AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Double Cut Guitars for Professional 2026
The top pick is PRS Private Stock HPW Eagle V FB ($18,004). PRS Modern Eagle V gives you the most for the money at $7,313. 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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- Scale635 mm (25")
- Frets22 frets
- BodyMahogany body
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This guitar uses hand-picked woods like African mahogany and cocobolo for a warm, smooth feel. With three pickup options and a locking tremolo, it sounds and plays like a dream. It suits players who want premium woods and stable tuning but must budget for the high cost.
Pros
- Hand-picked African mahogany body for rich tone
- Cocobolo neck provides smooth playability
- Three distinct pickup configurations available
Cons
- Extremely high price tag limits buyer pool
- No weight data provided in description
45AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$18,004 now$18,004€15,999 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale635 mm (25")
- Frets22 frets
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This guitar uses special woods chosen by hand for great sound and pretty wood grain. The pickups cut through the mix while the thin neck feels easy to play. It suits players who want a bright tone and a classic look, though you can't be sure how heavy it is without asking.
Pros
- Hand-selected woods for unique tone and look
- Uncovered 85/15 pickups for bright, cutting sound
- Tight Pattern Thin neck profile for playability
Cons
- Weight not listed makes carrying uncertain
- No hardware brands specified for durability
36AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$17,779 now$17,779€15,799 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale624.7 mm (24.59")
- BodyAsh body
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This guitar uses rare woods picked by hand to sound special and look beautiful. The quilted top and custom inlays make it stand out visually while the humbuckers deliver a thick tone. It is a high-end instrument that suits players who want unique wood tones and easy pickup switching.
Pros
- Hand-selected woods from the Wood Vault create a unique tone.
- Quilted maple top and curly maple neck offer great visual appeal.
- Ebony fingerboard with custom 'Original Birds' inlays looks stunning.
Cons
- Swamp ash body can be less stable than solid maple.
- No specific weight rating is listed for this heavy instrument.
46AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$16,653 now$16,653€14,799 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- BodyMahogany body
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This guitar feels like a classic Gibson with its mahogany body and set neck. The heavy aged finish gives it a worn-in look and sound right out of the box. It suits players who want a solid, vintage feel without the extra cost of a fully custom build.
Pros
- Mahogany body and set neck provide solid resonance and sustain
- Heavy Aged finish adds character and depth to the sound
- 498T and 490R humbuckers deliver classic Gibson tone
Cons
- Murphy Lab finish may be difficult to repair if damaged
- No specific weight listed makes handling feel uncertain
46AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$8,326 now$8,326€7,399 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42.9 mm (1.69")
- Scale635 mm (25")
- Fingerboard radius254 mm (10")
- BodyMahogany body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This guitar feels like a well-built workhorse with a warm mahogany body and a bright flamed maple top. The three pickups give you a real choice between thick humbuckers and a crisp single coil. It suits players who want a solid, reliable instrument that sounds good in both rock and clean settings. The high price tag is steep, but the American build quality feels worth it for serious musicians.
Pros
- Mahogany body and set-in neck offer solid resonance and stability.
- Flamed maple top adds visual beauty and extra brightness to the tone.
- Three pickup options including a single coil for crisp clean tones.
Cons
- No weight is listed, so you cannot tell how heavy it feels.
- Tremolo system details are limited compared to some competitors.
68AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$7,313 now$7,313€6,499 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale628 mm (24.72")
- BodyMahogany body
This '64 SG Maestro CH HA from the Murphy Lab is a serious statement piece. The combination of the one-piece body, vintage neck profile, and unpotted pickups delivers a thick, responsive tone perfect for classic rock, blues, and heavier styles. It's a premium-priced instrument aimed at discerning players who appreciate meticulous craftsmanship and vintage vibe.
Pros
- One-piece mahogany body delivers exceptional resonance and sustain.
- Authentic '64 medium 'C' neck profile offers comfortable, vintage feel.
- Unpotted Alnico III humbuckers provide a raw, powerful, and dynamic tone.
Cons
- Heavy aged finish might not appeal to players preferring a pristine aesthetic.
- Maestro Vibrola can be finicky and requires careful setup and maintenance.
50AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$7,651 now$7,651€6,799 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
PRS Limited Edition McCarty 594 Mango Top
McCarty 594 Mango LTD SF · PRS
20 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Scale624 mm (24.57")
- Frets22 frets
- BodyMahogany body
This guitar feels like a warm hug in your hands thanks to the mahogany body and neck. The MC III pickups give it a solid, punchy tone that cuts through a mix without sounding thin. It suits players who love classic rock or blues and want that vintage vibe with a little modern control.
Pros
- Mahogany body and neck create a warm, resonant tone
- Ziricote fingerboard offers a smooth, fast playing surface
- MC III humbuckers deliver punchy, mid-focused sound
Cons
- Solarflare finish may show dust and scratches easily
- No weight spec provided makes handling feel uncertain
57AudioFu
IndexStablesince Aug 17$6,750 · Aug 17$6,750 now$6,750€5,998 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 serious instrument built for players demanding modern high-gain tones and effortless playability. The unique wood combination gives it a distinct voice, and the neck profile is a real standout. It's a premium-priced choice, ideal for progressive rock, metal, and players who want a refined, high-performance axe.
Pros
- Mahogany/Mango combo delivers exceptional warmth and sustain.
- Mark Holcomb’s neck profile is incredibly comfortable and fast.
- Seymour Duncan pickups offer a versatile, modern high-gain tone.
Cons
- The mahogany body contributes to a relatively heavy feel.
- The Smokeburst finish, while striking, may not appeal to all tastes.
49AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$6,976 now$6,976€6,199 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale635 mm (25")
- Frets22 frets
- BodyMahogany body
This guitar feels warm because of its mahogany and mango body. The two humbuckers give it a thick, classic sound. It plays fast thanks to the Ziricote fretboard and stable tremolo. Perfect for players who love vintage tone without sacrificing stability.
Pros
- Mahogany body paired with mango top adds warm, rich resonance
- Two narrowfield humbuckers deliver thick, vintage-style tone
- Gen III tremolo system stays stable during heavy bends
Cons
- No weight specification makes handling feel uncertain
- Only one volume and one tone control limits adjustments
43AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$7,088 now$7,088€6,299 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 sounds thick and warm thanks to the mahogany body and heavy 'Scourge' pickup. The 24 frets and standard 25.5 inch scale let you play fast without losing clarity. It suits Periphery fans who want tight low-end and a solid, direct tone. Just know the single tone knob means you can't dial in every nuance you might need.
Pros
- Heavy mahogany body gives thick, warm low-end response
- Seymour Duncan 'Scourge' pickup drives big, tight low frequencies
- 25.5 inch scale length favors speed and tight string spacing
Cons
- Single volume and single tone control limits tone shaping options
- No active electronics option mentioned for modern boosting needs
49AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$6,751 now$6,751€5,999 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 Studio 10-TopStudio 10 Top FW · PRS · 2 finishes64Stable$6,074€5,398$6,074€5,398Check ↗
- 12
PRS Modern Eagle V Cobalt SBPRS49↓ 0.9%$6,469€5,749$6,469€5,749Check ↗
- 13
PRS Mark Holcomb Fire SmokeburstPRS53↓ 9.7%$6,301€5,599$6,301€5,599Check ↗
- 14
PRS Studio Mango LTD Cobalt SBPRS44↓ 3.3%$6,526€5,799$6,526€5,799Check ↗
- 15
PRS Modern Eagle Faded WB 10 Top#2PRS49Stable$6,299€5,598$6,299€5,598Check ↗
- 16
PRS Studio 10-TopStudio 10 GB · PRS60Stable$5,962€5,298$5,962€5,298Check ↗
- 17
Gibson 63 Les Paul SG Junior TVIG LAGibson46Stable$6,075€5,399$6,075€5,399Check ↗
- 18
PRS Mark Holcomb WA Blue BurstPRS49Stable$5,963€5,299$5,963€5,299Check ↗
- 19
Gibson SG Standard '61 With Stop Bar TailpieceSG 61 Standard VC · Gibson · 6 finishes82Stable$2,024€1,799$2,024€1,799Check ↗
- 20
Gibson SG StandardSG Standard TV Yellow · Gibson · 3 finishes77Stable$1,833€1,629$1,833€1,629Check ↗
- 21
Gibson Les Paul Junior Double CutLP Junior Double Cut Ebony · Gibson · 3 finishes74Stable$1,625€1,444$1,625€1,444Check ↗
- 22
PRS Mark Holcomb SignatureSE Mark Holcomb SVN HL · PRS · 2 finishes69Stable$1,406€1,249$1,406€1,249Check ↗
- 23
PRS SE Custom 24-08 QuiltSE Custom 24-08 Quilt CG · PRS · 4 finishes75Stable$1,192€1,059$1,192€1,059Check ↗
- 24
PRS SE Custom 24 Electric GuitarSE Custom 24 Charcoal Cherry B · PRS · 3 finishes79Stable$1,068€949$1,068€949Check ↗
- 25
Gibson SG ModernSG Modern BBF · Gibson · 2 finishes62Stable$2,362€2,099$2,362€2,099Check ↗
- 26
Yamaha Revstar II RSP02TRevstar RSP02T Crisp Gold · Yamaha · 2 finishes61Stable$2,137€1,899$2,137€1,899Check ↗
- 27
PRS S2 McCarty 594 Thinline SRPRS · 6 finishes61Stable$2,812€2,499$2,812€2,499Check ↗
- 28
Yamaha Revstar II RSP20Revstar RSP20 Moonlight Blue · Yamaha · 2 finishes60Stable$2,024€1,799$2,024€1,799Check ↗
- 29
Gibson Custom Shop '58 Les Paul Junior Double Cut ReissueLP Junior 58 DC TVY VOS LH · Gibson60Stable$4,049€3,598$4,049€3,598Check ↗
- 30
PRS SE McCarty 594SE McCarty 594 Vintage SB · PRS · 3 finishes80↓ 1.6%$964€857$964€857Check ↗
- 31
PRS SE Swamp Ash SpecialSE Swamp Ash Special VS · PRS · 3 finishes81Stable$922€819$922€819Check ↗
- 32
Yamaha Revstar II Standard RSS20Revstar RSS20 Flash Green · Yamaha · 7 finishes83Stable$843€749$843€749Check ↗
- 33
Yamaha Revstar II Standard RSS02TRevstar RSS02T Fired Red · Yamaha · 7 finishes82↓ 3.8%$865€769$865€769Check ↗
- 34
PRS SE Floyd Custom 24SE Custom 24 Floyd Charcoal CB · PRS61Stable$1,462€1,299$1,462€1,299Check ↗
- 35
Gibson Jake Kiszka Signature '61 SG StandardJake Kiszka SG Standard FVC · Gibson57↓ 7.7%$2,470€2,195$2,470€2,195Check ↗
- 36
Gibson Custom Shop '58 Les Paul Junior Double Cut ReissueLP Junior 58 Doublecut TVY VOS · Gibson56Stable$4,274€3,798$4,274€3,798Check ↗
- 37
Yamaha RS02CB Chris Buck Signature RevstarChris Buck RS02CB Honey Gold · Yamaha61Stable$1,349€1,199$1,349€1,199Check ↗
- 38
Schecter Sun Valley Super Shredder FR S SustainiacSun Valley Super Shredder BL · Schecter54Stable$1,687€1,499$1,687€1,499Check ↗
- 39
Gibson SG Standard '61 Faded with Maestro VibrolaSG Standard '61 Faded VCS · Gibson53Stable$1,943€1,727$1,943€1,727Check ↗
- 40
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 ↗
- 41
Gibson Custom Shop '61 Les Paul SG Standard ReissueSG Custom EB GH · Gibson51Stable$4,837€4,298$4,837€4,298Check ↗
- 42
Gibson SG Standard '61 Faded with Maestro VibrolaSG Standard '61 Faded Maestro · Gibson49Stable$2,081€1,849$2,081€1,849Check ↗
- 43
PRS CE 24 Vintage NaturalPRS · 2 finishes49Stable$3,150€2,799$3,150€2,799Check ↗
- 44
Duesenberg Falken Tremolo Matte BK SEDDuesenberg · 2 finishes47↓ 3.6%$3,037€2,699$3,037€2,699Check ↗
- 45
PRS Custom 24 10-TopSE DGT Gold Top · PRS70↓ 1.0%$865€769$865€769Check ↗
- 46
ESP E-II ViperE-II Viper Black · ESP46Stable$2,812€2,499$2,812€2,499Check ↗
- 47
Gibson Custom Shop Les Paul Special Double Cut FiguredLP Special DC Figured Top CB · Gibson46Stable$5,062€4,498$5,062€4,498Check ↗
- 48
PRS Studio Purple Mist WSBPRS46↓ 2.2%$5,063€4,499$5,063€4,499Check ↗
- 49
PRS CE-24 Semi-HollowSE CE 24 BU · PRS72Stable$764€679$764€679Check ↗
- 50
PRS Studio Cobalt SmokeburstPRS45Stable$5,063€4,499$5,063€4,499Check ↗
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 the marketing buzzwords; it's about how the neck feels in your hand. A comfortable, consistent profile is crucial for long gigs and complex runs. We're looking for smooth transitions, minimal hand fatigue, and a neck that doesn't fight you.
Pickup Voicing & Articulation
A double cut often implies a hotter output, but that doesn't mean muddy. We want pickups that retain clarity and articulation, even when pushed to breakup. Can it deliver a pristine clean tone and a searing lead tone without sounding like a compressed mess?
Sustain & Resonance
This isn't just about how long a note rings; it's about the quality of that sustain. A well-built double cut should resonate with a full, balanced tone, providing a solid foundation for your playing. Cheap wood and sloppy construction kill sustain fast.
Hardware Quality & Tuning Stability
Pro gigs demand reliability. We're scrutinizing tuners, bridges, and nut slots. A guitar that won't stay in tune is useless, no matter how good it sounds when it is in tune. Locking tuners are a huge plus for quick changes.
Construction & Headroom
A double cut needs to be built to withstand the rigors of touring. We're assessing the neck joint, body wood, and overall build quality. It needs to handle the dynamics of a loud band and still retain its integrity after years of abuse.
Buying guide
Alright, let's talk double cuts. You're a pro; you're not looking for a beginner's axe. You need a guitar that can handle late-night gigs, tracking sessions where tone is everything, and rehearsals where you're battling a wall of amps. This isn't about looks; it's about a tool that responds to your touch and delivers the goods, consistently.
Don't fall for the double cut aesthetic alone. Often, manufacturers cut corners on wood quality or hardware to keep the price down. A slightly higher price tag for better components-especially the pickups and neck-is almost always worth it.
Think about your typical playing style; if you're a high-gain player, you'll need pickups that can handle the output without getting muddy. Ultimately, the best double cut is the one that feels right in your hands.
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
Are all double cut guitars high output?
Not necessarily. While many are designed for higher gain tones, you can find double cuts with vintage-style pickups that offer a more balanced and nuanced sound. It's about the pickup voicing, not just the body style.
What's the deal with neck profiles? Which one is best?
There's no 'best' - it's entirely subjective. What feels comfortable to one player might be a nightmare for another. Try before you buy, if possible. Thin C profiles are popular for speed, while thicker D or V profiles offer more sustain and a vintage feel.
I'm on a budget. What are my options?
You'll likely have to compromise. Look for guitars with decent pickups and a solid neck, even if the body wood is a little less exotic. Used guitars are your friend - you can often find high-quality instruments at a significant discount.
Do I need locking tuners?
They're not strictly necessary, but they're a huge time-saver for quick string changes and help maintain tuning stability, especially if you're playing live or tracking a lot. It's a worthwhile upgrade.
My guitar feels muddy. What could be the problem?
Several things. Your pickups might be too high, your amp settings might be wrong, or the pickups themselves might be voiced in a way that doesn't suit your style. Experiment with pickup height adjustments and amp EQ before assuming the guitar itself is the problem.
