AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Jazz Guitars for Beginner 2026
The top pick is Ibanez AF55 Artcore ($421). Harley Benton Custom Line Manhattan-Standard gives you the most for the money at $303. Ibanez GB10 George Benson 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
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- 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 ↗ -
- 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 ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets20 frets
- Fingerboard radius350 mm (13.78")
- BodyMaple body
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.
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.
52AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$370 now$370€329 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets22 frets
- BodyMahogany body
- FingerboardLaurel fingerboard
This Harley Benton Manhattan-Standard is a fantastic entry point into the hollowbody jazz guitar world. The mahogany build gives it a lovely, woody tone, and the mini-humbuckers provide a surprisingly versatile range – great for jazz, blues, or even some rock. It's perfect for students or players wanting that classic archtop vibe without the premium price tag.
Pros
- Mahogany construction delivers a warm, resonant, and vintage-voiced tone.
- Custom ceramic mini-humbuckers offer surprisingly articulate and powerful output.
- Amaranth fingerboard provides a smooth playing experience and excellent clarity.
Cons
- The shorter scale length (648mm) might feel cramped for players accustomed to longer scales.
- Mahogany body can make it heavier than some players prefer, around 8-9 lbs.
45AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$303 now$303€269 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- 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 ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets20 frets
- Fingerboard radius350 mm (13.78")
- BodyMaple body
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
Cons
- Hollow body construction makes it susceptible to feedback at high volumes
- Tremolo system might require occasional setup and maintenance
49AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$449 now$449€399 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets20 frets
- Fingerboard radius350 mm (13.78")
- BodyMaple body
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.
Cons
- Hollow body construction may be prone to feedback at higher volumes.
- Amarelle fingerboard can feel slightly sticky compared to lacquered alternatives.
49AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$449 now$449€399 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets22 frets
- BodyMahogany body
- FingerboardLaurel fingerboard
This Harley Benton Manhattan-S is a surprisingly good entry into the hollowbody jazz guitar world. It nails that vintage vibe with a warm, woody tone and a comfortable neck. It's an excellent choice for players looking for authentic jazz tones on a budget-friendly instrument.
Pros
- Solid mahogany construction delivers warm, resonant, vintage-style tones.
- Custom ceramic mini-humbuckers offer surprising output and clarity.
- Amaranth fingerboard provides a smooth, fast playing experience with excellent note definition.
Cons
- Mahogany body may be a bit heavy for some players, especially over long gigs.
- Limited tonal versatility; excels in jazz and blues, less suited for modern genres.
45AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$426 now$426€379 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 ↗ -
- 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
Larry Carlton H7F Tobacco BurstLarry Carlton41↓ 1.8%$629€559$629€559Check ↗
- 12
Godin 5th Avenue CW Kingpin II5th Ave Kingpin II VB · Godin · 3 finishes78Stable$1,349€1,199$1,349€1,199Check ↗
- 13
Ibanez LGB30 George Benson SignatureLGB30-NT · Ibanez · 2 finishes71Stable$1,393€1,238$1,393€1,238Check ↗
- 14
Epiphone BroadwayBroadway VSB · Epiphone68Stable$1,068€949$1,068€949Check ↗
- 15
Godin 5th Avenue CW Kingpin II5th Ave CW Kingpin II HB · Godin68Stable$1,237€1,099$1,237€1,099Check ↗
- 16
Ibanez PM200 Pat Metheny SignaturePM200-NT Pat Metheny · Ibanez65Stable$3,352€2,979$3,352€2,979Check ↗
- 17
Ibanez LGB300 George Benson SignatureLGB300-VYS · Ibanez59Stable$3,994€3,549$3,994€3,549Check ↗
- 18
Godin 5th Avenue Uptown Custom5th Avenue Uptown Custom BR · Godin58Stable$1,574€1,399$1,574€1,399Check ↗
- 19
DAngelico Excel EXL1 AmberDAngelico · 4 finishes57↓ 1.9%$1,766€1,569$1,766€1,569Check ↗
- 20
Godin 5th Avenue TL Thinline Kingpin P905th Ave Kingpin P90 VB · Godin · 2 finishes52Stable$1,237€1,099$1,237€1,099Check ↗
- 21
Godin 5th Avenue TL Thinline Kingpin P905th Ave TL Kingpin P90 OC · Godin50↓ 3.9%$1,687€1,499$1,687€1,499Check ↗
- 22
Stanford CR Fatboy Golden Eye 95Stanford47Stable$1,293€1,149$1,293€1,149Check ↗
- 23
Godin 5th Ave Jumbo P90 Harvest GoldGodin47Stable$1,339€1,190$1,339€1,190Check ↗
- 24
DAngelico Excel Style B AmberDAngelico46Stable$1,687€1,499$1,687€1,499Check ↗
- 25
DAngelico Excel Style B Dark Iced TeaDAngelico46Stable$1,799€1,599$1,799€1,599Check ↗
- 26
DAngelico Excel 16 Amaretto BurstDAngelico46Stable$1,968€1,749$1,968€1,749Check ↗
- 27
Heritage Guitar Standard II H-575 OSBHeritage Guitar46Stable$5,963€5,299$5,963€5,299Check ↗
- 28
Heritage Guitar Eagle Classic ANHeritage Guitar · 2 finishes45↓ 1.6%$6,751€5,999$6,751€5,999Check ↗
- 29
DAngelico Excel 16 AmberDAngelico44Stable$1,856€1,649$1,856€1,649Check ↗
- 30
Godin 5th Avenue Kingpin CognacburstGodin43Stable$1,102€979$1,102€979Check ↗
- 31
Stanford CR Fatboy Candy Apple Red 95Stanford43Stable$1,451€1,289$1,451€1,289Check ↗
- 32
Stanford CR Fatboy Pelham Blue 95Stanford43Stable$1,451€1,289$1,451€1,289Check ↗
- 33
Stanford CR Fatboy GE 95 Bigsby B60Stanford43Stable$1,632€1,450$1,632€1,450Check ↗
- 34
Stanford CR Fatboy PB 95 Bigsby B60Stanford43Stable$1,632€1,450$1,632€1,450Check ↗
- 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
Playability (Neck Profile & Action)
A chunky neck and high action will kill your progress. Look for a comfortable neck profile - something slim to medium-C is usually a good starting point - and a manageable action. Lower action makes it easier to bend strings and execute faster lines, but don't go so low that you get fret buzz.
Pickup Voicing
Jazz isn't about high-gain shredding. You want warm, articulate pickups that can handle clean tones and still retain some character when you dig in. Avoid overly bright or aggressive pickups; they'll just sound harsh and brittle, especially when recording.
Body Size & Weight
Full-size archtops can be heavy - like, seriously heavy. As a beginner, lugging a 12-pound guitar around for hours will wear you out before you even start playing. Consider a smaller body size or a semi-hollowbody for more comfort.
Construction & Hardware
Solid wood construction sounds great, but it's also more expensive. Laminates are common on beginner guitars, and they're not inherently bad - just be aware that they won't have quite the same resonance and sustain. Decent tuning stability is also crucial; cheap hardware will have you tuning constantly.
Overall Tone & Articulation
A good jazz guitar needs to articulate cleanly - each note should be distinct, not muddy. You want a guitar that responds well to your dynamics, allowing you to shape your tone with your right hand. That 'fat midrange honk' is a hallmark of a good jazz tone, and it needs to be present without being overwhelming.
Buying guide
So, you're diving into jazz guitar? Awesome. It's a beautiful, nuanced world, but the gear can feel overwhelming. A lot of beginners get steered towards super-expensive archtops right away, but that's often a recipe for frustration. Let's find you a guitar that'll let you focus on learning lines and developing your chops, not wrestling with a neck that feels like a baseball bat or pickups that sound like ice picks.
Don't fall for the 'vintage vibe' hype if it means sacrificing playability. A guitar that's a joy to play is worth more than a pretty finish. Budget-friendly jazz guitars often cut corners on hardware and construction - expect some fret buzz and potentially less sustain.
It's usually worth spending a little more for a setup from a qualified tech; it can make a huge difference in how the guitar feels and sounds.
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 hollowbody, semi-hollowbody, and solidbody?
Hollowbodies are all air - they have the warmest, most resonant tone but are prone to feedback at higher volumes. Semi-hollows have a solid center block, reducing feedback while retaining some of that hollowbody warmth. Solidbodies are the most feedback-resistant, but often lack the characteristic jazz tone.
Do I need a floating pickup?
Floating pickups are a classic jazz feature, but not essential for beginners. They offer a slightly different tone and angle of attack, but a fixed pickup will work just fine - and it's often more stable.
What about pickups - humbuckers or single coils?
Single-coil pickups are generally preferred for jazz due to their clarity and articulation. Humbuckers can be used, but choose ones with a warm, vintage voicing - avoid anything too high-output.
Should I get a larger guitar body?
Larger bodies offer more resonance, but they're also heavier and can be uncomfortable. Start with a smaller or medium-sized body - you can always upgrade later.
What's a 'setup' and why is it important?
A setup involves adjusting the action, intonation, and neck relief to optimize playability. A proper setup can transform a mediocre guitar into a joy to play; it's almost always worth the investment.
