AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Larry Carlton Single Cut Guitars 2026
The top pick is Sire Larry Carlton L7 ($736). Larry Carlton L3 P90 TV Yellow gives you the most for the money at $379. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 4 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 31, 2026
Top 4
Full detail for the 4 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- BodyMahogany body
This Larry Carlton L7 CAR is a seriously cool guitar, built for players who love that vintage Gibson vibe without the premium price tag. The neck profile is comfortable, the pickups have a really sweet, responsive character, and the coil-splitting gives you a surprising amount of tonal flexibility. It's a great option for blues, rock, and even some jazz players looking for a workhorse instrument.
Pros
- Mahogany body provides a warm, resonant foundation for a classic tone.
- Ebony fingerboard offers exceptional clarity and a smooth playing experience.
- LC Vintage-2 humbuckers deliver a versatile range, from bluesy crunch to fat cleans.
Cons
- Mahogany construction may result in a slightly heavier feel for some players.
- Candy Apple Red finish, while attractive, can be prone to fingerprints and smudges.
66AudioFu
Index↓ 12.0%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$837 · Aug 17$736 now$736€659 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius241 mm (9.49")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
This Larry Carlton I5T is a seriously cool guitar – a real throwback vibe with modern playability. The pickup combination is surprisingly versatile, going from sweet cleans to gritty overdrive effortlessly. It's a fantastic option for players seeking a vintage-inspired feel and tone without the premium price tag, especially those into blues, jazz, and classic rock.
Pros
- Ash body provides a resonant, lively tone with excellent sustain
- LC Super-T/P90 combo delivers a versatile range of warm to biting sounds
- Maple neck with a comfortable C profile suits a wide range of playing styles
Cons
- Bolt-on neck construction limits the sustain compared to set-neck designs
- Butterscotch finish, while attractive, can be prone to nitrocellulose checking with age
51AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$647 now$647€579 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- BodyMahogany body
This guitar feels great with its maple neck and rosewood fretboard. The mahogany body makes the sound warm and full. It is perfect for players who want a solid, reliable instrument without extra bells and whistles.
Pros
- Solid mahogany body delivers warm, punchy tone
- Maple neck provides a stable, fast-playing feel
- Rosewood fingerboard offers smooth fret travel
Cons
- No weight is listed to check comfort during play
- Lacks active electronics for boosted volume options
47AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$557 now$557€499 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
- BodyMahogany body
This Larry Carlton L3 is a seriously cool, affordable instrument. The TV Yellow finish is striking, and the P90 pickup gives it that classic, raw tone Carlton is known for. It's a great choice for blues, rock, and country players looking for a comfortable, vintage-inspired feel.
Pros
- Mahogany body delivers warm, resonant tones with excellent sustain.
- Vintage P90 pickup provides a thick, gritty sound perfect for blues and rock.
- 24.75 in scale length enhances comfort and facilitates bending.
Cons
- Mahogany body may contribute to a heavier overall instrument.
- P90 pickup's output is relatively low, limiting high-gain applications.
45AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$379 now$379€339 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
Single Cut Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 481 models we track, not a sample.
Median $725 — half of all single cut guitars here cost less.
median of 363 models · 42 mm (1.65")–43.1 mm (1.7")
median of 424 models · 625 mm (24.61")–648 mm (25.51")
most common · 395 models
most common · 322 models
How to choose the best single cut guitars
Heritage
Carlton's collaboration with Yamaha began in the late 80s, resulting in instruments that captured his preferences for sustain, clarity, and a comfortable feel. These weren't just slapped together - Carlton was deeply involved in the design process, tweaking neck profiles and pickup voicing to achieve his signature sound. It's a history that matters.
Pickup Voicing
The heart of the Carlton tone is the custom-wound Yamaha pickups. They're not your typical high-output shredders; they're voiced for a balanced response, with a slight emphasis on the midrange that gives the guitar a warmth and clarity that cuts through the mix without being harsh. Think smooth, creamy overdrive, not ice-picky high frequencies.
Neck Profile
Carlton's preference for a comfortable, slightly rounded neck profile is a key factor. It's not a thin, shredder-style neck, nor is it a chunky vintage C. It's somewhere in between - allowing for effortless playing and excellent control, especially when navigating complex chord voicings and subtle dynamic shifts.
Build Quality
Yamaha's reputation for solid construction shines through. These guitars are well-built, with tight neck joints and clean fretwork. The finish quality, while not always flashy, is consistently good, and the hardware is generally reliable - although some earlier models had a few minor hardware quirks that are worth checking.
Sustain & Resonance
The mahogany body and typically maple top combination contributes to excellent sustain and resonance. This isn't just about long notes; it's about the quality of the sustain - a rich, full tone that allows your playing to breathe and express its nuances. It's the difference between a note that hangs and a note that sings.
Buying guide
Okay, let's talk Larry Carlton Single Cuts. These aren't just guitars; they're a direct line to the sound of a legend. If you're chasing that warm, articulate, and effortlessly cool tone Carlton made famous - the kind that sits perfectly in a pocket, even with a busy rhythm section - then you need to understand what makes these guitars tick. We're not talking about a generic signature model here; this is a lineage of instruments built around a very specific vision.
Finding a Larry Carlton Single Cut can be tricky; they were produced in limited numbers over several years. Early models (late 80s - early 90s) are generally considered the most sought-after, but later versions still offer a lot of the same core character. Watch out for neck cracks - mahogany can be prone to them, especially in older instruments.
Don't be afraid to pay a bit more for a well-maintained example; the right Carlton can be a lifetime player.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 18 single cut guitars from the Thomann catalogue (of 481 in the category). Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
Are Larry Carlton guitars really worth the price?
It depends on your budget and what you're looking for. If you want that specific Carlton tone and build quality, absolutely. If you're chasing a similar vibe on a tighter budget, there are other options, but you'll be compromising somewhere.
What's the difference between the different models?
There were several variations - different finishes, pickup configurations (some HSS), and slight neck profile variations. The core character remains consistent, but it's worth researching specific models to see which best suits your preferences.
Are the pickups easily replaceable?
Yes, they're standard humbucker size. However, a significant part of the Carlton tone is those specific pickups, so swapping them out might not get you closer to the sound you're after unless you're deliberately going for something different.
What amp would you recommend pairing with a Larry Carlton?
A clean Fender-style amp - a Twin, a Deluxe Reverb - is the classic pairing. But don't be afraid to experiment; Carlton himself used a variety of amps over the years. A good clean platform is key to letting the guitar's character shine through.
What are the common issues to look for when buying used?
Check for neck cracks (common in mahogany), fret wear, and any signs of previous repairs. Also, carefully examine the electronics for any crackling or intermittent signals - a sign of aging components.
