Hey, all. I`m a semi-new guitarist (i started fiddeling around with an acoustic 3 years ago and never did much) and I`m planning on getting myself an electric guitar. However, I plan on doing jazz with my axe and am not quite sure which type of guitar will get the job done... Would I go with a Les Paul, a hollowbody, a semi-hollowbody, or a strat? I`ve seen people play jazz on all of them and never been able to get to a guitar store to try them all out. So my basic question is "What guitar is best for jazz?"

Sorry, I missed this one earlier when I started visiting the site.

A Hollowbody is most traditional due to the warm of the sound. But a semi-hollow allows you to play at higher volumes without feedback problems, plus is probably more versatile for other styles as well.

I`ve got a Gretsch, which has a beautiful sound, but due to its old fashioned round cutaway, it`s quite difficult to get a note above the 15th fret or a chord above the 13th fret. Thus, I`ll play one of my solid bodies if I want to get more access.

You might want to look at the Ibanez George Benson model as it is very popular.

If money is an issue, (and when isn`t it) I would go for the Aria FA71. It is a floating pickup hollowbody worthy of all the jazz tunes. Acoustically, it has the tight melow sound you expect, and buttery soft tones when plugged in.
Mind you, it is a one trick pony, but it is a great trick.
The one I have is tricked out with a BJB pickup, Grover Imperials, and a Gibson finger-type tailpiece. It looks just like the Gibson LeGrand model.
The parts I put in actually ended up costing more than the original price of the guitar, but it played so good I wanted to make it look as great as it played.