Best PRS Single Cut Guitars 2026
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.
Last updated: September 19, 2026
⚡ The best single cut guitars in 2026 are PRS McCarty SC56 GB 10 (top pick), PRS McCarty SC56 TB 10 for tighter budgets, and PRS McCarty SC56 RHT for pros — selected from 15 options, priced $972–$6,071, ranked by brand, price and popularity.
#1
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
2/10
PRS McCarty SC56 GB 10
by
PRS
Nut width
42.9 mm (1.69")
Scale
625 mm (24.61")
Frets
22 frets
Fingerboard radius
254 mm (10")
Body
Mahogany body
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Hard Rock
Blues
Classic Rock
Key Feature:
This guitar feels great in hand with a classic mahogany body and maple top. The vintage neck shape makes it easy to play long solos. It sounds warm thanks to the PRS McCarty III pickups. Perfect for players who want a solid, traditional electric guitar without modern gimmicks.
PROS
- • Mahogany body paired with maple top for balanced tone
- • Vintage neck profile offers comfortable playability
- • PRS McCarty III pickups deliver classic humbucker sound
- • Special grey black finish gives it unique look
CONS
- • Non-locking tuners may need frequent adjustment
- • Bone nut can be heavier than synthetic options
- • Weight relief might feel less solid to some players
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
2/10
Art. 632810
$5,156
#2
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
2/10
PRS McCarty SC56 TB 10
by
PRS
Nut width
42.9 mm (1.69")
Scale
625 mm (24.61")
Frets
22 frets
Fingerboard radius
254 mm (10")
Body
Mahogany body
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Classic Rock
Hard Rock
Jazz
Key Feature:
This guitar feels light thanks to the mahogany body with weight relief. The rosewood neck and dual humbuckers give it a warm, classic sound. It suits players who want a solid American-made instrument without too much extra weight.
PROS
- • Mahogany body with weight-relief for lighter playing
- • Rosewood fingerboard with classic Old School Birds inlays
- • Dual McCarty III humbuckers for rich tone
- • Made in USA with solid construction
CONS
- • Translucent Black finish may show dust easily
- • Non-locking tuners can slip under heavy use
- • No specific weight reduction number provided
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
2/10
Art. 632792
$5,156
#3
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
3/10
PRS McCarty SC56 RHT
by
PRS
Nut width
42.9 mm (1.69")
Scale
625 mm (24.61")
Frets
22 frets
Fingerboard radius
254 mm (10")
Body
Mahogany body
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Blues
Rock
Metal
Key Feature:
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
- • Rainbow Holoflake top offers a unique and eye-catching look
CONS
- • Non-locking machine heads may slip under heavy tuning
- • No locking bridge means intonation can drift during use
- • Hum from humbuckers can be audible in quiet rooms
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
3/10
Art. 632757
$4,583
#4
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
3/10
PRS McCarty SC56 BT
by
PRS
Nut width
42.9 mm (1.69")
Scale
625 mm (24.61")
Frets
22 frets
Fingerboard radius
254 mm (10")
Body
Mahogany body
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Rock
Jazz
Classic Rock
Key Feature:
This guitar feels heavy but balanced thanks to its mahogany body and weight-relief design. The wide nut and thick neck make it comfortable for big fingers or aggressive playing. It delivers a clear tone with its bright bridge pickup and warm neck humbucker. Perfect for players who want a solid American-made single cut with room to grow.
PROS
- • Heavyweight mahogany body with weight-relief for solid feel
- • Bright treble and warm bass humbuckers for clear tone
- • Wide nut and thick neck profile for big playing space
- • American made with premium bone nut and rosewood fingerboard
CONS
- • No locking tuners might slip under heavy string tension
- • High price point limits casual players in this category
- • Black top finish shows wear easily on stage
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
3/10
Art. 632756
$4,583
#5
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
3/10
PRS McCarty SC56 GB
by
PRS
Nut width
42.9 mm (1.69")
Scale
625 mm (24.61")
Frets
22 frets
Fingerboard radius
254 mm (10")
Body
Mahogany body
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Metal
Jazz
Hard Rock
Key Feature:
This guitar feels like a vintage player with a modern twist. The mahogany body is light thanks to weight relief, making it comfortable for long sessions. The vintage neck profile and two humbuckers give you a thick, warm sound perfect for blues or rock. It suits players who want a solid, American-made instrument without extra weight.
PROS
- • Mahogany body with weight relief for easy playing
- • Vintage neck profile matches classic feel
- • Two humbuckers deliver thick, warm tone
- • Made in USA with solid build quality
CONS
- • No locking tuners can slip under heavy use
- • High-end price tag limits budget buyers
- • Grey Black color lacks distinct visual pop
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
3/10
Art. 632752
$4,583
#6
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
3/10
PRS McCarty SC56 CB
by
PRS
Nut width
42.9 mm (1.69")
Scale
625 mm (24.61")
Frets
22 frets
Fingerboard radius
254 mm (10")
Body
Mahogany body
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Hard Rock
Rock
Classic Rock
Key Feature:
This guitar feels balanced thanks to its mahogany body with weight relief, making it easy to hold for long sessions. The rosewood fingerboard pairs well with the classic humbucker setup for a warm, full sound that suits both rock and blues. It is a solid choice for players who want reliable construction and a classic look without needing extra upgrades.
PROS
- • Mahogany body with weight relief for comfortable playing
- • Rosewood fingerboard offers smooth action and dark tone
- • PRS McCarty III Treble and Bass humbuckers for rich sound
- • Two-piece bridge provides solid stability during heavy play
CONS
- • No specific weight measurement listed for the guitar body
- • Limited edition status makes ownership exclusive
- • Old School Birds inlays may not suit all player styles
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
3/10
Art. 632749
$4,583
PRS SE McCarty 594 Singlecut VS
by
PRS
Nut width
42.9 mm (1.69")
Scale
625 mm (24.61")
Frets
22 frets
Fingerboard radius
254 mm (10")
Body
Mahogany body
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Jazz
Rock
Blues
Key Feature:
This guitar feels like a classic PRS you can play every night. The mahogany body and vintage humbuckers give it a warm, bluesy sound that cuts through a band. It's a solid choice for players who want that old-school feel without the high-end price tag.
PROS
- • Solid mahogany body offers rich, warm resonance for blues players.
- • Flamed maple top adds visual flair and bright top-end clarity.
- • PRS 58/15 LT humbuckers deliver classic, gritty single-coil tone.
- • Vintage-style neck profile feels familiar and comfortable under hand.
CONS
- • No weight information provided makes carrying uncertainty.
- • Standard 24.61 scale may feel long to shorter players.
- • Single volume control limits tonal shaping compared to multi-band models.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 648157
$982
PRS SE McCarty 594 Singlecut CH
by
PRS
Nut width
42.9 mm (1.69")
Scale
625 mm (24.61")
Frets
22 frets
Fingerboard radius
254 mm (10")
Body
Mahogany body
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Rock
Metal
Hard Rock
Key Feature:
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.
- • Vintage neck profile offers comfortable playability and classic feel.
CONS
- • Mahogany body can make it slightly heavier than some players prefer.
- • Rosewood fretboard may require more frequent oiling to prevent dryness.
- • While versatile, it leans towards classic rock and blues; modern metal is less ideal.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 577946
$973
PRS SE McCarty 594 Singlecut BG
by
PRS
Nut width
42.9 mm (1.69")
Scale
625 mm (24.61")
Frets
22 frets
Fingerboard radius
254 mm (10")
Body
Mahogany body
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Blues
Classic Rock
Rock
Key Feature:
The SE McCarty 594 Singlecut BG nails that vintage PRS vibe at a really accessible price. It’s got a solid, warm core with a surprising amount of versatility thanks to those 58/15 LT pickups. This is a fantastic choice for players wanting a premium-feeling instrument with classic tones and a comfortable neck, perfect for blues, rock, and beyond.
PROS
- • Mahogany body delivers a warm, resonant foundation for a classic tone.
- • Flamed maple top adds visual flair and a touch of brightness to the sound.
- • PRS 58/15 LT pickups provide a versatile range, from clean to driven.
- • Vintage Pattern neck profile offers comfortable playability and a familiar feel.
CONS
- • Mahogany body can make it a bit heavier than some players prefer.
- • Rosewood fingerboard might feel a little dry to some, requiring occasional conditioning.
- • While versatile, it’s not a shred machine; leans towards classic rock/blues.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 559148
$984
#10
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
3/10
PRS McCarty SC56 TE
by
PRS
Scale
625 mm (24.61")
Frets
22 frets
Fingerboard radius
254 mm (10")
Body
Mahogany body
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Rock
Blues
Metal
Key Feature:
This guitar feels like a workhorse built for long sessions. The mahogany body gives it a warm voice while the maple top adds clarity. The vintage neck shape makes bending notes easy for players who love old-school feel. It is a solid choice for those who want reliable tone without extra gadgets.
PROS
- • Mahogany and maple body offers solid resonance
- • Two-piece bridge ensures tight tuning stability
- • Vintage neck profile suits classic playing styles
- • Tiger Eye finish provides unique visual appeal
CONS
- • Weight reduction details are not fully specified
- • Limited edition color may restrict availability
- • No locking tuners mentioned in description
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
3/10
Art. 632780
$4,583
#11
⭐
4.7/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
2/10
PRS Mark Tremonti CH Thin Gen III
by
PRS
Scale
635 mm (25")
Frets
22 frets
Body
Mahogany body
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Jazz
Blues
Rock
Key Feature:
This guitar sounds great for players who want thick tone without losing clarity. The thin neck fits comfortably under the fingers for big chords. It's a solid choice for rock and blues fans who like a classic feel. However, the heavy body might be tough to carry around, and you can't blend pickups easily. Still, it's a top-tier American-made instrument that delivers exactly what Mark Tremonti plays.
PROS
- • Solid mahogany body with flamed maple top for warmth and sparkle
- • Tremonti Humbuckers deliver thick, clear tone for rock and blues
- • Thin neck profile makes chords easy for smaller hands
- • Made in USA with reliable locking tuners and solid build
CONS
- • Heavy mahogany body may feel stiff for some players
- • No pickup selector switch for mixing neck and bridge tones
- • Weight control not specified, so it might be heavy
⭐
4.7/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
2/10
Art. 634872
$4,927
#12
⭐
4.7/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
2/10
PRS McCarty SC594 MCTSB 10 Top
by
PRS
Scale
624 mm (24.57")
Frets
22 frets
Body
Mahogany body
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Jazz
Blues
Classic Rock
Key Feature:
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
- • Coil split switches let players switch between clean and thick
CONS
- • No weight spec listed means heft is unknown for comfort
- • Tobacco Sunburst finish may show wear easily on large surfaces
- • No active electronics or preamp boosts for signal shaping
⭐
4.7/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
2/10
Art. 630584
$6,072
#13
⭐
4.7/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
2/10
PRS McCarty SC594 Yellow Tiger
by
PRS
Scale
624 mm (24.57")
Frets
22 frets
Body
Mahogany body
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Classic Rock
Hard Rock
Blues
Key Feature:
The McCarty SC594 Yellow Tiger is a seriously well-built guitar – the combination of mahogany and maple gives it a rich, resonant voice. This is a premium-priced instrument aimed at players who appreciate a vintage vibe with modern refinements and a comfortable neck. It's a great choice for rock, blues, and classic tones.
PROS
- • Mahogany body provides warmth and sustain; a cornerstone of classic tone.
- • Vintage Pattern neck profile offers exceptional comfort and playability for many hands.
- • 58/15 LT humbuckers deliver a thick, articulate sound ideal for rock and blues.
- • PRS Old School Birds inlays add a unique aesthetic touch and collectibility.
CONS
- • Mahogany construction contributes to a notably heavier feel; may be tiring for some.
- • Limited pickup versatility; covered humbuckers restrict tonal options compared to open coils.
- • Yellow Tiger finish, while striking, might not appeal to players seeking understated aesthetics.
⭐
4.7/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
2/10
Art. 602869
$5,958
#14
⭐
4.7/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
2/10
PRS Mark Tremonti Charcoal 2024
by
PRS
Scale
635 mm (25")
Frets
22 frets
Body
Mahogany body
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Metal
Blues
Rock
Key Feature:
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.
- • PRS Tremolo bridge provides reliable tuning stability and vibrato capabilities.
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.
- • The tonal palette leans towards modern rock and metal; less suited for purely vintage sounds.
⭐
4.7/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
2/10
Art. 594759
$5,729
#15
⭐
4.7/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
2/10
PRS Mark Tremonti Stoptail CT
by
PRS
Scale
635 mm (25")
Frets
22 frets
Body
Mahogany body
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Rock
Classic Rock
Metal
Key Feature:
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.
- • Set-in neck construction enhances resonance and playability.
CONS
- • The mahogany body makes it a noticeably heavier instrument.
- • The scale length, while comfortable, limits versatility for some styles.
- • The Phase III locking tuners, while functional, aren’t universally preferred aesthetically.
- • Charcoal finish, while striking, may show fingerprints more readily.
⭐
4.7/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
2/10
Art. 487213
$5,156
Every single cut guitars that matches
18 models match this page. The 15 above are covered in detail; the rest are listed here with their published specifications.
| # | Model | Specifications | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | PRS Mark Tremonti CPB Thin Gen III | Scale 635 mm (25") · Frets 22 frets · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $4,927 |
| 17 | PRS SE Tremonti CA | Frets 22 frets · Body Mahogany body · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $973 |
| 18 | PRS Mark Tremonti CH 10 Top | Scale 635 mm (25") · Frets 22 frets | $6,645 |
Single Cut Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 507 models in this category, so «wide», «short» or «expensive» mean something you can check.
Price
median $1,374
from $240 to $6,875
Nut width
median 43 mm (1.69")
from 42 mm (1.65") to 43.1 mm (1.7") · 387 models
Scale
median 628 mm (24.72")
from 625 mm (24.61") to 648 mm (25.51") · 451 models
Fingerboard radius
median 305 mm (12.01")
from 254 mm (10") to 350 mm (13.78") · 232 models
Body
mahogany, okoume, poplar
most common · 417 models
Fingerboard
rosewood, ebony, laurel
most common · 346 models
Frets
median 22
from 22 to 22 · 319 models
Neck profile
C, U
most common · 82 models
Weight
median 6.5 kg
from 3.88 kg to 10 kg · 32 models
How to Choose the Best Single Cut Guitars
1
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.
2
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.
3
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.
4
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.
5
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
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 This List Is Built
We don't play these instruments — we're a catalog, not a review desk, and we'd rather say so than pretend otherwise. This page covers 18 of 507 single cut guitars from the Thomann catalogue, which is the largest single source of specification data in this category: 15 in detail, the rest listed with their specifications.
Position is computed, not curated. We parse the manufacturer's own description into actual values — nut width, scale, fret count, fingerboard radius, size, alloy — and rank on them: how many specifications a model has published, how many of them are measurable numbers, and how precisely it meets this page's criterion. A product image adds a little. Price is not a ranking signal: it tells you nothing about whether a neck fits your hand. The same inputs always produce the same order, so nothing here is shuffled to look fresh.
What this list is good for: narrowing a category down to a shortlist by spec and budget. What it isn't: a substitute for hearing an instrument. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
Frequently Asked Questions
'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.
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.'
Absolutely. PRS guitars use standard humbucker routings, so pickup swaps are straightforward. It's a great way to customize the tone to your liking.
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.
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.
