AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best PRS ST Style Guitars 2026
The top pick is PRS SE Chleo Herman Li Signature ($2,006). PRS SE DGT David Grissom Tremolo Signature Laurel Burl Limited Edition gives you the most for the money at $835. PRS Custom 24 "Birds of a Feather" Limited Edition leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 85 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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PRS SE Chleo Herman Li Signature
SE Chleo Herman Li OD · PRS
120 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width44.5 mm (1.75")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets24 frets
- Fingerboard radius508 mm (20")
- BodyMahogany body
This guitar feels like a Dragonforce stage weapon waiting to roar. The mahogany body and maple neck give it a solid feel, while the Fishman pickups let you switch from clean jazz to heavy rock instantly. It suits players who want a full range of tones but need that signature Floyd Rose dive-bomb capability. You get a striking Orchid Dusk finish and a gig bag, making it ready to go straight out the box.
Pros
- Mahogany body paired with maple top for balanced tone
- Floyd Rose tremolo allows extreme dive-bombing
- Fishman Omniforce pickups offer clean and dirty modes
Cons
- No weight listed means you cannot verify heft
- 508mm radius is wider than many standard guitars
69AudioFu
Index↓ 9.6%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$2,218 · Aug 17$2,006 now$2,006€1,799 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale635 mm (25")
- Frets24 frets
- BodyMahogany body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This Custom 24 CH is a beautifully crafted instrument, marrying PRS’s signature playability with a warmer, more resonant tone. The 85/15 pickups are a real sweet spot – offering plenty of versatility for rock, blues, and even some lighter jazz. It's a great choice for players who want a high-end feel and sound without sacrificing comfort.
Pros
- Mahogany body delivers warmth and sustain; a premium tonal foundation.
- Flamed maple top adds visual flair and subtly enhances upper harmonics.
- 85/15 pickups offer a versatile range from glassy cleans to high-gain crunch.
Cons
- Mahogany construction contributes to a noticeably heavier feel compared to alder.
- Rosewood fretboard may require more frequent oiling to prevent dryness.
61AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$6,131 now$6,131€5,499 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
PRS Silver Sky Defender John Mayer Signature
JM Silver Sky Defender LTD PR · PRS
41 for sale on Reverb4 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width42.1 mm (1.66")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius184 mm (7.24")
- BodyAlder body
This guitar feels light and plays smoothly thanks to the maple neck and rosewood fingerboard. The single-coil pickups give a clean, bright sound that sounds like John Mayer's classic style. It suits players who want a solid, responsive instrument but don't need many knobs. The limited controls and lack of active boost mean it stays simple and direct. You'll love the smooth action and classic feel right out of the case.
Pros
- John Mayer signature model with recognizable playability
- Lightweight alder body paired with maple bolt-on neck
- Rosewood fingerboard offers smooth fretting and feel
Cons
- Only one volume control limits dynamic range
- Two tone knobs feel restrictive for complex needs
59AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Sep 24Sep 24$4,124 now$4,124€3,699 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
PRS Silver Sky Defender John Mayer Signature
SE Silver Sky Defender LTD WG · PRS
41 for sale on Reverb4 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets22 frets
- BodyPoplar body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This guitar feels great in hand thanks to its light poplar body and comfortable neck profile. You get three single coils for a bright, cutting tone that fits John Mayer's style well. It is perfect for players who want a solid, reliable Strat-style feel without the extra cost.
Pros
- Light poplar body keeps the instrument surprisingly light to play.
Cons
- Single volume control lacks the flexibility of standard dual controls.
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Sep 24Sep 24$1,002 now$1,002€899 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale635 mm (25")
- Frets24 frets
- BodyMahogany body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This guitar feels like a solid choice for players who love mahogany warmth but want that bright snap from a maple top. The two humbuckers give you a fat sound right out of the box, though having only one tone knob means you can't dial in many different settings. It suits players who want a reliable workhorse for live gigs, but you might find the tremolo system tricky to keep perfectly in tune. Overall, it's a high-end instrument with a classic look and a big, rich voice.
Pros
- Premium flamed maple top adds bright top-end resonance
- Mahogany body and neck provide warm, punchy low frequencies
- Rosewood fingerboard offers smooth playability for fretting
Cons
- Single tone control limits tonal shaping options
- Tremolo system adds potential intonation instability
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$6,466 now$6,466€5,799 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42.9 mm (1.69")
- Scale625 mm (24.61")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius254 mm (10")
- BodyMahogany body
This guitar feels solid thanks to its mahogany body and neck. The rosewood fingerboard has plenty of room for 22 frets, and the 58/15 pickups give you a thick sound. It works well if you want a reliable Strat-style guitar with a real tremolo, though you won't find a weight spec listed.
Pros
- Solid mahogany body and neck for a strong, resonant feel
- Rosewood fingerboard with comfortable 22 frets up the neck
- Two 58/15 LT humbuckers deliver thick, powerful tones
Cons
- No specific weight listed, so heft is unknown
- Only two volume and one tone control available
54AudioFu
Index↓ 3.1%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$2,508 · Aug 17$2,430 now$2,430€2,179 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
PRS Custom 24 "Birds of a Feather" Limited Edition
Birds Of A Feather Custom 24 C · PRS
40 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
- Scale635 mm (25")
- Frets24 frets
- BodyMahogany body
This guitar has a beautiful flamed maple top over mahogany wood. The ebony fingerboard features special feather inlays that stand out. It uses two PRS DMO pickups for a solid tone. The Pattern thin neck feels easy to play. It suits players who want a pretty look and a balanced sound. This model is limited, so you might wait for yours.
Pros
- Artist Grade flamed maple top adds real visual sparkle
- Ebony fingerboard with custom feather inlays looks unique
- PRS DMO pickups deliver tight bass and clear treble
Cons
- Limited production means you may not find one soon
- No weight spec listed makes carrying uncertainty
53AudioFu
Index↓ 1.3%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$8,919 · Aug 17$8,807 now$8,807€7,899 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
PRS Limited Edition Custom 24 Mango Top
Custom 24 Mango LTD Violet · PRS
31 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Scale635 mm (25")
- Frets24 frets
- BodyMahogany body
This guitar sounds warm thanks to its mahogany body and mahogany neck. The Zirikote fingerboard feels smooth under your fingers, and the DMO pickups cut through the mix. It works great for players who want a thin neck and a bright, clear tone. You get a solid, American-made instrument, though the lack of a weight spec is a bit odd.
Pros
- Mahogany body and neck provide warm, resonant tone
- Zirikote fingerboard offers smooth, fast playability
- PRS DMO pickups deliver clear, detailed tone
Cons
- No weight spec listed for heavy necks
- Single volume and single tone controls limit tone shaping
52AudioFu
Index↓ 12.3%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$6,354 · Aug 17$5,573 now$5,573€4,998 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
PRS Custom 24 Artist Package
Artist Grade Custom 24 S/H FI · PRS
24 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Scale635 mm (25")
- Frets24 frets
- BodyMahogany body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This guitar sounds open and airy thanks to its semi-hollow body and flamed maple top. The Cuban mahogany neck feels smooth under your fingers. It is perfect for players who want a vintage vibe without the noise of a fully hollow guitar.
Pros
- Semi-hollow body with flamed maple top for air and resonance.
- Cuban mahogany neck provides a warm, smooth feel.
- Rosewood fingerboard with vintage-style inlays.
Cons
- Only one volume and one tone control available.
- No master volume for boosting signal.
51AudioFu
Index↓ 3.1%since Aug 17$7,246 · Aug 17$7,023 now$7,023€6,299 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
PRS SE DGT David Grissom Tremolo Signature Laurel Burl Limited Edition
SE Silver Sky Laurel Green · PRS
26 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- BodyPoplar body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This guitar sounds bright and clean thanks to its single-coil pickups, perfect for rock and pop. The poplar body makes it feel light in your hands, while John Mayer's signature neck profile sits comfortably under your fingers. It suits players who want a clean, versatile tone without breaking the bank.
Pros
- John Mayer signature model brings star power to the stage
- Poplar body offers light weight and easy playability
- Three single-coil pickups deliver crisp, clean tone
Cons
- Rosewood fretboard lacks the durability of ebony or maple
- No tremolo system limits vibrato expression compared to trem models
50AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$835 now$835€749 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 85 ST style guitars
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
PRS Custom 24 Private StockPrivate Stock HPW Custom 24 N · PRS50Stable$16,278€14,599$16,278€14,599Check ↗
- 12
PRS SE Silver Sky Moon WhitePRS · 2 finishes49↓ 23.6%$726€649$726€649Check ↗
- 13
PRS SE Studio Charcoal CBPRS · 2 finishes49↓ 8.9%$964€865$964€865Check ↗
- 14
PRS Wood Library S2 Custom 24 CBPRS · 5 finishes49Stable$2,786€2,499$2,786€2,499Check ↗
- 15
PRS Limited Edition Paul's Guitar Mango TopPaul's Guitar Mango LTD CH · PRS · 2 finishes49↓ 8.6%$5,908€5,299$5,908€5,299Check ↗
- 16
PRS 40th Anniversary Custom 2440th Anniversary Custom 24 SuZ · PRS49Stable$7,245€6,498$7,245€6,498Check ↗
- 17
PRS SE Special Semi-HollowSpecial Semi-Hollow BGWB · PRS48Stable$5,462€4,899$5,462€4,899Check ↗
- 18
PRS SE NF3 Metallic Orange RWPRS · 3 finishes47↓ 3.8%$857€769$857€769Check ↗
- 19
PRS SE Silver Sky Stone Blue LHPRS · 2 finishes47↓ 11.4%$866€777$866€777Check ↗
- 20
PRS P24 / Custom 24 PiezoCustom 24 Piezo Cobalt SB · PRS47Stable$6,688€5,998$6,688€5,998Check ↗
- 21
PRS Limited Edition Custom 24-08 Mango TopCustom 24 Mango LTD Blood O · PRS47Stable$6,689€5,999$6,689€5,999Check ↗
- 22
PRS 40th Anniversary Custom 2440th Anniversary Custom 24 TE · PRS47Stable$7,804€6,999$7,804€6,999Check ↗
- 23
PRS SE CE24 Standard Stoptail SVCPRS · 4 finishes46Stable$534€479$534€479Check ↗
- 24
PRS SE Special Semi-Hollow LBPRS · 2 finishes45Stable$1,114€999$1,114€999Check ↗
- 25
PRS JM Silver Sky Maple VBPRS · 2 finishes45Stable$3,232€2,899$3,232€2,899Check ↗
- 26
PRS McCarty 594 HB II CBPRS · 3 finishes45↓ 9.1%$5,574€4,999$5,574€4,999Check ↗
- 27
PRS SE Silver Sky Derby RedPRS · 2 finishes44↓ 5.9%$891€799$891€799Check ↗
- 28
PRS SE Silver Sky Trad Blue LHPRS · 2 finishes43Stable$866€777$866€777Check ↗
- 29
PRS SE Studio Standard SilverstonePRS43Stable$866€777$866€777Check ↗
- 30
PRS SE Studio Standard Pearl WhitePRS43Stable$880€789$880€789Check ↗
- 31
PRS SE Studio Orange Tiger SBPRS43Stable$1,058€949$1,058€949Check ↗
- 32
PRS SE Special Semi-Hollow LB 2025PRS43Stable$1,114€999$1,114€999Check ↗
- 33
PRS JM Silver Sky RW Black PlumPRS43Stable$3,135€2,812$3,135€2,812Check ↗
- 34
PRS JM Silver Sky RW Mojave BrownPRS43Stable$3,135€2,812$3,135€2,812Check ↗
- 35
PRS Silver Sky RW Moc Sand SatinPRS43Stable$3,567€3,199$3,567€3,199Check ↗
- 36
PRS McCarty 594 Aurora BorealisPRS43Stable$4,955€4,444$4,955€4,444Check ↗
- 37
PRS McCarty FBJ MCIII 10 TopPRS43Stable$6,242€5,598$6,242€5,598Check ↗
- 38
PRS McCarty 594 HB II CB MCIIIPRS42↓ 9.1%$5,574€4,999$5,574€4,999Check ↗
- 39
PRS 40th Anniversary Charcoal Phoenix Limited EditionCharcoal Phoenix Ltd Edition · PRS42Stable$10,034€8,999$10,034€8,999Check ↗
- 40
PRS SE Silver Sky Dandy Lion LHPRS · 2 finishes41Stable$835€749$835€749Check ↗
- 41
PRS Swamp Ash Special VintagePRS · 2 finishes41↓ 2.8%$3,900€3,498$3,900€3,498Check ↗
- 42
PRS John Mayer Silver Sky TungstenPRS40↓ 6.3%$3,344€2,999$3,344€2,999Check ↗
- 43
PRS SE Silver Sky Nylon Blue LHPRS39Stable$835€749$835€749Check ↗
- 44
PRS Tekton SVN Bloodstone RedPRS39Stable$3,455€3,099$3,455€3,099Check ↗
- 45
PRS Tekton SVN Fuchsia AuraPRS39Stable$3,455€3,099$3,455€3,099Check ↗
- 46
PRS Tekton SVN Violet TourmalinePRS39Stable$3,455€3,099$3,455€3,099Check ↗
- 47
PRS Tekton SVN Black TourmalinePRS39Stable$3,455€3,099$3,455€3,099Check ↗
- 48
PRS Tekton SVN Imperial TopazPRS39Stable$3,455€3,099$3,455€3,099Check ↗
- 49
PRS Tekton SVN Slate BluePRS39Stable$3,455€3,099$3,455€3,099Check ↗
- 50
PRS JM Silver Sky RW Venetian BluePRS39Stable$3,678€3,299$3,678€3,299Check ↗
ST Style Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 1,452 models we track, not a sample.
Median $3,344 — 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
PRS’s ST-style guitars carry a legacy of refinement. They’ve subtly tweaked the classic Tele formula – often with more contoured bodies for comfort, and more refined headstock designs. This isn’t about reinventing the wheel, but about making it roll a little smoother.
Tone Characteristics
That’s the big one. While they share the Tele’s inherent twang and clarity, PRS guitars often have a warmer, more rounded low-midrange. Think less ice-picky bite and more of a fat midrange honk that really helps them cut through a dense mix – a huge advantage in a band setting.
Pickups & Voicing
PRS frequently uses their own designed pickups in ST-style guitars, and they’re rarely harsh. They aim for a balanced voicing that’s versatile enough for blues, rock, country, and even some cleaner jazz tones. Some models incorporate Alnico II or V magnets for different tonal nuances; Alnico II will be smoother, Alnico V more aggressive.
Build Quality & Hardware
PRS build quality is consistently high. Neck joint tolerances are tight, the hardware is solid, and the finish is typically flawless (though that comes at a price). The tuners are generally excellent, providing reliable tuning stability even under aggressive gigging conditions.
Neck Profiles
PRS offers a variety of neck profiles, from the vintage-inspired 59 Slim to the more modern Pattern Regular. This is critical for playability. A slim neck will be easier for faster playing, while a thicker neck might offer more sustain and a more substantial feel.
Buying guide
So, you're looking at a PRS ST-style guitar? Smart move. PRS took that classic Telecaster blueprint and injected it with their own DNA – carving out a space that's often overlooked but seriously rewarding. They’re not just copies; they’ve got a distinct voice and a build quality that consistently impresses, especially when you need a workhorse that can handle everything from smoky blues clubs to tight rehearsals.
Don't chase the top-tier models unless you're seriously committed. The lower-priced ST-styles still offer incredible value, though you might be sacrificing some fancy appointments like artist-grade flame tops. Watch out for models with overly bright, ice-picky pickups – those can be tamed with a simple pickup swap, but it's an added expense.
Invest in a good setup from a qualified tech – it’ll unlock the guitar’s full potential.
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 127 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 PRS ST-style guitars as versatile as a standard Tele?
They’re close, but the warmer low-mids often make them a better choice for rock and blues where you need to cut through the mix without getting brittle. Teles are still the kings of that bright, spanky twang.
What’s the difference between a PRS SE ST and a Core/Standard ST?
SE models are made overseas (typically in Indonesia) and use slightly less expensive hardware and pickups. Core/Standard models are built in the US with higher-grade materials and more meticulous attention to detail – and they cost accordingly.
Can I easily swap the pickups in a PRS ST-style guitar?
Absolutely. The pickup cavities are standard Tele size, so there's a massive aftermarket of options available. It's a common upgrade for tailoring the tone to your specific needs.
Are the PRS necks comfortable?
Generally yes, but it depends on the profile. Try before you buy if possible. They offer a range of profiles, so finding one that fits your hand is essential for comfortable playing and avoiding fatigue during long gigs.
Do I need to worry about fret sprout or other common build issues?
PRS guitars are generally very well-built, but a proper setup is always recommended. Fret sprout is rare, but a slight relief adjustment and crowning might be needed to optimize playability and intonation.





