AudioFu

Best Double Cut Guitars Under $2,000 2026

Affordable double cut guitars under $2,000 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Next update: January 21, 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
Epiphone 1960 Les Paul Special DC TVY - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Epiphone 1960 Les Paul Special DC TVY

by Epiphone
Technical Playing Fusion Metal
Key Feature:
• Excellent upper fret access
✓ PROS
  • • Great for lead guitar work
  • • Balanced tone and sustain
✗ CONS
  • • Weight distribution varies
  • • Can be more expensive

Epiphone 1960 Les Paul Special DC TVYElectric GuitarInspired by Gibson Custom Collection (2025)Body: MahoganySet neck:...

⭐ 4.4/5 (43 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 614913
$1,165
Buy at Thomann View Details
Gibson SG ´61 Standard CRB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Gibson SG ´61 Standard CRB

by Gibson
Rock Lead Guitar Fusion
Key Feature:
• Versatile pickup configurations
✓ PROS
  • • Great for lead guitar work
  • • Excellent upper fret access
✗ CONS
  • • Weight distribution varies
  • • Complex electronics in some models

Gibson SG ´61 Standard CRBElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyNeck: MahoganyFingerboard: RosewoodTrapeze fingerboard...

⭐ 4.4/5 (4 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 583954
$1,979
Buy at Thomann View Details
Gibson Theodore Vintage Cherry - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Gibson Theodore Vintage Cherry

by Gibson
Technical Playing Jazz Metal
Key Feature:
• Great for lead guitar work
✓ PROS
  • • Versatile pickup configurations
  • • Balanced tone and sustain
✗ CONS
  • • Weight distribution varies
  • • May lack some single-cut warmth

Gibson Theodore Vintage CherryElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyNeck: MahoganyFingerboard: RosewoodNeck profile: 57...

⭐ 4.8/5 (16 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 569763
$1,869
Buy at Thomann View Details
DAngelico Deluxe Brighton VSB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

DAngelico Deluxe Brighton VSB

by DAngelico
Jazz Fusion Rock
Key Feature:
• Balanced tone and sustain
✓ PROS
  • • Excellent upper fret access
  • • Balanced tone and sustain
✗ CONS
  • • May not suit all musical styles
  • • Complex electronics in some models

DAngelico Deluxe Brighton VSBElectric guitarAlder bodyFlamed maple top3-ply maple/walnut/maple neckEbony fingerboard...

⭐ 4.5/5 (15 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 514816
$1,429
Buy at Thomann View Details
Reverend Sensei RA TC - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Reverend Sensei RA TC

by Reverend
Jazz Rock Metal
Key Feature:
• Comfortable playing position
✓ PROS
  • • Comfortable playing position
  • • Great for lead guitar work
✗ CONS
  • • Can be more expensive
  • • May not suit all musical styles

Reverend Sensei RA TCElectric GuitarBody: KorinaSet-in neck: KorinaFingerboard: EbonyMother of Pearl Block fingerboard...

⭐ 5.0/5 (27 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 614753
$1,319
Buy at Thomann View Details
Reverend Reeves Gabrels Dirtbike Roy FG - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Reverend Reeves Gabrels Dirtbike Roy FG

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

Reverend Reeves Gabrels Dirtbike Roy FGElectric GuitarBody: KorinaSet-in neck: KorinaFingerboard: EbonyWhite dot...

⭐ 4.7/5 (39 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 614340
$1,319
Buy at Thomann View Details
Epiphone 1964 SG Standard Vibrola CR - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Epiphone 1964 SG Standard Vibrola CR

by Epiphone
Metal Jazz Technical Playing
Key Feature:
• Comfortable playing position
✓ PROS
  • • Comfortable playing position
  • • Balanced tone and sustain
✗ CONS
  • • May not suit all musical styles
  • • Can be more expensive

Epiphone 1964 SG Standard Vibrola CRElectric GuitarInspired by Gibson Custom Collection (2025)Body: MahoganySet-in...

⭐ 4.8/5 (48 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 614964
$1,495
Buy at Thomann View Details
Gibson Theodore Ebony - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Gibson Theodore Ebony

by Gibson
Fusion Lead Guitar Technical Playing
Key Feature:
• Great for lead guitar work
✓ PROS
  • • Excellent upper fret access
  • • Comfortable playing position
✗ CONS
  • • Complex electronics in some models
  • • May lack some single-cut warmth

Gibson Theodore EbonyElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyNeck: MahoganyFingerboard: RosewoodPearloid trapezoid fingerboard...

⭐ 4.9/5 (9 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 569767
$1,979
Buy at Thomann View Details
Gibson SG Standard Classic White - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Gibson SG Standard Classic White

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

Gibson SG Standard Classic WhiteElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyNeck: MahoganyFingerboard: RosewoodFingerboard inlays:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (11 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 589530
$1,792
Buy at Thomann View Details
Gibson SG Standard EB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Gibson SG Standard EB

by Gibson
Technical Playing Metal Lead Guitar
Key Feature:
• Comfortable playing position
✓ PROS
  • • Comfortable playing position
  • • Great for lead guitar work
✗ CONS
  • • May not suit all musical styles
  • • May lack some single-cut warmth

Gibson SG Standard EBElectric GuitarBody: Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla)Neck: Mahogany (Swietenia...

⭐ 4.5/5 (10 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 462537
$1,649
Buy at Thomann View Details
PRS SE Mark Holcomb SVN HL - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

PRS SE Mark Holcomb SVN HL

by PRS
Jazz Metal Technical Playing
Key Feature:
• Comfortable playing position
✓ PROS
  • • Balanced tone and sustain
  • • Versatile pickup configurations
✗ CONS
  • • Weight distribution varies
  • • May lack some single-cut warmth

PRS SE Mark Holcomb SVN HL7-String Electric GuitarBody: MahoganyTop: Maple with quilted maple veneerGlued-in neck:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (26 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 559178
$1,264
Buy at Thomann View Details
PRS SE Custom 24 Charcoal Cherry B - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

PRS SE Custom 24 Charcoal Cherry B

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

PRS SE Custom 24 Charcoal Cherry BElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyArchtop: Maple with flamed maple veneerNeck:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (20 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 613718
$1,099
Buy at Thomann View Details
Schecter Sun Valley Super Shredder BL - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Schecter Sun Valley Super Shredder BL

by Schecter
Technical Playing Rock Lead Guitar
Key Feature:
• Excellent upper fret access
✓ PROS
  • • Versatile pickup configurations
  • • Great for lead guitar work
✗ CONS
  • • May not suit all musical styles
  • • Weight distribution varies

Schecter Sun Valley Super Shredder BLElectric guitarBody: Black LimbaNeck: Wenge with carbon reinforcementFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (28 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 529013
$1,759
Buy at Thomann View Details
PRS SE Custom 24-08 Quilt CG - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

PRS SE Custom 24-08 Quilt CG

by PRS
Jazz Technical Playing Rock
Key Feature:
• Comfortable playing position
✓ PROS
  • • Versatile pickup configurations
  • • Excellent upper fret access
✗ CONS
  • • May lack some single-cut warmth
  • • Can be more expensive

PRS SE Custom 24-08 Quilt CGElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyTop: quilted mapleSet-in neck: MapleFingerboard: EbonyNeck...

⭐ 4.5/5 (17 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 601414
$1,344
Buy at Thomann View Details
Guild Polara Kim Thayil VWG - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Guild Polara Kim Thayil VWG

by Guild
Metal Technical Playing Jazz
Key Feature:
• Excellent upper fret access
✓ PROS
  • • Great for lead guitar work
  • • Versatile pickup configurations
✗ CONS
  • • Complex electronics in some models
  • • May not suit all musical styles

Guild Polara Kim Thayil VWGElectric GuitarKim Thayil (Soundgarden) Signature ModelBody: MahoganyNeck:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (35 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 580221
$1,077
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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