AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Jazz Guitars Under $800 2026
The top pick is Ibanez AF75 Artcore ($554). Ibanez AF55 Artcore gives you the most for the money at $421. Ibanez AG95QA Artcore Expressionist leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 10 models across 3 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")
- 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")
- 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 ↗ -
- 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 width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets20 frets
- Fingerboard radius350 mm (13.78")
- BodyMaple body
This Harley Benton BigTone Trem White is a seriously impressive offering for the price. It nails that classic hollow-body jazz guitar vibe, offering a warm, woody tone and comfortable neck. Ideal for players wanting a vintage feel and tremolo functionality without the premium-priced tag.
Pros
- Maple body provides a focused, articulate tone with good sustain
- Canadian maple neck offers comfortable playability and stability
- Deluxe Alnico humbuckers deliver a warm, vintage-inspired output
Cons
- Hollow body construction can be prone to feedback at higher volumes
- Tremolo system may require occasional setup and maintenance
52AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$370 now$370€329 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets20 frets
- Fingerboard radius350 mm (13.78")
- BodyMaple body
This Harley Benton BigTone Trem is a seriously impressive offering for the price. It nails that vintage jazz tone with a touch of rock edge, and the tremolo is a fun addition. Ideal for players seeking a hollow-body experience without the premium price tag – especially those into classic jazz, blues, or rockabilly.
Pros
- Maple body delivers a focused, articulate tone with surprising warmth.
- Canadian maple neck offers comfortable playability and excellent sustain.
- Deluxe Alnico humbuckers provide a thick, vintage-voiced output.
Cons
- Hollow body construction may be prone to feedback at higher volumes.
- Amarelle fingerboard can feel slightly sticky compared to lacquered alternatives.
49AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$449 now$449€399 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets20 frets
- Fingerboard radius350 mm (13.78")
- BodyMaple body
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
Cons
- Hollow body construction makes it susceptible to feedback at high volumes
- Tremolo system might require occasional setup and maintenance
49AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$449 now$449€399 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets22 frets
- BodyMahogany body
- FingerboardLaurel fingerboard
This Harley Benton Manhattan-Standard is a fantastic entry point into the hollowbody jazz guitar world. The mahogany build gives it a lovely, woody tone, and the mini-humbuckers provide a surprisingly versatile range – great for jazz, blues, or even some rock. It's perfect for students or players wanting that classic archtop vibe without the premium price tag.
Pros
- Mahogany construction delivers a warm, resonant, and vintage-voiced tone.
- Custom ceramic mini-humbuckers offer surprisingly articulate and powerful output.
- Amaranth fingerboard provides a smooth playing experience and excellent clarity.
Cons
- The shorter scale length (648mm) might feel cramped for players accustomed to longer scales.
- Mahogany body can make it heavier than some players prefer, around 8-9 lbs.
45AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$303 now$303€269 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets22 frets
- BodyMahogany body
- FingerboardLaurel fingerboard
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.
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.
45AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$426 now$426€379 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This Larry Carlton H7F is a seriously well-built instrument, offering a refined jazz tone at a surprisingly affordable price point. The inCin neck profile is a real joy to play, and those LC pickups nail that classic, warm jazz sound with just a touch of bite. Perfect for gigging musicians and students looking for a high-quality hollowbody without the premium-priced tag.
Pros
- Maple top delivers focused, articulate highs and shimmering overtones.
- Mahogany neck provides warmth and sustain, excellent for jazz voicings.
- LC vintage humbuckers offer a balanced, vintage-inspired tone with clarity.
Cons
- Hollowbody construction means it's likely to be somewhat heavy, potentially fatiguing for long gigs.
- 24.75 in scale length may feel cramped for players used to longer scales.
41AudioFu
Index↓ 1.8%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$640 · Aug 17$629 now$629€559 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
Jazz Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 11 models we track, not a sample.
Median $449 — half of all jazz guitars here cost less.
median of 9 models · 42 mm (1.65")–43 mm (1.69")
median of 10 models · 628 mm (24.72")–648 mm (25.51")
most common · 9 models
median of 8 models · 20–22
How to choose the best jazz guitars
Neck Profile
This is HUGE. A comfortable, even neck is paramount for long gigs and intricate chord voicings. Look for something that feels good in your hand - D shapes are generally a safe bet for jazz, but don't force it.
Pickup Voicing
Forget shrill, ice-picky highs. You want warm, balanced pickups that emphasize the low-mids for that fat midrange honk. Alnico II or Alnico V pickups are common choices - Alnico II leans towards a smoother, rounder tone.
Construction (Set-Neck vs. Bolt-On)
Set-neck guitars generally offer better sustain and a warmer tone, which is ideal for jazz. Bolt-ons are often more affordable, but you might sacrifice a little bit of resonance. It's a trade-off.
Hardware Quality (Tuners & Bridge)
Cheap tuners will have you retuning every other song. A decent bridge contributes to sustain and intonation. Don't expect boutique hardware at this price, but avoid anything that feels flimsy.
Body Wood
Mahogany offers warmth and sustain, maple provides brightness and clarity. Many guitars will use a combination - a mahogany body with a maple top, for example - to get the best of both worlds.
Buying guide
So, you're after a decent jazz guitar without blowing your gigging budget? It's totally doable. Forget those ridiculously overpriced hollowbodies - we're focusing on guitars that deliver that warm, woody tone and articulate response you need for comping and soloing, all under $800. This isn't about chasing perfection; it's about finding the best bang for your buck to get you swinging.
At this price point, you're making compromises. Don't expect flawless finish work or premium hardware. Focus on the fundamentals: a comfortable neck, decent pickups, and solid construction.
Used guitars are your friend here - you can often snag a higher-end model for a steal. Pay close attention to the neck relief and action - those are easy fixes, but they'll make a huge difference in playability.
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 11 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
Are all-laminate bodies terrible?
Not necessarily. Laminate bodies can be surprisingly resonant, and they're more stable than solid wood, resisting warping. Just don't expect the same depth of tone as a solid wood guitar.
What about archtops? Can I find one under $800?
True archtops are tough to find in this range, and those that are often have compromises - cheaper hardware, thinner laminate construction. You might find a 'semi-hollow' body, which offers some of the acoustic resonance but with a more manageable build.
What's the deal with humbuckers in a jazz guitar?
While traditionally single-coils are preferred, a well-voiced humbucker can work. Look for one with a lower output and a warmer tone - something that won't be overly aggressive or muddy the mix.
Should I buy used?
Absolutely. You can often find guitars significantly better than what's new at this price. Just be sure to check the neck for any serious issues and the electronics for functionality.
What about action? Is it something I can fix myself?
Yes, adjusting the action (string height) is a common DIY task. There are tons of online tutorials - just be careful and take your time. If you're unsure, a local tech can do it for a reasonable price.
