusion-III HH EB OCT BundleHarley Benton30↓ 17.6%$345€309$345€309Check ↗
- 41
Harley Benton JAMster Guitar ST BundleHarley Benton27Stable$133€119$133€119Check ↗
- 42
Harley Benton Electric Guitar Kit ST-StyleHarley Benton25Stable$88€79$88€79Check ↗
- 43
Harley Benton Electric Guitar Kit JAHarley Benton25Stable$110€99$110€99Check ↗
- 44
Harley Benton ST-Modern Plus MN HSS S BundleHarley Benton25Stable$400€359$400€359Check ↗
- 45
Harley Benton ST-Modern Plus HSS BK BundleHarley Benton25Stable$400€359$400€359Check ↗
- 46
Harley Benton Electric Guitar Kit CST-24Harley Benton24Stable$110€99$110€99Check ↗
- 47
Harley Benton Amarok-6 BKRD Quilted B BundleHarley Benton24Stable$579€519$579€519Check ↗
ST Style Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 1,452 models we track, not a sample.
Median $311 — 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
Build Quality & Hardware
The early HB STs were…rough. Tolerances were loose, hardware felt cheap. Newer models (especially the Fusion series) show significant improvement in fretwork and hardware, but there's still a bit of 'budget' feel. Expect to potentially tweak the action and intonation.
Neck Profile
This varies wildly across models. You’ll find everything from thin, shred-friendly profiles to thicker, vintage-inspired C shapes. Knowing your preferred neck feel is critical before ordering, as returns can be a pain.
Pickup Voicing
The stock HB pickups are generally decent – usable, but not inspiring. They often lean towards a slightly scooped midrange, which can be great for rock and metal but might lack character for blues or jazz. Aftermarket upgrades are almost a given for serious tone freaks.
Sustain & Resonance
The mahogany bodies (common in many HB STs) offer good sustain, but the overall resonance isn't quite as lively as a Fender with ash or alder. This isn’t necessarily bad; it gives them a unique tonal character, often a bit warmer and chunkier.
Finish & Aesthetics
Let's be honest, the finishes can be inconsistent. You might get a gorgeous flame top or a slightly uneven spray job. While the look isn’t everything, it’s a factor in the overall value perception – and some of the finishes are surprisingly good.
Buying guide
Look, you’re on the hunt for an ST-style guitar without dropping a grand. Harley Benton's carved a serious niche for themselves in that space, offering a surprising amount of bang for your buck. But they aren’t all created equal, and understanding their strengths and weaknesses is crucial. Let’s break down which HB STs are worth your time and money, and which ones to maybe skip.
Don't expect perfection; you're paying a fraction of the price of a Fender. Prioritize a model with a comfortable neck profile – that's the most crucial element for playability. Factor in the cost of a pickup upgrade if you’re serious about tone.
And be prepared to do some basic setup adjustments – truss rod tweaks, intonation, maybe a fret leveling if you're unlucky.
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 267 ST style guitars from the Thomann catalogue (of 1,452 in the category). 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 Harley Bentons reliable for gigging?
Generally, yes, *if* you’re realistic about expectations. They’re built to a budget, so treat them with respect. Hardware upgrades (pots, switch) can improve reliability and reduce noise on stage.
What’s the difference between the Standard, Fat, and Fusion series?
Standard are the oldest and often have the most quality control issues. Fat series usually has a thicker body and slightly hotter pickups. Fusion series are the most modern, with improved hardware and often roasted maple necks – the best bang for your buck.
Can I return a Harley Benton if I don't like it?
Returns are possible, but Thomann (the main retailer) has a strict policy. Shipping costs can eat into your refund, so be certain before you order. It’s even more important to research the neck profile.
Are the pickups any good, or should I replace them immediately?
They're *usable*, but they're a common upgrade path. The voicing is often a bit bland and lacks that Fender sparkle. Expect a muddy low-end if you're pushing high gain.
What kind of amp sounds best with a Harley Benton ST?
They surprisingly handle a wider range of amps well. A Fender-style clean amp can bring out their warmth, while a high-gain amp can benefit from the scooped mids for a modern metal tone. Experiment!





