AudioFu Chart · October 2026

Best Jazz Guitars for Blues 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

38models in this chart
10brands
$1,462median price
7price drops since Aug

Narrow the chart

All Jazz Guitars Showing: For Blues · clear

Top 10

Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.

  1. Ibanez GB10 George Benson Signature

    GB10EM-AA · Ibanez

    33 for sale on Reverb5 finishes at Thomann

    • 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
    • Demand97
    • Lineup100
    • Price71
    • Specs43
    • Maker100
    ↓ 7.2%since Aug 17 · lowest so far
    $865 · Aug 17$803 now
    $803€714 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗
  2. 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
    Index
    • Demand94
    • Lineup77
    • Price50
    • Specs57
    • Maker89
    Stableno change since Aug 17
    Aug 17$1,349 now
    $1,349€1,199 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗
  3. Ibanez AF75 Artcore

    AF75-BS · Ibanez

    37 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann

    • 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
    Index
    • Demand100
    • Lineup39
    • Price50
    • Specs57
    • Maker100
    Stableno change since Aug 17
    Aug 17$554 now
    $554€492 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗
  4. Ibanez LGB30 George Benson Signature

    LGB30-NT · Ibanez

    29 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann

    • 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
    Index
    • Demand94
    • Lineup61
    • Price50
    • Specs29
    • Maker100
    Stableno change since Aug 17
    Aug 17$1,393 now
    $1,393€1,238 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗
  5. Ibanez AF55 Artcore

    AF55-TF · Ibanez

    22 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann

    • 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
    • Demand86
    • Lineup39
    • Price62
    • Specs43
    • Maker100
    ↓ 3.9%since Aug 17 · lowest so far
    $438 · Aug 17$421 now
    $421€374 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗
  6. Epiphone Broadway

    Broadway VSB · Epiphone

    35 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann

    • 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
    Index
    • Demand99
    • Lineup39
    • Price50
    • Specs71
    • Maker26
    Stableno change since Oct 14
    Oct 14$1,068 now
    $1,068€949 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗
  7. 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
    Index
    • Demand94
    • Lineup39
    • Price50
    • Specs43
    • Maker89
    Stableno change since Aug 17
    Aug 17$1,237 now
    $1,237€1,099 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗
  8. Ibanez AF95 Artcore Expressionist

    AF95-DA · Ibanez

    16 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann

    • 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
    Index
    • Demand78
    • Lineup61
    • Price50
    • Specs43
    • Maker100
    Stableno change since Aug 17
    Aug 17$737 now
    $737€655 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗
  9. 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
    Index
    • Demand84
    • Lineup39
    • Price50
    • Specs43
    • Maker100
    Stableno change since Aug 17
    Aug 17$3,352 now
    $3,352€2,979 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗
  10. Ibanez AG95QA Artcore Expressionist

    AG95QA-DBS · Ibanez

    22 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann

    • 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
    Index
    • Demand86
    • Lineup39
    • Price50
    • Specs14
    • Maker100
    Stableno change since Aug 17
    Aug 17$785 now
    $785€698 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗

All 38 jazz guitars

Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.

  1. 11
    Ibanez LGB300 George Benson SignatureLGB300-VYS · Ibanez
    Index 59Stable
    59
    Stable$3,994€3,549
    $3,994€3,549Check ↗
  2. 12
    Godin 5th Avenue Uptown Custom5th Avenue Uptown Custom BR · Godin
    Index 58Stable
    58
    Stable$1,574€1,399
    $1,574€1,399Check ↗
  3. 13
    DAngelico Excel EXL1 AmberDAngelico · 4 finishes
    Index 57↓ 1.9%
    57
    ↓ 1.9%$1,766€1,569
    $1,766€1,569Check ↗
  4. 14
    Harley Benton BigTone Trem Vintage OrangeHarley Benton · 2 finishes
    Index 52Stable
    52
    Stable$370€329
    $370€329Check ↗
  5. 15
    Godin 5th Avenue TL Thinline Kingpin P905th Ave Kingpin P90 VB · Godin · 2 finishes
    Index 52Stable
    52
    Stable$1,237€1,099
    $1,237€1,099Check ↗
  6. 16
    Godin 5th Avenue TL Thinline Kingpin P905th Ave TL Kingpin P90 OC · Godin
    Index 50↓ 3.9%
    50
    ↓ 3.9%$1,687€1,499
    $1,687€1,499Check ↗
  7. 17
    Harley Benton BigTone Vintage Orange w/CaseHarley Benton
    Index 49Stable
    49
    Stable$449€399
    $449€399Check ↗
  8. 18
    Harley Benton BigTone Trem White w/CaseHarley Benton
    Index 49Stable
    49
    Stable$449€399
    $449€399Check ↗
  9. 19
    Stanford CR Fatboy Golden Eye 95Stanford
    Index 47Stable
    47
    Stable$1,293€1,149
    $1,293€1,149Check ↗
  10. 20
    Godin 5th Ave Jumbo P90 Harvest GoldGodin
    Index 47Stable
    47
    Stable$1,339€1,190
    $1,339€1,190Check ↗
  11. 21
    DAngelico Excel Style B AmberDAngelico
    Index 46Stable
    46
    Stable$1,687€1,499
    $1,687€1,499Check ↗
  12. 22
    DAngelico Excel Style B Dark Iced TeaDAngelico
    Index 46Stable
    46
    Stable$1,799€1,599
    $1,799€1,599Check ↗
  13. 23
    DAngelico Excel 16 Amaretto BurstDAngelico
    Index 46Stable
    46
    Stable$1,968€1,749
    $1,968€1,749Check ↗
  14. 24
    Heritage Guitar Standard II H-575 OSBHeritage Guitar
    Index 46Stable
    46
    Stable$5,963€5,299
    $5,963€5,299Check ↗
  15. 25
    Harley Benton Custom Line Manhattan-StandardHarley Benton
    Index 45Stable
    45
    Stable$303€269
    $303€269Check ↗
  16. 26
    Harley Benton Custom Line Manhattan-S w/CaseHarley Benton
    Index 45Stable
    45
    Stable$426€379
    $426€379Check ↗
  17. 27
    Heritage Guitar Eagle Classic ANHeritage Guitar · 2 finishes
    Index 45↓ 1.6%
    45
    ↓ 1.6%$6,751€5,999
    $6,751€5,999Check ↗
  18. 28
    DAngelico Excel 16 AmberDAngelico
    Index 44Stable
    44
    Stable$1,856€1,649
    $1,856€1,649Check ↗
  19. 29
    Godin 5th Avenue Kingpin CognacburstGodin
    Index 43Stable
    43
    Stable$1,102€979
    $1,102€979Check ↗
  20. 30
    Stanford CR Fatboy Candy Apple Red 95Stanford
    Index 43Stable
    43
    Stable$1,451€1,289
    $1,451€1,289Check ↗
  21. 31
    Stanford CR Fatboy Pelham Blue 95Stanford
    Index 43Stable
    43
    Stable$1,451€1,289
    $1,451€1,289Check ↗
  22. 32
    Stanford CR Fatboy GE 95 Bigsby B60Stanford
    Index 43Stable
    43
    Stable$1,632€1,450
    $1,632€1,450Check ↗
  23. 33
    Stanford CR Fatboy PB 95 Bigsby B60Stanford
    Index 43Stable
    43
    Stable$1,632€1,450
    $1,632€1,450Check ↗
  24. 34
    Larry Carlton H7F Tobacco BurstLarry Carlton
    Index 41↓ 1.8%
    41
    ↓ 1.8%$629€559
    $629€559Check ↗
  25. 35
    Stanford CR Vanguard AVStanford
    Index 41Stable
    41
    Stable$1,345€1,195
    $1,345€1,195Check ↗
  26. 36
    Gibson 1957 L-5 CES ReIs VS VOSGibson
    Index 41Stable
    41
    Stable$10,914€9,699
    $10,914€9,699Check ↗
  27. 37
    Heritage Guitar H-575 OSBHeritage Guitar
    Index 40Stable
    40
    Stable$5,963€5,299
    $5,963€5,299Check ↗
  28. 38
    The Loar LM-700 Supreme F-Style MandolinLH-700 VS · The Loar
    Index 37Stable
    37
    Stable$1,462€1,299
    $1,462€1,299Check ↗

Jazz Guitars by the numbers

Measured across all 52 models we track, not a sample.

Price distribution

Median $1,462 — half of all jazz guitars here cost less.

3
7
18
15
8
1
<$400$400–750$750–1.5k$1.5k–3k$3k–7.5k$7.5k+
Nut width43 mm (1.69")

median of 43 models · 42.8 mm (1.69")–44 mm (1.73")

Scale630 mm (24.8")

median of 50 models · 628 mm (24.72")–648 mm (25.51")

Fingerboardrosewood, ebony

most common · 34 models

Frets21

median of 29 models · 20–22

How to choose the best jazz guitars

Pickup Voicing

Jazz guitars often lean towards brighter, more articulate pickups. For blues, you want something with a bit more low-midrange thump and a willingness to breakup nicely - think Alnico II or even slightly overwound humbuckers. That ice-picky high-end isn't your friend here.

Neck Profile

A chunkier neck profile, something closer to a '50s C shape, will give you better leverage for bending and vibrato, crucial for blues phrasing. Those thin, shredder-style necks just don't feel right when you're digging into a soulful lick.

Body Wood & Construction

Mahogany or a mahogany-like tonewood (like Korina) will add warmth and sustain. Fully hollow bodies can be prone to feedback at higher volumes, so semi-hollow or even solid-body jazz guitars are often a more practical choice for blues gigs.

Hardware & Tuning Stability

Cheap hardware is a killer. You need tuners that lock in, and a bridge that doesn't rattle. Nothing kills a blues solo faster than a guitar going out of tune mid-phrase - trust me, I've been there.

Versatility & Response to Dynamics

A good blues guitar needs to respond to your playing - quiet and clean when you want it, screaming and saturated when you dig in. Look for a guitar that doesn't just sound good on the factory settings, but reacts to your touch and pedal choices.

Buying guide

So, you're a blues player digging the idea of a jazz guitar? Smart move. They've got a sophistication and warmth that can really elevate your blues tone, but not all jazz boxes are created equal for that grit and bite. We're not talking about pristine, glassy cleans here - we're talking about finding that sweet spot where elegance meets attitude, a guitar that can lay down a soulful solo or a swampy rhythm part.

Don't be fooled by the 'jazz' label - it's about finding the right characteristics. Budget-friendly options will often skimp on the hardware and pickups, which is where a lot of the blues tone comes from. Spending a little more on a used model from a reputable brand is almost always a better investment than a brand-new, cheap one.

And seriously, check the neck - a bad setup can ruin even the best guitar.

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

Are all jazz guitars too bright for blues?

Not necessarily, but you'll need to be mindful of the pickup selection and potentially roll back the tone controls. Some jazz guitars are voiced specifically for a warmer tone.

What's the deal with semi-hollow vs. hollow-body?

Hollow bodies offer more resonance and air, but feedback can be a problem onstage. Semi-hollows provide a good compromise, retaining some of the warmth while being more stable at higher volumes.

Can I put humbuckers on a jazz guitar?

Absolutely! It's a common mod to darken the tone and add more grit. Just make sure the pickups fit the routing and you're comfortable with the wiring changes.

I'm on a budget - what should I look for?

Focus on the neck profile and pickup voicing. A comfortable neck is essential, and slightly warmer pickups will make a huge difference. Don't sweat the fancy finish or binding.

What action should I set for blues?

A slightly higher action than you might find on a standard jazz guitar gives you more room for bending without fret buzz. Experiment to find what feels comfortable for your style - around 2.5mm-3mm at the 12th fret is a good starting point.

Related charts

#1 · AudioFu Index 86Ibanez GB10 George Benson Signature · $803€714
Check price ↗
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