AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Jazz Guitars for Intermediate 2026
The top pick is Ibanez GB10 George Benson Signature ($798). Ibanez AF75 Artcore gives you the most for the money at $550. DAngelico Excel EXL1 Dark Iced Tea Burst leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 39 models across 10 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 31, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale628 mm (24.72")
- BodyBasswood body
This GB10EM-AA is a seriously impressive offering for the price. George Benson's signature tone is well-represented with the warm, articulate pickups and comfortable neck profile. It's a fantastic choice for aspiring jazz players or anyone seeking a refined, vintage-inspired hollow body without the premium price tag.
Pros
- Spruce top adds clarity and resonance to the basswood body
- Nyatoh neck provides a comfortable, familiar feel for many players
- Magic Touch Mini humbuckers deliver a warm, controlled jazz tone
Cons
- Basswood body can lack some sustain compared to mahogany or maple
- Plastic nut is a common cost-saving measure, potential upgrade point
87AudioFu
Index↓ 7.2%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$859 · Aug 17$798 now$798€714 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Godin 5th Avenue CW Kingpin II
5th Ave Kingpin II VB · Godin
30 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width44 mm (1.73")
- Scale631 mm (24.84")
- Fingerboard radius406 mm (15.98")
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
The 5th Ave Kingpin II VB is a seriously cool guitar. That wild cherry body and the P90s give it a vintage vibe with a real punch – think blues, rockabilly, and classic rock. It’s a premium-priced instrument that delivers a lot of character and quality for the money, perfect for players wanting a unique, expressive voice.
Pros
- Canadian wild cherry body delivers rich, resonant, and warm tonal character.
- Kingpin P90s offer a unique blend of grit, clarity, and surprising articulation.
- Maple neck with rosewood fingerboard provides comfortable playability and classic feel.
Cons
- Wild cherry can be a bit harder to work with, potentially limiting finish options.
- P90 pickups, while versatile, aren't ideal for super-clean, modern tones.
79AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,340 now$1,340€1,199 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets20 frets
- BodyMaple body
- FingerboardLaurel fingerboard
This Epiphone Broadway in Wine Red is a seriously classy instrument. The maple body gives it a warm, woody tone that's perfect for jazz and blues players, and the slim neck makes it a joy to play. It's a fantastic option for players seeking a vintage-inspired hollow body feel without the premium-priced tag.
Pros
- Wine Red finish is stunning; deep, resonant tone from maple construction
- Slim Taper neck offers comfortable playability for various hand sizes
- AlNiCo Classic Pro humbuckers deliver a warm, articulate vintage tone
Cons
- Hollow body design makes it somewhat heavy, potentially fatiguing for long gigs
- While versatile, it shines most in jazz, blues, and lighter rock genres
77AudioFu
Index↓ 9.2%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$992 · Aug 17$900 now$900€806 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale628 mm (24.72")
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
The LGB30-NT is a beautifully crafted jazz guitar that balances vintage aesthetics with modern playability. It’s surprisingly versatile, handling clean jazz tones and bluesy grit with ease. This is a great choice for gigging musicians seeking a premium-priced instrument with a comfortable feel and solid performance, particularly those drawn to a more classic jazz or blues vibe.
Pros
- Spruce top provides excellent clarity and projection for jazz tones
- Nyatoh/Maple neck offers a comfortable, stable feel and good sustain
- Super 58 Custom pickups deliver a warm, articulate, and surprisingly versatile sound
Cons
- Flamed maple back/sides, while beautiful, can contribute to a slightly stiffer acoustic response
- Scale length is shorter than a typical electric, affecting string tension and low-end feel
70AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,383 now$1,383€1,238 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Godin 5th Avenue CW Kingpin II
5th Ave CW Kingpin II HB · Godin
30 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width44 mm (1.73")
- Scale631 mm (24.84")
- Frets21 frets
The 5th Ave Kingpin II HB is a beautifully crafted archtop that nails that vintage vibe. The wild cherry gives it a uniquely mellow voice, while the humbuckers add a surprising amount of grit when you need it. This is a fantastic choice for jazz, blues, and classic rock players who appreciate quality construction and a comfortable playing experience.
Pros
- Canadian wild cherry back and top deliver a warm, resonant tone.
- Silver leaf horn neck offers exceptional stability and a comfortable feel.
- Godin Custom humbuckers provide a versatile range from blues to rock.
Cons
- Wild cherry can be prone to minor checking with significant temperature changes.
- 16-inch radius fretboard might feel less familiar to players used to flatter profiles.
69AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,228 now$1,228€1,099 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale628 mm (24.72")
- BodyMaple body
This AF95FM-AYS is a seriously good deal for players wanting a jazz-inspired guitar with a bit of extra oomph. The flamed maple top gives it a beautiful look and surprisingly good acoustic tone, and the Super 58 pickups handle everything from clean jazz to bluesy rock with authority. It’s a fantastic choice for gigging musicians or students stepping up from a beginner instrument.
Pros
- Flamed maple top delivers a surprisingly resonant, articulate tone.
- Mahogany/maple neck provides excellent sustain and comfortable feel.
- Super 58 pickups offer a warm, thick sound with good clarity.
Cons
- The ART-1 bridge, while functional, isn't a high-end upgrade for serious vibrato use.
- The Antique Yellow Sunburst finish can be a bit polarizing aesthetically.
67AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$817 now$817€731 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets22 frets
- Neck profileC-shape neck
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
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.
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.
64AudioFu
Index↓ 20.6%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$1,898 · Aug 17$1,507 now$1,507€1,349 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.
63AudioFu
Index↓ 1.9%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$780 · Aug 17$765 now$765€685 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Godin 5th Avenue TL Thinline Kingpin P90
5th Ave Kingpin P90 VB · Godin
4 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width44 mm (1.73")
- Scale632 mm (24.88")
- Fingerboard radius406 mm (15.98")
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
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.
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.
55AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,228 now$1,228€1,099 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
73AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$550 now$550€492 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 39 jazz guitars
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Stanford CR Fatboy Golden Eye 95Stanford47Stable$1,284€1,149$1,284€1,149Check ↗
- 12
Godin 5th Ave Jumbo P90 Harvest GoldGodin47Stable$1,329€1,190$1,329€1,190Check ↗
- 13
Godin 5th Avenue Kingpin CognacburstGodin43Stable$1,094€979$1,094€979Check ↗
- 14
Stanford CR Fatboy Candy Apple Red 95Stanford43Stable$1,440€1,289$1,440€1,289Check ↗
- 15
Stanford CR Fatboy Pelham Blue 95Stanford43Stable$1,440€1,289$1,440€1,289Check ↗
- 16
Stanford CR Vanguard AVStanford41Stable$1,335€1,195$1,335€1,195Check ↗
- 17
The Loar LM-700 Supreme F-Style MandolinLH-700 VS · The Loar40Stable$1,451€1,299$1,451€1,299Check ↗
- 18
Ibanez AF55 ArtcoreAF55-TF · Ibanez69↓ 3.9%$418€374$418€374Check ↗
- 19
Larry Carlton H7F Tobacco BurstLarry Carlton41↓ 1.8%$625€559$625€559Check ↗
- 20
Ibanez PM200 Pat Metheny SignaturePM200-NT Pat Metheny · Ibanez67Stable$3,328€2,979$3,328€2,979Check ↗
- 21
Harley Benton BigTone Vintage Orange w/CaseHarley Benton49Stable$446€399$446€399Check ↗
- 22
Harley Benton BigTone Trem White w/CaseHarley Benton49Stable$446€399$446€399Check ↗
- 23
Godin 5th Avenue Uptown Custom5th Avenue Uptown Custom BR · Godin59Stable$1,563€1,399$1,563€1,399Check ↗
- 24
Harley Benton BigTone Trem Vintage OrangeHarley Benton · 2 finishes52Stable$368€329$368€329Check ↗
- 25
Ibanez LGB300 George Benson SignatureLGB300-VYS · Ibanez58Stable$3,965€3,549$3,965€3,549Check ↗
- 26
Harley Benton Custom Line Manhattan-S w/CaseHarley Benton45Stable$423€379$423€379Check ↗
- 27
Godin 5th Avenue TL Thinline Kingpin P905th Ave TL Kingpin P90 OC · Godin53↓ 3.9%$1,675€1,499$1,675€1,499Check ↗
- 28
DAngelico Excel Style B AmberDAngelico46Stable$1,675€1,499$1,675€1,499Check ↗
- 29
DAngelico Excel Style B Dark Iced TeaDAngelico46Stable$1,786€1,599$1,786€1,599Check ↗
- 30
DAngelico Excel 16 Amaretto BurstDAngelico46Stable$1,954€1,749$1,954€1,749Check ↗
- 31
Heritage Guitar Standard II H-575 OSBHeritage Guitar46Stable$5,920€5,299$5,920€5,299Check ↗
- 32
Harley Benton Custom Line Manhattan-StandardHarley Benton45Stable$301€269$301€269Check ↗
- 33
Heritage Guitar Eagle Classic ANHeritage Guitar · 2 finishes45↓ 1.6%$6,702€5,999$6,702€5,999Check ↗
- 34
DAngelico Excel 16 AmberDAngelico44Stable$1,842€1,649$1,842€1,649Check ↗
- 35
Stanford CR Fatboy GE 95 Bigsby B60Stanford43Stable$1,620€1,450$1,620€1,450Check ↗
- 36
Stanford CR Fatboy PB 95 Bigsby B60Stanford43Stable$1,620€1,450$1,620€1,450Check ↗
- 37
Gibson 1957 L-5 CES ReIs VS VOSGibson41Stable$10,836€9,699$10,836€9,699Check ↗
- 38
Godin 5th Avenue Jumbo P-Rail HGGodin40↑ 6.7%$1,786€1,599$1,786€1,599Check ↗
- 39
Heritage Guitar H-575 OSBHeritage Guitar40Stable$5,920€5,299$5,920€5,299Check ↗
Jazz Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 54 models we track, not a sample.
Median $1,451 — half of all jazz guitars here cost less.
median of 45 models · 42.8 mm (1.69")–44 mm (1.73")
median of 52 models · 628 mm (24.72")–648 mm (25.51")
most common · 36 models
median of 30 models · 20–22
How to choose the best jazz guitars
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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 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 54 jazz guitars from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
What's the difference between a 'jazz neck' and a 'C' neck?
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.
Are humbuckers okay for jazz?
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.
Should I buy new or used?
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.
What about semi-hollow vs. fully hollow bodies?
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.
How important is the bridge?
Very important! A good bridge contributes to sustain, intonation, and overall tone. Look for a solid, well-machined bridge, preferably with individual intonation adjustments.





