12 Best Semi Hollow Body Guitars (August 2026) Expert Reviews

Semi-hollow body electric guitars occupy a uniquely satisfying sweet spot in the guitar world. They combine the warm, airy resonance of a fully hollow archtop with the sustain, volume capability, and feedback resistance of a solid-body electric. The result is an instrument that sounds rich and full whether you are playing unplugged in your bedroom or plugged into a stage amplifier at a jazz club.

But choosing the right one is tricky. There are dozens of models spanning a huge price range, and not all semi-hollow guitars are created equal. After spending several weeks testing and researching the market, our team put together this guide to the best semi hollow body guitars available right now. We looked at build quality, tone, playability, hardware, and real user feedback to narrow the field down to 12 outstanding options.

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

All 12 Best Semi Hollow Body Guitars at a Glance

Detailed Reviews: Best Semi Hollow Body Guitars

1. Grote Full Scale Semi-Hollow Body — Best Budget PICK BEST BUDGET PICK

ASIN: B09Z1Z97GB | Price: $199.00 | Rating: 4.6/5 (784 reviews)

The Grote Full Scale Semi-Hollow Body is Amazon’s #1 Best Seller in the Hollow & Semi-Hollow Electric Guitars category, and it is easy to understand why. At just $199, this guitar delivers a level of quality that completely defies its price tag. With 784 customer reviews averaging 4.6 stars, it has become the go-to recommendation for anyone seeking a semi-hollow guitar on an ultra-tight budget. This guitar features a basswood semi-hollow body with dual humbucker pickups that produce surprisingly versatile tones ranging from warm jazz cleans to crunchy rock overdrive. The maple neck with rosewood fingerboard offers comfortable playability, while the 24.75-inch scale length provides a familiar, inviting feel. The fixed bridge ensures solid tuning stability, and the stainless steel frets are a standout feature rarely found at this price point.

2. WestCreek 333 Semi Hollow Body Jazz Guitar — Editor’S CHOICE EDITOR’S CHOICE

ASIN: B0BJ6MBQTW | Price: $259.99 | Rating: 4.6/5 (297 reviews)

The WestCreek 333 is our Editor’s Choice for budget semi-hollow guitars that punch well above their weight class. With 297 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, this guitar has earned praise from both beginners and experienced players with decades of experience. Many reviewers compare it favorably to guitars costing 3-4 times more, with some noting it rivals $700-800 instruments in terms of build quality and tone. What sets the WestCreek 333 apart is its carved maple top and dual Alnico-5 humbucker pickups that deliver warm, rich jazz tones with surprising output for rock applications. The bone nut provides superior tone transfer, while the rounded end medium jumbo frets and comfortable slim C-shaped neck make it a joy to play. The Tune-O-Matic bridge is well-seated, and the tuners are smooth and hold tune well.

3. Ibanez Artcore AS53 Semi-Hollow Body — Budget PICK BUDGET PICK

ASIN: B005MYXBRS | Price: $399.99 | Rating: 4.6/5 (149 reviews)

The Ibanez Artcore AS53 is the highest-reviewed budget semi-hollow guitar in our guide, with 149 reviews and a strong 4.6/5 rating. Ranked #14 in Hollow & Semi-Hollow Electric Guitars on Amazon, it is widely considered the best semi-hollow guitar under $400. Reviewers consistently highlight its incredible value proposition, lightweight construction, and excellent playability. The AS53 features a sapele semi-hollow body with fully hollow sides, making it lighter than many competitors at just 7.4 pounds. The set-in mahogany Art Core neck with walnut fretboard offers smooth, inviting playability. The Infinity R humbucking pickup delivers warm, bluesy tones with surprising versatility, and the Gibraltar Performer bridge with ART-ST Quick Change III tailpiece ensures solid tuning stability.

4. IYV-IJZ-300A TSB Jazz Hollow-Body Guitar — JAZZ PICK JAZZ PICK

ASIN: B0CZ3P97LP | Price: $477.11 | Rating: 4.4/5 (139 reviews)

The IYV-IJZ-300A TSB is a fully hollow-body archtop-style guitar in a striking Tobacco Sunburst finish. Made by Inyen Vina using CNC precision manufacturing, this guitar offers an authentic jazz archtop experience at a mid-range price point. With 139 reviews averaging 4.4 stars, it has found a dedicated following among jazz and blues players seeking a full hollow-body tone. The IJZ-300A features an all-maple construction with a maple neck, jatoba fingerboard, and basswood body. The dual humbucker configuration produces warm, resonant jazz tones with enough output for clean and overdriven styles. The 24.75-inch scale length and Tune-O-Matic bridge system provide familiar, comfortable playability. Bound body edges and pearloid fretboard inlays give it a refined, professional appearance.

5. Squier Classic Vibe Starcaster Semi-Hollow — Best FOR FENDER FANS BEST FOR FENDER FANS

ASIN: B07T7H78BL | Price: $471.69 | Rating: 4.4/5 (238 reviews)

The Squier Classic Vibe Starcaster is Fender’s iconic semi-hollow offset-waist body in a Natural finish. With 238 reviews averaging 4.4 stars, this guitar bridges the gap between solid-body Stratocaster feel and semi-hollow warmth. It is 100% designed by Fender, featuring a maple/maple/maple construction that delivers bright, articulate tones with the unmistakable Fender chime. The offset-waist body is uniquely comfortable for long playing sessions, making it a standout choice for indie and alternative guitarists. The Fender-Designed Wide Range humbucking pickup delivers classic Starcaster chime with warmth, while the 25.5-inch Fender-standard scale length provides the familiar Stratocaster feel. The vintage-tint gloss neck finish and nickel-plated hardware throughout add a premium touch.

6. Ibanez Artcore AS73 Semi-Hollowbody Tobacco Brown — Premium PICK PREMIUM PICK

ASIN: B00BSNIKNC | Price: $499.99 | Rating: 4.6/5 (85 reviews)

The Ibanez Artcore AS73 in Tobacco Brown is widely praised as an exceptional budget semi-hollow that rivals more expensive Epiphone models. With a strong 4.6/5 rating from 85 reviews, it is ranked #79 in Hollow & Semi-Hollow Electric Guitars on Amazon. The Tobacco Brown vintage aesthetic combined with hard maple body construction and a center block to reduce feedback makes this a compelling choice for jazz, blues, and rock players. The AS73 features a hard maple body with center block, 2 x Ibanez ART-1 humbucking pickups, and a Nyatoh wood neck with walnut fretboard. The Gibraltar Performer Bridge with Quik Change III Tailpiece ensures excellent tuning stability and easy string changes. Reviewers consistently note its warm, resonant tone, smooth playability, and minimal feedback at high volumes.

7. Ibanez Artcore AS73 Semi-Hollowbody Transparent Cherry Red — VERSATILE PICK VERSATILE PICK

ASIN: B06VTBR2BZ | Price: $499.99 | Rating: 4.9/5 (32 reviews)

The Ibanez Artcore AS73 in Transparent Cherry Red is the highest-rated mid-range semi-hollow in our guide, earning a near-perfect 4.9/5 from 32 reviews. This stunning guitar features a laminated maple top with basswood sides and a center block to reduce feedback, wrapped in a gorgeous Transparent Cherry Red finish with cream binding that catches the eye on any stage. At the heart of the AS73-TCD are two Ibanez ART-1 humbucking pickups that deliver warm, articulate tones across the entire dynamic range. The 3-piece maple/cypress/maple neck with rosewood fingerboard and 25.5-inch scale length provides comfortable, familiar playability. The Gibraltar Performer Bridge with Quik Change III Tailpiece ensures excellent tuning stability. With only 3 units left in stock, demand for this model is clearly high.

8. Epiphone ES339 Semi-Hollowbody Cherry — Best VALUE ES-335 BEST VALUE ES-335

ASIN: B08NPBBLPV | Price: $549.00 | Rating: 4.5/5 (43 reviews)

The Epiphone ES339 in Cherry is widely regarded as the best affordable alternative to the Gibson ES-335. Ranked #23 in Hollow & Semi-Hollow Electric Guitars on Amazon, it bridges the gap between a full-size ES-335 and a solid-body feel, delivering the classic semi-hollow tone in a lighter, more comfortable package. With 43 reviews averaging 4.5 stars, it has earned praise from players of all skill levels. The ES339 features a mahogany/maple laminate body with a tone chamber for reduced weight, paired with Epiphone Alnico Classic PRO humbucking pickups that deliver rich, warm tones perfect for jazz, blues, and alternative rock. The C-shaped mahogany neck with laurel wood fretboard and 24.75-inch scale length provides the classic Gibson feel. High-quality hardware including Grover Rotomatic tuners ensures professional-level performance.

9. Gretsch G2420T Streamliner Hollowbody with Bigsby — Best FOR ROCKABILLY BEST FOR ROCKABILLY

ASIN: B0C6FKBM7B | Price: $629.99 | Rating: 4.8/5 (9 reviews)

The Gretsch G2420T Streamliner is the definitive choice for rockabilly, indie rock, and jazz players who crave that iconic Gretsch tone. With a near-perfect 4.8/5 rating from 9 reviews, this hollowbody guitar delivers everything that makes Gretsch famous: warm, rich resonance, stunning aesthetics, and the expressive Bigsby vibrato system that adds an entirely new dimension to your playing. Featuring a maple body with a Brandywine finish, Broad’Tron BT-3S humbucking pickups, a nato neck with laurel fingerboard, and the signature Anchored Adjusto-matic bridge paired with the Bigsby String-thru Vibrato Tailpiece, the G2420T is a head-turner both sonically and visually. Reviewers consistently praise the incredible action out of the box and the gorgeous finish.

10. Epiphone Dave Grohl DG-335 Pelham Blue — Best VALUE Premium BEST VALUE PREMIUM

ASIN: B0CX8Z38WS | Price: $799.00 | Rating: 5.0/5 (7 reviews)

The Epiphone Dave Grohl DG-335 in Pelham Blue is a showstopper. As Dave Grohl’s signature model, this guitar combines the classic ES-335 platform with premium upgrades and a stunning Pelham Blue finish with a Trini Lopez-style headstock. With a perfect 5.0/5 rating from 7 reviews, early buyers are unanimous in their praise, with several comparing it favorably to $15,000 Gibson Custom Shop models at a fraction of the price. The DG-335 features Gibson USA Burstbucker 2 and Burstbucker 3 humbucking pickups delivering authentic vintage ES-335 tone with remarkable clarity and dynamics. The one-piece mahogany neck with elliptical profile offers exceptional playability, while high-end hardware including Grover tuners, Mallory capacitors, CTS pots, and a Switchcraft switch ensures professional-grade reliability.

11. Gretsch G5422TG Electromatic Classic Hollowbody Double-Cut with Bigsby — Gretsch HERITAGE GREATSCH HERITAGE

ASIN: B09NYKGCNN | Price: $979.00 | Rating: 4.2/5 (17 reviews)

The Gretsch G5422TG Electromatic in Snowcrest White is a stunning double-cutaway hollowbody that embodies classic Gretsch elegance. The Snowcrest White finish paired with gold hardware accents creates a visually striking instrument. Ranked #21 in Hollow & Semi-Hollow Electric Guitars, this guitar is a favorite among rockabilly, jazz, and indie rock players. The G5422TG features a fully hollow maple body with a double-cutaway design that provides excellent upper-fret access. Classic Filter’Tron-style humbucking pickups deliver that signature Gretsch twang, while the Bigsby B60 vibrato tailpiece adds expressive pitch-bending options. The maple neck with maple fretboard, Gotoh tuners, and Adjusto-Matic bridge round out a professional-grade package. Many reviewers note the ability to play this guitar unplugged for quiet practice.

12. Gretsch G5655TG Electromatic Center Block Jr. Azure Metallic — Top Premium PICK TOP PREMIUM PICK

ASIN: B07N2TMH5J | Price: $999.99 | Rating: 4.4/5 (28 reviews)

The Gretsch G5655TG Electromatic Center Block Jr. in Azure Metallic is Gretsch’s professional-grade answer to players who want semi-hollow versatility with rock and metal-ready performance. Ranked #11 in Hollow & Semi-Hollow Electric Guitars, the Center Block Jr. combines Gretsch’s iconic hollowbody aesthetics with a maple center block that dramatically reduces feedback at high gain. The G5655TG features a laminated maple body with a center block, two Broad’Tron humbucking pickups that deliver quiet, powerful output, and a Bigsby B70 vibrato tailpiece for expressive pitch modulation. The maple neck with laurel fingerboard provides comfortable playability. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth action, perfect intonation out of the box, and the guitar’s versatility across rock, jazz, rockabilly, and even hard rock styles.

How to Choose the Best Semi Hollow Body Guitar for You

With so many excellent options across different price ranges, choosing the right semi-hollow body guitar comes down to understanding your specific needs. Here is a comprehensive buying guide to help you make the best decision.

Body Construction: Semi-Hollow vs. Hollow vs. Solid

Semi-hollow body guitars feature a solid center block with hollowed-out upper and lower bouts, giving you the best of both worlds: the warm, resonant tone of a hollowbody with the feedback resistance of a solid-body. Fully hollow-body guitars like the IYV-IJZ-300A produce even more acoustic resonance and jazz warmth but can feedback at high volumes. Solid-body guitars offer maximum sustain and zero feedback but lack the woody, airy character that makes semi-hollow guitars so appealing.

For most players, a semi-hollow body is the ideal compromise. The center block prevents feedback at stage volumes while still allowing the body to resonate for that signature warm tone. If you primarily play jazz or acoustic-style music at low volumes, a fully hollow body like the IYV-IJZ-300A might be perfect. If you play rock or metal at high gain, consider a center-block model like the Ibanez Artcore AS73 or Gretsch G5655TG.

Pickup Configuration: Single, Dual Humbucker, or Hybrid

Pickups are the voice of your guitar, and the configuration matters enormously. Single humbucker setups (like the Ibanez Artcore AS53) offer simplicity and focused tone but limited versatility. Dual humbucker (H-H) configurations (like the Grote, WestCreek 333, and Ibanez AS73) provide the most tonal flexibility, allowing you to switch between warm neck-pickup jazz tones and brighter bridge-pickup rock tones.

Consider what genres you play most. Jazz and blues players often prefer the warm, rounded tone of a neck humbucker, while rock and indie players benefit from the cutting bridge position. The Fender-Designed Wide Range humbucker in the Squier Starcaster delivers a unique chime that sits between traditional humbucker warmth and single-coil brightness.

Wood Types and Their Impact on Tone

The woods used in construction significantly affect your guitar’s tone. Basswood (used in the Grote) produces a balanced, warm tone with good midrange focus. Maple (used in the WestCreek 333 and Epiphone Dave Grohl DG-335) delivers bright, articulate tones with strong high-end clarity. Mahogany (used in the Ibanez Artcore AS53 and AS73) provides warm, rich low-end with smooth midrange. Nyatoh wood (used in Ibanez AS73 models) offers a tone similar to mahogany with excellent sustain.

The fretboard material also matters. Rosewood (used in the WestCreek 333 and Ibanez AS73 TCD) provides a warm, dark tone with smooth feel. Laurel wood (used in Epiphone models) offers a bright, snappy character. Jatoba wood (used in the IYV-IJZ-300A) is harder than rosewood, producing brighter attack and more pronounced note definition.

Bridge and Hardware Considerations

The bridge system affects both tuning stability and tone transfer. Tune-O-Matic bridges (found on the WestCreek 333, Ibanez AS73 models, and Epiphone ES339) are the gold standard for semi-hollow guitars, offering precise intonation adjustment and excellent sustain. Fixed bridges (like on the Grote) provide maximum tuning stability but limited intonation adjustment. Stop tail bridges (like on the Squier Starcaster) offer simplicity and sustain but less adjustability.

For tremolo systems, the Bigsby (found on Gretsch models) adds expressive vibrato but requires periodic tuning maintenance. If you want dive bombs and subtle pitch bends, a Bigsby-equipped Gretsch like the G2420T or G5422TG is ideal. If you prefer rock-solid tuning, stick with a fixed or Tune-O-Matic bridge.

Tremolo vs. Hardtail: Which Is Right for You?

Bigsby vibrato systems are iconic but require a learning curve. They add expressive pitch-bending capabilities that can transform your playing style, but they also require more frequent tuning adjustments. Hardtail bridges (fixed or Tune-O-Matic) provide rock-solid tuning stability and maximum sustain, making them ideal for studio recording and players who prefer set-it-and-forget-it reliability.

If you are primarily a rhythm player or studio musician, a hardtail bridge is the pragmatic choice. If you enjoy lead playing with expressive vibrato, a Bigsby-equipped model like the Gretsch G2420T or G5655TG will open up creative possibilities you never knew existed.

Semi-Hollow vs. Hollow vs. Solid: Summary Recommendations

Semi-hollow guitars (most models in this guide) are the best all-around choice for players who want warm, resonant tone with feedback resistance at stage volumes. The center block design makes them suitable for virtually any genre and volume level.

Fully hollow-body guitars like the IYV-IJZ-300A excel at jazz and blues with unmatched acoustic resonance, but they require careful amp placement and volume management to avoid feedback. Best for home players, jazz clubs, and low-volume applications.

Solid-body guitars offer maximum sustain, zero feedback, and the brightest tone. They are ideal for rock, metal, and high-gain applications. If semi-hollow tone appeals to you but you play at metal-level volumes, a center-block semi-hollow like the Ibanez AS73 or Gretsch G5655TG gives you the best of both worlds.

Genre Recommendations

Jazz: Ibanez Artcore AS73 Transparent Cherry Red, IYV-IJZ-300A TSB, WestCreek 333
Blues: Ibanez Artcore AS53, Ibanez Artcore AS73 Tobacco Brown, Grote Semi-Hollow
Rock: Gretsch G5655TG Center Block Jr., Epiphone Dave Grohl DG-335, Grote Semi-Hollow
Rockabilly: Gretsch G2420T Streamliner with Bigsby, Gretsch G5422TG Electromatic
Indie/Alternative: Squier Classic Vibe Starcaster, Epiphone ES339
Funk/Soul: Ibanez Artcore AS53, WestCreek 333

Beginner Advice: What to Look for in Your First Semi-Hollow

If this is your first semi-hollow body guitar, prioritize playability and build quality over brand prestige. The best electric guitars under $500 often include excellent semi-hollow options like the Grote ($199) and WestCreek 333 ($259.99) that deliver professional-level quality at beginner-friendly prices. Look for a comfortable neck profile, low action, and reliable tuners. Be prepared to do a basic setup (adjusting truss rod, intonation, and action) – even great guitars sometimes need fine-tuning out of the box.

Consider upgrading the stock strings and potentially the tuners as your skills progress. The Ibanez Artcore line (AS53, AS73) is particularly beginner-friendly due to their lightweight construction and smooth necks. For players on an extremely tight budget, the Grote offers incredible value with stainless steel frets that will last through years of practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between semi-hollow and hollow body guitars?

Semi-hollow body guitars have a solid center block running the length of the body with hollowed-out upper and lower bouts on either side. This design prevents the feedback issues that plague fully hollow-body guitars at high volumes while still providing the warm, resonant tone associated with archtop instruments. Fully hollow-body guitars have no center block, producing more acoustic resonance and jazz warmth but are prone to feedback at stage volumes. Semi-hollow guitars are more versatile across genres and volume levels, making them the better all-around choice for most players.

Are semi-hollow body guitars good for beginners?

Absolutely. Semi-hollow body guitars are excellent for beginners, especially models like the Grote Full Scale ($199) and Ibanez Artcore AS53 ($399.99) that offer great playability, comfortable neck profiles, and versatile tone at affordable prices. The semi-hollow construction provides a fuller, warmer sound than solid-body guitars, which is motivating for new players. However, beginners should be aware that semi-hollow guitars can be heavier than solid-bodies, so comfort during long practice sessions is worth considering. The Squier Classic Vibe Starcaster is also a great option for beginners coming from Fender-style solid-bodies.

Can you use a semi-hollow guitar for rock and metal?

Yes, but with caveats. Traditional fully hollow and some semi-hollow guitars will feedback at high gain volumes. However, center-block semi-hollow models like the Ibanez Artcore AS73 and Gretsch G5655TG Center Block Jr. are specifically designed to handle higher gain without feedback issues. The Broad’Tron pickups in the Gretsch G5655TG are purpose-built for rock and metal applications. For metal players who love semi-hollow aesthetics, look for models with a center block and high-output humbuckers.

What size semi-hollow guitar is best for smaller players?

Smaller-framed players should look for semi-hollow guitars with comfortable body contours and lighter weight. The Ibanez Artcore AS53 at just 7.4 pounds is one of the lightest semi-hollow guitars available. The Squier Classic Vibe Starcaster’s offset-waist body is uniquely comfortable for long sessions. Avoid large-bodied archtop-style guitars like the IYV-IJZ-300A if body size is a concern. Always try before you buy if possible, as body depth and waist contour vary significantly between models.

Do semi-hollow guitars need special amplifiers?

Semi-hollow body guitars work with virtually any amplifier, from small practice amps to large stage rigs. Their inherent resonance means they sound good even through clean amp settings, making them versatile for practice and performance. For jazz and clean tones, a clean or slightly overdriven amp setting brings out the best in semi-hollow guitars. For rock and blues, a touch of overdrive or crunch enhances their natural warmth. Avoid cranking fully hollow-body guitars at high gain without monitoring for feedback – center-block models handle high-gain settings much better.

How often do semi-hollow guitars need setups?

Most quality semi-hollow guitars from reputable brands like Ibanez, Epiphone, and Gretsch come with decent factory setups. However, even the best guitars benefit from a professional setup within the first few months of ownership, especially if you change string gauges. Budget models like the Grote and IYV-IJZ-300A may need more immediate attention. A basic setup costs $50-75 at most music stores and dramatically improves playability. After the initial setup, semi-hollow guitars generally hold their setup well for 6-12 months.

Are semi-hollow guitars louder than solid-body guitars?

Semi-hollow body guitars are louder unplugged than solid-body guitars due to their hollow construction, which naturally amplifies string vibration. The Ibanez Artcore AS73 Tobacco Brown is noted for being “acoustic-friendly for quiet practice,” meaning you can hear it clearly without an amp. However, this also means semi-hollow guitars can cause more bleed in recording situations. The volume difference between semi-hollow and solid-body when amplified is negligible – the pickup and amplifier settings matter far more than the body construction.

What strings should I put on a semi-hollow guitar?

Most semi-hollow guitars ship with nickel-plated steel strings, which provide a balanced tone suitable for most genres. For jazz players seeking warmer, smoother tones, flatwound nickel strings are an excellent choice. For rock and blues players who want more brightness and bite, coated nickel or stainless steel strings provide increased durability and attack. The Grote Semi-Hollow ships with stainless steel strings as standard, which offer bright attack and long lifespan. Always match your string gauge to your setup – heavier gauges provide more volume but require a properly adjusted truss rod and nut slots.

Final Thoughts: Which Semi-Hollow Body Guitar Should You Buy?

Finding the best semi hollow body guitar for your needs has never been easier, thanks to the incredible range of options available across every budget. From the budget-shattering Grote at $199 to the premium Gretsch G5655TG at $999.99, there is a perfect semi-hollow guitar waiting for every type of player.

If you are on a tight budget, the Grote Full Scale Semi-Hollow Body at $199 is an absolute steal – Amazon’s #1 Best Seller with 784 reviews. For slightly more, the WestCreek 333 at $259.99 offers genuinely impressive build quality that rivals guitars costing three times as much. The Ibanez Artcore AS53 at $399.99 remains the best semi-hollow under $400, with outstanding reviews and lightweight comfort.

In the mid-range, the Ibanez Artcore AS73 series (Tobacco Brown at $499.99, Transparent Cherry Red at $499.99) delivers exceptional versatility with dual humbuckers and center-block feedback reduction. The Squier Classic Vibe Starcaster is the top pick for Fender fans seeking semi-hollow warmth, while the Epiphone ES339 is the best ES-335 alternative on the market at $549.

For those ready to invest in a premium instrument, the Gretsch G2420T Streamliner with Bigsby is the king of rockabilly at $629.99. The Epiphone Dave Grohl DG-335 at $799 offers Gibson Burstbucker pickups and premium hardware that rivals Custom Shop models. And at the top of our list, the Gretsch G5655TG Electromatic Center Block Jr. at $999.99 is our Top Premium Pick – a professional-grade Gretsch that handles everything from jazz cleans to hard rock distortion with aplomb.

Whichever guitar you choose, remember that the best semi-hollow body guitar is the one that inspires you to play more. Visit a music store if you can, try a few models, and trust your ears and your hands. Happy playing!