Best T Style Guitars Under $800 2026

Affordable t 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 Country For Blues For Rock For Punk For Indie For Alternative

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

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

Kramer Guitars The 84 Matte White - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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

Larry Carlton T7 FM TBK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Larry Carlton T7 FM TBK

by Larry Carlton

Blues Indie Alternative

Key Feature:

• Bright, cutting single-coil tone

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Single-coils prone to hum
• Bridge pickup can be harsh

Larry Carlton T7 FM TBKElectric GuitarBody: Alder with curly maple veneerBolted neck: Roasted MapleFretboard: Roasted...

⭐ 4.6/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 512957

$637

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton Guitar MAX Fusion Signa w/Case - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

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

⭐ 4.8/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

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

⭐ 5.0/5 (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

Larry Carlton S7 HSS 3TS New Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

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

⭐ 4.8/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

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

⭐ 4.9/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

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 T7 FM TBL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.6/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Larry Carlton T7 FM TBL

by Larry Carlton

Punk Blues Rock

Key Feature:

• Bright, cutting single-coil tone

✓ PROS

• Versatile for clean and dirty tones
• Simple, reliable electronics

✗ CONS

• Bridge pickup can be harsh
• Less comfortable body edges

Larry Carlton T7 FM TBLT-Style Electric GuitarBody: Alder with flamed maple veneerNeck: Roasted mapleFretboard: Roasted...

⭐ 4.6/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 512959

$658

Buy at Thomann View Details

Larry Carlton S7FM TBL 2nd Gen Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.7/5 (46 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

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

#12

⭐ 4.5/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

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

#13

⭐ 4.7/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

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

#14

⭐ 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

Harley Benton Fusion-T EMG HT Roasted w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.6/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton Fusion-T EMG HT Roasted w/Bag

by Harley Benton

Indie Alternative Country

Key Feature:

• Versatile for clean and dirty tones

✓ PROS

• Simple, reliable electronics
• Bright, cutting single-coil tone

✗ CONS

• Bridge pickup can be harsh
• Less comfortable body edges

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

⭐ 4.6/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 543627

$516

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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TOP

Best T Style Guitars Under $800 2026

Sterling by Music Man CT30CHSS Daphne Blue

Kramer Guitars The 84 Matte White

Larry Carlton T7 FM TBK

Harley Benton Guitar MAX Fusion Signa w/Case

Larry Carlton S5 HSS OW

Larry Carlton S7 HSS BK New Gen

Larry Carlton S7 HSS 3TS New Gen

Harley Benton Guitar MAX Fusion Signature PF

Harley Benton Fusion-III HSS Roasted w/Case

Larry Carlton T7 FM TBL

Larry Carlton S7FM TBL 2nd Gen Bundle

Larry Carlton S3 CAR New Gen

Kramer Guitars Baretta Ebony

Harley Benton Amarok-6 BKNT Flame Bur w/Case

Harley Benton Fusion-T EMG HT Roasted w/Bag

How to Choose the Best T Style Guitars

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

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