AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Jazz Guitars 2026
The top pick is Ibanez GB10 George Benson Signature ($803). Ibanez AF55 Artcore gives you the most for the money at $421. Ibanez PM200 Pat Metheny Signature leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 38 models across 10 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 19, 2026
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All Jazz GuitarsTop 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale628 mm (24.72")
- BodyBasswood body
This GB10EM-AA is a seriously impressive offering for the price. George Benson's signature tone is well-represented with the warm, articulate pickups and comfortable neck profile. It's a fantastic choice for aspiring jazz players or anyone seeking a refined, vintage-inspired hollow body without the premium price tag.
Pros
- Spruce top adds clarity and resonance to the basswood body
- Nyatoh neck provides a comfortable, familiar feel for many players
- Magic Touch Mini humbuckers deliver a warm, controlled jazz tone
Cons
- Basswood body can lack some sustain compared to mahogany or maple
- Plastic nut is a common cost-saving measure, potential upgrade point
86AudioFu
Index↓ 7.2%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$865 · Aug 17$803 now$803€714 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Godin 5th Avenue CW Kingpin II
5th Ave Kingpin II VB · Godin
30 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width44 mm (1.73")
- Scale631 mm (24.84")
- Fingerboard radius406 mm (15.98")
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
The 5th Ave Kingpin II VB is a seriously cool guitar. That wild cherry body and the P90s give it a vintage vibe with a real punch – think blues, rockabilly, and classic rock. It’s a premium-priced instrument that delivers a lot of character and quality for the money, perfect for players wanting a unique, expressive voice.
Pros
- Canadian wild cherry body delivers rich, resonant, and warm tonal character.
- Kingpin P90s offer a unique blend of grit, clarity, and surprising articulation.
- Maple neck with rosewood fingerboard provides comfortable playability and classic feel.
Cons
- Wild cherry can be a bit harder to work with, potentially limiting finish options.
- P90 pickups, while versatile, aren't ideal for super-clean, modern tones.
78AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,349 now$1,349€1,199 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale628 mm (24.72")
- Frets20 frets
- BodyBasswood body
The AF75-BS is a surprisingly capable hollow-body, offering a lot of vintage vibe and punch for the price. It's a great option for jazz, blues, or rock players who want a warm, full tone without the premium price tag – just be mindful of the slightly heavier feel.
Pros
- Basswood body provides a warm, resonant foundation for the tone
- Nyatoh neck offers a comfortable, stable playing experience
- Classic Elite humbuckers deliver a surprisingly articulate and powerful sound
Cons
- 70mm depth can feel bulky for players accustomed to thinner guitars
- Laurel fretboard, while playable, lacks the premium feel of rosewood or ebony
74AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$554 now$554€492 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale628 mm (24.72")
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
The LGB30-NT is a beautifully crafted jazz guitar that balances vintage aesthetics with modern playability. It’s surprisingly versatile, handling clean jazz tones and bluesy grit with ease. This is a great choice for gigging musicians seeking a premium-priced instrument with a comfortable feel and solid performance, particularly those drawn to a more classic jazz or blues vibe.
Pros
- Spruce top provides excellent clarity and projection for jazz tones
- Nyatoh/Maple neck offers a comfortable, stable feel and good sustain
- Super 58 Custom pickups deliver a warm, articulate, and surprisingly versatile sound
Cons
- Flamed maple back/sides, while beautiful, can contribute to a slightly stiffer acoustic response
- Scale length is shorter than a typical electric, affecting string tension and low-end feel
71AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,393 now$1,393€1,238 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale628 mm (24.72")
- BodySapele body
- FingerboardLaurel fingerboard
The AF55-TF is a seriously impressive jazz-inspired guitar for the price. The Sapele body gives it a rich, woody tone, while the Infinity R pickups deliver a surprising amount of punch. It's an excellent choice for players wanting a quality, versatile instrument for jazz, blues, or even lighter rock styles without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Sapele body provides a warm, resonant tonal foundation.
- Infinity R pickups offer surprisingly articulate and powerful output.
- Nyatoh neck offers a comfortable, familiar feel for many players.
Cons
- Sapele can be a bit dense, leading to a moderately heavier instrument.
- Laurel fingerboard may require more frequent oiling compared to rosewood.
68AudioFu
Index↓ 3.9%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$438 · Aug 17$421 now$421€374 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Frets20 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- BodyMaple body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This hollow-body jazz guitar sounds sweet thanks to its spruce top and Alnico pickups. The slim neck feels great under your fingers for smooth playing. It's a solid choice for players who love that vintage vibe and don't need extra electronics.
Pros
- Solid spruce top delivers a warm, resonant jazz tone
- SlimTaper neck profile makes playing chords and solos easy
- Floating bridge setup adds sustain and dynamic response
Cons
- Hollow body design makes the guitar quite heavy
- Only two volume and tone controls limit tweaking options
68AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Oct 14Oct 14$1,068 now$1,068€949 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Godin 5th Avenue CW Kingpin II
5th Ave CW Kingpin II HB · Godin
30 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width44 mm (1.73")
- Scale631 mm (24.84")
- Frets21 frets
The 5th Ave Kingpin II HB is a beautifully crafted archtop that nails that vintage vibe. The wild cherry gives it a uniquely mellow voice, while the humbuckers add a surprising amount of grit when you need it. This is a fantastic choice for jazz, blues, and classic rock players who appreciate quality construction and a comfortable playing experience.
Pros
- Canadian wild cherry back and top deliver a warm, resonant tone.
- Silver leaf horn neck offers exceptional stability and a comfortable feel.
- Godin Custom humbuckers provide a versatile range from blues to rock.
Cons
- Wild cherry can be prone to minor checking with significant temperature changes.
- 16-inch radius fretboard might feel less familiar to players used to flatter profiles.
68AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,237 now$1,237€1,099 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale628 mm (24.72")
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
The AF95-DA is a fantastic entry point into the hollowbody world. It nails that classic jazz tone, but is surprisingly versatile enough for blues and rock. This guitar is perfect for gigging musicians or students looking for a quality instrument without a premium-priced tag.
Pros
- BasswooS back/sides offer a warm, resonant, and surprisingly controlled low-end.
- Super 58 pickups deliver a thick, vintage-voiced humbucker tone with surprising clarity.
- Macassar ebony fingerboard provides a smooth, fast playing experience and excellent note definition.
Cons
- BasswooS, while good, isn’t the same as higher-end tonewoods like maple or mahogany.
- Hollowbody construction makes it somewhat heavier than a solid-body guitar.
67AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$737 now$737€655 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Ibanez PM200 Pat Metheny Signature
PM200-NT Pat Metheny · Ibanez
20 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale628 mm (24.72")
- Frets22 frets
This Ibanez PM200-NT is a beautifully crafted instrument, clearly designed for the discerning jazz player. The combination of mahogany and maple gives it a rich, focused tone that's perfect for Pat Metheny’s signature sound, and the ebony fretboard just sings. It's a premium-priced guitar that's a joy to play and truly delivers a professional-grade jazz experience.
Pros
- Exceptional mahogany/maple body resonance delivers a warm, complex tone.
- Silent 58 humbucker provides a uniquely clean, articulate jazz voice.
- Gotoh hardware ensures rock-solid tuning stability and reliable performance.
Cons
- The shorter scale length might feel unusual for players accustomed to longer scales.
- The Silent 58 pickup, while excellent for jazz, limits versatility for heavier styles.
65AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$3,352 now$3,352€2,979 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- BodyAsh body
The AG95QA-DBS is a really solid choice for players wanting a vintage-inspired jazz tone without the vintage price tag. The ash body gives it a lovely warmth, and the Super 58 pickups handle everything from mellow chords to bluesy leads surprisingly well. It's a great all-around instrument for gigging musicians or students exploring jazz and blues.
Pros
- Ash body delivers a warm, resonant tone with surprising projection.
- Maple/mahogany neck offers a comfortable, balanced feel and good sustain.
- Super 58 pickups provide a versatile range from clean jazz to bluesy overdrive.
Cons
- The Artcore series hardware, while functional, feels a little budget-oriented.
- Ash bodies can be prone to minor finish checking with age and temperature changes.
62AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$785 now$785€698 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 38 jazz guitars
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Ibanez LGB300 George Benson SignatureLGB300-VYS · Ibanez59Stable$3,994€3,549$3,994€3,549Check ↗
- 12
Godin 5th Avenue Uptown Custom5th Avenue Uptown Custom BR · Godin58Stable$1,574€1,399$1,574€1,399Check ↗
- 13
DAngelico Excel EXL1 AmberDAngelico · 4 finishes57↓ 1.9%$1,766€1,569$1,766€1,569Check ↗
- 14
Harley Benton BigTone Trem Vintage OrangeHarley Benton · 2 finishes52Stable$370€329$370€329Check ↗
- 15
Godin 5th Avenue TL Thinline Kingpin P905th Ave Kingpin P90 VB · Godin · 2 finishes52Stable$1,237€1,099$1,237€1,099Check ↗
- 16
Godin 5th Avenue TL Thinline Kingpin P905th Ave TL Kingpin P90 OC · Godin50↓ 3.9%$1,687€1,499$1,687€1,499Check ↗
- 17
Harley Benton BigTone Vintage Orange w/CaseHarley Benton49Stable$449€399$449€399Check ↗
- 18
Harley Benton BigTone Trem White w/CaseHarley Benton49Stable$449€399$449€399Check ↗
- 19
Stanford CR Fatboy Golden Eye 95Stanford47Stable$1,293€1,149$1,293€1,149Check ↗
- 20
Godin 5th Ave Jumbo P90 Harvest GoldGodin47Stable$1,339€1,190$1,339€1,190Check ↗
- 21
DAngelico Excel Style B AmberDAngelico46Stable$1,687€1,499$1,687€1,499Check ↗
- 22
DAngelico Excel Style B Dark Iced TeaDAngelico46Stable$1,799€1,599$1,799€1,599Check ↗
- 23
DAngelico Excel 16 Amaretto BurstDAngelico46Stable$1,968€1,749$1,968€1,749Check ↗
- 24
Heritage Guitar Standard II H-575 OSBHeritage Guitar46Stable$5,963€5,299$5,963€5,299Check ↗
- 25
Harley Benton Custom Line Manhattan-StandardHarley Benton45Stable$303€269$303€269Check ↗
- 26
Harley Benton Custom Line Manhattan-S w/CaseHarley Benton45Stable$426€379$426€379Check ↗
- 27
Heritage Guitar Eagle Classic ANHeritage Guitar · 2 finishes45↓ 1.6%$6,751€5,999$6,751€5,999Check ↗
- 28
DAngelico Excel 16 AmberDAngelico44Stable$1,856€1,649$1,856€1,649Check ↗
- 29
Godin 5th Avenue Kingpin CognacburstGodin43Stable$1,102€979$1,102€979Check ↗
- 30
Stanford CR Fatboy Candy Apple Red 95Stanford43Stable$1,451€1,289$1,451€1,289Check ↗
- 31
Stanford CR Fatboy Pelham Blue 95Stanford43Stable$1,451€1,289$1,451€1,289Check ↗
- 32
Stanford CR Fatboy GE 95 Bigsby B60Stanford43Stable$1,632€1,450$1,632€1,450Check ↗
- 33
Stanford CR Fatboy PB 95 Bigsby B60Stanford43Stable$1,632€1,450$1,632€1,450Check ↗
- 34
Larry Carlton H7F Tobacco BurstLarry Carlton41↓ 1.8%$629€559$629€559Check ↗
- 35
Stanford CR Vanguard AVStanford41Stable$1,345€1,195$1,345€1,195Check ↗
- 36
Gibson 1957 L-5 CES ReIs VS VOSGibson41Stable$10,914€9,699$10,914€9,699Check ↗
- 37
Heritage Guitar H-575 OSBHeritage Guitar40Stable$5,963€5,299$5,963€5,299Check ↗
- 38
The Loar LM-700 Supreme F-Style MandolinLH-700 VS · The Loar37Stable$1,462€1,299$1,462€1,299Check ↗
Jazz Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 52 models we track, not a sample.
Median $1,462 — half of all jazz guitars here cost less.
median of 43 models · 42.8 mm (1.69")–44 mm (1.73")
median of 50 models · 628 mm (24.72")–648 mm (25.51")
most common · 34 models
median of 29 models · 20–22
How to choose the best jazz guitars
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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 the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 52 jazz guitars from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
What's the difference between a jazz box and a standard hollow body?
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.
Are vintage jazz guitars worth the investment?
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.
What kind of amp should I use with a jazz guitar?
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.
What's the deal with floating pickups?
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.
I'm a beginner, should I buy a used guitar?
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.
