AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Jazz Guitars for Professional 2026
The top pick is Gibson 1957 L-5 CES ReIs VS VOS ($10,914). Godin 5th Avenue CW Kingpin II gives you the most for the money at $1,518. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 38 models across 10 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 19, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets20 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- BodyMaple body
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This guitar feels like stepping into a 1957 jazz club with its chunky neck and solid spruce top. It sounds warm and full thanks to the Alnico pickups, perfect for smooth fingerstyle playing. While it lacks modern tweaks, its classic design and smooth action make it a joy for players who love that old-school vibe.
Pros
- Authentic 1950s look from detailed 3D scans of originals
- AAA carved spruce top paired with flamed maple body
- Custombucker Alnico 3 pickups deliver classic jazz tone
Cons
- Heavy three-piece set neck design adds significant mass
- Only two volume and two tone controls limit adjustments
41AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Oct 6Oct 6$10,914 now$10,914€9,699 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets20 frets
This Eagle Classic AN is a serious instrument for the discerning jazz or blues player. The build quality is superb, and the Seth Lover pickups deliver a fantastic vintage tone—it's a true throwback to the golden age of archtops. If you’re after that warm, woody, and articulate sound, and appreciate a handmade, premium-priced guitar, this is a fantastic choice.
Pros
- Solid spruce top delivers exceptional clarity and projection
- Seymour Duncan Seth Lovers provide a thick, warm, vintage tone
- Ebony fretboard offers a smooth, fast playing experience
Cons
- The 17 in hollowbody construction makes it quite heavy for extended playing
- Limited tonal versatility compared to more modern, flexible guitars
45AudioFu
Index↓ 1.6%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$6,863 · Aug 17$6,751 now$6,751€5,999 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Frets20 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- BodyMaple body
This archtop feels like a classic jazz instrument built for warmth and clarity. The solid maple top and custom pickups give it a rich, full sound that shines in small rooms. It suits players who love vintage vibes and need a reliable companion for quiet gigs or studio work.
Pros
- Solid quilted maple top delivers bright, articulate tone
- Hand-wound humbuckers provide rich, warm fullness
- Ivory binding adds classic vintage aesthetic appeal
Cons
- Hollow body design may not suit loud gigging
- No weight specification provided for player comfort
46AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$5,963 now$5,963€5,299 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Frets20 frets
The H-575 OSB is a seriously refined jazz box—it’s got that classic, woody tone and a beautiful aesthetic. This is a top-tier choice for experienced jazz players and serious collectors who appreciate a focused, vintage-inspired voice and impeccable construction. It’s a beautiful instrument built to last.
Pros
- Solid maple construction delivers exceptional clarity and resonance for a focused tone.
- Seymour Duncan Seth Lovers provide warm, vintage-voiced humbucker power and articulation.
- CTS pots and quality Grover hardware ensure reliable performance and lasting value.
Cons
- The all-solid construction results in a noticeably heavier instrument – a potential fatigue factor.
- Limited tonal versatility compared to guitars with more pickup options or switching configurations.
40AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$5,963 now$5,963€5,299 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Scale628 mm (24.72")
The LGB300-VYS is a seriously well-built jazz guitar – Ibanez’s take on a classic, but with a modern edge. The humbuckers give it a bit more bite than a traditional jazz box, making it surprisingly versatile for blues and rock as well. This is perfect for players who want that vintage vibe with reliable hardware and a comfortable neck profile.
Pros
- Spruce top delivers articulate, vintage-inspired tonal clarity
- 3-piece maple neck provides exceptional stability and sustain
- Gotoh 510 tuners ensure rock-solid tuning stability
Cons
- Super 58 humbuckers might be too aggressive for some jazz purists
- Relatively compact body size may be uncomfortable for larger players
59AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$3,994 now$3,994€3,549 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale628 mm (24.72")
- Frets22 frets
The GB10-NT is a beautifully crafted instrument, clearly designed for the serious jazz player. The maple back and top combination gives it a focused, refined sound, perfect for Benson's signature voicings. It's a premium-priced option that prioritizes tone and playability over broad versatility.
Pros
- Exceptional maple back/sides deliver focused, articulate tone.
- Spruce top provides warmth and responsiveness for jazz voicings.
- Ebony fretboard offers a smooth, fast playing experience.
Cons
- Maple construction can lack the overt warmth of mahogany alternatives.
- Scale length is relatively short, impacting low-end extension.
81AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$3,317 now$3,317€2,948 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Ibanez PM200 Pat Metheny Signature
PM200-NT Pat Metheny · Ibanez
20 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.
65AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$3,352 now$3,352€2,979 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Godin 5th Avenue CW Kingpin II
5th Ave Kingpin II DLX VB · Godin
30 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width43.7 mm (1.72")
- Scale631 mm (24.84")
- Fingerboard radius406 mm (15.98")
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
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
Cons
- Lacks multiple output options for tone shaping
- No tremolo system for vibrato expression
78AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,518 now$1,518€1,349 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale628 mm (24.72")
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
The LGB30-VYS is a seriously well-built jazz guitar that punches above its class. That spruce top and ebony board combo really sings, and the Super 58s give you a warm, powerful tone perfect for comping and soloing. This is a great choice for the serious student or gigging musician looking for a refined, vintage-inspired sound without the premium-priced tag.
Pros
- Spruce top delivers clarity and warmth for nuanced tones
- Ebony fingerboard offers exceptional feel and sustain
- Super 58 pickups provide a thick, vintage-inspired humbucker voice
Cons
- Flamed maple back/sides can occasionally create a 'boxed-in' feel
- Scale length limits low-end extension compared to longer-scale guitars
71AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,462 now$1,462€1,299 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Godin 5th Avenue Uptown Custom
5th Avenue Uptown Custom BR · Godin
11 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width43.7 mm (1.72")
- Scale631 mm (24.84")
- Frets21 frets
This 5th Avenue Uptown Custom BR is a fantastic choice for jazz, blues, and rock players seeking a semi-hollow body with vintage vibe. The combination of the P90 and humbucker pickups offers a surprisingly wide range of tones, and the Bigsby adds a touch of class. It’s a premium-priced instrument that delivers a lot of quality for the money.
Pros
- Wild cherry top provides exceptional warmth and resonance.
- Kingpin P90/’59 Duncan combo delivers versatile tonal options.
- Silver leaf horn neck offers a comfortable, vintage-feeling profile.
Cons
- Wild cherry can be prone to checking with humidity fluctuations.
- The Uptown’s shorter scale may feel cramped for larger hands.
58AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,574 now$1,574€1,399 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 38 jazz guitars
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
DAngelico Excel EXL1 AmberDAngelico · 4 finishes57↓ 1.9%$1,766€1,569$1,766€1,569Check ↗
- 12
Godin 5th Avenue CW Kingpin II5th Ave CW Kingpin II HB · Godin68Stable$1,237€1,099$1,237€1,099Check ↗
- 13
Godin 5th Avenue TL Thinline Kingpin P905th Ave Kingpin P90 DLX VB · Godin · 2 finishes52Stable$1,484€1,319$1,484€1,319Check ↗
- 14
Godin 5th Avenue TL Thinline Kingpin P905th Ave TL Kingpin P90 OC · Godin50↓ 3.9%$1,687€1,499$1,687€1,499Check ↗
- 15
Epiphone BroadwayBroadway VSB · Epiphone68Stable$1,068€949$1,068€949Check ↗
- 16
DAngelico Excel Style B AmberDAngelico46Stable$1,687€1,499$1,687€1,499Check ↗
- 17
DAngelico Excel Style B Dark Iced TeaDAngelico46Stable$1,799€1,599$1,799€1,599Check ↗
- 18
DAngelico Excel 16 Amaretto BurstDAngelico46Stable$1,968€1,749$1,968€1,749Check ↗
- 19
DAngelico Excel 16 AmberDAngelico44Stable$1,856€1,649$1,856€1,649Check ↗
- 20
Stanford CR Fatboy GE 95 Bigsby B60Stanford43Stable$1,632€1,450$1,632€1,450Check ↗
- 21
Stanford CR Fatboy PB 95 Bigsby B60Stanford43Stable$1,632€1,450$1,632€1,450Check ↗
- 22
Stanford CR Fatboy Candy Apple Red 95Stanford43Stable$1,451€1,289$1,451€1,289Check ↗
- 23
Stanford CR Fatboy Pelham Blue 95Stanford43Stable$1,451€1,289$1,451€1,289Check ↗
- 24
Godin 5th Ave Jumbo P90 Harvest GoldGodin47Stable$1,339€1,190$1,339€1,190Check ↗
- 25
Ibanez AF95 Artcore ExpressionistAF95FM-AYS · Ibanez · 2 finishes67Stable$823€731$823€731Check ↗
- 26
Stanford CR Fatboy Golden Eye 95Stanford47Stable$1,293€1,149$1,293€1,149Check ↗
- 27
The Loar LM-700 Supreme F-Style MandolinLH-700 VS · The Loar37Stable$1,462€1,299$1,462€1,299Check ↗
- 28
Stanford CR Vanguard AVStanford41Stable$1,345€1,195$1,345€1,195Check ↗
- 29
Godin 5th Avenue Kingpin CognacburstGodin43Stable$1,102€979$1,102€979Check ↗
- 30
Ibanez AF75 ArtcoreAF75-BS · Ibanez74Stable$554€492$554€492Check ↗
- 31
Ibanez AF55 ArtcoreAF55-TF · Ibanez68↓ 3.9%$421€374$421€374Check ↗
- 32
Ibanez AG95QA Artcore ExpressionistAG95QA-DBS · Ibanez62Stable$785€698$785€698Check ↗
- 33
Harley Benton BigTone Trem Vintage OrangeHarley Benton · 2 finishes52Stable$370€329$370€329Check ↗
- 34
Harley Benton BigTone Vintage Orange w/CaseHarley Benton49Stable$449€399$449€399Check ↗
- 35
Harley Benton BigTone Trem White w/CaseHarley Benton49Stable$449€399$449€399Check ↗
- 36
Harley Benton Custom Line Manhattan-StandardHarley Benton45Stable$303€269$303€269Check ↗
- 37
Harley Benton Custom Line Manhattan-S w/CaseHarley Benton45Stable$426€379$426€379Check ↗
- 38
Larry Carlton H7F Tobacco BurstLarry Carlton41↓ 1.8%$629€559$629€559Check ↗
Jazz Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 52 models we track, not a sample.
Median $1,462 — half of all jazz guitars here cost less.
median of 43 models · 42.8 mm (1.69")–44 mm (1.73")
median of 50 models · 628 mm (24.72")–648 mm (25.51")
most common · 34 models
median of 29 models · 20–22
How to choose the best jazz guitars
Neck Profile & Feel
Forget 'slim' or 'thick' - it's about how the neck interacts with your hand. A D profile is common, but a comfortable feel is paramount. Too thick and you'll fight it; too thin and you'll lose control. This impacts sustain and vibrato control significantly.
Pickup Voicing
Jazz isn't about screaming distortion. We're looking for pickups with a nuanced response - clarity for single-note lines, warmth for comping, and enough headroom to handle a rhythm section without getting muddy. That 'fat midrange honk' is key, but avoid anything ice-picky or brittle.
Hardware Quality (Tuners, Bridge)
Cheap tuners will kill your intonation in a live setting. A poorly designed bridge can sap sustain and make adjustments a nightmare. These aren't just details; they directly impact your performance and the guitar's reliability.
Body Wood & Construction
Mahogany offers warmth, maple provides clarity, and combinations give you a bit of both. Carved tops tend to resonate better, but a well-built slab body can be just as responsive. It's about the overall balance - too much of one thing can lead to a lifeless tone.
Articulate Response & Dynamics
A professional jazz guitar needs to respond to the subtlest changes in your touch. It shouldn't choke out when you dig in, nor should it be overly sensitive to the point of unwanted noise. This is about a responsive, balanced output across the entire range.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're a serious jazz player. You're not chasing vintage vibes for your bedroom; you need a guitar that'll nail a smoky club gig, record cleanly in a pro studio, and still feel comfortable after a three-hour set. Forget the gloss and marketing hype - we're talking about the tools that let you truly speak through your instrument. Let's cut through the noise and look at guitars that'll actually elevate your playing.
Don't chase 'vintage spec' at any cost. Often, modern manufacturing tolerances and materials can outperform older instruments. Look for a comfortable neck, good hardware (especially tuners), and pickups that deliver a balanced, articulate tone.
Paying extra for a properly set-up instrument from the factory is almost always worth it - a bad setup can ruin even the best guitar. Be wary of guitars that promise 'everything' - there are always trade-offs, and they're rarely transparent about where they've been cut.
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 52 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 deal with different body woods? Does it really matter?
It does, but not as much as people think. Mahogany gives you warmth and sustain; maple is brighter and more articulate. It's more about the overall tonal balance than one wood being 'better'.
Should I go with a humbucker or single-coil pickup for jazz?
Single-coils are classic for a reason - they offer more clarity and detail. Humbuckers can be great for a warmer, thicker tone, but be careful to avoid anything too aggressive. Voicing is more important than pickup type.
What about fretwire? Is it a big deal?
Definitely. Thicker fretwire (like jumbo) can make bending easier, but it can also lead to more fret buzz if not properly set up. It's about finding a balance that works for your playing style and hand size.
I'm on a budget - what can I realistically expect?
You'll have to compromise somewhere. Expect cheaper hardware, potentially lower-quality wood, and maybe a less refined finish. Focus on the neck profile and pickup voicing - those are the most critical factors.
Is a carved top essential for a good jazz guitar?
Not necessarily. A well-built slab body can sound fantastic. The carving primarily affects resonance and aesthetics - it's a nice-to-have, not a must-have.





