In the vibrant world of guitars, semi-hollow models hold a distinctive place. Striking a harmonious balance between the resonant warmth of a hollow body and the focused sound of a solid body, semi-hollow guitars offer an exquisite blend of tone, aesthetics, and versatility.
First conceived as a solution to feedback problems plaguing guitarists in the mid-20th century, the semi-hollow (also known as semi-acoustics or thinlines) allowed players to amplify their instruments at much higher volumes, while still retaining the mellow and warm acoustic character of full hollow bodies.
One of the first was Gibson’s 1958 ES-335, a guitar that has become emblematic of the semi-hollow shape. Played and loved by legends like BB King, Chuck Berry, Eric Clapton, and Johnny Marr, it’s proved that semi-acoustics have a place in a wide variety of genres.
Our comprehensive guide will introduce you to the best semi-hollow guitars, each carefully selected for their unique characteristics, quality craftsmanship, and overall value. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a beginner seeking your first semi-hollow guitar, this guide will help you select the perfect instrument for your musical journey.
In a hurry?
Here are our top five semi-hollow picks:
Yamaha SA2200 | Class, elegance, and style. Superb Japanese build quality and custom humbucking pickups with coil tap flexibility make this a standout semi-acoustic. | Check the current price |
G4M 734 SH | Rounded and warm semi-hollow tones mixed with sleek, thin-body playability. And at an exceptional price, the G4M punches well above its weight class. | Check the current price |
Gretsch G5655TG | Exceptional Gretsch style with stunning gold hardware, crystal clear Broad'Tron pickups and smooth vibrato action thanks to a Bigsby tailpiece. | Check the current price |
Epiphone USA Casino | A semi-hollow legend that's still as sought after today as it was 60 years ago. Gibson dog-ear P90 pickups and industry-leading materials make this stand out from the crowd. | Check the current price |
Ibanez AS113 | Super sleek with superb build quality, the AS113 offers pristine tones through Super 58 pickups and swift playability on its thin and comfy neck shape. | Check the current price |
The best semi-hollow guitars
1. G4M 734 SH Electric Guitar, Transparent Black
A great introduction to semi-hollow guitars, this affordable workhorse brings great tones at an entry-level price
Specifications
- Basswood top, mahogany body
- Twin cream P90 style pickups
- C-shaped one-piece maple neck with 16″ radius fretboard
- Chrome hardtail bridge
- Graphtech NuBone nut
Pros
- Superb value for a slim semi-acoustic guitar
- Throaty vintage tones from P90-style pickups
Cons
- Thinline electric guitar style isn’t as rounded in tone as larger semi-hollows
The G4M 734 SH is all about outstanding value. Features like a Graphtech NuBone nut, P90 pickups, and a one-piece maple neck in a comfy “C” shape make it a guitar that’s suitable for gigging professionals.
With a classy F-hole adorning the body with cream binding, it’s as easy on the eyes as it is on the ears. And that smooth T-style body shape isn’t just attractively sleek but also sits comfortably against your waist to make extended playing periods a breeze.
Plus, it’s a good thing you’ll be playing for longer, because the laurel fingerboard is shaped into a 16″ radius that’ll have you sweeping arpeggio solos and nailing complex chord work with ease. The laurel’s smooth and supple surface enables speedy navigation of all 22 frets, while the neck’s C shape is supremely comfortable for long playing sessions.
This is all backed up by stellar hardware to give you a reliable performing and recording experience. A Graphtech NuBone nut ensures pristine-clean string action while its chrome-finished hardtail bridge and machine heads keep your tuning in check. On top of that, your intonation with be easily adjustable to guarantee an on-point show.
2. Yamaha SA2200 Semi Acoustic, Brown Sunburst
Delivering versatility and high-quality tonal performance with an elegant aesthetic
Specifications
- Maple body with carved top and mahogany neck
- Yamaha Alnico V humbucker pickups
- Ebony fingerboard with 22 frets
- Gotoh SG30 tuners with mother-of-pearl buttons
- TOM bridge and Gotoh GE103B-T tailpiece
Pros
- Versatile tonal palette with push-push tone controls
- High-quality construction with an elegant Brown Sunburst finish
Cons
- Higher price point might be prohibitive for some players
The Yamaha SA2200 Semi Acoustic is the epitome of class and versatility, wrapped in an elegant Brown Sunburst finish. Its maple body gives birth to bright, cutting tones, while the mahogany neck adds a touch of warmth for a balanced output.
This model is fitted with Yamaha Alnico V humbucker pickups that provide a wide range of sounds, from smooth jazz to dirty blues. The push-push tone controls enable coil splitting for even more tonal versatility.
The Gotoh SG30 tuners with mother-of-pearl buttons not only add to the guitar’s aesthetic appeal but also provide stable tuning. However, the higher price point might be a deterrent for some players, but those who value quality and versatility will find it a worthwhile investment.
The Yamaha SA2200 Semi Acoustic is a testament to Yamaha’s commitment to quality, providing a premium playing experience for the discerning musician. It’s not just a guitar, but a partner that will accompany you on your musical journey, adapting to your evolving style with unmatched versatility.
3. Greg Bennett Royale RL-3 Electric Guitar, Amber
The gorgeous archtop-with-cutaway body and distinctive amber finish make this stand out
Specifications
- Mahogany body and quilted maple top
- Chrome-covered humbuckers
- Chrome hardware
- Three-piece maple neck with black walnut fretboard
- TOM style bridge with tailpiece
Pros
- Highly attractive amber finish with premium quilted maple material
- Bold archtop voice and playability-enhancing cutaway
Cons
- Larger size can make it slightly more awkward to play
The Greg Bennett Royale RL-3 is an attractive semi-hollow guitar that offers players a beautiful blend of style and performance. The guitar comes in a rich amber hue on its premium quilted maple top, helping it instantly pop on stage. And the quilted maple isn’t just pretty to look at; its light nature and bright tone help project the natural acoustics produced by the archtop style body.
Speaking of the body, you can expect rich and detailed tones with a soft edge thanks to the spacious body size and twin humbucking pickups. Their higher output gives clean playing a thick character and plenty of sustain, and if you fancy a slightly gnarlier sound, then they’ve got plenty of sonic firepower for distorted rock ‘n’ roll too.
Coupled with its thin body width and comfortable three-piece maple neck, the RL-3 offers excellent value for its price. These two features combined allow for an effortless playing experience for extended periods! Its 12″ radius fretboard makes even the toughest chord progressions and speedy jazz leads a walk in the park.
4. Squier Classic Vibe Starcaster MN, Natural
A classic Fender look from the ’70s refined for modern players with updated features
Specifications
- Laminated maple body with gloss polyurethane finish
- Fender Wide Range humbucking pickups
- Modern C-shaped maple neck with 9.5″ radius fingerboard
- Nickel-plated hardware
- Adjustable bridge with stopbar tailpiece
Pros
- Classic Starcaster body shape with modern appointments
- Wide tonal possibilities with Fender Wide Range humbuckers
Cons
- A gloss-finished neck isn’t as easy to slide across as a satin finish
The Squier Classic Vibe Starcaster MN brings back the Fender Starcaster’s unique offset body shape and timeless design from the ’70s, complete with the classic Fender headstock. This model is updated with modern features such as a 9.5″ radius fingerboard and a modern C-shaped neck for comfortable playability.
The body is made of laminated maple for a bright, resonant tone and finished with a high-gloss polyurethane for a sleek, vintage-inspired aesthetic. The guitar is fitted with Fender Wide Range humbucking pickups, offering a wide array of tonal possibilities from sparkling cleans to gritty rock tones.
The nickel-plated hardware, including the adjustable bridge with a stopbar tailpiece, ensures stable tuning and intonation. However, the glossy finish might not be for everyone as it can show fingerprints easily and isn’t as smooth to slide across as a satin finish.
The Squier Classic Vibe Starcaster MN is undoubtedly an excellent value for its price, offering a unique and classic Fender design coupled with modern playability features. It’s a great choice for those who enjoy offset guitars and want to try their hand at classic Fender tones.
5. Ibanez AS73 Artcore, Tobacco Brown
Versatile semi-acoustic that’s perfect for both strumming and soloing
Specifications
- Mahogany body with a flamed maple top
- Artcore humbucking pickups
- Bound rosewood fretboard with 22 medium frets
- Adjustable bridge and tailpiece
- Chrome die-cast tuners
Pros
- Rich, warm semi-hollow tones for jazz and blues
- Suitable for both strumming and soloing with its versatile pickups
Cons
- Thin neck may feel cramped to some players
The Ibanez AS73 Artcore is a semi-acoustic guitar that offers an excellent range of tones suitable for jazz, blues, rock, and folk styles. Its mahogany body with flamed maple top provides warm and punchy tones that are ideal for strumming and chords, while its Artcore humbucking pickups can also deliver crystal clear soloing tones.
The AS73 features a bound rosewood fretboard with 22 medium frets, giving you a smooth playing experience. Its slim neck profile ensures comfortable navigation of the fretboard, but some players may find it a bit cramped. On the plus side, its adjustable bridge and tailpiece make it easy to tweak your intonation for perfect pitch.
The Ibanez AS73 Artcore is a great choice for those looking for a versatile semi-acoustic guitar that’s suitable for both strumming and soloing. With its rich and warm tones, you can easily find the perfect tone for blues, jazz, or rock. If you’re looking for a modern-looking semi-hollow with classic tones, then this is definitely one to consider.
6. Epiphone Emperor Swingster, Delta Blue Metallic
A versatile hybrid of solid and hollow body guitars with added swing
Specifications
- Spruce top, maple back and sides
- Two semi-hollow humbucker pickups
- Rosewood fretboard with 22 frets
- LockTone Tune-o-Matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece
- Grover ‘Imperial’ tuners
Pros
- Versatile tone from its semi-hollow P90 pickups
- Swingster’s signature F-holes for added resonance
Cons
- Non-locking tuners may require frequent retuning
The Epiphone Emperor Swingster is a unique hybrid of solid and hollow body guitars that combines the best of both worlds. Its spruce top and maple back and sides provide a crisp, bright tone while its two semi-hollow humbucker pickups can deliver anything from clean jazz tones to searing rock solos.
The Swingster also features an elegant F hole on the top for added resonance and sustain – a signature feature of the Emperor model. The rosewood fretboard with 22 frets offers a smooth and stable playing experience, while its LockTone Tune-o-Matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece ensure excellent intonation.
The downside is that this model comes with non-locking tuners which may require frequent retuning. However, it also features Grover ‘Imperial’ tuners for precise tuning throughout your set.
The Epiphone Emperor Swingster is an excellent choice for anyone who wants the best of both worlds – a semi-hollow with the warmth and fullness of a solid body guitar. With its versatile tone, added resonance and unique F-holes, this is one model you don’t want to miss out on.
7. Epiphone Uptown Kat ES, Ruby Red Metallic
Smaller size semi-hollow electric with big sounds
Specifications
- Laminated maple body and arched top with a spruce centre block
- Two humbucking pickups
- Rosewood fretboard with 22 medium jumbo frets
- Adjustable bridge and stopbar tailpiece
- Premium Grover Rotomatic tuners
Pros
- Slim body shape for comfortable playability
- Big, punchy tones from its laminated maple body and spruce centre block
Cons
- Non-locking tuners may cause intonation issues over time
The Epiphone Uptown Kat ES is a small-sized semi-hollow electric guitar perfect for blues, jazz and classic rock. Its laminated maple body with spruce center block provides big tones that work well in both live and studio settings. The two humbucking pickups can deliver a wide range of tones, from clean single coils to dirty humbuckers.
The Uptown Kat ES features a rosewood fretboard with 22 medium jumbo frets, giving you plenty of room to explore complex chords and solos. Its slim body shape is comfortable to play for extended periods and its adjustable bridge and stopbar tailpiece allow for efficient intonation control. The Grover Rotomatic tuners are highly accurate and provide great tuning stability.
However, the non-locking tuners may cause intonation issues over time due to frequent use or string replacements. But despite this minor setback, the Epiphone Uptown Kat ES is still a great choice for anyone who wants big sounds from a smaller size semi-hollow guitar.
8. Epiphone ES-335 Figured, Raspberry Tea Burst
A classic semi-hollow with modern features on a budget
Specifications
- Laminated maple body and flame top with figured raspberry tea burst finish
- Alnico Classic PRO humbucking pickups
- Laurel fingerboard with 22 medium jumbo frets
- LockTone Tune-o-Matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece
- Grover Rotomatic tuners
Pros
- Eye-catching raspberry tea burst finish
- Alnico Classic PRO pickups deliver classic tones with plenty of warmth and clarity
Cons
- Non-locking tuners may require frequent retuning
The Epiphone ES-335 Figured is a classic semi-hollow guitar that looks and sounds great on any stage. Its laminated maple body and top are finished with an eye-catching raspberry tea burst, making it look like something straight out of the ’50s. It also includes Alnico Classic PRO humbucking pickups for warm, clear tones perfect for blues, jazz, and classic rock.
The ES-335 Figured features an Indian laurel fingerboard with 22 medium jumbo frets, allowing for plenty of room to explore complex chords and solos. It’s fitted with a LockTone Tune-o-Matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece for precise intonation control, as well as Grover Rotomatic tuners for stable tuning.
However, the downside is that this model comes with non-locking tuners which may require more frequent retuning than with locking models. Despite this minor setback, the Epiphone ES-335 Figured is still a great choice for anyone who wants a classic semi-hollow tone without breaking the bank.
Its eye-catching raspberry tea burst finish looks amazing on stage and its warm voice can either complement a mix or burst straight through it!
9. Ibanez AS113 Semi Hollowbody, Brown Sunburst
Luxurious semi-hollow, built for a broad range of tones and an unparalleled playing experience
Specifications
- Flamed maple body with a Brown Sunburst finish
- Super 58 pickups
- Bound ebony fretboard with 22 medium frets
- Gibraltar Performer bridge and Quik Change III tailpiece
- Gold hardware
Pros
- High-quality Super 58 pickups offer a broad range of versatile tones
- Luxurious finish and flamed maple body for an eye-catching aesthetic
Cons
- Might be a bit pricy for beginners or budget-conscious players
The Ibanez AS113 Semi Hollowbody is a perfect blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern playability. With a luxurious Brown Sunburst finish and a flamed maple body, this guitar is not only a feast for the ears but also for the eyes. It’s equipped with high-quality Super 58 pickups that offer a broad range of tones – from deep, warm jazz tones to bright, sparkling cleans.
The AS113 features a bound ebony fretboard with 22 medium frets for a comfortable and smooth playing experience. It’s fitted with a Gibraltar Performer bridge and a Quik Change III tailpiece for precise intonation control and quick string changes.
However, the Ibanez AS113 Semi Hollowbody might be a bit pricy for beginners or budget-conscious players, but its high-quality construction, luxurious finish, and versatile tonal options are well worth the investment. This is a guitar that looks, feels, and sounds like a high-end instrument, making it a great choice for serious musicians looking for a semi-hollow guitar that can deliver on all fronts.
10. Fender Jim Adkins JA-90 Telecaster LRL, Crimson Red Transparent
A signature Thinline Telecaster that delivers authentic rock ‘n’ roll tones
Specifications
- Ash body with a Crimson Red Transparent finish
- Seymour Duncan SP90-3B and SP90-1NR pickups
- Laurel fingerboard with 22 medium jumbo frets
- Adjusto-Matic bridge with anchored tailpiece
- Fender Standard tuners
Pros
- Authentic rock ‘n’ roll tones from Seymour Duncan SP90 pickups
- Sturdy and reliable Adjusto-Matic bridge with anchored tailpiece
Cons
- The Crimson Red Transparent finish might be too flashy for some players
The Fender Jim Adkins JA-90 Telecaster LRL is a signature Thinline Telecaster that delivers authentic rock ‘n’ roll tones. The alder body, finished in a vibrant Crimson Red Transparent, adds to its aesthetic appeal, whilst its Seymour Duncan SP90-3B and SP90-1NR pickups capture the authentic rock ‘n’ roll tones that define Jim Adkins’ (Jimmy Eat World) sound.
A somewhat unique entry to our list, this great-value model has bags of character and personality. From its crimson coat to the unique pickups, it boasts an airy-yet-sharp sound that’s found throughout many Jimmy Eat World records.
But it’s not just for fans of Adkins or Jimmy Eat World. The premium Seymour Duncan single coils offer a tone that’s not found on any other of our selections, so they’re great for any player looking for a mellow semi-acoustic sound that can easily be turned to alternative rock styles.
However, the Crimson Red Transparent finish might not be for everyone, particularly those who prefer more subdued aesthetics. Despite this, the Fender Jim Adkins JA-90 Telecaster LRL is an excellent option for fans of Jim Adkins or any player seeking a high-quality thinline Telecaster with a rock ‘n’ roll edge.
11. Gretsch G5655TG Electromatic CB Jr w/ Bigsby, Amethyst
Compact semi-hollow that delivers a broad tonal range with style
Specifications
- Laminated maple body with an amethyst finish
- Broad’Tron BT-2S pickups
- Laurel fingerboard with 22 medium jumbo frets
- Bigsby B70 vibrato tailpiece
- Gold hardware
Pros
- Broad’Tron BT-2S pickups deliver versatile tones from growling lows to singing highs
- Compact body size and weight for comfortable playability
- Bigsby vibrato tailpiece allows for expressive playing
Cons
- We can’t think of any!
The Gretsch G5655TG Electromatic CB Jr w/ Bigsby, in an eye-catching amethyst finish, is a compact semi-hollow guitar that offers a broad tonal palette. It’s equipped with Broad’Tron BT-2S pickups that amplify its full-bodied sound, delivering growling lows and singing highs.
This model features a laurel fingerboard with 22 medium jumbo frets, providing a smooth playing experience, and its compact body size and weight make it a comfortable choice for players of all sizes. A standout feature is the Bigsby B70 vibrato tailpiece, allowing for expressive, nuanced playing styles.
The Gretsch G5655TG Electromatic CB Jr w/ Bigsby is a stylish and versatile choice for players who appreciate the rich, resonant tones of a semi-hollow guitar and the flair of a vibrato tailpiece. Its stunning amethyst finish and gold hardware ensure it looks as good as it sounds.
12. Epiphone USA Casino, Vintage Burst
A true American classic delivering vintage tones with modern reliability
Specifications
- 3-ply Maple body with quartersawn spruce top bracing
- USA Dogear P-90 pickups
- Rosewood fingerboard with 22 frets and mother-of-pearl inlays
- ABR-1 Bridge with trapeze tailpiece
- Vintage-style tuning machines
Pros
- Authentic vintage tones from USA Dogear P-90 pickups
- High-quality construction with a stunning Vintage Burst finish
Cons
- Higher price point might not be suitable for beginners or budget-conscious players
The Epiphone USA Casino, in a dazzling Vintage Burst finish, is an American classic that stands in a league of its own. Played and loved by countless music legends, the original US-made Casino was famously a favourite of Beatles members John Lennon and George Harrison.
One of the few Epiphone instruments that are still produced in the USA, the Casino’s impressive legacy adds a touch of class to each model, and that’s not lacking today!
Its 3-ply maple body with quartersawn spruce top bracing produces warm, resonant tones that perfectly complement the vintage output of the USA Dogear P-90 pickups.
And with its lusciously smooth rosewood fingerboard accented with mother-of-pearl inlays, it’s a joy to riff on. Backed up by its super comfy rounded C-shaped neck, both lead and rhythm work flow with ease on the Casino. Making playing even easier, its ABR-1 bridge with trapeze tailpiece offers reliable intonation and string stability while completing the timeless look.
However, its higher price point may not be suitable for beginners or budget-conscious players. But those who are looking for an authentic vintage experience combined with modern reliability will find the Epiphone USA Casino a perfect companion.
The Epiphone USA Casino is not just a guitar; it’s an investment into a piece of musical history that promises to deliver memorable performances with every strum. Inspired by the past but crafted for the present, it’s a perfect blend of classic charm and contemporary craftsmanship.
13. Gibson ES-335, Vintage Ebony
A legendary, versatile guitar blending vintage design and modern innovation
Specifications
- 3-ply maple/poplar/maple body with an elegant Vintage Ebony finish
- T-Type humbucking pickups
- Rosewood fingerboard with 22 medium jumbo frets
- ABR-1 Tune-o-Matic bridge with Aluminium Stop Bar
- Vintage Deluxe tuners
Pros
- T-Type pickups deliver vintage warmth and clarity
- Historic truss rod assembly for enhanced sustain
Cons
- The high price point may not suit all budgets
The Gibson ES-335 in Vintage Ebony is a legendary guitar, known for its versatility and the rich, warm tones that it produces. It features a 3-ply maple/poplar/maple body with an elegant Vintage Ebony finish that exudes class and sophistication.
This model is fitted with T-Type humbucking pickups, carefully calibrated to capture the vintage warmth and clarity that the ES-335 is renowned for. The rosewood fingerboard with 22 medium jumbo frets provides a smooth, comfortable playing experience.
The ABR-1 Tune-o-Matic bridge with Aluminium Stop Bar allows for precise intonation control and enhances sustain, while the Vintage Deluxe tuners ensure tuning stability.
One of the standout features of this model is the historic truss rod assembly, which maximises the instrument’s resonance and sustain. However, the high price point of the Gibson ES-335 may not suit all budgets.
Despite the cost, the Gibson ES-335 is undeniably a worthwhile investment for professional musicians and enthusiasts alike, offering a blend of vintage aesthetics, superb sound quality, and modern innovations. Its legacy in the music industry is a testament to its outstanding performance and unmatched versatility.
What is a semi-hollow guitar?
Semi-hollow guitars have open acoustic cavities in their bodies that allow for greater resonance and sonic warmth when compared to solid body electrics. Unlike fully hollow guitars, semi-hollows feature a wooden centre block that divides the open space within the guitar.
This serves multiple purposes: Firstly, it’s a great anchor point for the guitar’s pickups, bridge, and tailpiece, helping prevent warping and damage over time. But mainly, this wooden block minimises unwanted resonance and helps control the string vibrations, giving you a more focused and controlled tone when compared to hollow-body instruments.
This means less potential for feedback when playing at higher volumes or with distortion, allowing you the freedom to push your sound to more extremes while still enjoying the benefits of an airy acoustic sound.
Elegant F-holes
Speaking of which, semi-hollow instruments usually (but not always) feature elegant F-holes on the top for both aesthetic and projection purposes. It’s said these add a twangy and mellow element to your sound, even when playing with full overdrive.
When it comes down to it, semi-hollow guitars are a great option for players who want the feel of an acoustic instrument combined with the power and playability of an electric. Whether you’re a blues player or indie-rocker, there’s sure to be a semi-hollow guitar out there that’ll fit your style – from the larger jazzy archtops to the slimmer and more aggressive thinline styles.
What do semi-hollows sound like?
Depending on the type of semi-hollow you get, they can produce a wide range of sounds! One thing they all share in common is an increased sustain relative to solid body electrics, and that’s thanks to their acoustic properties which allow for a greater resonance to flow through to the pickups.
Shape plays a role
As we’ve mentioned, semi-hollows can range from large and sophisticated archtop styles to thinner and sleeker thinlines – which have all the appearance of solid bodies except for a hollow interior and added F-holes.
Typically, the larger archtop styles will produce bolder and warmer sounds – especially when playing unplugged, while a thinline’s acoustic effect will be more subtle and less pronounced.
Pickups make the difference
Like with any electric guitar, pickups are a huge determining factor in the instrument’s overall sound. With semi-hollow and hollow body guitars, you’ll typically see large single coil (P90) or humbucking pickups to complement their naturally warm tones and heightened sustain.
P90s will typically produce a harsher, vintage-geared voice with slightly less sustain than humbuckers. They’re great for giving your semi-hollow a more cutting tone – especially on the bridge pickup – helping you slice through a mix or recreate those classic ’60s rock ‘n’ roll tones.
Humbuckers are a step up in warmth and sonic thickness, which some players may favour for clean jazz or heavier rock styles. Humbuckers are perhaps the most common pickup you’ll find on semi-hollows because they mesh so well with their inherent characteristics – rounded, blooming in mid-range, and packing plenty of sustain.
The typical genres you’ll find semi-hollows in
Classy, elegant, refined. All words that fit the semi-hollow perfectly, and the genres you’ll find it in too! Rock, jazz, country, and blues are the wheelhouse of the semi-hollow, where its punchy character and smooth bell-like tones can sit in a mix or rise above with ease.
Another reason they’re used in these genres is their note definition and articulation, where their more pronounced attack helps lead lines from jazz and blues to separate themselves from an ensemble.
And of course, the semi-hollow’s centre block plays a massive role in feedback control, allowing gnarly blues and hard rock players to get exceptionally warm tones while cranking the volume and distortion.
Finally, it all comes back to looks… Many semi-hollows boast vintage-inspired appearances that appeal to players of these genres, fitting in with the overall aesthetic and image presented by those styles.
Things to consider when buying a semi-hollow
We’ve supplied a list of some great semi-hollows out there, but if you’re still not convinced – or sure which is best for you – this section should help you narrow down the perfect fit.
Price
To start, there’s the price. The number one concern affecting any guitar purchase. While every guitar we included on our list is a great choice for a number of reasons, it’s important to bear in mind the trade-off you make when purchasing at different price points.
Budget ~£200 semi-hollows will have great features that make them reliable for performing or recording, but their finish and craftsmanship might be lacking when compared to more expensive guitars.
Hardware
Similarly, higher quality features like aftermarket hardware and bespoke pickups tend to only be on medium to high-priced semi-hollows, and they also offer playability and tone tailored towards a specific style or genre.
Locking tuners, vibrato tailpieces, custom pickups and higher-grade woods are all features you’ll consider on your semi-hollow. On higher-end instruments, you’ll notice the top wood changes to a solid material, rather than a veneer for an enhanced acoustic performance.
If you’re performing night after night, you’ll likely need to go for a semi-hollow that has premium components from known manufacturers to get a stable and reliable performance. If you’re after the look, style, and sound of the original semi-hollows used by your music heroes, there’s no beating the modern-day remakes made by Gibson and other manufacturers.
Playability
While this goes hand in hand with hardware, it’s important to separate the fretboard and neck design to achieve your preferred playing style.
If you’re after a jazzy guitar that responds well to the frenetic arpeggios and freeform licks you’ll play on the fly, look for a semi-hollow with a flatter radius fretboard that affords plenty of room for exploratory soloing. This will blend well with a thinner neck shape found on
If you want more of an all-rounder that’s great for chords and lead playing alike – 12″ radius boards accommodate both styles with ease. As for the necks, thicker “U” shapes can be great for jazzy chord work as it gives your thumb a strong resting platform, whereas thinner “C” shapes allow for more free-flowing solos.
FAQs
What are semi-hollow guitars best for?
Semi-hollow guitars are ideal for genres like rock, blues, jazz, and country. They offer rich, warm tones with resonance and sustain that blend the characteristics of solid-body and hollow-body guitars.
Is semi-hollow better than hollow?
Whether a semi-hollow is better than a hollow guitar depends on your musical needs. Fully hollow guitars offer a balance of resonance and sustain, making them versatile for various genres. They are less prone to feedback, making them great for live performances.
Why do jazz guitarists use hollow-body guitars?
Jazz guitarists prefer hollow-body guitars due to their warm, rich, and resonant sound. These guitars produce natural acoustic tones with a rounded, smooth edge perfect for the complex chords and intricate melodies found in jazz. They also offer greater sustain and volume control.
Final thoughts
Semi-hollow guitars are a great choice for those who want the feel and warmth of an acoustic guitar but with the modern convenience and versatility of an electric. With their open cavities, increased sustain, and warm sound – they can range from classic jazz archtops to slimline rockers – semi-hollows make any performance memorable.
If semi-hollows haven’t satisfied your interest, why not take a look G4M’s new range of guitars, which covers everything from metal beasts to soulful single coils.
Our 11 best acoustic guitars for beginners guide can help you choose a fully acoustic instrument if you’re new to that area, and our classical guitars guide can help you narrow that down even further if you’re after the unique nylon sound.
Disappointed that you haven’t featured the Vintage 335 type semi hollow. I worked my way down the list patiently and so surprised you haven’t included this.
I suppose it’s possible that you do not stock them . Hence no review !?. John