Best Jazz Guitars Under $500 2026

Affordable jazz guitars under $500 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Next update: January 21, 2026

Harley Benton BigTone Vintage Orange w/Case - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Harley Benton BigTone Vintage Orange w/Case

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
Harley Benton BigTone Trem Vintage Orange - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Harley Benton BigTone Trem Vintage Orange

R&B Blues Jazz
Key Feature:
• Professional jazz sound
✓ PROS
  • • Rich harmonic content
  • • Professional jazz sound
✗ CONS
  • • Limited high-gain capabilities
  • • Feedback prone at high volumes

Harley Benton BigTone Trem Orange Vintage SeriesElectric GuitarBuild: Hollow bodyBody: MapleNeck: Canadian...

4.6/5 (30 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Harley Benton BigTone Trem White w/Case - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Harley Benton BigTone Trem White w/Case

Blues Soul Jazz
Key Feature:
• Rich harmonic content
✓ PROS
  • • Rich harmonic content
  • • Professional jazz sound
✗ CONS
  • • Often more expensive
  • • May lack brightness for rock

Harley Benton BigTone Trem White w/Case*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton BigTone Trem White*Electric...

4.4/5 (9 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Harley Benton Custom Line Manhattan-S w/Case - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Harley Benton Custom Line Manhattan-S w/Case

Smooth Jazz R&B Jazz
Key Feature:
• Excellent for clean tones
✓ PROS
  • • Professional jazz sound
  • • Excellent for clean tones
✗ CONS
  • • Limited high-gain capabilities
  • • May lack brightness for rock

Harley Benton Custom Line Manhattan-S w/Case*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton Custom Line...

4.9/5 (35 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Harley Benton BigTone Trem White - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Harley Benton BigTone Trem White

Smooth Jazz Soul Fusion
Key Feature:
• Excellent for clean tones
✓ PROS
  • • Professional jazz sound
  • • Excellent for clean tones
✗ CONS
  • • Often more expensive
  • • Less versatile than solid-body guitars

Harley Benton BigTone Trem WhiteElectric GuitarStyle: hollow bodyBody: MapleNeck: Canadian mapleFingerboard:...

4.6/5 (55 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
Ibanez AF55-TF - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Ibanez AF55-TF

Soul Blues R&B
Key Feature:
• Rich harmonic content
✓ PROS
  • • Warm, smooth humbucker tone
  • • Great sustain and resonance
✗ CONS
  • • Often more expensive
  • • Limited high-gain capabilities

Ibanez AF55-TFElectric GuitarJazz modelBody: SapeleWhite top bindingGlued-in Artcore neck: NyatohFingerboard:...

4.5/5 (46 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10

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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