Best Jazz Guitars for Jazz 2026

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

Last updated: February 4, 2026 • Next update: February 11, 2026

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 Godin Stanford DAngelico Harley Benton

DAngelico Excel EXL1 Dark Iced Tea Burst - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

DAngelico Excel EXL1 Dark Iced Tea Burst

by DAngelico

Fusion Blues Soul

Key Feature:

• Professional jazz sound

✓ PROS

• Excellent for clean tones
• Professional jazz sound

✗ CONS

• Often more expensive
• Less versatile than solid-body guitars

DAngelico Excel EXL1 Dark Iced Tea BurstElectric GuitarType: Hollow body with single cutTop: Laminated spruceBack and...

⭐ 4.6/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 621797

$1,869

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

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

DAngelico Excel Style B Amber - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

DAngelico Excel Style B Amber

by DAngelico

Blues R&B Jazz

Key Feature:

• Professional jazz sound

✓ PROS

• Warm, smooth humbucker tone
• Professional jazz sound

✗ CONS

• Feedback prone at high volumes
• Limited high-gain capabilities

DAngelico Excel Style B AmberElectric GuitarStyle: Hollowbody with non-cutawayTop: Spruce laminatedBack and sides:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 585309

$1,649

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

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

⭐ 5.0/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Stanford CR Fatboy CAR 95 Bigsby B60

by Stanford

Jazz Soul R&B

Key Feature:

• Great sustain and resonance

✓ PROS

• Rich harmonic content
• Professional jazz sound

✗ CONS

• Often more expensive
• Less versatile than solid-body guitars

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

⭐ 5.0/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 614698

$1,595

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

⭐ 4.4/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Godin 5th Ave Kingpin II VB

by Godin

Fusion Soul Blues

Key Feature:

• Rich harmonic content

✓ PROS

• Rich harmonic content
• Professional jazz sound

✗ CONS

• Limited high-gain capabilities
• Often more expensive

Godin 5th Ave Kingpin II VBElectric GuitarType: Hollow body with cutawayBody: Canadian wild cherrySet neck:...

⭐ 4.4/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 616531

$1,348

Buy at Thomann View Details

Stanford CR Fatboy 75 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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

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 EXL1 Amber - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 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 PB 95 Bigsby B60 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 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 GE 95 Bigsby B60 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.7/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Stanford CR Fatboy GE 95 Bigsby B60

by Stanford

R&B Fusion Smooth Jazz

Key Feature:

• Rich harmonic content

✓ PROS

• Warm, smooth humbucker tone
• Rich harmonic content

✗ CONS

• Less versatile than solid-body guitars
• Often more expensive

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

⭐ 4.7/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 614704

$1,595

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton BigTone Vintage Orange w/Case - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.5/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton BigTone Vintage Orange w/Case

by Harley Benton

Jazz Soul Fusion

Key Feature:

• Excellent for clean tones

✓ PROS

• Professional jazz sound
• Rich harmonic content

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton BigTone Vintage Orange w/Case*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton BigTone Trem Vintage...

⭐ 4.5/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 404972

$461

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#14

⭐ 4.7/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Godin 5th Ave Kingpin P90 LH

by Godin

Fusion Soul Blues

Key Feature:

• Professional jazz sound

✓ PROS

• Excellent for clean tones
• Great sustain and resonance

✗ CONS

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

Godin 5th Ave Kingpin P90 LHJazz guitarLefthand / lefthand modelType: ArchtopTop and back: Canadian wild cherryNeck:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 471254

$1,154

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ibanez AF75-JBB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.6/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Ibanez AF75-JBB

by Ibanez

Jazz Smooth Jazz Fusion

Key Feature:

• Professional jazz sound

✓ PROS

• Warm, smooth humbucker tone
• Rich harmonic content

✗ CONS

• Often more expensive
• Feedback prone at high volumes

Ibanez AF75-JBBElectric GuitarType: Hollow bodyBody depth: 70 mmBody: BasswoodNeck: NyatohFingerboard: WalnutAcrylic...

⭐ 4.6/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 569702

$615

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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Best Jazz Guitars for Jazz 2026

DAngelico Excel EXL1 Dark Iced Tea Burst

Larry Carlton H7F See Through Red

DAngelico Excel Style B Dark Iced Tea

DAngelico Excel Style B Amber

Stanford CR Fatboy Candy Apple Red 95

Stanford CR Fatboy CAR 95 Bigsby B60

Godin 5th Ave Kingpin II VB

Stanford CR Fatboy 75

DAngelico Excel EXL1 Dark Iced Tea

DAngelico Excel EXL1 Amber

Stanford CR Fatboy PB 95 Bigsby B60

Stanford CR Fatboy GE 95 Bigsby B60

Harley Benton BigTone Vintage Orange w/Case

Godin 5th Ave Kingpin P90 LH

Ibanez AF75-JBB

How to Choose the Best Jazz Guitars

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

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