Best Jazz Guitars for Intermediate 2025

Perfect jazz guitars for intermediate - easy to play and learn on

Last updated: November 5, 2025 • Next update: November 12, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $500 Under $800 Under $1,000 Under $2,000

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Jazz For Blues For Fusion For R&B For Soul For Smooth Jazz

BRANDS: Ibanez Stanford Godin DAngelico Harley Benton

DAngelico Excel EXL1 Amber - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

DAngelico Excel EXL1 Amber

by DAngelico

Blues R&B Fusion

Key Feature:

• Rich harmonic content

✓ PROS

• Excellent for clean tones
• Rich harmonic content

✗ CONS

• Less versatile than solid-body guitars
• May lack brightness for rock

DAngelico Excel EXL1 AmberElectric GuitarStyle: Hollowbody with single cutTop: Spruce laminatedBack and sides: Maple...

⭐ 4.7/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 585303

$1,759

Buy at Thomann View Details

Stanford CR Fatboy Pelham Blue 95 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Stanford CR Fatboy Pelham Blue 95

by Stanford

Soul Blues R&B

Key Feature:

• Excellent for clean tones

✓ PROS

• Excellent for clean tones
• Great sustain and resonance

✗ CONS

• May lack brightness for rock
• Limited high-gain capabilities

Stanford CR Fatboy Pelham Blue 95Electric GuitarType: ES 175-styleBody: Maple laminatedSet-in neck: Solid...

⭐ 5.0/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 614692

$1,418

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton Custom Line Manhattan-S w/Case - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton Custom Line Manhattan-S w/Case

by Harley Benton

Smooth Jazz R&B Jazz

Key Feature:

• Excellent for clean tones

✓ PROS

• Professional jazz sound
• Excellent for clean tones

✗ CONS

• Limited high-gain capabilities
• May lack brightness for rock

Harley Benton Custom Line Manhattan-S w/Case*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton Custom Line...

⭐ 4.9/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 543751

$428

Buy at Thomann View Details

Larry Carlton H7F See Through Red - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Larry Carlton H7F See Through Red

by Larry Carlton

R&B Blues Jazz

Key Feature:

• Rich harmonic content

✓ PROS

• Rich harmonic content
• Warm, smooth humbucker tone

✗ CONS

• Limited high-gain capabilities
• Less versatile than solid-body guitars

Larry Carlton H7F See Through RedElectric GuitarStyle: Hollowbody with cutawayBody: MapleTop: MapleSet-in neck:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 589231

$758

Buy at Thomann View Details

Godin 5th Avenue Jumbo P-Rail HG - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Godin 5th Avenue Jumbo P-Rail HG

by Godin

Fusion Blues R&B

Key Feature:

• Warm, smooth humbucker tone

✓ PROS

• Rich harmonic content
• Excellent for clean tones

✗ CONS

• Often more expensive
• Feedback prone at high volumes

Godin 5th Avenue Jumbo P-Rail HGElectric Jazz GuitarBody: Canadian wild cherryArched top: Canadian wild cherryGlued-in...

⭐ 4.5/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 558405

$1,649

Buy at Thomann View Details

Stanford CR Fatboy PB 95 Bigsby B60 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Stanford CR Fatboy PB 95 Bigsby B60

by Stanford

Blues Jazz Fusion

Key Feature:

• Excellent for clean tones

✓ PROS

• Professional jazz sound
• Excellent for clean tones

✗ CONS

• Limited high-gain capabilities
• Often more expensive

Stanford CR Fatboy PB 95 Bigsby B60Electric GuitarType: ES 175-styleBody: Maple laminatedSet-in neck: Solid...

⭐ 4.7/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 614701

$1,595

Buy at Thomann View Details

Stanford CR Fatboy Candy Apple Red 95 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Stanford CR Fatboy Candy Apple Red 95

by Stanford

Soul Fusion R&B

Key Feature:

• Warm, smooth humbucker tone

✓ PROS

• Rich harmonic content
• Warm, smooth humbucker tone

✗ CONS

• Less versatile than solid-body guitars
• Limited high-gain capabilities

Stanford CR Fatboy Candy Apple Red 95Electric GuitarType: ES 175-styleBody: Maple laminatedSet-in neck: Solid...

⭐ 4.8/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 614695

$1,418

Buy at Thomann View Details

DAngelico Excel EXL1 Dark Iced Tea - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

DAngelico Excel EXL1 Dark Iced Tea

by DAngelico

Fusion Smooth Jazz Soul

Key Feature:

• Great sustain and resonance

✓ PROS

• Rich harmonic content
• Professional jazz sound

✗ CONS

• Feedback prone at high volumes
• May lack brightness for rock

DAngelico Excel EXL1 Dark Iced TeaElectric GuitarStyle: Hollowbody with single cutTop: Spruce laminatedBack and sides:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 585299

$1,744

Buy at Thomann View Details

DAngelico Excel Style B Dark Iced Tea - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

DAngelico Excel Style B Dark Iced Tea

by DAngelico

Soul Blues R&B

Key Feature:

• Professional jazz sound

✓ PROS

• Professional jazz sound
• Excellent for clean tones

✗ CONS

• Less versatile than solid-body guitars
• Feedback prone at high volumes

DAngelico Excel Style B Dark Iced TeaElectric GuitarStyle: Hollowbody with non-cutawayTop: Spruce laminatedBack and...

⭐ 4.6/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 585311

$1,759

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ibanez AG95QA-DBS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.4/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Ibanez AG95QA-DBS

by Ibanez

R&B Soul Blues

Key Feature:

• Great sustain and resonance

✓ PROS

• Great sustain and resonance
• Professional jazz sound

✗ CONS

• May lack brightness for rock
• Limited high-gain capabilities

Ibanez AG95QA-DBSJazz GuitarArtcore Expressionist seriesBody: Ash3-Piece neck: Maple/mahoganyFretboard: Ebony22 Medium...

⭐ 4.4/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 428935

$813

Buy at Thomann View Details

Larry Carlton H7F Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.9/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Larry Carlton H7F Black

by Larry Carlton

Fusion Soul R&B

Key Feature:

• Excellent for clean tones

✓ PROS

• Excellent for clean tones
• Great sustain and resonance

✗ CONS

• Often more expensive
• Limited high-gain capabilities

Larry Carlton H7F BlackElectric GuitarStyle: Hollowbody with cutawayBody: MapleTop: MapleSet-in neck:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 589235

$747

Buy at Thomann View Details

#12

⭐ 5.0/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

DAngelico Excel EXL1 Amber

by DAngelico

Fusion Soul Blues

Key Feature:

• Professional jazz sound

✓ PROS

• Professional jazz sound
• Warm, smooth humbucker tone

✗ CONS

• Feedback prone at high volumes
• Often more expensive

DAngelico Excel EXL1 AmberElectric GuitarType: Hollow body with single cutTop: Laminated spruceBack and sides: Flamed...

⭐ 5.0/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 621799

$1,869

Buy at Thomann View Details

Stanford CR Fatboy 75 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 5.0/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Stanford CR Fatboy 75

by Stanford

Fusion R&B Blues

Key Feature:

• Professional jazz sound

✓ PROS

• Rich harmonic content
• Professional jazz sound

✗ CONS

• Limited high-gain capabilities
• May lack brightness for rock

Stanford Fatboy 75Electric GuitarCrossroad seriesBuild: 80 mm full bodyBody: Maple laminatedNeck: MahoganyFretboard:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 420762

$1,297

Buy at Thomann View Details

Godin 5th Ave Jumbo P90 Harvest Gold - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.5/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Godin 5th Ave Jumbo P90 Harvest Gold

by Godin

Blues Soul Fusion

Key Feature:

• Great sustain and resonance

✓ PROS

• Warm, smooth humbucker tone
• Rich harmonic content

✗ CONS

• May lack brightness for rock
• Limited high-gain capabilities

Godin 5th Ave Jumbo P90 Harvest GoldElectric GuitarStyle: ArchtopTop: Canadian wild cherryBack and sides: Canadian wild...

⭐ 4.5/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 553524

$1,385

Buy at Thomann View Details

Godin 5th Ave Kingpin P90 VB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.9/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Godin 5th Ave Kingpin P90 VB

by Godin

Blues Soul Jazz

Key Feature:

• Warm, smooth humbucker tone

✓ PROS

• Excellent for clean tones
• Professional jazz sound

✗ CONS

• Feedback prone at high volumes
• Often more expensive

Godin 5th Ave Kingpin P90 VBElectric GuitarType: Hollow bodyBody: Canadian wild cherrySet neck: MapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 616533

$1,209

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Jazz Guitars

Budget Planning

• Under $200: Entry-level
• $200-$500: Intermediate
• $500-$1000: Advanced
• $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

• Sound clarity & tone
• Build materials & finish
• Hardware durability
• Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

• Your musical style
• Skill level match
• Intended use case
• Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.

Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.

Higher-priced jazz guitars typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.

Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.

Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

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TOP

Best Jazz Guitars for Intermediate 2025

DAngelico Excel EXL1 Amber

Stanford CR Fatboy Pelham Blue 95

Harley Benton Custom Line Manhattan-S w/Case

Larry Carlton H7F See Through Red

Godin 5th Avenue Jumbo P-Rail HG

Stanford CR Fatboy PB 95 Bigsby B60

Stanford CR Fatboy Candy Apple Red 95

DAngelico Excel EXL1 Dark Iced Tea

DAngelico Excel Style B Dark Iced Tea

Ibanez AG95QA-DBS

Larry Carlton H7F Black

DAngelico Excel EXL1 Amber

Stanford CR Fatboy 75

Godin 5th Ave Jumbo P90 Harvest Gold

Godin 5th Ave Kingpin P90 VB

How to Choose the Best Jazz Guitars

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying jazz guitars?

How much should I spend on jazz guitars?

Are expensive jazz guitars worth the investment?

What are the best brands for jazz guitars?

Should I buy jazz guitars online or in-store?

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