Are you ready for the best electric guitars for jazz?
Finding the best electric guitars for jazz can be confusing.
The different models and features can be confusing and finding the right one for you can become frustrating and take the joy out of buying a new guitar.
Plus, you don’t want to purchase a guitar only to find out it doesn’t properly serve your needs.
Fortunately, we’ve taken the stress and worry out of buying an electric guitar for jazz.
We’ve done all the research, compared the different models, and weighed the options, and found the best electric guitar for jazz for you.
Check it out!
Best Electric Guitars for Jazz: Best Overall
Godin 5th Avenue CW Kingpin II
Are you looking for a vintage-inspired hollow body that’s got great tones, a stunning playing feel, and is meant for playing jazz? Then you’re looking for the Godin 5th Avenue CW Kingpin II.
It has a body made of laminated Canadian wild cherry with molded arched top and back, and classic f-holes. With the addition of a cutaway, you get easy access to the higher frets, as well as the classic tones of an archtop.
The silver leaf maple neck has a 16″ radius and a comfortable shape so it’s effortless to play leads on and has rock-solid stability.
With 21 frets, dot inlays, and a TUSQ nut, the rosewood fretboard adds a classic look and tone to your sound.
Additionally, the GraphTech adjustable TUSQ bridge adds a wonderful warmth to your tone and is a nice vintage touch.
Finally, the two Godin Kingpin P90 single-coil pickups, one at the neck position and one at the bridge position, give you a wide range of tones so you can play warmer jazz tones and brighter blues ones.
Pros
- GraphTech TUSQ Nut
- Includes Hardshell Case
Cons
- Single Volume and Tone Controls for Both Pickups
All in all, the Godin 5th Avenue CW Kingpin II is an exquisite hollow body guitar with the character of a vintage archtop that’s perfect for playing jazz.
We think you’ll agree that it’s got the looks, features and playability you’re looking for at an incredible price.
You’ve waited long enough, click here and get yours now.
Best Electric Guitars for Jazz: Best Budget
Squier Affinity Series Telecaster
If you’re on a budget and looking for a jazz guitar that delivers legendary design and classic tones, then check out the Squier Affinity Series Telecaster.
It has an alder body in the timeless Telecaster shape with a bolt-on neck and 3-play pickguard so it’s lightweight and very player-friendly.
The maple neck has a “C” shape, with a satin finish, and a radius of 9.5″ so it’s comfortable in your hands, has a vintage feel, and lets your hand easily slide up and down the neck.
Additionally, the maple fretboard has 21 medium jumbo frets and dot inlays, so it has the classic Telecaster look, tone, and playability.
Plus, you can dial in a jazz tone thanks to the two Standard Single-Coil Tele pickups that are controlled by a 3-way switch, a master volume knob, and a master tone knob.
Lastly, it has a top-loading bridge with individual saddles which makes string changes and intonation a breeze.
Pros
- Available in Multiple Colors
- Also Comes in a Package with an Amp and Accessories
- Some Colors Come with an Indian Laurel Fretboard
Cons
- Plastic Nut
All in all, the Squier Affinity Series Telecaster balances combines quality construction, classic tones, and features, all at an affordable price.
We think you’ll agree that it’s a no-nonsense solid body jazz guitar that will give you a lifetime of satisfaction.
Why wait? Click here and get yours now.
Best Electric Guitars for Jazz: Best Runner-Up
Ibanez Artstar AS153
If you’re looking for a semi-hollowbody that’s designed for playing jazz, the Ibanez Artstar AS153 will fit the bill.
The body is composed of flamed maple with f-holes and a double cutaway for easy playing, and great looks.
The 3-piece nyatoh/maple neck is set-in and has the AS Artstar shape with a radius of 12″ so it’s smooth and comfortable to play.
Giving you a quick response, and smooth fretting, the bound Ebony fretboard has the Artstar Fret Edge Treatment, with 22 medium frets and a bone nut, for an even richer tone.
The Quik Change III Tailpiece will ensure faster, and easier string changes, while the Gibraltar Artist bridge will ensure rich sustain and tuning stability.
You’ll have a versatile sound with two Super 58 pickups that are classic, warm and meant to play jazz tones.
Pros
- Bone Nut
- Hardshell Case Included
Cons
The Ibanez Artstar AS153 is meant to play jazz tones, and deliver plenty of resonance, sustain, and playability.
We think you’ll find it has a classic, versatile design that will serve you well.
You’ve waited long enough. Click here and get yours now.
Best Electric Guitars for Jazz: Best Under $500
Ibanez Artcore AF75
If you’re looking for that classic hollowbody jazz tone at an affordable price, definitely try the Ibanez Artcore AF75.
The body is arched with bound f-holes and is composed of linden, giving you a warm, resonant sound.
The nyatoh neck is set in for plenty of resonance and sustain, and has a 12″ radius for a comfortable, easy playing experience.
With a walnut fretboard that has acrylic block inlays and 20 medium-sized frets, you’ll get a solid tone and an attractive look.
Classic Elite Humbucker pickups in neck and bridge position will give you some warm, jazzy tones, and plenty of brightness.
The Gibraltar Performer bridge will give you rich sustain, and solid tuning stability, while the VT60 Tailpiece gives you that classic jazzy look.
Pros
- Available in 3 Colors
Cons
- Plastic Nut
As you can see, the Ibanez Artcore AF75 is a classic jazz guitar that’s versatile enough to play rockabilly or blues.
We think you’ll agree that it’s a quality hollowbody guitar, at a great price, perfect for someone just getting into playing jazz.
Why forego the pleasure? Click here and get yours now.
Best Electric Guitars for Jazz: Best Under $400
Ibanez Artcore AF55
If you’re searching for a very budget-friendly hollowbody to play jazz, the Ibanez Artcore AF55 is the guitar you’ve been looking for.
It has a body made of linden with a cutaway, so you’ll be able to reach the higher frets, and has a bright, full tone, that’s perfect for jazz.
The AF Artcore-shaped neck is set-in and made of nyatoh, with a radius of 12″. As a result, you’ll easily be able to play the most complicated of jazz chords and play fast leads.
Two Inifinity R humbuckers give you a warm tone that’s very jazzy, and really lets the guitar’s resonance sing.
Additionally, an attractive bound walnut fretboard with 20 medium frets and simple dot inlays lets you play comfortably and adds warmth and resonance to your tone.
Lastly, the Gibraltar Performer bridge and VT06 tailpiece ensure a richer and more enhanced sustain as well as superior tuning stability.
Pros
- Available in 3 Finishes
- Left Hand Model Available
Cons
- Plastic Nut
- Only Features Master Volume and Tone Controls
As you can see, the Ibanez Artcore AF55 is a very affordable hollowbody guitar that’s perfect for playing jazz.
We think you’ll find its straightforward design, high quality, and wonderful tones engrossing and rewarding.
You be the judge. Click here and get yours today.
Best Electric Guitars for Jazz: Best Under $300
Ibanez Artcore AS53
If you’re looking for a guitar that’s very affordable and easy to play jazz on, the Ibanez Artcore AS53 is the one for you.
The Sapele wood body has a warm tone, with lots of punch, and has a compact shape, so it’ll be more comfortable to play.
The set-in neck is made of nyatoh and has a 12″ radius so it has plenty of stability, superior sustain, and is very easy to play.
With simple dot inlays and 22 medium frets, the bound walnut fretboard has a simple look that matches the body and adds a warm tone to your sound.
The Infinity pickups have a warm, and creamy tone making them perfect to play jazz. Additionally, the master volume and master tone controls give you complete control over your sound.
Lastly, the Gibraltar Performer bridge provides enhanced sustain, and tuning stability, while the Quik Change III tailpiece ensures
that your string changes will be hassle-free.
Pros
- Available in 3 Finishes
Cons
- Plastic Nut
As you can see, the Ibanez Artcore AS53 is perfect if you’re just getting into playing jazz.
We think you’ll agree that it is a semi-hollow body guitar that boasts quality craftsmanship and features at an affordable price.
Don’t wait! Click here and get yours now.
Best Electric Guitars for Jazz: FAQ
- What is the best electric guitar for jazz?
- Overall you’ll get the jazziest sound from a hollow body electric guitar. Having said that, solidbody Telecasters are popular with some Jazz guitarists. See our Best Overall and Best Budget options. Also, this post covers Ibanez guitars built to play jazz.
- Can you play jazz on an electric guitar?
- Absolutely! Electric guitars are a popular instrument for playing jazz. See this post for more on the different types of guitars.
- What guitars are used in jazz?
- Usually a hollowbody guitar. Often times a semi-hollow body is preferred since it’s a good alternative to a full hollowbody. See this post for some hollow body suggestions.
- Is Les Paul Good for jazz?
- That’s a hotly debated topic, but Les Paul thought you could.
JT currently resides in Southern California and has been playing the guitar since he was 13. He enjoys baking French pastries, drinking loose-leaf tea, and running Slackware Linux.
