Gibson es 175

Best Jazz Guitars - Top 12

By jazz-guitar-licks
On 2023-07-10
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Jazz guitars are renowned for their smooth tones, responsiveness, and versatility. In this article, we present a curated list of the 12 best jazz guitars available today.

Each guitar comes with a short description, highlighting its unique features, followed by the pros and cons to help you make an informed choice.

1. Gibson ES-175

The Gibson ES-175 is a legendary jazz guitar known for its warm, full-bodied tone and exceptional sustain.

Its semi-hollow body design and dual humbucker pickups deliver a classic jazz sound.

The ES-175 is versatile, capable of producing a wide range of tones suitable for various jazz styles.

Pros:

Iconic design.
Versatile sound.
Respected heritage.

Cons:

High price.
Heavier weight compared to some models.

Famous Users:

Joe Pass.
Pat Metheny.

2. Ibanez LGB30 George Benson

The Ibanez LGB30 George Benson is an affordable signature model designed in collaboration with jazz legend George Benson.

It features a comfortable, slim neck profile for effortless playability. The floating humbucker pickup provides warm, articulate tones.

The guitar's solid construction and reliable electronics make it a dependable choice for jazz enthusiasts.

Pros:

Affordable.
Comfortable playability.
Reliable electronics.

Cons:

Tone may lack warmth compared to high-end options.
Limited tonal versatility.

Famous Users:

George Benson.
Earl Klugh.

3. Gretsch G2622 Streamliner

The Gretsch G2622 Streamliner is a budget-friendly jazz guitar with a classic hollow body design.

It produces a distinctive, warm jazz tone thanks to its Broad'Tron humbucker pickups.

The guitar's versatile sound makes it suitable for jazz, blues, and rock genres. Its aesthetic appeal and vintage-inspired design add to its charm.

Pros:

Affordable.
Distinctive sound.
Versatility.

Cons:

Potential feedback issues at higher volumes.
Stock pickups may not satisfy all players.

Famous Users:

Jim Campilongo.
Emily Remler.

4. Gibson ES-330

The Gibson ES-330 is a classic hollow body guitar that offers a warm and articulate tone, making it highly sought after by jazz guitarists.

It features a fully hollow body construction, P-90 pickups, and a comfortable neck profile.

The ES-330's lightweight design and resonance contribute to its lively and dynamic sound.

Pros:

Classic hollow body design.
Warm and articulate tone.
Lightweight construction.

Cons:

Limited sustain compared to guitars with a solid center block.
Potential feedback at high volumes.

Famous Users:

Grant Green.
Jim Hall

5. Heritage H-575

The Heritage H-575 is a meticulously crafted jazz guitar that combines traditional craftsmanship with modern playability.

It produces exceptional tonal quality and resonance, thanks to its solid spruce top and curly maple back and sides.

The H-575's elegant design and superb build quality make it a favorite among discerning jazz players.

Pros:

Exceptional craftsmanship.
Excellent tonal quality.
Solid construction.

Cons:

Higher price.
Limited availability compared to mass-produced brands.

Famous Users:

Kenny Burrell.
Ed Cherry.

6. D'Angelico EXL-1

The D'Angelico EXL-1 is a jazz guitar that exudes vintage charm and elegance.

It features a single-cutaway, fully hollow body design with a spruce top and maple back and sides.

The guitar's balanced tone, comfortable playability, and versatile sound make it well-suited for a range of jazz styles.

Pros:

Elegant design.
Versatile.
Comfortable playability.

Cons:

Limited color options.
Pickups may lack clarity for some players.

Famous Users:

Jimmy Raney.
Joe Pass.

7. Gibson L-5 CES

The Gibson L-5 CES is a flagship jazz guitar, widely considered one of the finest instruments in the jazz world.

Its rich, full-bodied tone, excellent projection, and sustain make it an iconic choice for professional jazz guitarists.

The L-5 CES features a carved spruce top, maple back and sides, and high-quality electronics.

Pros:

Rich tone.
Exceptional craftsmanship.
Iconic design.

Cons

Expensive.
Heavier weight compared to some models.
Famous Users: Wes Montgomery, Pat Martino.

8. Ibanez GB10 George Benson

The Ibanez GB10 is a signature model guitar designed in collaboration with renowned jazz guitarist George Benson.

It is a hollow-body electric guitar that combines traditional jazz tones with modern playability.

Pros:

Versatile Jazz Tones:
Comfortable Playability: The guitar features a comfortable neck profile and an accessible upper fret range.
Quality Construction

Cons:

Limited tonal range.
Higher price tag.

Famous Users:

George Benson
Pat Metheny
Larry Carlton

9. Eastman AR372CE

The Eastman AR372CE is an affordable jazz guitar that doesn't compromise on quality. Its fully hollow body construction and high-quality tonewoods contribute to its warm and rich jazz tone.

The guitar offers solid construction, dependable hardware, and good overall playability, making it an excellent value-for-money option.

Pros:

Affordable.
Warm tone.
Solid construction.

Cons:

Less brand recognition.
Finishing may be less refined.

Famous Users:

John Pisano
Peter Bernstein.

10. PRS SE Hollowbody II

The PRS SE Hollowbody II is a versatile jazz guitar with a semi-hollow construction.

It combines the warmth and resonance of a hollow body with the sustain and stability of a solid body guitar.

The guitar's balanced and articulate tone, along with its solid build quality, make it suitable for various genres beyond jazz.

Pros:

Versatile.
Balanced tone.
Solid build quality.

Cons:

Less resonance compared to fully hollow guitars.
Higher price.

Famous Users:

Tim Pierce.
David Grissom.

11. Godin 5th Avenue Kingpin II

The Godin 5th Avenue Kingpin II is a vintage-inspired jazz guitar known for its warm and mellow tone.

Its Canadian wild cherry archtop and back, along with a floating P-90 pickup, deliver rich, resonant sounds ideal for jazz and blues genres.

The guitar offers great value for money without compromising on quality.

Pros:

Vintage-inspired design.
Warm tone.
Great value for money.

Cons:

Limited tonal versatility.
Potential quality control issues.

Famous Users:

Bill Kirchen.
Duke Robillard.

12. Ibanez Artcore AF95

The Ibanez Artcore AF95 is a budget-friendly hollow body jazz guitar that delivers a smooth and expressive tone.

Its hollow body construction contributes to its warm and resonant sound, while the comfortable neck profile ensures easy playability.

The guitar offers good versatility for jazz and other musical styles.

Pros:

Affordable.
Smooth tone.
Good playability.

Cons:

May require some setup adjustments.
Not as high-end as other options.

Famous Users:

John Scofield.
Pat Metheny.

Conclusion:

Choosing the right jazz guitar is a personal decision that depends on your preferences, playing style, and budget. Consider the pros and cons of each guitar to find the instrument that aligns with your musical goals and provides the desired tonal characteristics for your jazz performances.

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