Best Single Cut Guitars Under $500 2025

Affordable single cut guitars under $500 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: November 12, 2025 • Next update: November 19, 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

Harley Benton SC-550 Plus EMG PAF w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton SC-550 Plus EMG PAF w/Bag

by Harley Benton

Classic Rock Rock Metal

Key Feature:

• Classic rock sound and feel

✓ PROS

• Rich midrange presence
• Thick, sustaining humbucker tone

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton SC-550 Plus EMG PAF w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton SC-550 Plus EMG PAF*Electric...

⭐ 4.9/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 537514

$460

Buy at Thomann View Details

Larry Carlton L3 P90 Black Satin - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Larry Carlton L3 P90 Black Satin

by Larry Carlton

Hard Rock Classic Rock Metal

Key Feature:

• Excellent upper fret access

✓ PROS

• Thick, sustaining humbucker tone
• Excellent upper fret access

✗ CONS

• Heavier than other guitar types
• Higher price point typically

Larry Carlton L3 P90 Black SatinElectric GuitarBody: MahoganySet-in neck: MahoganyFingebroard: RosewoodWhite Pearloid...

⭐ 4.5/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 594131

$439

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton SC-500 BK Vintage Serie Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton SC-500 BK Vintage Serie Bundle

by Harley Benton

Metal Classic Rock Hard Rock

Key Feature:

• Rich midrange presence

✓ PROS

• Classic rock sound and feel
• Thick, sustaining humbucker tone

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton SC-500 BK Vintage Serie Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton SC-500 BK Vintage Series*Electric...

⭐ 4.6/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 371724

$384

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton SC-Custom III VBK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton SC-Custom III VBK

by Harley Benton

Jazz Rock Hard Rock

Key Feature:

• Rich midrange presence

✓ PROS

• Classic rock sound and feel
• Excellent upper fret access

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton SC-Custom III VBKElectric GuitarBody: MerantiSet-in neck: MerantiFingerboard: roasted jatobaWhite...

⭐ 4.9/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 570149

$373

Buy at Thomann View Details

Larry Carlton L3 P90 Tobacco Sunburst - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Larry Carlton L3 P90 Tobacco Sunburst

by Larry Carlton

Hard Rock Classic Rock Rock

Key Feature:

• Excellent upper fret access

✓ PROS

• Thick, sustaining humbucker tone
• Excellent upper fret access

✗ CONS

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

Larry Carlton L3 P90 Tobacco SunburstElectric GuitarBody: : MahoganySet-in neck: MahoganyFingerboar: RosewoodWhite...

⭐ 4.7/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 594125

$439

Buy at Thomann View Details

Larry Carlton L3 P90 TV Yellow - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Larry Carlton L3 P90 TV Yellow

by Larry Carlton

Classic Rock Jazz Blues

Key Feature:

• Great for overdriven tones

✓ PROS

• Rich midrange presence
• Great for overdriven tones

✗ CONS

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

Larry Carlton L3 P90 TV YellowElectric GuitarBody: MahoganySet-in neck: MahoganyFingerboard: RosewoodWhite Pearloid Dot...

⭐ 4.4/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 594127

$439

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton SC-Custom III FR VBK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton SC-Custom III FR VBK

by Harley Benton

Metal Classic Rock Rock

Key Feature:

• Great for overdriven tones

✓ PROS

• Thick, sustaining humbucker tone
• Excellent upper fret access

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton SC-Custom III FR VBKElectric GuitarBody: MerantiSet-in neck: MerantiFingerboard: RosewoodWhite pearloid...

⭐ 4.7/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 570165

$494

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gretsch Strml Jet Clb MNT MET - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Gretsch Strml Jet Clb MNT MET

by Gretsch

Metal Hard Rock Rock

Key Feature:

• Thick, sustaining humbucker tone

✓ PROS

• Rich midrange presence
• Classic rock sound and feel

✗ CONS

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

Gretsch Strml Jet Clb MNT METElectric GuitarBody: NatoNeck: Bolt-on NatoFingerboard: LaurelFingerboard inlays: Pearloid...

⭐ 4.6/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 594503

$389

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton SC-Custom III Desert Burst - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton SC-Custom III Desert Burst

by Harley Benton

Classic Rock Blues Rock

Key Feature:

• Thick, sustaining humbucker tone

✓ PROS

• Excellent upper fret access
• Classic rock sound and feel

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton SC-Custom III Desert BurstElectric GuitarBody: MerantiTop: AAAA flamed maple veneerSet-in neck:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 570230

$329

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton SC-Custom III Gold Top - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.7/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton SC-Custom III Gold Top

by Harley Benton

Metal Hard Rock Rock

Key Feature:

• Excellent upper fret access

✓ PROS

• Excellent upper fret access
• Great for overdriven tones

✗ CONS

• Higher price point typically
• Heavier than other guitar types

Harley Benton SC-Custom III Gold TopElectric GuitarBody: MerantiSet-in neck: MerantiFingerboard: roasted jatobaWhite...

⭐ 4.7/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 570233

$329

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton SC-Custom III Ocean Flame - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.7/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton SC-Custom III Ocean Flame

by Harley Benton

Classic Rock Blues Jazz

Key Feature:

• Excellent upper fret access

✓ PROS

• Thick, sustaining humbucker tone
• Rich midrange presence

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton SC-Custom III Ocean FlameElectric GuitarBody: MerantiTop: AAAA flamed maple veneerSet-in neck:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 570223

$329

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton SC-450 CB Classic Serie Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.7/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton SC-450 CB Classic Serie Bundle

by Harley Benton

Metal Rock Jazz

Key Feature:

• Classic rock sound and feel

✓ PROS

• Great for overdriven tones
• Excellent upper fret access

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton SC-450 CB Classic Serie Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton HB-80R Celestion*Combo Amplifier...

⭐ 4.7/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 371453

$351

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton SC-500 WH Vintage Serie Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.6/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton SC-500 WH Vintage Serie Bundle

by Harley Benton

Blues Rock Hard Rock

Key Feature:

• Rich midrange presence

✓ PROS

• Excellent upper fret access
• Classic rock sound and feel

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton SC-500 WH Vintage Serie Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton SC-500 WH Vintage Series*Electric...

⭐ 4.6/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 371726

$329

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton SC-400 SGT Classic Seri Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 5.0/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton SC-400 SGT Classic Seri Bundle

by Harley Benton

Rock Classic Rock Metal

Key Feature:

• Excellent upper fret access

✓ PROS

• Rich midrange presence
• Excellent upper fret access

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton SC-400 SGT Classic Seri Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton SC-400 SGT Classic Series*Electric...

⭐ 5.0/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 371447

$307

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton SC-Custom III Active VBK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 5.0/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton SC-Custom III Active VBK

by Harley Benton

Classic Rock Jazz Blues

Key Feature:

• Thick, sustaining humbucker tone

✓ PROS

• Thick, sustaining humbucker tone
• Rich midrange presence

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton SC-Custom III Active VBKElectric GuitarBody: MerantiSet-in neck: MerantiFingerboard: RosewoodWhite...

⭐ 5.0/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 570157

$351

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 $500 2025

Harley Benton SC-550 Plus EMG PAF w/Bag

Larry Carlton L3 P90 Black Satin

Harley Benton SC-500 BK Vintage Serie Bundle

Harley Benton SC-Custom III VBK

Larry Carlton L3 P90 Tobacco Sunburst

Larry Carlton L3 P90 TV Yellow

Harley Benton SC-Custom III FR VBK

Gretsch Strml Jet Clb MNT MET

Harley Benton SC-Custom III Desert Burst

Harley Benton SC-Custom III Gold Top

Harley Benton SC-Custom III Ocean Flame

Harley Benton SC-450 CB Classic Serie Bundle

Harley Benton SC-500 WH Vintage Serie Bundle

Harley Benton SC-400 SGT Classic Seri Bundle

Harley Benton SC-Custom III Active VBK

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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