There are a lot of reasons a semi-hollow guitar might be the right choice for you. Due to the way they’re constructed, with a center block and hollow “wings” they have an open and unique sound.
They also provide versatility that spans genres like blues and jazz, where their round, mellower tones fit right in. But they’re just as popular for rock, pop, and country.
Semi-Hollow Sonics
So, what sets semi-hollow guitars apart from other body designs? Semi-hollows are just that, with a centerpiece block in the middle of the body – as opposed to a standard solidbody design.
On this the pickups are mounted, and it helps to decrease feedback so you can use them with higher levels of overdrive or distortion.
The bodies are generally fairly slim, making them really comfortable to play. They are also usually quite lightweight as well. Learn more detail about the differences between semi-hollow and solidbody guitars here.
Best semi-hollow guitar overall: PRS SE Custom 22 Semi-Hollow
Everything people love about PRS guitars is on display here. It has warm tone for days with a mahogany body and neck and a rosewood fretboard. Its dual humbuckers can be coil-tapped for access to single-coil sounds.
And the tremolo bridge lets you really make it talk. It’s versatile, sexy, and while not exactly inexpensive, the quality of craftsmanship and range of sounds on tap (pun intended!) makes this a guitar that you won’t ever have to – or want to – sell!
Runner-up: D’Angelico Premier Series DC Boardwalk
D’Angelico guitars might fly a little bit under the radar, but they are fantastic instruments that have a lot of care put into their creation.
The DC Boardwalk series is a great line of semi-hollow models. It comes in a humbucker or P90 version, both outfitted with Seymour Duncan pickups. The body is laminated maple with a maple neck and unique ovankol fretboard.
And if the traditional body style isn’t to your liking, it also comes in a single-cut variation. If you’re looking for a semi-hollow design that comes in under $1,000, look no further.
Best classic semi-hollow guitar design: Epiphone ES-335
The 335 might be the most recognizable semi-hollow guitar in existence, and for good reason. It sounds just as good as it looks and is surprisingly versatile, capable of use across almost any genre.
Epiphone’s more affordable version includes an all maple body and a pair of Alnico Classic Pro humbuckers. The rounded C neck and slim, lightweight body make for a comfortable playing experience.
It’s a solid, no-frills model with traditional aesthetics that won’t break the bank.
Best semi-hollow guitar for blues and jazz: Ibanez Artcore AS73G
This is a warm and round sounding guitar that is great for blues, jazz, and more mellower sounds. That’s not to say it can’t take it up a notch, but it lives in the more mellow end of the spectrum.
It stays the course, consistently providing the feel of the 335-style with a comfortable, slim body and very playable neck.
Most unique semi-hollow guitar: Gretsch G2622T Streamliner
Another model that comes in humbucker or P90 single-coil options, this semi-hollow guitar from Gretsch is a unique take on the idea.
The humbucker version features Broad’Tron pickups that are built upon Gretsch’s famed Filtertron design. They have deep lows, sweet highs, and a midrange that is accented in the upper end.
The Bigsby vibrato can add some tuning and intonation concerns. But the innovative pickup control scheme make this an option that should not be overlooked.
Best signature semi-hollow guitar: Epiphone Noel Gallagher Riviera
Like them or not, Oasis carved out their own distinct sound in the rock music lexicon. Noel Gallagher is an underrated guitar player, so it’s great to see him finally get his due with a signature guitar.
There’s not much new with this Epiphone semi-hollow model, but it leans in to what makes the ES-335 the most popular in the category.
The top, back, and sides are 5-ply layered maple and the neck is a set maple 3-piece C-shape. Electronics include Alnico Classic Pro humbuckers that can handle everything from cleans to heavier gain sounds.
Best budget semi-hollow guitar: Squier Classic Vibe 70s Thinline Telecaster
This model is a great marriage of semi-hollow warmth with twang that only a Telecaster can provide. It’s not a true semi-hollow, but rather has a chambered body that gives it the open sound people love in that type of guitar.
The wide-range humbuckers add a little extra mojo, and the neck is easy to play. It works well for many styles, and since the body is only chambered it can handle higher gain settings without unmanageable feedback.
FAQ
What is a semi-hollow guitar?
A semi-hollow guitar is an electric guitar that combines features of solid-body and hollow-body guitars. It has a solid center block running through the body that reduces feedback, and hollow wings on either side that add warmth and resonance to the sound.
How is a semi-hollow guitar different from a hollow-body guitar?
A hollow-body guitar has a fully hollow chamber, making it prone to feedback at high volumes. A semi-hollow guitar’s solid center block minimizes feedback while still offering some of the rich, resonant tones of a hollow-body.
What genres are semi-hollow guitars best suited for?
Semi-hollow guitars are perfect for jazz, blues, rock, indie, and even some country styles. They’re ideal for clean or lightly overdriven tones but can handle moderate gain in rock and alternative settings.
