Best Single Cut Guitars Under $800 2025

Affordable single cut guitars under $800 - 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 Agufish STD Signature BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton Agufish STD Signature BK

by Harley Benton

Blues Classic Rock Jazz

Key Feature:

• Thick, sustaining humbucker tone

✓ PROS

• Rich midrange presence
• Classic rock sound and feel

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton Agufish STD Signature BKElectric GuitarHunter Engel "Agufish" Signature ModelWeight reduced...

⭐ 4.6/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 575587

$549

Buy at Thomann View Details

Larry Carlton I5L Tobacco Sunburst Satin - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Larry Carlton I5L Tobacco Sunburst Satin

by Larry Carlton

Classic Rock Hard Rock Jazz

Key Feature:

• Great for overdriven tones

✓ PROS

• Excellent upper fret access
• Thick, sustaining humbucker tone

✗ CONS

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

Larry Carlton L5 Tobacco Sunburst SatinElectric GuitarBody: AshNeck: Bolt-on mapleMaple fingerboard with rounded...

⭐ 4.9/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 591950

$626

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton Agufish Custom Signature PB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton Agufish Custom Signature PB

by Harley Benton

Blues Hard Rock Metal

Key Feature:

• Thick, sustaining humbucker tone

✓ PROS

• Classic rock sound and feel
• Rich midrange presence

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton Agufish Custom Signature PBElectric GuitarHunter Engel "Agufish" Signature modelWeight-reduced...

⭐ 4.6/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 563379

$549

Buy at Thomann View Details

Larry Carlton I5L Natural Satin - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Larry Carlton I5L Natural Satin

by Larry Carlton

Hard Rock Rock Jazz

Key Feature:

• Classic rock sound and feel

✓ PROS

• Excellent upper fret access
• Thick, sustaining humbucker tone

✗ CONS

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

Larry Carlton I5L Natural SatinElectric GuitarBody: AshBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleRounded fingerboard...

⭐ 4.6/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 614569

$626

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton Agufish STD Signature SFG - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton Agufish STD Signature SFG

by Harley Benton

Jazz Classic Rock Hard Rock

Key Feature:

• Great for overdriven tones

✓ PROS

• Great for overdriven tones
• Excellent upper fret access

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton Agufish STD Signature SFGElectric GuitarHunter Engel "Agufish" Signature modelWeight reduced...

⭐ 4.6/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 563378

$549

Buy at Thomann View Details

Epiphone Les Paul Standard 60s EB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Epiphone Les Paul Standard 60s EB

by Epiphone

Blues Metal Rock

Key Feature:

• Great for overdriven tones

✓ PROS

• Thick, sustaining humbucker tone
• Great for overdriven tones

✗ CONS

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

Epiphone Les Paul Standard 60s EBElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyTop: AA flamed mapleNeck: MahoganyFingerboard: Indian...

⭐ 4.7/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 607462

$736

Buy at Thomann View Details

Epiphone Nancy Wilson Fanatic Fireburst - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Epiphone Nancy Wilson Fanatic Fireburst

by Epiphone

Rock Jazz Hard Rock

Key Feature:

• Rich midrange presence

✓ PROS

• Great for overdriven tones
• Excellent upper fret access

✗ CONS

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

Epiphone Nancy Wilson Fanatic FireburstElectric GuitarNancy Wilson (Heart) Signature Nighthawk modelBody: MahoganyTop:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 507992

$637

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gretsch G5230T Elmtc. Jet SC Bgsby CG - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Gretsch G5230T Elmtc. Jet SC Bgsby CG

by Gretsch

Hard Rock Classic Rock Blues

Key Feature:

• Thick, sustaining humbucker tone

✓ PROS

• Thick, sustaining humbucker tone
• Excellent upper fret access

✗ CONS

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

Gretsch G5230T Elmtc. Jet SC Bgsby CGElectric GuitarChambered body: MahoganyGlued neck: MahoganyMaple topFretboard:...

⭐ 4.4/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 498237

$626

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton SC-Custom Plus EMG VBK w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton SC-Custom Plus EMG VBK w/Bag

by Harley Benton

Metal Hard Rock Classic Rock

Key Feature:

• Thick, sustaining humbucker tone

✓ PROS

• Great for overdriven tones
• Classic rock sound and feel

✗ CONS

• Heavier than other guitar types
• Higher price point typically

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

⭐ 4.5/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 542130

$526

Buy at Thomann View Details

Danelectro 57 Limo Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.6/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Danelectro 57 Limo Black

by Danelectro

Jazz Classic Rock Metal

Key Feature:

• Thick, sustaining humbucker tone

✓ PROS

• Rich midrange presence
• Great for overdriven tones

✗ CONS

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

Danelectro 57 Limo BlackElectric GuitarBody: Spruce with solid frameNeck: MapleFretboard: Pau Ferro21 FretsDouble...

⭐ 4.6/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 490512

$758

Buy at Thomann View Details

Epiphone Les Paul Standard 60s ITB LH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.9/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Epiphone Les Paul Standard 60s ITB LH

by Epiphone

Blues Classic Rock Jazz

Key Feature:

• Rich midrange presence

✓ PROS

• Excellent upper fret access
• Rich midrange presence

✗ CONS

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

Epiphone Les Paul Standard 60s ITB LHElectric GuitarLeft-handed modelBody: MahoganyTop: AA flamed mapleNeck:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 607653

$696

Buy at Thomann View Details

Hagstrom Ultra Swede Worn Denim Burst - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.6/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Hagstrom Ultra Swede Worn Denim Burst

by Hagstrom

Blues Hard Rock Classic Rock

Key Feature:

• Great for overdriven tones

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Hagstrom Ultra Swede Worn Denim BurstElectric GuitarBody: BasswoodTop: MapleSet-in neck: MapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 612012

$659

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gretsch EMTC Sparkle Jet FT SLV SPK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.5/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Gretsch EMTC Sparkle Jet FT SLV SPK

by Gretsch

Blues Classic Rock Rock

Key Feature:

• Rich midrange presence

✓ PROS

• Thick, sustaining humbucker tone
• Rich midrange presence

✗ CONS

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

Gretsch EMTC Sparkle Jet FT SLV SPKElectric GuitarStyle: Jet with cutawayBody: MahoganyNeck: MahoganyFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 609280

$736

Buy at Thomann View Details

Kramer Guitars Assault 220 Plus FG - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.5/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Kramer Guitars Assault 220 Plus FG

by Kramer Guitars

Metal Hard Rock Rock

Key Feature:

• Classic rock sound and feel

✓ PROS

• Great for overdriven tones
• Excellent upper fret access

✗ CONS

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

Kramer Guitars Assault 220 Plus FGElectric GuitarBody: MahoganySet neck: MahoganyFingerboard: MapleScale: 648 mm24...

⭐ 4.5/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 606289

$549

Buy at Thomann View Details

Epiphone Les Paul Standard 60s ITB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 5.0/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Epiphone Les Paul Standard 60s ITB

by Epiphone

Hard Rock Rock Classic Rock

Key Feature:

• Rich midrange presence

✓ PROS

• Great for overdriven tones
• Rich midrange presence

✗ CONS

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

Epiphone Les Paul Standard 60s ITBElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyTop: AA flamed mapleNeck: MahoganyFingerboard: Indian...

⭐ 5.0/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 607649

$697

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 $800 2025

Harley Benton Agufish STD Signature BK

Larry Carlton I5L Tobacco Sunburst Satin

Harley Benton Agufish Custom Signature PB

Larry Carlton I5L Natural Satin

Harley Benton Agufish STD Signature SFG

Epiphone Les Paul Standard 60s EB

Epiphone Nancy Wilson Fanatic Fireburst

Gretsch G5230T Elmtc. Jet SC Bgsby CG

Harley Benton SC-Custom Plus EMG VBK w/Bag

Danelectro 57 Limo Black

Epiphone Les Paul Standard 60s ITB LH

Hagstrom Ultra Swede Worn Denim Burst

Gretsch EMTC Sparkle Jet FT SLV SPK

Kramer Guitars Assault 220 Plus FG

Epiphone Les Paul Standard 60s ITB

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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