AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Yamaha Double Cut Guitars 2026
The top pick is Yamaha Revstar II Standard RSS20 ($843). Yamaha Revstar II RSE20 gives you the most for the money at $539. Yamaha Revstar II RSP02T leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 6 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 19, 2026
Top 6
Full detail for the 6 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 ↗ -
Yamaha RS02CB Chris Buck Signature Revstar
Chris Buck RS02CB Honey Gold · Yamaha
33 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width41.9 mm (1.65")
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- BodyMahogany body
This Chris Buck guitar feels great to play because its chambered mahogany body is light but sturdy. The Alnico III pickups give a classic P-90 sound that cuts well in a band. It suits players who want a warm, vintage tone without the heavy weight of solid wood.
Pros
- Solid mahogany chambered body keeps weight down for long playing
- Carbon reinforced set neck ensures stable tuning over time
- Alnico III single coils deliver a warm, mid-focused tone
Cons
- Plastic nut may wear down faster than a metal alternative
- Lack of a dedicated pickup selector switch limits tone options
61AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,349 now$1,349€1,199 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Yamaha Revstar II RSP02T
Revstar RSP02T Crisp Gold · Yamaha
49 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width41.9 mm (1.65")
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
The RSP02T is a seriously cool guitar, blending vintage aesthetics with modern refinements. That mahogany/maple combo and P90 pickup pairing give it a unique, character-rich voice—perfect for players craving a slightly different vibe than the usual Strat or Tele. It's a premium-priced instrument that delivers a lot of bang for your buck.
Pros
- Chambered mahogany body provides excellent resonance and comfortable weight.
- P90 pickups deliver thick, warm tone with a snarling edge.
- Japanese craftsmanship ensures exceptional build quality and hardware precision.
Cons
- The Crisp Gold finish might be polarizing – not universally appealing.
- Scale length leans towards shorter, potentially limiting high-speed playing for some.
61AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,137 now$2,137€1,899 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Yamaha Revstar II RSP20
Revstar RSP20 Moonlight Blue · Yamaha
38 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width41.9 mm (1.65")
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
The Revstar RSP20 is a seriously well-built guitar, offering a surprisingly refined voice for the price. The chambered mahogany body gives it a warmth and sustain that's really pleasing, and the carbon reinforcement keeps things stable. This is a fantastic option for players seeking a modern take on a classic, vintage-inspired feel, particularly those into rock, blues, and lighter hard rock.
Pros
- Carbon-reinforced body and neck dramatically improve stability and resonance.
- VH5 humbuckers deliver a surprisingly articulate and powerful, vintage-inspired tone.
- The PPS nut minimizes friction and tuning instability – a thoughtful, premium touch.
Cons
- Mahogany body, while resonant, contributes to a moderately heavy feel.
- Rosewood fingerboard might not appeal to players preferring a faster, glossier feel.
60AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,024 now$2,024€1,799 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
Double Cut Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 241 models we track, not a sample.
Median $865 — half of all double cut guitars here cost less.
median of 164 models · 41.9 mm (1.65")–43 mm (1.69")
median of 217 models · 625 mm (24.61")–648 mm (25.51")
median of 168 models · 21–24
median of 117 models · 254 mm (10")–350 mm (13.78")
How to choose the best double cut guitars
Build Quality
Yamaha's reputation for solid construction isn't hype. Their guitars are consistently well-built, with tight neck joints and reliable hardware. You're getting a guitar that's going to stay in tune and hold up to travel, a huge plus for gigging musicians.
Tone Characteristics
The Pacifica line, in particular, tends to offer a versatile palette. You'll find a balanced tone - not overly bright or muddy - that responds well to different pickup configurations and amp settings. It's a great platform for shaping your own signature sound, from bluesy grit to sparkling cleans.
Neck Profile
Yamaha's neck profiles are generally comfortable and accessible, often falling somewhere between a slim C and a D shape. This makes them playable for a wide range of players, from beginners to seasoned pros who want a comfortable feel without being too bulky.
Hardware & Electronics
While Yamaha might not always use the flashiest pickups or hardware, they prioritize functionality and reliability. You're less likely to have a bridge rattle or a pickup die on you mid-set - a huge win for reliability.
Value Proposition
Let's be honest, you're getting a lot of guitar for the money. Yamaha consistently undercuts the competition while maintaining a level of quality that many other brands simply can't match at the same price point. This makes them fantastic for players on a budget or those who want a reliable workhorse.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're in the market for a Yamaha double cut? Smart move. Yamaha often gets overlooked in the 'cool' guitar conversation, but they consistently deliver serious bang for your buck - reliable, well-built instruments that can handle a beating. We're focusing on the double cut models here because they often represent a sweet spot in Yamaha's lineup, offering access to their best designs without breaking the bank. Let's break down what makes them special.
Don't expect boutique-level aesthetics or exotic wood choices. Yamaha prioritizes function over flash. The lower-end models sometimes use cheaper hardware which can be upgraded later, but the core instrument is solid.
Spend a little extra for a model with Alnico pickups - they'll give you more nuanced dynamics and a warmer, more vintage-style tone. Ultimately, a well-maintained Yamaha double cut will serve you faithfully for years.
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 23 double cut guitars from the Thomann catalogue (of 241 in the category). 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 Yamaha guitars 'good' enough for recording?
Absolutely. Their balanced tone makes them surprisingly versatile in the studio. You can dial in a wide range of sounds without having to compensate for overly bright or muddy frequencies. They record well, especially with a decent preamp.
What's the difference between a Pacifica and a Revstar?
Pacifica is Yamaha's bread-and-butter - a versatile, reliable workhorse. Revstar is their more modern, high-performance line, with more aggressive styling and often higher-end components, at a higher price point. Revstar generally has more 'growl' and a more modern voicing.
Can I easily upgrade the pickups on a Yamaha?
Definitely. The cavities are typically routed for standard pickup sizes, so swapping pickups is straightforward. It's a common upgrade to tailor the guitar's tone to your specific needs.
Are Yamaha guitars easy to play for beginners?
The neck profiles are generally comfortable, and the action is often set up reasonably well from the factory, making them a good choice for beginners. Just make sure to have a setup done by a tech to ensure optimal playability.
Do Yamaha guitars hold their value?
Not as well as some boutique brands, but they're known for their reliability, so they tend to retain a decent portion of their value. They're more about getting a solid instrument than an investment piece.
