Best Double Cut Guitars for Lead Guitar 2025

Perfect double cut guitars for lead-guitar - easy to play and learn on

Last updated: November 5, 2025 • Next update: November 12, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $300 Under $500 Under $800 Under $1,000 Under $2,000 Under $5,000

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Rock For Metal For Jazz For Fusion For Lead Guitar For Technical Playing

BRANDS: PRS Gibson Epiphone Harley Benton Yamaha Larry Carlton Guild Gretsch Danelectro Hagstrom ESP Maybach

Music Man Valentine Trans Buttermilk - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Music Man Valentine Trans Buttermilk

by Music Man

Technical Playing Rock Fusion

Key Feature:

• Comfortable playing position

✓ PROS

• Balanced tone and sustain
• Comfortable playing position

✗ CONS

• Weight distribution varies
• Complex electronics in some models

Music Man Valentine Trans ButtermilkElectric GuitarBody: AshBolt-on neck: Roasted flamed mapleFingerboard: Roasted...

⭐ 4.5/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 605710

$3,628

Buy at Thomann View Details

Epiphone 1960 Les Paul Special DC TVY - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Epiphone 1960 Les Paul Special DC TVY

by Epiphone

Technical Playing Fusion Metal

Key Feature:

• Excellent upper fret access

✓ PROS

• Great for lead guitar work
• Balanced tone and sustain

✗ CONS

• Weight distribution varies
• Can be more expensive

Epiphone 1960 Les Paul Special DC TVYElectric GuitarInspired by Gibson Custom Collection (2025)Body: MahoganySet neck:...

⭐ 4.4/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 614913

$1,165

Buy at Thomann View Details

Music Man Valentine HH Ivory White - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Music Man Valentine HH Ivory White

by Music Man

Lead Guitar Metal Technical Playing

Key Feature:

• Great for lead guitar work

✓ PROS

• Great for lead guitar work
• Comfortable playing position

✗ CONS

• Complex electronics in some models
• May lack some single-cut warmth

Music Man Valentine HH Ivory WhiteElectric GuitarBody: AshBolt-on neck: Roasted flamed mapleFingerboard: Roasted flamed...

⭐ 4.6/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 605714

$3,519

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gretsch EMTC CVT HVNA BRST - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Gretsch EMTC CVT HVNA BRST

by Gretsch

Fusion Metal Jazz

Key Feature:

• Comfortable playing position

✓ PROS

• Great for lead guitar work
• Comfortable playing position

✗ CONS

• Can be more expensive
• Complex electronics in some models

Gretsch EMTC CVT HVNA BRSTElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyBolt-on neck: MahoganyFingerboard: LaurelFingerboard inlays:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 619944

$648

Buy at Thomann View Details

Maybach Lester Jr '59 Double Cut SP AW - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Maybach Lester Jr '59 Double Cut SP AW

by Maybach

Jazz Fusion Metal

Key Feature:

• Comfortable playing position

✓ PROS

• Versatile pickup configurations
• Great for lead guitar work

✗ CONS

• May not suit all musical styles
• Can be more expensive

Maybach Lester Jr '59 Double Cut SP AWElectric GuitarBody: MahoganySet-in neck: Solid mahoganyFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 607213

$2,419

Buy at Thomann View Details

Epiphone 1964 SG Standard Vibrola CR - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Epiphone 1964 SG Standard Vibrola CR

by Epiphone

Metal Jazz Technical Playing

Key Feature:

• Comfortable playing position

✓ PROS

• Comfortable playing position
• Balanced tone and sustain

✗ CONS

• May not suit all musical styles
• Can be more expensive

Epiphone 1964 SG Standard Vibrola CRElectric GuitarInspired by Gibson Custom Collection (2025)Body: MahoganySet-in...

⭐ 4.8/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 614964

$1,495

Buy at Thomann View Details

Epiphone SG Custom AW - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Epiphone SG Custom AW

by Epiphone

Rock Technical Playing Fusion

Key Feature:

• Great for lead guitar work

✓ PROS

• Versatile pickup configurations
• Balanced tone and sustain

✗ CONS

• May not suit all musical styles
• Complex electronics in some models

Epiphone SG Custom AWElectric GuitarInspired by Gibson CollectionBody: MahoganyNeck: MahoganyFingerboard: EbonyPearloid...

⭐ 4.4/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 608303

$769

Buy at Thomann View Details

Epiphone SG Custom EB LH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Epiphone SG Custom EB LH

by Epiphone

Rock Fusion Metal

Key Feature:

• Versatile pickup configurations

✓ PROS

• Excellent upper fret access
• Balanced tone and sustain

✗ CONS

• Weight distribution varies
• Can be more expensive

Epiphone SG Custom EB LHElectric GuitarLeft-handed modelInspired by Gibson CollectionBody: MahoganyNeck:...

⭐ 4.4/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 608305

$769

Buy at Thomann View Details

PRS SE CE 24 Standard Satin IN - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

PRS SE CE 24 Standard Satin IN

by PRS

Lead Guitar Metal Technical Playing

Key Feature:

• Excellent upper fret access

✓ PROS

• Versatile pickup configurations
• Comfortable playing position

✗ CONS

• May lack some single-cut warmth
• May not suit all musical styles

PRS SE CE 24 Standard Satin INElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodBirds fingerboard...

⭐ 4.8/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 601454

$637

Buy at Thomann View Details

PRS SE McCarty 594 Laurel Burl LTD - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.9/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

PRS SE McCarty 594 Laurel Burl LTD

by PRS

Metal Jazz Lead Guitar

Key Feature:

• Comfortable playing position

✓ PROS

• Comfortable playing position
• Excellent upper fret access

✗ CONS

• May not suit all musical styles
• Complex electronics in some models

PRS SE McCarty 594 Laruel Burl LTDElectric GuitarLimited edition of 500 pieces worldwideBody: MahoganyTop: Maple with...

⭐ 4.9/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 612818

$1,319

Buy at Thomann View Details

PRS Mark Holcomb Fire Smokeburst - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.5/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

PRS Mark Holcomb Fire Smokeburst

by PRS

Rock Fusion Metal

Key Feature:

• Versatile pickup configurations

✓ PROS

• Balanced tone and sustain
• Great for lead guitar work

✗ CONS

• May lack some single-cut warmth
• May not suit all musical styles

PRS Mark Holcomb Fire SmokeburstElectric GuitarMark Holcomb signature modelBody: MahoganyTop: MangoSet neck:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 621981

$6,819

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gibson SG Custom LH Pelham Blue - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.6/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Gibson SG Custom LH Pelham Blue

by Gibson

Fusion Lead Guitar Metal

Key Feature:

• Versatile pickup configurations

✓ PROS

• Comfortable playing position
• Balanced tone and sustain

✗ CONS

• Weight distribution varies
• May lack some single-cut warmth

Gibson SG Custom LH Pelham BlueElectric GuitarLeft-handed modelCustom Shop modelBody: MahoganyNeck:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 620735

$5,829

Buy at Thomann View Details

PRS CE 24 Fire Red Burst - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.9/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

PRS CE 24 Fire Red Burst

by PRS

Technical Playing Lead Guitar Jazz

Key Feature:

• Comfortable playing position

✓ PROS

• Balanced tone and sustain
• Versatile pickup configurations

✗ CONS

• May not suit all musical styles
• Complex electronics in some models

PRS CE 24 Fire Red BurstElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyArched top: Flamed mapleBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 601862

$3,134

Buy at Thomann View Details

PRS SE CE 24 Sandblasted Ltd green - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.6/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

PRS SE CE 24 Sandblasted Ltd green

by PRS

Lead Guitar Technical Playing Fusion

Key Feature:

• Balanced tone and sustain

✓ PROS

• Comfortable playing position
• Balanced tone and sustain

✗ CONS

• May lack some single-cut warmth
• Can be more expensive

PRS SE CE 24 Sandblasted Ltd greenElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyTop: Swamp ashBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 613031

$692

Buy at Thomann View Details

Reverend Sensei RA TC - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 5.0/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Reverend Sensei RA TC

by Reverend

Jazz Rock Metal

Key Feature:

• Comfortable playing position

✓ PROS

• Comfortable playing position
• Great for lead guitar work

✗ CONS

• Can be more expensive
• May not suit all musical styles

Reverend Sensei RA TCElectric GuitarBody: KorinaSet-in neck: KorinaFingerboard: EbonyMother of Pearl Block fingerboard...

⭐ 5.0/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 614753

$1,319

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Double Cut Guitars

Budget Planning

• Under $200: Entry-level
• $200-$500: Intermediate
• $500-$1000: Advanced
• $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

• Sound clarity & tone
• Build materials & finish
• Hardware durability
• Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

• Your musical style
• Skill level match
• Intended use case
• Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.

Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.

Higher-priced double cut guitars typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.

Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.

Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

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TOP

Best Double Cut Guitars for Lead Guitar 2025

Music Man Valentine Trans Buttermilk

Epiphone 1960 Les Paul Special DC TVY

Music Man Valentine HH Ivory White

Gretsch EMTC CVT HVNA BRST

Maybach Lester Jr '59 Double Cut SP AW

Epiphone 1964 SG Standard Vibrola CR

Epiphone SG Custom AW

Epiphone SG Custom EB LH

PRS SE CE 24 Standard Satin IN

PRS SE McCarty 594 Laurel Burl LTD

PRS Mark Holcomb Fire Smokeburst

Gibson SG Custom LH Pelham Blue

PRS CE 24 Fire Red Burst

PRS SE CE 24 Sandblasted Ltd green

Reverend Sensei RA TC

How to Choose the Best Double Cut Guitars

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying double cut guitars?

How much should I spend on double cut guitars?

Are expensive double cut guitars worth the investment?

What are the best brands for double cut guitars?

Should I buy double cut guitars online or in-store?

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