6 Best Alternatives to the Sawtooth ST-ES-BKB Black Alder Series Electric Guitar (2026)

How Alternatives Compare to Sawtooth

Donner 39 inch Left-Handed Electric Guitar Kit

The Donner 39 Inch Left-Handed Electric Guitar Kit targets left-handed players, a distinct advantage over the standard right-handed Sawtooth ST-ES-BKB. While the Sawtooth uses an alder body and Canadian maple neck with a 25.5-inch scale, the Donner kit offers a solid body construction in a sunburst finish. You must assemble this instrument yourself, whereas the Sawtooth arrives ready to play. The Donner features a standard scale length suitable for familiar fretting patterns. If you are left-handed and do not mind building your own instrument, this kit provides a functional alternative. The Sawtooth remains the better choice for players seeking a complete, pre-assembled guitar with classic single-coil versatility and ergonomic contours without the assembly effort.

Ibanez Gio Sunburst Electric Guitar

The Ibanez Gio Sunburst Electric Guitar offers a humbucker-single-coil-humbucker (H-S-H) pickup configuration, differing significantly from the Sawtooth ST-ES-BKB’s three single-coil setup. This configuration provides a wider tonal range, including higher output for rock tones, while retaining single-coil clarity. The Ibanez features a tremolo bridge, similar to the Sawtooth, but its body construction and hardware may appeal to players seeking a premium build. The Ibanez weighs 8.16 pounds, offering a substantial feel compared to the lighter Sawtooth. If you want versatile tonal options and a classic aesthetic with more aggressive pickup options, the Ibanez is a strong choice. The Sawtooth remains ideal for those who prefer traditional single-coin sounds for blues and indie genres.

Leo Jaymz DIY Electric Guitar Kit

The Leo Jaymz DIY Electric Guitar Kit provides a complete mahogany body and maple neck package for builders, contrasting with the pre-assembled Sawtooth ST-ES-BKB. The mahogany body offers a warmer, darker tone compared to the bright and articulate alder body of the Sawtooth. This kit includes humbucker pickups, delivering higher output and thicker tones than the Sawtooth’s Alnico single-coils. You must assemble and wire the instrument yourself, which suits players who enjoy customization. The Leo Jaymz kit is ideal for those who value a mahogany body and humbucker setup in a DIY format. The Sawtooth is better for players who want a ready-to-play instrument with classic single-coil clarity and ergonomic comfort without the need for assembly.

Grote Solid Body Electric Guitar with Maple Neck

The Grote Solid Body Electric Guitar features stainless steel frets, offering greater durability and resistance to wear compared to the medium jumbo frets on the Sawtooth ST-ES-BKB. It has a maple neck and a solid body construction, similar in neck material to the Sawtooth but differing in overall build and finish. The Grote is available in red, providing a distinct aesthetic option. It includes accessories suitable for beginners and intermediate players. The stainless steel frets make it a practical choice for players who value longevity and low maintenance. The Sawtooth remains the better option for those seeking classic single-coil versatility and ergonomic comfort with a traditional bolt-on maple neck and alder body. The Grote is ideal for players prioritizing fret durability and included accessories.

Leo Jaymz 39 Inch Solid Body Electric Guitar

The Leo Jaymz 39 Inch Solid Body Electric Guitar features a poplar body and maple neck, differing from the alder body and Canadian maple neck of the Sawtooth ST-ES-BKB. It has a laurel fretboard, whereas the Sawtooth uses rosewood. The Leo Jaymz offers a traditional scale length and a bolt-on neck construction, similar to the Sawtooth. It is available in a purple burst finish, providing a unique visual option. This guitar is suitable for players who want a reliable instrument for everyday playing with a poplar body. The Leo Jaymz is ideal for those seeking a traditional spec sheet with different tonewoods. The Sawtooth remains the better choice for players who prefer the articulate highs and warm mids of an alder body with rosewood fretboard comfort.

Leo Jaymz DIY LP Style Electric Guitar

The Leo Jaymz DIY LP Style Mahogany Electric Guitar Kit is designed for beginners building their first instrument, contrasting with the ready-to-play Sawtooth ST-ES-BKB. It features a mahogany body and maple neck, offering a warmer tone than the alder body of the Sawtooth. The kit includes plug-and-play wiring, simplifying assembly for those without soldering skills. It has a laurel fretboard, differing from the rosewood on the Sawtooth. This DIY format suits players who value ease of assembly and a solid mahogany body. The Leo Jaymz kit is ideal for those who want to customize their instrument and enjoy the building process. The Sawtooth is better for players who prefer a pre-assembled guitar with classic single-coil versatility and ergonomic contours without the need for DIY assembly.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

Sawtooth ST-ES-BKB Alder Electric Guitar

Best for: players seeking classic single-coil 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 electric guitar features an alder body and a Canadian maple neck with a D-shape profile. It has a 25.5-inch scale length and 22 medium jumbo frets on a rosewood fingerboard. The instrument uses three Alnico S single-coil pickups with a classic tremolo bridge. This configuration provides articulate highs and warm mids. It suits players seeking versatile single-coil tones for blues, rock, or pop.

Pros

• Alder body for warm mids and tight low-end response
• Canadian maple neck with D-shape profile and 42mm nut width
• Three Alnico S single-coil pickups with 5-way selector switch
• Classic tremolo bridge assembly for pitch modulation

Cons

• Only one color option is listed in the provided data
• Rosewood fingerboard requires regular maintenance to prevent drying
• Standard tremolo bridge may lack the stability of locked systems

Good fit if

• You want classic single-coil clarity for clean or driven tones
• You prefer a D-shape neck profile for comfortable playing
• You need a versatile guitar for blues, rock, or indie styles

Skip if

• You require a left-handed model in the current data set
• You prefer a fixed bridge for maximum tuning stability
• You need a guitar with a different scale length than 25.5 inches

Verdict: Sawtooth ST-ES-BKB Alder Electric Guitar offers a traditional spec sheet with an alder body and maple neck. It fits players who value classic single-coil versatility and ergonomic comfort for genres like blues and rock.

2 Best budget

Donner 39 inch Left-Handed Electric Guitar Kit

Best for: left-handed players

Hand Orientation

Left-Handed

Body Type

Solid Body

Target Audience

Beginners

Color

Sunburst

Dimensions

52.8 × 38.2 × 33.5 inches

View on Amazon: Donner 39 inch Left-Handed Electric Guitar Kit Affiliate link

This Donner electric guitar kit is built for left-handed players who need a solid body instrument. It measures 39 inches in length with a sunburst finish. The body is solid, and the neck is maple. You get a complete kit for assembly. It is a practical option if you prefer left-handed orientation and want a standard scale length guitar.

Pros

• Left-handed orientation
• Solid body construction
• 39 inch scale length
• Sunburst color finish

Cons

• Requires assembly
• No hardware included in specs
• Basic finish options

Good fit if

• You play left-handed
• You want a solid body guitar
• You prefer a 39 inch length

Skip if

• You need a right-handed guitar
• You want a pre-assembled instrument
• You prefer a different body style

Verdict: Donner 39 Inch Left-Handed Electric Guitar is a solid choice for left-handed players seeking a standard scale length instrument with a sunburst finish. It suits those who do not mind assembling their own kit.

3 Also great

Ibanez Gio Sunburst Electric Guitar

Best for: Players seeking versatile H-S-H tone

Body Material

Poplar

Neck Material

Maple

Pickup Configuration

HSH

Color

Sunburst

Dimensions

9.1 × 9.1 × 9.1 inches

Weight

8.16 pounds

View on Amazon: Ibanez Gio Sunburst Electric Guitar Affiliate link

The Ibanez Gio GRX70QA is a full-size electric guitar featuring a quilted maple top and sunburst finish. It uses high-output Infinity R pickups in an H-S-H configuration for versatile tone. The synchronized tremolo system allows for pitch modulation. Weighing 8.16 pounds, it offers stable tuning for beginner and intermediate players seeking classic Ibanez styling and reliable hardware.

Pros

• Quilted maple art grain top
• High-output Infinity R pickups
• H-S-H pickup configuration
• Synchronized tremolo system

Cons

• Heavier at 8.16 pounds
• Full size may be bulky
• No mention of included case

Good fit if

• You want a versatile H-S-H pickup setup
• You prefer classic Ibanez styling with chrome hardware
• You are a beginner or intermediate player

Skip if

• You need a lightweight instrument under 7 pounds
• You require a left-handed model
• You prefer a fixed bridge over a tremolo

Verdict: Ibanez Gio GRX70QA Sunburst suits players who value versatile tonal options and classic aesthetics. It is a solid choice for those building a reliable practice or performance instrument with tremolo capabilities.

4 Also great

Leo Jaymz DIY Electric Guitar Kit

Best for: DIY builders wanting a complete mahogany kit

Body Material

mahogany

Neck Material

maple

Fretboard Material

blackwood

Pickup Configuration

2 humbucker pickups

Dimensions

3.2 × 27.6 × 13 inches

View on Amazon: Leo Jaymz DIY Electric Guitar Kit Affiliate link

This Leo Jaymz kit offers a solid mahogany body and maple neck for a PS-style electric guitar. It includes two humbucker pickups, a Tune-o-Matic bridge, and a blackwood fingerboard with rectangle inlays. The package provides all necessary components, wiring, and screws. It suits builders who want a complete DIY project with quality tonewoods and hardware included in one box.

Pros

• Solid mahogany body construction
• Maple neck with blackwood fingerboard
• Includes two humbucker pickups
• Comes with Tune-o-Matic bridge
• All wiring and screws included

Cons

• Requires assembly as a DIY kit
• Blackwood fingerboard is less common than rosewood or maple
• Only one variation listed (PS style)

Good fit if

• You want to build a guitar from scratch
• You prefer a mahogany body tone
• You need a complete kit with all hardware

Skip if

• You prefer a ready-to-play instrument
• You want a standard maple fretboard
• You need multiple body styles

Verdict: Leo Jaymz Mahogany DIY Electric Guitar Kit is a solid option for builders seeking a complete package with tonewoods and hardware. It fits those who value a mahogany body and humbucker setup in a DIY format.

5 Best premium

Grote Solid Body Electric Guitar with Maple Neck

Best for: players seeking durable stainless steel frets

Neck Material

Maple

Body Type

Solid Body

Color

Red

Dimensions

40.2 × 13.1 × 1.4 inches

Weight

7.5 pounds

View on Amazon: Grote Solid Body Electric Guitar with Maple Neck Affiliate link

The Grote LPYS-006 is a solid body electric guitar featuring a maple neck and stainless steel frets. It measures 40.2 inches in length and weighs 7.5 pounds. This model comes with a gigbag for protection. It is available in multiple colors, including red. The design suits players at all levels who need a durable instrument with a classic build.

Pros

• Maple neck for stable tuning
• Stainless steel frets for durability
• Includes a protective gigbag
• Solid body construction

Cons

• Heavier at 7.5 pounds
• No wireless connectivity
• Limited to standard tuning options

Good fit if

• You want a durable guitar with stainless steel frets
• You need a solid body instrument for practice
• You prefer a guitar that includes a gigbag

Skip if

• You need a lightweight instrument under 7 pounds
• You require wireless Bluetooth capabilities
• You are looking for a left-handed model

Verdict: Grote LPYS-006 Red Electric Guitar offers a sturdy build with stainless steel frets and a maple neck. It fits beginners and intermediate players who value durability and included accessories.

6 Best laurel

Leo Jaymz 39 Inch Solid Body Electric Guitar

Best for: players seeking a poplar body with a maple neck

Body Material

Poplar Wood

Neck Material

Maple

Fretboard Material

Laurel Wood

Body Type

Solid Body

Number of Frets

22

Scale Length

24.75 inch

View on Amazon: Leo Jaymz 39 Inch Solid Body Electric Guitar Affiliate link

This Leo Jaymz solid body electric guitar features a poplar wood body with a maple neck and laurel fretboard. It has a 24.75 inch scale length, 22 frets, and a 14 inch radius. The 39 inch size makes it suitable for smaller players or those seeking a standard scale. The purple burst finish offers a distinct look. It includes a bolt-on neck construction for stability.

Pros

• Poplar wood body provides a balanced tone.
• Maple neck offers a fast playing feel.
• 24.75 inch scale length is comfortable for many styles.
• Laurel wood fretboard is durable and smooth.

Cons

• Only 22 frets limit high-end reach.
• 14 inch radius is less curved than some modern guitars.
• Bolt-on neck may feel less seamless than set necks.

Good fit if

• You want a solid body guitar with a poplar body.
• You prefer a 24.75 inch scale length.
• You like the purple burst color option.

Skip if

• You need more than 22 frets.
• You prefer a set neck construction.
• You want a mahogany or alder body.

Verdict: Leo Jaymz 39 Inch Poplar Electric Guitar is a solid choice for players who value a traditional scale length and a poplar body. It fits those who want a reliable bolt-on neck and a laurel fretboard for everyday playing.

7 Also great

Leo Jaymz DIY LP Style Electric Guitar

Best for: beginners building their first electric guitar

Body Material

Mahogany

Neck Material

Maple

Fretboard Material

Laurel

Body Type

Solid body

Number of Frets

22

Scale Length

24.72"

View on Amazon: Leo Jaymz DIY LP Style Electric Guitar Affiliate link

This Leo Jaymz kit features a solid mahogany body and a maple neck with a laurel wood fingerboard. It has a 24.72-inch scale and 22 frets. The body comes pre-sprayed, saving you painting time. Plug-and-play electronics mean you can assemble it without soldering. It is ideal for beginners who want to build their own instrument without complex tools.

Pros

• Solid mahogany body pre-sprayed for durability
• Plug-and-play electronics require no soldering
• Maple neck with 22 frets and laurel fingerboard
• Includes all components for full assembly

Cons

• Requires manual assembly of all parts
• Laurel wood fingerboard is less common than rosewood or maple
• Pre-sprayed finish limits custom color options

Good fit if

• You want to build a guitar without soldering
• You prefer a solid mahogany body for warmth
• You like the classic LP style shape

Skip if

• You need a fully assembled instrument ready to play
• You prefer a rosewood or maple fingerboard
• You want to customize the paint finish from scratch

Verdict: Leo Jaymz DIY LP Style Mahogany Electric Guitar Kit is a practical choice for builders who value ease of assembly. It suits those who want a solid mahogany body and plug-and-play wiring without soldering skills.

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