Best Single Cut Guitars Under $1,000 2025

Affordable single cut guitars under $1,000 - great value without compromising quality

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

Larry Carlton L7 CAR New Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Larry Carlton L7 CAR New Gen

by Larry Carlton

Metal Jazz Classic Rock

Key Feature:

• Great for overdriven tones

✓ PROS

• Classic rock sound and feel
• Excellent upper fret access

✗ CONS

• Neck dive possible with light bodies
• Less twangy than single-coil guitars

Larry Carlton L7 CAR New GenElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyTop: MapleSet neck: MahoganyFingerboard: EbonyWhite pearloid...

⭐ 4.6/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 611202

$824

Buy at Thomann View Details

Kramer Guitars Assault Plus Bengal Burst - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Kramer Guitars Assault Plus Bengal Burst

by Kramer Guitars

Rock Metal Classic Rock

Key Feature:

• Excellent upper fret access

✓ PROS

• Thick, sustaining humbucker tone
• Great for overdriven tones

✗ CONS

• May lack brightness for some styles
• Less twangy than single-coil guitars

Kramer Guitars Assault Plus Bengal BurstElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyTop: Flamed mapleSet-in neck: MapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 606359

$857

Buy at Thomann View Details

Larry Carlton L7 BK New Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Larry Carlton L7 BK New Gen

by Larry Carlton

Blues Jazz Classic Rock

Key Feature:

• Excellent upper fret access

✓ PROS

• Classic rock sound and feel
• Rich midrange presence

✗ CONS

• Less twangy than single-coil guitars
• Higher price point typically

Larry Carlton L7 BK New GenElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyTop: MapleBolt-on neck: MahoganyFingerboard: EbonyWhite...

⭐ 4.7/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 611204

$879

Buy at Thomann View Details

Kramer Guitars Assault Figured Caribbean Blue - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Kramer Guitars Assault Figured Caribbean Blue

by Kramer Guitars

Hard Rock Metal Blues

Key Feature:

• Thick, sustaining humbucker tone

✓ PROS

• Excellent upper fret access
• Classic rock sound and feel

✗ CONS

• Higher price point typically
• Heavier than other guitar types

Kramer Guitars Assault Figured Caribbean BlueElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyTop: AAA flamed mapleSet-in neck:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 606349

$901

Buy at Thomann View Details

Hagstrom Fantomen White - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Hagstrom Fantomen White

by Hagstrom

Metal Hard Rock Blues

Key Feature:

• Classic rock sound and feel

✓ PROS

• Thick, sustaining humbucker tone
• Great for overdriven tones

✗ CONS

• May lack brightness for some styles
• Heavier than other guitar types

Hagstrom Fantomen WhiteElectric GuitarMahogany body (Swietenia macrophylla)Set-in mahogany neck (Swietenia...

⭐ 4.8/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 417239

$934

Buy at Thomann View Details

Epiphone Les Paul Modern Figured MB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Epiphone Les Paul Modern Figured MB

by Epiphone

Rock Blues Classic Rock

Key Feature:

• Rich midrange presence

✓ PROS

• Rich midrange presence
• Excellent upper fret access

✗ CONS

• Less twangy than single-coil guitars
• May lack brightness for some styles

Epiphone Les Paul Modern Figured MBElectric GuitarBody: Mahogany"Ultra Modern Weight Relief" - weight-reduced...

⭐ 4.6/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 569635

$879

Buy at Thomann View Details

Larry Carlton L7V TS New Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Larry Carlton L7V TS New Gen

by Larry Carlton

Jazz Classic Rock Hard Rock

Key Feature:

• Classic rock sound and feel

✓ PROS

• Rich midrange presence
• Classic rock sound and feel

✗ CONS

• Heavier than other guitar types
• May lack brightness for some styles

Larry Carlton L7V TS New GenElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyTop: MapleBolt-on neck: MahoganyFingerboard: EbonyWhite...

⭐ 4.8/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 611211

$879

Buy at Thomann View Details

Solar Guitars GC2.6BOP+ - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Solar Guitars GC2.6BOP+

by Solar Guitars

Classic Rock Hard Rock Metal

Key Feature:

• Classic rock sound and feel

✓ PROS

• Thick, sustaining humbucker tone
• Rich midrange presence

✗ CONS

• Higher price point typically
• May lack brightness for some styles

Solar Guitars GC2.6BOP+Electric GuitarBody: SungkaiSet-in neck: roasted mapleFingerboard: Roasted mapleSolar logo...

⭐ 4.5/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 598842

$989

Buy at Thomann View Details

Guild Aristocrat P90 VSB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Guild Aristocrat P90 VSB

by Guild

Blues Hard Rock Classic Rock

Key Feature:

• Great for overdriven tones

✓ PROS

• Great for overdriven tones
• Classic rock sound and feel

✗ CONS

• Higher price point typically
• Neck dive possible with light bodies

Guild Aristocrat P90 VSBElectric GuitarStyle: Chambered Body ArchtopTop: SprucelaminatedBody: MahoganylaminatedBody...

⭐ 4.4/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 469026

$868

Buy at Thomann View Details

Larry Carlton L7V CAR New Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.5/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Larry Carlton L7V CAR New Gen

by Larry Carlton

Blues Classic Rock Hard Rock

Key Feature:

• Great for overdriven tones

✓ PROS

• Great for overdriven tones
• Rich midrange presence

✗ CONS

• Heavier than other guitar types
• May lack brightness for some styles

Larry Carlton L7V CAR New GenElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyTop: MapleBolt-on neck: MahoganyFingerboard: EbonyWhite...

⭐ 4.5/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 611212

$824

Buy at Thomann View Details

Guild Aristocrat HH TBB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.6/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Guild Aristocrat HH TBB

by Guild

Metal Classic Rock Jazz

Key Feature:

• Great for overdriven tones

✓ PROS

• Rich midrange presence
• Thick, sustaining humbucker tone

✗ CONS

• Higher price point typically
• Neck dive possible with light bodies

Guild Aristocrat HH TBBElectric GuitarStyle: Hollow Body ArchtopTop: SprucelaminatedBody: MahoganylaminatedBody depth:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 469041

$879

Buy at Thomann View Details

Hagstrom Fantomen Cosmic Black Burst - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.7/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Hagstrom Fantomen Cosmic Black Burst

by Hagstrom

Jazz Classic Rock Blues

Key Feature:

• Excellent upper fret access

✓ PROS

• Thick, sustaining humbucker tone
• Great for overdriven tones

✗ CONS

• Neck dive possible with light bodies
• Higher price point typically

Hagstrom Fantomen Cosmic Black BurstElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyTop: flamed mapleSet-in neck: MahoganyFingerboard and...

⭐ 4.7/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 587303

$879

Buy at Thomann View Details

Hagstrom Fantomen Worn Denim - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.6/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Hagstrom Fantomen Worn Denim

by Hagstrom

Classic Rock Blues Metal

Key Feature:

• Thick, sustaining humbucker tone

✓ PROS

• Great for overdriven tones
• Thick, sustaining humbucker tone

✗ CONS

• May lack brightness for some styles
• Neck dive possible with light bodies

Hagstrom Fantomen Worn DenimElectric GuitarBody: MahagonyTop: flamed mapleSet-in neck: MahoganyLong tenon...

⭐ 4.6/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 591444

$923

Buy at Thomann View Details

Hagstrom Fantomen Tobacco Sunburst - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.5/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Hagstrom Fantomen Tobacco Sunburst

by Hagstrom

Blues Rock Jazz

Key Feature:

• Thick, sustaining humbucker tone

✓ PROS

• Rich midrange presence
• Great for overdriven tones

✗ CONS

• Neck dive possible with light bodies
• Higher price point typically

Hagstrom Fantomen Tobacco SunburstElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyNeck: Mahogany (Aucoumea klaineana)Neck attachment:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 421084

$879

Buy at Thomann View Details

Epiphone Les Paul Custom Alpine w/Case - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.9/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Epiphone Les Paul Custom Alpine w/Case

by Epiphone

Jazz Hard Rock Metal

Key Feature:

• Excellent upper fret access

✓ PROS

• Classic rock sound and feel
• Excellent upper fret access

✗ CONS

• Less twangy than single-coil guitars
• Heavier than other guitar types

Epiphone Les Paul Custom Alpine w/Case*Bundle offer comprising*, Epiphone Les Paul Custom AW*Electric Guitar*Inspired...

⭐ 4.9/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 538646

$842

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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Best Single Cut Guitars Under $1,000 2025

Larry Carlton L7 CAR New Gen

Kramer Guitars Assault Plus Bengal Burst

Larry Carlton L7 BK New Gen

Kramer Guitars Assault Figured Caribbean Blue

Hagstrom Fantomen White

Epiphone Les Paul Modern Figured MB

Larry Carlton L7V TS New Gen

Solar Guitars GC2.6BOP+

Guild Aristocrat P90 VSB

Larry Carlton L7V CAR New Gen

Guild Aristocrat HH TBB

Hagstrom Fantomen Cosmic Black Burst

Hagstrom Fantomen Worn Denim

Hagstrom Fantomen Tobacco Sunburst

Epiphone Les Paul Custom Alpine w/Case

How to Choose the Best Single Cut Guitars

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying single cut guitars?

How much should I spend on single cut guitars?

Are expensive single cut guitars worth the investment?

What are the best brands for single cut guitars?

Should I buy single cut guitars online or in-store?

Related Best Lists

Best ST Style Guitars

Best Humbucker Pickups

Best Distortion Pedals

Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

Best 4/4 Size Classical Guitars

Best 4-String Basses

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