Best ST Style Guitars Under $1,000 2026

Affordable st style guitars under $1,000 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: January 21, 2026 • Next update: January 28, 2026

PRICE RANGES: Under $100 Under $200 Under $300 Under $500 Under $800 Under $1,000 Under $2,000 Under $5,000

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Rock For Blues For Pop For Country For Funk For Indie

BRANDS: Fender Ibanez Harley Benton PRS Jackson Squier Kramer Guitars Suhr ESP Charvel Yamaha Larry Carlton Mooer Schecter Music Man Solar Guitars Cort Evh Sterling by Music Man Xotic Guitars Maybach Friedman

Kramer Guitars SM-1 Figured BDP - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Kramer Guitars SM-1 Figured BDP

by Kramer Guitars

Blues Country Funk

Key Feature:

• Comfortable body contours

✓ PROS

• Excellent sustain and playability
• Comfortable body contours

✗ CONS

• Electronics may need shielding
• Single-coils can pick up interference

Kramer Guitars SM-1 Figured BDPElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyNeck-thru-body: MahoganyFingerboard: EbonyWhite neck...

⭐ 4.5/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 549206

$934

Buy at Thomann View Details

Kramer Guitars SM-1 H Tronius Silver - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Kramer Guitars SM-1 H Tronius Silver

by Kramer Guitars

Indie Pop Rock

Key Feature:

• Excellent sustain and playability

✓ PROS

• Comfortable body contours
• Excellent sustain and playability

✗ CONS

• Single-coils can pick up interference
• Electronics may need shielding

Kramer Guitars SM-1 H TSI LimitedElectric GuitarLimited editionBody: MahoganyNeck-through-body: MahoganyFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 525221

$901

Buy at Thomann View Details

Kramer Guitars Viper Baretta Snakeskin - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Kramer Guitars Viper Baretta Snakeskin

by Kramer Guitars

Country Rock Pop

Key Feature:

• Classic single-coil brightness

✓ PROS

• Versatile 5-way pickup switching
• Comfortable body contours

✗ CONS

• Single-coils can pick up interference
• Requires quality amplifier

Kramer Guitars Viper Baretta SnakeskinElectric GuitarOriginal SeriesBody: AlderBolted neck: MapleFretboard: MapleBlack...

⭐ 4.5/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 523040

$977

Buy at Thomann View Details

Kramer Guitars Danger Zone Baretta - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Kramer Guitars Danger Zone Baretta

by Kramer Guitars

Country Blues Rock

Key Feature:

• Excellent sustain and playability

✓ PROS

• Comfortable body contours
• Versatile 5-way pickup switching

✗ CONS

• Requires quality amplifier
• String bending can cause tuning issues

Kramer Guitars Danger Zone BarettaElectric GuitarOriginal SeriesBody: Alder3-Piece bolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 523041

$879

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CT50HSS Daphne Blue - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CT50HSS Daphne Blue

by Sterling by Music Man

Rock Indie Country

Key Feature:

• Great for clean and overdriven tones

✓ PROS

• Excellent sustain and playability
• Classic single-coil brightness

✗ CONS

• Single-coils can pick up interference
• String bending can cause tuning issues

Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CT50HSS Daphne BlueST-Style Electric GuitarBody: PoplarNeck: Roasted mapleFretboard:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 549580

$824

Buy at Thomann View Details

Solar Guitars A2.6Canibalismo+ - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Solar Guitars A2.6Canibalismo+

by Solar Guitars

Blues Funk Pop

Key Feature:

• Great for clean and overdriven tones

✓ PROS

• Comfortable body contours
• Classic single-coil brightness

✗ CONS

• Requires quality amplifier
• Electronics may need shielding

Solar Guitars A2.6Canibalismo+Electric GuitarSungkai bodyNeck: MapleFingerboard: EbonyNeck profile: CNut:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 544773

$989

Buy at Thomann View Details

Kramer Guitars SM-1 H Shockwave Purple - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Kramer Guitars SM-1 H Shockwave Purple

by Kramer Guitars

Country Blues Indie

Key Feature:

• Versatile 5-way pickup switching

✓ PROS

• Excellent sustain and playability
• Great for clean and overdriven tones

✗ CONS

• Requires quality amplifier
• String bending can cause tuning issues

Kramer Guitars SM-1 H SWP LimitedElectric GuitarLimited editionBody: MahoganyNeck-through-body: MahoganyFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 525220

$901

Buy at Thomann View Details

Kramer Guitars The 84 Purple Splatter - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Kramer Guitars The 84 Purple Splatter

by Kramer Guitars

Blues Indie Country

Key Feature:

• Excellent sustain and playability

✓ PROS

• Classic single-coil brightness
• Excellent sustain and playability

✗ CONS

• May be too bright for heavy metal
• Requires quality amplifier

Kramer Guitars The 84 Purple SplatterElectric GuitarBody: AlderNeck: Maple with walnut ‘Skunk’ stripesFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.4/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 606362

$901

Buy at Thomann View Details

Kramer Guitars Baretta Time Machine - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Kramer Guitars Baretta Time Machine

by Kramer Guitars

Country Pop Funk

Key Feature:

• Great for clean and overdriven tones

✓ PROS

• Excellent sustain and playability
• Classic single-coil brightness

✗ CONS

• Requires quality amplifier
• May be too bright for heavy metal

Kramer Guitars Baretta Time MachineElectric GuitarBody: MapleBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleBlack dot fingerboard...

⭐ 4.5/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 606448

$901

Buy at Thomann View Details

Larry Carlton S7 FM See Through Red New Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.9/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Larry Carlton S7 FM See Through Red New Gen

by Larry Carlton

Rock Pop Blues

Key Feature:

• Classic single-coil brightness

✓ PROS

• Excellent sustain and playability
• Versatile 5-way pickup switching

✗ CONS

• Electronics may need shielding
• String bending can cause tuning issues

Larry Carlton S7 FM RS New GenElectric GuitarBody: AlderTop: Flamed mapleBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MaplePearloid...

⭐ 4.9/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 611279

$879

Buy at Thomann View Details

Kramer Guitars SM-1 H Buzzsaw gold - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.7/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Kramer Guitars SM-1 H Buzzsaw gold

by Kramer Guitars

Indie Funk Pop

Key Feature:

• Classic single-coil brightness

✓ PROS

• Versatile 5-way pickup switching
• Comfortable body contours

✗ CONS

• Electronics may need shielding
• Single-coils can pick up interference

Kramer Guitars SM-1 H BZG LimitedElectric GuitarLimited EditionBody: MahoganyNeck-through: MahoganyFretboard:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 525219

$879

Buy at Thomann View Details

Larry Carlton S7 FM Trans Blue New Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.7/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Larry Carlton S7 FM Trans Blue New Gen

by Larry Carlton

Pop Funk Blues

Key Feature:

• Great for clean and overdriven tones

✓ PROS

• Classic single-coil brightness
• Excellent sustain and playability

✗ CONS

• Single-coils can pick up interference
• May be too bright for heavy metal

Larry Carlton S7 FM TBS New GenElectric GuitarBody: AlderTop: Flamed mapleBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MaplePearloid...

⭐ 4.7/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 611276

$879

Buy at Thomann View Details

Kramer Guitars Nightswan Aztec Marble Graphic - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.6/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Kramer Guitars Nightswan Aztec Marble Graphic

by Kramer Guitars

Country Pop Rock

Key Feature:

• Classic single-coil brightness

✓ PROS

• Classic single-coil brightness
• Versatile 5-way pickup switching

✗ CONS

• Requires quality amplifier
• May be too bright for heavy metal

Kramer Guitars Nightswan Aztec Marble GraphicElectric GuitarBody: Mahogany3-Piece neck: MapleFretboard: EbonyNeck...

⭐ 4.6/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 512660

$989

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender Player II Strat MN ACB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.8/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Fender Player II Strat MN ACB

by Fender

Country Funk Pop

Key Feature:

• Classic single-coil brightness

✓ PROS

• Versatile 5-way pickup switching
• Excellent sustain and playability

✗ CONS

• String bending can cause tuning issues
• May be too bright for heavy metal

Fender Player II Strat MN ACBElectric GuitarChambered body: AshBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleBlack dot...

⭐ 4.8/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 595253

$977

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender Player II Strat HSS MN ACB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 5.0/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Fender Player II Strat HSS MN ACB

by Fender

Funk Pop Rock

Key Feature:

• Great for clean and overdriven tones

✓ PROS

• Classic single-coil brightness
• Versatile 5-way pickup switching

✗ CONS

• Requires quality amplifier
• May be too bright for heavy metal

Fender Player II Strat HSS MN ACBElectric GuitarChambered body: AshBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleBlack dot...

⭐ 5.0/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 595298

$989

Buy at Thomann View Details

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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Best ST Style Guitars Under $1,000 2026

Kramer Guitars SM-1 Figured BDP

Kramer Guitars SM-1 H Tronius Silver

Kramer Guitars Viper Baretta Snakeskin

Kramer Guitars Danger Zone Baretta

Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CT50HSS Daphne Blue

Solar Guitars A2.6Canibalismo+

Kramer Guitars SM-1 H Shockwave Purple

Kramer Guitars The 84 Purple Splatter

Kramer Guitars Baretta Time Machine

Larry Carlton S7 FM See Through Red New Gen

Kramer Guitars SM-1 H Buzzsaw gold

Larry Carlton S7 FM Trans Blue New Gen

Kramer Guitars Nightswan Aztec Marble Graphic

Fender Player II Strat MN ACB

Fender Player II Strat HSS MN ACB

How to Choose the Best ST Style Guitars

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Best Lists

Best Humbucker Pickups

Best Distortion Pedals

Best Single Cut Guitars

Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

Best 4/4 Size Classical Guitars

Best 4-String Basses

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