AudioFu

Best ST Style Guitars Under $800 2026

Affordable st style guitars under $800 - 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
Sterling by Music Man CT30CHSS Daphne Blue - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Sterling by Music Man CT30CHSS Daphne Blue

by Sterling by Music Man
Funk Pop Country
Key Feature:
• Versatile 5-way pickup switching
✓ PROS
  • • Excellent sustain and playability
  • • Comfortable body contours
✗ CONS
  • • Requires quality amplifier
  • • String bending can cause tuning issues

Sterling by Music Man CT30CHSS Daphne BlueElectric GuitarBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleFingerboard...

⭐ 4.4/5 (45 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 609731
$549
Buy at Thomann View Details
Kramer Guitars The 84 Matte White - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Kramer Guitars The 84 Matte White

by Kramer Guitars
Country Blues Pop
Key Feature:
• Excellent sustain and playability
✓ PROS
  • • Classic single-coil brightness
  • • Comfortable body contours
✗ CONS
  • • String bending can cause tuning issues
  • • May be too bright for heavy metal

Kramer Guitars The 84 Matte WhiteElectric guitarOriginal SeriesBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleBlack...

⭐ 4.6/5 (51 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 523077
$725
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton Guitar MAX Fusion Signa w/Case - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Harley Benton Guitar MAX Fusion Signa w/Case

by Harley Benton
Funk Pop Rock
Key Feature:
• Great for clean and overdriven tones
✓ PROS
  • • Great for clean and overdriven tones
  • • Versatile 5-way pickup switching
✗ CONS
  • • Single-coils can pick up interference
  • • Requires quality amplifier

Harley Benton Guitar MAX Fusion Signa w/Case*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton Guitar MAX Fusion Signature...

⭐ 4.6/5 (12 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 610822
$593
Buy at Thomann View Details
Larry Carlton S5 HSS OW - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Larry Carlton S5 HSS OW

by Larry Carlton
Blues Rock Funk
Key Feature:
• Great for clean and overdriven tones
✓ PROS
  • • Comfortable body contours
  • • Classic single-coil brightness
✗ CONS
  • • May be too bright for heavy metal
  • • Electronics may need shielding

Larry Carlton S5 HSS OWElectric GuitarBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleFingerboard inlays: DotsNeck...

⭐ 4.8/5 (31 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 611014
$549
Buy at Thomann View Details
Larry Carlton S7 HSS BK New Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Larry Carlton S7 HSS BK New Gen

by Larry Carlton
Blues Funk Pop
Key Feature:
• Excellent sustain and playability
✓ PROS
  • • Versatile 5-way pickup switching
  • • Great for clean and overdriven tones
✗ CONS
  • • May be too bright for heavy metal
  • • String bending can cause tuning issues

Larry Carlton S7 HSS BK New GenElectric GuitarBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleDot fingerboard...

⭐ 5.0/5 (7 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 611286
$769
Buy at Thomann View Details
Larry Carlton S7 HSS 3TS New Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Larry Carlton S7 HSS 3TS New Gen

by Larry Carlton
Rock Funk Country
Key Feature:
• Classic single-coil brightness
✓ PROS
  • • Great for clean and overdriven tones
  • • Excellent sustain and playability
✗ CONS
  • • May be too bright for heavy metal
  • • Requires quality amplifier

Larry Carlton S7 HSS 3TS New GenElectric GuitarBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleDot fingerboard...

⭐ 4.6/5 (15 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 611285
$769
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton Guitar MAX Fusion Signature PF - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Harley Benton Guitar MAX Fusion Signature PF

by Harley Benton
Pop Funk Rock
Key Feature:
• Comfortable body contours
✓ PROS
  • • Great for clean and overdriven tones
  • • Classic single-coil brightness
✗ CONS
  • • String bending can cause tuning issues
  • • Requires quality amplifier

Harley Benton Guitar MAX Fusion Signature PFElectric GuitarGuitar MAX Signature ModelBody: NyatohTop: Ultra flame maple...

⭐ 4.8/5 (3 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 593716
$549
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton Fusion-III HSS Roasted w/Case - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Harley Benton Fusion-III HSS Roasted w/Case

by Harley Benton
Indie Pop Funk
Key Feature:
• Versatile 5-way pickup switching
✓ PROS
  • • Classic single-coil brightness
  • • Comfortable body contours
✗ CONS
  • • Requires quality amplifier
  • • String bending can cause tuning issues

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

⭐ 4.9/5 (2 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 580072
$538
Buy at Thomann View Details
Larry Carlton S7FM TBL 2nd Gen Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Larry Carlton S7FM TBL 2nd Gen Bundle

by Larry Carlton
Country Blues Pop
Key Feature:
• Versatile 5-way pickup switching
✓ PROS
  • • Classic single-coil brightness
  • • Comfortable body contours
✗ CONS
  • • Single-coils can pick up interference
  • • Requires quality amplifier

Larry Carlton S7FM TBL 2nd Gen Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Larry Carlton S7FM TBL 2nd Gen*Electric Guitar*Body:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (46 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 574537
$603
Buy at Thomann View Details
Larry Carlton S3 CAR New Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Larry Carlton S3 CAR New Gen

by Larry Carlton
Funk Rock Pop
Key Feature:
• Great for clean and overdriven tones
✓ PROS
  • • Classic single-coil brightness
  • • Comfortable body contours
✗ CONS
  • • String bending can cause tuning issues
  • • May be too bright for heavy metal

Larry Carlton S3 CAR New GenElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodFingerboard inlays:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (39 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 611228
$516
Buy at Thomann View Details
Kramer Guitars Baretta Ebony - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Kramer Guitars Baretta Ebony

by Kramer Guitars
Country Funk Pop
Key Feature:
• Great for clean and overdriven tones
✓ PROS
  • • Comfortable body contours
  • • Versatile 5-way pickup switching
✗ CONS
  • • Requires quality amplifier
  • • Single-coils can pick up interference

Kramer Guitars Baretta EbonyElectric GuitarBaretta seriesMaple body3-Piece bolt-on maple neckMaple fingerboardBlack dot...

⭐ 4.7/5 (48 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 533542
$769
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton Amarok-6 BKNT Flame Bur w/Case - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Harley Benton Amarok-6 BKNT Flame Bur w/Case

by Harley Benton
Blues Rock Country
Key Feature:
• Excellent sustain and playability
✓ PROS
  • • Versatile 5-way pickup switching
  • • Comfortable body contours
✗ CONS
  • • May be too bright for heavy metal
  • • Requires quality amplifier

Harley Benton Amarok-6 BKNT Flame Bur w/Case*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton Amarok-6 BKNT Flame Burst*Electric...

⭐ 4.4/5 (56 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 558099
$648
Buy at Thomann View Details
Larry Carlton S3 HSS AWH New Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Larry Carlton S3 HSS AWH New Gen

by Larry Carlton
Pop Blues Rock
Key Feature:
• Excellent sustain and playability
✓ PROS
  • • Great for clean and overdriven tones
  • • Comfortable body contours
✗ CONS
  • • Electronics may need shielding
  • • String bending can cause tuning issues

Larry Carlton S3 HSS AW New GenElectric BassBody: MahoganyBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodDot fingerboard...

⭐ 5.0/5 (8 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 611241
$516
Buy at Thomann View Details
Larry Carlton S3 AWH New Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Larry Carlton S3 AWH New Gen

by Larry Carlton
Funk Blues Pop
Key Feature:
• Great for clean and overdriven tones
✓ PROS
  • • Comfortable body contours
  • • Excellent sustain and playability
✗ CONS
  • • Electronics may need shielding
  • • Requires quality amplifier

Larry Carlton S3 AW New GenElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodDot fingerboard...

⭐ 4.5/5 (26 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 611226
$516
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton Fusion-III EMG HT Roast Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Harley Benton Fusion-III EMG HT Roast Bundle

by Harley Benton
Country Rock Pop
Key Feature:
• Versatile 5-way pickup switching
✓ PROS
  • • Comfortable body contours
  • • Excellent sustain and playability
✗ CONS
  • • May be too bright for heavy metal
  • • Requires quality amplifier

Harley Benton Fusion-III EMG HT Roast Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton Fusion-III EMG HT Roasted...

⭐ 4.9/5 (29 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 567168
$521
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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