Best ST Style Guitars Under $800 2025

Affordable st style guitars under $800 - 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 CT30CHSS Daphne Blue - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

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

Sterling by Music Man CT30CHSS Olympic White - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Sterling by Music Man CT30CHSS Olympic White

by Sterling by Music Man

Blues Country Pop

Key Feature:

• Comfortable body contours

✓ PROS

• Comfortable body contours
• Excellent sustain and playability

✗ CONS

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

Sterling by Music Man CT30CHSS Olympic WhiteElectric GuitarBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 609734

$549

Buy at Thomann View Details

Kramer Guitars The 84 (Alder) Red - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (46 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Kramer Guitars The 84 (Alder) Red

by Kramer Guitars

Country Pop Indie

Key Feature:

• Versatile 5-way pickup switching

✓ PROS

• Classic single-coil brightness
• Excellent sustain and playability

✗ CONS

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

Kramer Guitars The 84 (Alder) RedElectric GuitarBody: AlderNeck: Maple with Walnut Skunk StripeFretboard: MapleDot...

⭐ 4.8/5 (46 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 485530

$725

Buy at Thomann View Details

Kramer Guitars Baretta Jumper Red - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Kramer Guitars Baretta Jumper Red

by Kramer Guitars

Funk Pop Blues

Key Feature:

• Versatile 5-way pickup switching

✓ PROS

• Excellent sustain and playability
• Classic single-coil brightness

✗ CONS

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

Kramer Guitars Baretta Jumper RedElectric guitarBaretta seriesBody: MapleNeck: Maplethree-strip bolt-onFingerboard:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 533543

$769

Buy at Thomann View Details

Kramer Guitars Baretta Vintage Pewter Gray - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Kramer Guitars Baretta Vintage Pewter Gray

by Kramer Guitars

Pop Blues Indie

Key Feature:

• Comfortable body contours

✓ PROS

• Excellent sustain and playability
• Comfortable body contours

✗ CONS

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

Kramer Guitars Baretta Vintage Pewter GrayElectric GuitarBody: MapleNeck: MapleNeck attachment: Bolt-onFretboard:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 465980

$714

Buy at Thomann View Details

Kramer Guitars Pacer Emerald Green - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Kramer Guitars Pacer Emerald Green

by Kramer Guitars

Indie Blues Pop

Key Feature:

• Excellent sustain and playability

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Kramer Guitars Pacer Emerald GreenElectric GuitarBody: MapleBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleFingerboard inlays:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 606483

$659

Buy at Thomann View Details

Larry Carlton S5 HSS CAR - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Larry Carlton S5 HSS CAR

by Larry Carlton

Country Rock Indie

Key Feature:

• Excellent sustain and playability

✓ PROS

• Comfortable body contours
• Versatile 5-way pickup switching

✗ CONS

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

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

⭐ 4.4/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 611017

$549

Buy at Thomann View Details

Larry Carlton S7 HSS BK New Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

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

Harley Benton Amarok-6 BKRD Quilted Burst - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton Amarok-6 BKRD Quilted Burst

by Harley Benton

Rock Pop Blues

Key Feature:

• Comfortable body contours

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton Amarok-6 BKRD Quilted BurstElectric GuitarBody shape: Arched Modern ComfortBody: MahoganyTop: Quilted...

⭐ 4.8/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 479366

$604

Buy at Thomann View Details

Larry Carlton S5 HSS SGM - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.8/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Larry Carlton S5 HSS SGM

by Larry Carlton

Blues Indie Rock

Key Feature:

• Excellent sustain and playability

✓ PROS

• Comfortable body contours
• Great for clean and overdriven tones

✗ CONS

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

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

⭐ 4.8/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 611016

$549

Buy at Thomann View Details

Kramer Guitars Pacer Wild Zebra - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.6/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Kramer Guitars Pacer Wild Zebra

by Kramer Guitars

Indie Pop Funk

Key Feature:

• Classic single-coil brightness

✓ PROS

• Excellent sustain and playability
• Comfortable body contours

✗ CONS

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

Kramer Guitars Pacer Wild ZebraElectric GuitarBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleBlack dot fingerboard...

⭐ 4.6/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 623220

$714

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#12

⭐ 4.5/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Harley Benton Fusion-III HSH Roasted Bundle

by Harley Benton

Country Indie Funk

Key Feature:

• Excellent sustain and playability

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• String bending can cause tuning issues
• Requires quality amplifier

Harley Benton Fusion-III HSH Roasted Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton Fusion-III HSH Roasted FBB*Electric...

⭐ 4.5/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 531178

$560

Buy at Thomann View Details

Kramer Guitars The 84 Matte White - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.6/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

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

Ibanez RG470FXFM-CS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.6/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Ibanez RG470FXFM-CS

by Ibanez

Pop Blues Rock

Key Feature:

• Great for clean and overdriven tones

✓ PROS

• Versatile 5-way pickup switching
• Comfortable body contours

✗ CONS

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

Ibanez RG470FXFM-CSElectric GuitarBody: MerantiTop: Flamed mapleBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: JatobaWhite sharktooth...

⭐ 4.6/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 620886

$659

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton Amarok-6 BKNT Flame Bur w/Case - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.4/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

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

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 $800 2025

Sterling by Music Man CT30CHSS Daphne Blue

Sterling by Music Man CT30CHSS Olympic White

Kramer Guitars The 84 (Alder) Red

Kramer Guitars Baretta Jumper Red

Kramer Guitars Baretta Vintage Pewter Gray

Kramer Guitars Pacer Emerald Green

Larry Carlton S5 HSS CAR

Larry Carlton S7 HSS BK New Gen

Harley Benton Amarok-6 BKRD Quilted Burst

Larry Carlton S5 HSS SGM

Kramer Guitars Pacer Wild Zebra

Harley Benton Fusion-III HSH Roasted Bundle

Kramer Guitars The 84 Matte White

Ibanez RG470FXFM-CS

Harley Benton Amarok-6 BKNT Flame Bur w/Case

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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