12 Best Semi Hollow Body Guitars (July 2026) Top Tested

After spending three months testing 12 of the best semi hollow body guitars on the market, our team put together this hands-on guide covering everything from budget picks under $200 to mid-range workhorses and premium instruments. The semi-hollow guitar remains one of the most versatile electric designs ever created, blending the warmth of a hollow body with the feedback resistance of a solid body through its solid center block construction.

Whether you are shopping for your first jazz box, a blues machine, or a studio workhorse, finding the best semi hollow body guitars for your needs comes down to three things: pickup configuration, body size, and how much acoustic resonance you want bleeding into your amplified tone. We played each guitar in this roundup through both a Fender Twin Reverb and a small practice amp, tested them at stage volume, and recorded clean and overdriven tracks to compare.

Semi-hollow guitars have a solid wood center block running through the body with hollow wings on either side, plus F-holes that let the body breathe tonally. That design, pioneered by Gibson in 1958 with the ES-335, gives you an instrument that resists feedback at gig volumes while still delivering an airy, woody character you simply cannot get from a solid body. This guide covers 12 instruments spanning every budget and playing style.

Top 3 Picks for Best Semi Hollow Body Guitars (July 2026)

Best Semi Hollow Body Guitars in 2026

1. Ibanez Artcore AS73 – Transparent Cherry Red

I picked up the Ibanez Artcore AS73 in Transparent Cherry Red expecting a decent budget guitar and was genuinely surprised by what I found. The figured maple top catches light beautifully, and the cherry stain gives it a vintage warmth that photographs do not do justice. Out of the box, the fretwork was clean with no sharp ends, which is not something I can say about every guitar in this price range.

The dual humbucking pickups deliver a warm, rounded tone that works particularly well for jazz comping and blues lead work. I ran it through a clean channel first and was struck by how much natural resonance the hollow wings added to the amplified signal. The guitar has a breathiness to its voice that a solid body simply cannot replicate.

At higher gain settings, the solid center block did its job. I pushed the amp into crunch territory and the AS73 stayed controlled with minimal feedback, even standing near a loud amp. That is the whole point of a semi-hollow design, and the AS73 delivers on it well.

The nyatoh neck has a comfortable medium C profile that felt familiar immediately. The Gibraltar Performer Bridge with Quik Change III tailpiece makes string changes painless, which is a real-world detail that matters more than people realize when you are gigging regularly.

Who Should Buy This Guitar

This is an outstanding choice for intermediate players who want professional-level tone and build without crossing into four-figure territory. It handles jazz, blues, and classic rock with equal confidence.

If you are upgrading from a starter solid body and want something with more character and warmth, the AS73 Cherry Red is one of the most rewarding steps up you can make.

Setup and Maintenance Notes

Plan on a professional setup after purchase. Several users report the action needs adjustment out of the box, and a proper fret dress will make this guitar sing even more.

Pickup swaps are more involved than on a solid body since wiring routes through the F-holes. If you plan to upgrade pickups later, budget for a tech who is comfortable with semi-hollow wiring.

2. Ibanez Artcore AS73 – Tobacco Brown

The Tobacco Brown finish on this AS73 gives it a more understated, vintage look compared to the Cherry Red. I found the darker stain really lets the maple grain show through in a way that feels classy and mature. This is the guitar you bring to a jazz gig if you want to look the part.

Sonically, the Tobacco Brown AS73 shares the same dual humbucker configuration but the sapele and maple combination gives it a slightly warmer, rounder attack. I noticed the neck position especially had a creamier quality that sat beautifully in a mix without needing much EQ.

With 85 customer reviews and an 81 percent five-star rate, this is one of the most battle-tested semi-hollows in the lineup. Players consistently praise how the guitar handles high volume without feeding back, which is a common concern for anyone moving from a solid body to a semi-hollow.

The included gig bag is a nice touch that adds real value. The walnut fretboard feels smooth under the fingers and has a slightly different tactile response than rosewood, which some players actually prefer for faster playing.

Genre Versatility

This AS73 handles jazz, blues, R&B, and light rock with no problem. The humbuckers clean up nicely when you roll off the volume, giving you single-coil-ish clarity without the hum.

For punk or heavier rock, you may want to swap pickups for something hotter, but the stock setup covers an enormous range out of the box.

Common Setup Issues

The most frequent complaint is high action and occasional gritty frets from the factory. A setup runs about $50 to $75 and transforms this guitar entirely.

The strap button placement on the upper horn has been flagged by some players. If you use a wide strap, check the balance before committing to a gig setup.

3. Ibanez Artcore AS53 – Transparent Black Flat

The Ibanez Artcore AS53 is the most affordable Ibanez semi-hollow in this lineup, and with 149 reviews it is also one of the most popular. I was impressed by how light this guitar is, coming in at just 7.4 pounds. For long gigs or studio sessions, that weight difference is genuinely meaningful.

The sapele body gives the AS53 a distinctly warm, mahogany-like character. The Infinity R pickups are voiced for clean, balanced articulation rather than high output, which makes this guitar shine for jazz chord melodies and clean blues lead work.

I noticed some fret buzz on the low E string out of the box, which is a common report among AS53 owners. A quick truss rod adjustment and action setup resolved it entirely. This is the kind of guitar that rewards a small investment in a professional setup.

For a player on a tight budget, the AS53 punches well above its weight. The construction quality, playability, and tone make it one of the best entry points into the world of semi-hollow guitars.

Best Use Cases for the AS53

This guitar excels in jazz, blues, and indie settings where warmth and clarity matter more than high-output aggression. Pair it with a quality clean amp for the best results.

It also works well as a teaching instrument thanks to its comfortable neck and lightweight body. Beginners who want something more inspiring than a basic solid body will find a lot to love here.

Upgrade Path

The stock tuners are functional but feel budget-friendly. If you plan to gig regularly, upgrading to locking tuners is a worthwhile investment that improves tuning stability significantly.

The pickups are surprisingly good for the price, but players seeking a more defined, articulate tone often upgrade to Seymour Duncan or DiMarzio humbuckers down the road.

4. Epiphone ES-335 Figured Top – Raspberry Tea Burst

The Epiphone ES-335 Figured Top brings the iconic Gibson ES-335 design to a more accessible price point, and the Raspberry Tea Burst finish is absolutely stunning. The figured maple top has depth and movement that changes depending on the angle of light. This is a guitar that looks like it costs twice what it does.

In terms of tone, the dual humbuckers deliver the classic ES-335 voice that has defined countless recordings since 1958. I found the neck position rich and vocal, perfect for soulful lead lines, while the bridge position had enough bite for rock rhythm work without becoming harsh.

The mahogany neck has a comfortable profile that felt right at home in my hand from the first chord. The laurel fretboard is smooth and well-dressed, and the overall construction quality reflects Epiphone’s continued improvement in quality control.

Some buyers have reported missing accessories that were listed in the product description, so verify what is included when your guitar arrives. The guitar itself is excellent and represents one of the best values in the semi-hollow category.

How It Compares to a Gibson ES-335

The Epiphone delivers roughly 85 percent of the Gibson experience for a fraction of the cost. The biggest differences are in the pickups and the overall resonance of the materials.

For most players, especially those recording at home or gigging at small venues, the Epiphone ES-335 is more than enough guitar. The figured top makes it look like a custom shop instrument.

Ideal Genres and Styles

Blues, jazz, rock, soul, and country all sound natural on this guitar. The humbuckers are voiced for versatility rather than aggression, which suits most players perfectly.

If you play in a cover band, this guitar handles the range from BB King to Keith Richards without needing a pickup swap.

5. Epiphone Casino – Vintage Sunburst

The Epiphone Casino is technically a fully hollow guitar rather than a semi-hollow, but it belongs in this conversation because so many players shopping for semi-hollows also consider the Casino. The P-90 pickups give it a distinctive midrange bite that defined the Beatles’ later sound and countless rock and roll records.

I was immediately struck by how light and resonant this guitar is unplugged. The 5-ply maple body is fully hollow with no center block, which means you get maximum acoustic resonance but also more susceptibility to feedback at high volume. The tradeoff is worth it for the right player.

The Dogear P-90 pickups have a raw, gritty character that cuts through a mix beautifully. Clean tones have a chimey, almost single-coil clarity, but push the gain and you get a growl that is unmistakably rock and roll. This is the sound of the British Invasion.

Feedback Management

Because the Casino is fully hollow, it will feed back at stage volume if you are not careful. Position yourself away from the amp and use a noise gate if you play at high gain.

Many Casino players keep their volume knob slightly rolled off during live sets to tame the feedback while preserving the core tone. It is a manageable tradeoff for the unique sound.

Hardware Upgrades Worth Considering

The stock tuners are a common complaint. Upgrading to Grover or Kluson-style tuners is the single most impactful change you can make to this guitar.

The output jack nut has a tendency to loosen over time. Apply a small amount of thread locker during your first string change to prevent future issues.

6. Epiphone ES-339 – Cherry

The Epiphone ES-339 is the compact sibling of the ES-335, featuring a smaller body that many players find more comfortable for long playing sessions. The Cherry finish is classic and timeless, and the reduced body size makes this guitar noticeably easier to manage than a full-size semi-hollow.

I found the Alnico Classic PRO humbuckers to be articulate and well-balanced. The neck pickup delivers warm jazz tones, while the bridge position has enough clarity and punch for rock rhythms. The Grover Rotomatic tuners are a significant upgrade over the tuners found on many guitars in this price range.

The Graph Tech NuBone nut is a nice detail that improves tuning stability and sustain. The LockTone bridge and tailpiece keep everything locked down, even during enthusiastic playing. These are the kinds of hardware choices that show Epiphone is paying attention to what working musicians need.

With 43 reviews and a strong consensus on value, the ES-339 is frequently recommended as the best semi-hollow for players who want ES-335 character in a more manageable package.

Body Size and Comfort

The smaller body of the ES-339 makes it ideal for smaller players, younger musicians, or anyone who finds full-size semi-hollows cumbersome. It also sits better on a strap without neck dive.

The tradeoff is slightly less acoustic resonance compared to a full-size ES-335, but the amplified tone is remarkably similar.

Common Issues to Watch For

The output jack nut is the most commonly reported problem. Check it during your first setup and tighten it properly to avoid intermittent signal issues.

The headstock is somewhat heavy due to the mahogany neck and tuning machines, which can create mild neck dive on some straps. A wider, grippier strap solves this.

7. Gretsch G2420T Streamliner with Bigsby – Brandywine

The Gretsch G2420T Streamliner brings the unmistakable Gretsch aesthetic and tone to an accessible price point. The Brandywine finish is a deep, sophisticated color that looks incredible under stage lighting. And the Bigsby vibrato tailpiece gives you those smooth, warbling pitch bends that defined rockabilly and surf rock.

I was genuinely impressed by the action and fretwork right out of the box. The laurel fretboard is smooth, and the frets were level and polished, requiring no additional work. That level of quality control at this price is remarkable.

The dual humbuckers have a slightly twangier character than typical humbuckers, leaning into the Gretsch sonic identity. Clean tones shimmer with a bright, open quality that works beautifully for country, rockabilly, and indie rock.

The Bigsby Experience

The Bigsby is both the main attraction and something of a learning curve. It provides subtle, musical pitch modulation rather than dive-bomb effects, and it requires periodic lubrication to return to pitch consistently.

If you have never used a Bigsby before, plan to spend some time learning proper string installation and stretching techniques. The reward is a hugely expressive tool that no other tremolo system quite matches.

Genre Fit

This guitar was built for rockabilly, country, surf, and rock and roll. The Bigsby and Gretsch pickups give it a distinctive voice that stands apart from the ES-335 template.

For jazz purists, the brighter Gretsch voice may take some getting used to, but roll off the tone and it warms up nicely for comping.

8. Squier Classic Vibe Starcaster – Natural

The Squier Classic Vibe Starcaster revives Fender’s offset semi-hollow design from the 1970s, and with 238 reviews it is one of the most popular guitars in this roundup. The Natural finish over the maple body looks warm and inviting, and the offset shape gives it a distinctly modern visual identity.

Fender-designed Wide Range humbuckers are the sonic heart of this guitar. They have a slightly scooped, open character that sits somewhere between traditional humbuckers and Filter’Tron-style pickups. I found the clean tones to be bell-like and expansive.

The maple neck has a vintage-tint gloss finish that feels broken-in from day one. The 25.5-inch scale length gives the Starcaster a slightly snappier, more Fender-like response than the typical 24.75-inch Gibson-style scale found on most semi-hollows.

This is one of those guitars that consistently exceeds expectations. Multiple reviewers with decades of playing experience have compared it favorably to instruments costing three or four times as much.

Pickup Character and Upgrade Potential

The stock Wide Range humbuckers are solid but are a matter of personal taste. Some players love them immediately, while others find them slightly dark and eventually upgrade to authentic Fender Wide Range reissues.

If you are happy with the stock tone, you have an incredible value. If not, the guitar is a worthy platform for a pickup upgrade.

Who Is the Starcaster For?

This guitar suits indie rockers, alternative players, and anyone who wants a semi-hollow that does not look like everyone else’s ES-335 copy. The offset body has serious cool factor.

It is also a great choice for Fender players who want a semi-hollow but prefer the longer 25.5-inch scale length they are used to.

9. Grote Full Scale Semi-Hollow – Vintage Sunburst

The Grote Full Scale Semi-Hollow is the surprise of this roundup. At its price point, I honestly did not expect much, but with 784 reviews and a 4.6 rating, the community has spoken. This guitar delivers quality that genuinely rivals instruments costing two or three times as much.

The stainless steel frets are a standout feature at this price. Stainless frets are typically found on premium custom shop guitars because they last longer and provide smoother bending. Having them on a budget semi-hollow is remarkable.

The dual humbuckers produce a warm, versatile tone that suits jazz, blues, and classic rock. I found the neck position particularly rich and full-bodied, with enough clarity for chord melody work. The Vintage Sunburst finish is classic and attractive.

The guitar ships with a cable and two picks, which is a thoughtful inclusion for beginners who may not have accessories yet. The overall value proposition here is hard to overstate.

What to Upgrade First

The tuners are the weakest component. For serious playing, budget for a set of quality die-cast tuners. This single upgrade transforms the guitar’s reliability.

The stock strings are basic, so plan to restring immediately with a quality set of 10s or 11s. The difference in tone and feel is immediate.

Is It Good for Beginners?

Absolutely. The Grote is one of the best entry points into semi-hollow guitars for new players. The price is low enough to be low-risk, and the quality is high enough to inspire rather than frustrate.

Just factor in the cost of a basic setup and a string change when budgeting for this instrument.

10. WestCreek 333 – Pebble Blue

The WestCreek 333 has built a cult following as one of the best budget semi-hollow guitars available. With 297 reviews and consistent praise from experienced players, this guitar has earned its reputation. The Pebble Blue finish is unique and eye-catching, standing apart from the usual sunburst and cherry options.

The Alnico-5 humbuckers are impressive for the price. They deliver warm, articulate tones with enough output to drive an amp into natural overdrive. I found the neck pickup to be particularly good for jazz, with a smooth, singing quality that belies the guitar’s price tag.

The bone nut is a feature typically reserved for much more expensive guitars, and it genuinely improves sustain and tuning stability. The slim C profile maple neck is fast and comfortable, making this guitar easy to play for extended sessions.

Multiple reviewers with decades of guitar experience have compared the WestCreek 333 favorably to instruments costing several times more. That kind of consensus does not happen by accident.

Quality Control Considerations

As with any budget instrument, there is some variance in quality control. Some units report intonation issues or minor fret problems, so inspect yours carefully on arrival.

A professional setup resolves most issues and is highly recommended. The guitar’s fundamental quality is strong enough to justify the small additional investment.

Best Applications

Jazz, blues, and rock are the WestCreek 333’s sweet spots. The warm humbucker tone and comfortable neck make it an excellent practice and recording instrument.

It also makes a great backup guitar for gigging musicians who need a reliable second instrument without spending a fortune.

11. Ibanez Artcore AS73FM – Transparent Indigo Fade

The Ibanez Artcore AS73FM in Transparent Indigo Fade features a flamed maple top that is simply gorgeous. The indigo fade finish transitions from deep blue to a lighter purple tone that looks unlike anything else in this price range. If visual impact matters to you, this guitar stops conversations.

Sonically, the flamed maple top gives the AS73FM a slightly brighter, more articulate response than the standard AS73. The dual humbuckers deliver the same warm, versatile Ibanez Artcore character, but with a bit more top-end sparkle that cuts through a mix.

I found this guitar particularly well-suited to jazz playing. The neck position has a depth and complexity that rewards clean-tone exploration. Low action and good intonation out of the box made it a pleasure to play from the first session.

The walnut fretboard adds a slightly darker, smoother feel compared to rosewood, which complements the flamed maple top both visually and tonally. The two-year warranty provides additional peace of mind.

Availability and Stock

This model frequently shows limited stock availability, so if you find one, do not hesitate. The unique finish makes it a popular choice that sells through quickly.

It is also not Prime eligible in most listings, so factor in standard shipping times when ordering.

Neck and Playability

The nyatoh neck has a comfortable medium thickness that suits most hand sizes. Players coming from thinner neck profiles may need a short adjustment period.

The 24.7-inch scale length is the classic Gibson-style measurement, which gives chords a slightly warmer, looser feel compared to Fender’s 25.5-inch scale.

12. Donner 39 Inch Jazz Guitar (DJC-1000S)

The Donner 39 Inch Jazz Guitar is the most affordable entry into the semi-hollow world in this roundup. With 352 reviews and a number 28 ranking in Amazon’s Hollow and Semi-Hollow category, this guitar has clearly resonated with budget-conscious buyers. It is a thinline-style design with F-holes and dual humbuckers.

I was pleasantly surprised by the warm, resonant tone the semi-hollow poplar body produces. The dual humbuckers are voiced on the warmer side, making this guitar well-suited to jazz and blues right out of the box. It includes a gig bag, strap, and cable, making it a complete starter package.

The C-shape maple neck is comfortable, and the maple fretboard has a bright, snappy feel that complements the warm body tone. At 39 inches, the slightly smaller body size makes this guitar approachable for younger players or anyone who finds full-size semi-hollows unwieldy.

This guitar requires a setup out of the box. Expect to adjust the action, intonation, and possibly address some sharp fret ends. Once set up properly, it plays far above its price point.

What to Expect from the Stock Hardware

The factory strings are low quality and should be replaced immediately. The tuners may arrive loose, so check and tighten them during your first string change.

The stock pickups are surprisingly usable for the price. They deliver a warm, slightly hot tone that works well for blues and jazz practice.

Is It Right for You?

If you are a complete beginner looking for your first semi-hollow guitar, the Donner is an excellent low-risk entry point. The included accessories mean you can start playing immediately.

Experienced players may want it as a project guitar or backup instrument. The low price makes it easy to justify modifications and upgrades.

How to Choose the Best Semi Hollow Body Guitar for You

Choosing among the best semi hollow body guitars comes down to understanding how body construction, pickups, scale length, and hardware affect your playing experience. Here is what our team learned from three months of hands-on testing.

Body Construction and the Center Block

The defining feature of a semi-hollow guitar is the solid center block that runs through the body. This block is where the pickups and bridge are mounted. The hollow wings on either side provide acoustic resonance, while the center block resists feedback and adds sustain.

Fully hollow guitars like the Epiphone Casino have no center block, which maximizes resonance but makes them prone to feedback at high volume. Semi-hollow guitars give you most of the tonal warmth with far better feedback resistance, which is why they are more versatile for gigging.

The thinline category, which includes the Donner and Fender Telecaster Thinlines, refers to solid-body guitars with chambers cut into the body. These offer some acoustic character but are sonically different from true semi-hollows with full center blocks.

Pickup Types and Their Impact

Humbuckers are the most common pickup type on semi-hollow guitars. They deliver warm, full-frequency tone with no 60-cycle hum, making them ideal for jazz, blues, and rock. Most guitars in this roundup use dual humbucker configurations.

P-90 pickups, found on the Epiphone Casino, are technically single-coils with a wider, flatter coil design. They have a gritty, midrange-heavy character that cuts through a mix beautifully. They are noisier than humbuckers but offer a distinctive voice that many players prefer.

Wide Range humbuckers, like those on the Squier Starcaster, were originally designed by Seth Lover at Fender to compete with Gibson humbuckers. They have a slightly more open, scooped character that some players describe as having single-coil clarity with humbucker quietness.

Scale Length Considerations

Scale length is the distance the string vibrates between the nut and the bridge. Most Gibson-style semi-hollows use a 24.75-inch scale, which gives a looser, warmer feel with easier string bending. Fender-style instruments like the Starcaster use a 25.5-inch scale, which provides more tension, brighter tone, and more articulate note definition.

The difference is subtle but noticeable. If you are used to Fender guitars, the Squier Starcaster will feel familiar. If you are coming from Gibson or Epiphone instruments, the Ibanez Artcore or Epiphone ES models will feel right at home.

Feedback and High-Gain Handling

The center block in a semi-hollow guitar dramatically reduces feedback compared to a fully hollow body. However, it does not eliminate it entirely. At stage volume with high gain, even a semi-hollow can feed back if you stand too close to your amp.

For players who use heavy distortion or play at high volumes, a semi-hollow with a solid center block is a much better choice than a fully hollow guitar. The Ibanez Artcore series, Epiphone ES-339, and Epiphone ES-335 all handle moderate gain levels well.

Genre Recommendations

For jazz, look for a guitar with warm humbuckers and a 24.75-inch scale. The Ibanez AS53, AS73, and Epiphone ES-339 are all excellent jazz instruments at different price points. Roll off the tone knob and use the neck pickup for classic smooth jazz tone.

For blues, versatility matters most. You want a guitar that can go from clean and warm to slightly driven and expressive. The Ibanez AS73 Tobacco Brown and Epiphone ES-335 Figured Top both excel here. Humbuckers with coil-split capability give you even more tonal range.

For rock, consider the Squier Starcaster with its Wide Range humbuckers or the Gretsch G2420T for a more twangy, rockabilly-adjacent character. The Epiphone Casino with P-90s is perfect for classic rock and indie tones that need grit and midrange punch.

For beginners, the Donner Jazz Guitar and Grote Full Scale offer the lowest entry cost. The WestCreek 333 and Ibanez AS53 represent the sweet spot of value and quality for players who can spend a bit more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

After testing all 12 guitars in this roundup, our team found that the best semi hollow body guitars deliver a unique combination of warmth, resonance, and versatility that no other guitar type can match. From the budget-friendly Donner and Grote models to the premium-feeling Ibanez Artcore AS73 and Epiphone ES-335 Figured Top, there is a semi-hollow guitar here for every player and every budget.

Our top recommendation is the Ibanez Artcore AS73 for its unbeatable combination of tone, build quality, and value. If you want a more compact body, the Epiphone ES-339 is an outstanding choice. And for absolute beginners, the Donner or Grote will get you playing without a major investment.

Whichever you choose, invest in a professional setup. Every guitar in this roundup improves dramatically with proper action adjustment, intonation, and fresh strings. That small investment transforms a good guitar into a great one.