Best Sawtooth Electric Guitars: 5 Models Compared

Quick picks

Our 5 picks

1 Best overall

Sawtooth ST-ES-BKC Electric Guitar

Best for: beginners seeking reliable single-coil tone

Body Material

Sycamore

Neck Material

Maple

Fretboard Material

Rosewood

Pickup Configuration

3 single-coil

Hand Orientation

right-handed

Body Type

solid body

View on Amazon: Sawtooth ST-ES-BKC Electric Guitar Affiliate link

This Sawtooth ST-ES-BKC is a solid-body electric guitar featuring a sycamore body and maple neck. It includes 21 medium jumbo frets on a rosewood fingerboard and a 25.5-inch scale length. The instrument uses three single-coil pickups with a five-way selector switch and a synchronous tremolo bridge. It is designed for students and beginners, offering a setup that ensures playability right out of the box.

Pros

• Sycamore body with maple neck construction
• 21 medium jumbo frets on rosewood fingerboard
• Three single-coil pickups with five-way selector
• Synchronous tremolo bridge for pitch modulation
• Professional setup included for immediate playability

Cons

• Only 21 frets limit high-note access
• Standard 42 mm nut width may feel wide
• Single-coil pickups lack high output for heavy distortion

Good fit if

• You are a beginner looking for a reliable starter instrument
• You prefer the bright tone of single-coil pickups
• You want a guitar that requires minimal setup

Skip if

• You need more than 21 frets for lead playing
• You require humbucker pickups for high-gain styles
• You are left-handed and need a specific lefty model

Verdict: Sawtooth ST-ES-BKC Sycamore Electric Guitar provides a solid foundation for beginners with its reliable sycamore body and maple neck. It suits players who value standard single-coil tones and easy playability over extended range or heavy distortion capabilities.

2 Best purple

Sawtooth ET Alder Series Purple Sparkle

Best for: vintage tone and classic playability

Body Material

alder

Neck Material

Canadian maple

Fretboard Material

rosewood

Pickup Configuration

1 lipstick, 1 Alnico S single-coil

Number of Frets

22

Scale Length

25.5 inch

View on Amazon: Sawtooth ET Alder Series Purple Sparkle Affiliate link

This Sawtooth ET features an alder body and Canadian maple neck with a 25.5-inch scale length. It uses a rosewood fingerboard with 22 medium jumbo frets. The pickup setup includes one lipstick and one Alnico S single-coil. You get a 3-way selector and master controls. The purple sparkle finish adds visual appeal. This model suits players seeking vintage tone and comfortable playability.

Pros

• Premium alder body construction for enhanced resonance
• Canadian maple neck with D shape profile
• Rosewood fingerboard with 15-inch radius
• Vintage 3-saddle ashtray bridge system
• Versatile 1 lipstick and 1 single-coil pickup config

Cons

• Only two pickups limit tonal variety
• Standard 3-way switch restricts coil splitting
• Fixed master volume and tone controls

Good fit if

• You want a vintage-inspired T-style sound
• You prefer a comfortable D-shaped neck
• You like the purple sparkle aesthetic

Skip if

• You need five-way switching options
• You require humbucker pickups
• You prefer a shorter scale length

Verdict: Sawtooth ET Alder Electric Guitar delivers classic tone and build quality. It fits players who value traditional specs and vintage aesthetics.

3 Best budget

Sawtooth ST-ES-BKB Alder Electric Guitar

Best for: players seeking classic single-coil tone and versatility

Body Material

Alder

Neck Material

Canadian Maple

Fretboard Material

Rosewood

Pickup Configuration

3 Alnico "S" Single-Coil Pickups

Number of Frets

22

Scale Length

25.5"

View on Amazon: Sawtooth ST-ES-BKB Alder Electric Guitar Affiliate link

This Sawtooth ST-ES model features an alder body and a Canadian maple neck with a D-shape profile. It includes 22 medium jumbo frets on a rosewood fingerboard with a 15-inch radius. The 25.5-inch scale length and 42mm nut width provide standard playability. Three Alnico single-coil pickups deliver articulate highs and warm mids. This configuration suits players seeking classic single-coil clarity for blues, rock, and indie styles.

Pros

• Alder body for warm mids and tight low-end response
• Canadian maple neck with a comfortable D-shape profile
• 22 medium jumbo frets on a rosewood fingerboard
• Three Alnico single-coil pickups for versatile tone options
• Classic tremolo bridge assembly with six-in-line tuners

Cons

• Fixed bridge assembly limits pitch modulation compared to floating systems
• Standard 42mm nut width may feel narrow for players preferring wider spacing
• Basic master volume and dual tone controls offer limited tonal shaping

Good fit if

• You prefer the articulate tone of single-coil pickups
• You want a lightweight alder body for comfortable playing
• You need a versatile guitar for blues and rock genres

Skip if

• You require humbucker pickups for high-gain distortion
• You need a floating tremolo system for extensive pitch bending
• You prefer a thicker neck profile for a substantial grip

Verdict: Sawtooth ST-ES Black Alder Electric Guitar delivers classic single-coil clarity and reliable build quality. It fits players who value traditional tone and ergonomic comfort over advanced modulation features.

4 Best premium

Sawtooth SST Left-Handed HSS Electric Guitar

Best for: left-handed players needing HSS versatility

Body Material

Alder

Neck Material

Canadian Maple

Fretboard Material

Rosewood

Pickup Configuration

HSS

Hand Orientation

left-handed

Body Type

solid body

View on Amazon: Sawtooth SST Left-Handed HSS Electric Guitar Affiliate link

This Sawtooth SST is a left-handed electric guitar with an alder body and Canadian maple neck. It features an HSS pickup configuration, combining two single-coils and one bridge humbucker. The 25.5-inch scale length and 22 medium jumbo frets offer a familiar feel. You will get balanced resonance and tonal flexibility, making it suitable for various genres from blues to high-gain rock.

Pros

• HSS pickup configuration with dual single-coils and one Alnico V humbucker
• Left-handed orientation with slanted headstock design
• Alder body with ergonomic contoured neck pocket
• 22 medium jumbo frets on a rosewood fingerboard

Cons

• Limited to left-handed players only
• Only one tone control knob available
• Black hardware may show scratches more easily

Good fit if

• You play left-handed and need an HSS setup
• You want a versatile guitar for multiple genres
• You prefer a maple neck with rosewood fretboard

Skip if

• You are right-handed
• You need multiple tone controls
• You prefer a rosewood body

Verdict: Sawtooth SST Left-Handed HSS is a solid choice for left-handed players seeking versatile tones. It delivers clear highs and tight lows, ideal for blues, rock, and indie styles.

5 Also great

Sawtooth ST-M24 Left-Handed Electric Guitar

Best for: Left-handed players seeking stability

Body Material

Alder

Neck Material

Canadian Maple

Fretboard Material

Rosewood

Number of Strings

6

Hand Orientation

Left-handed

Number of Frets

24

View on Amazon: Sawtooth ST-M24 Left-Handed Electric Guitar Affiliate link

This left-handed electric guitar features an alder body and a Canadian maple neck with a D-shaped profile. It has a 25.5-inch scale length and 24 medium jumbo frets on a rosewood fingerboard. The ST Ignite Alnico V humbuckers provide volume and tone control via a 3-way selector. The string-through hardtail bridge and ergonomic contoured neck pocket offer stability and comfort for left-handed players.

Pros

• Alder body for balanced tone
• Canadian maple neck with D profile
• 24 medium jumbo frets
• ST Ignite Alnico V humbuckers
• String-through hardtail bridge

Cons

• Left-handed orientation only
• Fixed hardtail bridge limits vibrato
• No onboard electronics beyond basic controls

Good fit if

• You are a left-handed guitarist
• You prefer a D-shaped neck profile
• You want a string-through body design

Skip if

• You play right-handed
• You need a tremolo system
• You prefer a round neck profile

Verdict: Sawtooth ST-M24 Alder Left-Handed is a solid choice for left-handed players who value a traditional D-shaped maple neck and stable hardtail bridge setup. It suits those who prefer straightforward controls and a string-through design for tuning stability.

Specifications side by side

Sawtooth Electric Guitar Models Compared

The Sawtooth ST-ES-BKC stands out for beginners seeking reliable single-coil tone. Its sycamore body and maple neck offer easy playability. The ST-ES-BKB provides similar classic clarity with a black alder body. Both models suit players who value traditional specs over advanced modulation. They are not full-size instruments, which may affect comfort for larger players.

Left-handed players have distinct options. The ST-LH-SST features an HSS pickup configuration for versatile tones in red. The ST-M24 offers stability with a hardtail bridge in satin black. The ET Alder Series in purple delivers vintage aesthetics. These models vary by hand orientation and color, allowing you to choose based on physical needs and visual preference.

Who Sawtooth Guitars Suit

Sawtooth’s current lineup covers essential electric guitar needs without complex features. You will find standard single-coil and HSS configurations, catering to blues, rock, and indie styles. The range includes both right-handed and left-handed models, ensuring accessibility for more players. Body woods like sycamore and alder provide traditional tones. Sizes vary from non-full-size to standard dimensions, with options in black, purple, and red finishes. However, the list lacks double-cutaway designs, active pickups, or modern ergonomic shapes. If you need advanced modulation or specific scale lengths, this brand may not fit your requirements.

How to Choose the Right Sawtooth Guitar

1. Check Hand Orientation

   You must verify the hand orientation before purchasing. Most guitars are built for right-handed players, but left-handed players need specific models. The Sawtooth SST features an HSS configuration and is built for left-handed use. The ST-M24 is also designed for left-handed players with a traditional D-shaped neck. If you are left-handed, ensure the product data explicitly states this. Using a right-handed guitar with your dominant hand on the wrong side will make playing difficult and uncomfortable.

2. Review Pickup Configs

   Pickup configuration defines your tonal range. Single-coil pickups offer clear, bright tones suitable for blues and classic rock. The ST-ES-BKC and ST-ES-BKB both feature this classic setup. If you need more versatility, look for HSS configurations. The SST model combines humbuckers and single-coils for varied sounds. Humbuckers provide thicker tones with less noise. Choose single-coils for crisp clarity. Select HSS if you play multiple genres and need both bright and heavy sounds in one instrument.

3. Assess Body Wood

   Body wood influences the guitar's resonance and weight. Alder is common in these models, offering a balanced tone with good sustain. The ST-ES-BKB and ST-M24 use alder bodies. Sycamore, found in the ST-ES-BKC, provides a solid foundation for beginners. It offers reliable tone without excessive complexity. Consider the wood type when comparing models. Alder suits players who want traditional versatility. Sycamore is ideal for those seeking straightforward playability. The wood choice affects how the guitar feels and sounds over time.

4. Consider Size and Fit

   Size affects comfort and playability. Some models are not full-size, which may suit smaller players or younger students. The ST-ES-BKC is listed as not full-size. Other models have specific dimensions like length, width, and height. The ET model measures 44 inches in length. The ST-ES-BKB has specific internal dimensions listed. Check these specs if you have physical constraints. A smaller body may be easier to handle. Standard sizes offer traditional ergonomics. Measure your space and body type against these published numbers before buying.

5. Match Color and Style

   Color is a personal choice but affects aesthetics. The ST-ES-BKC comes in black with a chrome pickguard. The ST-ES-BKB features black with a black pickguard. The ET model offers a purple sparkle finish. The SST is available in red. The ST-M24 has a left-handed satin black finish. These options allow you to match your visual preference. Pick a color that appeals to you, as you will see it daily. The finish does not change the tone. Choose the style that best fits your stage or studio look.

Frequently asked questions

See also

• best electric guitars under 150
• best electric guitars under 200