AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Double Cut Guitars Under $1,000 2026
The top pick is Yamaha Revstar II Standard RSS20 ($843). Gretsch Streamliner Jet Club Bass gives you the most for the money at $314. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 68 models across 12 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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Yamaha Revstar II Standard RSS20
Revstar RSS20 Flash Green · Yamaha
181 for sale on Reverb7 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width41.9 mm (1.65")
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
The Revstar RSS20 is a seriously well-built guitar offering a ton of value. The mahogany body and AlNiCo 5 pickups give it a warm, punchy character that’s great for rock, blues, and even some heavier styles. It's a fantastic option for players wanting quality construction and a vintage-inspired feel without a premium-priced tag.
Pros
- Mahogany body delivers warmth and sustain, a classic tone foundation.
- Carbon-reinforced neck enhances stability and reduces fret buzz.
- VH5 pickups offer a versatile range from clean to crunchy overdrive.
Cons
- The Flash Green finish, while striking, might not appeal to everyone's taste.
- The master volume/tone control scheme can limit nuanced tone shaping.
83AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$843 now$843€749 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Yamaha Revstar II Standard RSS02T
Revstar RSS02T Fired Red · Yamaha
174 for sale on Reverb7 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width41.9 mm (1.65")
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
This guitar feels great because the chambered body is light, and the Alnico 5 pickups give a tight, driving sound. It is built well with a reinforced neck and smooth frets, making it ready for long gigs. It suits players who want a classic rock tone without the bulk of a heavy solid body.
Pros
- Chambered mahogany body keeps the guitar light and easy to play for hours.
- Alnico 5 single coils deliver a raw, punchy tone perfect for rock and blues.
- Carbon-reinforced set neck offers strong stability without adding extra weight.
Cons
- Lacks a dedicated pickup selector for switching between humbuckers or different tones.
- No active electronics means output might struggle in very large, loud venues.
82AudioFu
Index↓ 3.8%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$899 · Aug 17$865 now$865€769 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width41.9 mm (1.65")
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- BodyMahogany body
The RSE20 Red Copper is a seriously cool-looking and surprisingly versatile guitar for the price. It's got a warm, woody tone with plenty of punch thanks to those VH3 pickups, making it a great choice for rock, blues, and even some classic country. This is a fantastic instrument for gigging musicians or players looking for quality without premium pricing.
Pros
- Mahogany chambered body delivers a warm, resonant, and surprisingly lightweight feel.
- The VH3 pickups offer a thick, articulate tone ideal for rock and blues.
- The 12” radius rosewood fretboard enhances playability and comfortable bends.
Cons
- Red Copper finish, while striking, might not appeal to all aesthetic preferences.
- The neck profile, while comfortable, might be too thin for players preferring a thicker feel.
81AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$539 now$539€479 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42.9 mm (1.69")
- Scale635 mm (25")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius254 mm (10")
- BodyAsh body
The SE Swamp Ash Special CH is a seriously good-playing guitar offering a lot of PRS character at a more affordable price point. The swamp ash gives it a lively, responsive feel, and the pickup configuration is surprisingly versatile. This is a fantastic option for players wanting a well-built, great-sounding instrument that can handle everything from blues to rock to lighter funk.
Pros
- Swamp ash body delivers resonant, airy tones with excellent sustain.
- Wide thin neck profile offers comfortable playability for a wide range of hand sizes.
- PRS-designed pickups provide a versatile palette, from chimey cleans to crunchy overdrive.
Cons
- Swamp ash can be somewhat susceptible to finish checking with age and use.
- Bolt-on neck construction, while stable, lacks the complexity of a set neck.
81AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$846 now$846€752 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42.9 mm (1.69")
- Scale625 mm (24.61")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius254 mm (10")
- BodyMahogany body
This SE McCarty 594 Vintage SB is a seriously impressive instrument for the money. It nails that vintage PRS vibe with its warm mahogany body, comfortable neck, and those fantastic 58/15 pickups. If you’re into classic rock, blues, or just want a well-built, great-sounding guitar that doesn’t break the bank, this is a fantastic choice.
Pros
- Mahogany body delivers warmth and sustain; a classic tonal foundation.
- Vintage 'Pattern' neck profile is exceptionally comfortable and familiar.
- PRS 58/15 LT 'S' pickups offer articulate crunch and vintage-inspired tones.
Cons
- Mahogany body can make it feel a little heavier than some modern guitars.
- Rosewood fingerboard might feel a bit dry for some players; conditioning recommended.
80AudioFu
Index↓ 1.6%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$980 · Aug 17$964 now$964€857 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
PRS SE Custom 24 Electric Guitar
SE Custom 24 Quilt TB · PRS
215 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
- Scale635 mm (25")
- Frets24 frets
- BodyMahogany body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This guitar feels like a smaller, lighter version of the big PRS Custom models. The quilted maple top looks fancy, and the wide neck makes it easy to play chords. It suits players who want a solid mahogany body with clear highs and warm lows. Great for gigging if you don't mind the tremolo without a full weight spec.
Pros
- Mahogany body paired with quilted maple for visual appeal
- Wide thin neck profile fits large hands easily
- Birds fingerboard inlays offer classic custom look
Cons
- Teal Black finish may show wear quickly
- No weight specification provided in description
79AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$999 now$999€888 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Gretsch Streamliner Jet Club Bass
Streamliner CVT JBK · Gretsch
105 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width42.9 mm (1.69")
- Scale632 mm (24.88")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- BodyMahogany body
This guitar feels solid thanks to the mahogany body and bolt-on neck. The ceramic humbuckers give a tight, punchy sound perfect for rock. It suits players who want a reliable workhorse without spending a lot of money.
Pros
- Mahogany body and bolt-on neck build strong resonance
- HotWire ceramic humbuckers cut through modern mixes
- Graph Tech NuBone nut reduces fret buzz
Cons
- Lack of single coil pickups limits bright tones
- No specific weight listed makes heft unknown
76AudioFu
Index↓ 3.5%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$325 · Aug 17$314 now$314€279 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42.9 mm (1.69")
- Scale635 mm (25")
- Frets24 frets
- Fingerboard radius254 mm (10")
- BodyMahogany body
This SE CE 24 BU is a seriously impressive guitar for the money. It’s a great ST-style platform with a warmer, richer tone thanks to the mahogany body and those surprisingly versatile 85/15 pickups. It's perfect for gigging musicians or players looking for a well-built, reliable instrument without a premium price tag.
Pros
- Mahogany body delivers warmth and sustain, a noticeable improvement over alder.
- 85/15 pickups offer versatile tones, surprisingly articulate for the price.
- Wide-thin neck profile is comfortable for various hand sizes and playing styles.
Cons
- Mahogany body can be a bit heavier than some players prefer, impacting longer playing sessions.
- Rosewood fingerboard may feel a bit dry; conditioning is recommended for optimal feel.
72AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$764 now$764€679 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale635 mm (25")
- Frets22 frets
- BodyMahogany body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This SE DGT Gold Top is a seriously impressive package. The mahogany body and DGT pickups give it a warm, punchy sound perfect for rock, blues, and even some heavier styles. It's a fantastic option for players looking for PRS quality and aesthetics without the premium price tag.
Pros
- Mahogany body provides warmth and sustain, a real vintage vibe.
- DGT neck profile is comfortable and fast for modern playing styles.
- DGT humbuckers deliver a surprisingly articulate and powerful tone.
Cons
- Rosewood fretboard can be prone to dryness and requires regular maintenance.
- Tremolo system might need occasional tweaking to stay in tune under heavy use.
70AudioFu
Index↓ 1.0%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$874 · Aug 17$865 now$865€769 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Gretsch G2622 Streamliner Center Block Double-Cut with V-Stoptail
G2622T STRML CB DC VWT · Gretsch
92 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width42.9 mm (1.69")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- BodyMaple body
- FingerboardLaurel fingerboard
This G2622T is a fantastic entry point into the Gretsch world. The Broad'Tron pickups give you that classic Gretsch twang and grit, while the comfortable neck makes it a joy to play. It's perfect for rockabilly, blues, and indie players who want a distinctive vintage vibe.
Pros
- Broad'Tron pickups deliver thick, creamy vintage tones.
- Soft 'inCin' neck profile offers comfortable, fast playing feel.
- Adjusto-Matic bridge provides stable intonation and sustain.
Cons
- Laminated maple body can make it a bit heavier than some players prefer.
- Coil splitting isn't as versatile as higher-end Gretsch options.
69AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$618 now$618€549 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 68 double cut guitars
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
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Epiphone SG CustomSG Custom AW · Epiphone · 2 finishes66Stable$652€579$652€579Check ↗
- 12
Epiphone SG Tribute PlusSG Tribute Plus VS · Epiphone · 3 finishes64↓ 8.8%$375€333$375€333Check ↗
- 13
PRS CE-24 Standard SatinSE CE 24 Standard Satin CH · PRS · 4 finishes60↓ 2.0%$539€479$539€479Check ↗
- 14
PRS SE A60E AngelusSE DGT Tobacco Sunburst · PRS59↓ 1.7%$860€764$860€764Check ↗
- 15
Larry Carlton Q3 Antique WhiteLarry Carlton · 3 finishes58↓ 11.1%$449€399$449€399Check ↗
- 16
Ibanez AR420 ArtistAR420-BMG · Ibanez · 2 finishes58Stable$775€689$775€689Check ↗
- 17
Danelectro '59M NOS Double Cutaway59 XT Silver · Danelectro · 2 finishes58Stable$820€729$820€729Check ↗
- 18
Harley Benton DC-580 CH Vintage SeriesHarley Benton · 5 finishes57Stable$156€139$156€139Check ↗
- 19
Larry Carlton Q7 Metallic GoldLarry Carlton · 5 finishes57Stable$674€599$674€599Check ↗
- 20
Harley Benton DC-Junior FAT Faded CherryHarley Benton · 4 finishes55Stable$280€249$280€249Check ↗
- 21
Epiphone Les Paul Special DC TV YellowEpiphone · 2 finishes52↓ 3.7%$582€517$582€517Check ↗
- 22
Danelectro 59X1259X Black · Danelectro · 2 finishes52Stable$719€639$719€639Check ↗
- 23
Guild Polara Deluxe KWGGuild · 3 finishes52Stable$865€769$865€769Check ↗
- 24
Harley Benton DC-Custom II CherryHarley Benton · 2 finishes50Stable$303€269$303€269Check ↗
- 25
Gretsch EMTC CVT HVNA BRSTGretsch · 2 finishes50↓ 1.6%$548€487$548€487Check ↗
- 26
Epiphone SG Standard EB IBGEpiphone · 2 finishes50Stable$608€540$608€540Check ↗
- 27
Ibanez AR320 Artist StandardAR320-MBM · Ibanez50Stable$647€575$647€575Check ↗
- 28
Gretsch G5232T EMTC Double Jet CGRNGretsch · 2 finishes49Stable$673€598$673€598Check ↗
- 29
PRS SE CE 24 Slate BluePRS49Stable$764€679$764€679Check ↗
- 30
Harley Benton DC-600 VI Vintage SeriesHarley Benton · 2 finishes48Stable$224€199$224€199Check ↗
- 31
Danelectro Dan O. Cool BlueDanelectro · 3 finishes48↓ 3.0%$730€649$730€649Check ↗
- 32
ESP LTD Volsung-200LTD Volsung 200 Black Satin · ESP48Stable$787€699$787€699Check ↗
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Epiphone SG Custom Futura M Ember ShiftEpiphone48↓ 12.4%$899€799$899€799Check ↗
- 34
Harley Benton DC-Junior FAT Faded Che w/BagHarley Benton47Stable$291€259$291€259Check ↗
- 35
Danelectro Dan O. Mano SilverDanelectro · 2 finishes47↓ 7.7%$674€599$674€599Check ↗
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Danelectro 59M NOS+ Metalflake 60th Anniversary59M NOS+ Orange Metalflake · Danelectro47↓ 2.3%$713€634$713€634Check ↗
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Gretsch EMTC CVT WYCHWD GRNGretsch46↓ 2.0%$562€499$562€499Check ↗
- 38
Epiphone Les Paul Special DC Fig BBEpiphone46Stable$629€559$629€559Check ↗
- 39
Epiphone Les Paul Special DC Fig OceanWEpiphone46Stable$640€569$640€569Check ↗
- 40
Gretsch G5222 EMTC D. Jet BT V-St. NATGretsch · 2 finishes45Stable$594€528$594€528Check ↗
- 41
Epiphone Fatoumata Diawara Signature SG StandardFatoumata Diawara SG · Epiphone45Stable$730€649$730€649Check ↗
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Ibanez AR625FMSP Artist StandardAR625FMSP-CML · Ibanez45Stable$922€819$922€819Check ↗
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Harley Benton DC-Junior Pelham BlueHarley Benton44Stable$246€219$246€219Check ↗
- 44
Harley Benton DC-Junior TV Yellow w/BagHarley Benton44Stable$258€229$258€229Check ↗
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Harley Benton DC-Junior Pelham Blue w/BagHarley Benton44Stable$258€229$258€229Check ↗
- 46
Danelectro Fifty Niner Jade TopDanelectro44Stable$573€509$573€509Check ↗
- 47
Danelectro 59X12 vintage creamDanelectro · 2 finishes44Stable$787€699$787€699Check ↗
- 48
Guild Polara Blue SteelGuild43↓ 0.7%$617€548$617€548Check ↗
- 49
Guild Polara Phantom GreenGuild43↓ 1.1%$634€563$634€563Check ↗
- 50
Guild Polara Limited Vintage WalnutGuild43Stable$674€599$674€599Check ↗
Double Cut Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 127 models we track, not a sample.
Median $674 — half of all double cut guitars here cost less.
median of 98 models · 41.9 mm (1.65")–43 mm (1.69")
median of 101 models · 21–24
median of 75 models · 254 mm (10")–305 mm (12.01")
most common · 93 models
How to choose the best double cut guitars
Playability (Neck Profile & Action)
A comfortable neck is king. Look for a profile that fits your hand - slim C, D, or even a slightly chunkier feel. Action that's low but buzz-free is crucial for effortless playing, especially when you're trying to nail those fast licks or clean chord changes.
Pickup Voicing
Cheap pickups can sound brittle or muddy, killing your tone. We're looking for pickups with a decent amount of clarity and a usable breakup character - something that can handle bluesy grit or a bit of rock edge without sounding like a broken radio.
Hardware Quality (Tuners & Bridge)
Sloppy tuners are a nightmare on stage. A decent bridge that stays in tune and intonates properly is essential for reliable performance. Cheap hardware will cost you time and frustration - trust me, I've been there.
Construction & Build Quality
Don't expect flawless finishes, but look for solid construction. Check for sharp fret ends, uneven seams, and overall stability. A well-built guitar will stay in tune better and just feel more reliable.
Sustain & Resonance
This isn't just about volume; it's about the guitar's ability to hold a note. A well-chosen wood combination and a well-constructed body will resonate and sustain longer, giving your playing more depth and character.
Buying guide
So, you're in the market for a double cut - good choice. They offer a comfortable reach and a classic look, but finding a quality one under a grand can feel like searching for a vintage Strat at a flea market. This list isn't about chasing perfection; it's about maximizing your bang-for-the-buck and getting a workhorse guitar that won't break the bank or make you cringe when you plug it in at rehearsal.
At this price point, you're making trade-offs. Expect some compromises - the finish might not be flawless, the pickups might not be boutique-grade, and the hardware might be a step down from top-tier instruments. Focus on playability and a usable pickup voicing.
Don't chase aesthetics; chase feel and function. A guitar that inspires you to play is worth more than a pretty paint job.
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 127 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 the stock pickups really that bad?
They can be. Often, they're serviceable but lack character. Upgrading pickups is a common mod, but factor that into your budget. Sometimes a pickup swap can completely transform a guitar.
What about import guitars from overseas?
You can find some incredible value in import guitars, but quality control can be a gamble. Read reviews and, if possible, try before you buy. Be prepared for potential minor cosmetic flaws.
Is a bolt-on neck as good as a set-neck?
Not inherently. Set-necks can offer better sustain, but a well-made bolt-on neck can be just as stable and playable. It's more about the overall construction than the neck joint type itself.
Should I worry about the wood type?
Wood matters, but don't get hung up on exotic tonewoods. Alder, mahogany, and basswood are common for a reason - they offer good tonal balance at a reasonable cost. It's more about how the wood is used than the species itself.
Can I realistically expect a vintage-style feel?
Not really. Vintage feel is a combination of wood, construction, and aging - all hard to replicate on a budget. However, some guitars come closer than others with their neck profiles and overall vibe. Manage your expectations.





