Sawtooth ST-ES-BKB Black Alder Series Electric Guitar or Sawtooth SST Left-Handed Electric Guitar? Which Sawtooth Model to Buy
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This sawtooth st es bkb black alder series electric guitar vs sst left comparison helps you choose between two distinct models from the same brand. Both guitars share an alder body, maple neck, and rosewood fingerboard. They also feature identical scale lengths and nut widths. The main difference lies in the pickup configuration and hand orientation. One model offers a classic single-coil setup in a right-handed format. The other provides a versatile HSS arrangement designed for left-handed players.
Key differences
| Aspect | Sawtooth ST-ES-BKB Alder Electric Guitar | Sawtooth SST Left-Handed HSS Electric Guitar |
|---|---|---|
| Hand Orientation | Right-handed | Left-handed |
| Pickup Configuration | 3 Single-Coil | HSS (2 Single-Coil, 1 Humbucker) |
| Color | Black with Black Pickguard | Red Metallic with Black Pickguard |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Sawtooth ST-ES-BKB Alder Electric Guitar if
- You prefer a traditional three-single-coil tone for classic rock or blues.
- You play right-handed and want a versatile single-coil sound.
- You like the aesthetic of a black finish with a matching pickguard.
Choose Sawtooth SST Left-Handed HSS Electric Guitar if
- You are a left-handed player needing a ready-to-play instrument.
- You want the flexibility of a humbucker for heavier tones or high-gain styles.
- You prefer a red metallic finish that stands out visually.
Verdict: Choose the ST-ES-BKB if you are right-handed and want classic single-coil clarity. Pick the SST Left-Handed model if you need a left-handed guitar with the added power of a bridge humbucker. Both share the same core build quality and ergonomic design.
Sawtooth ST-ES-BKB vs SST Left-Handed Specs
Hand Orientation
The Sawtooth ST-ES-BKB is designed for right-handed players. The product data does not explicitly list a left-handed variant for this specific black alder model in its primary description, though variations exist in other colors. The Sawtooth SST is explicitly built for left-handed players. If you play left-handed, the SST is your only option here. This is a critical factor for comfort and playability. You must choose the orientation that matches your playing style. There is no compromise possible with hand orientation. This difference is absolute and non-negotiable for your setup.
Pickup Configuration
The ST-ES-BKB features three Alnico single-coil pickups. This setup delivers classic single-coil clarity with articulate highs and warm mids. It is versatile for blues, rock, indie, pop, and funk. The SST uses an HSS configuration with two single-coils and one Alnico V humbucker in the bridge. This adds powerful punch and sustain for aggressive modern tones. The humbucker provides high-gain performance options. The single-coils offer glassy cleans. The SST offers more tonal flexibility due to the humbucker. You get more variety with the SST.
Body Material
Both guitars share an identical body material: alder. Alder provides a balanced resonance with tight low-end response. This material choice is consistent across both models. The weight and tonal characteristics are similar. You will not find a significant difference in body wood between these two options. The construction is bolt-on for both, ensuring stability. The ergonomic contoured neck pocket is present on both instruments. This shared specification means your feel and resonance will be comparable. It is a tie in terms of material quality.
Neck Specifications
Both guitars feature a Canadian maple neck with a D-shape profile. The scale length is 25.5 inches for both. The nut width is 42mm on both instruments. These identical specs ensure similar feel and string spacing. The fret count is 22 medium jumbo frets on both. The fretboard material is rosewood with a 15-inch radius on both. You will experience the same playability and comfort. The build quality of the neck is consistent. There is no practical difference in how the neck feels or performs. This is a clear tie.
Hardware Finish
The ST-ES-BKB features chrome hardware. This includes the classic tremolo bridge assembly and six-in-line mini tuners. The finish is bright and reflective. The SST uses black hardware. This includes the classic tremolo bridge system and six-in-line mini tuners. The finish is matte and dark. This creates a different visual aesthetic. The chrome offers a classic look. The black hardware offers a modern contrast. The functionality of the hardware is similar. The choice depends on your visual preference. This is a minor aesthetic difference.
Which Sawtooth guitar suits you best
Left-handed players seeking versatility
This model is built for left-handed use, featuring an HSS pickup configuration. It combines two single-coils with a bridge humbucker for flexible tones. The alder body and maple neck provide a familiar feel. You get tight lows and articulate highs across various genres, from clean chime to aggressive rock.
Right-handed players wanting classic tone
Designed for right-handed players, this guitar features three single-coil pickups for classic clarity. The alder body and maple neck deliver warm mids and tight low-end response. You get a versatile setup suitable for blues, indie, and pop. The black finish with black pickguard offers a sleek, traditional aesthetic.
Players needing humbucker power
The HSS configuration includes an Alnico V humbucker at the bridge. This adds powerful punch and sustain for high-gain performance. You retain glassy cleans from the single-coils while accessing aggressive modern tones. The left-handed orientation ensures proper playability for those who prefer this setup.
The products compared
Sawtooth ST-ES-BKB Alder Electric Guitar
Best for: Right-handed players wanting classic tone
- 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-BKB is a right-handed electric guitar with a black alder body and black pickguard. It features a Canadian maple neck with a D-shape profile and a 25.5-inch scale length. The rosewood fingerboard has a 15-inch radius. You get three single-coil pickups and a classic tremolo bridge. This setup offers clear tones suitable for blues, rock, and pop styles.
Pros
- Alder body provides tight low-end response
- Canadian maple neck with D-shape profile
- Three Alnico single-coil pickups for classic tone
- 22 medium jumbo frets on rosewood board
Cons
- Right-handed configuration only
- No left-handed version in this specific black alder listing
- Standard tremolo bridge limits advanced dive bomb techniques
Good fit if
- You are a right-handed player
- You prefer a D-shape neck profile
- You want classic single-coil clarity
Skip if
- You need a left-handed instrument
- You require a fixed bridge for tuning stability
- You prefer a fast thin neck profile
Verdict: Sawtooth ST-ES-BKB Alder Electric Guitar is a solid choice for right-handed players seeking traditional single-coil tones. It suits those who value a comfortable D-shape neck and versatile pickup options for various music genres.
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
- Number of Frets
- 22
View on Amazon: Sawtooth SST Left-Handed HSS Electric Guitar Affiliate link
The Sawtooth SST is a left-handed solid body electric guitar featuring an alder body and Canadian maple neck. It uses an HSS pickup configuration with two single-coils and one humbucker. The 25.5-inch scale and 42mm nut width offer standard tension. This model suits left-handed players seeking tonal flexibility for rock, blues, or indie styles through its versatile switching options.
Pros
- Left-handed orientation for specific player needs
- HSS pickup configuration with Alnico V humbucker
- Alder body with Canadian maple neck
- 22 medium jumbo frets on rosewood fingerboard
- Classic tremolo bridge system for pitch modulation
Cons
- Single-tone control limits independent tone shaping
- Standard 5-way selector restricts coil-split options
- Fixed hardware limits fine-tuning precision
Good fit if
- You are a left-handed guitarist
- You want versatile tones from cleans to high-gain
- You prefer a classic tremolo bridge
Skip if
- You need independent tone controls for each pickup
- You require coil-splitting capabilities
- You are right-handed
Verdict: Sawtooth SST Left-Handed Electric Guitar provides a balanced resonance and tight low-end response for left-handed players. It fits those needing a versatile HSS setup for rock or blues without complex switching requirements.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Sawtooth ST-ES-BKB Alder Electric Guitar | Sawtooth SST Left-Handed HSS Electric Guitar |
|---|---|---|
| Body Material | Alder | Alder |
| Neck Material | Canadian Maple | Canadian Maple |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood | Rosewood |
| Pickup Configuration | 3 Alnico "S" Single-Coil Pickups | HSS |
| Hand Orientation | not stated | Left-Handed |
| Number of Frets | 22 | 22 |
| Scale Length | 25.5" | 25.5" |
| Nut Width | 42mm | 42mm |
| Color | Black w/ Black Pickguard | Red |
| Dimensions | 11 × 5 × 41 inches | not stated |
| Size | 5 inches x 11 inches x 41 inches | 25.5 inches |
| Model | ST-ES-BKB | ST-LH-SST |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Sawtooth ST-ES-BKB suitable for beginners?
Yes, this model is a solid choice for right-handed players seeking traditional single-coil tones. It features a comfortable D-shape neck and versatile pickup options suitable for various music genres. The straightforward design makes it accessible for those new to electric guitar.
What is the pickup configuration on the SST left-handed model?
The Sawtooth SST Left-Handed HSS Electric Guitar uses an HSS setup. This configuration combines two single-coil pickups with a bridge humbucker. It provides balanced resonance and tight low-end response, offering versatile tones for rock or blues without complex switching requirements.
Does the ST-ES-BKB come in other colors?
The primary model listed is the Black Alder Series with a black pickguard. While product data does not explicitly list other color variants for this specific black alder model in its primary description, variations exist in other colors within the broader product line.
How does the SST left-handed guitar handle low frequencies?
The SST Left-Handed HSS Electric Guitar is noted for its tight low-end response. The alder body contributes to balanced resonance, while the HSS pickup configuration allows for clear, defined tones. This makes it effective for genres requiring strong bass presence.
What are the dimensions of the ST-ES-BKB guitar?
The Sawtooth ST-ES-BKB Alder Electric Guitar measures 41 inches in height, 11 inches in length, and 5 inches in width. These dimensions provide a standard full-size electric guitar profile, ensuring familiar ergonomics for players accustomed to traditional instrument sizes.
Is the SST model right for blues players?
Yes, the SST Left-Handed HSS Electric Guitar fits players needing versatile tones for blues. The HSS setup offers flexibility, and the alder body provides a familiar feel. Its balanced resonance and tight low-end response support the dynamic range often required in blues music.