AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Epiphone Double Cut Guitars 2026
The top pick is Epiphone SG Custom ($652). Epiphone SG Tribute Plus gives you the most for the money at $375. Epiphone IGC 1960 LP Special DC R CR leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 13 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 19, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Frets22 frets
- BodyMahogany body
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This Epiphone SG Custom AW is a seriously solid option for players chasing that classic Gibson vibe. The mahogany construction and ebony board deliver a warm, articulate tone and a comfortable feel. It’s a fantastic choice for rock, blues, and classic hard rock players looking for premium quality without a premium-priced tag.
Pros
- Mahogany body provides warm, resonant sustain and excellent tonal foundation.
- Ebony fingerboard offers a smooth, fast playing experience with crisp articulation.
- CTS potentiometers deliver reliable, consistent volume and tone control.
Cons
- Mahogany body can make it feel somewhat heavier than guitars with different wood combinations.
- ProBucker pickups, while good, lack the extreme high-output of some modern alternatives.
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- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Frets22 frets
- BodyMahogany body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This guitar feels like a smaller, lighter version of the classic SG you know and love. The mahogany body and bolt-on neck make it easy to play, while the Zebra Coil humbuckers deliver a punchy sound without needing extra power. It's a solid choice for players who want that vintage vibe on a budget-friendly model.
Pros
- Mahogany body with flamed maple top for classic SG tone
- 60s Slim Taper neck profile offers comfortable playability
- Dual humbucker pickups with Zebra Coils for solid output
Cons
- No active electronics boost for high-gain applications
- Bolt-on neck design may lack traditional set-neck stability
64AudioFu
Index↓ 8.8%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$411 · Aug 17$375 now$375€333 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42.9 mm (1.69")
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- BodyMahogany body
This guitar feels like a classic Les Paul you can afford. The mahogany body and set-in neck give it a solid, traditional feel. The P-90 pickups scream when you play, perfect for blues or rock. It suits players who want a simple, reliable instrument without the extra cost of a full Les Paul.
Pros
- Mahogany body and set-in neck for solid resonance
- Classic P-90 PRO soapbars for raw, cutting tone
- '60s Slim Taper neck profile for easy playability
Cons
- No weight specification listed in the description
- Single-ply pickups offer less output than humbuckers
52AudioFu
Index↓ 3.7%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$604 · Aug 17$582 now$582€517 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42.9 mm (1.69")
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- BodyMahogany body
This guitar has a solid mahogany body and a smooth neck that feels great to play. The ProBucker pickups give a strong, thick tone perfect for rock or blues. It is a budget-friendly option that sounds better than its price suggests.
Pros
- Mahogany body and set-in neck for solid resonance
- Slim Taper C neck profile plays easily
- ProBucker 3 humbuckers deliver thick output
Cons
- Ebony finish feels heavier than typical finishes
- No active electronics boost for volume
50AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$608 now$608€540 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- BodyMahogany body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This guitar feels like a classic 60s Les Paul with a modern touch. The mahogany body and set neck give it a solid feel, while the P-90 pickups sound warm and gritty. It suits players who want a simple, direct tone without too many knobs.
Pros
- Mahogany body and set neck for solid resonance
- Graph Tech nut ensures precise intonation
- SlimTaper 60s C neck profile feels comfortable
Cons
- No electronics diagram available for wiring
- Weight not listed in the description
50AudioFu
Index↓ 4.8%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$1,180 · Aug 17$1,124 now$1,124€999 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Fingerboard radius254 mm (10")
- BodyMahogany body
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This guitar feels solid thanks to its mahogany body and set neck. The ebony fingerboard with stainless steel frets makes bending notes easy. It suits players who want a vintage SG shape with modern clarity.
Pros
- Mahogany body and set neck offer strong, resonant sustain
- Graph Tech nut and stainless steel frets ensure clear note definition
- Probucker Ignite humbuckers provide tight low-end and tight mids
Cons
- Midnight Ember Shift color is dark and may hide wear easily
- No active electronics or battery for pickup preamp boost
48AudioFu
Index↓ 12.4%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$1,026 · Aug 17$899 now$899€799 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42.9 mm (1.69")
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- BodyMahogany body
This guitar feels great because the mahogany body and set neck give it a solid, resonant sound. The ProBuckers are powerful, but you only have one humbucker since the neck pickup is single-coil. It's a straightforward choice for players who want a classic feel without extra features.
Pros
- Mahogany body and set neck provide solid resonance
- AAA flamed maple veneer adds visual depth
- ProBucker pickups deliver strong output
Cons
- Missing humbucker in neck position
- No active electronics for boost
46AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$629 now$629€559 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42.9 mm (1.69")
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- BodyMahogany body
This guitar feels right for players who love the classic Les Paul shape but want a solid, affordable option. The mahogany body and comfortable neck give it a familiar touch, while the ProBucker pickups sound great for both rock and blues. It's a simple, reliable workhorse that fits well in a gig bag without extra fuss.
Pros
- Heavy mahogany body offers solid resonance
- 60s Slim Taper neck feels familiar and comfortable
- ProBucker pickups deliver classic humbucker tone
Cons
- No weight spec listed in the description
- Single volume and tone control limits tone shaping
46AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$640 now$640€569 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- BodyMahogany body
This Epiphone 1960 Les Paul Special DC is a seriously cool package. The P-90 pickups give it a snarling, vintage vibe perfect for blues, rock 'n' roll, and garage rock. It's a fantastic option for players wanting that classic Les Paul feel without the premium price tag.
Pros
- Mahogany body delivers a warm, resonant tone with excellent sustain.
- Gibson Custom USA P-90s offer a raw, powerful, and articulate vintage sound.
- Slim taper neck profile provides comfortable playability for fast runs and chords.
Cons
- Limited pickup options restrict versatility for modern or heavily distorted genres.
- Rosewood fretboard may require more frequent oiling to prevent dryness.
46AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,124 now$1,124€999 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Epiphone Fatoumata Diawara Signature SG Standard
Fatoumata Diawara SG · Epiphone
3 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- BodyMahogany body
This guitar sounds warm and punchy thanks to its mahogany body and solid Alnico pickups. The coil-split switches add a bright edge when you need it, while the locking tuners keep your notes in tune. It's a solid choice for players who want a warm tone without the cost of premium brands.
Pros
- Mahogany body and neck for warm, resonant tone
- Graph Tech nut ensures precise intonation across all frets
- Coil-split switches let you switch from humbucker to single-coil clarity
Cons
- No weight listed, likely heavy for long play sessions
- No active electronics mentioned for low-end punch
45AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$730 now$730€649 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 13 double cut guitars
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
Double Cut Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 241 models we track, not a sample.
Median $652 — half of all double cut guitars here cost less.
median of 164 models · 41.9 mm (1.65")–43 mm (1.69")
median of 217 models · 625 mm (24.61")–648 mm (25.51")
median of 168 models · 21–24
median of 117 models · 254 mm (10")–350 mm (13.78")
How to choose the best double cut guitars
Heritage & Value
Epiphone's connection to Gibson is undeniable. You're getting a lineage of design and construction, adapted for a more accessible price point. This means a familiar feel and aesthetics, but with compromises we'll discuss.
Neck Profile & Playability
This is key. Epiphone's neck profiles have varied wildly over the years. Some are chunky and vintage-feeling, others surprisingly slim and modern. A comfortable neck makes a huge difference in your ability to play fast and cleanly, especially during long gigs.
Pickup Voicing
The pickups are often the biggest differentiator between Epiphone models. Early models had Alnico Classic pickups that offered a warm, slightly compressed tone - good for rock and blues. Newer models sometimes use different formulations, which can lean brighter or more aggressive. Listen for that fat midrange honk or that ice-picky high end - and decide which you prefer.
Construction & Hardware
Epiphone's build quality has improved significantly over the years, but it's still a trade-off. You'll find mahogany bodies and maple tops on many models, but the hardware (tuners, bridge) might not be top-tier. This can impact tuning stability and sustain - things you'll notice on stage.
Aesthetic & Finish
Let's be honest, looks matter. Epiphones offer a wide range of finishes, from classic sunbursts to eye-catching metallics. While the finish itself might not be as thick or flawless as a Gibson, a well-chosen color can significantly impact the guitar's overall appeal and perceived value.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're looking at Epiphone Double Cutaways? Smart move. They've been a workhorse for decades, offering a lot of Gibson Les Paul vibe without the Gibson price tag. But not all Double Cuts are created equal, and figuring out which one's right for you - whether it's for slamming out power chords at rehearsal or laying down some bluesy leads - takes a little digging. Let's break down what makes these guitars tick.
Don't expect a $3000 Les Paul for $300. Epiphones cut corners - often in the hardware and finish - to hit that price point. Pay attention to the neck profile; try before you buy if possible.
Upgrading the pickups is a common mod if you're not happy with the stock voicing, and better tuners are always a worthwhile investment for gigging stability.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 19 double cut guitars from the Thomann catalogue (of 241 in the category). Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
Are Epiphone pickups any good?
They're decent, but often the first thing players upgrade. The Alnico Classics are a safe bet for classic tones, but newer pickups can be a bit generic. It's not a dealbreaker, but consider aftermarket options if you're picky.
What's the difference between an Epiphone Les Paul and a Double Cutaway?
The Double Cutaway simply refers to the shape of the body - it allows for easier access to the higher frets. Les Paul models are the most common, but Epiphone makes other styles too.
Do Epiphones stay in tune?
Older models could be a tuning nightmare, but newer ones are generally much better. Still, the stock tuners are often a weak point. Upgrading them is a simple and relatively inexpensive fix.
Can I gig with an Epiphone?
Absolutely. Many pros use Epiphones live. Just be realistic about the build quality and be prepared to tweak the action and intonation. A good setup goes a long way.
Are Epiphone guitars worth the money?
For the price, they offer incredible value. You're getting a lot of classic Les Paul vibe and functionality. Just know what you're getting into - it's not a Gibson, but it can be a fantastic instrument for the money.
