Best Jazz Guitars Under $800 2025

Affordable jazz guitars under $800 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: November 5, 2025 • Next update: November 12, 2025

Larry Carlton H7F See Through Red - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Larry Carlton H7F See Through Red

R&B Blues Jazz
Key Feature:
• Rich harmonic content
✓ PROS
  • • Rich harmonic content
  • • Warm, smooth humbucker tone
✗ CONS
  • • Limited high-gain capabilities
  • • Less versatile than solid-body guitars

Larry Carlton H7F See Through RedElectric GuitarStyle: Hollowbody with cutawayBody: MapleTop: MapleSet-in neck:...

4.8/5 (51 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Ibanez AF75-JBB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Ibanez AF75-JBB

Jazz Smooth Jazz Fusion
Key Feature:
• Professional jazz sound
✓ PROS
  • • Warm, smooth humbucker tone
  • • Rich harmonic content
✗ CONS
  • • Often more expensive
  • • Feedback prone at high volumes

Ibanez AF75-JBBElectric GuitarType: Hollow bodyBody depth: 70 mmBody: BasswoodNeck: NyatohFingerboard: WalnutAcrylic...

4.6/5 (9 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Ibanez AF75-BS - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Ibanez AF75-BS

Blues R&B Jazz
Key Feature:
• Excellent for clean tones
✓ PROS
  • • Warm, smooth humbucker tone
  • • Rich harmonic content
✗ CONS
  • • May lack brightness for rock
  • • Limited high-gain capabilities

Ibanez AF75-BSElectric GuitarBody shape: Hollow bodyBody depth: 70 mmBody: BasswoodNeck: NyatohFretboard: LaurelAcrylic...

4.8/5 (37 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Larry Carlton H7F Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Larry Carlton H7F Black

Fusion Soul R&B
Key Feature:
• Excellent for clean tones
✓ PROS
  • • Excellent for clean tones
  • • Great sustain and resonance
✗ CONS
  • • Often more expensive
  • • Limited high-gain capabilities

Larry Carlton H7F BlackElectric GuitarStyle: Hollowbody with cutawayBody: MapleTop: MapleSet-in neck:...

4.9/5 (41 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Ibanez AF95-DA - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Ibanez AF95-DA

Blues Smooth Jazz Jazz
Key Feature:
• Rich harmonic content
✓ PROS
  • • Warm, smooth humbucker tone
  • • Great sustain and resonance
✗ CONS
  • • Less versatile than solid-body guitars
  • • Often more expensive

Ibanez AF95-DAElectric GuitarStyle: HollowbodyTop: spruceBack and sides: BasswooS3-Strip neck: Nyatoh /...

4.5/5 (56 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Larry Carlton H7F Tobacco Burst - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Larry Carlton H7F Tobacco Burst

R&B Jazz Blues
Key Feature:
• Professional jazz sound
✓ PROS
  • • Professional jazz sound
  • • Great sustain and resonance
✗ CONS
  • • Often more expensive
  • • Feedback prone at high volumes

Larry Carlton H7F Tobacco BurstElectric GuitarStyle: Hollowbody with cutawayBody: MapleTop: MapleSet-in neck:...

4.6/5 (28 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10

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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