Best Solid Body Guitar For Jazz (Jan 2023 Update)

Love the guitar. Neck is the highlight. However, the pickups are garbage. Bridge pickup is good but the neck pickup is unusable….muddy. Any combo of split coils is very noisy as well. Not a deal killer on the guitar but for a grand I'd expect pickups that were not as bad as they are.Rhode Island Firearms Owners' Le

When I got the guitar the first thing I needed to do was change the strings,the strings where old and and the B and E string where really bad, and I had to adjust the height of the strings,but that is something you need to do with most guitars.Steve

Je suis très content de la guitare. Elle est très confortable, la qualité des micros et les possibilités de réglages sont incroyables. Avantage du headless sans tremolo, la tenue de l'accordage est incroyable. Même en C Standard toutes les notes sont justes à chaque case et l'accordage ne bouge pas de toute la session Les cordes frisent beaucoup mais je vais l'emmener chez un luthier pour la régler. J'ai été déçu par certaines finitions de la guitare. Elle est arrivé avec une griffures et des pocs sur le manche. Les vides au bord des frettes n'ont pas été comblés. le système de blocage des cordes et le potard de tonalité étaient complètement desserré Ma squier standard était fini avec plus de soin. J'en aurai souhaité autant de la part de Ibanez et même plus au vu du prix. Pour autant je suis satisfait car cela fait 1 ans que j'attendais cette guitareDylan

I have one but from a different retailer. MF did not carry this brand when I got mine. These are the real deal or real Gibson product line from the same folks in Kalamazoo who refused to relocate. The quality is fantastic. The tone is genuine. My 535 is my fave semi-hollow humbucker 23.75 inch scal guitar I have. You can tell these guitars are hand made. You're not getting a guitar assembled from the band saw body guy, or the neck blank guy, or from some fellow who just mans a saw / sander for their entier shift. Each guitar is luthier made. The older models even have an ebony pick guard. If thats an option then MF should get that instead of the plastic.David Seattle

I am rating it based on the price point expectations I had before ordering. It is a really great guitar. You have to expect that it will come with some defects and issues. Small paint/binding issues, some glue and wood chips loose inside the guitar that I took out. The guitar wasn?t set up well on arrival. I did a string change and truss rod adjustment to get rid of some fretting out on the first fret. The components are cheap, input Jack was broken shortly after my first show with it. The guitar itself is solid! Well built, stays in tune. Neck is very thick. I would purchase another even with issues. I wasn?t expecting a perfect guitar just something that I can play hard and maybe replace some components down the road.Cory

Very nice looking guitar. Set-up pretty well out of the box with fret ends nice and smooth. Needed slight intonation. Unfortunately the shipper basically smashed the box and the three-way toggle switch was damaged and not functional. Rather than send the guitar back I pulled out the switch and was able to repair it. Finish around the switch hole (under the retaining ring) was slightly damaged/cracked and had to repair that as well. The guitar plays and sounds quite nice and other than a small kink in the binding where it joins the neck (smooth and under the finish) it is a pretty guitar. Has a minor rattle somewhere that I can't locate (not string buzz), but doesn't come through when amplified. All in all, I am happy with it and its well worth the price.Michael

This is a nice guitar. It?s well made, has a beautiful charcoal burst gloss finish, and has the wonderful mellow sound of a semi-hollowbody guitar. The blacked out hardware is a nice touch. I learned about this guitar from the guitar gear bloggers on YouTube. They ALL gave it great reviews. Some of the older reviews mentioned that the fret ends needed more polishing, and there was some nitpicking about the size and font of the Indio logo. More recent reviews indicate that these issues have been addressed. MY Indio guitar has polished fret ends and it APPEARS to me that the logo is a bit smaller. The fit and finish are EXCELLENT, so perhaps Monoprice has listened to customer complaints and has tightened up their QC. The BIG news here is the PRICE. EVERYONE, myself included, is STUNNED by how INEXPENSIVE this guitar is. The $250 list price is a STEAL! The YouTube bloggers claim that this guitar will go head-to-head with other 335 style guitars costing 3 times as much! I agree.Kevin

Overall: First the guitar is very nice for the price. The neck is fantastic feels unfinished (sealed) but is actually a satin sealer on neck and unsealed board, which should age nicely. The frets are finished nicely and it's just smooth to play. The size of the neck is somewhere between an Ibanez (wizard II & III) and a Fender Strat. I think it feels better than an LTD EC 1001, probably due to no paint and compound radius.The guitar is heavier than expected but still a light guitar, it's not a thin body as some strat style guitars are. The guard is simple black but fitted nicely. The pickups aren't bad at all, personally the single coils sound mid and bass heavy, while the humbucker is more mid to bright. All in all compared to a Fender, the guitar is darker sounding, it's not bad but something I noticed.The single coils are definitely weaker (quieter) than the humbucker and not as crisp as ones in a strat. The humbucker is hot but not extremely so, I actually like it better than the ones in a comparable strat (MIM or older AM special).There are flaws though or at least in mine. First minor sanding flaw with 17th marker, smeared on board some. There's a chip in the paint on the top side of the pocket, looks like a small line about a 1/4" long. I also have some feathered pieces on the guard, where it was cut from the sheet of plastic it was made from. These are all minor things and you really have to go over the guitar to notice. It is something I expect at this price on an import guitar, just small QC stuff.Now to the major problems. The action was way high at the bridge when I received it, just under a 1/2" from top of body to bottom of the tremelo. Looking to figure out how low I could go, I noticed the neck was sitting at an angle and there was a gap in the neck pock.I removed the neck to find a shim had been placed in it. Now if this guitar wasn't heel adjust I would have just sent it back and never known but since you have to remove the neck for adjustment, figured why not. After removing shim I was able to get the bridge down to 1/8" off the body, you'll never be able to fully deck it. I also had to adjust string tension at the head to keep the lockers from turning strings sharp, not a huge deal, that's what it's there for.The newer models also don't match the picture. there is no longer a bullet plug on the head stock (where rod usually is on a strat). There is also no longer a skunk stripe on the back of the neck either. I am assuming these are cost cutting measures.The QC is an issue on these guitars I imagine, that's the biggest flaw. They are on par with most any $500 guitar, except the neck. The neck is leaps and bounds above others in my opinion. I put the guitar on the same level as a MIM strat.In the end I think it's a keeper and a decent guitar. I'd just suggest really looking over it when buying and be ready to do a little work or pay a good tech to set it up, which is common in this price range. Don't let it having a shim scare you off, it's probably rare anyways. I figure it was done as a fast way to set it up with a low board action to give people the ability to have a push pull trem, I prefer dive only or just enough for flutter. Just remember at $500, they aren't spending hours to set up a guitar, they'd never get enough out the door. I listed manufacturer support at 2 1/2 stars as I haven't used it but even if they are great I shouldn't have to need them (if they did what they should in the first place) so half way seems fair.Waylon

I have been playing guitar for over 50 years and have enjoyed the work of Adrian Smith in Iron Maiden and especially the work he did on the Bruce Dickenson solo albums. I was in the market for a high quality bolt on guitar with a Floyd Rose and ebony fingerboard and this guitar comes with a DiMarzio Super Distortion pickup which I used to have on one of my old Jacksons, I feel this is an great high gain pickup. This guitar has an excellent build quality that you would expect from a USA made Jackson. The guitar has a nice feel but the tone is so satisfying especially for high gain solos, the notes seem to have a fuller sound compared to some of my other high end guitars (Ibanez J. Custom, ESP E-II and Kiesel JB24), it's a very satisfying guitar to play. Please note that there are two similar models here, evidently this is the new model and the only difference in the description is that this is the snow white model and it's a few hundred dollars more than the other Adrian Smith San Dimas USA model. I had bought the other model first because I couldn't see any difference in the description but when I got it I needed to adjust the truss rod and that's when I found out that in order to adjust the truss rod on the cheaper model you have to remove the neck, I mean seriously? After I called Guitar Center and their tech confirmed that information I called Guitar Center and they gladly processed the return and got me the proper model in couple days no problem. Just be sure that you are getting the model that is snow white and look closely at the picture to see it has the spoke wheel adjustment for the truss rod but yeah the Adrian Smith San Dimas USA Snow White guitar sounds awesome!Mark G

This guitar is a very good value for it's cost. I really like the neck, as it's finish is really good for a guitar in this price range. Frets are smooth and the ends were done nicely, no snags on the fingers. The Floyd Rose Special holds tune nicely. I made some minor adjustments in string action and trem height to get really low action. The pick ups sound great coming through my Marshall DSL 20 Head and Cab.I really like the Fender style headstock with the black hardware. Overall it's an amazing guitar for the price. I am a musician of 35+ years and have owned many, many guitars over the years. I purchased this for my 15 year old son as it was an upgrade from his first guitar, a Squire HSS Strat. He loves the instrument. There are reviews where there's mention of the 1st E coming off the fretboard during play, I or my Son have had no issues with this. Maybe it's a technique thing.. Best of wishes to all you shredders!!Old Guy In The Midwest.

I really don't have anything bad to say about this guitar. I own mostly all premium guitars and I wanted a floyd rose guitar..I picked this guitar in the shop and was very impressed. I tried a few other guitars but this guitar was just too excellent for the price. I brought it home and did a set up with 10s because that is what I like. The hardware seemed to be of good quality while working with it to set the guitar up. The pickups are pretty good too, I had a set of Bareknuckle Rebel Yells laying around…but I didn't feel the need to swap them at all. The roasted neck also feels good in the hand, it's chunky, it is NOT a wizard type neck, but it is definitely a great neck that I personally like! Overall this is a great buy! Playability, Stability and Tone….I mean that's what we want.Ernie

I tried this out at guitar center riverdale utah and holy smokes it reminded me of the Korean dean dime guitars! I own two of them so I know what I'm talking about. Tone is warm and the midrange is amazing . The floyd rose stays in tune . I did dive bombs and I had 0 problems . The only thing I noticed was the neck kind of clicked when I dived down on the bar but that's not uncommon. That happens when the nut very slightly moves and can be fixed. The action was fluid amazing. The color is neon . A very very good dean guitar .Kade

This guitar surprised me with the playability. The tone was bright and edgy in a good way for high gain. The pickups bring a lot to the table as well. There were two to choose from in the store and both were great. First off I picked up the guitar because the neck and the neck pickup….looked out of alignment…this made me take it off the rack and play it…I played it for 2 hours in store and another 2 at home….Tuning and setup stability was perfect….so I don't know what that is about….but the Guitar plays great and stays great. Don't know if they will all have this though. All in All I can say to give this guitar a try if you are looking for a Floyd Rose guitar. I'm glad I did.Ernie

I was gifted this beauty for my birthday. I had a 2PU version before, but through my own innatention, cracked the breadstick at the neck. I repaired it, but then sold it. I giggled and recorded extensively with that guitar. I was missing it, and thanks to my kid brother and his wonderful girlfriend, the Caddy has joined my guitar tribe. It sounds, feels, and plays like and old friend!L.B.

I love this guitar. This guitar completely rocks. Plays great sounds great and looks great. It came out of the box almost set up perfectly. The only thing is the action could have been Lowered just a tad. But this guitar is two thumbs up. This is my main guitar for now on.Lee

Not one single regret about adding this Dean Cadi to my arsenal!! No sharp frets, no dead frets, the neck plays super fast and this is a very comfortable guitar to hold! You simply do not want to put it down!! Get your wings!Christopher

if you are looking for a LP this is a good one it will need a setup but it is good well it is better then good this it a slepper what a guitar for the pricercilaser

I have used this guitar with my band, live and in rehearsals… Plays fantastically once I set it up to my desired specs (Std D tuning, 10-52 strings, FU Tone brass block), but these PRS stock pickups have no grunt and snarl to them, so I plan to add an SD Black Winter set like in my EC Black Metal FR (dropped C). I have reverted back to using my Kramer Assault Plus which came loaded with the SD Alternative 8 set. Will likely use Custom 24 as primary D guitar again after replacing pickups. For this pickup issue alone, I'm giving it 3 stars, otherwise, it would be 5, as spending over 200 bucks more is a bit off putting after spending over $1100 for this plus a hard shell case for an import.Steve

From the moment you pull the case from the shipping box, to that incredible moment you set you’re eyes on this thing and pick it up. You experience a whole new level of quality craftsmanship, choice parts and select materials. Small innovative ideas that make you think, “now that's a better way to do that, why didn’t anyone else think of that?” The guitar was set up perfectly, fret work is incredible and is such a joy to play. Not to mention that it’s so beautiful. I’m sure whatever finish you select, it will look incredible. But it’s not just a pretty face. This instruments excels at what it’s suppose to do. Be a tool for your music. Nothing is perfect so here is what I found. And I’m being VERY picky The pickups are fantastic. Quality tones and I’m impressed with the clean tones and split combinations (truly great tones). I’m not as impressed with the drive tones. Purely personal opinion but I find they have too much “bite”. THAT’S ALL! Haha! Seriously! Buy it!Grumpy Guitar Player USA

My husband had wanted one of these for a long time and I surprised him with this one. He loves everything about it and couldn’t be happier. I don’t play guitar but he said it plays like a dream. I can say that it probably has the best sound of all the guitars he has.B.Farley903

At first I thought this guitar would be fun to own, just because it was unusual and different. It's not comfortable to play. It will not fit most guitar stands. The more I look at it the less I like it. What were they thinking ? If I lean it up against anything it just wants to fall over. I have other guitars that sound better and are easier to handle and play. The D'Angelico brand is quality, they had to know this was a big mistake. I should have bought an SD.cheetah121

This guitar is great. I've been waiting for D'Angelico to release a solid body at an affordable price. Sounds great through my Supro tube amp… a very full, and warm sound. Also sounds great through my pedal rack. This guitar really gives me the versatility I need. Highly recommended.Zander

Watched a review by Mike Pachelli on this guitar and thought it wouldn't hurt to check it out – then when I saw the price – well, How can I not check it out. This is a great guitar – great finish – great quality – and above all, it plays great without any further set up – would like to get the other color. The best money I have spent in a long time.NickeyD

Real pleased with my purchase. I don't think of price when I buy a guitar as they are inflated lately. In saying that, This guitar required a few things to get it playing well. Frets needed to be polished. Strings replaced with diadero 10s XL. Cleaned the nut slots, and finally made a large adjustment to the truss rod, bridge and stop tail. The number 2 position with the bridge pickup in single coil mode, works amazing for me. Impressed totally.StevanC

I’m a 54 yr old,pro player & guitar instructor, I’m always interested in budget guitars to suggest to students. I’ve found some feel cheap,or play horribly. This brand is quite the opposite, it has a solid feel, low action, rich bass and sparkling tone. I know those terms are tossed around a lot,listen to the demos on YT, this guitar sparkles like a nice acoustic should. The finish feels wonderful,it came with everything,a tuner, strap, extra strings,and a gig bag. The kit even came with a battery and a wrench to adjust the height of the action. The wrench works well, Ashthorpe has videos showing how to use it, The ELECTRONICS are what makes this instrument much better than the other budget acoustics on Amazon, It has a strong, rich equalizer onboard,u can do or subtract treble, or bass..or midrange..or the super high frequency string noises can be lowered or raised w the presence control. It has a volume control and a battery tester with LED right onboard. This electronics and preamp package is what you’d expect on guitars $300 or higher..It’s not Fishman or a famous brand, but it may as well be, it feels the same. I’ve owned over a hundred guitars, probably closer to 200 and I’ve never seen an acoustic electric with this kind of tone, feel and quality electronics in this price range..ever, if this guitar had no electronics,and was not electric-acoustic at all..it would still sell like crazy at this price. It’s almost hard to believe you get SO much for your hundred bucks. I have had acoustics where the case alone cost more than this guitar. Buy this model if you are considering a few different ones.. the thinline Ashthorpe makes is a smaller body, good for small hands, petite ladies or teens.. but the full size dreadnaught has the rich,thick bass u can feel in your body. The tone is better than the thinline,but a dread body can be big for some smaller people. The thinline was small and comfy,little more sparkly and less bass, but this model has the tone. And the way they laser etched the logo on the navy blue headstock is classy,it gives the whole guitar the expensive,modern vibe I go through guitars fast, I buy, sell, trade.and give some away to students…and I only wind up w the ones I LOVE. And I still have my Ashthorpe Dreadnaught Blue burst,it was a gift from my parents,.and has special meaning to me, Just buy this one,thank me later! forget the budget brands u see on Amazon..Ashthorpe users all leave great reviews, and for good reason.. the customer service is top notch too, a nice lady named Jennifer took great care of me when I had inquiries,and replied to my emails the same day, super quickly.Kevin G.(.I.

I purchased the guitar to play bottle neck slide on . Right out of the box it was easy to set up . Tuned up no issues. Nice action height , and really good sound . I would highly recommend the guitar . A real bargain for the money .Kevin

I’ve been a guitar instructor over 30 years, I’m a pro player with album credits on Warner, Gergen and more.. I’m 54 and playing since I’m 12 I own two Ashthorpe acoustics, this one in a dark butterscotch finish,and a full size dread in blue burst, The thinline has that tone like one of the smaller bodied guitars..bright,sparkly and up front. The body is not as thick as a big acoustic like my dreadnaught, but it is a full scale length adults acoustic.. they just made the body thinner for smaller folks to feel more comfy, The electronic package is superb,get it for that alone,you can plug in delays and effects, phase shifter and compressors, reverbs.. use the PA system or a small amp and play coffee house gigs, without the trouble of putting another Micah the guitar. The EQD section and the onboard controls are well made, useful and the eq points are musical and just right. It’s amazing how intuitive these designers were, they got just about everything right… the feel, the neck, the tone, the electronics..the finish.. it came with a strong gig bag ,not padded but rainproof and strong, like the nylon Tents and backpacks are made from..also a good electric tuner that works nicely,a cable,picks, a strap,extra strings..everything good quality and usable for a pro..maybe investing in a set of more expensive strings will help, the sets they provided sounded ok.but I’m guessing some high end strings would improve sound too,(Martin,Diaddario,Ernie Ball..etc) If u want something light and comfy, yet adult scale length with a pro feel and gorgeous woodwork, they’re out there.. but in this price range? There’s nothing available with the electronics package like this.. It’s so much fun playing with effects through an amp, this company is really awesome,they have instructional videos on YouTube and the customer service was polite,efficient and very pleasant.Kevin G.(.I.

Very good stainless steel fret nice body not heavy very nice orginal pickups it's cheap but not bad i owned headless i don't have any problems with bridge or setup until now. Thank yououdai jawad