AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best PRS Single Cut Guitars 2026
The top pick is PRS S2 McCarty 594 Singlecut ($945). PRS McCarty SC594 MCTSB 10 Top leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 7 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 30, 2026
Top 7
Full detail for the 7 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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PRS S2 McCarty 594 Singlecut
SE McCarty 594 Singlecut CH · PRS
107 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width42.9 mm (1.69")
- Scale625 mm (24.61")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius254 mm (10")
- BodyMahogany body
The SE McCarty 594 Singlecut CH is a fantastic option for players seeking a vintage-inspired PRS experience without the premium price tag. It nails that sweet spot of warmth and clarity, making it ideal for classic rock, blues, and even some jazz. The build quality is surprisingly good for an SE model, and it’s a serious contender if you’re after a dependable, great-sounding workhorse guitar.
Pros
- Mahogany body provides a warm, resonant foundation for a balanced tone.
- Flamed maple top adds visual appeal and a touch of brightness.
- PRS 58/15 LT pickups deliver a versatile range, from clean to driven.
Cons
- Mahogany body can make it slightly heavier than some players prefer.
- Rosewood fretboard may require more frequent oiling to prevent dryness.
65AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$945 now$945€849 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
PRS Limited Edition 40th Anniversary McCarty SC56
McCarty SC56 RHT · PRS
26 for sale on Reverb4 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width42.9 mm (1.69")
- Scale625 mm (24.61")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius254 mm (10")
- BodyMahogany body
This guitar feels great in your hands because the wood is carved to be light. The mahogany body and maple top let it sing naturally, while the two humbuckers give you thick tones for rock or blues. It suits players who want a classic vibe with a cool rainbow finish. Just know the tuning pegs aren't locked, so you might need to adjust strings often.
Pros
- Mahogany body paired with maple top adds natural resonance
- Weight-relief design keeps the instrument light to play
- Two humbuckers provide thick, warm, and bright tones
Cons
- Non-locking machine heads may slip under heavy tuning
- No locking bridge means intonation can drift during use
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$4,451 now$4,451€3,999 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
PRS MT 15 V1 Mark Tremonti Signature 2-Channel 15-Watt Guitar Amp Head
SE Tremonti CA · PRS
40 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Frets22 frets
- BodyMahogany body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
The PRS SE Tremonti CA is a serious contender for players seeking a high-output, rock-ready instrument without the premium price tag. The mahogany body and Tremonti pickups deliver a thick, powerful tone, while the comfortable neck makes it a joy to play. This is a fantastic choice for rock, metal, and hard rock players who want a reliable, well-built guitar with a distinctive voice.
Pros
- PRS-designed tremolo offers reliable performance and tuning stability.
Cons
- Tremonti signature tone is less versatile for cleaner, jazzier styles.
48AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$945 now$945€849 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale624 mm (24.57")
- Frets22 frets
- BodyMahogany body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This guitar has a warm mahogany body topped with a flamed maple layer that sounds bright. The mahogany neck with an asymmetrical shape feels great under the fingers. LT humbuckers give it a classic tone that you can clean up or thicken with the coil split switches. It suits players who want a solid, vintage feel without extra electronics.
Pros
- Flamed maple top adds visual depth and resonant acoustic lift
- Pattern Vintage neck profile feels comfortable for large hands
- LT humbuckers deliver tight lows with warm midrange clarity
Cons
- No weight spec listed means heft is unknown for comfort
- Tobacco Sunburst finish may show wear easily on large surfaces
43AudioFu
Index↓ 5.6%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$5,897 · Aug 17$5,564 now$5,564€4,999 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
PRS Mark Tremonti Signature Stoptail
Mark Tremonti Stoptail CT · PRS
11 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Scale635 mm (25")
- Frets22 frets
- BodyMahogany body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This Mark Tremonti Stoptail CT is a serious axe built for players who want a powerful, articulate tone with a comfortable feel. The mahogany body and Tremonti pickups deliver a modern, aggressive sound ideal for rock, metal, and beyond – it's a premium-priced instrument aimed squarely at the discerning high-gain player.
Pros
- Mahogany body provides warmth and sustain, a Tremonti signature.
- Flamed maple top adds visual flair and a touch of brightness.
- Tremonti humbuckers deliver aggressive high-output and clarity.
Cons
- The mahogany body makes it a noticeably heavier instrument.
- The scale length, while comfortable, limits versatility for some styles.
42AudioFu
Index↓ 2.1%since Aug 17$5,341 · Aug 17$5,230 now$5,230€4,699 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale635 mm (25")
- Frets22 frets
- BodyMahogany body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This Mark Tremonti Charcoal is a serious instrument built for players who want aggression and sustain. The combination of mahogany, flamed maple, and those high-output Tremonti pickups gives you a thick, powerful sound perfect for modern rock, metal, and beyond. It’s a premium-priced guitar designed for players who demand performance and a distinctive aesthetic.
Pros
- Mahogany body delivers a warm, resonant foundation for a powerful tone.
- Tremonti pickups provide high-output crunch and clarity for aggressive playing.
- The Pattern Thin neck profile offers exceptional comfort and speed across the fretboard.
Cons
- The mahogany body contributes to a relatively substantial weight, potentially tiring for some players.
- The scale length, while comfortable for many, might feel a bit long for players accustomed to shorter scales.
37AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$5,564 now$5,564€4,999 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale635 mm (25")
- Frets22 frets
This Mark Tremonti CH 10 Top is a serious instrument for players wanting a modern, powerful PRS with a beautiful flame maple top. The hybrid hardware and Tremonti pickups give it a versatile edge, perfect for high-gain rock, metal, and even heavier rhythm work – it's a premium-priced axe that delivers professional-grade performance.
Pros
- Flamed maple top delivers stunning visuals and enhanced sustain
- Tremonti pickups offer high-output, articulate tones for modern genres
- Mahogany body provides warmth and a balanced sonic foundation
Cons
- Mahogany construction contributes to a noticeably heavier overall weight
- Rosewood fingerboard may require more frequent oiling to prevent dryness
33AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$6,453 now$6,453€5,798 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
Single Cut Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 488 models we track, not a sample.
Median $4,451 — half of all single cut guitars here cost less.
median of 369 models · 42 mm (1.65")–43.1 mm (1.7")
median of 433 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 & Design
PRS guitars are a deliberate design. They took the best aspects of classic guitars and refined them, often with more comfortable neck profiles and refined aesthetics. That carved top isn't just for looks; it subtly affects the resonance and sustain.
Tonal Voicing
PRS pickups have historically been a bit of a sticking point - sometimes overly scooped, sometimes a little sterile. However, modern PRS pickups, especially in the Core and Signature lines, offer a surprisingly wide range, from fat, creamy blues tones to tighter, more articulate rock sounds. It's a different flavor than a traditional Gibson humbucker, leaning a little less into that raw, gritty breakup.
Build Quality & Hardware
PRS consistently delivers excellent build quality. The hardware, while sometimes criticized for being a bit 'generic' looking, is generally reliable and functions well. The tuners hold their tune, the bridges intonate easily, and the overall feel is solid and well-executed. The attention to detail in the finish work is also noteworthy.
Neck Profiles
The variety of neck profiles PRS offers is a huge selling point. From the slim 60s style to the chunkier 80s profile, there's something for every hand size and playing style. A comfortable neck is everything when you're playing a gig for three hours straight.
Versatility
While they might not be the first guitar you grab for a super-saturated doom metal sound, PRS single cuts are incredibly versatile. They handle clean tones beautifully, cut through a mix well with overdrive, and can even handle some heavier styles with the right pickup swap. That's a huge advantage for a working musician.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're in the market for a PRS single cut? Smart move. They've carved out a unique space - not quite a Fender, not quite a Gibson, but with a DNA all their own. This isn't just about looks; it's about that blend of American precision and a touch of European elegance, and how it translates to a surprisingly versatile and often overlooked tonal palette.
Don't get hung up on the flame maple top - it's purely cosmetic. The real value lies in the neck profile and pickup voicing. Look for models with US-made pickups if you want a more aggressive, hotter tone; the Korean-made pickups are often a little smoother and more balanced.
And honestly, a well-maintained used PRS is often a fantastic value - you can save a significant amount of money without sacrificing much in terms of quality.
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 13 single cut guitars from the Thomann catalogue (of 488 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 PRS guitars better than Fenders or Gibsons?
'Better' is subjective. They offer a different thing. A PRS might be more comfortable to play for some, while a Gibson might have that raw, vintage vibe you're after. It's about finding what you like.
What's the deal with the different wood tops?
Flame maple is the most common, but you'll see quilted maple, figured maple, and plain maple. They mostly affect the appearance and slightly alter the guitar's resonance - flame generally being considered the most 'resonant.'
Can I easily swap the pickups in a PRS?
Absolutely. PRS guitars use standard humbucker routings, so pickup swaps are straightforward. It's a great way to customize the tone to your liking.
Are PRS guitars too flashy?
That's a matter of personal preference. The aesthetics can be a bit much for some, but you can find more understated models with simpler finishes. The tone is what matters, and a PRS can deliver that regardless of the finish.
Are PRS guitars worth the money?
If you appreciate the blend of craftsmanship, playability, and versatility they offer, then yes. They're a solid investment, especially if you take care of them. Just be realistic about your needs and don't chase the most expensive model if a more affordable option meets them.
