AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Larry Carlton ST Style Guitars 2026
The top pick is Sire Larry Carlton S7 FM ($646). Larry Carlton S5 Black gives you the most for the money at $389. Larry Carlton S10 HSS Transparent Green leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 5 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 28, 2026
Top 5
Full detail for the 5 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Sire Larry Carlton S7 FM
S7 HSS CAR New Gen · Larry Carlton
13 for sale on Reverb16 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets22 frets
- Neck profileC-shape neck
- BodyAlder body
This Larry Carlton S7 HSS is a seriously well-equipped guitar for the price. The SIRE pickups are surprisingly versatile, handling blues, rock, and even some funk with ease. It's a great option for players looking for a vintage vibe with modern playability and a comfortable C-profile neck.
Pros
- Alder body provides a balanced, resonant tone with good sustain
- Maple top adds clarity and a touch of sparkle to the overall sound
- SIRE LC pickups offer a versatile range from warm cleans to crunchy overdrive
Cons
- Bolt-on neck construction can lack the warmth of a set-neck
- Candy Apple Red finish may be polarizing for some players
64AudioFu
Index↓ 17.2%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$779 · Aug 17$646 now$646€579 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius241 mm (9.49")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
The Larry Carlton S5 Black is a surprisingly capable Strat-style guitar offering a vintage vibe at an affordable price. Those LC Super-V pickups are a real highlight, delivering a clean, articulate tone perfect for session work or classic rock tones. It's a solid choice for players seeking a versatile and comfortable instrument without the premium price tag.
Pros
- Alder body provides a balanced, resonant tone with good sustain.
- LC Super-V pickups deliver a clear, articulate vintage single-coil voice.
- Bolt-on maple neck offers a snappy feel and easy playability.
Cons
- Alder body can feel a bit plain compared to more figured woods.
- Bolt-on neck construction lacks the inherent warmth of a set-neck design.
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- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius241 mm (9.49")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
This Larry Carlton S3 HSS is a seriously well-equipped guitar for the money. The mahogany body gives it a lovely resonance, and the Sire pickups are surprisingly versatile – clean, bluesy, and can handle some crunch. It’s a great option for players looking for a comfortable, classic feel and a wide range of tones without a premium-priced tag.
Pros
- Mahogany body delivers warmth and sustain, a great foundation.
- Sire pickups offer a surprisingly versatile, articulate tone.
- Bolt-on neck provides a snappy feel, favored by many players.
Cons
- Mahogany body may make it slightly heavier than some players prefer.
- Rosewood fingerboard can feel a bit dry without proper conditioning.
47AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$445 now$445€399 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width41.3 mm (1.63")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets24 frets
- Fingerboard radius356 mm (14.02")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
This Larry Carlton X5 TBKS is a seriously good deal for players chasing that smooth, soulful tone. The mahogany/ash construction and LC Modern pickups nail a warm, slightly compressed sound perfect for blues, jazz, and classic rock. It’s a great option for intermediate players wanting a Floyd Rose trem without the premium price tag.
Pros
- Mahogany/Ash combo delivers warmth with focused upper-midrange clarity.
- LC Modern humbuckers offer a versatile, articulate, and powerful tone.
- 14” radius rosewood fingerboard provides comfortable playability for various styles.
Cons
- Mahogany body may feel slightly heavy for players preferring lighter instruments.
- Hardware, while functional, isn't quite on par with premium, name-brand components.
42AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$445 now$445€399 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
- BodyAlder body
- FingerboardMaple fingerboard
This S10 is a serious contender for players seeking a refined, modern ST-style guitar. Larry Carlton’s signature influence shines through with a comfortable neck profile and powerful, articulate pickups—perfect for blues, rock, and session work where versatility and feel are paramount. It’s a premium-priced instrument delivering a lot of value for the money.
Pros
- Solid poplar top adds snap and character to the alder body.
- Seymour Duncan Fortuna pickups deliver a modern, articulate tone.
- Compound radius fingerboard eases chording and facilitates fast playing.
Cons
- The alder body may make it a bit heftier than some players prefer.
- Transparent green finish might not appeal to all aesthetic tastes.
41AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,337 now$1,337€1,199 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
ST Style Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 1,452 models we track, not a sample.
Median $724 — 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
Heritage & Design
The initial Larry Carlton Strat (1988) was a direct collaboration with Fender, aiming for a refined version of his iconic 1958 Strat. Later models (the 2000s versions) continued this legacy, though the execution sometimes varied. It’s about that specific, slightly scooped midrange and enhanced sustain Carlton favors.
Pickup Voicing
Carlton's signature pickups, typically custom-wound DiMarzio units, are the heart of the tone. They’re voiced for a warm, creamy clean tone with a surprising amount of headroom. They don't have that ice-picky high-end; it's more of a smooth, vocal quality that cuts through a mix without being harsh.
Neck Profile
Carlton's preferred neck profile is a modified 'C' shape – thinner than a vintage 'C', but with more substantial feel than a modern 'D'. This allows for effortless legato phrasing and those incredibly fluid lines he's known for. It’s a real player’s neck, comfortable for long gigs.
Build Quality & Hardware
Early models were generally well-built, but later reissues sometimes cut corners on the hardware – the tuners can feel a little cheap, and the tremolo block isn't always the highest quality. Pay close attention to fretwork, as it can vary significantly.
Sustain & Resonance
Carlton’s Strats were always about maximizing sustain. The heavier body woods (often ash or swamp ash) contribute to this, and the custom pickup placement helps drive the resonance. It’s the kind of guitar that really sings when you dig in.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're chasing that Larry Carlton vibe – that smooth, sophisticated, almost vocal quality he gets. It’s not just about a Strat, it’s about his Strat. The Larry Carlton signature guitars are a direct attempt to capture that, but they’ve had a few iterations and some quirks along the way. Let's break down what makes them special, and if they’re really worth the chase.
These Larry Carlton Strats are a bit of a mixed bag. The early '88 models are highly sought-after and command a premium, but later reissues can be a gamble. Look for a guitar with a comfortable neck, good fretwork, and those signature DiMarzio pickups – even if you swap the hardware later.
Don't expect a vintage Strat tone; Carlton's guitars have a distinct voice all their own.
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 31 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 Larry Carlton Strats worth the money?
It depends. The '88 models are investment pieces. Later reissues can be a good value if you find one in good condition with a comfortable neck and working electronics. Do your homework and play before you buy.
What's the difference between the '88 and the 2000s models?
The '88 is considered the more authentic representation of Carlton's guitar, with generally better build quality and more consistent specs. The 2000s models varied more in quality and features.
Can I get a similar tone with a different Strat and pickups?
Absolutely. A good quality Strat with custom-wound DiMarzios in the Carlton style, and a similar neck profile, can get you very close. It's a more affordable option, but requires more research and tweaking.
What kind of amp should I use with a Larry Carlton Strat?
Carlton often uses Fender clean platforms like the Twin Reverb or Deluxe Reverb. A warm, slightly overdriven amp will really highlight the pickups' character. Think clean headroom with a touch of tube saturation – nothing too aggressive.
Are the tremolo systems on these guitars reliable?
The later models, especially, can have issues with the tremolo. They're often not the most stable, so be prepared to potentially upgrade the block and springs for better tuning stability.
