AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Double Cut Guitars for Intermediate 2026
The top pick is Yamaha Revstar II Standard RSS20 ($843). Yamaha Revstar II RSE20 gives you the most for the money at $539. Gibson Les Paul Junior Double Cut leads the high end. 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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Yamaha Revstar II Standard RSS20
Revstar RSS20 Flash Green · Yamaha
181 for sale on Reverb7 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width41.9 mm (1.65")
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
The Revstar RSS20 is a seriously well-built guitar offering a ton of value. The mahogany body and AlNiCo 5 pickups give it a warm, punchy character that’s great for rock, blues, and even some heavier styles. It's a fantastic option for players wanting quality construction and a vintage-inspired feel without a premium-priced tag.
Pros
- Mahogany body delivers warmth and sustain, a classic tone foundation.
- Carbon-reinforced neck enhances stability and reduces fret buzz.
- VH5 pickups offer a versatile range from clean to crunchy overdrive.
Cons
- The Flash Green finish, while striking, might not appeal to everyone's taste.
- The master volume/tone control scheme can limit nuanced tone shaping.
83AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$843 now$843€749 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Yamaha Revstar II Standard RSS02T
Revstar RSS02T Fired Red · Yamaha
174 for sale on Reverb7 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width41.9 mm (1.65")
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
This guitar feels great because the chambered body is light, and the Alnico 5 pickups give a tight, driving sound. It is built well with a reinforced neck and smooth frets, making it ready for long gigs. It suits players who want a classic rock tone without the bulk of a heavy solid body.
Pros
- Chambered mahogany body keeps the guitar light and easy to play for hours.
- Alnico 5 single coils deliver a raw, punchy tone perfect for rock and blues.
- Carbon-reinforced set neck offers strong stability without adding extra weight.
Cons
- Lacks a dedicated pickup selector for switching between humbuckers or different tones.
- No active electronics means output might struggle in very large, loud venues.
82AudioFu
Index↓ 3.8%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$899 · Aug 17$865 now$865€769 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42.9 mm (1.69")
- Scale635 mm (25")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius254 mm (10")
- BodyAsh body
The SE Swamp Ash Special CH is a seriously good-playing guitar offering a lot of PRS character at a more affordable price point. The swamp ash gives it a lively, responsive feel, and the pickup configuration is surprisingly versatile. This is a fantastic option for players wanting a well-built, great-sounding instrument that can handle everything from blues to rock to lighter funk.
Pros
- Swamp ash body delivers resonant, airy tones with excellent sustain.
- Wide thin neck profile offers comfortable playability for a wide range of hand sizes.
- PRS-designed pickups provide a versatile palette, from chimey cleans to crunchy overdrive.
Cons
- Swamp ash can be somewhat susceptible to finish checking with age and use.
- Bolt-on neck construction, while stable, lacks the complexity of a set neck.
81AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$846 now$846€752 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42.9 mm (1.69")
- Scale625 mm (24.61")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius254 mm (10")
- BodyMahogany body
This SE McCarty 594 Vintage SB is a seriously impressive instrument for the money. It nails that vintage PRS vibe with its warm mahogany body, comfortable neck, and those fantastic 58/15 pickups. If you’re into classic rock, blues, or just want a well-built, great-sounding guitar that doesn’t break the bank, this is a fantastic choice.
Pros
- Mahogany body delivers warmth and sustain; a classic tonal foundation.
- Vintage 'Pattern' neck profile is exceptionally comfortable and familiar.
- PRS 58/15 LT 'S' pickups offer articulate crunch and vintage-inspired tones.
Cons
- Mahogany body can make it feel a little heavier than some modern guitars.
- Rosewood fingerboard might feel a bit dry for some players; conditioning recommended.
80AudioFu
Index↓ 1.6%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$980 · Aug 17$964 now$964€857 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
PRS SE Custom 24 Electric Guitar
SE Custom 24 Quilt TB · PRS
215 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
- Scale635 mm (25")
- Frets24 frets
- BodyMahogany body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This guitar feels like a smaller, lighter version of the big PRS Custom models. The quilted maple top looks fancy, and the wide neck makes it easy to play chords. It suits players who want a solid mahogany body with clear highs and warm lows. Great for gigging if you don't mind the tremolo without a full weight spec.
Pros
- Mahogany body paired with quilted maple for visual appeal
- Wide thin neck profile fits large hands easily
- Birds fingerboard inlays offer classic custom look
Cons
- Teal Black finish may show wear quickly
- No weight specification provided in description
79AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$999 now$999€888 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42.9 mm (1.69")
- Scale635 mm (25")
- Frets24 frets
- Fingerboard radius254 mm (10")
- BodyMahogany body
This guitar feels great in hand with a comfortable neck and a warm, bright tone from its solid wood body. It suits players who want a premium feel but don't need extra knobs to change sounds. Great for gigs where you just need a clean, reliable voice.
Pros
- Solid mahogany body with flame maple top for warmth
- Wide thin neck profile fits large hands well
- Rosewood fingerboard offers smooth playability
Cons
- Limited to two volume and one tone control
- Coil split switches are small and hard to reach
75AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Sep 17Sep 17$1,068 now$1,068€949 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42.9 mm (1.69")
- Scale635 mm (25")
- Frets24 frets
- Fingerboard radius254 mm (10")
- BodyMahogany body
This SE CE 24 BU is a seriously impressive guitar for the money. It’s a great ST-style platform with a warmer, richer tone thanks to the mahogany body and those surprisingly versatile 85/15 pickups. It's perfect for gigging musicians or players looking for a well-built, reliable instrument without a premium price tag.
Pros
- Mahogany body delivers warmth and sustain, a noticeable improvement over alder.
- 85/15 pickups offer versatile tones, surprisingly articulate for the price.
- Wide-thin neck profile is comfortable for various hand sizes and playing styles.
Cons
- Mahogany body can be a bit heavier than some players prefer, impacting longer playing sessions.
- Rosewood fingerboard may feel a bit dry; conditioning is recommended for optimal feel.
72AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$764 now$764€679 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Gibson Les Paul Junior Double Cut
LP Junior Double Cut TV Yellow · Gibson
89 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width42.9 mm (1.69")
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Frets22 frets
- BodyMahogany body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This guitar sounds like a classic 50s player with its P90 pickup and mahogany body. The slim neck makes it easy to hold for long sessions. It suits players who want a direct, loud tone without extra knobs. While it lacks tone switching, it delivers a solid American-made experience at a friendly price.
Pros
- Solid mahogany body and set neck for strong resonance
- Vintage P90 pickup delivers raw, cutting single-coil tone
- Slim Taper neck profile offers comfortable playability
Cons
- No pickup selector switch limits tone choice to one voice
- Lack of specified weight makes handling feel uncertain
71AudioFu
Index↑ 6.0%since Aug 17$1,462 · Aug 17$1,550 now$1,550€1,377 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width41.9 mm (1.65")
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- BodyMahogany body
The RSE20 Red Copper is a seriously cool-looking and surprisingly versatile guitar for the price. It's got a warm, woody tone with plenty of punch thanks to those VH3 pickups, making it a great choice for rock, blues, and even some classic country. This is a fantastic instrument for gigging musicians or players looking for quality without premium pricing.
Pros
- Mahogany chambered body delivers a warm, resonant, and surprisingly lightweight feel.
- The VH3 pickups offer a thick, articulate tone ideal for rock and blues.
- The 12” radius rosewood fretboard enhances playability and comfortable bends.
Cons
- Red Copper finish, while striking, might not appeal to all aesthetic preferences.
- The neck profile, while comfortable, might be too thin for players preferring a thicker feel.
81AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$539 now$539€479 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale635 mm (25")
- Frets22 frets
- BodyMahogany body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This SE DGT Gold Top is a seriously impressive package. The mahogany body and DGT pickups give it a warm, punchy sound perfect for rock, blues, and even some heavier styles. It's a fantastic option for players looking for PRS quality and aesthetics without the premium price tag.
Pros
- Mahogany body provides warmth and sustain, a real vintage vibe.
- DGT neck profile is comfortable and fast for modern playing styles.
- DGT humbuckers deliver a surprisingly articulate and powerful tone.
Cons
- Rosewood fretboard can be prone to dryness and requires regular maintenance.
- Tremolo system might need occasional tweaking to stay in tune under heavy use.
70AudioFu
Index↓ 1.0%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$874 · Aug 17$865 now$865€769 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 Mark Holcomb SignatureSE Mark Holcomb SVN HL · PRS · 2 finishes69Stable$1,406€1,249$1,406€1,249Check ↗
- 12
Gretsch G2622 Streamliner Center Block Double-Cut with V-StoptailG2622T STRML CB ARCTC · Gretsch · 2 finishes69Stable$652€579$652€579Check ↗
- 13
Epiphone SG CustomSG Custom EB · Epiphone · 2 finishes65Stable$742€659$742€659Check ↗
- 14
Yamaha RS02CB Chris Buck Signature RevstarChris Buck RS02CB Honey Gold · Yamaha61Stable$1,349€1,199$1,349€1,199Check ↗
- 15
PRS SE Floyd Custom 24SE Custom 24 Floyd Charcoal CB · PRS61Stable$1,462€1,299$1,462€1,299Check ↗
- 16
Guild Newark St. Collection Kim Thayil Signature PolaraPolara Kim Thayil VWG · Guild · 2 finishes60Stable$1,012€899$1,012€899Check ↗
- 17
PRS SE A60E AngelusSE DGT Tobacco Sunburst · PRS59↓ 1.7%$860€764$860€764Check ↗
- 18
Ibanez AR420 ArtistAR420-BMG · Ibanez · 2 finishes58Stable$775€689$775€689Check ↗
- 19
Danelectro '59M NOS Double Cutaway59 XT Black · Danelectro · 2 finishes58Stable$820€729$820€729Check ↗
- 20
Larry Carlton Q7 BlackLarry Carlton · 5 finishes57Stable$674€599$674€599Check ↗
- 21
Danelectro 59X1259X Black · Danelectro · 2 finishes52Stable$719€639$719€639Check ↗
- 22
Guild Polara Deluxe KWGGuild · 3 finishes52Stable$865€769$865€769Check ↗
- 23
PRS CE-24 Standard SatinSE CE 24 Standard Satin IN · PRS · 4 finishes59Stable$562€499$562€499Check ↗
- 24
Epiphone IGC 1960 LP Special DC R CREpiphone · 2 finishes50↓ 4.8%$1,124€999$1,124€999Check ↗
- 25
PRS SE CE 24 Slate BluePRS49Stable$764€679$764€679Check ↗
- 26
Gretsch G5232T EMTC Double Jet CGRNGretsch · 2 finishes49Stable$673€598$673€598Check ↗
- 27
Danelectro Dan O. Cool GreenDanelectro · 3 finishes48↓ 3.0%$730€649$730€649Check ↗
- 28
ESP LTD Volsung-200LTD Volsung 200 Black Satin · ESP48Stable$787€699$787€699Check ↗
- 29
Epiphone SG Custom Futura M Ember ShiftEpiphone48↓ 12.4%$899€799$899€799Check ↗
- 30
Ibanez AR320 Artist StandardAR320-MBM · Ibanez50Stable$647€575$647€575Check ↗
- 31
Epiphone SG Standard Cherry IBGEpiphone · 2 finishes50Stable$640€569$640€569Check ↗
- 32
Gretsch Streamliner Jet Club BassStreamliner CVT JBK · Gretsch · 3 finishes76↓ 3.5%$314€279$314€279Check ↗
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Danelectro Dan O. Mano SilverDanelectro · 2 finishes47↓ 7.7%$674€599$674€599Check ↗
- 34
Danelectro 59M NOS+ Metalflake 60th Anniversary59M NOS+ Orange Metalflake · Danelectro47↓ 2.3%$713€634$713€634Check ↗
- 35
Epiphone 1960 Les Paul Special DC TVYEpiphone46Stable$1,124€999$1,124€999Check ↗
- 36
PRS SE Pauls Guitar Slate BluePRS46↓ 2.8%$1,180€1,049$1,180€1,049Check ↗
- 37
Reverend Sensei H90Sensei H90 MCH · Reverend46Stable$1,250€1,111$1,250€1,111Check ↗
- 38
Epiphone Fatoumata Diawara Signature SG StandardFatoumata Diawara SG · Epiphone45Stable$730€649$730€649Check ↗
- 39
Ibanez AR625FMSP Artist StandardAR625FMSP-CML · Ibanez45Stable$922€819$922€819Check ↗
- 40
PRS SE Custom 24 Slate BluePRS45Stable$1,012€899$1,012€899Check ↗
- 41
PRS SE 277 Charcoal BurstPRS45Stable$1,124€999$1,124€999Check ↗
- 42
PRS SE Pauls Guitar Teal BlackPRS45Stable$1,237€1,099$1,237€1,099Check ↗
- 43
Epiphone Les Paul Special DC TV YellowEpiphone · 2 finishes52↓ 3.7%$582€517$582€517Check ↗
- 44
Danelectro 59X12 vintage creamDanelectro · 2 finishes44Stable$787€699$787€699Check ↗
- 45
Epiphone Les Paul Special DC Fig OceanWEpiphone46Stable$640€569$640€569Check ↗
- 46
Guild Polara Limited Vintage WalnutGuild43Stable$674€599$674€599Check ↗
- 47
Hagstrom Megin Aged Sky BlueHagstrom · 2 finishes43Stable$708€629$708€629Check ↗
- 48
Epiphone Les Paul Special DC Fig BBEpiphone46Stable$629€559$629€559Check ↗
- 49
Epiphone SG Modern Figured Purple BurstEpiphone42Stable$693€616$693€616Check ↗
- 50
Epiphone SG Custom Futura Nitro ShiftEpiphone42Stable$1,068€949$1,068€949Check ↗
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
Playability (Neck Profile & Action)
An intermediate player needs a neck profile that's comfortable for longer sessions - something not too chunky, not too thin. Low action is crucial; fighting high frets will kill your progress and enjoyment. We're looking for a setup that allows for fluid transitions and decent bending without buzzing.
Pickup Voicing & Versatility
You're starting to experiment with different tones. Humbuckers offer that thick, warm breakup for rock and blues, while single-coils provide more clarity and articulation for cleaner tones or funk. A good double cut at this level should offer a decent range of sounds without needing to swap pickups.
Hardware Quality (Tuners & Bridge)
Cheap tuners are a nightmare - constant retuning mid-song is a momentum killer. A stable bridge, whether it's a hardtail or tremolo, is essential for maintaining intonation, especially as you start experimenting with vibrato and dive bombs.
Body Wood & Construction
Mahogany offers warmth and sustain, alder is a versatile all-rounder, and basswood can be lightweight and resonant. The construction - set neck vs. bolt-on - impacts sustain and upper-midrange clarity. While exotic woods sound amazing, for this price point, solid construction is more important than fancy tonewoods.
Overall Ergonomics & Comfort
This isn't just about how it looks. A guitar that's uncomfortable to play will hold you back. Consider the body contours, neck joint, and overall balance. Does it sit comfortably on your lap? Can you reach the higher frets without straining?
Buying guide
So, you're past the beginner stage, comfortable with basic chords and scales, and itching for a double cut guitar that'll actually inspire you to push your playing. It's a sweet spot, this intermediate level - you're not a total novice, but you haven't developed the ear and muscle memory of a pro. This isn't about flashy shred machines; it's about finding a workhorse that'll grow with you, from bedroom practice to that first real gig. Let's find you a double cut that'll do the job.
Don't chase the looks - focus on feel. A guitar that's easy to play will make you a better player, period. Many cheaper models cut corners on the fretwork - check for sharp edges and uneven frets.
A decent setup from a tech can make a huge difference, so factor that into the cost. You're looking for a balance of features, playability, and build quality that won't break the bank but won't leave you frustrated either.
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 difference between a set neck and a bolt-on neck?
Set necks generally offer better sustain and a smoother feel due to increased wood contact, but they're more expensive to manufacture. Bolt-on necks are easier to replace and often found on more affordable guitars.
I'm hearing a lot about 'neck profiles.' What does that even mean?
It's the shape of the back of the neck. Thicker 'C' shapes are classic and comfortable, 'D' shapes are a bit flatter, and 'V' shapes offer a vintage feel. It's highly personal - try before you buy if possible.
Should I get a tremolo system or a hardtail bridge?
Tremolos (vibrato systems) allow you to bend notes up or down, but they can be less stable and require more frequent setup. Hardtail bridges are more stable and offer better sustain - a solid choice for a gigging intermediate player.
What's a 'good' pickup voicing for a versatile guitar?
A humbucker in the bridge position provides a good balance of power and warmth for rock and blues. A single-coil in the neck position offers a brighter, more articulate tone for cleaner sounds. Look for pickups that aren't overly scooped or harsh.
My guitar buzzes a little. Is that normal?
A tiny bit of buzz is often normal, especially on the higher frets. However, excessive buzzing indicates a problem with the setup - frets, action, or neck relief. Get it checked out by a qualified tech.
