Best Jazz Guitars for Advanced 2026
So, you've mastered your basic jazz voicings and are ready to step up your game? A good guitar isn't just about looking cool; it's about being a responsive extension of your musical ideas. We're not talking about beginner axes here; this list is for players who demand nuance, articulation, and a guitar that can handle the complexities of advanced jazz playing, from smoky club gigs to detailed studio tracking.
Last updated: September 1, 2026
⚡ The best jazz guitars in 2026 are Heritage Guitar Standard II H-575 OSB (top pick), DAngelico Excel 16 Amaretto Burst for tighter budgets, and DAngelico Excel EXL1 Amber for pros — selected from 15 options across 4 brands, priced $1,738–$6,956, ranked by brand, price and popularity.
#1
⭐
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
#2
⭐
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
#3
⭐
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
#4
⭐
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
#5
⭐
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
#6
⭐
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
#7
⭐
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
#8
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
2/10
Heritage Guitar Eagle Classic AN
Nut width
43 mm (1.69")
Scale
648 mm (25.51")
Frets
20 frets
Soul
Blues
Jazz
Key Feature:
This Eagle Classic AN is a serious instrument for the discerning jazz or blues player. The build quality is superb, and the Seth Lover pickups deliver a fantastic vintage tone—it's a true throwback to the golden age of archtops. If you’re after that warm, woody, and articulate sound, and appreciate a handmade, premium-priced guitar, this is a fantastic choice.
PROS
- • Solid spruce top delivers exceptional clarity and projection
- • Seymour Duncan Seth Lovers provide a thick, warm, vintage tone
- • Ebony fretboard offers a smooth, fast playing experience
- • Handmade in Kalamazoo ensures meticulous craftsmanship and quality
CONS
- • The 17 in hollowbody construction makes it quite heavy for extended playing
- • Limited tonal versatility compared to more modern, flexible guitars
- • The antique natural finish may be prone to scratches and blemishes
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
2/10
Art. 474670
$6,956
#9
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
2/10
Heritage Guitar Eagle Classic OSB
Nut width
43 mm (1.69")
Scale
648 mm (25.51")
Frets
20 frets
R&B
Fusion
Jazz
Key Feature:
The Heritage Eagle Classic OSB is a serious instrument for the dedicated jazz or blues player. It’s built with top-tier materials and that classic Kalamazoo vibe, delivering a warm, articulate tone with plenty of vintage character. This is a premium-priced guitar for the player who truly appreciates the nuances of a handcrafted hollowbody.
PROS
- • Solid spruce top delivers exceptional clarity and projection
- • Flamed maple back and sides offer warmth and sustain
- • Seymour Duncan Seth Lovers provide articulate, vintage-voiced humbucking tone
- • Handmade in Kalamazoo ensures meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail
CONS
- • The 17-inch hollowbody makes it relatively large and less comfortable for some players
- • The ebony fretboard, while beautiful, can be quite snappy and unforgiving
- • Limited pickup options restrict versatility outside of jazz and blues styles
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
2/10
Art. 460182
$6,956
#10
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
2/10
Heritage Guitar H-575 OSB
Nut width
43 mm (1.69")
Scale
629 mm (24.76")
Frets
20 frets
Soul
R&B
Jazz
Key Feature:
The H-575 OSB is a seriously refined jazz box—it’s got that classic, woody tone and a beautiful aesthetic. This is a top-tier choice for experienced jazz players and serious collectors who appreciate a focused, vintage-inspired voice and impeccable construction. It’s a beautiful instrument built to last.
PROS
- • Solid maple construction delivers exceptional clarity and resonance for a focused tone.
- • Seymour Duncan Seth Lovers provide warm, vintage-voiced humbucker power and articulation.
- • CTS pots and quality Grover hardware ensure reliable performance and lasting value.
- • Handmade in Kalamazoo, USA, guarantees meticulous craftsmanship and exceptional build quality.
CONS
- • The all-solid construction results in a noticeably heavier instrument – a potential fatigue factor.
- • Limited tonal versatility compared to guitars with more pickup options or switching configurations.
- • Premium-priced, placing it out of reach for many players, despite the quality.
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
2/10
Art. 383941
$6,145
#11
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
7/10
Value:
4/10
Ibanez PM200-NT Pat Metheny
by
Ibanez
Nut width
43 mm (1.69")
Scale
628 mm (24.72")
Frets
22 frets
Jazz
Blues
Soul
Key Feature:
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.
- • Ebony fretboard offers a smooth, fast playing experience and great note definition.
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.
- • The all-mahogany construction can be a bit heavy for extended playing sessions.
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
7/10
Value:
4/10
Art. 327125
$3,454
#12
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
6/10
DAngelico Excel 16 Amber
by
DAngelico
Scale
635 mm (25")
Frets
22 frets
Neck profile
C-shape neck
Fingerboard
Ebony fingerboard
R&B
Blues
Jazz
Key Feature:
The D’Angelico Excel 16 Amber is a beautifully crafted hollow body, built for serious jazz players. Its warm, focused tone, comfortable neck profile, and quality hardware make it a joy to play. This guitar delivers a premium feel and sound without the ultra-high-end price tag, perfect for the discerning jazz or blues musician.
PROS
- • Seymour Duncan Johnny Smith delivers warm, articulate jazz tones.
- • Ebony fingerboard offers exceptional clarity and smooth playing feel.
- • Maple/walnut/maple neck construction provides stability and resonance.
- • Grover Rotomatic tuners ensure precise and reliable tuning stability.
CONS
- • Hollow body design makes it somewhat prone to feedback at higher volumes.
- • Limited pickup options restrict versatility beyond jazz and blues styles.
- • Relatively heavy build may be tiring for extended playing sessions.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 617185
$1,912
#13
⭐
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
#14
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Godin 5th Ave TL Kingpin P90 OC
by
Godin
Nut width
43.7 mm (1.72")
Scale
631 mm (24.84")
Fingerboard radius
406 mm (15.98")
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Soul
Fusion
Jazz
Key Feature:
The 5th Ave TL Kingpin P90 OC is a seriously cool guitar – that Ozark Cream finish is gorgeous, and the Kingpin P90s deliver a vintage-inspired tone with plenty of grit. It’s a premium-priced instrument, but the build quality and unique character make it a fantastic choice for blues, rock, and jazz players who want something a little different.
PROS
- • Wild cherry body delivers rich, warm, and resonant tonal character.
- • Kingpin P90s provide a thick, gritty tone ideal for blues and rock.
- • Maple neck with rosewood fingerboard offers comfortable playability and sustain.
- • Canadian craftsmanship ensures exceptional build quality and reliable performance.
CONS
- • Hollow body construction makes it somewhat heavier than solid-body guitars.
- • P90 pickups can be noisy at higher gain settings – expect some hum.
- • Limited tonal versatility compared to guitars with humbucker pickups.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 588803
$1,808
#15
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
3/10
Ibanez LGB300-VYS
by
Ibanez
Nut width
45 mm (1.77")
Scale
628 mm (24.72")
Soul
Jazz
Smooth Jazz
Key Feature:
The LGB300-VYS is a seriously well-built jazz guitar – Ibanez’s take on a classic, but with a modern edge. The humbuckers give it a bit more bite than a traditional jazz box, making it surprisingly versatile for blues and rock as well. This is perfect for players who want that vintage vibe with reliable hardware and a comfortable neck profile.
PROS
- • Spruce top delivers articulate, vintage-inspired tonal clarity
- • 3-piece maple neck provides exceptional stability and sustain
- • Gotoh 510 tuners ensure rock-solid tuning stability
- • Ebony fingerboard offers a smooth, fast playing experience
CONS
- • Super 58 humbuckers might be too aggressive for some jazz purists
- • Relatively compact body size may be uncomfortable for larger players
- • Premium-priced, limiting accessibility for budget-conscious buyers
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
3/10
Art. 276963
$4,115
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 | Ibanez GB10-NT | Scale 628 mm (24.72") · Frets 22 frets | $3,419 |
| 17 | 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 |
| 18 | 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 |
| 19 | 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 |
| 20 | 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 |
| 21 | Godin 5th Avenue Uptown Custom BR | Nut width 43.7 mm (1.72") · Scale 631 mm (24.84") · Frets 21 frets | $1,622 |
| 22 | Ibanez GB10-BS | not published | $3,478 |
| 23 | Ibanez GB10SE-BS George Benson | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 628 mm (24.72") | $1,622 |
| 24 | 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 | $463 |
| 25 | 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 | $463 |
| 26 | 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 | $382 |
| 27 | 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 | $382 |
| 28 | Stanford CR Fatboy Golden Eye 95 | 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 | $1,332 |
| 29 | Godin 5th Ave Jumbo P90 Harvest Gold | Nut width 43.7 mm (1.72") · Scale 630 mm (24.8") · Frets 21 frets · Fingerboard radius 406 mm (15.98") · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $1,380 |
| 30 | 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 | $660 |
| 31 | 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 |
| 32 | 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 |
| 33 | 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 |
| 34 | 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 |
| 35 | Ibanez AF75-BS | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 628 mm (24.72") · Frets 20 frets · Body Basswood body | $571 |
| 36 | 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 |
| 37 | Harley Benton Custom Line Manhattan-Standard | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Frets 22 frets · Body Mahogany body | $312 |
| 38 | 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 |
| 39 | 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 |
| 40 | 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 |
| 41 | Godin 5th Ave CW Kingpin II HB | Nut width 44 mm (1.73") · Scale 631 mm (24.84") · Frets 21 frets | $1,274 |
| 42 | Godin 5th Avenue Kingpin Cognacburst | Nut width 43.7 mm (1.72") · Scale 631 mm (24.84") · Frets 21 frets | $1,135 |
| 43 | Stanford CR Vanguard AV | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 630 mm (24.8") · Neck profile C-shape neck | $1,386 |
| 44 | Ibanez GB10EM-JBB | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 628 mm (24.72") · Body Basswood body | $892 |
| 45 | Ibanez GB10EM-AA | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 628 mm (24.72") · Body Basswood body | $876 |
| 46 | Ibanez AF95FM-AYS | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 628 mm (24.72") · Body Maple body | $848 |
| 47 | Ibanez AF95-DA | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 628 mm (24.72") · Fingerboard Ebony fingerboard | $760 |
| 48 | Ibanez AF55-TF | Scale 628 mm (24.72") · Body Sapele body · Fingerboard Laurel fingerboard | $451 |
| 49 | The Loar LH-700 VS | Nut width 44.5 mm (1.75") · Scale 630 mm (24.8") | $1,506 |
| 50 | Ibanez LGB30-VYS | Scale 628 mm (24.72") · Fingerboard Ebony fingerboard | $1,506 |
| 51 | Ibanez LGB30-NT | Scale 628 mm (24.72") · Fingerboard Ebony fingerboard | $1,436 |
| 52 | Ibanez AG95QA-DBS | Body Ash body | $809 |
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
Neck Profile & Playability
Advanced players need a neck that feels like an extension of their hand. This isn't about 'slim' or 'thick'; it's about finding a profile that allows for effortless legato runs, complex chord voicings, and accurate intonation across the entire fretboard. A comfortable neck reduces fatigue during long gigs.
2
Pickup Voicing & Articulation
Forget overly bright, ice-picky tones. We're looking for pickups that provide a warm, balanced response with excellent articulation - enough clarity to hear every note in a complex chord, but with enough body to cut through a quartet without sounding harsh. That fat midrange honk is crucial.
3
Sustain & Resonance
Jazz playing often demands long, singing notes. A guitar with good sustain and resonance allows those notes to bloom, creating a richer, more expressive sound. This isn't just about volume; it's about the guitar's ability to vibrate and project tone.
4
Hardware Quality & Stability
Loose tuners, sloppy hardware - these are dealbreakers. Advanced players need a guitar that stays in tune under the demands of live performance and recording. Quality hardware contributes to overall stability and a more refined feel.
5
Construction & Wood Selection
The woods used impact the guitar's tonal character and responsiveness. Mahogany offers warmth and sustain, maple provides clarity and brightness, and figured tops (flame, quilt) are often a sign of higher-grade wood, though aesthetics alone don't guarantee sonic excellence.
Buying Guide
Don't chase the hype. A beautifully figured top doesn't automatically equal a great-sounding guitar. Pay close attention to the neck profile - that's the most personal aspect. Be prepared to spend a bit more on quality hardware; it's a worthwhile investment. Cheaper instruments often cut corners on fretwork and hardware, leading to frustration and compromised performance.
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
There's no 'best,' it's about balance. Mahogany body/maple neck is a classic for warmth and clarity. Maple body/mahogany neck can be brighter and more articulate. Ultimately, try before you buy.
Single-coils offer more clarity and that airy, bell-like tone that's common in jazz. Humbuckers provide more output and can cut through a louder ensemble, but be careful of muddiness - look for vintage-voiced humbuckers.
Lower action generally promotes faster playing, but too low and you'll get fret buzz. Start around 2.0mm at the 12th fret and adjust to your preference. Proper fretwork is essential for low action without buzz.
Nitrocellulose finishes are often preferred for their tonal properties and aging characteristics, but they're also more delicate. Polyester finishes are more durable but can sometimes dampen the guitar's resonance slightly.
Floating pickups (not directly mounted to the body) can sometimes improve sustain and resonance, but it's a subtle difference. The quality of the pickups and construction are far more important than the mounting style.
