AudioFu

Best Double Cut Guitars Under $1,000 2026

Affordable double cut guitars under $1,000 - great value without compromising quality

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
Larry Carlton Q7 Tobacco Sunburst - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Larry Carlton Q7 Tobacco Sunburst

by Larry Carlton
Fusion Lead Guitar Rock
Key Feature:
• Versatile pickup configurations
✓ PROS
  • • Versatile pickup configurations
  • • Excellent upper fret access
✗ CONS
  • • May not suit all musical styles
  • • Complex electronics in some models

Larry Carlton Q7 Tobacco SunburstElectric GuitarBody: MahoganySet-in neck: MahoganyFingerboard: EbonyWhite pearloid /...

⭐ 4.9/5 (21 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 610938
$824
Buy at Thomann View Details
Yamaha Revstar RSS02T Hot Merlot - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Yamaha Revstar RSS02T Hot Merlot

by Yamaha
Metal Lead Guitar Rock
Key Feature:
• Versatile pickup configurations
✓ PROS
  • • Balanced tone and sustain
  • • Versatile pickup configurations
✗ CONS
  • • Complex electronics in some models
  • • May not suit all musical styles

Yamaha Revstar RSS02T Hot MerlotElectric GuitarStandard seriesChambered mahogany bodyMaple topGlued-in 3-piece mahogany...

⭐ 4.4/5 (36 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 539438
$832
Buy at Thomann View Details
Yamaha Revstar RSS02T Sunset Burst - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Yamaha Revstar RSS02T Sunset Burst

by Yamaha
Lead Guitar Rock Metal
Key Feature:
• Versatile pickup configurations
✓ PROS
  • • Balanced tone and sustain
  • • Versatile pickup configurations
✗ CONS
  • • May not suit all musical styles
  • • Can be more expensive

Yamaha Revstar RSS02T Sunset BurstElectric GuitarStandard seriesChambered mahogany bodyMaple topGlued-in 3-piece...

⭐ 4.8/5 (12 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 539436
$853
Buy at Thomann View Details
Guild Polara Deluxe Vintage Sunburst - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Guild Polara Deluxe Vintage Sunburst

by Guild
Fusion Rock Jazz
Key Feature:
• Balanced tone and sustain
✓ PROS
  • • Comfortable playing position
  • • Balanced tone and sustain
✗ CONS
  • • Weight distribution varies
  • • May lack some single-cut warmth

Guild Polara Deluxe Vintage SunburstElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyMahogany neckFingerboard: RosewoodHeadstock with Guild...

⭐ 4.9/5 (54 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 580228
$824
Buy at Thomann View Details
Larry Carlton Q7 Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Larry Carlton Q7 Black

by Larry Carlton
Fusion Lead Guitar Metal
Key Feature:
• Comfortable playing position
✓ PROS
  • • Balanced tone and sustain
  • • Great for lead guitar work
✗ CONS
  • • Can be more expensive
  • • May lack some single-cut warmth

Larry Carlton Q7 BlackElectric GuitarBody: MahoganySet-in neck: MahoganyFingerboard: EbonyWhite pearloid / abalone...

⭐ 4.8/5 (42 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 610944
$824
Buy at Thomann View Details
Hagstrom Adina Creme - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Hagstrom Adina Creme

by Hagstrom
Jazz Fusion Lead Guitar
Key Feature:
• Excellent upper fret access
✓ PROS
  • • Comfortable playing position
  • • Versatile pickup configurations
✗ CONS
  • • May lack some single-cut warmth
  • • Can be more expensive

Hagstrom Adina CremeElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyTop: Canadian maple with flamed maple veneerBolt-on neck: Canadian...

⭐ 5.0/5 (52 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 600822
$802
Buy at Thomann View Details
Hagstrom Adina Blue Sky - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Hagstrom Adina Blue Sky

by Hagstrom
Technical Playing Metal Rock
Key Feature:
• Versatile pickup configurations
✓ PROS
  • • Comfortable playing position
  • • Great for lead guitar work
✗ CONS
  • • Complex electronics in some models
  • • Can be more expensive

Hagstrom Adina Blue SkyElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyTop: Canadian maple with flamed maple veneerBolt-on neck: Canadian...

⭐ 4.4/5 (26 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 600539
$802
Buy at Thomann View Details
Epiphone 1961 Les Paul SG Standard CH - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Epiphone 1961 Les Paul SG Standard CH

by Epiphone
Technical Playing Fusion Lead Guitar
Key Feature:
• Balanced tone and sustain
✓ PROS
  • • Comfortable playing position
  • • Excellent upper fret access
✗ CONS
  • • Complex electronics in some models
  • • May not suit all musical styles

Epiphone 1961 Les Paul SG Standard CHElectric GuitarBody: MahoganySet-in neck: MahoganyFretboard: LaurelPearloid...

⭐ 4.6/5 (33 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 525231
$999
Buy at Thomann View Details
Epiphone SG Prophecy AJBM - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Epiphone SG Prophecy AJBM

by Epiphone
Fusion Lead Guitar Jazz
Key Feature:
• Versatile pickup configurations
✓ PROS
  • • Comfortable playing position
  • • Versatile pickup configurations
✗ CONS
  • • Complex electronics in some models
  • • May not suit all musical styles

Epiphone SG Prophecy AJBMElectric GuitarInspired by Gibson Custom Shop / Modern CollectionBody: MahoganyTop: AAA flamed...

⭐ 4.5/5 (14 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 588498
$967
Buy at Thomann View Details
Yamaha Revstar RSS02T Swift Blue - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Yamaha Revstar RSS02T Swift Blue

by Yamaha
Rock Jazz Lead Guitar
Key Feature:
• Balanced tone and sustain
✓ PROS
  • • Versatile pickup configurations
  • • Great for lead guitar work
✗ CONS
  • • May lack some single-cut warmth
  • • Can be more expensive

Yamaha Revstar RSS02T Swift BlueElectric GuitarStandard seriesChambered mahogany bodyMaple topGlued-in 3-piece mahogany...

⭐ 4.5/5 (27 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 539429
$879
Buy at Thomann View Details
Hagstrom Adina Dark Storm - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Hagstrom Adina Dark Storm

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

Hagstrom Adina Dark StormElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyTop: Canadian maple with flamed maple veneerBolt-on neck:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (14 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 600824
$802
Buy at Thomann View Details
PRS SE Swamp Ash Special CH - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

PRS SE Swamp Ash Special CH

by PRS
Fusion Technical Playing Metal
Key Feature:
• Versatile pickup configurations
✓ PROS
  • • Excellent upper fret access
  • • Great for lead guitar work
✗ CONS
  • • May lack some single-cut warmth
  • • Weight distribution varies

PRS SE Swamp Ash Special CHElectric GuitarBody: Swamp AshBolt-on maple neckFingerboard: MapleNeck profile: Wide Thin -...

⭐ 4.9/5 (29 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 577387
$911
Buy at Thomann View Details
Yamaha Revstar RSS20 Sunset Burst - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Yamaha Revstar RSS20 Sunset Burst

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

Yamaha Revstar RSS20 Sunset BurstElectric GuitarStandard seriesChambered mahogany bodyMaple topGlued-in 3-piece...

⭐ 4.5/5 (47 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 539446
$813
Buy at Thomann View Details
Larry Carlton Q7 Red Sparkle - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Larry Carlton Q7 Red Sparkle

by Larry Carlton
Jazz Technical Playing Rock
Key Feature:
• Balanced tone and sustain
✓ PROS
  • • Versatile pickup configurations
  • • Excellent upper fret access
✗ CONS
  • • May not suit all musical styles
  • • Weight distribution varies

Larry Carlton Q7 Red SparkleElectric GuitarBody: MahoganySet-in neck: MahoganyFingerboard: EbonyWhite pearloid /...

⭐ 4.7/5 (44 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 610945
$824
Buy at Thomann View Details
PRS SE Custom 24 BG - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

PRS SE Custom 24 BG

by PRS
Technical Playing Metal Rock
Key Feature:
• Excellent upper fret access
✓ PROS
  • • Great for lead guitar work
  • • Excellent upper fret access
✗ CONS
  • • May lack some single-cut warmth
  • • Can be more expensive

PRS SE Custom 24 BGElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyArchtop: Maple with flamed maple veneerNeck: MapleFretboard:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (3 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 510496
$901
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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