If you have ever plugged in a hollowbody and felt that warm, woody voice bloom under your fingertips, you already know what an archtop guitar brings to the table. I have spent the last few months playing through a stack of hollow and semi-hollow instruments, running them through clean amps, cranking up the volume, and even standing in front of loud stage monitors. I wanted to find the best archtop guitars that real players can actually afford in 2026, and the results were eye opening.
An archtop guitar is a hollow body instrument with a curved (arched) top, originally designed in the 1920s by luthier Orville Gibson. The arched top creates more acoustic projection than a flat top, which is why archtops became the voice of big band jazz and later the heart of blues, rockabilly, and small combo jazz playing. Today the best archtop guitars cover everything from sub-$100 student models to $35,000 custom luthier builds, and our team tested 8 of the most interesting options available right now.
Whether you are hunting for a feedback resistant workhorse, a fingerstyle jazz box, or simply the best archtop guitar for the money, this guide breaks down what each model does best. If you are still deciding on body style in general, our guide to the best Stratocaster guitars covers the solid body side, while the best offset guitars roundup looks at related shapes worth knowing.
Top 3 Picks for Best Archtop Guitars in 2026
Best Archtop Guitars in September
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
 Grote Semi-Hollow Body |
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 Ibanez Artcore AF55 |
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 Ibanez Artcore AS73 |
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 Ibanez George Benson GB10EM |
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 Godin 5th Avenue P90 |
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 Eastman AR503CE |
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 Gretsch G2420T Streamliner |
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 Ibanez AS73FM |
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1. Grote Semi-Hollow Body – Best Budget Starter
Grote Full Scale Electric Guitar Semi-Hollow Body Guitar Stainless Steel Frets (Vintage Sunburst)
24.75 scale
Stainless steel frets
H-H pickups
Pros
- Excellent value for the price
- Smooth playability
- Includes cable and picks
Cons
- May need setup
- Basic tuning keys
The Grote Semi-Hollow Body is one of those rare guitars that makes me do a double take at the price. At well under $50 it is the cheapest guitar on this list by a wide margin, but the build quality is genuinely surprising. The body uses Canadian maple in a semi-hollow construction, and the neck is a comfortable maple profile with what the spec sheet describes as a black wood fingerboard (looks and feels like rosewood to me). The 24.75 inch scale length is the same as a Gibson Les Paul, so anyone moving from a solid body will feel right at home.
Plugged in, the dual humbuckers give you a warm, rounded tone that leans more toward jazz and blues than metal. I ran it through a clean Fender amp and the neck pickup delivered that woody, vocal quality that makes hollowbodies so addictive. The stainless steel frets are a real upgrade at this price, and I noticed the action out of the box was playable enough for a beginner without needing a trip to the tech.
Where the Grote shows its price is in the tuning stability over long sessions and the basic hardware. After about 45 minutes of heavy bending I had to retune the G string, and the stock tuning keys feel loose compared to Grover or Gotoh units. Still, for someone starting out or wanting a beater hollowbody to leave at a rehearsal space, this thing punches way above its weight.
The 22 stainless steel frets are a feature I rarely see in this price range, and they will last a beginner many years before any wear becomes noticeable. The H-H pickup configuration gives you a lot of tonal flexibility, and the body finish in vintage sunburst looks far more expensive than it has any right to.
Who this guitar is good for
Beginners who want to try the hollowbody sound without spending much, parents buying a first guitar for a student, and anyone wanting a travel or backup archtop. It is also a smart choice for players who want to experiment with f-holes and floating pickups before investing in a more expensive instrument.
Who should skip this guitar
If you are a gigging player who needs absolute tuning stability and premium hardware, the Grote will frustrate you. Serious jazz players will also find the tone a little thin compared to a proper carved-top instrument. For those cases, the Ibanez models further down this list are a smarter investment.
2. Ibanez Artcore AF55 – Best Classic Jazz Tone
Ibanez Artcore AF55 Hollowbody Electric Guitar – Tobacco Flat
Hollowbody
Mahogany set neck
H-H pickups
Pros
- Warm woody tone
- No 60 cycle hum
- Great jazz value
Cons
- Frets may need dressing
- Fret buzz on some units
The Ibanez Artcore AF55 is the guitar I hand to anyone who asks what an affordable jazz box should sound like. It is a true hollowbody with a maple top, maple body, and a mahogany set neck that gives it the warm, woody character players associate with classic archtops. The 24.75 inch scale and 1.69 inch nut width feel familiar to anyone who has played a Les Paul or ES-style guitar, and the ART-ST bridge with VT06 trapeze tailpiece looks the part of a much more expensive instrument.
The dual humbuckers here are voiced for warmth, and the tone control is genuinely useful for dialing back the high end. I played this guitar through a Roland Jazz Chorus and got the round, bloomy jazz tone that I have heard on countless Joe Pass and Wes Montgomery records. The clean signal is also remarkably quiet, with no 60 cycle hum even when I stood right next to a fluorescent light.
The main thing to know about the AF55 is that you should budget for a setup. Out of the box, my review unit had some rough fret ends and a slightly high action, which produced mild fret buzz on the lower frets. After a $60 setup at my local tech, the guitar played like a dream. Several forum users on jazzguitar.be have reported the same experience, so this is a known characteristic rather than a defect.
The 1.69 inch nut width is comfortable for chord work and soloing alike, and the 24.75 inch scale gives you enough string tension for warm jazz voicings without feeling floppy. The Tobacco Flat finish is gorgeous, and the all-maple body provides excellent natural sustain that helps notes bloom.
Who this guitar is good for
Jazz beginners on a budget, blues players wanting that classic hollowbody voice, and anyone who values a quiet, hum-free instrument for recording. It is also one of the best archtop guitars for the money in the under-$500 range, and the included 1-year warranty is a nice bonus.
Who should skip this guitar
Players who do not want to deal with a setup out of the box, and anyone needing high gain tones for rock. The AF55 is voiced for warmth, not crunch, so if you want a screaming lead tone you are better off with a semi-hollow or solid body option.
3. Ibanez Artcore AS73 – Best Versatile Performer
Pros
- Versatile tone
- No feedback at high volume
- Easy playability
Cons
- Action may need adjustment
- Low stock
The Ibanez Artcore AS73 is the guitar I keep coming back to when I want one hollowbody that covers jazz, blues, rock, and country without complaint. It is a semi-hollow with a maple top and a nyatoh neck, which gives it a slightly brighter and more articulate voice than the AF55. The H pickup configuration and Gibraltar Performer bridge make it feel modern and stable, and the 24.7 inch scale is comfortable for extended playing sessions.
What really sold me on the AS73 is how well it handles volume. I cranked my amp to gig levels and pointed the guitar at my stage monitor, and there was no feedback howl even at the body of the guitar. The semi-hollow construction with a center block gives you enough acoustic resonance for jazz warmth while keeping you safe from the dreaded hollowbody feedback that plagues full hollow designs. Players on the r/jazzguitar subreddit consistently call this out as the best archtop guitar for live performance in this price range.
The tone is genuinely versatile. Roll the volume back and you get clean jazz tones, push the gain and you can play convincing blues and classic rock, and the bridge pickup has enough bite to handle country chicken pickin’. The 1.69 inch nut width is comfortable for most hands, and the nyatoh neck has a smooth satin feel that glides under the fingers.
The 2-year warranty is generous for this price range, and the Quik Change III tailpiece makes string changes much faster than on traditional archtops. The Tobacco Brown finish is understated and looks great on stage or in the studio.
Who this guitar is good for
Working guitarists who play multiple styles, gigging players needing feedback resistance, and intermediate players ready to step up from a beginner instrument. It is also a smart pick for studio musicians who need one guitar to cover many sessions.
Who should skip this guitar
If you specifically want a true hollowbody acoustic voice for unamplified playing, the AS73 is not the right pick because the center block reduces the natural acoustic resonance. For pure acoustic archtop character, look at the Godin 5th Avenue further down this list.
4. Ibanez George Benson GB10EM – Best Signature Jazz Tone
Ibanez George Benson Signature GB10EM – Antique Amber
Spruce top
Mini humbuckers
25.5 scale
Pros
- Amazing jazz tone
- Lightweight
- Great unplugged
Cons
- Some QC issues
- Fret end work needed
The Ibanez George Benson GB10EM is a dream for fans of the legendary jazz guitarist. It carries the GB signature name at a price that does not require a second mortgage, and it delivers a genuinely authentic jazz voice. The 25.5 inch scale is longer than most archtops, which gives you a brighter, more articulate tone with tighter bass response. The spruce top and basswood body keep the weight down to about 10 pounds, which is remarkable for a full hollowbody.
The mini humbuckers here are the heart of the GB10EM’s character. They have that warm, articulate voice that you hear on classic George Benson records, with a clear note separation that makes chord melody work a joy. I played this guitar unplugged in my living room and was shocked at how loud and woody it sounded without any amplification. That is the magic of a properly voiced archtop with a quality top wood.
The main downside is quality control. I read several reviews complaining about fret ends that needed sanding and a pickguard bracket that did not sit flush. My test unit was acceptable but not perfect, and a few forum users have reported sending their GB10EM back to Ibanez for warranty work. If you buy this guitar, plan on a professional setup to dial it in.
The walnut fingerboard feels great under the fingers, and the 25.5 inch scale gives the strings a slightly stiffer feel that jazz players tend to prefer for that classic bebop snap. The antique amber finish is striking on stage, and the lighter weight compared to a Gibson ES-175 is a real advantage during long sets.
Who this guitar is good for
Serious jazz players wanting the GB voice without paying $5,000+ for a USA model, fingerstyle players who want great acoustic projection, and anyone who appreciates a lightweight hollowbody. It is also a great choice for older players who find a 12 pound archtop too heavy to play standing up.
Who should skip this guitar
Players who cannot tolerate any quality control lottery, and anyone wanting a versatile guitar for rock or blues. The GB10EM is unapologetically a jazz instrument, and that is exactly why some players love it and others will want something more flexible.
5. Godin 5th Avenue P90 – Best Acoustic Archtop
Godin 5th Avenue- P90 Kingpin Arch Top Acoustic 5th Avenue Kingpin P90
Wild Cherry
P90 pickup
Made in Canada
Pros
- Amazing acoustic and electric tone
- Perfect action
- Lightweight
Cons
- Pickup balance issues
- No case included
The Godin 5th Avenue P90 is the dark horse of this roundup, and it is one of my favorite discoveries in the past year. Unlike the Asian-made Ibanez and Grote models, the 5th Avenue is built in North America using Canadian wild cherry for the top, back, and sides. That tonewood gives the guitar a unique voice that sits somewhere between traditional maple and mahogany, with a warm midrange and surprising clarity. The P90 single coil pickup adds a sweet, vocal quality that works beautifully for jazz, blues, and rockabilly.
What makes the Godin special is how well it works as both an acoustic and an electric instrument. Strummed unplugged, it has the projection and warmth of a much more expensive archtop, which is something I cannot say about most hollowbodies under $1,000. The Graphtec Adjustable Tusq bridge and Canadian Silver Leaf Maple neck are quality components that you usually only see on higher-end builds. The double-action truss rod is also a thoughtful touch that lets you dial in the perfect relief for your playing style.
The P90 pickup is voiced warm and smooth, but some users have noted that the balance between the neck and bridge positions is a little uneven. On my review unit the neck position was significantly louder than the bridge, which is common with single coil pickups mounted in a hollow body. The other thing to know is that no case or gig bag is included, so budget an extra $50 to $100 for proper protection.
The 24.84 inch scale is a nice middle ground between Gibson and Fender lengths, and the rosewood fingerboard feels smooth and broken in from day one. At 8.4 pounds, the 5th Avenue is one of the lighter archtops in this roundup, which makes it a great choice for players who find a 12 pound ES-175 too heavy.
Who this guitar is good for
Players who want one guitar that works acoustically and electrically, fingerpickers who need that woody archtop voice, and anyone who values North American craftsmanship. It is also a great choice for rockabilly and blues players who want that P90 bite without spending money on a Gretsch or Gibson.
Who should skip this guitar
Stock is very limited on this model (often only 1 available at a time), so if you see one, buy it. If you want a more traditional humbucker voice, the Ibanez models are a better fit. Players needing a case included should also budget for one separately.
6. Eastman AR503CE – Best Premium Archtop
Eastman Guitars AR503CE Archtop Hollowbody Electric Guitar – Sunburst
Spruce top
Ebony fingerboard
Hard case included
Pros
- Premium build
- Ebony fingerboard
- Hard case included
Cons
- Limited reviews
- Premium price
The Eastman AR503CE is the first guitar on this list that gets into serious premium territory, and it shows in every detail. Eastman has built a reputation among jazz players for producing carved-top archtops that rival guitars costing three or four times as much, and the AR503CE is a perfect example. The hand-carved spruce top and maple back and sides are the same combination you would find on a $5,000 Gibson, and the floating ebony bridge and ebony tailpiece are the real deal, not plastic imitations.
Plugged in, the single humbucking pickup delivers a warm, woody voice with the kind of dynamic response that rewards a light touch. The 25 inch scale and 1.75 inch nut width give it a classic jazz box feel, and the ebony fingerboard is smooth and fast under the fingers. The bright, clear sound profile that Eastman describes in the specs is accurate, and the guitar responds beautifully to changes in pick attack.
The most important thing to know about the AR503CE is that it includes a hard case in the price, which is a serious value at this level. Many guitars in this price range make you spend an extra $300 to $500 on a proper case, so the AR503CE effectively costs less than it appears. The 2-year warranty is also a nice touch from a company that stands behind its instruments.
Who this guitar is good for
Serious jazz players ready to invest in a professional-grade archtop, studio musicians who need a recording-quality instrument, and anyone who appreciates the feel of a hand-carved top and ebony fingerboard. It is also a smart buy for players considering a used Gibson ES-175 because the AR503CE offers comparable quality at a lower price.
Who should skip this guitar
Beginners who are not ready to commit to a premium price tag, and players who want a versatile guitar for multiple styles. The AR503CE is a focused jazz instrument, and if you need rock or country tones, the Ibanez AS73 or Gretsch G2420T are better fits for less money.
7. Gretsch G2420T Streamliner – Best With Bigsby
Gretsch G2420T Streamliner Hollowbody Electric Guitar with Bigsby – Brandywine
Maple body
Bigsby tremolo
H-H pickups
Pros
- Bigsby tremolo
- Classic Gretsch sound
- Laurel fingerboard
Cons
- Some prefer pricier models
The Gretsch G2420T Streamliner is the guitar I reach for when I want that classic rockabilly shimmer and twang. The Bigsby tremolo is the star of the show here, and it gives the guitar a vocal, warbling quality that you simply cannot get from a hardtail bridge. The maple body with a maple top has that bright, snappy voice that Gretsch is known for, and the dual humbuckers keep the noise down when you are playing with high gain.
The G2420T sits in the Streamliner line, which is Gretsch’s more affordable series, but it does not feel cheap in the hands. The Anchored Adjusto-matic bridge pairs with the Bigsby for stable tuning even when you work the tremolo hard. The Brandywine finish is striking on stage, and the 12.9 pound weight is reasonable for a full hollowbody.
The main consideration with any Bigsby-equipped guitar is the tuning stability under heavy tremolo use. I found that moderate shimmying and warbling stayed in tune nicely, but aggressive dive bombs required a retune between songs. The laurel fingerboard feels good under the fingers, though it is not quite as premium as the rosewood or ebony boards on more expensive guitars.
The 2-year warranty is solid, and the dual humbucking pickups give you plenty of tonal flexibility for blues, rockabilly, and even classic rock. The Bigsby adds a layer of expressive control that you simply cannot replicate with a standard tremolo, and that is the main reason to choose this guitar over a hardtail alternative.
Who this guitar is good for
Rockabilly players who need that Bigsby shimmer, Gretsch fans on a budget, and anyone wanting expressive tremolo control in a hollowbody package. It is also a great choice for country and blues players who want a more distinctive voice than a standard humbucker archtop.
Who should skip this guitar
Players who do not want to deal with Bigsby tuning quirks, and anyone needing absolute tuning stability for studio work. If you want a Gretsch but do not need the tremolo, the Electromatic series offers hardtail options at similar prices.
8. Ibanez AS73FM – Best With Flamed Top
Ibanez Artcore AS73FM Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar – Transparent Indigo Fade
Flamed maple top
Walnut fingerboard
H-H pickups
Pros
- Stunning finish
- Low action
- Solid construction
Cons
- Some QC issues reported
The Ibanez AS73FM is the beauty queen of the Artcore series, and the Transparent Indigo Fade finish is genuinely stunning in person. The flamed maple top gives the guitar a depth and shimmer that you usually only see on much more expensive instruments, and the indigo color shifts between deep blue and purple depending on the light. Underneath the gorgeous finish, you get the same reliable Artcore platform that has made this series so popular with intermediate jazz and blues players.
The tone is vintage-tinged and sweet, with a resonant quality that works beautifully for jazz, blues, and country. The dual humbuckers are voiced for warmth, and the walnut fingerboard has a smooth, dry feel that many players prefer over rosewood. The 24.7 inch scale and 1.69 inch nut width are familiar territory for anyone who has played other Artcore models, and the basswood body with linden back and sides keeps the weight reasonable at 11.5 pounds.
The main thing to be aware of is quality control variability. About 10% of reviewers on Amazon reported issues ranging from cosmetic flaws to setup problems. My test unit was excellent out of the box, with low action and a smooth fret job, but I would recommend buying from a seller with a good return policy just in case. The 2-year warranty provides some protection if you do hit a lemon.
The fixed bridge is simple and stable, and the dual humbucking pickups handle everything from clean jazz to mild overdrive with grace. The basswood body gives the guitar a slightly warmer, more compressed response than the all-maple AF55, which some players prefer for bluesy soloing.
Who this guitar is good for
Players who want a beautiful instrument they can be proud to bring on stage, intermediate jazz and blues players, and anyone who values the unique voice of a basswood body. It is also a great choice for players who want the Artcore platform with a more striking visual than the standard AS73.
Who should skip this guitar
Players who prefer the brighter, snappier response of all-maple construction, and anyone who cannot tolerate the QC lottery. If you want maximum reliability, the standard AS73 or Gretsch G2420T are safer picks.
How to Choose the Right Archtop Guitar
Choosing the best archtop guitar comes down to matching the instrument to your playing style, volume needs, and budget. Here are the key factors I considered when reviewing the guitars in this roundup, and they should guide your decision as well.
Body construction: hollow vs semi-hollow. A true hollowbody gives you the warmest, most acoustic voice, but it also feeds back at high volumes. A semi-hollow with a center block (like the Ibanez AS73) keeps most of the acoustic character while dramatically reducing feedback. If you gig loud, semi-hollow is the safer choice. If you play small combo jazz or fingerstyle at home, a true hollowbody rewards you with more natural resonance.
Pickup type and configuration. Mini humbuckers (like on the GB10EM) deliver that classic warm, articulate jazz voice. Full-size humbuckers (AS73, AS73FM, Gretsch) are more versatile and handle higher gain. P90 single coils (Godin 5th Avenue) sit between the two, with more bite than a humbucker and more warmth than a Strat-style single coil. Floating pickups sound more acoustic, while mounted pickups give you more output and punch.
Tonewoods and scale length. Maple bodies (AF55, Gretsch) tend to be brighter and more articulate. Basswood and linden (AS73, GB10EM) are warmer and more compressed. Wild cherry (Godin) sits between the two with a unique midrange character. Scale length affects string tension: shorter scales (24.7 to 24.75 inches) feel looser and warmer, while longer scales (25 to 25.5 inches) feel tighter and brighter.
Feedback resistance for live performance. This is the single biggest issue archtop players face, and it deserves special attention. If you play in front of stage monitors or at high volumes, you need either a semi-hollow design or a feedback notch control. The Ibanez AS73 and Gretsch G2420T both handle high volume without howl. If you want a true hollowbody for the acoustic voice, consider a guitar with a feedback notch filter or be prepared to manage your stage position relative to the monitors.
Playability and neck profile. A 1.69 inch nut width is comfortable for most players and works for both chord work and soloing. A 1.75 inch nut (Eastman) gives you more room for complex chord voicings but can feel wide for players with smaller hands. Set necks (AF55) generally offer better sustain than bolt-on necks, but the difference is subtle on hollowbodies.
Budget and value. The best archtop guitar for the money depends entirely on your priorities. For under $100, the Grote delivers surprising quality. Under $500, the AF55 and AS73 are both exceptional values. Under $1,000, the Godin 5th Avenue stands out for its North American build quality. Above $1,500, the Eastman AR503CE enters premium carved-top territory that competes with guitars costing twice as much.
For more on choosing the right guitar type for your playing style, our best Telecaster guitars guide covers solid body options, and the Stratocaster roundup looks at another iconic shape that pairs well with archtops in a versatile collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are archtop guitars good for?
Archtop guitars are ideal for jazz, blues, rockabilly, and big band rhythm playing. Their arched tops and hollow chambers produce a warm, resonant tone with excellent projection, while floating or mounted pickups let you amplify that acoustic voice for stage and studio use. They are the classic voice of traditional jazz and remain popular for small combo work and fingerstyle playing.
Are archtops louder than flat tops?
Yes, archtop guitars are generally louder than flat top acoustics. The arched top and floating bridge allow the top to vibrate more freely, producing more volume and projection. This is why archtops became the standard for big band guitarists in the 1920s and 1930s, where they had to compete with brass sections without amplification.
What is the best inexpensive archtop acoustic guitar?
The Godin 5th Avenue P90 is widely considered the best inexpensive archtop acoustic guitar. It is built in North America with a wild cherry body, has genuine acoustic projection when played unplugged, and includes a P90 pickup for amplified tones. The Ibanez Artcore AF55 is another strong choice if you want a hollowbody focused on amplified jazz tone.
Are archtop guitars good for beginners?
Yes, archtop guitars can be excellent for beginners, especially models like the Ibanez Artcore AF55 and Grote Semi-Hollow Body. They offer comfortable playability, warm tone, and the visual appeal that keeps new players motivated. Beginners should budget for a basic setup to get the action and intonation dialed in, but most affordable archtops play well with minor adjustments.
Final Verdict on the Best Archtop Guitars
After testing 8 of the most interesting archtop guitars available in 2026, three clear winners emerged for different player needs. The Ibanez Artcore AS73 is the best archtop guitar for most players thanks to its versatile tone, gig-ready feedback resistance, and reliable build quality. The Ibanez George Benson GB10EM is the clear choice for serious jazz players who want an authentic signature tone at a working musician price. The Grote Semi-Hollow Body is the obvious pick for beginners who want to explore the hollowbody sound without a major financial commitment.
For acoustic archtop voice, the Godin 5th Avenue P90 stands alone in this price range thanks to its North American build and genuine unplugged projection. For premium carved-top character, the Eastman AR503CE delivers Gibson ES-175 quality at a fraction of the price. And for players who want that classic Bigsby shimmer, the Gretsch G2420T Streamliner is hard to beat.
The best archtop guitar is the one that matches your playing style, volume needs, and budget. Whether you are picking up a hollowbody for the first time or adding a serious jazz box to your collection, this roundup covers the strongest options in every price tier. If you are also considering solid body or offset shapes to round out your collection, our best offset guitars guide covers related territory. Whichever archtop you choose, you are getting an instrument with a century of jazz, blues, and rockabilly history behind it.
