AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Jazz Guitars Under $5,000 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 34 models across 8 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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- 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 ↗ -
Godin 5th Avenue CW Kingpin II
5th Ave Kingpin II VB · Godin
30 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width44 mm (1.73")
- Scale631 mm (24.84")
- Fingerboard radius406 mm (15.98")
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
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.
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.
78AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,349 now$1,349€1,199 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 ↗ -
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Frets20 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- BodyMaple body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This hollow-body jazz guitar sounds sweet thanks to its spruce top and Alnico pickups. The slim neck feels great under your fingers for smooth playing. It's a solid choice for players who love that vintage vibe and don't need extra electronics.
Pros
- Solid spruce top delivers a warm, resonant jazz tone
- SlimTaper neck profile makes playing chords and solos easy
- Floating bridge setup adds sustain and dynamic response
Cons
- Hollow body design makes the guitar quite heavy
- Only two volume and tone controls limit tweaking options
68AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Oct 14Oct 14$1,068 now$1,068€949 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Godin 5th Avenue CW Kingpin II
5th Ave CW Kingpin II HB · Godin
30 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width44 mm (1.73")
- Scale631 mm (24.84")
- Frets21 frets
The 5th Ave Kingpin II HB is a beautifully crafted archtop that nails that vintage vibe. The wild cherry gives it a uniquely mellow voice, while the humbuckers add a surprising amount of grit when you need it. This is a fantastic choice for jazz, blues, and classic rock players who appreciate quality construction and a comfortable playing experience.
Pros
- Canadian wild cherry back and top deliver a warm, resonant tone.
- Silver leaf horn neck offers exceptional stability and a comfortable feel.
- Godin Custom humbuckers provide a versatile range from blues to rock.
Cons
- Wild cherry can be prone to minor checking with significant temperature changes.
- 16-inch radius fretboard might feel less familiar to players used to flatter profiles.
68AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,237 now$1,237€1,099 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 ↗
All 34 jazz guitars
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Ibanez LGB300 George Benson SignatureLGB300-VYS · Ibanez59Stable$3,994€3,549$3,994€3,549Check ↗
- 12
Godin 5th Avenue Uptown Custom5th Avenue Uptown Custom BR · Godin58Stable$1,574€1,399$1,574€1,399Check ↗
- 13
DAngelico Excel EXL1 AmberDAngelico · 4 finishes57↓ 1.9%$1,766€1,569$1,766€1,569Check ↗
- 14
Harley Benton BigTone Trem WhiteHarley Benton · 2 finishes52Stable$370€329$370€329Check ↗
- 15
Godin 5th Avenue TL Thinline Kingpin P905th Ave Kingpin P90 VB · Godin · 2 finishes52Stable$1,237€1,099$1,237€1,099Check ↗
- 16
Godin 5th Avenue TL Thinline Kingpin P905th Ave TL Kingpin P90 OC · Godin50↓ 3.9%$1,687€1,499$1,687€1,499Check ↗
- 17
Harley Benton BigTone Trem White w/CaseHarley Benton49Stable$449€399$449€399Check ↗
- 18
Harley Benton BigTone Vintage Orange w/CaseHarley Benton49Stable$449€399$449€399Check ↗
- 19
Stanford CR Fatboy Golden Eye 95Stanford47Stable$1,293€1,149$1,293€1,149Check ↗
- 20
Godin 5th Ave Jumbo P90 Harvest GoldGodin47Stable$1,339€1,190$1,339€1,190Check ↗
- 21
DAngelico Excel Style B AmberDAngelico46Stable$1,687€1,499$1,687€1,499Check ↗
- 22
DAngelico Excel Style B Dark Iced TeaDAngelico46Stable$1,799€1,599$1,799€1,599Check ↗
- 23
DAngelico Excel 16 Amaretto BurstDAngelico46Stable$1,968€1,749$1,968€1,749Check ↗
- 24
Harley Benton Custom Line Manhattan-StandardHarley Benton45Stable$303€269$303€269Check ↗
- 25
Harley Benton Custom Line Manhattan-S w/CaseHarley Benton45Stable$426€379$426€379Check ↗
- 26
DAngelico Excel 16 AmberDAngelico44Stable$1,856€1,649$1,856€1,649Check ↗
- 27
Godin 5th Avenue Kingpin CognacburstGodin43Stable$1,102€979$1,102€979Check ↗
- 28
Stanford CR Fatboy Pelham Blue 95Stanford43Stable$1,451€1,289$1,451€1,289Check ↗
- 29
Stanford CR Fatboy Candy Apple Red 95Stanford43Stable$1,451€1,289$1,451€1,289Check ↗
- 30
Stanford CR Fatboy PB 95 Bigsby B60Stanford43Stable$1,632€1,450$1,632€1,450Check ↗
- 31
Stanford CR Fatboy GE 95 Bigsby B60Stanford43Stable$1,632€1,450$1,632€1,450Check ↗
- 32
Larry Carlton H7F Tobacco BurstLarry Carlton41↓ 1.8%$629€559$629€559Check ↗
- 33
Stanford CR Vanguard AVStanford41Stable$1,345€1,195$1,345€1,195Check ↗
- 34
The Loar LM-700 Supreme F-Style MandolinLH-700 VS · The Loar37Stable$1,462€1,299$1,462€1,299Check ↗
Jazz Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 47 models we track, not a sample.
Median $1,451 — half of all jazz guitars here cost less.
median of 39 models · 42 mm (1.65")–44 mm (1.73")
median of 45 models · 628 mm (24.72")–648 mm (25.51")
most common · 32 models
median of 24 models · 20–22
How to choose the best jazz guitars
Neck Profile
This is critical. A comfortable, well-shaped neck is everything for long gigs. We're looking for something that feels good in your hand - a 'C' shape is common, but a 'D' or even a slimmer profile can work wonders. Don't force a neck that doesn't feel natural.
Pickup Voicing
Jazz guitars need clarity and warmth. You want pickups that articulate individual notes without sounding brittle or ice-picky. A little bit of that fat midrange honk is a good thing, helping it cut through a piano or upright bass without getting lost.
Construction & Hardware
Solid wood bodies (maple, mahogany, or a combination) are ideal, but laminated bodies can still sound good if the wood choices are right. Quality tuners are a must - sloppy tuning kills a vibe faster than anything. Look for Gotoh or similar reputable brands.
Finish & Binding
These are purely aesthetic, but they impact the overall feel and vibe. A thin, nitrocellulose finish (if you can find it at this price) breathes better and ages beautifully. Binding adds a touch of class, but it's a luxury, not a necessity.
Action & Setup
A guitar fresh off the factory line often needs a setup. A low action (string height) is crucial for fast playing, but it needs to be set up correctly to avoid buzzing. Factor in the cost of a professional setup - it's almost always worth it.
Buying guide
Alright, so you want a jazz guitar that doesn't require selling a kidney? It's totally doable. You can absolutely get a seriously playable, great-sounding instrument under $5000, but you gotta be smart about it. We're talking about finding that sweet spot of quality components and construction without breaking the bank - no more, no less.
At this budget, you're making compromises. You're unlikely to get all-solid wood construction with flawless binding and flawless finish. Expect some minor cosmetic imperfections - those are often opportunities to save some cash.
Focus on the core elements: neck feel, pickup voicing, and overall playability. Don't get hung up on fancy aesthetics; a great-sounding, great-feeling guitar is worth more than a pretty one.
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 47 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 'semi-hollow' vs. 'fully hollow'?
Semi-hollow bodies (like a 335) have a solid center block, which reduces feedback and adds sustain. Fully hollow bodies are more resonant and airy, but can be prone to feedback at higher volumes - great for intimate settings, less so for a loud club gig.
Are used guitars a good option?
Absolutely. You can often snag a significantly higher-end instrument for your budget by buying used. Just be sure to inspect it carefully for any cracks or serious damage, and check the neck relief.
What about Eastman guitars? Are they worth the hype?
Eastman offers incredible value for the money. Their guitars are well-built and sound fantastic, but their quality control can be a bit inconsistent. Try before you buy if possible.
What's a 'floating' pickup?
Floating pickups are mounted to the guitar body without direct contact with the top, relying on posts and springs. They're often associated with a more open, airy tone, but it's subtle and subjective.
What about pickup swaps? Is it worth it?
It's a common upgrade. Stock pickups on many guitars in this price range are decent, but swapping them out can significantly improve the tone - brighter, warmer, more articulate. Just be prepared to spend another $100-$300.
