Best Double Cut Guitars Under $1,000 2026

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

Last updated: February 11, 2026 • Next update: February 18, 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 Red Sparkle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

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

Yamaha Revstar RSS02T Swift Blue - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

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 Creme - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

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

Yamaha Revstar RSS20 Sunset Burst - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

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

Hagstrom Adina Dark Storm - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

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

Epiphone SG Modern Figured Purple Burst - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Epiphone SG Modern Figured Purple Burst

by Epiphone

Technical Playing Lead Guitar Rock

Key Feature:

• Balanced tone and sustain

✓ PROS

• Versatile pickup configurations
• Great for lead guitar work

✗ CONS

• May not suit all musical styles
• Weight distribution varies

Epiphone SG Modern Figured Purple BurstElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyNeck: MahoganyTop: MapleFingerboard: EbonyTrapeze...

⭐ 4.6/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 569641

$802

Buy at Thomann View Details

PRS SE DGT Gold Top - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

PRS SE DGT Gold Top

by PRS

Fusion Technical Playing Lead Guitar

Key Feature:

• Excellent upper fret access

✓ PROS

• Versatile pickup configurations
• Comfortable playing position

✗ CONS

• May not suit all musical styles
• May lack some single-cut warmth

PRS SE DGT Gold TopElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyTop: MapleGlued-in neck: MahoganyFingerboard: RosewoodMoons fretboard...

⭐ 5.0/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 557654

$956

Buy at Thomann View Details

Guild Polara Deluxe Vintage Sunburst - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

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 Tobacco Sunburst - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

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

PRS SE Swamp Ash Special CH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.9/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

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

PRS SE Swamp Ash Special IB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.8/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

PRS SE Swamp Ash Special IB

by PRS

Technical Playing Rock Lead Guitar

Key Feature:

• Great for lead guitar work

✓ PROS

• Great for lead guitar work
• Excellent upper fret access

✗ CONS

• Complex electronics in some models
• May lack some single-cut warmth

PRS SE Swamp Ash Special IBElectric GuitarBody: Swamp AshNeck: Bolt-on mapleFingerboard: MapleNeck profile: Wide Thin -...

⭐ 4.8/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 577391

$906

Buy at Thomann View Details

Larry Carlton Q7 Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.8/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

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

Guild Polara Deluxe Cherry Red - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.8/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Guild Polara Deluxe Cherry Red

by Guild

Rock Fusion Technical Playing

Key Feature:

• Excellent upper fret access

✓ PROS

• Balanced tone and sustain
• Comfortable playing position

✗ CONS

• Weight distribution varies
• May not suit all musical styles

Guild Polara Deluxe Cherry RedElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyMahogany neckFingerboard: RosewoodHeadstock with Guild Peak...

⭐ 4.8/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 580229

$813

Buy at Thomann View Details

Epiphone SG Prophecy AJBM - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.5/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

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 RSS20 Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.7/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Yamaha Revstar RSS20 Black

by Yamaha

Jazz Fusion Rock

Key Feature:

• Excellent upper fret access

✓ PROS

• Versatile pickup configurations
• Balanced tone and sustain

✗ CONS

• Weight distribution varies
• Can be more expensive

Yamaha Revstar RSS20 BlackElectric GuitarStandard seriesChambered mahogany bodyMaple topGlued-on 3-strip mahogany neck...

⭐ 4.7/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 539405

$859

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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TOP

Best Double Cut Guitars Under $1,000 2026

Larry Carlton Q7 Red Sparkle

Yamaha Revstar RSS02T Swift Blue

Hagstrom Adina Creme

Yamaha Revstar RSS20 Sunset Burst

Hagstrom Adina Dark Storm

Epiphone SG Modern Figured Purple Burst

PRS SE DGT Gold Top

Guild Polara Deluxe Vintage Sunburst

Larry Carlton Q7 Tobacco Sunburst

PRS SE Swamp Ash Special CH

PRS SE Swamp Ash Special IB

Larry Carlton Q7 Black

Guild Polara Deluxe Cherry Red

Epiphone SG Prophecy AJBM

Yamaha Revstar RSS20 Black

How to Choose the Best Double Cut Guitars

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

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