The 30 best jazz guitar brands in 2026
Hagstrom, Ibanez and Alden lead our ranking of 30 jazz guitar brands.
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Hagstrom
Since the early 60s, Hagstrom has been producing incredible electric guitars. Hagstrom is a Swedish manufacturer of high-quality instruments at a reasonable price. There are many different guitars to pick from, from acoustics to electrics, and they offer something for any budget. It's a favorite among beginners and pros alike due to its distinct tone, renowned build, and affordable price. It was created in Sweden in the late 1950s by Björn Hagström, who started out supplying replacement parts for instruments before swiftly expanding to designing and manufacturing their devices. Hagstrom guitars have always been about tone, playability, and beautiful designs; the Swedish haven't changed their minds.
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2
Ibanez
Ibanez is a Japanese company known for its quality guitars that come in various types. Their products are famous in countries like China and the US and also well known in Indonesia. Electric and Acoustic are a few from their catalog, and they also sell other items like Tuners and Amps. The brand guarantees sound quality, and musical professionals use its guitars. They also sell electronic items like Speakers that are also of professional quality.
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Alden
Established in 1884 by Charles H. Alden in Massachusetts, Alden started off as a family business. They are considered one of the leading shoe brands. They offer a wide selection of shoes and boots for men which are manufactured by skilled craftsmen who have mastered the art of traditional shoe-making. The leather used is pure, which has contributed to its extensive growth. Today, it is regarded as one of the oldest shoe-making brands in England.
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Ranks 4 to 30
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4
Eastman
In the 25 years since its inception, Eastman has become one of the leading musical instrument providers worldwide. It produces acoustic and electric guitars and various mandolins to grace any musician’s collection. Elegant looks with a royal aura of hand-polished wood grace all Eastman’s products. The Eastman clientele is filled with well-established artists of all ages, reflecting its products' acceptance among the broad music community. Detailed product maintenance brochures ensure extended shelf life.
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Epiphone
Since Epiphone has been manufacturing instruments for almost 140 years, each is produced to the best possible standards. Whatever kind of instrument you're searching for, from the storied Les Paul and SG models to banjos, mandolins, ukuleles, and more, you can find it here. They produce everything, including ukuleles, electric and acoustic guitars. They work hard to retain the feel of their instruments close to their original equivalents while producing reasonably priced instruments.
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Washburn
Washburn is a well-known American musical instrument manufacturer. Its mission has been to deliver the most excellent quality instruments and service to musicians worldwide for over 135 years. All Washburn instruments are still handcrafted by professional craftsmen in their state-of-the-art factories, carrying on the legacy. Their company has a long history of creating tools that inspire and unite guitarists worldwide. When you play a Washburn, your next musical thought is just a minute away, from bluegrass to jazz and everything in between.
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Burns
Burns is a guitar company based out of London. Many notable players have used Burns’ guitars, The Shadows, Slade, Damon Johnson, and Jim Burns to name a few. The company sells elite and custom guitars along with other guitar accessories details, which can be seen through their website. The company bears its name from Jim Burns, who was involved with the company in approval and advisory capacity.
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8
Gretsch
It's the story of a firm that started making drums in 1883 in Brooklyn, New York. Gretsch has grown into one of the world's most well-known producers of expert drums and percussion instruments. Artists of many genres and generations have paid tribute to them. Many of today's most prominent guitarists and bands choose Gretsch guitars. You can now figure out why. Visit their site to see what they have to present, including an extensive range of guitars and basses, free video tutorials, artist exhibits, background, and more.
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Gibson
Gibson makes tableware, flatware, cookware, glasses, tea sets, kitchen equipment and gadgets, and various tables and housewares. Gibson offers tailored solutions to the world's biggest retailers in every type of...
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Fender
Leo Fender’s ambition was to design an instrument that was functional and easy to operate. With that in mind, he created a unique guitar. Fender guitars prioritized volume and fun...
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D'Angelico
Creating the stringed melodies since the 1930s, D’Angelico Guitars has managed to execute the balance between the antique essence and modern style fabulously. Suppliers to renowned jazz artists like Chuck...
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Haze
An untuned guitar is as good as listening to a tone-deaf person sing; you can't tolerate it. Haze Guitars take care of everything wrong with a guitar or, most importantly,...
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Aria
Aria was founded in 1956. Aria manufactures guitars with love and attention so that it is reflected in the music produced through the instruments. They are true music enthusiasts making...
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Heritage
Over 15 years have passed since Heritage Distribution first opened its doors for business. Outstanding customer service; they specialize in flooring, fine cabinetry, and appliances. Heritage offers a broad range...
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Warwick
Warwick Academy is the leading co-educational school in Bermuda. It offers a broadly inclusive program for its students consisting of academic study, sports, drama, extracurriculars, music, and community fusion making...
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Gitane
Gitane bicycles have long been associated with French cycling racing. Gitane has a more substantial racing background than any other brand. Their bicycle range is designed to meet the needs...
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Axiom
Axiom Nutrition aims to provide the highest quality of dietary supplements to its customers. They started this company to spread wellness and health in the community. They believe that one...
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Peavey
Since 1965, Peavey has enabled musicians to express themselves with absolute Peavey excellence. They've always had a simple philosophy: build goods that will allow musicians to do what they love:...
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Cort
CORT is a leading nationwide furniture rental, staging, and apartment relocation service. Customers rely on them for furniture rental for home, business, and short-term projects. For all of your furniture...
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Godin
Bringing from forest to stage, Godin is an America-based company. They provide acoustics, basses, electrics, amps, accessories, and parts to sell. They also offer TrueFire guitar lessons. With assured quality...
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Guild
Guild is a company that was founded in 1953. They have been manufacturing guitars for a long time. The company makes iconic acoustic, bass, and electric guitars. They have a...
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Seymour Duncan
The company was started back in 1976. Seymour Duncan was started by a group that had music in their hearts and hope in their eyes. Making music is a lifelong...
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SX
Good music can soothe you best even when you are at your worst. If you wish to play some fine tunes on a guitar, why not try SX Guitars? SX...
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24
Tanglewood
Tanglewood is a guitar manufacturer founded in 1989 and produces high-quality guitars. The firm makes guitars for all levels of guitarists, from beginners to professionals. Tanglewood Guitars are handcrafted in...
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Bacchus
Music resonates with everyone; hence when one gets to learn how to create it, it is indeed a moment to cherish. Through Bacchus, a Japanese guitar-making company, one can start...
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26
Samick
The thing responsible for connecting our souls with the songs is the instrument that's being played in the background. Instruments like piano and guitar have their charm and significance in...
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Tokai
Maintaining the league for quality products in Japan, Tokai manufactures authentic and high-quality electric guitars, acoustics, and basses. The company got established in 1947 and has been fine-tuning musicians' hearts...
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Levin
One of the oldest manufacturers in Europe, Levin Company, is a top producer of string instruments. For musicians, the brand name is a byword for premium-quality goods. In Sweden, Levin...
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The Loar
The Loar is an eccentric acoustic instrument crafter dedicated to crafting the best quality instruments for all acoustic music-makers. They design and create musical instruments like viola, mandolin, and more....
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Fender Japan
Fender offers high-quality guitars for every musical genre. With an experience of over seventy-five years, Fender is known for transforming music through chords and strings of its guitars. The company...
"Shop" links open Amazon search results for that brand. We may earn a commission; it does not affect the order of this list.
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hagstrom | hagstromguitars.com | /Hagstrom-Guitars-of-Sweden | – | – | – |
| Ibanez | ibanez.com | – | – | – | – |
| Alden | aldenshoe.com | – | – | – | – |
| Eastman | eastmanguitars.com | /eastmanguitars | eastmanguitars | @eastmanguitars | – |
| Epiphone | epiphone.com | /Epiphone | epiphone | @epiphone | OfficialEpiphone |
| Washburn | washburn.com | /washburnguitars | washburn.authentic | @washburnguitar | – |
| Burns | burnsguitars.com | – | – | – | – |
| Gretsch | gretschguitars.com | /GretschGuitars | officialgretsch | @gretschusa | gretschguitars |
| Gibson | gibsonusa.com | /GibsonOverseas | gibsonoverseas | @Gibson_Overseas | Gibson Overseas |
| Fender | fender.com | /Fender | fender | @Fender | fendermusical |
Jazz Guitar Buying Guide
If you are a jazz guitarist, then you know that finding the right guitar is important. You want a guitar that will produce the sound that you are looking for, and also be comfortable to play. This jazz guitar buying guide will provide you with the information that you need to make an informed decision when purchasing your next jazz guitar.
Types of Jazz Guitars
Most jazz guitarists play either hollow or semi-hollow body guitars. A solid body guitar, such as a Fender Stratocaster, is not recommended for jazz music because it does not produce a warm, full sound. Here are the two types of jazz guitars:
Hollow Body Guitars
Hollow body guitars are made of thin sheets of wood that are glued together to form the body. The inside of the body is hollow, which allows sound to resonate and produce a warm, full tone. Hollow body guitars are typically larger than semi-hollow body guitars, which can make them more difficult to play for some guitarists.
Semi-Hollow Body Guitars
Semi-hollow body guitars have a solid center block that runs through the body of the guitar. The center block reduces feedback and provides a more stable tone. Semi-hollow body guitars are typically smaller and lighter than hollow body guitars, which can make them more comfortable to play for some guitarists.
Important Features to Consider When Buying a Jazz Guitar
When shopping for a jazz guitar, there are a few important features that you should consider. These features will affect the sound and playability of your guitar.
Pickups
The pickups on your guitar will determine the sound that your guitar produces. Jazz guitarists typically prefer single-coil pickups, which produce a clear, bright tone. Humbucker pickups, which are found on many Gibson guitars, produce a warm, rich tone that is not as bright as single-coil pickups. Some jazz guitarists prefer a combination of both single-coil and humbucker pickups.
Fretboard Material
The material that the fretboard is made of will affect the playability of your guitar. Some common fretboard materials include rosewood, maple, and ebony. Rosewood is a popular fretboard material because it produces a warm, mellow tone. Maple is a dense, hard wood that produces a bright, snappy tone. Ebony is a dense, hard wood that produces a bright, clear tone. The type of material that you choose will depend on the sound that you are looking for and your personal preference.
Neck Shape
The shape of the neck will affect the playability of your guitar. There are two common neck shapes: C-shaped and U-shaped. C-shaped necks are rounded and are comfortable for most guitarists to play. U-shaped necks are thicker and provide more support for the hand, which can be helpful for guitarists with larger hands.
Scale Length
The scale length is the distance between the bridge and the nut of the guitar. A longer scale length will produce a tighter, brighter tone, while a shorter scale length will produce a warmer, fuller tone. Jazz guitars typically have a scale length of 24.75 inches to 25.5 inches.
Bridge
The bridge of the guitar is where the strings are anchored to the body of the guitar. There are two common types of bridges: fixed and floating. A fixed bridge provides more sustain and stability, while a floating bridge allows for more expressive playing and bending of the strings.
Top Jazz Guitar Brands
There are many great jazz guitar brands to choose from. Here are some of the top jazz guitar brands:
Gibson
Gibson is a well-known guitar brand that produces high-quality jazz guitars. Their ES-Series semi-hollow body guitars are very popular among jazz guitarists.
Epiphone
Epiphone is a sub-brand of Gibson that produces more affordable versions of Gibson guitars. Their Sheraton and Casino models are very popular among jazz guitarists.
Ibanez
Ibanez produces a wide variety of guitars, but they are particularly well-known for their jazz guitars. Their Artcore and George Benson signature models are both popular choices among jazz guitarists.
Gretsch
Gretsch produces a variety of guitars, but they are particularly well-known for their hollow body guitars. Their Electromatic and Streamliner models are popular choices among jazz guitarists.
Heritage
Heritage is a lesser-known guitar brand that produces high-quality, hand-crafted jazz guitars. Their H-150 and H-575 models are both popular choices among jazz guitarists.
Conclusion
Choosing the right jazz guitar is important for any jazz guitarist. Consider the type of guitar, pickups, neck shape, scale length, and bridge when making your decision. And don't forget to take your personal preferences into account. With this jazz guitar buying guide, you should be well on your way to finding the perfect guitar for your needs!
