AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best ST Style Guitars Under $500 2026
The top pick is Ibanez AZES40 Essentials ($320). Harley Benton ST-62 SB Vintage Series gives you the most for the money at $166. Ibanez RGA42AH leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 124 models across 11 brands, 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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- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale635 mm (25")
- Fingerboard radius250 mm (9.84")
- BodyPoplar body
- FingerboardJatoba fingerboard
The AZES40-TUN is a surprisingly well-equipped guitar for the price. It's a great entry point for players wanting a ST-style platform with some Ibanez DNA – the neck profile is comfortable, and the pickup system offers a wider range of sounds than you'd expect. Ideal for beginners or players seeking a versatile, budget-friendly workhorse.
Pros
- Jatoba fingerboard offers a surprisingly smooth, snappy playing feel.
- dyna-MIX9 system provides versatile tonal options, surprisingly good cleans.
- Bolt-on maple neck provides excellent clarity and responsiveness.
Cons
- Plastic nut can introduce tuning instability and a less premium feel.
- Tremolo system is basic, limiting more complex vibrato techniques.
72AudioFu
Index↓ 10.9%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$359 · Aug 17$320 now$320€287 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster
Affinity Strat HSS LR MH MBK · Squier
227 for sale on Reverb4 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets21 frets
- Fingerboard radius241 mm (9.49")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
This Affinity Strat is a solid entry point into the Strat world. The HSS configuration gives it a wider range of tones than a standard Squier, and the bolt-on neck makes it easy to play. It's perfect for beginners or players needing a versatile, budget-friendly instrument for practice and gigging.
Pros
- Poplar body offers a balanced tone, not overly bright or muddy.
- ’C’ neck profile is comfortable and familiar for most players.
- Humbucker in the bridge provides a surprisingly thick, rock-ready tone.
Cons
- Pickups are ceramic, lacking the nuance of alnico pickups.
- Synchronized tremolo can feel a bit 'floaty' and needs setup.
70AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$300 now$300€269 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- BodyPoplar body
The GRX70QA-TKS is a solid entry point into Ibanez's world, offering a surprisingly good package for the price. It's perfect for beginner to intermediate players wanting a modern feel and a touch of visual style, especially those drawn to a slightly heavier rock or alternative sound. The build is decent for the budget, and it’s ready to plug in and play.
Pros
- Quilted maple top adds visual flair and a touch of brightness.
- Infinity pickups deliver surprisingly hot, versatile high-output tones.
- GRX neck profile is comfortable and fast for various playing styles.
Cons
- Poplar body can feel a bit lightweight and resonant.
- T106 tremolo is functional, but not a high-end, stable unit.
69AudioFu
Index↓ 10.0%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$255 · Aug 17$230 now$230€206 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets22 frets
- BodyAlder body
- FingerboardWalnut fingerboard
The Pacifica 112J RM is a seriously solid entry point for players wanting a versatile ST-style guitar. The alder body and HSS pickup combo give it a broad tonal palette, and the walnut fingerboard feels really comfortable. It's a great choice for beginners or gigging musicians looking for a reliable, affordable workhorse.
Pros
- Alder body provides a balanced, resonant tone with good sustain.
- Walnut fingerboard offers a unique feel, smoother than rosewood.
- HSS pickup configuration delivers versatility from bright cleans to crunchy distortion.
Cons
- Bolt-on neck construction lacks the inherent warmth of a set-neck design.
- Walnut fingerboard can be prone to slightly more visible wear over time.
68AudioFu
Index↓ 6.0%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$278 · Aug 17$261 now$261€234 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets24 frets
- BodyPoplar body
- FingerboardPurpleheart fingerboard
The GRG121DX-MGS is a seriously good deal for players wanting a modern feel and aggressive tone. That purpleheart fingerboard looks slick, and the IBZ-6 pickups give you plenty of crunch for rock and metal without getting muddy. It’s a fantastic starter guitar or a reliable workhorse for gigging musicians on a budget.
Pros
- Purpleheart fingerboard offers a snappy, articulate feel and unique aesthetic.
- IBZ-6 humbuckers deliver a surprisingly powerful and versatile high-output sound.
- Bolt-on neck provides a bright, responsive tone and easy playability.
Cons
- Poplar body, while lightweight, lacks the resonance of mahogany or alder.
- Synthetic nut can impact sustain and tuning stability compared to bone or graphite.
64AudioFu
Index↓ 6.0%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$278 · Aug 17$261 now$261€234 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
This guitar feels like a classic 60s model with its bolt-on maple neck and warm Alnico-5 pickups. The synchronized tremolo lets you dive-bomb notes while the dual truss rod keeps the neck straight. It suits players who want a vintage vibe without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Vintage ST-style Alnico-5 pickups for warm tone
- Bolt-on maple neck for solid stability
- Synchronized tremolo system for bending
Cons
- No electronics jack specified in description
- No weight listed despite being a full guitar
63AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$166 now$166€149 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale635 mm (25")
- Fingerboard radius350 mm (13.78")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
- BodyMeranti body
This CST-24 is a seriously impressive offering for the price. The roasted fingerboard and Roswell pickups give it a surprisingly refined feel and a warm, punchy sound that’s great for rock, blues, and even some heavier styles. It’s a fantastic option for players seeking a quality instrument without the premium-priced tag.
Pros
- Flamed maple top adds visual flair and slight resonance.
- Roasted jatoba fingerboard offers stability and a smooth feel.
- Roswell HAF pickups deliver a surprisingly thick, vintage-voiced tone.
Cons
- Meranti body, while decent, lacks the resonance of ash or alder.
- Graphite nut can feel a little slick for some players, requiring adjustment.
62AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$322 now$322€289 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Jackson JS Series JS32Q DKA HT Dinky Archtop with Amaranth Fretboard
JS32Q DKA HT TRS GRN BRST · Jackson
70 for sale on Reverb8 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width42.9 mm (1.69")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets24 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- BodyPoplar body
This guitar looks sharp with its quilted maple top and green burst finish. The strings run through the body for a punchy sound, and the amaranth fingerboard feels nice to play. It's a solid choice for players who want a classic bolt-on neck without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Quilted maple top adds visual flair and resonance.
- Strings pass through the body for solid tone.
- Amaranth fingerboard offers smooth playability.
Cons
- No weight rating provided in description.
- Compound radius might confuse new players.
62AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$378 now$378€339 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Jackson JS Series Dinky JS20 DKQ 2PT
JS20 DKQ TR TOB · Jackson
65 for sale on Reverb4 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets24 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- BodyPoplar body
This JS20 DKQ TR TOB is a solid choice for beginner to intermediate players wanting a modern, aggressive sound. The bolt-on neck offers snappy response, and the tremolo adds some fun. It's a great platform for tweaking and upgrading as your skills and tastes evolve.
Pros
- Art grain quilted maple top adds visual flair and a touch of class.
- High-output Jackson pickups deliver aggressive, modern rock tones.
- Compound radius fingerboard improves playability across the fretboard.
Cons
- Poplar body can feel somewhat plain compared to mahogany or alder.
- Stock strings are basic; an upgrade would enhance the overall feel.
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- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets24 frets
- Fingerboard radius400 mm (15.75")
- BodyMeranti body
The RGA42AH-BKS is a seriously playable shred machine for the price. The thin Wizard III neck and high-output Quantum pickups make it a blast for rock and metal players. If you want a guitar that feels fast and sounds aggressive without emptying your wallet, this is a solid choice.
Pros
- Meranti/Ash combo delivers a surprisingly resonant and aggressive tone.
- Wizard III neck provides exceptionally fast and comfortable playability.
- Quantum humbuckers offer a high-output, modern tone with good clarity.
Cons
- Plastic nut is a cost-saving measure; upgrade potential for improved sustain.
- Meranti body can feel a bit plain aesthetically compared to premium woods.
61AudioFu
Index↓ 7.5%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$493 · Aug 17$456 now$456€409 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 124 ST style guitars
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Harley Benton ST-20 BK Standard SeriesHarley Benton · 32 finishes59Stable$99€89$99€89Check ↗
- 12
Yamaha PAC112VM Pacifica HSSPacifica 112VM SP RL · Yamaha · 5 finishes59↓ 13.3%$313€281$313€281Check ↗
- 13
Ibanez AZ22S2 StandardAZ22S2-BK · Ibanez · 2 finishes58↓ 7.2%$471€422$471€422Check ↗
- 14
Ibanez AZ24S2 StandardAZ24S2-BK · Ibanez · 2 finishes58↓ 3.8%$476€427$476€427Check ↗
- 15
Jackson JS Series JS11 Dinky with Amaranth FretboardJS11 Dinky MR AH · Jackson · 3 finishes57Stable$188€169$188€169Check ↗
- 16
Harley Benton ST-Modern Plus HSS FBLBHarley Benton · 20 finishes57Stable$445€399$445€399Check ↗
- 17
Harley Benton Fusion-IV HSS RW FNTHarley Benton · 32 finishes57Stable$478€429$478€429Check ↗
- 18
Jackson JS Series Surfcaster JS22 HTJS22 Dinky BLK AH · Jackson · 4 finishes56Stable$272€244$272€244Check ↗
- 19
Ibanez GRGA120QA GIOGRGA120-BKN · Ibanez · 2 finishes56Stable$317€284$317€284Check ↗
- 20
Larry Carlton S5 BlackLarry Carlton · 8 finishes56↓ 12.5%$389€349$389€349Check ↗
- 21
Squier Affinity Stratocaster JuniorAffinity Strat Junior HSS 3TS · Squier · 2 finishes55Stable$262€235$262€235Check ↗
- 22
Ibanez GRG120QASP GioGRG120QASP-BGD · Ibanez · 2 finishes55↓ 3.7%$291€261$291€261Check ↗
- 23
Harley Benton ST-80FR HolographicHarley Benton · 17 finishes55↓ 5.7%$367€329$367€329Check ↗
- 24
Ibanez GRG320FA GioGRG320FA-TBS · Ibanez · 2 finishes55↓ 3.7%$381€342$381€342Check ↗
- 25
Ibanez RG421DX-TWSIbanez · 9 finishes55↓ 4.9%$476€427$476€427Check ↗
- 26
Jackson JS Series JS12 Dinky with Amaranth FretboardJS12 Dinky AH BLK · Jackson · 2 finishes54Stable$211€189$211€189Check ↗
- 27
Squier CV 70S STRAT HT HSS LRL MOCSquier · 8 finishes54↓ 9.8%$420€377$420€377Check ↗
- 28
Harley Benton Fusion-III HH EB BKHarley Benton · 5 finishes53↓ 14.3%$333€299$333€299Check ↗
- 29
Ibanez GRG170DX GioGRG170DX-SV · Ibanez · 4 finishes53Stable$333€299$333€299Check ↗
- 30
Harley Benton R-446 Blood MetallicHarley Benton · 12 finishes52Stable$177€159$177€159Check ↗
- 31
Harley Benton ST-Modern HH PMHarley Benton · 10 finishes52Stable$177€159$177€159Check ↗
- 32
Ibanez GRX40 GioGRX40-CA · Ibanez · 4 finishes52↓ 2.1%$211€189$211€189Check ↗
- 33
Ibanez SA260FM StandardSA260FM-BRG · Ibanez · 3 finishes52↓ 7.2%$434€389$434€389Check ↗
- 34
Ibanez GRX120SP GioGRX120SP-VRD · Ibanez · 4 finishes51↓ 4.8%$222€199$222€199Check ↗
- 35
Ibanez GRG131DX GioGRG131DX-BKF · Ibanez51↓ 1.8%$239€214$239€214Check ↗
- 36
Ibanez GSA60 Gio 2008 - 2018GSA60-WNF Gio · Ibanez · 2 finishes51Stable$264€237$264€237Check ↗
- 37
Ibanez GRGR131EX GioGRGR131EX-BKF · Ibanez50Stable$266€239$266€239Check ↗
- 38
Ibanez GRG220PA1 GioGRG220PA1-BKB · Ibanez50Stable$333€299$333€299Check ↗
- 39
Harley Benton Fusion-III HH EB OCT w/BagHarley Benton50↓ 16.3%$345€309$345€309Check ↗
- 40
Ibanez GRGR330EX GioGRGR330EX-BKF · Ibanez50Stable$358€321$358€321Check ↗
- 41
Harley Benton Fusion-III HH FR EB FBB w/CaseHarley Benton50↓ 11.7%$423€379$423€379Check ↗
- 42
Squier Sonic Strat HT MN SFMGSquier · 10 finishes49Stable$200€179$200€179Check ↗
- 43
Mooer MSC10 Pro Guitar Vintage WhiteMooer · 6 finishes48Stable$188€169$188€169Check ↗
- 44
Harley Benton Fusion-III HH EB BK w/BagHarley Benton48↓ 16.3%$345€309$345€309Check ↗
- 45
Mooer MMT100 Guitar Pearl BlackMooer · 6 finishes48Stable$378€339$378€339Check ↗
- 46
Harley Benton Fusion-III HH FR EB FBB w/BagHarley Benton48↓ 12.2%$400€359$400€359Check ↗
- 47
Harley Benton ST-70 Black PaisleyHarley Benton · 4 finishes47Stable$200€179$200€179Check ↗
- 48
Mooer MSC18 Pro Dark Aurora SatinMooer · 3 finishes47Stable$244€219$244€219Check ↗
- 49
Harley Benton Fusion-III HSH Roasted FBLBHarley Benton · 2 finishes47↓ 5.0%$423€379$423€379Check ↗
- 50
Larry Carlton S3 AWH New GenLarry Carlton · 4 finishes47Stable$445€399$445€399Check ↗
ST Style Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 468 models we track, not a sample.
Median $309 — half of all ST style guitars here cost less.
median of 379 models · 42 mm (1.65")–43 mm (1.69")
median of 453 models · 635 mm (25")–648 mm (25.51")
median of 233 models · 241 mm (9.49")–400 mm (15.75")
most common · 126 models
How to choose the best ST style guitars
Playability (Neck Profile & Action)
A chunky neck or high action can ruin a great-sounding guitar. We’re looking for something comfortable to play, even if it needs a little setup. A playable neck is non-negotiable.
Pickup Voicing
Budget pickups often lean towards either brittle highs or muddy lows. We're prioritizing pickups with a decent balance – something that can handle clean tones and a usable breakup without sounding harsh or undefined.
Hardware Quality (Tuners & Bridge)
Cheap tuners mean constant retuning mid-song. A flimsy bridge can kill sustain and intonation. We're looking for hardware that'll hold its own through regular gigging.
Construction & Finish
Solid hardware and a decent finish don't guarantee great tone, but they do indicate overall build quality. We're looking for guitars that feel sturdy and well-assembled, even if the finish isn't flawless.
Overall Versatility
STs are meant to be workhorses. We're seeking guitars that can handle a range of genres, from blues and rock to funk and pop, without needing a ton of tweaking or expensive upgrades.
Buying guide
Alright, so you want that classic ST vibe without dropping a grand? Totally get it. I've seen too many players stuck with guitars that look the part but sound and feel like a chore. This list is about finding the best ST-style guitars under $500 that actually deliver some serious bang-for-your-buck – instruments you can gig with, record with, and not feel guilty about after a few months of hard use.
At this price point, expect compromises. The wood might be cheaper (often basswood or poplar instead of alder), the pickups won't be boutique-grade, and the finish might be thinner. Focus on playability – a good setup from a local tech can do wonders.
Don't get hung up on aesthetics; prioritize a comfortable neck and decent pickups. Upgrading pickups later is almost always a worthwhile investment.
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 468 ST style guitars from the Thomann catalogue. 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 these guitars worth gigging with?
Absolutely, but be realistic. Don’t expect the same headroom or clarity as a $1500 instrument. A good setup and maybe a pickup upgrade can make a huge difference for gigging, though.
What about the wood? Does it really matter?
It does, but the impact is less pronounced than with more expensive instruments. Basswood and poplar are common in this range and offer a decent tonal foundation, but won’t have the same resonance or complexity as alder or ash.
Can I record with these guitars?
You can! But be mindful of the limitations. Budget pickups can sound a bit harsh or muddy. EQ and careful mic placement will be your friends in the studio.
What's the deal with 'setup'? Should I get one?
100% yes. Almost every guitar under $500 will benefit from a professional setup. It’s the single biggest improvement you can make to playability and intonation.
Are there any models I should avoid?
Steer clear of anything with a ridiculously cheap, 'toy-like' feel. If the headstock feels flimsy or the tuning pegs slip, it’s probably not worth the headache – even at a low price.
