Best Archtop Acoustic Guitars

If you’re drawn to the rich, woody tones of vintage jazz records or love the look of a finely carved top with f-holes, an archtop acoustic guitar might be your next great discovery. Originally built for jazz and swing, modern archtops have found a place in blues, folk, and even indie rock—thanks to their distinct projection, midrange focus, and aesthetic appeal.

In this guide, we break down the best archtop acoustic guitars available today—ranging from affordable entry models to boutique, hand-carved masterpieces—so you can find the perfect instrument for your style and budget.

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What Is an Archtop Acoustic Guitar?

An archtop acoustic guitar features:

• A curved (arched) top and back, often carved from solid wood

• F-holes instead of a round soundhole (like a violin)

• A floating bridge and tailpiece, for crisp string tension

• A warm, punchy, and mid-focused tone, ideal for jazz chord comping or solo runs

Many archtops also come in acoustic-electric versions with floating or built-in pickups.

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Best Archtop Acoustic Guitars (2024 Picks)

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1. Godin 5th Avenue CW Kingpin II

Best Overall Archtop Acoustic-Electric

Godin’s 5th Avenue series blends traditional archtop design with modern build quality and affordability. The Kingpin II comes equipped with dual P90 pickups, making it versatile for both unplugged and plugged-in playing.

Key Features:

• Canadian wild cherry arched top/back/sides

• 24.84″ scale, cutaway design

• Dual P90 pickups for rich, articulate tone

• Satin finish and vintage aesthetics

Why It’s Great:

• Warm acoustic projection with amplified bite

• Comfortable neck and lightweight body

• Ideal for jazz, blues, and alt-rock tones

Best For: Players who want a great acoustic-electric archtop that’s stage-ready

Price: ~$950

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2. Eastman AR503CE

Best Hand-Carved Archtop in the Mid-Range

Eastman is renowned for crafting traditional-style jazz boxes with high-quality tonewoods and hand-carved tops. The AR503CE is a standout for its tone, feel, and price.

Key Features:

• Solid carved spruce top with laminated maple back/sides

• Floating Kent Armstrong humbucker

• Venetian cutaway

• Ebony fretboard and bridge

Why It’s Great:

• Lush acoustic tone with mellow, jazzy highs

• Floating pickup keeps top resonance intact

• Excellent craftsmanship at a fair price

Best For: Jazz players and archtop lovers seeking hand-carved quality under $2,000

Price: ~$1,500

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3. The Loar LH-600

Best All-Acoustic Archtop on a Budget

Designed in the spirit of 1930s Gibson archtops, the LH-600 delivers warm, punchy tone with no electronics—just pure acoustic resonance.

Key Features:

• Hand-carved solid spruce top

• Solid maple back and sides

• Vintage V-profile neck

• No pickup—true acoustic tone

Why It’s Great:

• Excellent projection and midrange presence

• Great for unplugged jazz, blues, and roots

• Beautiful vintage design and sunburst finish

Best For: Traditionalists and acoustic archtop purists

Price: ~$800–$900

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4. Gretsch G100CE Synchromatic

Best Affordable Archtop Acoustic-Electric for Jazz and Swing

This Gretsch Synchromatic is a stylish archtop that brings big band charm at a beginner-to-intermediate price point.

Key Features:

• Laminated spruce top with maple back/sides

• Single floating mini-humbucker

• Cutaway design

• Classic f-holes and Art Deco appointments

Why It’s Great:

• Clear tone with vintage jazz sparkle

• Comfortable playability with a great look

• Solid value for money

Best For: Beginners or intermediate players entering the archtop world

Price: ~$600–$700

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5. D’Angelico Excel EXL-1

Best High-End Archtop with Signature Style

Inspired by John D’Angelico’s original archtops, the EXL-1 blends old-school craftsmanship with modern updates. It’s big, bold, and built for smooth jazz tones.

Key Features:

• Laminated spruce top, flame maple back/sides

• Floating Seymour Duncan Johnny Smith pickup

• 25.5″ scale, 22 frets

• Mother-of-pearl inlays and stair-step tailpiece

Why It’s Great:

• Deep, mellow jazz tone with beautiful resonance

• Elegant craftsmanship and visual appeal

• Top-tier components and finish

Best For: Jazz professionals or serious players seeking a showpiece that sounds as good as it looks

Price: ~$1,600–$1,800

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Comparison Table

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Tips for Choosing an Archtop Acoustic Guitar

1. Acoustic vs. Acoustic-Electric

• All-acoustic: More resonance, but limited to unplugged settings.

• Acoustic-electric: Great for gigging, but may color the tone with pickups.

2. Carved vs. Laminated Top

• Carved solid top: More resonance and warmth—ideal for serious players.

• Laminated top: Less expensive, more durable, and feedback-resistant for live use.

3. Pickup Type

• Floating pickups retain more acoustic tone.

• Mounted P90s or humbuckers offer more output and control.

4. Body Size and Neck Feel

• Archtops can be big—check the lower bout width and depth.

• Vintage necks may have a V-profile that takes getting used to.

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Final Thoughts

Archtop acoustic guitars bring a timeless sound and feel to your playing, whether you’re comping jazz chords, fingerpicking blues, or adding some vintage class to your set. With options ranging from budget-friendly to boutique, there’s an archtop out there for every player.

Here’s the bottom line:

• Choose the Godin 5th Avenue Kingpin II for the best all-around value and gig-friendly design.

• Pick the Eastman AR503CE for traditional jazz tone and hand-carved quality.

• Want a pure acoustic experience? The Loar LH-600 delivers that classic boxy punch.

• On a budget? The Gretsch G100CE looks and sounds like a lot more than it costs.

• For pro-level tone and style, the D’Angelico EXL-1 is a serious contender.

Ready to play with depth, warmth, and elegance? Choose the archtop guitar that matches your voice—and let every chord swing with soul.