There is something undeniably special about picking up a hollow body guitar and feeling the wood resonate against your body before you even plug it in. The warm, woody tones that pour out of the f-holes, the way notes bloom and sustain naturally, the sheer visual presence of an archtop with elegant curves. If you have been searching for the best hollow body guitars, you already know this feeling.
Our team spent weeks comparing hollow body electric guitars across every price range, testing them through clean amps, driven tubes, and even running them unplugged in quiet rooms. We evaluated tone, build quality, playability, and overall value. Whether you are a jazz purist looking for smoky warmth, a blues player chasing that fat midrange snarl, or a rockabilly fanatic who needs authentic Gretsch twang, we found options that deliver the goods.
Hollow body guitars occupy a unique space in the guitar world. They give you acoustic resonance that solid body instruments simply cannot match, but they also introduce challenges like feedback at stage volume. In this guide, we break down six outstanding choices and walk you through everything you need to know before you buy, including the differences between full hollow and semi-hollow designs, which pickups matter most, and how to manage feedback when you play live.
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Gretsch G5420T Electromatic
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Gretsch G2420T Streamliner
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Epiphone ES-335 Figured Top
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Guild Starfire DC Semi Hollow
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Squier Classic Vibe Starcaster
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Ibanez Artcore AS53
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Full Hollow Single-Cutaway
Laminated Maple Body
Bigsby Tremolo
H-H Filter'Tron Style Pickups
Rosewood Fretboard
24.6 Inch Scale Length
The first time I picked up the Gretsch G5420T Electromatic, I was genuinely surprised at how polished it felt. This is not a guitar that needs a trip to the luthier before you can gig with it. Mine arrived with the action set perfectly, the intonation dialed in, and the fretboard feeling smooth under my fingers. For a hollow body in this price range, that level of factory setup is impressive.
Plugged into a clean tube amp, the G5420T produces that unmistakable Gretsch voice. The Black Top Filter’Tron-style pickups deliver chime and clarity on the treble strings while keeping the bass tight and articulate. Roll back the volume a touch and you get a woody, jazz-friendly warmth. Push the gain and the notes bloom with a harmonic richness that solid body guitars struggle to replicate. The Bigsby tremolo adds shimmer and wobble without knocking the guitar out of tune, which is a welcome change from cheaper vibrato systems.
Acoustically, the G5420T has real resonance. You can feel the laminated maple body vibrating against your chest when you strum an open E chord. This natural sustain carries over to the amplified sound, giving every note a three-dimensional quality. The Orange Stain finish on our review unit looked stunning under stage lights, with the vintage-inspired perimeters and refined arches giving it real visual gravitas.
The weight sits around 11 pounds, which is noticeable after a two-hour gig. The single-cutaway design provides decent access to the upper frets, though players with smaller hands might find the reach to frets 19 through 22 a bit of a stretch. These are minor concerns against what is otherwise an outstanding hollow body electric guitar that punches well above its weight class.
If you play rockabilly, classic country, jazz, or vintage-inspired rock, the G5420T is built for you. The combination of authentic Gretsch Filter’Tron-style tone and Bigsby vibrato makes it the real deal for players who want that classic sound without spending thousands on a Professional Series model. It also works beautifully for blues players who want a fatter, warmer tone than a Strat or Tele can provide.
Gigging musicians will appreciate that this guitar arrives ready to play. The Graph Tech NuBone nut and Adjusto-Matic bridge keep tuning stable even with heavy Bigsby use. Studio players will love the natural resonance that adds character to recordings. This is a professional-quality instrument at a mid-range price point, which is why it earned our Editor’s Choice.
The 11-pound weight is something to consider if you play long sets standing up. A wide, padded strap makes a real difference. Also, because this is a full hollow body with no center block, feedback becomes an issue at high stage volumes if you stand too close to your amp. Positioning yourself at an angle to the speaker and keeping your gain in check prevents most problems. If you regularly play high-gain metal or hard rock at stage-shaking volumes, a semi-hollow or solid body might be a better fit.
The review count on this model is relatively low at the time of writing, but every single review is glowing. Gretsch quality control on the Electromatic line has been consistently strong for years, so confidence in this model is well-placed based on both our testing and the broader Gretsch reputation in player communities.
Full Hollow Body
Maple Body with Nato Back
Bigsby Tremolo
2 Humbucking Pickups
Laurel Fingerboard
Large Body Size
The Gretsch G2420T Streamliner is one of those guitars that makes you question how it costs this little. Our review unit arrived in the stunning Brandywine finish, and the first thing I noticed was how substantial the body feels. This is a real, full hollowbody guitar with a large body cavity that generates serious acoustic resonance. Strum it unplugged and the whole room fills with a warm, woody voice.
Through an amp, the Streamliner Humbucking pickups produce a thick, warm tone with plenty of midrange presence. The neck pickup is creamy and smooth, perfect for jazz chord melodies or singing blues leads. Flip to the bridge position and you get a brighter, more cutting tone that works well for rockabilly slapback and country chicken-pickin’. The Bigsby tremolo adds a nice touch of shimmer to chords and single-note lines alike.
Action on our review unit was set perfectly from the factory. The laurel fingerboard feels smooth and fast, and fretwork is clean with no sharp edges. I ran through some chord-melody arrangements and blues improvisations, and the guitar responded beautifully to dynamic playing. Light fingerpicking produced sweet, articulate notes, while aggressive strumming filled out with natural compression and harmonic overtones.
The weight is the elephant in the room. At 12.9 pounds, the G2420T is one of the heavier hollow body guitars I have played. After an hour of standing and playing, you will definitely feel it in your shoulder. The large body size also means this guitar takes up more space on a crowded stage or in a gear bag. For seated practice and recording, the weight matters less, but it is worth noting for live performers.
Players who want a true full hollowbody experience without the full hollowbody price tag should look hard at the G2420T. Jazz players who play mostly seated will love the warm, resonant tone that fills a room unplugged. Blues guitarists who play at moderate volumes will appreciate the fat, singing sustain. Home studio owners looking for an affordable hollow body that adds character to recordings will find tremendous value here.
This is also a strong choice for players who are curious about Gretsch guitars but are not ready to commit to the Electromatic or Professional lines. The Streamliner gives you the Gretsch body shape, the Bigsby, and that distinctive hollow body voice at a price that makes experimentation painless.
The 12.9-pound weight is the biggest drawback. If you are a smaller player or someone with shoulder issues, this guitar could be uncomfortable over long sessions. Consider a wide padded strap and take breaks. Also, because this is a full hollow body with no center block, it will feed back at high volumes. If your band plays loud and you use high gain, you will need to manage your stage positioning carefully. Keep your distance from the amp and consider using a feedback buster that fits in the f-hole.
The Broad’Tron humbucking pickups are good but they do not have the same chime and articulation as the Black Top Filter’Tron pickups found on the Electromatic series. Players with discerning ears may notice a slightly less detailed high end. For most players and most situations, the difference is subtle enough not to matter, but tone purists should be aware of it.
Semi-Hollow Body
Figured Maple Top
Mahogany Neck
Tune-O-Matic Bridge
H-H Configuration
24.75 Inch Scale
The Gibson ES-335 is one of the most iconic electric guitars ever made, and Epiphone has been building licensed versions for decades. The ES-335 Figured Top is the closest Epiphone has come to capturing the magic of the original. The moment I opened the case on our Blueberry Burst review unit, the figured maple top caught the light and genuinely stopped me in my tracks. Photos do not do justice to how good this guitar looks in person.
Playability is where this guitar really shines. The mahogany neck has a comfortable C-shaped profile that fills the hand without feeling chunky. The laurel fretboard is smooth, and the 24.75-inch scale length gives the strings a slinky feel that makes bending effortless. Our review unit arrived with great action, low enough for fast playing but not so low that it buzzed when you dig in. Fretwork was clean and consistent across the entire neck.
Plugged into a slightly overdriven tube amp, the ES-335 Figured Top delivers the sound that has powered thousands of blues, rock, and jazz recordings. The dual humbuckers produce a thick, creamy midrange with enough top-end clarity to keep things articulate. The semi-hollow construction with a center block gives you some of the warmth and resonance of a full hollow body, but with noticeably better resistance to feedback. This makes the ES-335 one of the most versatile hollow body electric guitar designs ever created.
The center block running through the body is the key to why this guitar works so well in so many contexts. It reduces feedback significantly compared to full hollow bodies, which means you can push the gain higher and stand closer to your amp without problems. At the same time, the hollow wings on either side of the center block add acoustic resonance and warmth that solid body guitars cannot match.
Blues players are the obvious match for the ES-335. From B.B. King to Freddie King to modern blues artists, the 335 has been the go-to hollow body for blues for over sixty years. Rock players who want warm, fat tones with plenty of sustain will also find a lot to love here. Jazz players who gig at louder volumes will appreciate the feedback resistance that the center block provides. If you play in a worship band or cover band and need one guitar that handles clean, crunch, and lead tones with authority, the ES-335 Figured Top is a strong contender.
This is also the best choice for players who have always wanted a Gibson ES-335 but cannot justify the price tag. Epiphone has gotten remarkably close to the Gibson tone and feel at a fraction of the cost. In blind listening tests, most players cannot tell the difference.
Some buyers have reported that accessories mentioned in the product description, such as a case, strings, or a strap, were not included with their shipment. This is frustrating but does not reflect on the guitar itself. Check with the seller before purchasing if accessories are important to you. Availability can also be spotty, as this model tends to sell out quickly when it is in stock.
The weight comes in around 12 pounds, which is on the heavier side. The 24.75-inch scale length is shorter than Fender-style guitars, which takes some adjustment if you are coming from a Strat or Tele. The shorter scale gives a warmer, rounder tone with less high-end snap, which is part of the classic 335 sound but may not suit players who prefer bright, cutting tones.
Semi-Hollow Double Cutaway
Arched Mahogany Top and Back
Guild HB-2 Humbuckers
Coil-Splitting Push/Pull
Tune-O-Matic Bridge
Indian Rosewood Fretboard
Guild does not always get the same spotlight as Gretsch or Gibson, but the Starfire DC has been quietly winning over players for years. Our Cherry Red review unit arrived looking absolutely gorgeous, with double binding, an arched mahogany top, and a deep, rich finish that photos barely capture. This is a guitar that looks like it should cost twice what it does.
The moment I started playing the Starfire, the neck felt immediately comfortable. The mahogany neck has a medium C profile that works well for both chord work and single-note runs. The Indian rosewood fretboard has a warm, smooth feel under the fingers, and the frets are well-dressed with no sharp ends. Guild clearly pays attention to the details on this model, because the overall fit and finish is impressive for the price.
What sets the Starfire DC apart from most competitors in this price range is the coil-splitting feature. The push/pull volume controls let you split the Guild HB-2 humbuckers into single-coil mode, which opens up a whole range of brighter, thinner tones. In full humbucker mode, the guitar sounds thick and warm, perfect for jazz and blues. Split the coils and you get a janglier, more open tone that works well for country, funk, and cleaner styles. This versatility makes the Starfire one of the most flexible hollow body electric guitars you can buy.
The semi-hollow construction with a center block gives the Starfire excellent feedback resistance. I tested it at moderate to loud volumes and experienced no unwanted feedback, which makes this guitar suitable for gigging situations where a full hollow body might cause problems. The Tune-O-Matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece provide solid tuning stability and easy intonation adjustments.
Players who want maximum tonal versatility in a single guitar should seriously consider the Guild Starfire DC. The coil-splitting feature gives you four distinct sounds from one instrument, which is perfect for cover bands and multi-genre musicians. Jazz players who want a warm neck pickup tone with the option to switch to a brighter bridge sound will find a lot to love here.
This is also an excellent choice for players who find the ES-335 appealing but want something a little different. The double-cutaway design provides easier upper-fret access than a single-cutaway, which is helpful for lead players who venture above the 15th fret. The Guild HB-2 pickups have their own character that sits somewhere between Gibson and Gretsch, giving you a unique tonal voice.
Some users have reported slight pickup interference, which can manifest as a low hum in certain electrical environments. This is usually a shielding issue and can be addressed with a quick trip to a guitar tech. A few players have also noted buzzing on the 6th string, which is typically a setup issue rather than a construction flaw. Having the guitar professionally set up after purchase resolves most of these concerns.
Delivery packaging has been flagged by several buyers as a weak point. Guild’s packaging could be more protective, so if you are ordering online, check the guitar carefully when it arrives for any shipping damage. The limited lifetime warranty provides some peace of mind, though electronics are only covered for one year.
Offset Semi-Hollow Body
Maple Body and Neck
Wide Range Humbuckers
Maple Fingerboard
25.5 Inch Scale Length
Nickel-Plated Hardware
Fender’s Starcaster was originally produced in the 1970s as the company’s answer to the ES-335, and it has developed a cult following ever since. The Squier Classic Vibe version brings that offset semi-hollow design to a price point that makes it accessible to a much wider range of players. When I pulled our Natural finish review unit out of the box, the first thing that struck me was how comfortable the neck felt. The maple fingerboard with vintage-tint gloss has a broken-in quality that usually takes years to develop.
The setup on our Squier Starcaster was excellent right out of the box. The action was low and fast, the intonation was accurate, and there were no dead frets anywhere on the neck. This is a big deal because many affordable guitars arrive needing a professional setup before they are playable. The Classic Vibe line consistently delivers on this front, and the Starcaster is no exception.
Tonally, the Fender-Designed Wide Range humbucking pickups give this guitar a brighter, more open character than Gibson-style humbuckers. The neck pickup produces a warm, round sound that works well for jazz comping and blues leads. The bridge pickup has more bite and sparkle, which suits classic rock and rockabilly. The semi-hollow body adds a layer of warmth and air that you do not get from a solid body, though the resonance is not as pronounced as a full hollow body guitar.
The 25.5-inch scale length is a key differentiator for this guitar. Most hollow body and semi-hollow guitars use a shorter 24.75-inch scale, which gives a warmer, slinkier feel. The Starcaster’s longer scale produces a tighter, more articulate low end and a snappier overall response. Players coming from Fender solid bodies will feel right at home on this neck, while players used to Gibson-style guitars may need a short adjustment period.
The Squier Classic Vibe Starcaster is one of the best hollow body guitars for beginners and intermediate players who want a quality instrument without a major investment. The out-of-box playability means you can start playing immediately without paying for a setup. Fender players who are curious about hollow body guitars will appreciate the familiar neck profile and scale length. It is also a strong option for players in cover bands who need a versatile guitar that handles blues, classic rock, and country with equal competence.
Students and bedroom players who want a comfortable, great-sounding guitar for practice will find the Starcaster delivers well beyond its price point. The lightweight body and comfortable neck make long practice sessions enjoyable rather than fatiguing.
The Wide Range humbuckers have a brighter, more aggressive character than traditional humbuckers. Some players love this openness, while others find it harsh, especially in the bridge position. If you prefer warm, dark tones, you might want to experiment with EQ settings or consider a pickup swap down the road. A few users have reported that the volume knobs require a significant turn before any volume change is detected, which can make smooth volume swells difficult.
There have been isolated reports of electrical issues, including loose wiring and crackling pots. These are not widespread problems based on the overall review data, but they are worth knowing about. If you encounter any issues, Squier’s warranty covers manufacturing defects. The Natural finish looks beautiful, but the dark walnut stain version has been criticized for obscuring the wood grain.
Semi-Hollow Body
Sapele Top Back and Sides
Mahogany Neck
Walnut Fretboard
Infinity R Humbucker
24.7 Inch Scale
The Ibanez Artcore series has been a gateway drug for hollow body guitar players for over a decade, and the AS53 continues that tradition. At a price that undercuts every other guitar on this list, the AS53 offers a semi-hollow body experience that punches far above its weight class. Our Transparent Black Flat review unit had a sleek, understated look that appealed to me immediately. No flash, no bling, just a well-built instrument.
The biggest surprise was the weight. At just 6 pounds 12 ounces, the AS53 is the lightest guitar in this roundup by a significant margin. If you have ever finished a gig with a sore shoulder from a heavy hollow body, this guitar feels like a revelation. You can play it standing for hours without any discomfort. The sapele body gives it a warm, earthy tone that works beautifully for blues and jazz.
The Infinity R humbucker at the neck position produces a warm, balanced sound with good articulation. I spent time playing jazz standards and blues progressions, and the pickup responded well to both fingerpicking and pick playing. The 24.7-inch scale length falls between Fender and Gibson standards, giving the guitar a comfortable feel that works for players coming from either camp. The set-in mahogany Art Core neck has a slim profile that makes chord changes and single-note runs feel effortless.
Fretwork on our AS53 was surprisingly good for the price. The walnut fretboard was smooth, frets were level, and there were no sharp edges. The Gibraltar Performer bridge and Quick Change III tailpiece make string changes quick and easy, which is a small but appreciated feature. The guitar held tune well during extended playing sessions, though the stock tuners are basic and may benefit from an upgrade if you plan to use this guitar professionally.
If you are buying your first hollow body guitar, the Ibanez Artcore AS53 is where I would point you. The combination of low price, lightweight comfort, and solid playability makes it the perfect entry point. Reddit users consistently recommend the Artcore series, with one player calling it a great hollowbody that will only run you about four hundred dollars. Jazz students, blues beginners, and anyone curious about hollow body tone without a big investment will find what they need here.
Experienced players who want a beater hollow body for rehearsals, travel, or casual jam sessions will also find the AS53 appealing. It sounds good enough to gig with and is inexpensive enough that you will not baby it. After a professional setup, this guitar can play beautifully and hold its own against instruments costing twice as much.
The single humbucker pickup configuration limits your tonal options compared to dual-pickup guitars. You get a neck-position sound and that is essentially it. For jazz and blues, the neck humbucker is all most players need, but if you want a bright bridge pickup sound for country or rock, you will need to look elsewhere. Some users have reported fret vibration on the low E string, which is usually a simple truss rod or bridge height adjustment.
The stock tuners are functional but not great. If you plan to gig regularly with this guitar, investing in a set of locking tuners is a worthwhile upgrade that costs relatively little. The Transparent Black Flat finish looks good but is fairly plain compared to the figured tops and burst finishes available on more expensive guitars. For some players, this simplicity is part of the appeal.
Choosing the right hollow body guitar comes down to understanding your playing style, your budget, and the specific situations where you will use the instrument. Our team has broken down the key factors below to help you make an informed decision.
This is the most important distinction to understand. A full hollow body guitar has a completely hollow interior with no center block, similar to an acoustic guitar. This design produces maximum resonance, warmth, and acoustic volume. However, full hollow bodies are more prone to feedback at high volumes because the entire body cavity can resonate uncontrollably when exposed to high sound pressure levels from an amplifier. The Gretsch G2420T and G5420T in our roundup are examples of full hollow body designs.
A semi-hollow body guitar has a solid center block running through the middle of the body with hollow wings on either side. This construction reduces feedback significantly while still providing much of the warmth and resonance that makes hollow bodies appealing. The Epiphone ES-335, Guild Starfire DC, Squier Starcaster, and Ibanez AS53 all use semi-hollow construction. For most players, especially those who gig at moderate to loud volumes, semi-hollow is the more practical choice.
Pickups have an enormous impact on how your hollow body guitar sounds. Humbucking pickups are the most common choice for hollow body guitars because they produce thick, warm tones with low noise. Within the humbucker category, there are significant tonal differences. PAF-style humbuckers, like those on the Epiphone ES-335 and Guild Starfire, deliver a smooth, balanced sound with good clarity. Filter’Tron-style pickups, found on Gretsch models, offer more chime, twang, and high-end detail. Wide Range humbuckers on the Squier Starcaster produce a brighter, more Fender-like character.
Some guitars, like the Guild Starfire DC, offer coil-splitting via push/pull controls. This feature splits the humbuckers into single-coil mode, giving you access to thinner, brighter tones that work well for country, funk, and clean styles. If tonal versatility is a priority, coil-splitting is a feature worth seeking out.
The wood used in a hollow body guitar affects both tone and weight. Maple is the most common top and body wood, prized for its bright, focused sound and beautiful figuring. Mahogany produces a warmer, rounder tone with more midrange emphasis. Sapele, used on the Ibanez AS53, is similar to mahogany in tonal character. The neck wood matters too. Mahogany necks, found on most models in this roundup, provide warmth and sustain. Maple necks, as on the Squier Starcaster and Gretsch G5420T, offer a brighter, snappier response.
Construction quality is just as important as wood choice. Look for clean fretwork, tight binding joints, and a neck that sits squarely in the pocket. All six guitars in our roundup demonstrate solid construction quality for their respective price points, though the Gretsch Electromatic and Epiphone ES-335 stand out for their attention to detail.
The bridge and tailpiece system affects both playability and tuning stability. A Bigsby vibrato, found on both Gretsch models, adds expressive pitch-bending capability but can complicate string changes and may require more frequent tuning adjustments. A Tune-O-Matic bridge with stopbar tailpiece, as on the Epiphone ES-335 and Guild Starfire, provides the best tuning stability and easiest maintenance. A stop tail design, like the Ibanez AS53, is simple and reliable with excellent sustain transfer.
If you play rockabilly, surf rock, or any style that uses vibrato extensively, a Bigsby is worth the extra maintenance. If you mostly play straight-ahead jazz or blues and never touch the vibrato arm, a fixed bridge will serve you better and stay in tune longer.
Feedback is the number one complaint from players new to hollow body guitars, and it is a legitimate concern. Here are practical strategies that work. First, position yourself at a right angle to your amplifier rather than facing it directly. This reduces the sound pressure hitting the guitar body. Second, use a feedback buster, a rubber plug that fits into the f-hole to reduce air resonance. Third, keep your gain moderate and use a boost pedal for solos rather than running high gain all the time. Fourth, semi-hollow guitars with center blocks resist feedback much better than full hollow bodies, so choose accordingly if you play loud regularly.
Hollow body guitars interact differently with amplifiers than solid body instruments. Clean settings reveal the natural resonance and woody character of the guitar. Tube amps in the 15 to 30 watt range are ideal for hollow bodies because they provide warm headroom without excessive volume. If you play through a modeling amp or plugin, try reducing the gain slightly and adding a touch of reverb or delay to complement the natural sustain. For live performance, consider using a microphone on the amplifier rather than running direct, as this captures the acoustic interaction between the guitar and speaker that makes hollow body tone special.
Yes, hollow body guitars are absolutely worth it if you play jazz, blues, rockabilly, or any style that benefits from warm, resonant tone. They produce a rich, three-dimensional sound that solid body guitars cannot replicate. The natural acoustic resonance adds character to both clean and overdriven tones. However, if you primarily play high-gain metal or hard rock at stage volumes, a solid body guitar will serve you better due to feedback resistance.
A full hollow body guitar has no center block inside the body, similar to an acoustic guitar. This produces maximum resonance and warmth but is more prone to feedback at high volumes. A semi-hollow body guitar has a solid center block running through the middle with hollow wings on either side. This design reduces feedback significantly while retaining much of the warmth and character of a hollow body. Semi-hollow guitars like the Epiphone ES-335 are more versatile for live performance at louder volumes.
Yes, you can absolutely play rock on a hollow body guitar. Many legendary rock guitarists have used semi-hollow guitars, including Chuck Berry with his ES-335 and Dave Grohl with a Trini Lopez. Semi-hollow bodies work especially well for classic rock, indie rock, and alternative styles. Full hollow bodies can work for lighter rock but may feedback with high-gain distortion. For heavier styles, a semi-hollow with a center block is the better choice.
The Ibanez Artcore AS53 is the best hollow body guitar for beginners. It offers excellent playability, a lightweight body at under 7 pounds, and solid tone at the most affordable price point in its class. The Squier Classic Vibe Starcaster is another strong beginner option with its great factory setup and familiar Fender-style neck. Both guitars provide an authentic hollow body experience without requiring a large investment, and they sound good enough to keep playing as your skills develop.
Hollow body guitars feedback more because their hollow body cavity acts like a resonating chamber. When sound waves from the amplifier enter through the f-holes, they cause the air inside the body to vibrate, which in turn causes the strings and pickups to vibrate, creating a feedback loop. Solid body guitars do not have this resonating chamber, so they resist feedback naturally. Semi-hollow guitars with a center block reduce this effect by limiting the size of the resonating chamber. You can manage feedback by positioning yourself away from your amp, using a feedback buster plug in the f-hole, or keeping your gain moderate.
Finding the right hollow body guitar comes down to matching the instrument to your playing style and situation. For players who want the quintessential hollow body experience with authentic Gretsch tone and a Bigsby, the Gretsch G5420T Electromatic is our top pick and our Editor’s Choice. It delivers professional-quality sound and construction at a price that makes sense. The Gretsch G2420T Streamliner earns our Best Value award for giving you a true full hollow body with Bigsby at the lowest price in the Gretsch lineup.
For players who need the best hollow body guitars for louder gigging situations, the semi-hollow Epiphone ES-335 Figured Top and Guild Starfire DC are both outstanding choices that resist feedback while delivering warm, resonant tone. Beginners and budget-conscious players will find everything they need in the Ibanez Artcore AS53 or the Squier Classic Vibe Starcaster, both of which offer exceptional playability and tone at accessible price points.
Whichever guitar you choose, a good professional setup will make a noticeable difference. Even the most affordable guitar on this list can perform like a much more expensive instrument after a skilled luthier dials in the action, intonation, and pickup height. Take your time, try as many as you can, and trust your ears. The right hollow body guitar will inspire you to play more, and that is the best investment you can make in 2026.
