Best Double Cut Guitars Under $1,000 2025

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

Last updated: November 5, 2025 • Next update: November 12, 2025

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

Larry Carlton Q7 Tobacco Sunburst

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
Guild Polara Deluxe Cherry Red - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Guild Polara Deluxe Cherry Red

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
Hagstrom Adina Dark Storm - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Hagstrom Adina Dark Storm

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
Yamaha Revstar RSS20 Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Yamaha Revstar RSS20 Black

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
Epiphone SG Prophecy AJBM - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Epiphone SG Prophecy AJBM

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
Yamaha Revstar RSS02T Sunset Burst - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Yamaha Revstar RSS02T Sunset Burst

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
PRS SE Swamp Ash Special CH - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

PRS SE Swamp Ash Special CH

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
Larry Carlton Q7 Red Sparkle - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Larry Carlton Q7 Red Sparkle

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
Hagstrom Adina Blue Sky - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Hagstrom Adina Blue Sky

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
Guild Polara Deluxe Canyon Dusk - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Guild Polara Deluxe Canyon Dusk

Metal Lead Guitar Fusion
Key Feature:
• Great for lead guitar work
✓ PROS
  • • Versatile pickup configurations
  • • Balanced tone and sustain
✗ CONS
  • • May not suit all musical styles
  • • Weight distribution varies

Guild Polara Deluxe Canyon DuskElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyNeck: MahoganyFingerboardd: RosewoodHeadstock with Guild...

5.0/5 (54 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
PRS SE DGT Gold Top - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

PRS SE DGT Gold Top

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
Yamaha Revstar RSS02T Swift Blue - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Yamaha Revstar RSS02T Swift Blue

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
Yamaha Revstar RSS02T Hot Merlot - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Yamaha Revstar RSS02T Hot Merlot

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
Danelectro 59 XT Silver - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Danelectro 59 XT Silver

Metal Rock Fusion
Key Feature:
• Comfortable playing position
✓ PROS
  • • Balanced tone and sustain
  • • Versatile pickup configurations
✗ CONS
  • • May lack some single-cut warmth
  • • Complex electronics in some models

Danelectro 59 XT SilverElectric GuitarWith double cutawayFrame and centre block: PoplarTop and bottom: MasoniteNeck:...

4.6/5 (24 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Larry Carlton Q7 Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Larry Carlton Q7 Black

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

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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