Best Jazz Guitars for Intermediate 2026
So, you're past the beginner phase and starting to really dig that Wes Montgomery vibe, huh? Getting into jazz guitar is fantastic, but that first 'real' jazz box can be a minefield. It's not just about the look - a vintage aesthetic doesn't automatically mean great playability or a tone that cuts through a quartet. Let's dial in some guitars that'll help you blossom as a jazz player without breaking the bank or frustrating your progress.
Last updated: September 1, 2026
⚡ The best jazz guitars in 2026 are Stanford CR Fatboy Golden Eye 95 (top pick), Godin 5th Ave Jumbo P90 Harvest Gold for tighter budgets, and Epiphone Broadway Vintage Sunburst for pros — selected from 15 options across 5 brands, priced $462–$1,564, ranked by brand, price and popularity.
#1
⭐
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
#2
⭐
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
Epiphone Broadway Vintage Sunburst
by
Epiphone
Nut width
43 mm (1.69")
Scale
629 mm (24.76")
Frets
20 frets
Body
Maple body
Fingerboard
Laurel fingerboard
Smooth Jazz
Jazz
Soul
Key Feature:
This Epiphone Broadway is a fantastic entry into the world of vintage-inspired jazz and blues guitars. The build quality is surprisingly solid, the neck is a joy to play, and the pickups deliver a warm, woody tone with plenty of character. It's an excellent choice for players looking for that classic hollowbody vibe without the premium-priced tag.
PROS
- • Maple/Spruce construction delivers focused, articulate tone with warmth.
- • Slim Taper neck profile offers comfortable playability, especially for smaller hands.
- • Wilkinson tuners provide stable tuning, a noticeable upgrade over standard Epiphone hardware.
- • AlNiCo Classic Pro pickups offer a surprisingly robust and versatile sound for the price.
CONS
- • The body weight can be a factor for extended playing sessions; it's a hollowbody.
- • While versatile, it's not an ideal choice for modern, high-gain genres.
- • The finish, while attractive, might show minor imperfections typical of this price range.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 567359
$1,100
#4
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Godin 5th Ave Kingpin II DLX VB
by
Godin
Nut width
43.7 mm (1.72")
Scale
631 mm (24.84")
Fingerboard radius
406 mm (15.98")
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Blues
Smooth Jazz
Jazz
Key Feature:
This hollow-body jazz guitar sounds like a classic but feels modern. The P90 pickups give a bright, cutting tone that cuts through a band. It is made in Quebec with a comfortable maple neck. Perfect for players who want that vintage jazz vibe without the heavy price tag.
PROS
- • Hollow body design offers classic jazz resonance
- • Two single coil P90 pickups deliver crisp tone
- • Silver-leaf maple neck provides a solid feel
- • Made in Quebec ensures quality craftsmanship
CONS
- • Lacks multiple output options for tone shaping
- • No tremolo system for vibrato expression
- • Weight and balance not specified in details
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 644272
$1,564
#5
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Godin 5th Ave Kingpin P90 DLX VB
by
Godin
Nut width
43.7 mm (1.72")
Scale
631 mm (24.84")
Fingerboard radius
406 mm (15.98")
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
R&B
Jazz
Blues
Key Feature:
This guitar feels like a warm hug for jazz players. The hollow body and P90 pickup make it sing with a classic, resonant voice. It suits anyone who wants smooth playability and a rich tone without needing complex controls.
PROS
- • Hollow body design offers warm, resonant jazz tone
- • Single coil pickup delivers crisp, articulate sound
- • Canadian wild cherry body provides rich resonance
- • 21 medium frets play smoothly for all styles
CONS
- • Single volume and tone controls lack flexibility
- • No bridge specification listed in description
- • Graph Tech nut is a specific aftermarket choice
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 644307
$1,530
#6
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Godin 5th Ave Kingpin II VB
by
Godin
Nut width
44 mm (1.73")
Scale
631 mm (24.84")
Fingerboard radius
406 mm (15.98")
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Fusion
Soul
Blues
Key Feature:
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.
- • Roller saddle bridge minimizes string binding and enhances tuning stability.
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.
- • Hollow body construction makes it a bit heavier than a solid-body guitar.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 616531
$1,390
#7
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Godin 5th Ave Kingpin P90 VB
by
Godin
Nut width
44 mm (1.73")
Scale
632 mm (24.88")
Fingerboard radius
406 mm (15.98")
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Blues
Soul
Jazz
Key Feature:
This 5th Ave Kingpin P90 VB is a seriously cool instrument. The hollow body and P90 pickup deliver a vintage vibe, and the Canadian build quality is top-notch. It's a fantastic choice for players craving a warm, expressive tone for blues, rock, and jazz – a real sweet spot for that classic, semi-hollow feel.
PROS
- • Wild cherry body delivers warm, resonant tones with excellent sustain.
- • Kingpin P90 provides a thick, gritty voice ideal for blues and rock.
- • Maple neck with rosewood fingerboard offers comfortable playability and warmth.
- • Canadian craftsmanship ensures high build quality and meticulous attention to detail.
CONS
- • Hollow body construction makes it somewhat less feedback-resistant at high volumes.
- • P90 pickup’s tone is less versatile compared to humbuckers or single-coil sets.
- • Vintage Burst finish, while beautiful, can be prone to fingerprints and smudges.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 616533
$1,274
#8
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Stanford CR Fatboy CAR 95 Bigsby B60
by
Stanford
Nut width
42.8 mm (1.69")
Scale
630 mm (24.8")
Body
Maple body
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Jazz
Soul
R&B
Key Feature:
This Stanford Fatboy is a seriously cool ES-175 vibe guitar. The P90s give it a fat, warm tone that’s fantastic for jazz and blues, and the Bigsby adds a touch of class. It's a great option for players seeking a vintage-inspired feel and sound without the premium price tag of a Gibson.
PROS
- • Maple laminate body delivers focused warmth and a pleasing resonance.
- • Solid mahogany neck provides excellent sustain and a comfortable, familiar feel.
- • Stanford P90s offer a thick, creamy tone ideal for jazz, blues, and rock.
- • Bigsby B60 tremolo adds expressive vibrato without sacrificing tuning stability.
CONS
- • The 12” radius fingerboard might feel flat for players accustomed to vintage profiles.
- • Made in China; quality control, while generally good, isn't quite as consistent as higher-priced options.
- • Candy Apple Red finish, while striking, might not appeal to players preferring more subtle aesthetics.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 614698
$1,506
#9
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Stanford CR Fatboy Candy Apple Red 95
by
Stanford
Nut width
42.8 mm (1.69")
Scale
630 mm (24.8")
Body
Maple body
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Soul
Fusion
R&B
Key Feature:
This Stanford Fatboy nails the ES 175 vibe without the premium price tag. The P90s give it a seriously cool, slightly raucous tone that's fantastic for blues, rock, and even some jazz. It's a great option for players wanting vintage character and feel on a budget.
PROS
- • Maple laminate body delivers a focused, articulate tone with warmth.
- • Solid mahogany neck provides excellent sustain and a comfortable feel.
- • P90 pickups offer a thick, gritty sound perfect for blues and rock.
- • Kluson-style tuners ensure reliable tuning stability and vintage aesthetics.
CONS
- • Chinese manufacture may introduce minor cosmetic imperfections.
- • 12” radius fingerboard isn't ideal for modern, shred-style playing.
- • Candy Apple Red finish, while striking, can be prone to nitrocellulose checking.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 614695
$1,495
#10
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Stanford CR Fatboy Pelham Blue 95
by
Stanford
Nut width
42.8 mm (1.69")
Scale
630 mm (24.8")
Body
Maple body
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Soul
Blues
R&B
Key Feature:
This Stanford Fatboy is a seriously cool ES-175 style guitar that nails that vintage vibe. The P90s give it a raw, punchy tone perfect for blues, rock, and even some jazzy stuff. It's a great option for players seeking a classic look and feel without the premium-priced tag of a vintage original.
PROS
- • Solid maple laminate body provides excellent resonance and sustain.
- • Mahogany neck offers a warm, comfortable feel and good stability.
- • Stanford P90s deliver a thick, gritty tone ideal for blues and rock.
- • Kluson-style tuners ensure reliable tuning stability and vintage aesthetics.
CONS
- • Made in China; quality control can be variable across units.
- • 12” radius fingerboard might feel flat for players accustomed to modern profiles.
- • Pelham Blue finish, while striking, can be prone to nitrocellulose lacquer checking.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 614692
$1,495
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
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
#14
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Godin 5th Ave CW Kingpin II HB
by
Godin
Nut width
44 mm (1.73")
Scale
631 mm (24.84")
Frets
21 frets
Jazz
Blues
Soul
Key Feature:
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.
- • Graphtech Tusq bridge ensures reliable intonation and sustain.
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.
- • While versatile, it's not a shred machine – more suited to rhythm playing.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 471245
$1,274
Godin 5th Avenue Kingpin Cognacburst
by
Godin
Nut width
43.7 mm (1.72")
Scale
631 mm (24.84")
Frets
21 frets
Smooth Jazz
Jazz
R&B
Key Feature:
The 5th Avenue Kingpin is a seriously cool archtop, nailing that classic jazz and blues vibe. The Kingpin P90 is a real standout – warm, punchy, and full of character. It's a fantastic choice for players wanting a vintage feel without the vintage price tag.
PROS
- • Kingpin P90 delivers a thick, creamy vintage tone.
- • Cherry body provides warmth and sustain.
- • Maple neck offers comfortable playability and stability.
- • Graphtech hardware enhances tuning stability and clarity.
CONS
- • P90 pickup can be noisy at higher gain settings.
- • Archtop design limits versatility for modern genres.
- • Cognacburst finish might not appeal to all tastes.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 209636
$1,135
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 | Stanford CR Vanguard AV | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 630 mm (24.8") · Neck profile C-shape neck | $1,386 |
| 17 | Ibanez GB10EM-JBB | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 628 mm (24.72") · Body Basswood body | $892 |
| 18 | Ibanez GB10EM-AA | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 628 mm (24.72") · Body Basswood body | $876 |
| 19 | Ibanez AF95FM-AYS | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 628 mm (24.72") · Body Maple body | $848 |
| 20 | Ibanez AF95-DA | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 628 mm (24.72") · Fingerboard Ebony fingerboard | $760 |
| 21 | The Loar LH-700 VS | Nut width 44.5 mm (1.75") · Scale 630 mm (24.8") | $1,506 |
| 22 | 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 |
| 23 | 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 |
| 24 | Ibanez LGB30-VYS | Scale 628 mm (24.72") · Fingerboard Ebony fingerboard | $1,506 |
| 25 | Ibanez LGB30-NT | Scale 628 mm (24.72") · Fingerboard Ebony fingerboard | $1,436 |
| 26 | Ibanez AF75-BS | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 628 mm (24.72") · Frets 20 frets · Body Basswood body | $571 |
| 27 | 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 | $6,145 |
| 28 | 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 |
| 29 | Ibanez AG95QA-DBS | Body Ash body | $809 |
| 30 | DAngelico Excel 16 Amaretto Burst | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 635 mm (25") · Frets 22 frets · Neck profile C-shape neck · Fingerboard Ebony fingerboard | $2,028 |
| 31 | DAngelico Excel EXL1 Amber | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Frets 22 frets · Neck profile C-shape neck · Fingerboard Ebony fingerboard | $1,970 |
| 32 | DAngelico Excel EXL1 Dark Iced Tea Burst | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Frets 22 frets · Neck profile C-shape neck · Fingerboard Ebony fingerboard | $1,970 |
| 33 | DAngelico Excel Style B Dark Iced Tea | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 628 mm (24.72") · Frets 20 frets · Neck profile C-shape neck · Fingerboard Ebony fingerboard | $1,854 |
| 34 | DAngelico Excel EXL1 Amber | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Frets 22 frets · Neck profile C-shape neck · Fingerboard Ebony fingerboard | $1,854 |
| 35 | DAngelico Excel EXL1 Dark Iced Tea | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Frets 22 frets · Neck profile C-shape neck · Fingerboard Ebony fingerboard | $1,838 |
| 36 | DAngelico Excel Style B Amber | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 628 mm (24.72") · Frets 20 frets · Neck profile C-shape neck · Fingerboard Ebony fingerboard | $1,738 |
| 37 | 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 |
| 38 | 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 |
| 39 | Harley Benton Custom Line Manhattan-Standard | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Frets 22 frets · Body Mahogany body | $312 |
| 40 | Ibanez AF55-TF | Scale 628 mm (24.72") · Body Sapele body · Fingerboard Laurel fingerboard | $451 |
| 41 | DAngelico Excel 16 Amber | Scale 635 mm (25") · Frets 22 frets · Neck profile C-shape neck · Fingerboard Ebony fingerboard | $1,912 |
| 42 | 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 |
| 43 | 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 |
| 44 | Heritage Guitar Eagle Classic AN | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Frets 20 frets | $6,956 |
| 45 | Heritage Guitar Eagle Classic OSB | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Frets 20 frets | $6,956 |
| 46 | Heritage Guitar H-575 OSB | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 629 mm (24.76") · Frets 20 frets | $6,145 |
| 47 | Ibanez PM200-NT Pat Metheny | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 628 mm (24.72") · Frets 22 frets | $3,454 |
| 48 | Godin 5th Avenue Uptown Custom BR | Nut width 43.7 mm (1.72") · Scale 631 mm (24.84") · Frets 21 frets | $1,622 |
| 49 | Ibanez LGB300-VYS | Nut width 45 mm (1.77") · Scale 628 mm (24.72") | $4,115 |
| 50 | Ibanez GB10-NT | Scale 628 mm (24.72") · Frets 22 frets | $3,419 |
| 51 | Ibanez GB10SE-BS George Benson | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 628 mm (24.72") | $1,622 |
| 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
Playability (Neck Profile & Action)
As an intermediate player, you're developing technique. A thick, unwieldy neck or ridiculously high action will just slow you down and breed bad habits. We're looking for comfortable C or D profiles, and an action that's low enough for easy bending but not so low it buzzes everywhere.
2
Pickup Voicing
That bright, ice-picky top end just isn't what you want for jazz. You need warmth, a creamy low-midrange, and enough clarity to articulate those complex chords. Humbuckers can work, but often a well-voiced single coil or a P-90 will deliver that classic, woody tone.
3
Sustain & Resonance
Jazz isn't about shredding, but you need enough sustain to let those lines breathe. A well-built body (maple, mahogany, or a combination) and a solid bridge are key to getting that singing, resonant tone.
4
Hardware Quality (Tuners & Bridge)
Cheap tuners mean constant retuning during a gig - a huge frustration. A flimsy bridge will kill sustain and make intonation a nightmare. These are the details that separate a guitar you can play from one you enjoy playing.
5
Construction & Build Quality
We're not expecting flawless nitro finishes at this price point, but we are looking for solid construction. Check for tight fretwork, clean binding, and overall attention to detail - these things speak to the guitar's longevity and how it will feel as you progress.
Buying Guide
Don't get caught up in vintage aesthetics alone. Many 'vintage-inspired' guitars cut serious corners on hardware and build quality. Prioritize playability - a comfortable neck and low action will do more for your playing than fancy pickups. Used guitars are your friend here; you can often score a higher-quality instrument for the same price as a new budget model. Be prepared to have a setup done - a proper setup is essential for any guitar, especially jazz guitars where precise intonation is critical.
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
Historically, 'jazz necks' were often thicker and had a more rounded profile, but the term's become blurred. A true C profile is generally comfortable and fast, and many modern 'jazz' guitars use C profiles. It's all about feel, really.
They can be, but it's easy to end up with a muddy, indistinct tone. Look for humbuckers with a vintage voicing - less output, more warmth. A split-coil option gives you access to single-coil tones too, which is a big plus.
Used is almost always the smarter choice at this level. You can often get a much better guitar for your money, especially if you're willing to do a little searching and a setup.
Semi-hollows generally offer more sustain and feedback resistance, making them more gig-friendly. Fully hollows are more resonant and 'woody,' but can be prone to feedback at higher volumes. It depends on your playing style and the venues you play.
Very important! A good bridge contributes to sustain, intonation, and overall tone. Look for a solid, well-machined bridge, preferably with individual intonation adjustments.
