The Most Popular Jazz Guitar, Ranked

Choose the guitar you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 2, 2024 06:40
Jazz guitarists often seek the perfect instrument to complement their unique style and approach to music. Knowing which guitars are favored by both enthusiasts and professional musicians can greatly influence purchasing decisions and performance styles. A ranked list of jazz guitars consolidates community feedback and insights, offering a broad perspective on the instruments that lead in quality, sound, and innovation. By participating in voting for the top jazz guitars, users contribute to a dynamic resource that aids potential buyers and curious musicians in making informed choices. This kind of engagement makes sure that the ranking reflects current trends and preferences within the jazz community. Moreover, it helps new artists to identify which guitars might best suit their artistic evolution and technical demands.

What Is the Most Popular Jazz Guitar?

  1. 1
    87
    votes
    Gibson ES-175
    JackLumber · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Gibson ES-175

    Gibson
    Gibson ES-175 is considered a classic and versatile jazz guitar with a warm tone and comfortable playability.
    The Gibson ES-175 is a legendary jazz guitar known for its rich sound and versatile performance capabilities. It is widely regarded as one of the most popular and iconic jazz guitars of all time. With its classic design and impeccable craftsmanship, the ES-175 has been a go-to instrument for professional jazz guitarists since its introduction in 1949.
    • Body Shape: Single cutaway hollowbody
    • Top Wood: Maple
    • Back and Sides Wood: Maple
    • Neck Wood: Mahogany
    • Fingerboard Wood: Rosewood
  2. 2
    30
    votes
    Gibson L-5
    Cruciniacus at German Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0 de
    Gibson L-5 is a high-end archtop guitar with a rich, full-bodied sound that has been played by many jazz legends.
    The Gibson L-5 is a legendary and iconic jazz guitar known for its exceptional craftsmanship, rich tone, and elegant design. It is considered one of the most popular jazz guitars ever made.
    • Body Shape: Full-sized archtop
    • Top Wood: Solid carved spruce
    • Back and Sides Wood: Solid carved maple
    • Neck Wood: Maple
    • Fingerboard Wood: Ebony
  3. 3
    16
    votes
    Ibanez George Benson GB10 is designed in collaboration with the jazz guitar icon, this model has a smooth and responsive feel, and is known for its bright, clear tone.
    The Ibanez George Benson GB10 is a signature model jazz guitar designed in collaboration with legendary jazz guitarist George Benson. It is highly regarded for its exceptional tone, playability, and elegance.
    • Body Material: Laminated Maple
    • Neck Material: 3-piece Maple
    • Fingerboard Material: Ebony
    • Scale Length: 24.7"
    • Number of Frets: 22
  4. 4
    22
    votes

    D'Angelico EX-SS

    D'Angelico Guitars
    D'Angelico EX-SS is a modern take on the classic archtop design, with a sleek, slim profile and a versatile sound.
    The D'Angelico EX-SS is a highly regarded semi-hollow body electric guitar designed for jazz musicians. It combines craftsmanship, vintage aesthetics, and modern playability to deliver a versatile and resonant tone.
    • Body Shape: Single cutaway semi-hollow
    • Top Wood: Laminated Flame Maple
    • Back Wood: Laminated Flame Maple
    • Neck Wood: 3-piece Maple/Walnut/Maple
    • Fingerboard Wood: Rosewood
  5. 5
    14
    votes

    Gretsch G6120

    Fred Gretsch
    Gretsch G6120 is a hollowbody guitar with a distinctive, twangy sound that has been used in a wide range of musical styles, including jazz.
    The Gretsch G6120 is a legendary electric guitar known for its iconic design and rich tone, making it one of the most popular choices among jazz guitarists. Its unique features and superior craftsmanship have made it a sought-after instrument worldwide.
    • Body Shape: Single cutaway hollow body
    • Top Material: Laminated maple
    • Body Depth: 2.75 inches (7 cm)
    • Neck Material: Maple
    • Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
  6. 6
    14
    votes

    Eastman AR810CE

    Eastman Guitars
    Eastman AR810CE is an affordable, high-quality archtop guitar with a warm, balanced tone and excellent playability.
    The Eastman AR810CE is a highly regarded jazz guitar that offers exceptional tone and playability. It is designed for professional jazz guitarists who demand top-notch quality and performance.
    • Body Shape: Single cutaway, fully hollow
    • Top Material: Solid Spruce
    • Back and Sides Material: Solid Flamed Maple
    • Neck Material: Maple
    • Fingerboard Material: Ebony
  7. 7
    6
    votes
    Benedetto Bambino
    Nazasca · CC BY-SA 4.0

    Benedetto Bambino

    Robert Benedetto
    Benedetto Bambino is a small-bodied jazz guitar with a rich, complex sound that is perfect for intimate settings.
    The Benedetto Bambino is a renowned Jazz guitar that delivers exceptional vintage jazz tones in a compact design. It is a solid-body archtop electric guitar, perfect for both gigging and studio sessions. The instrument offers exceptional playability, projection, and tonal versatility.
    • Body Material: Select Spruce Top with Maple Back and Sides
    • Neck Material: Maple
    • Fingerboard Material: Ebony
    • Scale Length: 25 inches
    • Number of Frets: 22
  8. 8
    6
    votes

    Heritage H-575

    Heritage Guitar Inc.
    Heritage H-575 is a handmade guitar with a warm, resonant tone and a classic design that has been used by many jazz greats.
    The Heritage H-575 is a popular Jazz guitar known for its exquisite craftsmanship and rich, warm tone. It is a fully hollow, archtop guitar that embodies the tradition and heritage of classic jazz guitars.
    • Body Shape: Archtop, fully hollow
    • Top Material: Solid carved spruce
    • Back and Sides Material: Figured maple
    • Neck Material: Mahogany
    • Fingerboard Material: Ebony
  9. 9
    7
    votes
    Yamaha SA2200
    Davagh · Public domain

    Yamaha SA2200

    Yamaha
    Yamaha SA2200 is a solidbody guitar with a versatile sound that can be tailored to suit a wide range of jazz styles.
    The Yamaha SA2200 is a highly regarded jazz guitar known for its exceptional craftsmanship, tonal versatility, and vintage aesthetic. It is based on the classic Gibson ES-335 design and offers a combination of retro appeal and modern playability.
    • Body Material: Maple/Maple/Maple
    • Neck Material: Mahogany
    • Fingerboard Material: Ebony
    • Scale Length: 24.75 inches
    • Number of Frets: 22
  10. 10
    5
    votes
    Godin 5th Avenue is a budget-friendly archtop guitar with a bright, lively sound and a comfortable, easy-playing neck.

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Ranking factors for popular guitar

  1. Technique
    Consider the guitarist's technical abilities, including finger dexterity, speed, and control. This may include their ability to execute complicated chord progressions, solos, and arpeggios.
  2. Style
    Examine the distinctive elements of the guitarist's playing that set them apart from others, such as their tone, phrasing, and use of dynamics. This may also include their ability to adapt to different sub-genres within jazz and their approach to composition and improvisation.
  3. Innovation
    Assess the guitarist's contributions to the development and evolution of jazz guitar. This may include their introduction of new techniques or styles, as well as any lasting impact they have on the genre.
  4. Influence
    Consider the guitarist's impact on other musicians, both within and outside of the jazz genre. This may include their role as educators, collaborations with other artists, and their overall presence in the music industry.
  5. Discography
    Review the quality and quantity of the guitarist's recorded work, including albums, live recordings, and collaborations. This includes considering both their work as a solo artist and as a member of a band or ensemble.
  6. Awards and accolades
    Take into account any prestigious awards and recognitions the guitarist has received throughout their career, such as Grammy Awards, poll rankings, and lifetime achievement awards.
  7. Consistency and longevity
    Consider the guitarist's ability to maintain a high level of performance and relevance throughout their career. This may include their ability to adapt to changing styles and trends within the jazz genre, as well as their dedication to lifelong learning and growth as a musician.
  8. Live performances
    Evaluate the guitarist's prowess as a live performer, including their stage presence, ability to connect with audiences, and improvisational skills.
  9. Versatility
    Consider the guitarist's ability to play in a variety of styles, genres, and settings, including solo, duo, and larger ensemble formats. This may also include their proficiency on multiple instruments, such as acoustic and electric guitars.
  10. Popularity
    Take into account the guitarist's overall popularity and recognition within the jazz community and among general audiences. This may include their ability to draw large crowds to live performances, as well as their overall sales and streaming figures.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Jazz guitar. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Guitar is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2000 views
  • 197 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Guitar once every 24 hours. The rank of each Guitar is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular jazz guitar

Jazz guitar is a unique style of guitar that has been around since the early 20th century. It is a popular genre that has been enjoyed by music enthusiasts for decades. Jazz guitarists use a variety of techniques, such as chord progressions, improvisation, and fingerpicking, to create a distinct sound that is both soothing and energizing. With so many different types of jazz guitars available today, it can be challenging to determine which one is the most popular. However, by examining the preferences of jazz guitar players and enthusiasts, we can gain a better understanding of the most popular jazz guitar models.

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