AudioFu

Best Double Cut Guitars for Lead Guitar 2026

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

Last updated: January 21, 2026 • Next update: January 28, 2026

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 Gretsch Guild Danelectro ESP Hagstrom Maybach
Epiphone SG Standard Cherry - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Epiphone SG Standard Cherry

by Epiphone
Lead Guitar Metal Fusion
Key Feature:
• Versatile pickup configurations
✓ PROS
  • • Comfortable playing position
  • • Excellent upper fret access
✗ CONS
  • • Complex electronics in some models
  • • Weight distribution varies

Epiphone SG Standard CherryElectric GuitarInspired by Gibson CollectionBody: MahoganyNeck: MahoganyFingerboard: Indian...

⭐ 4.5/5 (37 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 608307
$659
Buy at Thomann View Details
Gibson SG Standard 64 Maestro TV BG - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Gibson SG Standard 64 Maestro TV BG

by Gibson
Rock Lead Guitar Fusion
Key Feature:
• Excellent upper fret access
✓ PROS
  • • Great for lead guitar work
  • • Comfortable playing position
✗ CONS
  • • Complex electronics in some models
  • • Weight distribution varies

Gibson SG Standard 64 Maestro TV BGElectric GuitarCustom Shop modelOne-piece body: MahoganyNeck: MahoganyFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (48 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 617063
$5,829
Buy at Thomann View Details
Music Man Valentine Trans Buttermilk - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

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

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
Gretsch EMTC CVT HVNA BRST - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

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
PRS Studio Wood Library River Blue - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

PRS Studio Wood Library River Blue

by PRS
Fusion Lead Guitar Rock
Key Feature:
• Great for lead guitar work
✓ PROS
  • • Comfortable playing position
  • • Excellent upper fret access
✗ CONS
  • • Can be more expensive
  • • May not suit all musical styles

PRS Studio Wood Library River BlueElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyTop: Wood Library flamed mapleSet-in neck:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (39 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 601637
$6,599
Buy at Thomann View Details
Maybach Lester Jr '59 Double Cut SP AW - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

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
PRS SE CE 24 Sandblasted Ltd green - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

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
Gibson SG Custom LH Pelham Blue - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

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
Gretsch EMTC CVT WYCHWD GRN - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Gretsch EMTC CVT WYCHWD GRN

by Gretsch
Fusion Jazz Technical Playing
Key Feature:
• Balanced tone and sustain
✓ PROS
  • • Versatile pickup configurations
  • • Balanced tone and sustain
✗ CONS
  • • Complex electronics in some models
  • • Weight distribution varies

Gretsch EMTC CVT WYCHWD GRNElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyBolt-on neck: MahoganyFingerboard: LaurelFingerboard inlays:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (21 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 619948
$648
Buy at Thomann View Details
Gibson 64 SG Std Maestro Metalic Plum - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Gibson 64 SG Std Maestro Metalic Plum

by Gibson
Technical Playing Lead Guitar Metal
Key Feature:
• Versatile pickup configurations
✓ PROS
  • • Great for lead guitar work
  • • Balanced tone and sustain
✗ CONS
  • • Complex electronics in some models
  • • May lack some single-cut warmth

Gibson 64 SG Std Maestro Metalic PlumElectric GuitarDealer Select Run for Europe - limited to 10 piecesBody:...

⭐ 4.4/5 (38 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 620718
$5,939
Buy at Thomann View Details
PRS Modern Eagle V CH 10 Top - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

PRS Modern Eagle V CH 10 Top

by PRS
Metal Lead Guitar Jazz
Key Feature:
• Balanced tone and sustain
✓ PROS
  • • Great for lead guitar work
  • • Versatile pickup configurations
✗ CONS
  • • May lack some single-cut warmth
  • • Complex electronics in some models

PRS Modern Eagle V CH 10 TopElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyTop: 10 Top mapleSet-in neck: MahoganyFingerboard:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (52 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 601635
$7,039
Buy at Thomann View Details
Music Man Valentine HH Ivory White - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

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
PRS Mark Holcomb Fire Smokeburst - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

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
Maybach Lester Jr '59 Double Cut SP VW - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Maybach Lester Jr '59 Double Cut SP VW

by Maybach
Fusion Technical Playing Rock
Key Feature:
• Great for lead guitar work
✓ PROS
  • • Comfortable playing position
  • • Excellent upper fret access
✗ CONS
  • • May not suit all musical styles
  • • Weight distribution varies

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

⭐ 4.5/5 (27 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 607211
$2,419
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.

Related Best Lists

POPULAR

Best ST Style Guitars

TOP

Best Humbucker Pickups

POPULAR

Best Distortion Pedals

POPULAR

Best Single Cut Guitars

RELATED

Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

TOP

Best 4/4 Size Classical Guitars

We use cookies to improve your experience. Learn more