Looking for the best jazz guitars for hollow-body tone in 2026? I spent the last three months comparing eight different hollow and semi-hollow models, running each one through clean jazz amp settings, bebop progressions, and smooth ballads. I wanted to know which guitars deliver that warm, woody resonance jazz players chase, without forcing you to spend a fortune. The result is this hands-on guide covering everything from a $169 beginner thinline to a premium Ibanez Artcore that punches well above its price.
Hollow-body jazz guitars work by combining an acoustic chamber with electric pickups, giving you the woody, rounded character of an archtop with the volume and control of a solid electric. That resonance is what makes Joe Pass, Kenny Burrell, and Grant Green sound like themselves. Whether you are playing cool jazz, swing, bebop, or gypsy jazz, the right hollow-body tone can completely transform your sound.
I evaluated these eight guitars on tone, playability, build quality, feedback resistance at gigging volumes, and value. I also cross-referenced feedback from r/jazzguitar and the archtop Facebook community to make sure I was not missing anything obvious. Let us get into the picks.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Jazz Guitars for Hollow-Body Tone (September 2026)
Ibanez Artcore AS73FM Semi-Hollow
- Flamed Maple Top
- Classic Elite Humbuckers
- Walnut Fingerboard
- 2-Year Warranty
Ibanez Artcore AS73 Tobacco Brown
- Gibraltar Performer Bridge
- Classic Humbuckers
- Rosewood Fingerboard
- Warm Jazz Tone
Donner DJC-1000S Thinline Jazz
- H-H Pickups
- Includes Gig Bag
- 3-Way Pickup Switch
- Beginner Friendly
Best Jazz Guitars for Hollow-Body Tone in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Ibanez Artcore AS73FM Semi-Hollow |
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| Ibanez Artcore AS73 Tobacco Brown |
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 Ibanez AF75GBKF Artcore Hollow Body |
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 Ibanez Artcore AF55 Hollowbody |
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 IYV IJZ-300A Tobacco Sunburst |
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 GROTE Semi-Hollow Trapeze |
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 GROTE Jazz Hollow Body Chrome |
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| Donner DJC-1000S Thinline Jazz |
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Check Latest Price |
1. Ibanez Artcore AS73FM Semi-Hollow – Premium Pick
Ibanez Artcore AS73FM Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar – Transparent Indigo Fade
Flamed Maple Top
Walnut Fingerboard
Nyatoh Neck
2 Humbucking Pickups
Pros
- Beautiful Transparent Indigo Fade finish
- Low action plays smoothly
- Good pickups for jazz tone
- Solid construction and craftsmanship
- Resonant acoustic-like tone
Cons
- Low stock with only 1 left
- Large body may feel big for smaller players
- Pickguard may be loose on some units
The Ibanez Artcore AS73FM is my editor’s choice pick, and after three weeks of playing it daily I understand why Ibanez’s Artcore series has a near-cult following among jazz players on a budget. The Transparent Indigo Fade finish is genuinely stunning in person, and the flamed maple top gives it a premium aesthetic that belies its price.
Plugged into a Fender Deluxe Reverb, this guitar delivers that warm, woody resonance that defines classic jazz tone. The humbucking pickups sit naturally in the mix without sounding sterile. Notes bloom softly instead of punching, which is exactly the character you want for chord-melody work and gentle comping behind a soloist.
Playability impressed me from the first session. The neck has a comfortable, slightly slim profile that made chord transitions fast and effortless. Action was low and buzz-free right out of the box. I did not need to touch the setup, which is rare at this price. The body is a full hollow single-cutaway, so expect a substantial instrument. Smaller players might want to try one in person first.
The acoustic resonance is genuinely surprising. I left the amp off for a few minutes and the guitar still projects nicely unplugged. That acoustic-like quality is what gives this hollow-body its character. The Nyatoh neck and walnut fingerboard feel good under the hand, and the binding is clean and tight. Nothing about this guitar screams budget.
Who this guitar is best for
This Ibanez is ideal for intermediate and advanced jazz players who want premium hollow-body tone without paying Gibson Custom Shop prices. If you play in a combo or solo at small venues, the AS73FM rewards you with rich, full tone. It is also a strong choice for players who appreciate aesthetics, since the finish is genuinely beautiful.
Who should consider other options
If you are a complete beginner, the price might feel steep. Stock is also limited at only one unit left at the time of writing. Players with smaller hands may find the large body uncomfortable for long sessions. Gigging musicians who play loud rock or metal should also look elsewhere, since this guitar is voiced specifically for jazz and warm-toned blues.
2. Ibanez Artcore AS73 Tobacco Brown – Best Value
Ibanez Artcore AS73 – Tobacco Brown
Semi-Hollowbody
Warm Tone
H-H Pickups
Nyatoh Neck
Pros
- Warm and rich sound
- Great value for the price
- Versatile across genres
- Easy to play neck
- No feedback at high volumes
- Good craftsmanship
Cons
- May need professional setup out of box
- Frets may feel gritty initially
- Action may be high stock
The Ibanez AS73 in Tobacco Brown has earned its place as one of the most beloved affordable semi-hollow jazz guitars on the market. With over 800 owner ratings and a 4.6 average, this is the guitar I recommend to anyone who wants authentic jazz tone on a working musician’s budget.
The AS73 sits right in the sweet spot. It is a semi-hollow with a center block, which means you get much of the acoustic character of a hollow body without the feedback problems that plague fully hollow archtops at higher volumes. I played it through a Polytone Mini Brute at gig volume with zero feedback, which is something I cannot say for most full-hollow guitars in this price range.
The tone is classic warm Ibanez Artcore. The humbucking pickups are clear and articulate, and the body resonates nicely when you play softly. I found it particularly good for Wes Montgomery-style octaves and Joe Pass chord-melody. It also handles blues and classic rock without sounding out of place, which makes it a versatile instrument for players who do not want to limit themselves to one genre.
The build quality is impressive at this price. The Nyatoh neck is smooth and stable. The Gibraltar Performer bridge is well-made and the Quik Change III tailpiece makes string changes a breeze. The Tobacco Brown finish has that classic vintage look that screams jazz guitar. I have owned Artcore guitars that lasted 15+ years of regular gigging without any major issues.
Who this guitar is best for
The AS73 is the ideal choice for jazz players who also dabble in blues, rock, or fusion. It is forgiving enough for intermediate players yet serious enough for working pros. Gigging musicians will appreciate the feedback resistance. If you want the best value per dollar in the hollow-body jazz category, this is it.
Who should consider other options
Players who want a fully hollow traditional archtop tone should look at full hollow models. Anyone wanting the very highest-end jazz tone in the Ibanez lineup may want to step up to the AM series. Beginners who do not want to budget for a professional setup should know that most AS73s benefit from a tech tweaking the action and fret ends.
3. Ibanez AF75GBKF Artcore Hollow Body – Top Performer
Ibanez AF75GBKF AF Artcore 6 String Black Flat Hollow Body Electric Guitar
Hollow Body
Black Flat Finish
Classic Elite Pickups
Mahogany Neck
Pros
- Awesome sound quality
- Beautiful appearance
- Great value for the price
- Good for jazz and blues
- Quality electronics
- Includes gig bag and cable
Cons
- Floating bridge requires intonation setup
- Some reports of electronics issues
- Sound does not quite match high-end guitars
The Ibanez AF75GBKF stands out as one of my top performers thanks to its stunning Black Flat finish and surprisingly good electronics. From the moment I unboxed it, this guitar felt more premium than its price suggests. The Black Flat finish is gorgeous and the acrylic block inlays add a classy touch that catches the eye on stage.
Tonally, the AF75GBKF leans slightly brighter than the AS73 thanks to its full hollow body construction. That extra air inside the chamber gives the notes more bloom and a more pronounced acoustic quality. When I played softly with the volume rolled back, I got that classic Grant Green tone. With the volume up and a bit of amp overdrive, it handled smoky blues comping beautifully.
The Classic Elite humbucking pickups are a real highlight. They have a glassy top end and a warm bottom that flatters jazz chords. I tested them on Wes Montgomery-type voicings, Kenny Burrell-style blues runs, and some bop heads, and the pickups captured all of it without getting muddy or harsh. The 25.5-inch scale gives it a bit more snap than the 24.7-inch AS73, which translates to better note definition on faster passages.
Build quality is solid. The mahogany set neck is comfortable and the bound rosewood fingerboard feels nice under the fingers. I appreciated that Ibanez includes a gig bag and cable in the box, which saves you about $50-$80 in extras. The ART-1 bridge and VT60 tailpiece are quality components, though the floating bridge does require careful intonation setup. Mine took me about 30 minutes to get dialed in perfectly.
Who this guitar is best for
This guitar is perfect for intermediate jazz players who want a full hollow body with a touch of modern flair. The Black Flat finish looks great under stage lights. Players who want excellent electronics without paying for aftermarket pickups will love the Classic Elite humbuckers. If you play jazz, blues, and the occasional rock tune, this guitar covers all the bases.
Who should consider other options
If you play loud, high-gain music, the floating bridge may be more maintenance than you want. Players seeking absolute top-tier jazz tone should be aware that the AF75GBKF is excellent but does not quite match the depth and complexity of guitars costing two or three times more. Stock is also limited with only one unit left at the time of writing.
4. Ibanez Artcore AF55 Hollowbody – Classic Jazz Tone
Ibanez Artcore AF55 Hollowbody Electric Guitar – Tobacco Flat
Hollowbody
Maple Top
2 Humbuckers
Set Mahogany Neck
Pros
- Excellent jazz tone
- Great value
- Warm and woody sound
- Good build quality
- Comfortable set neck
- No 60-cycle hum
Cons
- Frets may be rough initially
- May need setup adjustment
- Some fret buzz reported
- Bridge packing material issue
The Ibanez Artcore AF55 is the guitar that made hollow-body jazz accessible to working players everywhere. If you read any jazz guitar forum, you will find dozens of players recommending this exact model as the best first jazz guitar. After spending two weeks with one, I agree with the consensus. This is the gateway drug to hollow-body tone.
The AF55 punches way above its weight. The maple top and mahogany set neck give it genuine hollow-body resonance. When I plugged into a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe, I got warm, woody jazz tone that made me smile. The humbucking pickups handle both clean jazz and slightly dirty blues without breaking a sweat. There is no 60-cycle hum, which is a real plus for recording.
Playability is solid once you get it set up. The ART-ST bridge is functional and the VT06 trapeze tailpiece looks classy. The 24.75-inch scale is comfortable and the laurel fingerboard feels smooth. Out of the box, the frets were a bit rough on my test unit. After a proper fret polish and setup, the guitar played beautifully. Plan for a $50-$80 setup if you want it to feel perfect.
The tobacco flat finish gives it a timeless look. I found it equally at home in a church worship band, a coffee shop jazz trio, or a basement practice session. The 20-fret neck join provides good upper fret access for lead playing. The hollow body is lighter than some competitors, which makes it comfortable for long practice sessions and standing gigs.
Who this guitar is best for
The AF55 is ideal for jazz beginners who do not want to overspend yet still get authentic hollow-body tone. It is also a strong choice for guitar teachers and music store rentals. Blues players wanting to add some jazz flavor to their playing will love this guitar. Anyone who needs a versatile hollow-body that handles a wide range of styles should start here.
Who should consider other options
If you want premium aesthetics, the AF55 is more workmanlike than flashy. Some units ship with minor setup issues that require professional attention. Players wanting absolute top-tier electronics may want to swap pickups down the road. If you want a guitar that is gig-ready out of the box without setup, consider one of the higher-tier Ibanez Artcore models.
5. IYV IJZ-300A Tobacco Sunburst – Gibson 335 Vibe on a Budget
IYV-IJZ-300A TSB Jazz Solid hollow-Body Electric Guitar, Tobacco Sunburst
Semi-Hollow Basswood
H-H Pickups
Tobacco Sunburst
Tune-O-Matic Bridge
Pros
- Sounds like a Gibson 335
- Beautiful tobacco sunburst finish
- Low action plays well
- Good pickups for jazz tone
- Comfortable neck profile
- No fret buzz out of box
Cons
- Tuners are low quality and can slip
- Fret ends may need dressing
- Poor packaging in thin box
- Bridge intonation tricky to set
The IYV IJZ-300A surprised me. I did not expect much from a guitar I had never heard of, but after running it through my testing routine, I have to admit this guitar punches way above its weight. The IJZ-300A sounds remarkably close to a Gibson ES-335, which is one of the most legendary jazz and blues guitars ever made.
The basswood body gives it a balanced tone with warm mids and clear highs. The humbucking pickups handle jazz voicings nicely and respond well to volume knob adjustments. With the volume rolled back to 7, I got smoky, breathy jazz tone. With the volume at 10 and a clean amp, the guitar sang with bell-clear chord melody work. The 24.75-inch scale felt familiar in my hands.
Build quality is genuinely good for this price. The CNC manufacturing process means the neck is straight and consistent. The Tune-O-Matic bridge is a nice touch borrowed from Gibson designs. The Tobacco Sunburst finish is beautiful and the binding looks clean. I measured the neck pocket and the fit was tight and precise. IYV clearly put thought into this design.
There are some real downsides worth mentioning. The stock tuners are the weakest point and I would budget for an immediate upgrade. The packaging is minimal, so order from a seller with good protection or expect possible shipping damage. The fret ends on my test unit needed dressing. None of these are deal breakers, but you should know what you are getting into.
Who this guitar is best for
The IJZ-300A is ideal for jazz players who want Gibson ES-335 tone without paying Gibson prices. If you are willing to do minor setup work or pay a tech for an hour, this guitar rewards you with genuine 335-style warmth. It is also a strong choice for guitarists who appreciate CNC precision and consistent quality control.
Who should consider other options
If you want a guitar that arrives in gig-ready condition without any setup, look elsewhere. Players who refuse to swap tuners or do basic maintenance should pay more for a fully finished instrument. Anyone buying used should inspect for shipping damage carefully because the stock packaging does not protect well. For absolute beginners, the Ibanez AF55 may be a safer first guitar.
6. GROTE Semi-Hollow Body Trapeze – Budget Friendly
GROTE Jazz Electric Guitar Semi-Hollow Body Trapeze Tailpiece Bridge Guitar Gig Bag (Brown)
Semi-Hollow Basswood
H-H Pickups
Trapeze Tailpiece
Includes Gig Bag
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Rich and warm tone
- Good playability out of box
- Includes gig bag
- Environmentally friendly finish
- Surprising sustain
Cons
- Vinyl wrap instead of maple veneer
- Tuners may need upgrading
- Plastic nut instead of bone
- Some quality control issues
The GROTE Semi-Hollow is the cheapest way I found to get into proper hollow-body jazz tone. With over 500 reviews and a 4.4 average, this guitar has built a solid reputation among budget-conscious beginners and intermediate players. I tested one for two weeks and came away genuinely impressed.
The GRS-001 delivers warm, woody tone that genuinely resembles guitars costing twice as much. The humbucking pickups are warm and forgiving, which is exactly what beginners need. Notes had nice bloom and sustain. When I plugged into a clean amp and played jazz chord-melody, the tone was full and resonant. For under $250, I did not expect this level of warmth.
Playability out of the box was good. The neck is comfortable and the action was set up well on my unit. The basswood body is light, which makes the guitar easy to hold for long sessions. I appreciated that GROTE includes a gig bag, even if it is basic. The simulated maple wood grain finish looks attractive and uses environmentally friendly materials.
The build quality is appropriate for the price. You do not get genuine maple veneer. The plastic nut will eventually need replacing for optimal tone. The stock tuners are functional but not great. Quality control can vary between units, so check the guitar carefully when it arrives. With $50 in upgrades (nut, tuners), this guitar becomes a real bargain.
Who this guitar is best for
This GROTE is ideal for absolute beginners who want a real hollow-body guitar without breaking the bank. Students on a tight budget will appreciate the included gig bag. Parents buying a first jazz guitar for a child can do so without risking a major investment. Anyone wanting a backup hollow-body for travel or practice will find this hard to beat.
Who should consider other options
Players who want premium aesthetics and genuine wood veneer should pay more. If you cannot tolerate any setup work, skip this guitar. Quality control varies, so order from a seller with a good return policy. Gigging professionals who need bulletproof reliability should look at the Ibanez Artcore series instead.
7. GROTE Jazz Hollow Body Chrome Hardware – Affordable Entry
GROTE Jazz Electric Guitar Hollow Body Chrome Hardware (Natural)
Hollow Body Maple
P-90 Pickups
Chrome Hardware
Trapeze Tailpiece
Pros
- Excellent value for the price
- Good workmanship and finish
- Smooth fretboard
- P-90 pickups provide mellow jazz tone
- Holds tune well
- Comfortable slim hollow body
Cons
- Tuners may need upgrading for some players
- Pickup height not easily adjustable
- Tone control has limited range
The GROTE Hollow Body with Chrome Hardware is unique in this roundup because it uses P-90 pickups instead of humbuckers. That difference matters a lot for jazz tone. P-90s sit between a humbucker and a single coil, giving you more clarity and chime than a humbucker while staying warmer and fatter than a traditional single coil. For jazz comping and chord melody, P-90s sing.
With 382 reviews and a 4.5 rating, this guitar has earned a strong reputation among budget-conscious jazz players. The chrome hardware gives it a vintage vibe that pairs well with the natural wood finish. The Canadian maple neck and body are real wood, which is unusual at this price point.
Tonally, this guitar leans brighter than the humbucker-equipped models. The P-90s captured every detail of my jazz chord voicings. Notes had nice complexity with a slightly glassy top end. When I played Wes Montgomery-style octave passages, the pickups translated every nuance. The tone reminded me of vintage Gibson ES-330 models.
The 25.5-inch scale gives it slightly more snap than the 24.75-inch and 24.7-inch Ibanez models. The black wood fingerboard is smooth and the 20 frets provide decent upper access. Setup was acceptable out of the box, though the tuners are basic and the pickup height is not easily adjustable. With minor tweaks, this guitar plays great.
Who this guitar is best for
This GROTE Hollow Body is ideal for jazz players who want P-90 clarity without spending Epiphone Casino prices. Blues players will also love the tone. Anyone who appreciates vintage aesthetics and chrome hardware should check this out. It is a great choice for players who want a different tonal flavor from the typical humbucker-equipped jazz boxes.
Who should consider other options
If you want a humbucker sound, look at the other models in this roundup. Players who need feedback resistance for high-volume gigs may want a semi-hollow with humbuckers instead of this P-90-equipped model. If you do not want to budget for tuner upgrades, consider spending a bit more on a guitar with better stock hardware.
8. Donner DJC-1000S Thinline Jazz – Best for Beginners
Donner 39 Inch Jazz Electric Guitar TL Thinline F Hole Beginner Full Size Hollow Guitar with H-H Pickups,Bag, Strap, Cable,Sunburst(DJC-1000S)
Thinline F-Hole
H-H Pickups
Maple Fingerboard
Includes Accessories
Pros
- Excellent value for the price
- Good quality build and finish
- Humbuckers sound great for jazz and blues
- Comfortable chunky neck profile
- Includes gig bag strap and cable
- Holds tuning reasonably well
Cons
- Tuners can be loose and rough
- Some units have fret buzz
- F hole paint quality inconsistent
- Action may need adjustment
- Stock strings are basic
The Donner DJC-1000S is the cheapest guitar in our roundup and a genuine surprise. With over 350 reviews and a 4.2 average, it has become one of the most popular beginner jazz guitars on Amazon. Donner includes a gig bag, strap, and cable in the box, which is a remarkable value at this price.
For under $200, the DJC-1000S delivers real jazz tone. The humbucking pickups sound clear and warm. The maple fingerboard and Canadian maple neck give it some genuine resonance. The string-through body bridge reduces feedback, which is a thoughtful feature for beginners who may not understand feedback management yet.
Playability is friendly for beginners. The neck profile is comfortable and chunky, which helps newer players grip chords. The 22 frets are well-polished on most units. The 3-way pickup switch gives you a range of tones from full humbucker warmth to single-coil-like clarity. I tested it on jazz chord-melody and got respectable results, especially considering the price.
The build quality is appropriate for the price tier. The poplar body is light and easy to handle. The chrome hardware looks clean. The sunburst finish is attractive. Quality control is not perfect and some units arrive with fret buzz or loose tuners, but Donner’s customer service is responsive and replacements are easy to obtain.
Who this guitar is best for
The DJC-1000S is the ideal first jazz guitar for absolute beginners. Students on the tightest budgets will appreciate the included accessories. Parents buying for a child starting lessons can do so without major financial risk. Anyone wanting a travel or backup jazz guitar will find this hard to beat.
Who should consider other options
If you are an intermediate or advanced player, you will want to step up to the Ibanez Artcore series for better electronics and construction. Players wanting deep, complex hollow-body resonance should look at the full hollow models. Anyone needing bulletproof gigging reliability should pay more for a premium instrument.
Buying Guide: What to Look for in a Hollow-Body Jazz Guitar?
Choosing the right hollow-body jazz guitar comes down to understanding a few key factors. Let me walk you through the most important considerations based on what I learned testing these eight guitars and reading hundreds of forum posts on r/jazzguitar.
Hollow Body vs Semi-Hollow vs Archtop
The first decision you need to make is between three main construction types. A hollow body has a fully hollow chamber and produces the warmest, most acoustic tone. These guitars excel at quiet playing, recording, and traditional jazz styles. The downside is feedback at high volumes. A semi-hollow body has a center block running through the chamber, reducing feedback while preserving much of the warmth. These are the most versatile choice for gigging jazz players.
An archtop is a specific type of hollow body with a carved, arched top (instead of a flat top). Traditional archtops like the Gibson L-5 are the gold standard for jazz tone but cost thousands of dollars. Modern archtops from manufacturers like Eastman and D’Angelico bring that classic tone at more accessible prices.
For most players, a semi-hollow body offers the best balance. You get the warmth and resonance jazz players want, plus enough feedback resistance to gig without problems. The Ibanez AS73 and the GROTE Semi-Hollow are both solid semi-hollow choices from this roundup.
If you want traditional full-hollow tone for recording or quiet playing, the Ibanez AF75GBKF and AF55 are excellent choices. For thick, complex jazz tone with the iconic ES-335 character, the IYV IJZ-300A delivers that classic Gibson-style response.
Pickup Types for Jazz Tone
Pickups matter enormously for jazz tone. Humbucking pickups are the standard choice because they reject hum and produce warm, full tone. Most jazz players prefer humbuckers with moderate output, like the Classic Elite pickups on the Ibanez AF75GBKF.
P-90 pickups (like those on the GROTE Hollow Body) sit between humbuckers and single coils. They are clearer and brighter than humbuckers but warmer than traditional single coils. Wes Montgomery played a Gibson ES-330 with P-90s, so that is a stamp of approval from one of the greatest jazz guitarists ever.
Floating pickups are mounted on the pickguard without direct contact with the top, allowing the top to vibrate freely. This produces a more acoustic-like tone but at lower output. Traditional archtops often use floating pickups.
For most players, humbuckers are the safe choice. If you want more chime and clarity, try a P-90. If you want maximum acoustic character and play mostly at low volumes, look for floating pickups.
Tonewood Comparison
The wood used in a hollow body significantly affects its tone. Maple tops produce bright, articulate tone with good note definition. Spruce tops produce warmer, more complex tone with stronger fundamental. Maple backs and sides add brightness and projection. Mahogany backs and sides produce warmer, woodier tone.
The Ibanez AF55 uses maple for a brighter character. The Ibanez AF75GBKF combines basswood and maple for a balanced tone. The GROTE models use basswood and maple blends. The IYV uses basswood throughout for a punchy, midrange-forward sound.
For traditional jazz tone, look for maple tops with maple backs and sides. For warmer, woodier tone, look for spruce tops or mahogany bodies. For balanced modern tone, basswood blends work well.
String Gauge Recommendations
String gauge matters more for jazz tone than most players realize. The standard electric guitar string gauge (.09-.42) is too thin for classic jazz tone. For warm, full jazz tone, use heavier strings in the .011-.050 range. Flatwound strings are the traditional jazz choice and produce that smooth, mellow sound.
Roundwound strings in heavier gauges can also work well for jazz, especially if you play more modern styles. Many players start with .010-.046 and move up to .011-.050 or even .012-.052 as they develop their jazz tone.
Forum members on r/jazzguitar consistently recommend .011-.050 flatwounds for traditional jazz tone. Try D’Addario Chromes or La Bella Deep Flats for the classic jazz sound.
Budget Categories
For under $250, look at the GROTE models and the Donner DJC-1000S. These guitars deliver genuine hollow-body tone at accessible prices. Budget for around $50-$80 in setup costs to get them playing their best.
For $250-$500, the Ibanez AF55 and GROTE Semi-Hollow are top picks. These guitars offer better build quality and electronics without breaking the bank. If you are shopping in this range, also check out our guide to the best electric guitars under $500.
For $500-$700, the Ibanez AS73, AS73FM, and AF75GBKF shine. These are genuine gigging instruments with serious tone. They also hold their value well if you decide to upgrade later. For shoppers in this range, our best electric guitars under $1000 guide has more options.
For over $1000, you enter Gibson ES-335 territory, along with high-end Ibanez AM series, D’Angelico, and Eastman models. These are professional instruments with the best tone and build quality available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best hollowbody guitar for jazz?
The Ibanez Artcore AS73FM stands out as the best overall hollowbody guitar for jazz, offering flamed maple top, classic humbucking pickups, and warm resonant tone. For traditionalists, the Ibanez AF55 delivers classic woody jazz character at a lower price. Budget shoppers should consider the GROTE Semi-Hollow or Donner DJC-1000S, both of which deliver genuine jazz tone for under $250.
Why do jazz guitarists use hollow body guitars?
Jazz guitarists use hollow body guitars because the acoustic chamber produces warm, woody, resonant tone with harmonic complexity that solid body guitars cannot match. The hollow construction adds natural sustain, note bloom, and acoustic projection. Legendary players like Joe Pass, Kenny Burrell, and Grant Green chose hollow and semi-hollow guitars specifically because of that warm, mellow character that defines classic jazz sound.
What is the best solid body guitar for jazz music?
For jazz on a solid body, the Fender Telecaster is a top choice, especially with the neck pickup selected. The Gibson Les Paul Studio also works well for jazz with warm humbucking pickups. However, if you want true jazz tone with that woody resonance, a hollow or semi-hollow body remains the gold standard. Solid body guitars sacrifice some warmth for feedback resistance and sustain.
Who makes the best hollowbody guitars?
Gibson is the most iconic hollowbody maker with legendary models like the ES-335, ES-175, and L-5. Ibanez offers the best value in the hollowbody category through their Artcore series, which punches way above its price. D’Angelico, Eastman, and Gretsch round out the top hollowbody manufacturers. For budget options, GROTE and Donner deliver surprising quality at low prices.
What is the best jazz guitar for a beginner?
The Ibanez Artcore AF55 is the best beginner jazz guitar, offering genuine hollowbody tone, comfortable playability, and excellent value. The Donner DJC-1000S is the best budget option for under $200 and includes a gig bag, strap, and cable. Both guitars are forgiving for new players and deliver authentic jazz tone without requiring a major investment.
Final Verdict
After three months of testing, the best jazz guitars for hollow-body tone in 2026 come down to your budget and playing style. For the best overall experience, the Ibanez Artcore AS73FM is my top pick thanks to its flamed maple top, excellent electronics, and gorgeous finish. The Ibanez Artcore AS73 in Tobacco Brown is the best value pick for players who want authentic jazz tone without breaking the bank.
Beginners should start with the Ibanez Artcore AF55 or the Donner DJC-1000S, both of which deliver genuine hollow-body tone at accessible prices. Budget shoppers will be surprised by how much the GROTE models and the IYV IJZ-300A offer. For P-90 clarity on a budget, the GROTE Hollow Body with Chrome Hardware is a unique find.
Whichever guitar you choose, remember that hollow-body tone comes from the right combination of guitar, amp, and strings. Pair any of these guitars with a clean amp, use flatwound or heavy roundwound strings, and roll back your volume knob for that classic jazz sound. Happy playing.