Best Single Cut Guitars 2025

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

Last updated: November 12, 2025 • Next update: November 19, 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

Harley Benton Agufish STD Signature SFG - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton Agufish STD Signature SFG

by Harley Benton

Jazz Classic Rock Hard Rock

Key Feature:

• Great for overdriven tones

✓ PROS

• Great for overdriven tones
• Excellent upper fret access

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton Agufish STD Signature SFGElectric GuitarHunter Engel "Agufish" Signature modelWeight reduced...

⭐ 4.6/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 563378

$549

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

Solar Guitars GC2.6BOP+ - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Solar Guitars GC2.6BOP+

by Solar Guitars

Classic Rock Hard Rock Metal

Key Feature:

• Classic rock sound and feel

✓ PROS

• Thick, sustaining humbucker tone
• Rich midrange presence

✗ CONS

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

Solar Guitars GC2.6BOP+Electric GuitarBody: SungkaiSet-in neck: roasted mapleFingerboard: Roasted mapleSolar logo...

⭐ 4.5/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 598842

$989

Buy at Thomann View Details

Larry Carlton L7V TS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Larry Carlton L7V TS

by Larry Carlton

Jazz Rock Hard Rock

Key Feature:

• Classic rock sound and feel

✓ PROS

• Rich midrange presence
• Classic rock sound and feel

✗ CONS

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

Larry Carlton L7V TSElectric GuitarMahogany bodyMaple top with flamed maple veneerGlued-in mahogany neckEbony...

⭐ 4.5/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 536995

$637

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

⭐ 4.9/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton SC-550 II FTF w/Bag

by Harley Benton

Metal Rock Jazz

Key Feature:

• Rich midrange presence

✓ PROS

• Excellent upper fret access
• Thick, sustaining humbucker tone

✗ CONS

• Higher price point typically
• Less twangy than single-coil guitars

Harley Benton SC-550 II FTF w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton SC-550 II FTF*Electric Guitar*Deluxe...

⭐ 4.9/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 522744

$380

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton SC-Custom III VBK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton SC-Custom III VBK

by Harley Benton

Jazz Rock Hard Rock

Key Feature:

• Rich midrange presence

✓ PROS

• Classic rock sound and feel
• Excellent upper fret access

✗ CONS

• Neck dive possible with light bodies
• May lack brightness for some styles

Harley Benton SC-Custom III VBKElectric GuitarBody: MerantiSet-in neck: MerantiFingerboard: roasted jatobaWhite...

⭐ 4.9/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 570149

$373

Buy at Thomann View Details

Duesenberg Starplayer TV Silver Sparkle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Duesenberg Starplayer TV Silver Sparkle

by Duesenberg

Classic Rock Blues Jazz

Key Feature:

• Rich midrange presence

✓ PROS

• Great for overdriven tones
• Excellent upper fret access

✗ CONS

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

Duesenberg Starplayer TV Silver SparkleElectric GuitarDesign: Semi HollowArched and laminated spruce topArched and...

⭐ 4.7/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 463791

$2,859

Buy at Thomann View Details

Stanford CR Fleetwood Amber Burst - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Stanford CR Fleetwood Amber Burst

by Stanford

Metal Rock Jazz

Key Feature:

• Excellent upper fret access

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Less twangy than single-coil guitars
• Higher price point typically

Stanford CR Fleetwood Amber BurstElectric GuitarChambered body: OkoumeSet-in neck: Solid mahoganyFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 608956

$1,099

Buy at Thomann View Details

Larry Carlton L7V BK New Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Larry Carlton L7V BK New Gen

by Larry Carlton

Hard Rock Rock Classic Rock

Key Feature:

• Rich midrange presence

✓ PROS

• Excellent upper fret access
• Thick, sustaining humbucker tone

✗ CONS

• Higher price point typically
• Heavier than other guitar types

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

⭐ 4.7/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 611205

$879

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#10

⭐ 4.8/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton SC-550 Plus EMG FTF

by Harley Benton

Rock Classic Rock Hard Rock

Key Feature:

• Excellent upper fret access

✓ PROS

• Excellent upper fret access
• Thick, sustaining humbucker tone

✗ CONS

• Higher price point typically
• Less twangy than single-coil guitars

Harley Benton SC-550 Plus EMG FTFElectric GuitarDeluxe SeriesBody: OkoumeTop: AA flamed mapleSet-in neck:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 497997

$439

Buy at Thomann View Details

Larry Carlton L3 P90 TV Yellow - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.4/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Larry Carlton L3 P90 TV Yellow

by Larry Carlton

Classic Rock Jazz Blues

Key Feature:

• Great for overdriven tones

✓ PROS

• Rich midrange presence
• Great for overdriven tones

✗ CONS

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

Larry Carlton L3 P90 TV YellowElectric GuitarBody: MahoganySet-in neck: MahoganyFingerboard: RosewoodWhite Pearloid Dot...

⭐ 4.4/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 594127

$439

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton SC-550 II PAF w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.4/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton SC-550 II PAF w/Bag

by Harley Benton

Jazz Hard Rock Rock

Key Feature:

• Thick, sustaining humbucker tone

✓ PROS

• Great for overdriven tones
• Classic rock sound and feel

✗ CONS

• Higher price point typically
• Less twangy than single-coil guitars

Harley Benton SC-550 II PAF w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton SC-550 II PAF*Electric Guitar*Deluxe...

⭐ 4.4/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 522763

$380

Buy at Thomann View Details

Kramer Guitars Assault 220 FR Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 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

Harley Benton SC-Custom III P90 Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 5.0/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton SC-Custom III P90 Black

by Harley Benton

Classic Rock Blues Rock

Key Feature:

• Classic rock sound and feel

✓ PROS

• Rich midrange presence
• Excellent upper fret access

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton SC-Custom III P90 BlackElectric GuitarBody: MerantiTop: AAAA flamed maple veneerSet-in neck:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 570217

$351

Buy at Thomann View Details

Duesenberg Alliance Series Dave Baksh - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.8/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Duesenberg Alliance Series Dave Baksh

by Duesenberg

Blues Metal Classic Rock

Key Feature:

• Thick, sustaining humbucker tone

✓ PROS

• Classic rock sound and feel
• Excellent upper fret access

✗ CONS

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

Duesenberg Alliance Series Dave BakshElectric GuitarAlliance Series Dave Baksh (Sum41) Signature ModelBody:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 552485

$3,079

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

Harley Benton Agufish STD Signature SFG

Larry Carlton I5T Butterscotch

Solar Guitars GC2.6BOP+

Larry Carlton L7V TS

Harley Benton SC-550 II FTF w/Bag

Harley Benton SC-Custom III VBK

Duesenberg Starplayer TV Silver Sparkle

Stanford CR Fleetwood Amber Burst

Larry Carlton L7V BK New Gen

Harley Benton SC-550 Plus EMG FTF

Larry Carlton L3 P90 TV Yellow

Harley Benton SC-550 II PAF w/Bag

Kramer Guitars Assault 220 FR Black

Harley Benton SC-Custom III P90 Black

Duesenberg Alliance Series Dave Baksh

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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