AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Double Cut Guitars for Advanced 2026
The top pick is PRS Modern Eagle V ($6,075). Gibson SG Standard gives you the most for the money at $1,833. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 144 models across 19 brands, 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 width42.9 mm (1.69")
- Scale635 mm (25")
- Frets22 frets
- BodyMahogany body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
The Modern Eagle V BW is a seriously refined instrument. It's got that classic PRS feel, but with a modern edge thanks to the TCI pickups and the longer scale. This is perfect for players who want a high-end, versatile guitar that excels in rock, blues, and even some jazz – a real workhorse for the discerning musician.
Pros
- Mahogany body provides warmth and sustain, a hallmark of PRS's tonal character.
- TCI humbuckers deliver high-output, articulate tones suitable for modern rock and fusion.
- The 10” radius rosewood fingerboard offers comfortable playability and facilitates bending.
Cons
- Mahogany body contributes to a substantial weight, potentially tiring for extended playing.
- Limited tonal flexibility compared to guitars with more complex control schemes.
68AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$6,075 now$6,075€5,399 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale635 mm (25")
- Frets22 frets
- BodyMahogany body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This Studio 10 Top is a serious contender if you're after a PRS with vintage character and a premium feel. The 58/15 LT pickup is a real standout, giving it a unique voice that's perfect for players who love a touch of grit alongside clean tones – think classic rock, blues, or even modern alternative. It's a high-end instrument offering a lot of value for the discerning musician.
Pros
- Mahogany body delivers rich sustain and warmth, a classic PRS tone.
- Flamed maple top adds visual flair and a touch of brightness.
- 58/15 LT pickup offers a uniquely articulate and powerful vintage vibe.
Cons
- Mahogany construction contributes to a noticeably heavier instrument.
- The 5-way switch, while versatile, can feel slightly less intuitive than dedicated pickup selections.
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$5,963 now$5,963€5,299 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale635 mm (25")
- Frets22 frets
- BodyMahogany body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This guitar sounds thick and warm thanks to its mahogany body and three Humbucker pickups. It plays well with a comfortable rosewood neck and birds inlays. The Gen III tremolo feels smooth but the lack of a master volume is a missed chance for cleaner tones.
Pros
- Solid mahogany body paired with flamed maple arch top for warm tone
- Three Humbucker pickups deliver thick, powerful output for all genres
- PRS Gen III tremolo offers smooth sustain and precise pitch control
Cons
- No active electronics option limits volume and tone shaping potential
- Weight balance not specified makes long playing potentially heavy
60AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$5,962 now$5,962€5,298 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
PRS Limited Edition McCarty 594 Mango Top
McCarty 594 Mango LTD BGB · PRS
20 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Scale624 mm (24.57")
- Frets22 frets
- BodyMahogany body
This guitar feels like a warm hug from a friend. The mango top sits on mahogany for a rich, mid-heavy sound that cuts through any mix. It plays smooth thanks to the Zirkote fingerboard and those powerful MC III pickups. Perfect for players who want classic tone with modern punch, it comes ready to go with its case.
Pros
- Mahogany body pairs perfectly with mango top for warm tone
- Zirkote fingerboard offers smooth playability and durability
- MC III humbuckers deliver thick, high-output sound
Cons
- No weight specification provided in the description
- Birds inlays require precise alignment during setup
58AudioFu
Index↓ 1.7%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$6,526 · Aug 17$6,413 now$6,413€5,699 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Gibson SG Standard '61 With Stop Bar Tailpiece
SG 61 Standard Maestro VC · Gibson
123 for sale on Reverb6 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale628 mm (24.72")
- BodyMahogany body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This SG 61 Standard Maestro VC is a seriously cool guitar – it’s got that classic SG vibe with a touch of vintage tremolo flair. The Burstbucker pickups are fantastic for rock, blues, and even some heavier tones, and the neck is a joy to play. It's perfect for players seeking a premium-priced instrument with a unique voice and a comfortable feel.
Pros
- Mahogany body delivers rich, warm sustain and excellent resonance
- Burstbucker 61 pickups offer authentic vintage PAF-era tone and clarity
- Slim Taper neck profile provides comfortable, fast playability for various styles
Cons
- Mahogany construction can make it feel somewhat heavy, especially for extended playing
- Rosewood fretboard may require occasional oiling to prevent dryness and cracking
80AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,272 now$2,272€2,019 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42.9 mm (1.69")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets24 frets
- Fingerboard radius508 mm (20")
- BodyMahogany body
This Mark Holcomb is a seriously well-built instrument. The combination of mahogany and mango creates a really unique sonic character, and those Seymour Duncan pickups give you a ton of options – from soaring leads to tight, modern rhythms. It's a great choice for players who want a high-performance guitar with a distinctive look and feel.
Pros
- Mahogany/Mango combo delivers a resonant, articulate, and surprisingly warm tone.
- Mark Holcomb’s signature pickups offer a versatile range from crisp cleans to high-gain aggression.
- Ebony fingerboard provides exceptional clarity, speed, and a smooth playing experience.
Cons
- The 20” radius might feel unconventional for players accustomed to a vintage feel.
- Mahogany body contributes to a substantial weight, potentially fatiguing for some players.
53AudioFu
Index↓ 9.7%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$6,976 · Aug 17$6,301 now$6,301€5,599 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale628 mm (24.72")
- BodyMahogany body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This is a seriously special SG. The Murphy Lab treatment elevates the build quality significantly, and those Custombuckers give you that thick, vintage Gibson growl. It’s a premium-priced instrument, perfect for experienced players seeking an authentic, high-end '64 vibe with a touch of vintage flair.
Pros
- One-piece mahogany body delivers exceptional resonance and sustain.
- ’64 medium C neck profile provides comfortable, authentic vintage feel.
- Custombucker Alnico III pickups offer a powerful, articulate vintage tone.
Cons
- Pelham Blue finish, while striking, can be prone to showing handling marks.
- Maestro Vibrola can feel less stable than modern tremolo systems.
52AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$7,538 now$7,538€6,699 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Gibson Custom Shop '58 Les Paul Junior Double Cut Reissue
LP Junior 58 DC TVY VOS LH · Gibson
57 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Scale628 mm (24.72")
- BodyMahogany body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This lefty Junior 58 DC is a real head-turner. The VOS finish and hide glue construction give it a seriously aged, resonant vibe. It's perfect for players who want a raw, vintage-inspired tone and a substantial feel—think blues, garage rock, and anything needing that gritty edge.
Pros
- TV Yellow VOS finish provides stunning vintage aesthetic and feel.
- All-hide glue construction enhances resonance and sustain significantly.
- Custom Dogear P-90 delivers thick, raw tone ideal for rock and blues.
Cons
- The chunky '50s C neck profile isn't for everyone; can feel thick.
- Limited pickup options restrict tonal versatility beyond raw, gritty sounds.
60AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$4,049 now$4,049€3,598 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale628 mm (24.72")
- BodyMahogany body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This SG Standard in TV Yellow is a real looker and a solid performer. The mahogany construction gives it a rich, warm voice that's perfect for rock, blues, and even some heavier styles. It’s a great choice for players wanting a classic Gibson feel and tone without venturing into the higher-end models.
Pros
- Mahogany body delivers warm sustain and a focused tone.
- Rounded neck profile offers comfortable playability for various hand sizes.
- 490R/490T pickups provide a versatile range from crunch to high-gain.
Cons
- Mahogany construction contributes to a noticeably heavier feel, potentially fatiguing.
- Rosewood fingerboard may feel less slick than alternatives for some players.
77AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,833 now$1,833€1,629 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42.9 mm (1.69")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets24 frets
- Fingerboard radius508 mm (20")
- BodyMahogany body
This guitar feels solid thanks to its mahogany body and comfortable carved maple neck. The two high-output humbuckers sound punchy and clear, while the ebony fingerboard offers smooth playability. It suits players who want a warm tone with plenty of frets for fast solos.
Pros
- Rich mahogany body delivers warm, resonant low-end response
- Hand-carved maple neck offers comfortable, custom feel
- High-output 'Scourge' and 'Scarlet' humbuckers drive clear tone
Cons
- No weight specification listed makes carrying burden unknown
- Single volume and tone controls limit tone-shaping options
49AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$5,963 now$5,963€5,299 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 144 double cut guitars
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
PRS Modern Eagle Faded WB 10 Top#2PRS49Stable$6,299€5,598$6,299€5,598Check ↗
- 12
PRS Modern Eagle V Cobalt SBPRS49↓ 0.9%$6,469€5,749$6,469€5,749Check ↗
- 13
PRS Mark Holcomb Gray BlackPRS49Stable$6,751€5,999$6,751€5,999Check ↗
- 14
PRS Mark Holcomb Cobalt SmokeburstPRS49Stable$6,976€6,199$6,976€6,199Check ↗
- 15
Gibson Custom Shop '58 Les Paul Junior Double Cut ReissueLP Junior 58 Doublecut TVY VOS · Gibson56Stable$4,274€3,798$4,274€3,798Check ↗
- 16
Gibson Custom Shop '61 Les Paul SG Standard ReissueSG Custom EB GH · Gibson51Stable$4,837€4,298$4,837€4,298Check ↗
- 17
Gibson Custom Shop '60 Les Paul Special Double Cut ReissueLP Special 60 TV Yellow VOS · Gibson53↑ 5.3%$4,500€3,999$4,500€3,999Check ↗
- 18
Gibson 63 Les Paul SG Junior TVIG LAGibson46Stable$6,075€5,399$6,075€5,399Check ↗
- 19
Gibson SC Custom EB Batwing HA CSGibson46Stable$8,326€7,399$8,326€7,399Check ↗
- 20
PRS Private Stock HPW McC 594 ADBPRS · 2 finishes46Stable$16,316€14,499$16,316€14,499Check ↗
- 21
PRS Studio Purple Mist WSBPRS46↓ 2.2%$5,063€4,499$5,063€4,499Check ↗
- 22
Gibson Custom Shop Les Paul Special Double Cut FiguredLP Special DC Figured Top CB · Gibson46Stable$5,062€4,498$5,062€4,498Check ↗
- 23
PRS Private Stock HPW Eagle V FBPRS45Stable$18,004€15,999$18,004€15,999Check ↗
- 24
Gibson Les Paul Junior Double CutLP Junior Double Cut VC · Gibson · 3 finishes74Stable$1,631€1,449$1,631€1,449Check ↗
- 25
PRS Studio Cobalt SmokeburstPRS45Stable$5,063€4,499$5,063€4,499Check ↗
- 26
PRS Studio Mango LTD Cobalt SBPRS44↓ 3.3%$6,526€5,799$6,526€5,799Check ↗
- 27
PRS Studio Mango LTD Orange TigerPRS43Stable$7,088€6,299$7,088€6,299Check ↗
- 28
PRS S2 McCarty 594 Thinline SRPRS · 6 finishes61Stable$2,812€2,499$2,812€2,499Check ↗
- 29
Gibson SG ModernSG Modern BBF · Gibson · 2 finishes62Stable$2,362€2,099$2,362€2,099Check ↗
- 30
PRS Studio Private StockPrivate Stock HPW Studio S/H F · PRS36Stable$17,779€15,799$17,779€15,799Check ↗
- 31
Yamaha Revstar II RSP02TRevstar RSP02T Crisp Gold · Yamaha · 2 finishes61Stable$2,137€1,899$2,137€1,899Check ↗
- 32
Yamaha Revstar II RSP20Revstar RSP20X R. Br. Charcoal · Yamaha · 2 finishes60↓ 1.1%$2,114€1,879$2,114€1,879Check ↗
- 33
Gibson Jake Kiszka Signature '61 SG StandardJake Kiszka SG Standard FVC · Gibson57↓ 7.7%$2,470€2,195$2,470€2,195Check ↗
- 34
PRS CE 24 Vintage NaturalPRS · 2 finishes49Stable$3,150€2,799$3,150€2,799Check ↗
- 35
Duesenberg Falken Tremolo SilverDuesenberg · 2 finishes46Stable$3,262€2,899$3,262€2,899Check ↗
- 36
Gibson 1961 SG Standard Cherry VOSGibson38↓ 1.8%$3,955€3,515$3,955€3,515Check ↗
- 37
Music Man Valentine HH CherryMusic Man42Stable$3,374€2,998$3,374€2,998Check ↗
- 38
Gibson SG Supreme Wine RedGibson · 2 finishes43Stable$3,252€2,890$3,252€2,890Check ↗
- 39
ESP E-II ViperE-II Viper Black · ESP46Stable$2,812€2,499$2,812€2,499Check ↗
- 40
Gibson SG Standard '61 Faded with Maestro VibrolaSG Standard '61 Faded VCS · Gibson53Stable$1,943€1,727$1,943€1,727Check ↗
- 41
ESP E-II Viper See Thru BK CherryESP42Stable$3,150€2,799$3,150€2,799Check ↗
- 42
Music Man Valentine Trans ButtermilkMusic Man40Stable$3,374€2,998$3,374€2,998Check ↗
- 43
Schecter Sun Valley Super Shredder FR S SustainiacSun Valley Super Shredder BL · Schecter54Stable$1,687€1,499$1,687€1,499Check ↗
- 44
Gibson SG Standard '61 Faded with Maestro VibrolaSG Standard '61 Faded Maestro · Gibson49Stable$2,081€1,849$2,081€1,849Check ↗
- 45
ESP LTD Viper 1000 Vintage BlackESP44Stable$2,024€1,799$2,024€1,799Check ↗
- 46
Gibson LP Special Double Cut TV YelloGibson44Stable$1,934€1,719$1,934€1,719Check ↗
- 47
Gibson LP Special Double Cut VCGibson44Stable$1,911€1,698$1,911€1,698Check ↗
- 48
ESP LTD Volsung Oxblood SatinESP42Stable$2,105€1,871$2,105€1,871Check ↗
- 49
Gibson SG Standard Trans. TealGibson44Stable$1,799€1,599$1,799€1,599Check ↗
- 50
ESP LTD Viper-1001 ET CHMSESP42Stable$2,024€1,799$2,024€1,799Check ↗
Double Cut Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 241 models we track, not a sample.
Median $922 — 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
Neck Profile & Playability
Forget chunky '50s necks if you're a speed player. We're looking for profiles that allow effortless access to the upper registers - modern C, D, or even a thin asymmetrical shape. Low action without fret buzz is non-negotiable; it's about precision and speed.
Pickup Voicing & Versatility
A single coil with ice-picky high-end isn't useful for everything. We need pickups that offer a range of tones - from warm, fat cleans to searing, articulate distortion - and that can cut through a dense mix without getting muddy. Think about how they respond to compression and overdrive.
Sustain & Resonance
It's not just about how long a note rings; it's about the quality of that sustain. A well-built guitar will resonate with a complex harmonic content, adding depth and character to your playing. This is directly linked to the wood choices and construction techniques.
Hardware Quality & Stability
Cheap tuners and a flimsy tremolo system will ruin your gig. We need locking tuners for tuning stability, a tremolo that stays in tune under aggressive use, and a bridge that transfers your string vibrations efficiently. Hardware is the unsung hero of a good playing experience.
Construction & Finish
A gloss finish looks pretty, but a satin or oil finish often feels better in your hands and allows the wood to breathe. We're looking for tight fretwork, a well-aligned neck, and a build that feels solid and reliable - something that will withstand years of abuse.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're past the beginner shred phase and looking for a double cut that actually inspires you. It's not about flashy looks anymore; it's about a platform for your playing. We're talking about guitars that can handle complex voicings, nuanced dynamics, and the demands of a gigging musician - something that can translate your ideas into sonic reality. This isn't a list for someone still learning power chords; this is for players who demand more.
Don't chase the brand name; chase the feel. A more expensive guitar isn't always better - a poorly set up PRS can feel worse than a well-played Suhr. Pay attention to the neck profile - that's the biggest factor in playability.
And be realistic about your needs: a Floyd Rose tremolo is awesome for dive bombs, but a pain to deal with if you're mostly playing blues.
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 241 double cut guitars from the Thomann catalogue. 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
What's the deal with roasted necks?
Roasted necks are kiln-dried to a lower moisture content, which makes them more stable and resistant to changes in humidity. They often feel smoother and can improve sustain slightly - it's a subtle but worthwhile upgrade for serious players.
Are high-end pickups really worth it?
It depends. A truly exceptional pickup can unlock new tonal possibilities and improve articulation, but a good set of pickups installed professionally is often more impactful than an expensive guitar. Do your research and listen to demos.
Should I be worried about fret sprout?
Absolutely. Fret sprout happens when the frets protrude beyond the fretboard, causing a buzzing sound. It's a common issue, especially on cheaper guitars. Have a tech check and level the frets if necessary.
I'm a heel-hooker - what should I look for?
Access to the higher frets is critical. Look for guitars with a thin, comfortable heel profile and a well-sculpted neck joint. A heel-hooking friendly neck is a game changer for upper fret access.
What's the best wood combination for a versatile double cut?
Alder body with a maple neck is a classic for a reason - it offers a balanced tone with good clarity and sustain. Mahogany can add warmth and thickness, but it can also get muddy if not paired carefully with the pickups.
