Best Jazz Guitars 2026
So, you're chasing that Wes Montgomery vibe, huh? A good jazz guitar isn't just about looks; it's about how it feels under your fingers and the voice it brings to the band. Forget the shredder guitars - we're talking about instruments that breathe, that respond to your dynamics, and that can lay down a warm, woody foundation or cut through a big band without sounding brittle. Let's find you a guitar that'll actually inspire you to play.
Last updated: September 1, 2026
⚡ The best jazz guitars in 2026 are Harley Benton BigTone Vintage Orange w/Case (top pick), Harley Benton BigTone Trem White w/Case for tighter budgets, and Heritage Guitar Standard II H-575 OSB for pros — selected from 15 options across 6 brands, priced $381–$6,144, ranked by brand, price and popularity.
Harley Benton BigTone Vintage Orange w/Case
Nut width
43 mm (1.69")
Scale
648 mm (25.51")
Frets
20 frets
Fingerboard radius
350 mm (13.78")
Body
Maple body
Fingerboard
Laurel fingerboard
Weight
5 kg
Jazz
Soul
Fusion
Key Feature:
This BigTone Vintage Orange is a seriously impressive offering for the price. It nails that classic jazz/blues tone with a warm, woody resonance and surprisingly strong humbuckers. If you’re looking for a vintage-inspired hollowbody feel without the premium price tag, this is absolutely worth a look.
PROS
- • Maple hollow body delivers warm, resonant vintage tone
- • Canadian maple neck offers comfortable playability and stability
- • Deluxe AlNiCo humbuckers provide a surprisingly powerful and articulate sound
- • Tune-o-matic bridge and tremolo system enable expressive vibrato
CONS
- • Hollow body construction makes it susceptible to feedback at high volumes
- • Tremolo system might require occasional setup and maintenance
- • Amaranth fretboard, while nice, can be a bit harder than rosewood for some players
⭐
5.0/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 404972
$463
Harley Benton BigTone Trem White w/Case
Nut width
42 mm (1.65")
Scale
648 mm (25.51")
Frets
20 frets
Fingerboard radius
350 mm (13.78")
Body
Maple body
Fingerboard
Laurel fingerboard
Weight
5 kg
Blues
Soul
Jazz
Key Feature:
This Harley Benton BigTone Trem is a seriously impressive offering for the price. It nails that vintage jazz tone with a touch of rock edge, and the tremolo is a fun addition. Ideal for players seeking a hollow-body experience without the premium price tag – especially those into classic jazz, blues, or rockabilly.
PROS
- • Maple body delivers a focused, articulate tone with surprising warmth.
- • Canadian maple neck offers comfortable playability and excellent sustain.
- • Deluxe Alnico humbuckers provide a thick, vintage-voiced output.
- • 50s B-Style tremolo adds expressive vibrato without excessive dive.
CONS
- • Hollow body construction may be prone to feedback at higher volumes.
- • Amarelle fingerboard can feel slightly sticky compared to lacquered alternatives.
- • Tremolo system requires careful setup and occasional maintenance.
⭐
5.0/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 537081
$463
#3
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
2/10
Heritage Guitar Standard II H-575 OSB
Nut width
43 mm (1.69")
Scale
629 mm (24.76")
Frets
20 frets
Fingerboard radius
305 mm (12.01")
Body
Maple body
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Jazz
Soul
Blues
Key Feature:
This archtop feels like a classic jazz instrument built for warmth and clarity. The solid maple top and custom pickups give it a rich, full sound that shines in small rooms. It suits players who love vintage vibes and need a reliable companion for quiet gigs or studio work.
PROS
- • Solid quilted maple top delivers bright, articulate tone
- • Hand-wound humbuckers provide rich, warm fullness
- • Ivory binding adds classic vintage aesthetic appeal
- • Standard C neck profile offers comfortable playability
CONS
- • Hollow body design may not suit loud gigging
- • No weight specification provided for player comfort
- • Tight nut width of 43mm can be hard for small hands
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
2/10
Art. 644864
$6,145
Harley Benton BigTone Trem Vintage Orange
Nut width
43 mm (1.69")
Scale
648 mm (25.51")
Frets
20 frets
Fingerboard radius
350 mm (13.78")
Body
Maple body
Fingerboard
Laurel fingerboard
R&B
Blues
Jazz
Key Feature:
This Harley Benton BigTone Trem is a surprisingly capable vintage-inspired jazz guitar. The hollow body and warm humbuckers nail that classic, mellow tone, and the tremolo adds a nice touch of flair. It’s a fantastic option for players seeking a quality jazz experience without a premium-priced investment.
PROS
- • Maple hollow body provides warm resonance and pleasing acoustic projection.
- • Canadian maple neck offers excellent playability and a comfortable, familiar feel.
- • Deluxe AlNiCo humbuckers deliver a fat, vintage-voiced tone suitable for blues and jazz.
- • Roller bridge and tremolo system allow for smooth playing and expressive vibrato.
CONS
- • Hollow body construction makes it potentially prone to feedback at higher volumes.
- • Tremolo system may require occasional setup and maintenance to stay in tune.
- • Amaranth fretboard, while durable, can feel slightly harder than rosewood to some players.
⭐
5.0/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 349018
$382
Harley Benton BigTone Trem White
Nut width
42 mm (1.65")
Scale
648 mm (25.51")
Frets
20 frets
Fingerboard radius
350 mm (13.78")
Body
Maple body
Fingerboard
Laurel fingerboard
Smooth Jazz
Soul
Fusion
Key Feature:
This Harley Benton BigTone Trem White is a seriously impressive offering for the price. It nails that classic hollow-body jazz guitar vibe, offering a warm, woody tone and comfortable neck. Ideal for players wanting a vintage feel and tremolo functionality without the premium-priced tag.
PROS
- • Maple body provides a focused, articulate tone with good sustain
- • Canadian maple neck offers comfortable playability and stability
- • Deluxe Alnico humbuckers deliver a warm, vintage-inspired output
- • Roller bridge and tremolo system facilitate smooth, expressive playing
CONS
- • Hollow body construction can be prone to feedback at higher volumes
- • Tremolo system may require occasional setup and maintenance
- • Amaranth fingerboard, while durable, lacks the traditional feel of rosewood
⭐
5.0/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 349014
$382
#6
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Stanford CR Fatboy Golden Eye 95
by
Stanford
Nut width
42.8 mm (1.69")
Scale
630 mm (24.8")
Frets
20 frets
Neck profile
C-shape neck
Body
Mahogany body
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Blues
Jazz
Soul
Key Feature:
The Stanford CR Fatboy Golden Eye 95 is a seriously cool, vintage-inspired jazz box. It nails that ES-175 vibe with its solid mahogany core and warm P90 pickups—perfect for players chasing a classic, woody tone for blues, jazz, or rock. It's a premium-priced instrument that offers a ton of character and playability.
PROS
- • Solid mahogany body delivers warmth and sustain characteristic of vintage jazz tones.
- • P90 pickups provide a thick, vocal midrange and excellent response for blues and rock.
- • Kluson-style tuners offer smooth, accurate tuning stability and a vintage aesthetic.
- • Nitrocellulose lacquer finish allows the wood to breathe, enhancing resonance and aging gracefully.
CONS
- • The 12” radius fingerboard, while comfortable, might feel flat for players used to more modern profiles.
- • Limited tonal versatility; excels in jazz, blues, and rock, less suited for high-gain genres.
- • Solid mahogany construction contributes to a heavier instrument; can be fatiguing for extended play.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 591320
$1,332
#7
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Godin 5th Ave Jumbo P90 Harvest Gold
by
Godin
Nut width
43.7 mm (1.72")
Scale
630 mm (24.8")
Frets
21 frets
Fingerboard radius
406 mm (15.98")
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Blues
Soul
Fusion
Key Feature:
This 5th Ave Jumbo P90 is a real treat – a beautifully made, archtop guitar with a seriously cool vintage vibe. The P90s give it that raw, powerful tone that's perfect for blues, rockabilly, and classic rock. It’s a fantastic option for players wanting a distinctive look and feel without venturing into high-end territory.
PROS
- • Canadian wild cherry top delivers rich, warm, and resonant tonal character.
- • Kingpin P90s offer a thick, gritty tone ideal for blues, rock, and roots.
- • Satin neck profile provides exceptional playability and comfortable access.
- • Solid build quality and Canadian craftsmanship ensure lasting durability.
CONS
- • Archtop design limits versatility compared to more modern guitar shapes.
- • Harvest Gold finish may not appeal to all aesthetic preferences.
- • Heavier than many guitars due to the all-wood construction and jumbo body.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 553524
$1,380
Larry Carlton H7F Tobacco Burst
Nut width
43 mm (1.69")
Scale
629 mm (24.76")
Frets
22 frets
Fingerboard radius
305 mm (12.01")
Fingerboard
Ebony fingerboard
R&B
Jazz
Blues
Key Feature:
This Larry Carlton H7F is a seriously well-built instrument, offering a refined jazz tone at a surprisingly affordable price point. The inCin neck profile is a real joy to play, and those LC pickups nail that classic, warm jazz sound with just a touch of bite. Perfect for gigging musicians and students looking for a high-quality hollowbody without the premium-priced tag.
PROS
- • Maple top delivers focused, articulate highs and shimmering overtones.
- • Mahogany neck provides warmth and sustain, excellent for jazz voicings.
- • LC vintage humbuckers offer a balanced, vintage-inspired tone with clarity.
- • Ebony fingerboard provides a slick, fast playing surface with excellent note definition.
CONS
- • Hollowbody construction means it's likely to be somewhat heavy, potentially fatiguing for long gigs.
- • 24.75 in scale length may feel cramped for players used to longer scales.
- • The 3-way switch limits tonal flexibility compared to more complex wiring schemes.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 589234
$660
#9
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
6/10
DAngelico Excel 16 Amaretto Burst
by
DAngelico
Nut width
43 mm (1.69")
Scale
635 mm (25")
Frets
22 frets
Neck profile
C-shape neck
Fingerboard
Ebony fingerboard
Smooth Jazz
Jazz
R&B
Key Feature:
The D’Angelico Excel 16 is a seriously gorgeous instrument, built with premium materials and a fantastic humbucker for a warm, powerful tone. It's a fantastic choice for jazz guitarists or anyone seeking a refined, vintage-inspired feel and look, though its weight is something to consider. This is a great step up for players wanting a hollow body experience without the premium price tag of their higher-end siblings.
PROS
- • Stunning flamed maple back delivers rich, resonant tone
- • Seymour Duncan DA59 humbucker provides powerful, articulate output
- • Ebony fingerboard offers exceptional clarity and playability
- • Grover Rotomatic tuners ensure rock-solid tuning stability
CONS
- • Hollowbody construction makes it somewhat heavier than solid-body guitars
- • Limited pickup options restrict versatility beyond jazz and blues
- • Amaretto Burst finish, while beautiful, may show fingerprints easily
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 617182
$2,028
#10
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
6/10
DAngelico Excel EXL1 Amber
by
DAngelico
Nut width
43 mm (1.69")
Scale
648 mm (25.51")
Frets
22 frets
Neck profile
C-shape neck
Fingerboard
Ebony fingerboard
Fusion
Soul
Blues
Key Feature:
The EXL1 Amber is a beautifully crafted instrument, really nailing that vintage jazz tone. That Seymour Duncan '59 gives it a fantastic growl, and the neck profile is seriously comfortable. This is an excellent choice for jazz, blues, and classic rock players seeking a premium-priced, hollowbody experience.
PROS
- • Seymour Duncan 59 humbucker delivers thick, warm, and articulate tones.
- • Walnut core in the neck adds stability and a pleasing feel under the hand.
- • Ebony fingerboard provides a smooth, fast playing experience and excellent note definition.
- • Grover Imperial tuners ensure rock-solid tuning stability, even with aggressive playing.
CONS
- • Hollowbody construction makes it somewhat prone to feedback at higher volumes.
- • Limited tonal versatility; excels in jazz and blues, less suited for modern genres.
- • The shorter 648mm scale might feel cramped for players accustomed to longer scales.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 621799
$1,970
#11
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
6/10
DAngelico Excel EXL1 Dark Iced Tea Burst
by
DAngelico
Nut width
43 mm (1.69")
Scale
648 mm (25.51")
Frets
22 frets
Neck profile
C-shape neck
Fingerboard
Ebony fingerboard
Fusion
Blues
Soul
Key Feature:
This Excel EXL1 is a seriously gorgeous instrument, built for players who want that classic, warm jazz tone. The Johnny Smith pickup is a real winner, offering plenty of clarity and a touch of grit. It's a premium-priced guitar that feels like a vintage find, perfect for gigging jazz musicians and serious hobbyists.
PROS
- • Stunning flamed maple back provides exceptional warmth and sustain.
- • Seymour Duncan Johnny Smith delivers articulate jazz tones with surprising bite.
- • Ebony fingerboard offers a smooth, fast playing experience and excellent clarity.
- • 7-ply binding adds a touch of elegance and reinforces the body’s structural integrity.
CONS
- • The shorter 648mm scale might feel cramped for players used to longer scales.
- • Hollow body construction means feedback can be an issue at higher volumes without careful amp selection.
- • Limited pickup options restrict versatility outside of jazz and blues contexts.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 621797
$1,970
#12
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
6/10
DAngelico Excel Style B Dark Iced Tea
by
DAngelico
Nut width
43 mm (1.69")
Scale
628 mm (24.72")
Frets
20 frets
Neck profile
C-shape neck
Fingerboard
Ebony fingerboard
Soul
Blues
R&B
Key Feature:
This D'Angelico Excel Style B is a beautifully crafted instrument, perfect for jazz, blues, and mellow swing players who appreciate vintage aesthetics and a warm, articulate tone. The neck profile is comfortable and the overall build quality is impressive for a premium-priced guitar. It’s a great option for players seeking that classic hollowbody vibe without the ultra-high-end price tag.
PROS
- • The DeArmond 1000 pickup delivers a warm, vintage, and uniquely mellow tone.
- • Walnut in the neck adds stiffness and a pleasing resonance; feels very stable.
- • Ebony fingerboard provides a smooth playing experience and excellent note definition.
- • The Stairstep tailpiece is a classic D'Angelico design, adding visual flair and secure string anchoring.
CONS
- • The non-cutaway design can slightly hinder access to higher frets.
- • Laminated construction, while structurally sound, lacks the ultimate resonance of solid wood.
- • The Dark Iced Tea finish, while attractive, might show fingerprints easily.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 585311
$1,854
#13
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
6/10
DAngelico Excel EXL1 Amber
by
DAngelico
Nut width
43 mm (1.69")
Scale
648 mm (25.51")
Frets
22 frets
Neck profile
C-shape neck
Fingerboard
Ebony fingerboard
Blues
R&B
Fusion
Key Feature:
The D'Angelico Excel EXL1 Amber is a seriously refined instrument. It's got that classic jazz vibe with a modern edge thanks to the Seymour Duncan pickup – think Charlie Christian meets a slightly hotter tone. Ideal for gigging jazz players, blues aficionados, or anyone wanting a beautiful, well-built hollowbody that punches above its class.
PROS
- • Seymour Duncan Johnny Smith pickup delivers warm, articulate jazz tones.
- • Maple/walnut/maple neck construction provides excellent sustain and stability.
- • Ebony fingerboard offers a smooth, fast playing experience and crisp articulation.
- • 7-ply binding adds a touch of elegance and enhances the guitar's aesthetic appeal.
CONS
- • Hollowbody construction makes it prone to feedback at higher volumes.
- • Shorter 648mm scale limits low-end extension compared to longer scale guitars.
- • Amber finish, while attractive, might be a bit too visually bold for some players.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 585303
$1,854
#14
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
6/10
DAngelico Excel EXL1 Dark Iced Tea
by
DAngelico
Nut width
43 mm (1.69")
Scale
648 mm (25.51")
Frets
22 frets
Neck profile
C-shape neck
Fingerboard
Ebony fingerboard
Fusion
Smooth Jazz
Soul
Key Feature:
The D'Angelico EXL1 Dark Iced Tea is a beautifully crafted hollowbody, built for players seeking a vintage jazz tone with a modern feel. The Seymour Duncan pickup delivers a surprisingly powerful voice, while the walnut-reinforced neck provides excellent stability. This guitar is a premium-priced option perfect for jazz, blues, and lighter rock styles where a warm, resonant tone is essential.
PROS
- • Laminated spruce top delivers warm, articulate projection.
- • Seymour Duncan 59 provides versatile, classic humbucker tones.
- • Walnut-reinforced neck adds stability and a pleasing feel.
- • Elegant Dark Iced Tea burst finish is visually striking and refined.
CONS
- • Hollowbody construction makes it somewhat heavier than a solid-body guitar.
- • Scale length limits versatility for modern, extended-range playing.
- • Tone controls are basic; lacks more nuanced shaping options.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 585299
$1,838
#15
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
6/10
DAngelico Excel Style B Amber
by
DAngelico
Nut width
43 mm (1.69")
Scale
628 mm (24.72")
Frets
20 frets
Neck profile
C-shape neck
Fingerboard
Ebony fingerboard
Blues
R&B
Jazz
Key Feature:
The D'Angelico Excel Style B Amber is a seriously cool jazz guitar—it nails that vintage vibe. The hollowbody construction and DeArmond pickup give it a beautiful, airy tone perfect for comping and mellow solos. If you're a jazz, blues, or classic rock player looking for a refined instrument with character, this is a great choice.
PROS
- • Laminated Spruce top delivers a warm, resonant tone with excellent projection.
- • DeArmond Rhythm Chief 1000 pickup provides a classic, vintage-voiced, airy character.
- • Ebony fingerboard offers a slick, fast playing experience and excellent note definition.
- • Walnut core in the neck adds stability and a pleasing feel under the hand.
CONS
- • Non-cutaway design limits upper fret access, a consideration for lead players.
- • Laminated construction, while structurally sound, lacks the tonal complexity of solid wood.
- • The amber finish, while attractive, may show fingerprints and handling marks easily.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 585309
$1,738
Every jazz guitars that matches
52 models match this page. The 15 above are covered in detail; the rest are listed here with their published specifications.
| # | Model | Specifications | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | Epiphone Broadway Vintage Sunburst | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 629 mm (24.76") · Frets 20 frets · Body Maple body · Fingerboard Laurel fingerboard | $1,100 |
| 17 | Godin 5th Ave TL Kingpin P90 OC | Nut width 43.7 mm (1.72") · Scale 631 mm (24.84") · Fingerboard radius 406 mm (15.98") · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $1,808 |
| 18 | Godin 5th Ave Kingpin II DLX Copper | Nut width 43.7 mm (1.72") · Scale 631 mm (24.84") · Fingerboard radius 406 mm (15.98") · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $1,622 |
| 19 | Godin 5th Ave Kingpin II DLX VB | Nut width 43.7 mm (1.72") · Scale 631 mm (24.84") · Fingerboard radius 406 mm (15.98") · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $1,564 |
| 20 | Godin 5th Ave Kingpin P90 DLX VB | Nut width 43.7 mm (1.72") · Scale 631 mm (24.84") · Fingerboard radius 406 mm (15.98") · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $1,530 |
| 21 | Godin 5th Ave Kingpin II VB | Nut width 44 mm (1.73") · Scale 631 mm (24.84") · Fingerboard radius 406 mm (15.98") · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $1,390 |
| 22 | Godin 5th Ave Kingpin P90 VB | Nut width 44 mm (1.73") · Scale 632 mm (24.88") · Fingerboard radius 406 mm (15.98") · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $1,274 |
| 23 | Ibanez AF75-BS | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 628 mm (24.72") · Frets 20 frets · Body Basswood body | $571 |
| 24 | Harley Benton Custom Line Manhattan-S w/Case | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Frets 22 frets · Body Mahogany body | $439 |
| 25 | Harley Benton Custom Line Manhattan-Standard | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Frets 22 frets · Body Mahogany body | $312 |
| 26 | DAngelico Excel 16 Amber | Scale 635 mm (25") · Frets 22 frets · Neck profile C-shape neck · Fingerboard Ebony fingerboard | $1,912 |
| 27 | Stanford CR Fatboy GE 95 Bigsby B60 | Nut width 42.8 mm (1.69") · Scale 630 mm (24.8") · Body Maple body · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $1,681 |
| 28 | Stanford CR Fatboy PB 95 Bigsby B60 | Nut width 42.8 mm (1.69") · Scale 630 mm (24.8") · Body Maple body · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $1,681 |
| 29 | Stanford CR Fatboy CAR 95 Bigsby B60 | Nut width 42.8 mm (1.69") · Scale 630 mm (24.8") · Body Maple body · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $1,506 |
| 30 | Stanford CR Fatboy Candy Apple Red 95 | Nut width 42.8 mm (1.69") · Scale 630 mm (24.8") · Body Maple body · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $1,495 |
| 31 | Stanford CR Fatboy Pelham Blue 95 | Nut width 42.8 mm (1.69") · Scale 630 mm (24.8") · Body Maple body · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $1,495 |
| 32 | Heritage Guitar Eagle Classic AN | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Frets 20 frets | $6,956 |
| 33 | Heritage Guitar Eagle Classic OSB | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Frets 20 frets | $6,956 |
| 34 | Heritage Guitar H-575 OSB | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 629 mm (24.76") · Frets 20 frets | $6,145 |
| 35 | Ibanez PM200-NT Pat Metheny | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 628 mm (24.72") · Frets 22 frets | $3,454 |
| 36 | Godin 5th Avenue Uptown Custom BR | Nut width 43.7 mm (1.72") · Scale 631 mm (24.84") · Frets 21 frets | $1,622 |
| 37 | Godin 5th Ave CW Kingpin II HB | Nut width 44 mm (1.73") · Scale 631 mm (24.84") · Frets 21 frets | $1,274 |
| 38 | Godin 5th Avenue Kingpin Cognacburst | Nut width 43.7 mm (1.72") · Scale 631 mm (24.84") · Frets 21 frets | $1,135 |
| 39 | Stanford CR Vanguard AV | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 630 mm (24.8") · Neck profile C-shape neck | $1,386 |
| 40 | Ibanez GB10EM-JBB | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 628 mm (24.72") · Body Basswood body | $892 |
| 41 | Ibanez GB10EM-AA | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 628 mm (24.72") · Body Basswood body | $876 |
| 42 | Ibanez AF95FM-AYS | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 628 mm (24.72") · Body Maple body | $848 |
| 43 | Ibanez AF95-DA | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 628 mm (24.72") · Fingerboard Ebony fingerboard | $760 |
| 44 | Ibanez AF55-TF | Scale 628 mm (24.72") · Body Sapele body · Fingerboard Laurel fingerboard | $451 |
| 45 | Ibanez LGB300-VYS | Nut width 45 mm (1.77") · Scale 628 mm (24.72") | $4,115 |
| 46 | Ibanez GB10-NT | Scale 628 mm (24.72") · Frets 22 frets | $3,419 |
| 47 | Ibanez GB10SE-BS George Benson | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 628 mm (24.72") | $1,622 |
| 48 | The Loar LH-700 VS | Nut width 44.5 mm (1.75") · Scale 630 mm (24.8") | $1,506 |
| 49 | Ibanez LGB30-VYS | Scale 628 mm (24.72") · Fingerboard Ebony fingerboard | $1,506 |
| 50 | Ibanez LGB30-NT | Scale 628 mm (24.72") · Fingerboard Ebony fingerboard | $1,436 |
| 51 | Ibanez AG95QA-DBS | Body Ash body | $809 |
| 52 | Ibanez GB10-BS | not published | $3,478 |
Jazz Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 52 models in this category, so «wide», «short» or «expensive» mean something you can check.
Price
median $1,506
from $382 to $6,145
Nut width
median 43 mm (1.69")
from 42.8 mm (1.69") to 44 mm (1.73") · 45 models
Scale
median 630 mm (24.8")
from 628 mm (24.72") to 648 mm (25.51") · 50 models
Frets
median 21
from 20 to 22 · 28 models
Fingerboard radius
median 406 mm (15.98")
from 305 mm (12.01") to 406 mm (15.98") · 13 models
Body
maple, mahogany, basswood
most common · 20 models
Fingerboard
rosewood, ebony, laurel
most common · 32 models
Neck profile
C
most common · 10 models
How to Choose the Best Jazz Guitars
1
Body Wood
Mahogany delivers warmth and sustain, often paired with a maple top for brightness and clarity. Ash is brighter and more articulate, great for cutting through a mix. The wood choice heavily influences the guitar's overall tonal character - mahogany gives you that fat midrange honk, while ash tends to be more scooped.
2
Neck Profile
Jazz guitars demand comfortable, fast access to the upper registers. Look for profiles like a slim C or a D shape that fits your hand well. A thick, chunky neck will fight you during fast lines and complex voicings. Neck profile is incredibly personal - what feels good is what feels good.
3
Scale Length
The shorter 24.75" scale (common on Gibsons) offers a looser feel and a warmer tone, while the 25.5" scale (Fender) provides more tension and a brighter, more articulate response. It's a subtle difference, but it impacts both feel and tone - think about the kind of vibe you're chasing.
4
Pickup Voicing
Jazz guitars typically use humbuckers or single-coils. Humbuckers offer thicker tone and reduced noise, while single-coils provide a more delicate, nuanced response. The voicing is crucial - avoid overly aggressive pickups; you want something that responds to your touch and doesn't scream for attention.
5
Fretwork & Setup
This is where a lot of cheaper guitars fall down. Poor fretwork leads to buzzing, intonation problems, and a frustrating playing experience. A proper setup - low action, well-crowned frets - makes a massive difference in playability and overall tone, even on a decent guitar.
Buying Guide
Don't get caught up in flashy finishes or unnecessary features. A good jazz guitar is about the fundamentals: comfortable neck, balanced tone, and reliable hardware. Cheaper guitars often cut corners on fretwork and pickup quality - that's where you'll feel the compromise. Paying a bit more for a well-made instrument with a proper setup is almost always worth it; it'll inspire you to play more and sound better doing it.
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 52 jazz 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
While both are hollow, jazz boxes typically have thinner bodies and more refined bracing for improved feedback resistance and a more focused tone. Standard hollow bodies can be more resonant but are more prone to howling at higher volumes.
Vintage guitars can be amazing, but they come with a hefty price tag and potential maintenance issues. Modern instruments have caught up significantly, offering excellent quality and tone at a fraction of the cost. Do your research and play both before committing.
Clean headroom is key. Think Fender Deluxe Reverb, a Vox AC30, or a similar amp that can deliver a warm, articulate tone without breaking up easily. A good preamp pedal can also help shape your tone.
Floating pickups are a common feature on higher-end jazz guitars, allowing for more resonant vibrations. They're not essential, but they can contribute to a richer, more complex tone - though they can also make adjustments more complex.
Absolutely! A used guitar can be a great way to get a higher-quality instrument for less. Just be sure to inspect it carefully for any damage or issues before you buy. A little bit of research can save you a lot of headaches.
