Best Single Cut Guitars Under $5,000 2025

Affordable single cut guitars under $5,000 - 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

Heritage Guitar H-150 P90 OSB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Heritage Guitar H-150 P90 OSB

by Heritage Guitar

Jazz Blues Metal

Key Feature:

• Great for overdriven tones

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Heritage Guitar H-150 P90 OSBElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyTop: Flamed mapleBolt-on neck: MapleCream bindingFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 619385

$2,749

Buy at Thomann View Details

Maybach Lester Midnight Sunset Custom - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Maybach Lester Midnight Sunset Custom

by Maybach

Hard Rock Classic Rock Jazz

Key Feature:

• Rich midrange presence

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Maybach Lester Midnight Sunset CustomElectric GuitarTop: Flamed mapleBody: MahoganySet-in neck: Solid...

⭐ 4.5/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 612312

$3,839

Buy at Thomann View Details

Maybach Lester Honey Pie 60 aged - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Maybach Lester Honey Pie 60 aged

by Maybach

Jazz Hard Rock Rock

Key Feature:

• Great for overdriven tones

✓ PROS

• Classic rock sound and feel
• Excellent upper fret access

✗ CONS

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

Maybach Lester Honey Pie 60 aged2-Part mahogany body2-part glued-on maple topNeck: mahogany '60s slim...

⭐ 4.6/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 422278

$2,529

Buy at Thomann View Details

Heritage Guitar H-150 DLB Bigsby - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Heritage Guitar H-150 DLB Bigsby

by Heritage Guitar

Jazz Hard Rock Classic Rock

Key Feature:

• Great for overdriven tones

✓ PROS

• Great for overdriven tones
• Thick, sustaining humbucker tone

✗ CONS

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

Heritage Guitar H-150 DLB BigsbyElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyTop: Flamed mapleBolt-on neck: MapleCream...

⭐ 4.7/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 619379

$2,859

Buy at Thomann View Details

Heritage Guitar H-150 OSB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Heritage Guitar H-150 OSB

by Heritage Guitar

Hard Rock Classic Rock Rock

Key Feature:

• Great for overdriven tones

✓ PROS

• Excellent upper fret access
• Thick, sustaining humbucker tone

✗ CONS

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

Heritage Guitar H-150 OSBElectric GuitarSingle cutMahogany bodyMaple topSet-in mahogany neckRosewood fretboard...

⭐ 4.5/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 447317

$2,749

Buy at Thomann View Details

DAngelico DLX SS Barit. Satin Trans Wine - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

DAngelico DLX SS Barit. Satin Trans Wine

by DAngelico

Blues Hard Rock Classic Rock

Key Feature:

• Classic rock sound and feel

✓ PROS

• Rich midrange presence
• Thick, sustaining humbucker tone

✗ CONS

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

DAngelico DLX SS Barit. Satin Trans WineBaritone Electric GuitarStyle: Semi-Hollow with centre blockback and sides:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 553356

$2,089

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gibson Les Paul 58 Washed Cherry VOS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Gibson Les Paul 58 Washed Cherry VOS

by Gibson

Hard Rock Jazz Classic Rock

Key Feature:

• Great for overdriven tones

✓ PROS

• Great for overdriven tones
• Classic rock sound and feel

✗ CONS

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

Gibson Les Paul 58 Washed Cherry VOSCustom Shop Electric GuitarLes Paul 1958arched maple topMahogany body (Swietenia...

⭐ 4.5/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 459301

$4,948

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gibson Les Paul 57 Goldtop VOS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Gibson Les Paul 57 Goldtop VOS

by Gibson

Rock Jazz Metal

Key Feature:

• Rich midrange presence

✓ PROS

• Excellent upper fret access
• Classic rock sound and feel

✗ CONS

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

Gibson Les Paul 57 Goldtop VOSCustom Shop Electric GuitarLes Paul 1957Arched maple topMahogany body (Swietenia...

⭐ 4.6/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 459288

$4,728

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gibson Les Paul Standard 60s Trans.BB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Gibson Les Paul Standard 60s Trans.BB

by Gibson

Jazz Classic Rock Blues

Key Feature:

• Classic rock sound and feel

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Neck dive possible with light bodies
• Heavier than other guitar types

Gibson Les Paul Standard 60s Trans.BBElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyTop: MapleNeck: MahoganyFingerboard: RosewoodTrapeze...

⭐ 4.7/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 569914

$2,749

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s AAA HCS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.6/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s AAA HCS

by Gibson

Blues Jazz Rock

Key Feature:

• Thick, sustaining humbucker tone

✓ PROS

• Rich midrange presence
• Excellent upper fret access

✗ CONS

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

Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s AAA HCSElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyTop: AAA mapleNeck: MahoganyFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 612098

$2,749

Buy at Thomann View Details

Maybach Lester Gold Rush 90 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.7/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Maybach Lester Gold Rush 90

by Maybach

Hard Rock Rock Classic Rock

Key Feature:

• Great for overdriven tones

✓ PROS

• Excellent upper fret access
• Thick, sustaining humbucker tone

✗ CONS

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

Maybach Lester Gold Rush 90Electric GuitarTwo-piece mahogany body (Aucoumea klaineana)Two-piece set-in maple topNeck:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 378928

$2,529

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gibson Les Paul Standard 60s Faded VB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.5/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Gibson Les Paul Standard 60s Faded VB

by Gibson

Jazz Classic Rock Blues

Key Feature:

• Great for overdriven tones

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Gibson Les Paul Standard 60s Faded VBElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyTop: AA flamed mapleNeck: MahoganyFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 601799

$2,122

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gibson LP Junior 57 Singlecut TVY VOS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.7/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Gibson LP Junior 57 Singlecut TVY VOS

by Gibson

Metal Jazz Classic Rock

Key Feature:

• Thick, sustaining humbucker tone

✓ PROS

• Thick, sustaining humbucker tone
• Great for overdriven tones

✗ CONS

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

Gibson LP Junior 57 Singecut TVY VOSCustom Shop Electric GuitarMahogany body (Swietenia Macrophylla)Mahagoni neck...

⭐ 4.7/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 459242

$3,959

Buy at Thomann View Details

Heritage Guitar H-150 Ebony - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.5/5 (46 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Heritage Guitar H-150 Ebony

by Heritage Guitar

Hard Rock Blues Metal

Key Feature:

• Excellent upper fret access

✓ PROS

• Rich midrange presence
• Excellent upper fret access

✗ CONS

• Heavier than other guitar types
• Neck dive possible with light bodies

Heritage Guitar H-150 EbonyElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyTop: Flamed mapleGlued neck: MahoganyFretboard:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (46 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 498424

$2,749

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gibson Mary Ford Les Paul Standard GT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.6/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Gibson Mary Ford Les Paul Standard GT

by Gibson

Blues Jazz Hard Rock

Key Feature:

• Excellent upper fret access

✓ PROS

• Rich midrange presence
• Excellent upper fret access

✗ CONS

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

Gibson Mary Ford Les Paul Standard GTElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyTop: MapleNeck: MahoganyFingerboard: RosewoodTrapez...

⭐ 4.6/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 603764

$2,584

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 $5,000 2025

Heritage Guitar H-150 P90 OSB

Maybach Lester Midnight Sunset Custom

Maybach Lester Honey Pie 60 aged

Heritage Guitar H-150 DLB Bigsby

Heritage Guitar H-150 OSB

DAngelico DLX SS Barit. Satin Trans Wine

Gibson Les Paul 58 Washed Cherry VOS

Gibson Les Paul 57 Goldtop VOS

Gibson Les Paul Standard 60s Trans.BB

Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s AAA HCS

Maybach Lester Gold Rush 90

Gibson Les Paul Standard 60s Faded VB

Gibson LP Junior 57 Singlecut TVY VOS

Heritage Guitar H-150 Ebony

Gibson Mary Ford Les Paul Standard GT

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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