Best Yamaha Double Cut Guitars 2026
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.
Last updated: September 1, 2026
⚡ The best double cut guitars in 2026 are Yamaha Chris Buck RS02CB Honey Gold (top pick), Yamaha Revstar RSE20 Red Copper for tighter budgets, and Yamaha Revstar RSE20 Swift Blue for pros — selected from 15 options, priced $543–$2,202, ranked by brand, price and popularity.
#1
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Yamaha Chris Buck RS02CB Honey Gold
by
Yamaha
Nut width
41.9 mm (1.65")
Scale
629 mm (24.76")
Frets
22 frets
Fingerboard radius
305 mm (12.01")
Body
Mahogany body
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Lead Guitar
Jazz
Metal
Key Feature:
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
- • Honey Gold finish adds a unique vintage aesthetic to the guitar
CONS
- • Plastic nut may wear down faster than a metal alternative
- • Lack of a dedicated pickup selector switch limits tone options
- • No specific weight rating provided for this particular model
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 635074
$1,390
Yamaha Revstar RSE20 Red Copper
by
Yamaha
Nut width
41.9 mm (1.65")
Scale
629 mm (24.76")
Frets
22 frets
Fingerboard radius
305 mm (12.01")
Body
Mahogany body
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Rock
Fusion
Jazz
Key Feature:
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.
- • The push/pull tone control adds tonal flexibility without excessive complexity.
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.
- • Limited pickup options restrict versatility for extreme genres like metal or jazz.
⭐
5.0/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 539485
$555
Yamaha Revstar RSE20 Swift Blue
by
Yamaha
Nut width
41.9 mm (1.65")
Scale
629 mm (24.76")
Frets
22 frets
Fingerboard radius
305 mm (12.01")
Body
Mahogany body
Fusion
Lead Guitar
Metal
Key Feature:
The Revstar RSE20 is a seriously impressive guitar for the money. It's got a warm, resonant mahogany body, a comfortable neck, and those VH3 pickups deliver a great blend of vintage and modern tones. This is a fantastic choice for players looking for a well-built, versatile instrument with a classic vibe, especially those into rock, blues, and indie.
PROS
- • Mahogany chambered body delivers warmth and sustain, surprisingly resonant.
- • PPS nut provides excellent tuning stability and a smoother feel at the headstock.
- • VH3 pickups offer a versatile range, from clean chime to thick, crunchy overdrive.
- • The push/pull tone control expands tonal options, adding a useful high-pass filter.
CONS
- • Rosewood fretboard might feel a bit dry for some; consider oiling for optimal playability.
- • The neck profile, while comfortable, might be too thin for players preferring a thicker feel.
- • While versatile, the pickup voicing leans toward classic rock; less suited for modern metal.
⭐
5.0/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 539490
$544
Yamaha Revstar RSE20 Neon Yellow
by
Yamaha
Nut width
41.9 mm (1.65")
Scale
629 mm (24.76")
Frets
22 frets
Fingerboard radius
305 mm (12.01")
Body
Mahogany body
Rock
Technical Playing
Lead Guitar
Key Feature:
The Revstar RSE20 is a seriously cool instrument. It's got a warm, woody tone with a surprising amount of bite thanks to those VH3 pickups. This is a fantastic option for players wanting a unique look and feel without sacrificing quality – especially good for rock, blues, and modern alternative.
PROS
- • Mahogany chambered body provides warmth and sustain.
- • VH3 pickups deliver a surprisingly articulate and powerful tone.
- • Comfortable neck profile suits a wide range of playing styles.
- • Unique Neon Yellow finish stands out from the crowd.
CONS
- • The mahogany body can make it feel slightly heavier than some alternatives.
- • Master volume control can limit tonal shaping flexibility.
- • Rosewood fretboard might feel a bit dry to some players.
⭐
5.0/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 539487
$544
Yamaha Revstar RSE20 Black
by
Yamaha
Scale
629 mm (24.76")
Frets
22 frets
Fingerboard radius
305 mm (12.01")
Body
Mahogany body
Fusion
Jazz
Lead Guitar
Key Feature:
The Revstar RSE20 Black is a seriously impressive guitar for the money. It's got a great feel, a warm but powerful tone, and the push/pull tone control gives you some extra flexibility. This is a fantastic option for gigging musicians and players looking for a solid, versatile instrument without the premium price tag.
PROS
- • Chambered mahogany body delivers a warm, resonant, and surprisingly lightweight feel.
- • The PPS nut provides excellent tuning stability and a smooth feel at the first fret.
- • VH3 pickups offer a versatile, high-output tone suitable for rock and blues.
- • The push/pull tone control adds a useful high-pass filter for brighter sounds.
CONS
- • Rosewood fingerboard can feel a bit 'sticky' for some players, especially in warmer climates.
- • Scale length is slightly shorter than standard, potentially impacting low-end extension for some styles.
- • Hardware, while functional, doesn't quite match the premium feel of higher-end guitars.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 539483
$544
Yamaha Revstar RSS20 Flash Green
by
Yamaha
Nut width
41.9 mm (1.65")
Scale
629 mm (24.76")
Fingerboard radius
305 mm (12.01")
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Lead Guitar
Metal
Technical Playing
Key Feature:
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.
- • Rosewood fretboard provides comfortable playability and a familiar feel.
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.
- • Mahogany body contributes to a noticeable weight, potentially tiring for some.
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 539407
$869
Yamaha Revstar RSS02T Sonic Blue
by
Yamaha
Nut width
41.9 mm (1.65")
Scale
629 mm (24.76")
Fingerboard radius
305 mm (12.01")
Rock
Jazz
Fusion
Key Feature:
This guitar sounds like a classic rock workhorse. The P90 pickups give you a thick, buzzy tone that cuts through any mix. It feels solid in your hands thanks to the mahogany body and reinforced neck. Great for players who want a simple, loud sound without extra knobs.
PROS
- • Solid mahogany body with carbon neck reinforcement for stability.
- • Bright P90 pickups deliver a raw, cutting tone for rock.
- • Jumbo stainless steel frets play smooth and feel durable.
- • Standard series design offers a reliable, solid-body feel.
CONS
- • No active electronics means limited low-end response.
- • Single volume control lacks individual pickup control.
- • Standard series lacks the playability of pro models.
⭐
4.7/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
6/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 625736
$927
Yamaha Revstar RSS02T Vintage White
by
Yamaha
Nut width
41.9 mm (1.65")
Scale
629 mm (24.76")
Fingerboard radius
305 mm (12.01")
Rock
Technical Playing
Metal
Key Feature:
This guitar feels solid thanks to its mahogany body and neck, plus the carbon fiber makes it feel strong. The bright P90 pickups give you a clean sound that cuts through a band. It is a simple, reliable choice for players who want a classic vibe without too many knobs to turn.
PROS
- • Chambered mahogany body keeps the guitar light and easy to play for long sessions.
- • Alnico 5 single coil pickups deliver a crisp, bright tone perfect for clean playing.
- • 3-piece mahogany neck with carbon reinforcement offers strong stability and fast response.
- • Rosewood fingerboard provides a smooth surface that feels great under the fingertips.
CONS
- • Single master volume control limits tonal shaping compared to multi-control models.
- • No listed weight makes it impossible to know if it is heavy or light.
- • Lacks a master treble knob, so high-end brightness cannot be adjusted independently.
⭐
4.7/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
6/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 625733
$927
Yamaha Revstar RSS20 Mist Green
by
Yamaha
Nut width
41.9 mm (1.65")
Scale
629 mm (24.76")
Fingerboard radius
305 mm (12.01")
Jazz
Metal
Technical Playing
Key Feature:
This guitar feels like a big, warm brick with a thick mahogany body that holds notes well. The Alnico 5 humbuckers push hard, but the push-pull switch lets you cut through the mix with a crisp single-coil tone. It's a solid choice for players who want punchy volume without spending a fortune.
PROS
- • Heavy mahogany body adds solid sustain and warmth
- • Alnico 5 humbuckers deliver thick, powerful output
- • Carbon-reinforced set neck ensures strong stability
- • Push-pull tone switch offers focused single-coil clarity
CONS
- • No weight spec listed makes handling feel uncertain
- • Standard series lacks advanced electronics found in Pro models
- • Rosewood fingerboard requires more oil maintenance than maple
⭐
4.7/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
6/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 625743
$927
Yamaha Revstar RSS02T Fired Red
by
Yamaha
Nut width
41.9 mm (1.65")
Scale
629 mm (24.76")
Fingerboard radius
305 mm (12.01")
Technical Playing
Fusion
Rock
Key Feature:
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.
- • Jumbo stainless steel frets feel smooth and durable under heavy fingerpicking.
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.
- • Single volume and tone controls limit dynamic range compared to multi-control models.
⭐
4.7/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
6/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 625739
$915
Yamaha Revstar RSS20 Sunset Burst
by
Yamaha
Nut width
41.9 mm (1.65")
Scale
629 mm (24.76")
Fingerboard radius
305 mm (12.01")
Jazz
Metal
Fusion
Key Feature:
The Revstar RSS20 is a seriously impressive guitar for the money. That chambered mahogany body and carbon-reinforced neck combo gives it a really unique feel and resonance. It’s a great choice for players who want a solid, versatile instrument with a vintage vibe without the vintage price tag.
PROS
- • Mahogany chambered body delivers warm, resonant tones with surprising sustain.
- • Carbon-reinforced neck provides exceptional stability and resists twisting under tension.
- • VH5 humbuckers offer a versatile range from thick rhythm to searing lead tones.
- • Elixir Nanoweb strings provide a smooth feel and extended string life out of the box.
CONS
- • Rosewood fretboard might feel a little dry for some players; consider oiling.
- • Shorter scale length limits low-end extension compared to longer-scale guitars.
- • Sunset Burst finish, while beautiful, can be prone to fingerprints and smudging.
⭐
4.7/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
6/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 539446
$869
Yamaha Revstar RSS02T Hot Merlot
by
Yamaha
Nut width
41.9 mm (1.65")
Scale
629 mm (24.76")
Fingerboard radius
305 mm (12.01")
Metal
Lead Guitar
Rock
Key Feature:
The Revstar RSS02T is a seriously cool guitar. It’s got that vintage vibe with modern touches like the carbon-reinforced neck, making it comfortable and stable. Ideal for players wanting a P90 growl and a unique look without spending a fortune.
PROS
- • Chambered mahogany body provides excellent resonance and sustain.
- • P90 pickups deliver thick, warm tone with plenty of character.
- • Glued-in neck with carbon rods enhances stability and upper fret access.
- • Racing tailpiece adds a unique aesthetic and improves string alignment.
CONS
- • The Hot Merlot finish, while striking, might not appeal to all players.
- • P90 pickups can be noisy at higher gain settings – a classic trait.
- • The 12” radius fretboard might feel less familiar to players used to flatter profiles.
⭐
4.7/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
6/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 539438
$877
Yamaha Revstar RSS02T Sunset Burst
by
Yamaha
Nut width
41.9 mm (1.65")
Scale
629 mm (24.76")
Fingerboard radius
305 mm (12.01")
Lead Guitar
Rock
Metal
Key Feature:
The RSS02T is a seriously cool guitar offering a vintage vibe without the vintage price tag. That mahogany body and P90 combo delivers a snarling, expressive tone that’s perfect for players into blues, rock, and garage rock. It’s a great option for intermediate players wanting a distinctive sound and solid build quality.
PROS
- • Chambered mahogany body delivers a warm, resonant tone with surprising sustain.
- • P90 pickups provide thick, gritty character ideal for blues, rock, and beyond.
- • Carbon-reinforced neck offers exceptional stability and comfortable, consistent feel.
- • Tune-O-Matic bridge and racing tailpiece contribute to reliable tuning stability and sustain.
CONS
- • P90 pickups can be noisy, especially at higher gain levels; requires careful amp/pedal choices.
- • Rosewood fretboard may require more frequent oiling to prevent dryness and cracking.
- • Sunset Burst finish, while beautiful, might not appeal to players preferring more understated aesthetics.
⭐
4.7/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
6/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 539436
$899
Yamaha Revstar RSS02T Swift Blue
by
Yamaha
Nut width
41.9 mm (1.65")
Scale
629 mm (24.76")
Fingerboard radius
305 mm (12.01")
Rock
Jazz
Lead Guitar
Key Feature:
The Revstar RSS02T is a seriously cool guitar – it nails that vintage vibe with a modern twist. The chambered body keeps it comfortable, and those P90s just scream. It's perfect for players wanting a distinctive, characterful tone without the premium price tag of a custom shop instrument.
PROS
- • Mahogany/Maple combo delivers warmth and focused upper harmonics.
- • P90 pickups provide thick, gritty tones ideal for rock and blues.
- • Carbon-reinforced neck ensures stability and comfortable playability.
- • Tune-O-Matic/racing tailpiece offers excellent tuning stability and sustain.
CONS
- • Chambered body, while lighter, might lack the resonance of a solid body.
- • P90 pickups can be noisy at higher gain settings – a characteristic, not a flaw.
- • Rosewood fretboard may require more frequent oiling for optimal feel.
⭐
4.7/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
6/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 539429
$903
#15
⭐
4.6/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
6/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
5/10
Yamaha Revstar RSP02T Crisp Gold
by
Yamaha
Nut width
41.9 mm (1.65")
Scale
629 mm (24.76")
Fingerboard radius
305 mm (12.01")
Jazz
Metal
Lead Guitar
Key Feature:
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.
- • Push/pull tone control adds versatility beyond basic volume and tone.
CONS
- • The Crisp Gold finish might be polarizing – not universally appealing.
- • Scale length leans towards shorter, potentially limiting high-speed playing for some.
- • P90 pickups are inherently noisier than humbuckers, requiring careful gain staging.
⭐
4.6/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
6/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
5/10
Art. 539412
$2,202
Every double cut guitars that matches
23 models match this page. The 15 above are covered in detail; the rest are listed here with their published specifications.
| # | Model | Specifications | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | Yamaha Revstar RSP20X R. Br. Charcoal | Nut width 41.9 mm (1.65") · Scale 629 mm (24.76") · Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01") | $2,202 |
| 17 | Yamaha Revstar RSP20 Moonlight Blue | Nut width 41.9 mm (1.65") · Scale 629 mm (24.76") · Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01") | $2,086 |
| 18 | Yamaha Revstar RSS02T Black | Nut width 41.9 mm (1.65") · Scale 629 mm (24.76") · Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01") | $833 |
| 19 | Yamaha Revstar RSS20 Sonic Blue | Scale 629 mm (24.76") · Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01") | $869 |
| 20 | Yamaha Revstar RSP02T Swift Blue | Nut width 41.9 mm (1.65") · Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01") | $2,028 |
| 21 | Yamaha Revstar RSS20 Vintage White | Nut width 41.9 mm (1.65") · Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01") | $869 |
| 22 | Yamaha Revstar RSS20 Black | Nut width 41.9 mm (1.65") · Scale 629 mm (24.76") | $901 |
| 23 | Yamaha Revstar RSS20 Swift Blue | Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01") | $869 |
Double Cut Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 245 models in this category, so «wide», «short» or «expensive» mean something you can check.
Price
median $950
from $289 to $6,955
Nut width
median 42.9 mm (1.69")
from 41.9 mm (1.65") to 43 mm (1.69") · 166 models
Scale
median 629 mm (24.76")
from 625 mm (24.61") to 648 mm (25.51") · 221 models
Fingerboard radius
median 305 mm (12.01")
from 254 mm (10") to 350 mm (13.78") · 118 models
Body
mahogany, nyatoh, okoume
most common · 177 models
Fingerboard
rosewood, ebony, laurel
most common · 159 models
Frets
median 22
from 21 to 24 · 170 models
Neck profile
C
most common · 22 models
How to Choose the Best Double Cut Guitars
1
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.
2
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.
3
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.
4
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.
5
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
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 This List Is Built
We don't play these instruments — we're a catalog, not a review desk, and we'd rather say so than pretend otherwise. This page covers 23 of 245 double cut guitars from the Thomann catalogue, which is the largest single source of specification data in this category: 15 in detail, the rest listed with their specifications.
Position is computed, not curated. We parse the manufacturer's own description into actual values — nut width, scale, fret count, fingerboard radius, size, alloy — and rank on them: how many specifications a model has published, how many of them are measurable numbers, and how precisely it meets this page's criterion. A product image adds a little. Price is not a ranking signal: it tells you nothing about whether a neck fits your hand. The same inputs always produce the same order, so nothing here is shuffled to look fresh.
What this list is good for: narrowing a category down to a shortlist by spec and budget. What it isn't: a substitute for hearing an instrument. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
