AudioFu

Best Single Cut Guitars for Hard Rock 2026

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

Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Next update: January 21, 2026

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 ESP Harley Benton Epiphone Gretsch Larry Carlton Maybach Hagstrom PRS DAngelico Heritage Guitar Stanford Kramer Guitars
Heritage Guitar H-150 P90 OSB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

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
Maybach Lester Bullion Gold Mini HB 60 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

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 Studio Goldtop - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Gibson Les Paul Studio Goldtop

by Gibson
Rock Classic Rock Jazz
Key Feature:
• Rich midrange presence
✓ PROS
  • • Classic rock sound and feel
  • • Excellent upper fret access
✗ CONS
  • • Neck dive possible with light bodies
  • • Heavier than other guitar types

Gibson Les Paul Studio GoldtopElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyUltra Modern Weight Relief - weight-reduced bodyTop:...

⭐ 4.4/5 (54 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 620944
$1,869
Buy at Thomann View Details
Gibson Les Paul Custom HPT Cobra B #3 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Gibson Les Paul Custom HPT Cobra B #3

by Gibson
Metal Hard Rock Blues
Key Feature:
• Rich midrange presence
✓ PROS
  • • Great for overdriven tones
  • • Excellent upper fret access
✗ CONS
  • • May lack brightness for some styles
  • • Higher price point typically

Gibson Les Paul Custom HPT Cobra B #3Electric GuitarBuilt according to the specifications of our experts and woods...

⭐ 4.8/5 (32 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 619778
$7,699
Buy at Thomann View Details
Epiphone 1960 Les Paul Standard WCS - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

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
Maybach Lester Silver Burst Custom 60 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Maybach Lester Silver Burst Custom 60

by Maybach
Jazz Blues Metal
Key Feature:
• Great for overdriven tones
✓ PROS
  • • Excellent upper fret access
  • • Great for overdriven tones
✗ CONS
  • • Heavier than other guitar types
  • • May lack brightness for some styles

Maybach Lester Silver Burst Custom 60Electric GuitarBody: MahoganyGlued-on top: MapleNeck: Solid mahoganyFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (53 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 614681
$2,749
Buy at Thomann View Details
Gibson Les Paul Music City Sp. EB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Gibson Les Paul Music City Sp. EB

by Gibson
Hard Rock Classic Rock Metal
Key Feature:
• Classic rock sound and feel
✓ PROS
  • • Thick, sustaining humbucker tone
  • • Excellent upper fret access
✗ CONS
  • • May lack brightness for some styles
  • • Heavier than other guitar types

Gibson Les Paul Music City Sp. EBElectric Guitarlimited edition - limited to 650 units per colour worldwideBody:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (22 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 620161
$1,869
Buy at Thomann View Details
Gretsch G5230 T EMTC JET FT ORG - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

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
Gibson Les Paul Custom HPT Cobra B #4 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Gibson Les Paul Custom HPT Cobra B #4

by Gibson
Rock Hard Rock Metal
Key Feature:
• Excellent upper fret access
✓ PROS
  • • Excellent upper fret access
  • • Rich midrange presence
✗ CONS
  • • Heavier than other guitar types
  • • Higher price point typically

Gibson Les Paul Custom HPT Cobra B #4Electric GuitarBuilt according to the specifications of our experts and woods...

⭐ 5.0/5 (43 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 619782
$7,699
Buy at Thomann View Details
ESP Eclipse Custom Tiger Eye SB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

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
Gibson Les Paul Custom HPT Cobra B #2 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

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 Studio Figured IT - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Gibson Les Paul Studio Figured IT

by Gibson
Classic Rock Rock Hard Rock
Key Feature:
• Rich midrange presence
✓ PROS
  • • Rich midrange presence
  • • Classic rock sound and feel
✗ CONS
  • • Higher price point typically
  • • Neck dive possible with light bodies

Gibson Les Paul Studio Figured ITElectric GuitarBody: Mahogany"Ultra Modern Weight Relief" - weight-reduced...

⭐ 4.5/5 (33 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 620939
$1,979
Buy at Thomann View Details
Gibson Les Paul Studio Silver Burst - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Gibson Les Paul Studio Silver Burst

by Gibson
Rock Jazz Blues
Key Feature:
• Classic rock sound and feel
✓ PROS
  • • Excellent upper fret access
  • • Great for overdriven tones
✗ CONS
  • • May lack brightness for some styles
  • • Higher price point typically

Gibson Les Paul Studio Silver BurstElectric GuitarBody: Mahogany‘Ultra Modern Weight Relief’ - weight-reduced...

⭐ 4.4/5 (3 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 620942
$1,869
Buy at Thomann View Details
Epiphone 1957 Les Paul Goldtop DG - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

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
Epiphone Les Paul Standard 50s GT - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Epiphone Les Paul Standard 50s GT

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

Epiphone Les Paul Standard 50s GTElectric GuitarInspired by Gibson collectionBody: MahoganyTop: MapleCream bindingNeck:...

⭐ 4.4/5 (24 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 613899
$746
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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