Best Jazz Guitars for Soul 2026
So, you're chasing that Motown shimmer, that Stax grit, that D'Angelo vibe? A traditional jazz box can absolutely get you there, but you gotta know what to look for. Forget about pristine, sterile cleans; we're talking about guitars that can hang with a Hammond organ, a driving bassline, and a soulful vocalist - instruments with character and a willingness to break up just a little. This isn't about playing standards; it's about laying down a groove.
Last updated: June 24, 2026 • Next update: July 1, 2026
⚡ The best jazz guitars in 2026 are Stanford CR Fatboy CAR 95 Bigsby B60 (top pick), DAngelico Excel EXL1 Dark Iced Tea for tighter budgets, and Godin 5th Ave Kingpin II VB for pros — selected from 15 options across 6 brands, priced $427–$1,868, ranked by brand, price and popularity.
#1
⭐
4.6/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Stanford CR Fatboy CAR 95 Bigsby B60
by
Stanford
Jazz
Soul
R&B
Key Feature:
This Stanford Fatboy is a seriously cool ES-175 vibe guitar. The P90s give it a fat, warm tone that’s fantastic for jazz and blues, and the Bigsby adds a touch of class. It's a great option for players seeking a vintage-inspired feel and sound without the premium price tag of a Gibson.
PROS
- • Maple laminate body delivers focused warmth and a pleasing resonance.
- • Solid mahogany neck provides excellent sustain and a comfortable, familiar feel.
- • Stanford P90s offer a thick, creamy tone ideal for jazz, blues, and rock.
- • Bigsby B60 tremolo adds expressive vibrato without sacrificing tuning stability.
CONS
- • The 12” radius fingerboard might feel flat for players accustomed to vintage profiles.
- • Made in China; quality control, while generally good, isn't quite as consistent as higher-priced options.
- • Candy Apple Red finish, while striking, might not appeal to players preferring more subtle aesthetics.
⭐
4.6/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 614698
$1,595
#2
⭐
4.7/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
DAngelico Excel EXL1 Dark Iced Tea
by
DAngelico
Fusion
Smooth Jazz
Soul
Key Feature:
The D'Angelico EXL1 Dark Iced Tea is a beautifully crafted hollowbody, built for players seeking a vintage jazz tone with a modern feel. The Seymour Duncan pickup delivers a surprisingly powerful voice, while the walnut-reinforced neck provides excellent stability. This guitar is a premium-priced option perfect for jazz, blues, and lighter rock styles where a warm, resonant tone is essential.
PROS
- • Laminated spruce top delivers warm, articulate projection.
- • Seymour Duncan 59 provides versatile, classic humbucker tones.
- • Walnut-reinforced neck adds stability and a pleasing feel.
- • Elegant Dark Iced Tea burst finish is visually striking and refined.
CONS
- • Hollowbody construction makes it somewhat heavier than a solid-body guitar.
- • Scale length limits versatility for modern, extended-range playing.
- • Tone controls are basic; lacks more nuanced shaping options.
⭐
4.7/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 585299
$1,744
#3
⭐
4.7/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Godin 5th Ave Kingpin II VB
by
Godin
Fusion
Soul
Blues
Key Feature:
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.
- • Roller saddle bridge minimizes string binding and enhances tuning stability.
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.
- • Hollow body construction makes it a bit heavier than a solid-body guitar.
⭐
4.7/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 616531
$1,348
#4
⭐
4.9/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Stanford CR Fatboy PB 95 Bigsby B60
by
Stanford
Blues
Jazz
Fusion
Key Feature:
This Stanford Fatboy is a seriously cool ES-175 style guitar, offering a vintage vibe with those P90s and Bigsby. It’s a fantastic option for players craving a warm, expressive tone for blues, rock, and jazz, and it delivers a lot of character for the money.
PROS
- • Pelham Blue finish is stunning, a real vintage vibe.
- • Solid mahogany neck provides excellent sustain and warmth.
- • P90 pickups deliver thick, gritty tones ideal for blues/rock.
- • Bigsby B60 tremolo adds expressive vibrato without tuning instability.
CONS
- • Maple laminate body might lack the resonance of all-mahogany construction.
- • Factory strings are a bit light; a heavier gauge is recommended.
- • Made in China; QC can be variable, though generally acceptable at this price.
⭐
4.9/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 614701
$1,595
#5
⭐
4.4/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Larry Carlton H7F See Through Red
R&B
Blues
Jazz
Key Feature:
This Larry Carlton H7F is a seriously nice instrument for jazz, blues, and lighter rock styles. The See Through Red finish is gorgeous, and the feel is fantastic thanks to that comfortable 'C' neck. It's a well-built, premium-priced guitar that captures a lot of Carlton's signature tone.
PROS
- • Maple top and back deliver focused, articulate tone.
- • LC vintage humbuckers offer warm, creamy overdrive potential.
- • Ebony fingerboard provides smooth, fast playing experience.
- • Set-in mahogany neck enhances sustain and resonance.
CONS
- • Hollowbody construction makes it somewhat less feedback-resistant at high volumes.
- • 24.75” scale may feel cramped for players used to longer scales.
- • Limited pickup versatility compared to guitars with coil-splitting options.
⭐
4.4/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 589231
$758
#6
⭐
4.4/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Harley Benton BigTone Vintage Orange w/Case
Jazz
Soul
Fusion
Key Feature:
This BigTone Vintage Orange is a seriously impressive offering for the price. It nails that classic jazz/blues tone with a warm, woody resonance and surprisingly strong humbuckers. If you’re looking for a vintage-inspired hollowbody feel without the premium price tag, this is absolutely worth a look.
PROS
- • Maple hollow body delivers warm, resonant vintage tone
- • Canadian maple neck offers comfortable playability and stability
- • Deluxe AlNiCo humbuckers provide a surprisingly powerful and articulate sound
- • Tune-o-matic bridge and tremolo system enable expressive vibrato
CONS
- • Hollow body construction makes it susceptible to feedback at high volumes
- • Tremolo system might require occasional setup and maintenance
- • Amaranth fretboard, while nice, can be a bit harder than rosewood for some players
⭐
4.4/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 404972
$461
#7
⭐
4.7/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Harley Benton Custom Line Manhattan-S w/Case
Smooth Jazz
R&B
Jazz
Key Feature:
This Harley Benton Manhattan-S is a surprisingly good entry into the hollowbody jazz guitar world. It nails that vintage vibe with a warm, woody tone and a comfortable neck. It's an excellent choice for players looking for authentic jazz tones on a budget-friendly instrument.
PROS
- • Solid mahogany construction delivers warm, resonant, vintage-style tones.
- • Custom ceramic mini-humbuckers offer surprising output and clarity.
- • Amaranth fingerboard provides a smooth, fast playing experience with excellent note definition.
- • Included hardshell case offers robust protection and convenient transport.
CONS
- • Mahogany body may be a bit heavy for some players, especially over long gigs.
- • Limited tonal versatility; excels in jazz and blues, less suited for modern genres.
- • Binding and finish, while adequate, aren't on par with higher-end instruments.
⭐
4.7/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 543751
$428
#8
⭐
4.8/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Stanford CR Fatboy 75-2 AV
by
Stanford
Soul
Smooth Jazz
R&B
Key Feature:
The Stanford CR Fatboy 75-2 AV is a surprisingly versatile semi-hollow. It's got a great feel, a warm tone that works well for blues, rock, and even some jazz, and it’s built solid. This is a fantastic option for players wanting a vintage vibe without the premium-priced tag.
PROS
- • Mahogany top delivers warm, woody resonance and sustain
- • Solid maple neck provides excellent stability and a comfortable C profile
- • Ebony fretboard offers a smooth, articulate playing experience
- • Kluson-style tuners ensure reliable tuning stability and vintage aesthetics
CONS
- • Maple veneer back/sides can feel slightly less resonant than all-wood construction
- • Humbucker pickups might lack the nuance for delicate jazz voicings
- • Matt nitro finish, while attractive, is more prone to fingerprints and smudging
⭐
4.8/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 485106
$1,209
#9
⭐
4.6/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Epiphone Broadway Vintage Sunburst
by
Epiphone
Smooth Jazz
Jazz
Soul
Key Feature:
This Epiphone Broadway is a fantastic entry into the world of vintage-inspired jazz and blues guitars. The build quality is surprisingly solid, the neck is a joy to play, and the pickups deliver a warm, woody tone with plenty of character. It's an excellent choice for players looking for that classic hollowbody vibe without the premium-priced tag.
PROS
- • Maple/Spruce construction delivers focused, articulate tone with warmth.
- • Slim Taper neck profile offers comfortable playability, especially for smaller hands.
- • Wilkinson tuners provide stable tuning, a noticeable upgrade over standard Epiphone hardware.
- • AlNiCo Classic Pro pickups offer a surprisingly robust and versatile sound for the price.
CONS
- • The body weight can be a factor for extended playing sessions; it's a hollowbody.
- • While versatile, it's not an ideal choice for modern, high-gain genres.
- • The finish, while attractive, might show minor imperfections typical of this price range.
⭐
4.6/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 567359
$1,044
#10
⭐
4.9/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
DAngelico Excel EXL1 Dark Iced Tea Burst
by
DAngelico
Fusion
Blues
Soul
Key Feature:
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.
- • 7-ply binding adds a touch of elegance and reinforces the body’s structural integrity.
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.
- • Limited pickup options restrict versatility outside of jazz and blues contexts.
⭐
4.9/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 621797
$1,869
#11
⭐
4.8/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Stanford CR Fatboy Golden Eye 95
by
Stanford
Blues
Jazz
Soul
Key Feature:
The Stanford CR Fatboy Golden Eye 95 is a seriously cool, vintage-inspired jazz box. It nails that ES-175 vibe with its solid mahogany core and warm P90 pickups—perfect for players chasing a classic, woody tone for blues, jazz, or rock. It's a premium-priced instrument that offers a ton of character and playability.
PROS
- • Solid mahogany body delivers warmth and sustain characteristic of vintage jazz tones.
- • P90 pickups provide a thick, vocal midrange and excellent response for blues and rock.
- • Kluson-style tuners offer smooth, accurate tuning stability and a vintage aesthetic.
- • Nitrocellulose lacquer finish allows the wood to breathe, enhancing resonance and aging gracefully.
CONS
- • The 12” radius fingerboard, while comfortable, might feel flat for players used to more modern profiles.
- • Limited tonal versatility; excels in jazz, blues, and rock, less suited for high-gain genres.
- • Solid mahogany construction contributes to a heavier instrument; can be fatiguing for extended play.
⭐
4.8/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 591320
$1,264
#12
⭐
4.4/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Godin 5th Ave Kingpin P90 LH
by
Godin
Fusion
Soul
Blues
Key Feature:
This 5th Ave Kingpin P90 LH is a fantastic choice for jazz, blues, and vintage-inspired players seeking a premium-priced archtop. The P90 pickup delivers a unique, growly tone, and the silver leaf neck makes it a joy to play. It’s a well-built instrument that provides a lot of value for the money.
PROS
- • Wild cherry top delivers rich, complex overtones and striking visual appeal
- • Kingpin P90 provides thick, creamy tone with a raw edge
- • Silver leaf maple neck offers exceptional stability and a smooth playing feel
- • Graphtech Tusq bridge enhances sustain and intonation accuracy
CONS
- • Archtop design limits versatility for heavily distorted modern genres
- • Canadian wild cherry can be prone to minor cracking with humidity changes
- • Lefthand models often have limited availability and longer wait times
⭐
4.4/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 471254
$1,154
#13
⭐
4.9/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
DAngelico Excel Style B Amber
by
DAngelico
Blues
R&B
Jazz
Key Feature:
The D'Angelico Excel Style B Amber is a seriously cool jazz guitar—it nails that vintage vibe. The hollowbody construction and DeArmond pickup give it a beautiful, airy tone perfect for comping and mellow solos. If you're a jazz, blues, or classic rock player looking for a refined instrument with character, this is a great choice.
PROS
- • Laminated Spruce top delivers a warm, resonant tone with excellent projection.
- • DeArmond Rhythm Chief 1000 pickup provides a classic, vintage-voiced, airy character.
- • Ebony fingerboard offers a slick, fast playing experience and excellent note definition.
- • Walnut core in the neck adds stability and a pleasing feel under the hand.
CONS
- • Non-cutaway design limits upper fret access, a consideration for lead players.
- • Laminated construction, while structurally sound, lacks the tonal complexity of solid wood.
- • The amber finish, while attractive, may show fingerprints and handling marks easily.
⭐
4.9/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 585309
$1,649
#14
⭐
4.9/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Godin 5th Ave TL Kingpin P90 OC
by
Godin
Soul
Fusion
Jazz
Key Feature:
The 5th Ave TL Kingpin P90 OC is a seriously cool guitar – that Ozark Cream finish is gorgeous, and the Kingpin P90s deliver a vintage-inspired tone with plenty of grit. It’s a premium-priced instrument, but the build quality and unique character make it a fantastic choice for blues, rock, and jazz players who want something a little different.
PROS
- • Wild cherry body delivers rich, warm, and resonant tonal character.
- • Kingpin P90s provide a thick, gritty tone ideal for blues and rock.
- • Maple neck with rosewood fingerboard offers comfortable playability and sustain.
- • Canadian craftsmanship ensures exceptional build quality and reliable performance.
CONS
- • Hollow body construction makes it somewhat heavier than solid-body guitars.
- • P90 pickups can be noisy at higher gain settings – expect some hum.
- • Limited tonal versatility compared to guitars with humbucker pickups.
⭐
4.9/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 588803
$1,649
#15
⭐
4.9/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Stanford CR Fatboy Pelham Blue 95
by
Stanford
Soul
Blues
R&B
Key Feature:
This Stanford Fatboy is a seriously cool ES-175 style guitar that nails that vintage vibe. The P90s give it a raw, punchy tone perfect for blues, rock, and even some jazzy stuff. It's a great option for players seeking a classic look and feel without the premium-priced tag of a vintage original.
PROS
- • Solid maple laminate body provides excellent resonance and sustain.
- • Mahogany neck offers a warm, comfortable feel and good stability.
- • Stanford P90s deliver a thick, gritty tone ideal for blues and rock.
- • Kluson-style tuners ensure reliable tuning stability and vintage aesthetics.
CONS
- • Made in China; quality control can be variable across units.
- • 12” radius fingerboard might feel flat for players accustomed to modern profiles.
- • Pelham Blue finish, while striking, can be prone to nitrocellulose lacquer checking.
⭐
4.9/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 614692
$1,418
How to Choose the Best Jazz Guitars
1
Output & Voicing
Soul demands warmth, but also clarity to cut through the mix. We're looking for pickups with a balance - a fat midrange honk without being muddy, and enough output to be heard over a B3. Think PAF-style, or hotter vintage-inspired designs.
2
Sustain & Resonance
That soulful vibrato and bending needs sustain. A well-built body (mahogany, korina, even a chambered ash) contributes hugely, and a properly set-up neck is crucial for resonance.
3
Neck Profile & Feel
Comfort is king when you're digging into a groove. A neck that feels good in your hand is non-negotiable. 'C' shapes are generally safe, but a D or even a slightly chunkier profile can work well depending on your style.
4
Hardware Quality
Cheap tremolo systems are a nightmare on stage - tuning instability and flaking finishes. Solid tuners and a reliable bridge are essential for consistent performance and a stable platform for intonation.
5
Versatility
Soul isn't just one thing. You might want to dial in a clean, bell-like tone for a ballad or a gritty, overdriven sound for a funkier track. A guitar that can cover a range of tones is a huge asset.
Buying Guide
Don't get seduced by the "jazz" label alone. Many classic jazz guitars are too pristine for soul - they're designed for a different vibe. Be prepared to spend a bit more on a guitar with quality hardware; that cheap tremolo will betray you on stage. Used instruments are your friend here - you can often find a higher-end model at a reasonable price, just make sure the neck is straight and the frets aren't shot.
Our Methodology
We're not just staring at spec sheets here. Every guitar on this list has spent serious time in our hands - plugged into a variety of amps, run through different pedals, and played in band settings. We A/B'd them against each other, listened for how they sat in a mix, and judged them on their feel and overall usability for the soul genre. It's about real-world performance, not just marketing hype.
Frequently Asked Questions
Humbuckers generally offer more output and a thicker tone, which works well for soul. However, well-matched single-coils can deliver a gorgeous, bell-like tone that's equally valuable. It really depends on your desired sound and the amp you're using.
Not at all. A floating tremolo can add a cool shimmer, but it's a potential tuning stability headache. A fixed bridge is often a more reliable choice for gigging.
Mahogany provides warmth and sustain, while korina (grown in Africa) offers a unique blend of warmth and clarity. Chambered ash is surprisingly versatile, offering a lighter weight and a more open tone.
Look for used guitars from reputable brands like Yamaha, Ibanez, or even some of the lower-end Gibson models. Focus on the neck feel and pickup voicing - those are the most critical factors.
Honestly? Not that important. A nitrocellulose finish can be beautiful, but it's a luxury. A poly finish will be more durable, which is a practical consideration for a gigging guitar.
