Best Single Cut Guitars 2025

Top-rated single cut guitars 2025 - expert picks for every budget and skill level

Last updated: October 22, 2025 • Next update: October 29, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $200 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 Blues For Jazz For Metal For Classic Rock For Hard Rock

BRANDS: Gibson Harley Benton ESP Epiphone Gretsch Larry Carlton Maybach Hagstrom PRS DAngelico Stanford Heritage Guitar Kramer Guitars

Larry Carlton I5T Butterscotch - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Larry Carlton I5T Butterscotch

by Larry Carlton

Rock Blues Metal

Key Feature:

• Rich midrange presence

✓ PROS

• Classic rock sound and feel
• Rich midrange presence

✗ CONS

• Higher price point typically
• May lack brightness for some styles

Larry Carlton I5T ButterscotchElectric GuitarBody: AshBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleBlack abalone block...

⭐ 4.8/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 610947

$714

Buy at Thomann View Details

Larry Carlton L7 TBL LH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Larry Carlton L7 TBL LH

by Larry Carlton

Blues Rock Metal

Key Feature:

• Rich midrange presence

✓ PROS

• Rich midrange presence
• Excellent upper fret access

✗ CONS

• Heavier than other guitar types
• Higher price point typically

Larry Carlton L7 TBL LHLeft-hand SC-style electric guitarBody: MahoganyTop: Maple with flamed maple veneerNeck:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 548263

$582

Buy at Thomann View Details

Kramer Guitars Assault Figured Magenta - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Kramer Guitars Assault Figured Magenta

by Kramer Guitars

Blues Jazz Classic Rock

Key Feature:

• Classic rock sound and feel

✓ PROS

• Rich midrange presence
• Classic rock sound and feel

✗ CONS

• May lack brightness for some styles
• Heavier than other guitar types

Kramer Guitars Assault Figured MagentaElectricc GuitarBody: MahoganyTop: AAA flamed mapleSet-in neck: MapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 606355

$901

Buy at Thomann View Details

Larry Carlton L7V CAR New Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Larry Carlton L7V CAR New Gen

by Larry Carlton

Blues Classic Rock Hard Rock

Key Feature:

• Great for overdriven tones

✓ PROS

• Great for overdriven tones
• Rich midrange presence

✗ CONS

• Heavier than other guitar types
• May lack brightness for some styles

Larry Carlton L7V CAR New GenElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyTop: MapleBolt-on neck: MahoganyFingerboard: EbonyWhite...

⭐ 4.5/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 611212

$824

Buy at Thomann View Details

Larry Carlton L7 BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Larry Carlton L7 BK

by Larry Carlton

Blues Hard Rock Jazz

Key Feature:

• Classic rock sound and feel

✓ PROS

• Classic rock sound and feel
• Thick, sustaining humbucker tone

✗ CONS

• Less twangy than single-coil guitars
• Heavier than other guitar types

Larry Carlton L7 BKElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyTop: MapleSet-in neck: MahoganyFretboard: EbonyTrapeze fretboard...

⭐ 4.4/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 513016

$637

Buy at Thomann View Details

Kramer Guitars Assault 220 FR Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Kramer Guitars Assault 220 FR Black

by Kramer Guitars

Metal Classic Rock Jazz

Key Feature:

• Thick, sustaining humbucker tone

✓ PROS

• Classic rock sound and feel
• Thick, sustaining humbucker tone

✗ CONS

• Higher price point typically
• May lack brightness for some styles

Kramer Guitars Assault 220 FR BlackKramer Guitars Assault 220 Fr Black Electric GuitarMahogany bodySet-in mahogany...

⭐ 4.5/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 248370

$384

Buy at Thomann View Details

Larry Carlton I5L Tobacco Sunburst Satin - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Larry Carlton I5L Tobacco Sunburst Satin

by Larry Carlton

Classic Rock Hard Rock Jazz

Key Feature:

• Great for overdriven tones

✓ PROS

• Excellent upper fret access
• Thick, sustaining humbucker tone

✗ CONS

• May lack brightness for some styles
• Less twangy than single-coil guitars

Larry Carlton L5 Tobacco Sunburst SatinElectric GuitarBody: AshNeck: Bolt-on mapleMaple fingerboard with rounded...

⭐ 4.9/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 591950

$626

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton SC-550 Plus EMG FTF w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton SC-550 Plus EMG FTF w/Bag

by Harley Benton

Rock Hard Rock Metal

Key Feature:

• Excellent upper fret access

✓ PROS

• Rich midrange presence
• Great for overdriven tones

✗ CONS

• May lack brightness for some styles
• Higher price point typically

Harley Benton SC-550 Plus EMG FTF w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton SC-550 Plus EMG FTF*Electric...

⭐ 4.5/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 537500

$460

Buy at Thomann View Details

Solar Guitars GC1.6NC - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Solar Guitars GC1.6NC

by Solar Guitars

Rock Metal Blues

Key Feature:

• Rich midrange presence

✓ PROS

• Classic rock sound and feel
• Great for overdriven tones

✗ CONS

• May lack brightness for some styles
• Less twangy than single-coil guitars

Solar Guitars GC1.6NC FTBElectric GuitarNocturno Culto (Darkthrone) Signature ModelBody: AlderSet-in neck:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 553961

$1,429

Buy at Thomann View Details

Larry Carlton L7 CAR New Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.6/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Larry Carlton L7 CAR New Gen

by Larry Carlton

Metal Jazz Classic Rock

Key Feature:

• Great for overdriven tones

✓ PROS

• Classic rock sound and feel
• Excellent upper fret access

✗ CONS

• Neck dive possible with light bodies
• Less twangy than single-coil guitars

Larry Carlton L7 CAR New GenElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyTop: MapleSet neck: MahoganyFingerboard: EbonyWhite pearloid...

⭐ 4.6/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 611202

$824

Buy at Thomann View Details

Larry Carlton L7 TS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.6/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Larry Carlton L7 TS

by Larry Carlton

Blues Rock Hard Rock

Key Feature:

• Excellent upper fret access

✓ PROS

• Rich midrange presence
• Excellent upper fret access

✗ CONS

• Heavier than other guitar types
• May lack brightness for some styles

Larry Carlton L7 TSElectric GuitarBody: Mahogany (Toona sureni)Top: Maple with flamed maple veneerGlued-in neck:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 487543

$549

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton SC-Custom Plus EMG VBK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.5/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton SC-Custom Plus EMG VBK

by Harley Benton

Jazz Hard Rock Rock

Key Feature:

• Excellent upper fret access

✓ PROS

• Great for overdriven tones
• Classic rock sound and feel

✗ CONS

• May lack brightness for some styles
• Higher price point typically

Harley Benton SC-Custom Plus EMG VBKElectric GuitarDeluxe SeriesBody: OkoumeSet-in neck: NyatohFingerboard: JatobaWhite...

⭐ 4.5/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 497998

$516

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton SC-500 BK Vintage Serie Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.6/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton SC-500 BK Vintage Serie Bundle

by Harley Benton

Metal Classic Rock Hard Rock

Key Feature:

• Rich midrange presence

✓ PROS

• Classic rock sound and feel
• Thick, sustaining humbucker tone

✗ CONS

• Neck dive possible with light bodies
• Higher price point typically

Harley Benton SC-500 BK Vintage Serie Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton SC-500 BK Vintage Series*Electric...

⭐ 4.6/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 371724

$384

Buy at Thomann View Details

Solar Guitars GC1.6GK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 5.0/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Solar Guitars GC1.6GK

by Solar Guitars

Metal Jazz Blues

Key Feature:

• Thick, sustaining humbucker tone

✓ PROS

• Excellent upper fret access
• Rich midrange presence

✗ CONS

• Less twangy than single-coil guitars
• Neck dive possible with light bodies

Solar Guitars GC1.6GKElectric GuitarDeveloped in collaboration with the Greek guitarist George Kapa (Six For Nine)Body:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 598845

$1,319

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton SC-550 II BCF - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.5/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton SC-550 II BCF

by Harley Benton

Hard Rock Rock Classic Rock

Key Feature:

• Thick, sustaining humbucker tone

✓ PROS

• Excellent upper fret access
• Great for overdriven tones

✗ CONS

• Neck dive possible with light bodies
• Less twangy than single-coil guitars

Harley Benton SC-550 II BCFElectric GuitarDeluxe SeriesChambered body: MerantiArched top: AAAA flamed mapleGlued-in...

⭐ 4.5/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 521050

$362

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Single 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 single 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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Best Single Cut Guitars 2025

Larry Carlton I5T Butterscotch

Larry Carlton L7 TBL LH

Kramer Guitars Assault Figured Magenta

Larry Carlton L7V CAR New Gen

Larry Carlton L7 BK

Kramer Guitars Assault 220 FR Black

Larry Carlton I5L Tobacco Sunburst Satin

Harley Benton SC-550 Plus EMG FTF w/Bag

Solar Guitars GC1.6NC

Larry Carlton L7 CAR New Gen

Larry Carlton L7 TS

Harley Benton SC-Custom Plus EMG VBK

Harley Benton SC-500 BK Vintage Serie Bundle

Solar Guitars GC1.6GK

Harley Benton SC-550 II BCF

How to Choose the Best Single Cut Guitars

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying single cut guitars?

How much should I spend on single cut guitars?

Are expensive single cut guitars worth the investment?

What are the best brands for single cut guitars?

Should I buy single cut guitars online or in-store?

Related Best Lists

Best ST Style Guitars

Best Humbucker Pickups

Best Distortion Pedals

Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

Best 4/4 Size Classical Guitars

Best 4-String Basses

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