AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Music Man ST Style Guitars 2026
The top pick is Ernie Ball Music Man Jason Richardson Signature Cutlass HT 6 ($4,459). Music Man Stingray II Cory Wong Model CB gives you the most for the money at $3,511. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 12 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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Ernie Ball Music Man Jason Richardson Signature Cutlass HT 6
Cutlass 6 Jason Richardson VR · Music Man
18 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets24 frets
- BodyAlder body
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This Cutlass 6 is a serious instrument, built for players who want a modern, high-performance ST-style guitar with a distinctive voice. Jason Richardson's input shines through in the aggressive, yet refined, design and playability – perfect for shredders, modern rock players, and anyone craving a powerful, articulate tone.
Pros
- Roasted maple neck provides exceptional stability and feel.
- Custom HT humbuckers deliver thick, articulate high-gain tones.
- Ebony fingerboard offers a smooth, fast playing experience.
Cons
- Venetian Red finish can be prone to fingerprints and smudging.
- The shorter 648mm scale may not suit players accustomed to longer scales.
49AudioFu
Index↓ 7.0%since Aug 17$4,793 · Aug 17$4,459 now$4,459€3,999 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets24 frets
- Strings7-string
- BodyOkoume body
- FingerboardMaple fingerboard
This JP15 7 is a beast – seriously versatile for modern progressive metal and beyond. The roasted maple neck is a dream to play, and the combination of high-output humbuckers and piezos gives you a massive tonal palette. It’s built for players who demand top-tier performance and a distinctive, premium instrument.
Pros
- Okoume/Quilted Maple body offers exceptional resonance and striking aesthetics.
- Roasted maple neck and fretboard provide stability, smoothness, and a modern feel.
- DiMarzio Illuminators deliver high-output, articulate tones ideal for complex playing.
Cons
- The extended scale length can be challenging for players with smaller hands.
- High-end components and US manufacturing contribute to a premium-priced tag.
47AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$5,351 now$5,351€4,799 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets22 frets
- BodyAlder body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This Stingray II Cory Wong model is a serious instrument built for modern, funky grooves. The roasted maple neck and those signature HT pickups deliver a tight, punchy sound with incredible clarity. It’s a fantastic choice for players seeking a versatile, high-performance guitar that’s ready to record or shred live.
Pros
- Roasted maple neck provides exceptional stability and feel.
- HT humbuckers deliver a clear, articulate, and powerful tone.
- Custom Modern Classic tremolo offers smooth, reliable vibrato functionality.
Cons
- The shorter 648mm scale might feel cramped for players used to longer scales.
- Premium-priced, placing it out of reach for many aspiring guitarists.
42AudioFu
Index↓ 4.5%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$3,677 · Aug 17$3,511 now$3,511€3,149 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Ernie Ball Music Man Rabea Massaad Signature Sabre
Rabea Massaad Sabre CB · Music Man
7 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius254 mm (10")
- BodyAlder body
This guitar feels solid thanks to its roasted maple neck and flamed top. The two signature humbuckers give a tight, aggressive sound perfect for rock. It suits players who want a classic feel without extra weight specs.
Pros
- Roasted maple neck offers stable playability
- Flamed maple top adds visual appeal
- Signature Bare Knuckle pickups drive tight tone
Cons
- Carian Burst finish may hide wood grain
- No weight listed for potential balance issues
41AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$5,128 now$5,128€4,599 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width41.3 mm (1.63")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- BodyPoplar body
This Steve Morse Standard is a shredder's dream – seriously versatile and built to perform. The roasted maple neck makes those complex lines effortless, and the DiMarzio pickups handle everything from clean jazz tones to blistering high-gain leads. It's ideal for players seeking a high-performance instrument without the absolute top-tier price tag.
Pros
- Roasted maple neck offers exceptional stability and a smooth, fast feel.
- DiMarzio Morse Signature pickups deliver incredible clarity and searing high-gain tones.
- Schaller locking tuners ensure rock-solid tuning stability under demanding playing.
Cons
- Rosewood fingerboard might not appeal to those preferring maple or ebony.
- The multi-switch configuration can be overwhelming for players unfamiliar with complex wiring.
40AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$3,716 now$3,716€3,333 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets22 frets
- BodyAlder body
- FingerboardMaple fingerboard
This guitar plays like a dream thanks to the roasted maple neck and stainless frets. The pickups sound great alone or together, thanks to the special circuit. It is a solid choice for players who want fast play and a clean tone.
Pros
- Roasted maple neck plays very fast with low action.
- Stainless steel frets stay bright for years without dulling.
- Wide spectrum circuit gives clean single coils with humbuckers.
Cons
- Only one volume and one tone control limits mixing.
- Heavy plastic and black hardware add significant weight.
38AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Sep 6Sep 6$3,790 now$3,790€3,399 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets22 frets
- BodyAlder body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This guitar feels great thanks to its smooth maple neck and wide nut, perfect for both chords and fast licks. The custom pickups give you a big range of sounds without needing many knobs to tweak them. It is a solid choice for players who want a reliable US-made instrument with a classic look.
Pros
- Roasted flamed maple neck offers a smooth, fast feel for shredding.
- Wide 42mm nut width provides clear separation for chord playing.
- Custom wound singlecoils deliver a wide spectrum of clean tones.
Cons
- All plastic parts and black finish may feel less premium.
- Only one volume control limits basic signal shaping options.
38AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Sep 6Sep 6$3,790 now$3,790€3,399 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets22 frets
- BodyOkoume body
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
The Sabre Blackdraft is a serious instrument—it’s got a fantastic feel and those humbuckers deliver a modern, powerful voice. The roasted maple neck is a real treat, and the tremolo is surprisingly stable. This is an excellent choice for players wanting a high-end ST-style guitar with a unique vibe and a touch more aggression.
Pros
- Okoume/flame maple combo delivers a resonant, lively tone.
- Roasted maple neck provides exceptional stability and a silky-smooth feel.
- Music Man humbuckers offer thick, articulate high-gain tones.
Cons
- The extended 648mm scale might feel unwieldy for players accustomed to shorter scales.
- Okoume body can be susceptible to dents and scratches without proper care.
38AudioFu
IndexStablesince Aug 17$4,236 · Aug 17$4,236 now$4,236€3,799 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Fingerboard radius254 mm (10")
- BodyAlder body
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This Sabre Vileblood is a seriously powerful instrument built for modern metal and progressive rock players. Rabea Massaad's signature touch combined with those Silo pickups delivers a ferocious tone, and the roasted maple neck makes it a joy to play. It's a high-end guitar for players who demand performance and a unique aesthetic.
Pros
- Roasted maple neck offers exceptional stability and feel.
- Bare Knuckle Silo pickups deliver aggressive, articulate high-gain tones.
- Alder body provides a balanced resonance with good sustain.
Cons
- Vileblood Burst finish may be polarizing for some players’ tastes.
- Bolt-on neck construction, while stable, lacks the warmth of a set-neck.
38AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$4,793 now$4,793€4,299 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets22 frets
- BodyAlder body
This Stingray II Cory Wong Deluxe is a seriously well-built instrument – the roasted maple neck is a dream, and those custom humbuckers deliver a really tight, articulate sound perfect for modern funk, fusion, and beyond. It’s a premium-priced instrument built for players who want a unique feel and a distinctive, modern tone, and who appreciate the quality of a USA-made instrument.
Pros
- Roasted maple neck and fretboard offer exceptional stability and feel.
- Cory Wong HT humbuckers deliver a tight, articulate, and modern high-gain tone.
- Schaller locking tuners ensure rock-solid tuning stability even with aggressive playing.
Cons
- The 648mm scale length may feel unusual for players accustomed to standard Fender scales.
- The premium price point puts it out of reach for many players.
36AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$3,790 now$3,790€3,399 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 12 ST style guitars
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
ST Style Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 1,452 models we track, not a sample.
Median $4,681 — 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
Ergonomics & Neck Profile
Music Man's sculpted bodies are a big deal. That forearm contour isn't just for looks; it makes a difference during long gigs. The neck profiles, whether it's the slim Modern 'C' or the slightly chunkier Soft V, are consistently comfortable and fast - a real step up from some of the thicker, slab-board necks you find elsewhere.
Pickup Voicing
This is where Music Man really differentiates itself. They aren't just slapping in standard single-coil pickups. Their pickups, often custom-wound, have a unique character - a warmth and clarity that avoids that brittle, ice-picky high-end some Strats suffer from. They've got a beautiful, singing sustain without sacrificing articulation.
Tremolo System
The Music Man trem is a refined version of the vintage Floyd trem. It's stable, stays in tune under aggressive use, and offers a wider range of expressive vibrato without that dreaded trem claw dive-bombing. It's a significant upgrade for players who actually use their tremolo.
Build Quality & Hardware
The attention to detail is noticeable. The hardware is generally high-quality - locking tuners are standard, and the overall construction feels rock-solid. The finish quality is consistently good, too, without the orange-peel texture you sometimes find on cheaper guitars.
Tone & Dynamics
Music Man STs deliver a balanced tone that works well across genres. You get that classic Strat chime, but with a richer, more present low-end and a smoother midrange. They respond exceptionally well to playing dynamics - a light touch yields a clean, glassy tone, while digging in brings out a satisfying, controlled breakup.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're looking at Music Man ST style guitars? Smart move. They're not just another Strat clone; they've carved out a real niche with that blend of vintage vibe and modern playability. We're gonna break down what makes these guitars tick, what to look for, and whether one's right for your gig - whether it's a smoky blues bar or tracking a cutting-edge riff in the studio.
Don't be fooled by the Strat-like shape - these guitars command a premium for a reason. The Ernie Ball Powerplay pickups on some models are fantastic, but can be a little scooped for some tastes. Pay attention to the neck profile - try before you buy if possible.
The extra money for a figured maple top or roasted maple neck is purely aesthetic, but adds to the overall feel and appeal.
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 24 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 Music Man STs worth the money?
They're an investment, yes, but a worthwhile one if you value quality, playability, and a unique voice. They hold their value well, too.
How do Music Man STs compare to Fender American Professional II Strats?
The Fender is a more 'classic' Strat tone - more raw and vintage-voiced. Music Man offers a more refined and modern take, with better ergonomics and a more stable tremolo.
What kind of amp do I need for a Music Man ST?
They're incredibly versatile, but a clean, mid-focused amp will really let their character shine. Think Fender Deluxe Reverb, Vox AC30, or a similar amp with headroom to spare.
Are Music Man STs good for high-gain playing?
While they excel at clean and bluesy tones, they can definitely handle high-gain. The pickups retain clarity and articulation even when pushed hard, avoiding that muddy, indistinct sound you sometimes get with hotter pickups.
What's the deal with the 'Silhouette' series?
The Silhouette models feature a thinner body profile, making them even more comfortable to play. They're a great option if you find standard STs a little bulky.
