S-Style Guitars: The Best Strat-Style Alternatives from Budget to Pro Level
There’s something about that familiar double-cutaway silhouette that just refuses to go out of style. From bedroom practice amps to festival stages, that recognisable a-symmetrical outline has shaped more tones, genres, and careers than almost any other electric guitar body shape.
While the conversation around who did it first (... our money's on Paul Bigsby, for the headstock) will always keep guitar forums busy, we’re more interested in what really matters - how it feels in your hands and how it sounds through your amp.
In this guide, we’re looking at our favourite S-style guitars across every budget, from affordable first instruments through to serious professional-grade builds and carefully selected boutique options. No gatekeeping, no hype - just great guitars that deliver that unmistakable feel players keep coming back to, year after year.
Why S-Style Guitars Remain a Modern Classic
Few guitar designs have had the staying power of the S-style. First introduced in the early 1950s, its double-cutaway shape wasn’t just about looks — it was about access, comfort, and versatility. That instantly recognisable silhouette made higher fret access easier, balanced well whether sitting or standing, and set a new standard for what an electric guitar could be.
Decades later, the formula hasn’t really needed changing. The S-style platform remains one of the most adaptable electric guitar designs ever made, capable of covering everything from glassy clean tones to high-gain textures with the right pickups and setup. That flexibility is a big reason it’s still found in every corner of modern music — from indie and funk to rock, pop, and beyond.
Just as importantly, it became a foundation rather than a fixed idea. Builders around the world have taken the original concept and refined it in countless directions, meaning players today can find an S-style that suits almost any budget, playing style, or sonic preference — without losing what made the design so enduring in the first place.
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S-Style Alternatives: Affordable Options Under $600
JET GUITARS | GUITAR BROTHERS TOP PICKS:
- Jet JS-400-OW Electric Guitar
- Jet JS-400 HSS Electric Roasted Maple Neck
- Jet JS-400 HSS Electric Roasted Maple Rosewood Neck
SCEPTRE | GUITAR BROTHERS TOP PICKS:
- Sceptre Ventana Standard Electric Guitar
- Sceptre Ventana Deluxe HSS Electric Guitar
CORT | GUITAR BROTHERS TOP PICKS:
- Cort G200 Electric Guitar
- Cort G250SE Electric Guitar
IBANEZ | GUITAR BROTHERS TOP PICKS:
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S-Style Alternatives: Professional Range & Player Ready
COLE CLARK | GUITAR BROTHERS TOP PICKS:
- Cole Clark Hollow Baby SSS Semi-Hollow
- Cole Clark Hollow Baby HSS Semi-Hollow
YAMAHA (PACIFICA) | GUITAR BROTHERS TOP PICKS:
- Yamaha Pacifica Standard Plus PACS+12M
- Yamaha Pacifica PAC612VIIFM
IBANEZ | GUITAR BROTHERS TOP PICKS:
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LSL INSTRUMENTS | GUITAR BROTHERS TOP PICKS:
- LSL Instruments Saticoy 'ERA'
- LSL Instruments Carl Verheyen Special Saticoy
- LSL Instruments XT3
XOTIC | GUITAR BROTHERS TOP PICKS:
- Xotic California Classic XSC Pro-1
- Xotic California Classic XSC-2
- Xotic California Classic XSC-2 - Relic
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Not sure which S-style fits your setup?
Whether you’re chasing your first reliable gig guitar, upgrading your studio workhorse, or stepping into boutique-level refinement, the right choice usually comes down to feel, versatility, and how it responds in your hands. If you’re still weighing it up, take a look through our full range or reach out to the Guitar Brothers team for personalised recommendations — we’re always happy to help you find the one that just clicks.