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Best ST Style Guitars Under $1,000 2025

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

Last updated: November 19, 2025 • Next update: November 26, 2025

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 Xotic Guitars Sterling by Music Man Maybach Friedman
Solar Guitars A2.6 FR LN - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Solar Guitars A2.6 FR LN

by Solar Guitars
Country Funk Pop
Key Feature:
• Excellent sustain and playability
✓ PROS
  • • Classic single-coil brightness
  • • Excellent sustain and playability
✗ CONS
  • • Electronics may need shielding
  • • May be too bright for heavy metal

Solar Guitars A2.6 FR LNElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyNeck: MapleFingerboard: EbonyNeck profile: CScale: 648 mmNut...

⭐ 4.9/5 (41 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 481968
$989
Buy at Thomann View Details
Kramer Guitars SM-1 Figured BDP - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

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 Buzzsaw gold - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

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
Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CT50HSS Daphne Blue - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

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
Larry Carlton S7 FM Trans Black New Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Larry Carlton S7 FM Trans Black New Gen

by Larry Carlton
Blues Pop Country
Key Feature:
• Comfortable body contours
✓ PROS
  • • Comfortable body contours
  • • Excellent sustain and playability
✗ CONS
  • • Single-coils can pick up interference
  • • May be too bright for heavy metal

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

⭐ 4.5/5 (15 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 611273
$879
Buy at Thomann View Details
Solar Guitars A2.6Canibalismo+ - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

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 The 84 Purple Splatter - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

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
Schecter MV-6 Gloss Black BB MN MF - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Schecter MV-6 Gloss Black BB MN MF

by Schecter
Rock Pop Indie
Key Feature:
• Great for clean and overdriven tones
✓ PROS
  • • Versatile 5-way pickup switching
  • • Comfortable body contours
✗ CONS
  • • Single-coils can pick up interference
  • • Electronics may need shielding

Schecter MV-6 Gloss Black BB MN MFElectric GuitarBody: BasswoodNeck: MapleFingerboard: MaplePickups: 3 Schecter Diamond...

⭐ 4.7/5 (12 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 565745
$855
Buy at Thomann View Details
Larry Carlton S7 FM See Through Red New Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

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
Fender Player II Strat RW CRR - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Fender Player II Strat RW CRR

by Fender
Rock Country Funk
Key Feature:
• Classic single-coil brightness
✓ PROS
  • • Classic single-coil brightness
  • • Versatile 5-way pickup switching
✗ CONS
  • • Requires quality amplifier
  • • Single-coils can pick up interference

Fender Player II Strat RW CRRElectric GuitarBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodWhite dot fingerboard...

⭐ 4.5/5 (55 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 595244
$901
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fender Player II Strat HSS MN HLY - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Fender Player II Strat HSS MN HLY

by Fender
Funk Country Indie
Key Feature:
• Excellent sustain and playability
✓ PROS
  • • Comfortable body contours
  • • Versatile 5-way pickup switching
✗ CONS
  • • Requires quality amplifier
  • • Single-coils can pick up interference

Fender Player II Strat HSS MN HLYElectric GuitarBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleBlack dot fingebroard...

⭐ 4.4/5 (53 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 595304
$889
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fender Player II Strat HSS RW CRR - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Fender Player II Strat HSS RW CRR

by Fender
Funk Blues Indie
Key Feature:
• Excellent sustain and playability
✓ PROS
  • • Classic single-coil brightness
  • • Versatile 5-way pickup switching
✗ CONS
  • • May be too bright for heavy metal
  • • Electronics may need shielding

Fender Player II Strat HSS RW CRRElectric GuitarBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodWhite dot...

⭐ 4.5/5 (6 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 595283
$837
Buy at Thomann View Details
Ibanez RG550-RF - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Ibanez RG550-RF

by Ibanez
Rock Funk Indie
Key Feature:
• Classic single-coil brightness
✓ PROS
  • • Excellent sustain and playability
  • • Classic single-coil brightness
✗ CONS
  • • Electronics may need shielding
  • • Single-coils can pick up interference

Ibanez RG550-RFElectric GuitarGenesis Collection seriesBody: Basswood5-Piece Super Wizard neck: Maple/walnutFretboard:...

⭐ 4.4/5 (52 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 429084
$993
Buy at Thomann View Details
Yamaha Pacifica 611 V FM TBL - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Yamaha Pacifica 611 V FM TBL

by Yamaha
Blues Indie Funk
Key Feature:
• Comfortable body contours
✓ PROS
  • • Excellent sustain and playability
  • • Comfortable body contours
✗ CONS
  • • String bending can cause tuning issues
  • • Single-coils can pick up interference

Yamaha Pacifica 611 V FM TBLElectric GuitarAlder bodyFlamed maple topTinted maple neck648 mm scaleRosewood fretboard...

⭐ 4.9/5 (15 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 312975
$989
Buy at Thomann View Details
Kramer Guitars Viper Baretta Snakeskin - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

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

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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