Best T Style Guitars Under $500 2025

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

Last updated: October 29, 2025 • Next update: November 5, 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 Country For Blues For Rock For Punk For Indie For Alternative

BRANDS: Fender Harley Benton Squier Larry Carlton Suhr Reverend Schecter Maybach ESP FGN PRS Ibanez

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 HH FR EB FBB w/Case - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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

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 FR EB FBB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton Fusion-III HH FR EB FBB

by Harley Benton

Country Funk Blues

Key Feature:

• Comfortable body contours

✓ PROS

• Comfortable body contours
• Excellent sustain and playability

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton Fusion-III HH FR EB FBBElectric GuitarErgonomically shaped Nyatoh body"Ultra Flame" flamed...

⭐ 4.4/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 521075

$428

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

⭐ 4.7/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton Fusion-III HH EB BK w/Bag

by Harley Benton

Indie Pop Funk

Key Feature:

• Classic single-coil brightness

✓ PROS

• Excellent sustain and playability
• Comfortable body contours

✗ CONS

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

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

⭐ 4.7/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 530239

$406

Buy at Thomann View Details

Larry Carlton S3 TS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Larry Carlton S3 TS

by Larry Carlton

Indie Blues Funk

Key Feature:

• Classic single-coil brightness

✓ PROS

• Great for clean and overdriven tones
• Excellent sustain and playability

✗ CONS

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

Larry Carlton S3 TSElectric GuitarMahogany bodyBolt-on maple neckRosewood fretboardWhite dot fretboard inlaysScale...

⭐ 4.7/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 536975

$403

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 Fusion-III EMG HT Roasted SBK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton Fusion-III EMG HT Roasted SBK

by Harley Benton

Country Blues Rock

Key Feature:

• Comfortable body contours

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton Fusion-III EMG HT Roasted SBKElectric GuitarErgonomically shaped body: NyatohBolt-on neck: roasted...

⭐ 5.0/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 503287

$494

Buy at Thomann View Details

Larry Carlton S5 Olympic White - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Larry Carlton S5 Olympic White

by Larry Carlton

Blues Rock Indie

Key Feature:

• Excellent sustain and playability

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Larry Carlton S5 Olympic WhiteElectric GuitarBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleBlack dot fingerboard...

⭐ 4.9/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 584515

$439

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#10

⭐ 4.9/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton Fusion-T HH HT EB OCT w/Bag

by Harley Benton

Blues Rock Country

Key Feature:

• Classic Telecaster twang

✓ PROS

• Great note definition
• Classic Telecaster twang

✗ CONS

• Bridge pickup can be harsh
• Limited tonal variety

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

⭐ 4.9/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 542138

$406

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#11

⭐ 4.4/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton Fusion-T HH EB BK

by Harley Benton

Alternative Blues Country

Key Feature:

• Bright, cutting single-coil tone

✓ PROS

• Bright, cutting single-coil tone
• Versatile for clean and dirty tones

✗ CONS

• May lack warmth for jazz
• Single-coils prone to hum

Harley Benton Fusion-T HH EB BKElectric GuitarErgonomically designed body: NyatohBolt-on neck: Canadian...

⭐ 4.4/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 469547

$384

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#12

⭐ 4.9/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton Fusion-III HSH EB FBLB

by Harley Benton

Blues Rock Indie

Key Feature:

• Great for clean and overdriven tones

✓ PROS

• Great for clean and overdriven tones
• Excellent sustain and playability

✗ CONS

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

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

⭐ 4.9/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 521102

$384

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton Fusion-T HH HT Roasted FBLB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.8/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton Fusion-T HH HT Roasted FBLB

by Harley Benton

Blues Indie Punk

Key Feature:

• Great note definition

✓ PROS

• Great note definition
• Simple, reliable electronics

✗ CONS

• Less comfortable body edges
• May lack warmth for jazz

Harley Benton Fusion-T HH HT Roasted FBLBElectric GuitarPro SeriesErgonomically shaped Nyatoh body"Ultra...

⭐ 4.8/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 538355

$494

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton CST-24T Paradise Flame Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 5.0/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton CST-24T Paradise Flame Bundle

by Harley Benton

Rock Pop Country

Key Feature:

• Classic single-coil brightness

✓ PROS

• Classic single-coil brightness
• Excellent sustain and playability

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton CST-24T Paradise Flame Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton CST-24T Paradise Flame*Electric...

⭐ 5.0/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 371891

$461

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#15

⭐ 4.9/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton Fusion-III HSS Roasted FBB

by Harley Benton

Rock Pop Funk

Key Feature:

• Comfortable body contours

✓ PROS

• Comfortable body contours
• Versatile 5-way pickup switching

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton Fusion-III HSS Roasted FBBElectric GuitarErgonomically shaped body: NyatohTop: flamed maple veneerBolt-on...

⭐ 4.9/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 537645

$439

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best T 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 t 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 T Style Guitars Under $500 2025

Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CT20HSS Sunrise Orange

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

Larry Carlton S5 Black

Harley Benton Fusion-III HH FR EB FBB

Harley Benton Fusion-III HH EB BK w/Bag

Larry Carlton S3 TS

Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CT20HSS Canvas White

Harley Benton Fusion-III EMG HT Roasted SBK

Larry Carlton S5 Olympic White

Harley Benton Fusion-T HH HT EB OCT w/Bag

Harley Benton Fusion-T HH EB BK

Harley Benton Fusion-III HSH EB FBLB

Harley Benton Fusion-T HH HT Roasted FBLB

Harley Benton CST-24T Paradise Flame Bundle

Harley Benton Fusion-III HSS Roasted FBB

How to Choose the Best T Style Guitars

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying t style guitars?

How much should I spend on t style guitars?

Are expensive t style guitars worth the investment?

What are the best brands for t style guitars?

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

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