AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Jazz Guitars for Jazz 2026
The top pick is Ibanez GB10 George Benson Signature ($798). Ibanez AF55 Artcore gives you the most for the money at $418. Ibanez PM200 Pat Metheny Signature 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 ↗ -
- 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 ↗ -
- 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 ↗ -
- 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.
69AudioFu
Index↓ 3.9%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$435 · Aug 17$418 now$418€374 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")
- 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$732 now$732€655 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Ibanez PM200 Pat Metheny Signature
PM200-NT Pat Metheny · Ibanez
22 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.
67AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$3,328 now$3,328€2,979 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 ↗
All 39 jazz guitars
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Ibanez AG95QA Artcore ExpressionistAG95QA-DBS · Ibanez63↓ 1.9%$765€685$765€685Check ↗
- 12
Godin 5th Avenue Uptown Custom5th Avenue Uptown Custom BR · Godin59Stable$1,563€1,399$1,563€1,399Check ↗
- 13
Ibanez LGB300 George Benson SignatureLGB300-VYS · Ibanez58Stable$3,965€3,549$3,965€3,549Check ↗
- 14
Godin 5th Avenue TL Thinline Kingpin P905th Ave Kingpin P90 VB · Godin · 2 finishes55Stable$1,228€1,099$1,228€1,099Check ↗
- 15
Godin 5th Avenue TL Thinline Kingpin P905th Ave TL Kingpin P90 OC · Godin53↓ 3.9%$1,675€1,499$1,675€1,499Check ↗
- 16
Harley Benton BigTone Trem Vintage OrangeHarley Benton · 2 finishes52Stable$368€329$368€329Check ↗
- 17
Harley Benton BigTone Vintage Orange w/CaseHarley Benton49Stable$446€399$446€399Check ↗
- 18
Harley Benton BigTone Trem White w/CaseHarley Benton49Stable$446€399$446€399Check ↗
- 19
Stanford CR Fatboy Golden Eye 95Stanford47Stable$1,284€1,149$1,284€1,149Check ↗
- 20
Godin 5th Ave Jumbo P90 Harvest GoldGodin47Stable$1,329€1,190$1,329€1,190Check ↗
- 21
DAngelico Excel Style B AmberDAngelico46Stable$1,675€1,499$1,675€1,499Check ↗
- 22
DAngelico Excel Style B Dark Iced TeaDAngelico46Stable$1,786€1,599$1,786€1,599Check ↗
- 23
DAngelico Excel 16 Amaretto BurstDAngelico46Stable$1,954€1,749$1,954€1,749Check ↗
- 24
Heritage Guitar Standard II H-575 OSBHeritage Guitar46Stable$5,920€5,299$5,920€5,299Check ↗
- 25
Harley Benton Custom Line Manhattan-StandardHarley Benton45Stable$301€269$301€269Check ↗
- 26
Harley Benton Custom Line Manhattan-S w/CaseHarley Benton45Stable$423€379$423€379Check ↗
- 27
Heritage Guitar Eagle Classic ANHeritage Guitar · 2 finishes45↓ 1.6%$6,702€5,999$6,702€5,999Check ↗
- 28
DAngelico Excel 16 AmberDAngelico44Stable$1,842€1,649$1,842€1,649Check ↗
- 29
Godin 5th Avenue Kingpin CognacburstGodin43Stable$1,094€979$1,094€979Check ↗
- 30
Stanford CR Fatboy Candy Apple Red 95Stanford43Stable$1,440€1,289$1,440€1,289Check ↗
- 31
Stanford CR Fatboy Pelham Blue 95Stanford43Stable$1,440€1,289$1,440€1,289Check ↗
- 32
Stanford CR Fatboy GE 95 Bigsby B60Stanford43Stable$1,620€1,450$1,620€1,450Check ↗
- 33
Stanford CR Fatboy PB 95 Bigsby B60Stanford43Stable$1,620€1,450$1,620€1,450Check ↗
- 34
Larry Carlton H7F Tobacco BurstLarry Carlton41↓ 1.8%$625€559$625€559Check ↗
- 35
Stanford CR Vanguard AVStanford41Stable$1,335€1,195$1,335€1,195Check ↗
- 36
Gibson 1957 L-5 CES ReIs VS VOSGibson41Stable$10,836€9,699$10,836€9,699Check ↗
- 37
The Loar LM-700 Supreme F-Style MandolinLH-700 VS · The Loar40Stable$1,451€1,299$1,451€1,299Check ↗
- 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
Tonal Voicing
Jazz demands warmth and complexity. We're looking for guitars that avoid that harsh, ice-picky high end and deliver a fat midrange honk, a rich low-end thump, and a smooth, articulate response. A guitar that just sounds 'bright' isn't necessarily a good jazz guitar - it needs character.
Body Construction (Hollow, Semi-Hollow, Solid)
Hollow bodies offer the most acoustic resonance and that classic 'air' but can be prone to feedback at higher volumes. Semi-hollows are a good compromise, and solid bodies offer sustain and feedback resistance, but often require more help from your amp to get that jazz tone.
Neck Profile & Action
A comfortable neck is essential for those long sets and intricate chord voicings. We prioritize necks that aren't too chunky or too thin - something that allows for effortless access to the upper registers and a feel that just inspires playing. Action needs to be low enough for fluidity but high enough to avoid fret buzz.
Pickup Selection
Single-coil pickups are the classic choice for their clarity and articulation, but humbuckers can provide more output and a thicker, warmer tone. The voicing is key - you want pickups that don't smear the notes together or emphasize harsh frequencies.
Sustain & Projection
Jazz guitars need to project well, especially in a trio or quartet. Sustain isn't just about long notes; it's about the guitar's ability to maintain its tone and character over time, even with subtle dynamics.
Buying guide
So, you're looking for a jazz guitar? It's more than just a hollow body, man. You need something that breathes, that responds to your touch, and can cut through a trio without sounding thin or brittle. We're not talking about shred guitars here; we're after nuanced tone, comfortable feel, and a vibe that just works for late-night gigs and smoky recording sessions.
Don't fall for the hype. A fancy finish and a big price tag don't guarantee a great jazz guitar. Watch out for overly bright pickups or necks that are uncomfortable for your hand.
Spending a little more on a well-setup instrument from a reputable brand is almost always worth it - a sloppy 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 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 box and a standard hollow body?
Generally, jazz guitars have thinner bodies and more refined bracing to maximize acoustic resonance and reduce feedback. They often have a smaller neck profile and specific pickup choices geared towards a warmer, more nuanced tone.
Do I need a floating pickup?
Floating pickups (where the pickup isn't screwed directly to the top) are often associated with jazz guitars, but they're not essential. They're believed to reduce feedback and improve sustain, but a well-built guitar with fixed pickups can sound just as good.
What about scale length? Does it matter?
Standard scale length (25.5") is common, but shorter scales (like 24.75") can feel more comfortable and provide a slightly warmer tone. It's a personal preference, but worth considering if you have smaller hands or prefer a rounder sound.
I'm on a budget - what should I look for?
Look for used instruments from reputable brands. A well-maintained older guitar can be a steal. Be prepared to compromise on some features - a cheaper guitar might have lower-grade hardware or a less refined finish, but it can still sound great with the right amp and setup.
What amp should I pair with a jazz guitar?
Clean headroom is your friend. Fender Deluxe Reverbs, Roland JC-120s, and similar amps are classics for a reason. Look for an amp with a warm, balanced tone and the ability to handle subtle dynamics without getting harsh.





