Best ST Style Guitars Under $500 2025

Affordable st style guitars under $500 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: October 22, 2025 • Next update: October 29, 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 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

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

Harley Benton ST-80FR MN HH Radiant Red - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton ST-80FR MN HH Radiant Red

by Harley Benton

Pop Indie Rock

Key Feature:

• Excellent sustain and playability

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton ST-80FR MN HH Radiant RedElectric GuitarBody: American basswoodBolt-on neck: Roasted Canadian...

⭐ 4.4/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 579914

$494

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

⭐ 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

Harley Benton Fusion-III HSS Roasted w/Case - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton Fusion-III HSS Roasted w/Case

by Harley Benton

Rock Country Blues

Key Feature:

• Comfortable body contours

✓ PROS

• Great for clean and overdriven tones
• Classic single-coil brightness

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton Fusion-III HSS Roasted w/Case*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton Fusion-III HSS Roasted WM*Electric...

⭐ 4.8/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 557934

$483

Buy at Thomann View Details

Larry Carlton S5 3-Tone Sunburst - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Larry Carlton S5 3-Tone Sunburst

by Larry Carlton

Country Rock Pop

Key Feature:

• Great for clean and overdriven tones

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Larry Carlton S5 3-Tone SunburstElectric guitarBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleFingerboard inlays:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 584509

$439

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton ST-80FR MN Lime Sparkle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton ST-80FR MN Lime Sparkle

by Harley Benton

Country Rock Indie

Key Feature:

• Comfortable body contours

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton ST-80FR MN Lime SparkleElectric GuitarBody: American basswoodBolt-on neck: Roasted Canadian...

⭐ 4.9/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 579894

$428

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

Kramer Guitars Striker Figured HSS ST TP - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Kramer Guitars Striker Figured HSS ST TP

by Kramer Guitars

Rock Funk Country

Key Feature:

• Great for clean and overdriven tones

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Kramer Guitars Striker Figured HSS ST TPElectric GuitarStriker seriesBody: MahoganyTop: AAA figured maple veneerBolt-on...

⭐ 4.5/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 533610

$384

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton Fusion-III HH FR Roasted FCH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.4/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton Fusion-III HH FR Roasted FCH

by Harley Benton

Country Rock Pop

Key Feature:

• Classic single-coil brightness

✓ PROS

• Great for clean and overdriven tones
• Comfortable body contours

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton Fusion-III HH FR Roasted FCHElectric GuitarErgonomically shaped body: Nyatoh"Ultra Flame" maple...

⭐ 4.4/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 521235

$494

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#11

⭐ 4.7/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton Fusion-III HH EB BK

by Harley Benton

Blues Country Indie

Key Feature:

• Great for clean and overdriven tones

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

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

⭐ 4.7/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 521254

$384

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton ST-80FR MN HH Lime Sparkle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.5/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton ST-80FR MN HH Lime Sparkle

by Harley Benton

Indie Country Blues

Key Feature:

• Excellent sustain and playability

✓ PROS

• Classic single-coil brightness
• Comfortable body contours

✗ CONS

• String bending can cause tuning issues
• Requires quality amplifier

Harley Benton ST-80FR MN HH Lime SparkleElectric GuitarBody: American basswoodBolt-on neck: Roasted Canadian...

⭐ 4.5/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 579933

$494

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton Fusion-III HH FR EB FBB w/Case - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.6/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton Fusion-III HH FR EB FBB w/Case

by Harley Benton

Indie Rock Country

Key Feature:

• Excellent sustain and playability

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton Fusion-III HH FR EB FBB w/Case*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton Fusion-III HH FR EB FBB*Electric...

⭐ 4.6/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 544750

$472

Buy at Thomann View Details

Kramer Guitars Striker Figured HSS ST TB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.7/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Kramer Guitars Striker Figured HSS ST TB

by Kramer Guitars

Blues Pop Indie

Key Feature:

• Excellent sustain and playability

✓ PROS

• Classic single-coil brightness
• Excellent sustain and playability

✗ CONS

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

Kramer Guitars Striker Figured HSS ST TBElectric GuitarStriker SeriesBody: MahoganyTop: AAA flamed maple veneerBolt-on...

⭐ 4.7/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 533609

$351

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#15

⭐ 4.5/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton Fusion-III HH EB OCT w/Bag

by Harley Benton

Rock Pop Funk

Key Feature:

• Great for clean and overdriven tones

✓ PROS

• Great for clean and overdriven tones
• Comfortable body contours

✗ CONS

• String bending can cause tuning issues
• Requires quality amplifier

Harley Benton Fusion-III HH EB OCT w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton Fusion-III HH EB OCT*Electric...

⭐ 4.5/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 542152

$406

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 Electric Blue

Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CT20HSS Canvas White

Harley Benton ST-80FR MN HH Radiant Red

Harley Benton Fusion-III HH HT EB BK Bundle

Harley Benton Fusion-III HSS Roasted w/Case

Larry Carlton S5 3-Tone Sunburst

Harley Benton ST-80FR MN Lime Sparkle

Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CT20HSS Sunrise Orange

Kramer Guitars Striker Figured HSS ST TP

Harley Benton Fusion-III HH FR Roasted FCH

Harley Benton Fusion-III HH EB BK

Harley Benton ST-80FR MN HH Lime Sparkle

Harley Benton Fusion-III HH FR EB FBB w/Case

Kramer Guitars Striker Figured HSS ST TB

Harley Benton Fusion-III HH EB OCT w/Bag

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

Best Humbucker Pickups

Best Distortion Pedals

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Best 4-String Basses

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