AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Double Cut Guitars for Professional 2026
The top pick is PRS Private Stock HPW Eagle V FB ($17,863). PRS Studio 10-Top gives you the most for the money at $6,027. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 146 models across 19 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 8, 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$17,863 now$17,863€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$17,640 now$17,640€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$16,523 now$16,523€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$8,261 now$8,261€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.
69AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$7,256 now$7,256€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$7,591 now$7,591€6,799 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$7,033 now$7,033€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$6,698 now$6,698€5,999 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale635 mm (25")
- Frets22 frets
- BodyMahogany body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This Studio 10 Top FW is a beautifully crafted instrument blending vintage vibe with modern PRS playability. The flamed maple top is gorgeous, and the 58/15 pickup gives it a really distinct character. It’s a premium-priced option ideal for players who appreciate a comfortable neck, sustain, and a touch of vintage warmth without needing ultra-modern features.
Pros
- Mahogany/flame maple combo delivers rich sustain and stunning aesthetics.
- 58/15 LT pickup provides a uniquely warm, articulate vintage tone.
- Pattern Regular neck profile offers exceptional comfort and playability.
Cons
- Mahogany body contributes to a notably heavier feel compared to alder alternatives.
- Limited pickup versatility might not suit players needing extreme high-gain sounds.
63AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$6,027 now$6,027€5,398 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42.9 mm (1.69")
- Scale635 mm (25")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius254 mm (10")
- BodyMahogany body
The Modern Eagle V is a seriously well-built instrument. It's got that classic PRS vibe with modern refinements—the coil splits are surprisingly usable, and the TCI pickups deliver a fantastic range of tones from glassy cleans to searing leads. This is a great choice for players who want a versatile, high-performance guitar with a warm, resonant core.
Pros
- Mahogany body provides rich sustain and warmth.
- Maple top adds clarity and focused high-end response.
- TCI pickups deliver modern PRS tonal versatility and clarity.
Cons
- Mahogany body construction makes it a notably heavier instrument.
- Rosewood fretboard might not suit players preferring a faster, smoother feel.
49AudioFu
Index↓ 0.9%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$6,475 · Aug 17$6,419 now$6,419€5,749 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 146 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 Fire SmokeburstPRS54↓ 10.3%$6,207€5,559$6,207€5,559Check ↗
- 12
PRS Limited Edition McCarty 594 Mango TopMcCarty 594 Mango LTD BGB · PRS · 2 finishes61↓ 8.3%$5,939€5,319$5,939€5,319Check ↗
- 13
PRS Modern Eagle Faded WB 10 Top#2PRS49Stable$6,250€5,598$6,250€5,598Check ↗
- 14
PRS Studio 10-TopStudio 10 GB · PRS59Stable$5,915€5,298$5,915€5,298Check ↗
- 15
PRS Mark Holcomb Cobalt SmokeburstPRS56↓ 16.1%$5,805€5,199$5,805€5,199Check ↗
- 16
Gibson 63 Les Paul SG Junior TVIG LAGibson46Stable$6,028€5,399$6,028€5,399Check ↗
- 17
PRS Mark Holcomb WA Blue BurstPRS49Stable$5,916€5,299$5,916€5,299Check ↗
- 18
PRS Studio Mango LTD Cobalt SBPRS48↓ 11.7%$5,916€5,299$5,916€5,299Check ↗
- 19
Gibson SG Standard '61 With Stop Bar TailpieceSG 61 Standard VC · Gibson · 7 finishes82Stable$2,009€1,799$2,009€1,799Check ↗
- 20
Gibson SG StandardSG Standard TV Yellow · Gibson · 3 finishes78↓ 1.8%$1,785€1,599$1,785€1,599Check ↗
- 21
Gibson Les Paul Junior Double CutLP Junior Double Cut Ebony · Gibson · 3 finishes74Stable$1,612€1,444$1,612€1,444Check ↗
- 22
PRS Mark Holcomb SignatureSE Mark Holcomb SVN HL · PRS · 2 finishes69Stable$1,395€1,249$1,395€1,249Check ↗
- 23
Yamaha Revstar II RSP02TRevstar RSP02T Crisp Gold · Yamaha · 2 finishes62↓ 2.6%$2,064€1,849$2,064€1,849Check ↗
- 24
PRS S2 McCarty 594 Thinline SRPRS · 7 finishes62Stable$2,790€2,499$2,790€2,499Check ↗
- 25
PRS SE Custom 24 Electric GuitarSE Custom 24 Charcoal Cherry B · PRS · 3 finishes79Stable$1,060€949$1,060€949Check ↗
- 26
PRS SE Custom 24-08 QuiltSE Custom 24-08 Quilt CG · PRS · 4 finishes75Stable$1,182€1,059$1,182€1,059Check ↗
- 27
Gibson SG ModernSG Modern BBF · Gibson · 2 finishes61Stable$2,344€2,099$2,344€2,099Check ↗
- 28
Gibson Custom Shop '58 Les Paul Junior Double Cut ReissueLP Junior 58 DC TVY VOS LH · Gibson60Stable$4,017€3,598$4,017€3,598Check ↗
- 29
PRS SE McCarty 594SE McCarty 594 Vintage SB · PRS · 3 finishes80↓ 1.6%$957€857$957€857Check ↗
- 30
Yamaha Revstar II RSP20Revstar RSP20 Moonlight Blue · Yamaha · 2 finishes59Stable$2,009€1,799$2,009€1,799Check ↗
- 31
Gibson Jake Kiszka Signature '61 SG StandardJake Kiszka SG Standard FVC · Gibson59↓ 11.7%$2,345€2,100$2,345€2,100Check ↗
- 32
PRS SE Swamp Ash SpecialSE Swamp Ash Special VS · PRS · 3 finishes81Stable$914€819$914€819Check ↗
- 33
Yamaha Revstar II Standard RSS20Revstar RSS20 Mist Green · Yamaha · 7 finishes82↓ 3.5%$861€771$861€771Check ↗
- 34
Gibson Custom Shop '60 Les Paul Special Double Cut ReissueLP Special 60 TV Yellow VOS · Gibson58↓ 6.4%$3,969€3,555$3,969€3,555Check ↗
- 35
Yamaha Revstar II Standard RSS02TRevstar RSS02T Sonic Blue · Yamaha · 7 finishes80Stable$892€799$892€799Check ↗
- 36
PRS SE Floyd Custom 24SE Custom 24 Floyd Charcoal CB · PRS68↓ 14.5%$1,240€1,111$1,240€1,111Check ↗
- 37
Gibson Custom Shop '58 Les Paul Junior Double Cut ReissueLP Junior 58 Doublecut TVY VOS · Gibson56Stable$4,240€3,798$4,240€3,798Check ↗
- 38
Schecter Sun Valley Super Shredder FR S SustainiacSun Valley Super Shredder BL · Schecter54Stable$1,674€1,499$1,674€1,499Check ↗
- 39
Yamaha RS02CB Chris Buck Signature RevstarChris Buck RS02CB Honey Gold · Yamaha62Stable$1,339€1,199$1,339€1,199Check ↗
- 40
Gibson SG Standard '61 Faded with Maestro VibrolaSG Standard '61 Faded VCS · Gibson53Stable$1,928€1,727$1,928€1,727Check ↗
- 41
Gibson LP Special Double Cut VCGibson51↓ 15.0%$1,612€1,444$1,612€1,444Check ↗
- 42
Gibson Custom Shop '61 Les Paul SG Standard ReissueSG Custom EB GH · Gibson51Stable$4,799€4,298$4,799€4,298Check ↗
- 43
ESP E-II Viper See Thru BK CherryESP50↓ 28.6%$2,244€1,999$2,244€1,999Check ↗
- 44
Gibson SG Standard '61 Faded with Maestro VibrolaSG Standard '61 Faded Maestro · Gibson49Stable$2,064€1,849$2,064€1,849Check ↗
- 45
PRS CE 24 Vintage NaturalPRS · 2 finishes49Stable$3,125€2,799$3,125€2,799Check ↗
- 46
Gibson Custom Shop Les Paul Special Double Cut FiguredLP Special DC Figured Top CB · Gibson49↓ 4.4%$4,800€4,299$4,800€4,299Check ↗
- 47
ESP LTD Viper-1001 ET CHMSESP48↓ 13.5%$1,737€1,556$1,737€1,556Check ↗
- 48
PRS Studio Purple Mist WSBPRS48↓ 6.5%$4,800€4,299$4,800€4,299Check ↗
- 49
Duesenberg Falken Tremolo Matte BK SEDDuesenberg · 2 finishes46Stable$3,125€2,799$3,125€2,799Check ↗
- 50
Epiphone Prophecy Victory FR AS SatinEpiphone · 2 finishes49Stable$1,517€1,359$1,517€1,359Check ↗
Double Cut Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 245 models we track, not a sample.
Median $948 — half of all double cut guitars here cost less.
median of 166 models · 41.9 mm (1.65")–43 mm (1.69")
median of 222 models · 625 mm (24.61")–648 mm (25.51")
median of 171 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 245 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.





