Best Double Cut Guitars Under $800 2026

Affordable double cut guitars under $800 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Next update: January 21, 2026

Larry Carlton Q3 Antique White - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Larry Carlton Q3 Antique White

Metal Rock Lead Guitar
Key Feature:
• Balanced tone and sustain
✓ PROS
  • • Versatile pickup configurations
  • • Excellent upper fret access
✗ CONS
  • • Can be more expensive
  • • May lack some single-cut warmth

Larry Carlton Q3 Antique WhiteElectric GuitarBody: MahoganySet-in neck: MahoganyFingerboard: RosewoodWhite pearloid /...

4.9/5 (10 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Hagstrom Megin Grey Burst - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Hagstrom Megin Grey Burst

Fusion Jazz Lead Guitar
Key Feature:
• Comfortable playing position
✓ PROS
  • • Versatile pickup configurations
  • • Balanced tone and sustain
✗ CONS
  • • Weight distribution varies
  • • May not suit all musical styles

Hagstrom Megin Grey BurstElectric GuitarBody: MahoganySet-in neck: MahoganyFingerboard: ResinatorPearloid Hagstrom...

5.0/5 (53 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Yamaha Revstar RSS20 Vintage White - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Yamaha Revstar RSS20 Vintage White

Rock Lead Guitar Jazz
Key Feature:
• Comfortable playing position
✓ PROS
  • • Versatile pickup configurations
  • • Excellent upper fret access
✗ CONS
  • • Can be more expensive
  • • Weight distribution varies

Yamaha Revstar RSS20 Vintage WhiteElectric GuitarStandard seriesChambered mahogany bodyMaple topGlued-in 3-piece...

5.0/5 (4 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Danelectro 59X12 vintage cream - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Danelectro 59X12 vintage cream

Rock Jazz Technical Playing
Key Feature:
• Balanced tone and sustain
✓ PROS
  • • Comfortable playing position
  • • Versatile pickup configurations
✗ CONS
  • • Can be more expensive
  • • Complex electronics in some models

Danelectro 59X12 vintage cream12-String Electric GuitarBody shape: Double cutawayFrame and centre block made of...

4.6/5 (30 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Epiphone SG Custom EB LH - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Epiphone SG Custom EB LH

Rock Fusion Metal
Key Feature:
• Versatile pickup configurations
✓ PROS
  • • Excellent upper fret access
  • • Balanced tone and sustain
✗ CONS
  • • Weight distribution varies
  • • Can be more expensive

Epiphone SG Custom EB LHElectric GuitarLeft-handed modelInspired by Gibson CollectionBody: MahoganyNeck:...

4.4/5 (40 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Epiphone SG Standard Cherry - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Epiphone SG Standard Cherry

Lead Guitar Metal Fusion
Key Feature:
• Versatile pickup configurations
✓ PROS
  • • Comfortable playing position
  • • Excellent upper fret access
✗ CONS
  • • Complex electronics in some models
  • • Weight distribution varies

Epiphone SG Standard CherryElectric GuitarInspired by Gibson CollectionBody: MahoganyNeck: MahoganyFingerboard: Indian...

4.5/5 (37 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Gretsch G2622T Strml Cb ARCTC - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Gretsch G2622T Strml Cb ARCTC

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

Gretsch G2622T Strml Cb ARCTCElectric GuitarBody: Maple laminatedNeck: NatoFingerboard: LaurelFingerboard inlays:...

4.8/5 (48 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Epiphone SG Custom Ebony - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Epiphone SG Custom Ebony

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

Epiphone SG Custom EbonyElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyNeck: MahoganyFretboard: EbonyPearloid Block fretboard inlaysSplit...

4.9/5 (48 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Larry Carlton Q3 Tobacco Sunburst - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Larry Carlton Q3 Tobacco Sunburst

Jazz Fusion Technical Playing
Key Feature:
• Versatile pickup configurations
✓ PROS
  • • Balanced tone and sustain
  • • Excellent upper fret access
✗ CONS
  • • Can be more expensive
  • • Complex electronics in some models

Larry Carlton Q3 Tobacco SunburstElectric GuitarBody: MahoganySet-in neck: MahoganyFingerboard: RosewoodWhite pearloid...

4.9/5 (55 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Yamaha Revstar RSS20 Flash Green - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Yamaha Revstar RSS20 Flash Green

Lead Guitar Metal Technical Playing
Key Feature:
• Versatile pickup configurations
✓ PROS
  • • Comfortable playing position
  • • Excellent upper fret access
✗ CONS
  • • Can be more expensive
  • • Complex electronics in some models

Yamaha Revstar RSS20 Flash GreenElectric GuitarStandard SeriesBody: MahoganyTop: MapleSet-in 3-piece mahogany neck with...

4.8/5 (51 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Epiphone SG Custom AW - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Epiphone SG Custom AW

Rock Technical Playing Fusion
Key Feature:
• Great for lead guitar work
✓ PROS
  • • Versatile pickup configurations
  • • Balanced tone and sustain
✗ CONS
  • • May not suit all musical styles
  • • Complex electronics in some models

Epiphone SG Custom AWElectric GuitarInspired by Gibson CollectionBody: MahoganyNeck: MahoganyFingerboard: EbonyPearloid...

4.4/5 (21 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Danelectro Fifty Niner Red Top - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Danelectro Fifty Niner Red Top

Rock Metal Jazz
Key Feature:
• Great for lead guitar work
✓ PROS
  • • Great for lead guitar work
  • • Comfortable playing position
✗ CONS
  • • May lack some single-cut warmth
  • • May not suit all musical styles

Danelectro Fifty Niner Red TopElectric GuitarStyle: Semi-hollow with double cutawaySides and centre block: MapleBody:...

4.7/5 (20 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
PRS SE CE 24 TU - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

PRS SE CE 24 TU

Metal Rock Jazz
Key Feature:
• Versatile pickup configurations
✓ PROS
  • • Excellent upper fret access
  • • Balanced tone and sustain
✗ CONS
  • • May lack some single-cut warmth
  • • Complex electronics in some models

PRS SE CE 24 TUElectric GuitarST-Style electric guitarBody: MahoganyNeck: Bolt-on mapleFingerboard: RosewoodNeck...

4.8/5 (24 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Gretsch G5222 EMTC D.Jet BT BLK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Gretsch G5222 EMTC D.Jet BT BLK

Technical Playing Rock Lead Guitar
Key Feature:
• Excellent upper fret access
✓ PROS
  • • Versatile pickup configurations
  • • Comfortable playing position
✗ CONS
  • • Weight distribution varies
  • • Can be more expensive

Gretsch G5222 EMTC D.Jet BT BLKElectric GuitarElectromatic seriesMahogany bodyArched maple topMahogany neckLaurel...

5.0/5 (51 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
PRS SE CE 24 Standard Satin MD - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

PRS SE CE 24 Standard Satin MD

Metal Technical Playing Fusion
Key Feature:
• Versatile pickup configurations
✓ PROS
  • • Great for lead guitar work
  • • Versatile pickup configurations
✗ CONS
  • • Can be more expensive
  • • Weight distribution varies

PRS SE CE 24 Standard Satin MDElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodBirds fingerboard...

4.7/5 (39 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10

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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