Best ST Style Guitars Under $500 2025

Affordable st style guitars under $500 - 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

Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CT20HSS Canvas White - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CT20HSS Canvas White

by Sterling by Music Man

Blues Funk Indie

Key Feature:

• Versatile 5-way pickup switching

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CT20HSS Canvas WhiteElectric GuitarBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleBlack...

⭐ 4.6/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 612727

$380

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CT20HSS Sunrise Orange - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CT20HSS Sunrise Orange

by Sterling by Music Man

Pop Country Blues

Key Feature:

• Versatile 5-way pickup switching

✓ PROS

• Excellent sustain and playability
• Comfortable body contours

✗ CONS

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

Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CT20HSS Sunrise OrangeElectric GuitarBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: Amaranth...

⭐ 4.8/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 612683

$380

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton Fusion-III HSH Roasted FBLB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton Fusion-III HSH Roasted FBLB

by Harley Benton

Funk Country Rock

Key Feature:

• Excellent sustain and playability

✓ PROS

• Versatile 5-way pickup switching
• Comfortable body contours

✗ CONS

• Electronics may need shielding
• Requires quality amplifier

Harley Benton Fusion-III HSH Roasted FBLBElectric GuitarErgonomically shaped body: Nyatoh"Ultra Flame" maple...

⭐ 4.7/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 521171

$439

Buy at Thomann View Details

Larry Carlton S5 Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Larry Carlton S5 Black

by Larry Carlton

Country Rock Indie

Key Feature:

• Great for clean and overdriven tones

✓ PROS

• Excellent sustain and playability
• Classic single-coil brightness

✗ CONS

• Electronics may need shielding
• May be too bright for heavy metal

Larry Carlton S5 BlackElectric GuitarBody: AlderNeck: Bolt-on mapleFingerboard: MapleFingerboard inlays: Black DotNeck...

⭐ 4.8/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 584511

$439

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton Fusion-III HH EB OCT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton Fusion-III HH EB OCT

by Harley Benton

Funk Country Pop

Key Feature:

• Excellent sustain and playability

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Electronics may need shielding
• May be too bright for heavy metal

Harley Benton Fusion-III HH EB OCTElectric GuitarErgonomically shaped body: NyatohBolt-on neck: Canadian...

⭐ 4.9/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 521279

$384

Buy at Thomann View Details

Larry Carlton S3 SNB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Larry Carlton S3 SNB

by Larry Carlton

Pop Blues Rock

Key Feature:

• Versatile 5-way pickup switching

✓ PROS

• Great for clean and overdriven tones
• Versatile 5-way pickup switching

✗ CONS

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

Larry Carlton S3 SNBElectric guitarMahogany bodyBolt-on maple neckRosewood fingerboardFingerboard inlays: White...

⭐ 4.9/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 536982

$422

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CT20HSS Electric Blue - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CT20HSS Electric Blue

by Sterling by Music Man

Rock Pop Blues

Key Feature:

• Comfortable body contours

✓ PROS

• Comfortable body contours
• Classic single-coil brightness

✗ CONS

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

Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CT20HSS Electric BlueElectric GuitarBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: Amaranth...

⭐ 4.5/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 612678

$380

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton Fusion-III HSS Roasted FNT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton Fusion-III HSS Roasted FNT

by Harley Benton

Rock Country Funk

Key Feature:

• Excellent sustain and playability

✓ PROS

• Classic single-coil brightness
• Excellent sustain and playability

✗ CONS

• String bending can cause tuning issues
• Requires quality amplifier

Harley Benton Fusion-III HSS Roasted FNTElectric GuitarPro SeriesErgonomically shaped body: NyatohBolt-on neck: roasted...

⭐ 4.5/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 538339

$494

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton CST-24 BK Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton CST-24 BK Bundle

by Harley Benton

Rock Indie Country

Key Feature:

• Comfortable body contours

✓ PROS

• Excellent sustain and playability
• Comfortable body contours

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton CST-24 BK Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton CST-24 BK*Electric Guitar*Deluxe SeriesBody:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 371885

$439

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton Fusion-III HSS Roasted WM - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.7/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton Fusion-III HSS Roasted WM

by Harley Benton

Blues Funk Country

Key Feature:

• Classic single-coil brightness

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton Fusion-III HSS Roasted WMElectric GuitarBody: NyatohBolt-on neck: roasted Canadian mapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 540221

$439

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton Fusion-III HH HT Roasted FBB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.8/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton Fusion-III HH HT Roasted FBB

by Harley Benton

Funk Pop Indie

Key Feature:

• Comfortable body contours

✓ PROS

• Great for clean and overdriven tones
• Versatile 5-way pickup switching

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton Fusion-III HH HT Roasted FBBElectric GuitarPro SeriesErgonomically shaped Nyatoh bodyFlamed maple veneer...

⭐ 4.8/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 537587

$439

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton ST-70 Rosewood Deluxe S Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.6/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton ST-70 Rosewood Deluxe S Bundle

by Harley Benton

Funk Blues Country

Key Feature:

• Classic single-coil brightness

✓ PROS

• Classic single-coil brightness
• Excellent sustain and playability

✗ CONS

• Requires quality amplifier
• Electronics may need shielding

Harley Benton ST-70 Rosewood Deluxe S Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton ST-70RW Deluxe Series*Electric...

⭐ 4.6/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 371896

$406

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton ST-70RW Deluxe S Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.4/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton ST-70RW Deluxe S Bundle

by Harley Benton

Rock Country Blues

Key Feature:

• Versatile 5-way pickup switching

✓ PROS

• Versatile 5-way pickup switching
• Comfortable body contours

✗ CONS

• Requires quality amplifier
• String bending can cause tuning issues

Harley Benton ST-70RW Deluxe S Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton ST-70RW Deluxe Series*Electric...

⭐ 4.4/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 371893

$351

Buy at Thomann View Details

Larry Carlton X5 TBKS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.8/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Larry Carlton X5 TBKS

by Larry Carlton

Rock Pop Funk

Key Feature:

• Excellent sustain and playability

✓ PROS

• Great for clean and overdriven tones
• Comfortable body contours

✗ CONS

• Requires quality amplifier
• String bending can cause tuning issues

Larry Carlton X5 TBKSElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyTop: Ash veneerNeck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodWhite Pearloid/Abalone...

⭐ 4.8/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 584431

$494

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton Fusion-III HH HT EB BK Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.8/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton Fusion-III HH HT EB BK Bundle

by Harley Benton

Pop Country Indie

Key Feature:

• Excellent sustain and playability

✓ PROS

• Great for clean and overdriven tones
• Comfortable body contours

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton Fusion-III HH HT EB BK Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton Fusion-III HH HT EB BK*Electric...

⭐ 4.8/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 566953

$413

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 $500 2025

Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CT20HSS Canvas White

Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CT20HSS Sunrise Orange

Harley Benton Fusion-III HSH Roasted FBLB

Larry Carlton S5 Black

Harley Benton Fusion-III HH EB OCT

Larry Carlton S3 SNB

Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CT20HSS Electric Blue

Harley Benton Fusion-III HSS Roasted FNT

Harley Benton CST-24 BK Bundle

Harley Benton Fusion-III HSS Roasted WM

Harley Benton Fusion-III HH HT Roasted FBB

Harley Benton ST-70 Rosewood Deluxe S Bundle

Harley Benton ST-70RW Deluxe S Bundle

Larry Carlton X5 TBKS

Harley Benton Fusion-III HH HT EB BK Bundle

How to Choose the Best ST Style Guitars

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying st style guitars?

How much should I spend on st style guitars?

Are expensive st style guitars worth the investment?

What are the best brands for st style guitars?

Should I buy st style guitars online or in-store?

Related Best Lists

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