AudioFu

Best Single Cut Guitars for Hard Rock 2025

Perfect single cut guitars for hard-rock - easy to play and learn on

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
Maybach Lester Bullion Gold Mini HB 60 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Maybach Lester Bullion Gold Mini HB 60

by Maybach
Jazz Blues Metal
Key Feature:
• Excellent upper fret access
✓ PROS
  • • Thick, sustaining humbucker tone
  • • Great for overdriven tones
✗ CONS
  • • Higher price point typically
  • • Heavier than other guitar types

Maybach Lester Bullion Gold Mini HB 60Electric GuitarBody: MahoganyTop: MapleSet-in neck: Solid mahoganyFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (14 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 618601
$3,025
Buy at Thomann View Details
Gibson Les Paul Custom Arctic Blast - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Gibson Les Paul Custom Arctic Blast

by Gibson
Metal Classic Rock Rock
Key Feature:
• Great for overdriven tones
✓ PROS
  • • Excellent upper fret access
  • • Thick, sustaining humbucker tone
✗ CONS
  • • Higher price point typically
  • • Heavier than other guitar types

Gibson Les Paul Custom Arctic BlastElectric GuitarCustom Shop modelBody: MahoganyArched top: MapleNeck:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (40 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 621045
$6,379
Buy at Thomann View Details
Gretsch G5230 T EMTC JET FT ORG - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Gretsch G5230 T EMTC JET FT ORG

by Gretsch
Metal Rock Hard Rock
Key Feature:
• Classic rock sound and feel
✓ PROS
  • • Great for overdriven tones
  • • Thick, sustaining humbucker tone
✗ CONS
  • • May lack brightness for some styles
  • • Less twangy than single-coil guitars

Gretsch G5230 T EMTC JET FT ORGElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyTop: MapleNeck: MahoganyFingerboard: LaurelFingerboard...

⭐ 4.7/5 (48 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 619963
$725
Buy at Thomann View Details
Epiphone 1957 Les Paul Goldtop DG - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Epiphone 1957 Les Paul Goldtop DG

by Epiphone
Rock Jazz Classic Rock
Key Feature:
• Rich midrange presence
✓ PROS
  • • Excellent upper fret access
  • • Classic rock sound and feel
✗ CONS
  • • May lack brightness for some styles
  • • Heavier than other guitar types

Epiphone 1957 Les Paul Goldtop DGElectric GuitarInspired by Gibson Custom Collection (2025)Body: MahoganyTop:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (48 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 614960
$1,506
Buy at Thomann View Details
Gibson Les Paul Custom HPT Cobra B #2 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Gibson Les Paul Custom HPT Cobra B #2

by Gibson
Rock Jazz Hard Rock
Key Feature:
• Rich midrange presence
✓ PROS
  • • Great for overdriven tones
  • • Rich midrange presence
✗ CONS
  • • Less twangy than single-coil guitars
  • • Heavier than other guitar types

Gibson Les Paul Custom HPT Cobra B #2Electric GuitarBuilt according to the specifications of our experts and woods...

⭐ 4.5/5 (11 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 619777
$7,699
Buy at Thomann View Details
Gibson Les Paul Custom Rootbeer/Walnu - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Gibson Les Paul Custom Rootbeer/Walnu

by Gibson
Classic Rock Rock Metal
Key Feature:
• Thick, sustaining humbucker tone
✓ PROS
  • • Excellent upper fret access
  • • Rich midrange presence
✗ CONS
  • • Higher price point typically
  • • Less twangy than single-coil guitars

Gibson Les Paul Custom Rootbeer/WalnuElectric GuitarCustom Shop modelArchtop: MapleBody: MahoganySet-in neck:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (37 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 617057
$6,599
Buy at Thomann View Details
Gretsch G5230 T EMTC JET FT DCM - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Gretsch G5230 T EMTC JET FT DCM

by Gretsch
Jazz Hard Rock Rock
Key Feature:
• Great for overdriven tones
✓ PROS
  • • Classic rock sound and feel
  • • Rich midrange presence
✗ CONS
  • • Higher price point typically
  • • May lack brightness for some styles

Gretsch G5230 T EMTC JET FT DCMElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyTop: MapleNeck: MahoganyFingerboard: LaurelFingerboard...

⭐ 5.0/5 (30 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 619960
$725
Buy at Thomann View Details
Gibson Les Paul 58 BOTB page 153 HA - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Gibson Les Paul 58 BOTB page 153 HA

by Gibson
Classic Rock Rock Jazz
Key Feature:
• Thick, sustaining humbucker tone
✓ PROS
  • • Rich midrange presence
  • • Excellent upper fret access
✗ CONS
  • • May lack brightness for some styles
  • • Higher price point typically

Gibson Les Paul 58 BOTB page 153 HAElectric GuitarLes Paul 1958 Custom Shop model"Beauty of the Burst Page...

⭐ 4.9/5 (50 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 617060
$8,469
Buy at Thomann View Details
ESP Eclipse USA Raspberry - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

ESP Eclipse USA Raspberry

by ESP
Jazz Rock Metal
Key Feature:
• Classic rock sound and feel
✓ PROS
  • • Thick, sustaining humbucker tone
  • • Great for overdriven tones
✗ CONS
  • • Neck dive possible with light bodies
  • • Higher price point typically

ESP Eclipse USA RaspberryElectric GuitarESP Custom Shop USABody: MahoganyTop: MapleNeck: MahoganyFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (10 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 614987
$7,149
Buy at Thomann View Details
Epiphone 1960 Les Paul Standard WCS - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Epiphone 1960 Les Paul Standard WCS

by Epiphone
Rock Blues Metal
Key Feature:
• Thick, sustaining humbucker tone
✓ PROS
  • • Excellent upper fret access
  • • Rich midrange presence
✗ CONS
  • • Less twangy than single-coil guitars
  • • May lack brightness for some styles

Epiphone 1960 Les Paul Standard WCSElectric GuitarInspired by Gibson Custom Collection (2025)Body: MahoganyTop: AAA...

⭐ 4.8/5 (5 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 614953
$1,495
Buy at Thomann View Details
Gretsch G5230T EMTC JET FT VWT/GRY - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Gretsch G5230T EMTC JET FT VWT/GRY

by Gretsch
Blues Jazz Rock
Key Feature:
• Excellent upper fret access
✓ PROS
  • • Rich midrange presence
  • • Classic rock sound and feel
✗ CONS
  • • Higher price point typically
  • • May lack brightness for some styles

Gretsch G5230T EMTC JET FT VWT/GRYElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyTop: MapleNeck: MahoganyFingerboard: LaurelFingerboard...

⭐ 4.8/5 (32 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 619989
$725
Buy at Thomann View Details
PRS 40th Anni. McCarty SC56 MS - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

PRS 40th Anni. McCarty SC56 MS

by PRS
Hard Rock Rock Metal
Key Feature:
• Classic rock sound and feel
✓ PROS
  • • Rich midrange presence
  • • Thick, sustaining humbucker tone
✗ CONS
  • • May lack brightness for some styles
  • • Less twangy than single-coil guitars

PRS 40th Anni. McCarty SC56 MSElectric GuitarLimited edition of 400 pieces worldwide - Approx. 133 pieces per...

⭐ 4.8/5 (6 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 619353
$6,973
Buy at Thomann View Details
ESP Eclipse USA Aqua Marine SB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

ESP Eclipse USA Aqua Marine SB

by ESP
Metal Jazz Rock
Key Feature:
• Thick, sustaining humbucker tone
✓ PROS
  • • Excellent upper fret access
  • • Rich midrange presence
✗ CONS
  • • May lack brightness for some styles
  • • Less twangy than single-coil guitars

ESP Eclipse USA Aqua Marine SunburstElectric GuitarESP Custom Shop USAMahogany Body and NeckMaple TopEbony...

⭐ 4.7/5 (10 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 614986
$6,599
Buy at Thomann View Details
Heritage Guitar H-150 P90 OSB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Heritage Guitar H-150 P90 OSB

by Heritage Guitar
Jazz Blues Metal
Key Feature:
• Great for overdriven tones
✓ PROS
  • • Thick, sustaining humbucker tone
  • • Classic rock sound and feel
✗ CONS
  • • Higher price point typically
  • • Neck dive possible with light bodies

Heritage Guitar H-150 P90 OSBElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyTop: Flamed mapleBolt-on neck: MapleCream bindingFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (12 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 619385
$2,749
Buy at Thomann View Details
ESP Eclipse Custom Tiger Eye SB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

ESP Eclipse Custom Tiger Eye SB

by ESP
Metal Hard Rock Blues
Key Feature:
• Classic rock sound and feel
✓ PROS
  • • Thick, sustaining humbucker tone
  • • Classic rock sound and feel
✗ CONS
  • • Heavier than other guitar types
  • • Neck dive possible with light bodies

ESP Eclipse Custom Tiger Eye SBElectric GuitarESP Custom Shop JapanBody: MahoganyTop: MapleNeck: MahoganyFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (54 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 614980
$8,799
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.

Related Best Lists

POPULAR

Best ST Style Guitars

TOP

Best Humbucker Pickups

POPULAR

Best Distortion Pedals

RELATED

Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

TOP

Best 4/4 Size Classical Guitars

POPULAR

Best 4-String Basses

We use cookies to improve your experience. Learn more