Best T Style Guitars Under $800 2026

Affordable t style guitars under $800 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Next update: January 21, 2026

Sterling by Music Man CT30CHSS Daphne Blue - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Sterling by Music Man CT30CHSS Daphne Blue

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
Sterling by Music Man CT30CHSS Sherwood Green - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Sterling by Music Man CT30CHSS Sherwood Green

Indie Country Rock
Key Feature:
• Comfortable body contours
✓ PROS
  • • Great for clean and overdriven tones
  • • Versatile 5-way pickup switching
✗ CONS
  • • String bending can cause tuning issues
  • • Requires quality amplifier

Sterling by Music Man CT30CHSS Sherwood GreenElectric GuitarBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard:...

4.9/5 (54 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Kramer Guitars Pacer Emerald Green - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Kramer Guitars Pacer Emerald Green

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
Larry Carlton T7 Skyburst Sparkle New Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Larry Carlton T7 Skyburst Sparkle New Gen

Alternative Country Punk
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
  • • Less comfortable body edges

Larry Carlton T7 SBSP New GenElectric GuitarBody: AlderTop: MapleBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleDot fingerboard...

4.8/5 (53 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Larry Carlton S7 SG LH - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Larry Carlton S7 SG LH

Funk Blues Indie
Key Feature:
• Excellent sustain and playability
✓ PROS
  • • Classic single-coil brightness
  • • Versatile 5-way pickup switching
✗ CONS
  • • Electronics may need shielding
  • • String bending can cause tuning issues

Larry Carlton S7 SG LHElectric GuitarLeft-handed modelBody: AlderBolt-on neck: roasted mapleFingerboard: roasted...

4.4/5 (44 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Harley Benton Amarok-6 BKNT Flame Bur w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Harley Benton Amarok-6 BKNT Flame Bur w/Bag

Funk Pop Rock
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

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

4.5/5 (43 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Harley Benton Fusion-III EMG HT Roast w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Harley Benton Fusion-III EMG HT Roast w/Bag

Country Pop Indie
Key Feature:
• Versatile 5-way pickup switching
✓ PROS
  • • Classic single-coil brightness
  • • Great for clean and overdriven tones
✗ CONS
  • • String bending can cause tuning issues
  • • May be too bright for heavy metal

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

4.9/5 (12 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Larry Carlton S7 HSS Metallic Gold New Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Larry Carlton S7 HSS Metallic Gold New Gen

Pop Blues Indie
Key Feature:
• Comfortable body contours
✓ PROS
  • • Comfortable body contours
  • • Great for clean and overdriven tones
✗ CONS
  • • May be too bright for heavy metal
  • • Single-coils can pick up interference

Larry Carlton S7 HSS MG New GenElectric GuitarBody: AlderTop: MapleBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodDot...

4.6/5 (24 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Harley Benton Amarok-6 BKRD Quilted Burst - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Harley Benton Amarok-6 BKRD Quilted Burst

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
Kramer Guitars Baretta Vintage Pewter Gray - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Kramer Guitars Baretta Vintage Pewter Gray

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
Kramer Guitars Baretta Vintage Ruby Red - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Kramer Guitars Baretta Vintage Ruby Red

Blues Country Pop
Key Feature:
• Classic single-coil brightness
✓ PROS
  • • Versatile 5-way pickup switching
  • • Great for clean and overdriven tones
✗ CONS
  • • May be too bright for heavy metal
  • • Single-coils can pick up interference

Kramer Guitars Baretta Vintage Ruby RedElectric GuitarBody: MapleNeck: MapleNeck attachment: Bolt-onFretboard:...

4.5/5 (8 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Harley Benton Fusion-III HSH Roasted Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Harley Benton Fusion-III HSH Roasted Bundle

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

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

4.8/5 (56 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Larry Carlton T7TM Rosegold - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Larry Carlton T7TM Rosegold

Alternative Punk Indie
Key Feature:
• Classic Telecaster twang
✓ PROS
  • • Simple, reliable electronics
  • • Great note definition
✗ CONS
  • • Less comfortable body edges
  • • May lack warmth for jazz

Larry Carlton T7TM RosegoldElectric GuitarChambered body: MahoganyTop: AshBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleWhite...

5.0/5 (5 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Larry Carlton S7FM TBK 2nd Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Larry Carlton S7FM TBK 2nd Gen

Indie Funk Pop
Key Feature:
• Great for clean and overdriven tones
✓ PROS
  • • Versatile 5-way pickup switching
  • • Classic single-coil brightness
✗ CONS
  • • Requires quality amplifier
  • • Single-coils can pick up interference

Larry Carlton S7FM TBK 2nd GenElectric GuitarBody: AlderTop: Flamed mapleBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard:...

4.5/5 (8 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Harley Benton Fusion-III HH EB BK Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Harley Benton Fusion-III HH EB BK Bundle

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

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

4.8/5 (14 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10

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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