AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Master / Masterclass Guitars 2026
The top pick is Taylor JMSM Jason Mraz Signature ($4,464). Höfner Meister Steelstring HA-MS87-GL gives you the most for the money at $3,115. Ramirez Centenario leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 10 models across 4 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 7, 2026
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All Master / Masterclass GuitarsTop 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Taylor JMSM Jason Mraz Signature
Jason Mraz Signature · Taylor
7 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width47.6 mm (1.87")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets17 frets
This is a classical guitar with a solid red cedar top and solid rosewood back and sides. It comes with ES-N electronics, so you can plug it into an amp, and it has Be Love inlays on the ebony fretboard. It suits you if you want a classical guitar with a signature design and a built-in pickup.
Pros
- Solid red cedar top, a solid soundboard for the guitar's voice
- Solid rosewood back and sides, Dalbergia latifolia
- ES-N electronics built in for plugging in and amplifying
83AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$4,464 now$4,464€3,998 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width60 mm (2.36")
- Scale650 mm (25.59")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
- Strings7-string
This is a seven-string classical guitar with a solid spruce top and solid ziricote back and sides, made in Germany. It suits you if you want a master-class instrument with extra low range and a case included. Its 650 mm scale and 60 mm nut are set up for classical playing, so it fits players already comfortable with that style.
Pros
- Solid spruce top gives this guitar a solid tonewood base
- Solid hand-selected Mexican ziricote back and sides add structural character
- Domed soundboard with lattice bracing is a traditional build made in Germany
65AudioFu
Index↓ 2.2%since Aug 17$5,022 · Aug 17$4,911 now$4,911€4,399 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width69 mm (2.72")
- Scale650 mm (25.59")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
- Strings8-string
This is a master class guitar made for players who care about fine craft. It has a solid spruce top, solid Ziricote back and sides, and eight strings for extra low range. It suits experienced players who know what they want from a concert guitar and are ready to pay a high-end price.
Pros
- Solid spruce top gives this guitar a classic tonewood base
- Solid hand-picked Mexican Ziricote back and sides give it a striking look
- Lattice arched bracing and a Ziricote bridge show master-level construction
Cons
- At 8 strings, it suits players who already know the extended range
64AudioFu
IndexStablesince Aug 17$5,022 · Aug 17$5,022 now$5,022€4,498 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width52 mm (2.05")
- Scale650 mm (25.59")
- Frets20 frets
- Neck profileC-shape neck
You get a solid spruce top with lattice bracing and solid Zircote back and sides, made in Germany. The 650 mm scale and 52 mm nut give it a full-size classical feel, and the BAM case is included for travel. This one suits a serious player who wants a high-end classical guitar with a case included.
Pros
- Solid spruce soundboard with lattice bracing and a symmetrical, domed bracing pattern
- Solid Zircote back and sides with a high-gloss body finish
- Made in Germany and includes a black BAM high-tech case
Cons
- The 650 mm (25.6") scale is long, which may feel stretched for smaller hands
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$5,527 now$5,527€4,950 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width52 mm (2.05")
- Scale650 mm (25.59")
- Frets20 frets
- Neck profileC-shape neck
This is a premium classical guitar built entirely from solid wood, with a cedar top in a double-top design and ziricote back and sides. It comes with a black BAM high-tech case and is made in Germany. It suits you if you want a high-end, handmade classical guitar for serious playing.
Pros
- Built completely out of solid wood, from top to bottom
- Cedar soundboard with a double-top design
- Ziricote back, sides and bridge, with blackwood binding and fingerboard
Cons
- Its high-gloss body and shellac top finish need careful handling to stay glossy
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$5,805 now$5,805€5,199 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width52 mm (2.05")
- Scale650 mm (25.59")
- Frets20 frets
This is a 4/4 classical guitar with a solid cedar top and solid rosewood back and sides. It has a thermo flamed maple neck, an elevated blackwood fingerboard, and a bone nut and saddle. It suits you if you want a fine-made German classical guitar that comes with its own case.
Pros
- Solid cedar top with DT lattice-flat soundboard bracing
- Solid rosewood back and sides give it a classic build
- Thermo flamed maple V180 neck with an elevated blackwood fingerboard
Cons
- No pickup or electronics, so it cannot be plugged into an amp as is
61AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$4,353 now$4,353€3,899 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width52 mm (2.05")
- Scale650 mm (25.59")
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
You get a classical guitar with a solid cedar top and solid Indian rosewood back and sides. It has an ebony fingerboard, bone nut and saddle, and gold-plated machine heads, and it comes with a BAM case. It suits you if you want a premium, traditional classical guitar with a 650 mm scale.
Pros
- Solid cedar top gives you a classic, traditional sound base
- Solid Indian rosewood back and sides with cypress inside
- Ebony fingerboard with bone nut and saddle
59AudioFu
Index↓ 1.5%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$16,619 · Aug 17$16,370 now$16,370€14,662 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width52 mm (2.05")
- Scale650 mm (25.59")
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This is a flamenco guitar with a solid spruce top and solid cypress back and sides. It has an ebony fingerboard, a rosewood bridge, and a case in the box. It suits you if you want a traditional, made-in-Spain master class guitar for flamenco or classical playing.
Pros
- Solid spruce top, a classic choice for flamenco guitars
- Solid cypress back and sides for a traditional flamenco build
- Ebony fingerboard with a rosewood bridge and bone nut and saddle
58AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$7,591 now$7,591€6,799 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width52.5 mm (2.07")
- Scale650 mm (25.59")
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This is a handmade master class classical guitar, built from 70-year-old seasoned wood. It has a solid red cedar top, solid Madagascar rosewood back and sides, an ebony fingerboard, and bone for the saddle and nut. It comes with a BAM case, so it suits you if you want a premium, traditionally built classical guitar.
Pros
- Handmade from 70-year-old seasoned wood, giving it an aged, carefully chosen build
- Solid red cedar top paired with solid Madagascar rosewood back and sides
- Double-ply sides of solid Madagascar rosewood with cypress on the inside
58AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$27,527 now$27,527€24,655 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Scale650 mm (25.59")
- Frets21 frets
This is a 4/4 steelstring guitar with a solid spruce top and solid walnut back and sides. It has a bone nut, Gotoh open gear machine heads, and comes with a Hiscox case. It suits you if you want a German-made acoustic with a solid build and a case included.
Pros
- Solid spruce top with solid walnut back and sides.
- Maple neck with a smoked oak fingerboard.
- Bone nut and Gotoh open gear machine heads with cream knobs.
55AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$3,115 now$3,115€2,790 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
Master / Masterclass Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 10 models we track, not a sample.
Median $5,527 — half of all master / masterclass guitars here cost less.
median of 10 models · 45 mm (1.77")–60 mm (2.36")
median of 10 models · 648 mm (25.51")–650 mm (25.59")
median of 5 models · 17–20
How to choose the best master / masterclass guitars
Wood Selection & Aging
Spruce tops and rosewood or cedar back and sides are standard, but the quality matters. Aged wood, whether naturally or through a proprietary process, generally offers more resonance and a more mature tone-less brittle, more warmth. It's not just about the species; it's about the grain, density, and history of the wood.
Bracing Patterns
This is the backbone of the guitar's sound. Traditional Fan bracing is the norm for classical, but the precise placement and thickness of the braces significantly impact the guitar's projection, sustain, and tonal balance. Too stiff, and you lose dynamics; too flexible, and it'll buzz.
Neck Profile & Action
A comfortable neck is critical. Masterclass guitars often feature hand-carved necks with subtle variations that improve playability. Lower action (string height) is generally desirable, but too low, and you'll get fret buzz. A well-set-up Master guitar should have a responsive, low action without compromises.
Varnish & Finish
The finish isn't just cosmetic. A thin, nitrocellulose-style varnish allows the wood to breathe and resonate more freely than a thick poly finish. It's a subtle difference, but a seasoned player can hear it - more clarity, more nuance in the upper harmonics.
Overall Craftsmanship
Look beyond the aesthetics. Check for clean joinery, consistent fretting, and a level of detail that speaks to the luthier's dedication. These are the things that contribute to long-term stability and responsiveness - a guitar that improves with age.
Buying guide
So, you're stepping up your classical game? Forget the student models; we're talking about instruments built with obsessive attention to detail, using aged woods and bracing techniques that'll unlock a whole new level of responsiveness. A Master or Masterclass guitar isn't just about sounding good; it's about feeling connected to the instrument, having a dynamic range that lets you whisper or roar, and a sustain that hangs in the air. Let's break down what separates these instruments from the pack.
Don't chase brands alone. A lesser-known luthier with meticulous attention to detail can often outperform a mass-produced "name" guitar. Be prepared to spend - a true Masterclass guitar is an investment.
What gets cut on cheaper instruments is often the wood quality and bracing precision; those corners will impact your tone and playability for years to come.
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 10 master / masterclass 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 difference between a 'Concert' and 'Masterclass' guitar?
Generally, 'Concert' models are a step up from a standard line, while 'Masterclass' represents the absolute pinnacle of a luthier's work - often involving even more exclusive materials and bespoke construction techniques.
Is aged wood really that important?
It's a subtle but noticeable difference. Aged wood tends to be more flexible and resonant, resulting in a more mature and nuanced tone. A newer guitar can certainly sound great, but it might take years to 'open up'.
Should I buy online or try it in person?
Ideally, try before you buy. A guitar's feel is subjective. If buying online, make sure the retailer has a generous return policy and a reputation for accurate descriptions.
What's a 'French Polish'?
It's a traditional varnish technique that results in a glassy, almost mirror-like finish. It's not just about looks; it's about achieving a thin, resonant finish that allows the wood to vibrate freely.
How much should I expect to spend?
Expect to spend anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000+ for a genuine Masterclass guitar. The price reflects the materials, craftsmanship, and the luthier's expertise.
