AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Ibanez Jazz Guitars 2026
The top pick is Ibanez GB10 George Benson Signature ($803). Ibanez AF55 Artcore gives you the most for the money at $421. Ibanez PM200 Pat Metheny Signature leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 8 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 19, 2026
Top 8
Full detail for the 8 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
86AudioFu
Index↓ 7.2%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$865 · Aug 17$803 now$803€714 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
74AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$554 now$554€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
71AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,393 now$1,393€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.
68AudioFu
Index↓ 3.9%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$438 · Aug 17$421 now$421€374 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$737 now$737€655 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 ↗ -
- BodyAsh body
The AG95QA-DBS is a really solid choice for players wanting a vintage-inspired jazz tone without the vintage price tag. The ash body gives it a lovely warmth, and the Super 58 pickups handle everything from mellow chords to bluesy leads surprisingly well. It's a great all-around instrument for gigging musicians or students exploring jazz and blues.
Pros
- Ash body delivers a warm, resonant tone with surprising projection.
- Maple/mahogany neck offers a comfortable, balanced feel and good sustain.
- Super 58 pickups provide a versatile range from clean jazz to bluesy overdrive.
Cons
- The Artcore series hardware, while functional, feels a little budget-oriented.
- Ash bodies can be prone to minor finish checking with age and temperature changes.
62AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$785 now$785€698 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 ↗
Jazz Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 52 models we track, not a sample.
Median $1,393 — 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
Ibanez necks are known for comfort, and their jazz guitars are no exception. The slim, even profiles - often their SR1 or similar - make for fast playing, which is crucial when you're navigating complex chord voicings and rapid improvisations. It's a real plus for players with smaller hands too.
Pickup Voicing
This is where Ibanez really shines. They generally avoid the brittle, ice-picky highs you sometimes get with traditional jazz pickups. Instead, you get a warmer, rounder tone with a surprising amount of clarity and articulation - perfect for comping and soloing. The lower mids have a lovely warmth without getting muddy.
Build Quality & Hardware
While Ibanez isn't always the most ornate, their build quality is consistently solid. The hardware - Gotoh tuners, generally - are reliable, and the set-neck construction provides good sustain. You're not getting exotic woods or hand-carved tops, but you are getting a well-made instrument that'll gig reliably.
Body Wood & Resonance
Ibanez often uses mahogany or nato bodies on their jazz guitars, which contribute to that warm, woody tone. These woods tend to be less prone to feedback at higher volumes, which is a definite advantage in a live setting. It's not going to have the airy resonance of a hollow body, but it's a good compromise for versatility.
Versatility
These guitars aren't just for straight-ahead jazz. The slightly hotter pickup voicing and comfortable neck make them surprisingly good for blues, soul, and even some rock applications. It's a 'desert island' guitar - one instrument that can cover a lot of ground.
Buying guide
Look, finding a great jazz guitar doesn't always mean dropping five figures on a vintage archtop. Ibanez has quietly been making seriously playable and surprisingly versatile jazz guitars for decades, often overlooked in the shadow of their rock and metal offerings. We're talking about instruments that deliver a warm, woody tone with enough clarity to cut through a quartet, and they're often a whole lot easier on the wallet than the competition. Let's dig into the best Ibanez has to offer.
Don't expect fancy binding or figured tops - Ibanez prioritizes playability and tone over aesthetics. Older models, particularly those from the 90s and early 2000s, often represent the best value. Watch out for overly bright or harsh pickups - try before you buy if possible, or research pickup swaps if you're comfortable doing that.
The neck profile is key; if it doesn't feel good in your hand, it doesn't matter how good the tone is.
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 14 jazz guitars from the Thomann catalogue (of 52 in the category). 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
Are Ibanez jazz guitars hollow, semi-hollow, or solid body?
Mostly solid body, which means they're more resistant to feedback and have more sustain than hollow or semi-hollow options. They trade that airy resonance for versatility.
Can I use these guitars for blues and rock?
Absolutely. The pickup voicing and neck profile are surprisingly forgiving, and they can handle a wide range of styles. They won't have the 'twang' of a Telecaster, but they're versatile.
What's the difference between an Ibanez AS and an Ibanez AF?
The AS series is generally the more affordable line, often with simpler appointments. The AF series is a step up, featuring higher-grade woods, better hardware, and generally a more refined aesthetic - and a higher price tag.
Are Ibanez jazz guitars good for beginners?
They're excellent. The comfortable necks and reliable hardware make them easy to play, and the solid build quality means they can withstand the wear and tear of a beginner's learning process.
Can I swap out the pickups?
Definitely. The pickup cavities are standard size, so you can easily upgrade to your preferred pickups. It's a common mod to tailor the tone to your specific needs.
