The semi-hollow guitar is a dichotomous instrument that sparks curiosity in every guitar player at some point or another. Its combination of electric and acoustic properties offers you some of the qualities of each, although you should know that even the best semi-hollow guitars aren't really a good replacement for an acoustic guitar. Instead, you should think of a semi-hollow guitar as an instrument that is predominantly electric, but offers some of the resonance and warmth of an acoustic that sets them apart from a standard solid body.
Semi-hollow guitars are defined by having a hollow cavity in the wings of the body, with a solid block of wood running through the center where the pickups are mounted. That block is there to combat the feedback that hollow-body guitars are notorious for, which makes them difficult to control at high volume. Semi-hollows handle that far better, which is why they have been the choice of so many players over the years, from Chuck Berry to Tom DeLonge.
I have been playing guitar for over twenty years and working in the guitar industry for around a decade, which means I have encountered more than my fair share of semi-hollows, and it’s this real-world experience that has informed the picks in this guide. If you want to treat yourself, it is hard to ignore the Gibson ES-335, an absolute icon of the semi-hollow world that has earned its place in history. If you are on a tighter budget, the Ibanez Artcore AS53 has been a best-seller since it first appeared, proving you do not need to spend big to enjoy semi-hollow magic. If you want a guitar that’s somewhere in the middle of these two, then you should cast your eye upon the amazing Epiphone Dave Grohl DG-335, which is a brilliant intermediate option.
In this guide you will find a selection of handy section that can help guide your buying decision if you’re new to semi-hollow guitars. I’ve curated a how to choose section that details the thought process behind buying a new guitar, as well as a comprehensive FAQs which answers all the most common questions guitarists have asked me about semi-hollows. Finally, there are some specific terms related to semi-hollow guitars that are important to know, so you can check these out in the glossary of key terms.
My top picks
Our top pick has to be the Gibson ES-335. This stunning guitar has inspired some of the greatest guitar icons of all time and continues to inspire millions of guitarists today. The Gibson ES-335 is versatile, gorgeous to look at, and insanely playable.
The Ibanez Artcore series has long been a popular alternative to brands such as Epiphone, and the AS53 model is one of the most affordable options out there for those seeking a slightly smaller body that doesn’t compromise on tone.
If you're looking for a guitar as all encompassing as the Gibson 335 but without the ginormous price tag, the Epiphone Dave Grohl DG-335 is an excellent mid-priced option that delivers superb semi-hollow tones.
Best overall
✅ Buy if you want a semi-hollow filled with soul: There isn’t anything quite like playing a legendary guitar, and the ES-335 delivers on that front and then some.
❌ Avoid if tradition isn’t your thing: The ES-335 hasn’t changed much since ‘58, so if you have a preference for modernity, this isn’t the guitar for you.
Overview: The most famed semi-hollow of them all deserves special treatment, and it gets it here. Since its inception in 1958, the Electric Spanish 335, to give it its proper name, has been wielded by players as diverse as B.B. King and Billie Joe Armstrong, and its contribution to music cannot be understated.
Build quality: The AAA-figured maple finish offers stunning depth, and this model’s maple center block and Adirondack spruce bracing make it acoustically louder, which translates to a more open plugged-in experience. The premium treatment extends to a lightweight aluminum ABR-1 bridge and stopbar tailpiece, anchored with steel thumbwheels and studs.
Playability: The ES-335 has always had a reputation for being one of the most comfortable semi-hollows to play, and this model keeps that tradition alive. The rounded “C” mahogany neck sits in the hand nicely, offering enough substance without feeling cumbersome, while the 12-inch rosewood fingerboard radius and medium jumbo frets make bends and chord work equally smooth.
Sounds: Instead of ’57s, it comes with medium-output calibrated T-Type humbucking pickups, but they provide a perfect showcase for an ES-335 and reveal the expression on tap here: warm without a hint of muddiness, but touch-sensitive with bite when overdriven.
Best budget
✅ Buy if you want the most bang for your buck: Costing around £/$300, the value Ibanez packs into this guitar is nothing short of a miracle.
❌ Avoid if you want more finish options: There are only two color choices, and they may not appeal to everyone.
Overview: The Ibanez Artcore series has long been a popular alternative to brands such as Epiphone, and the AS53 is one of the most affordable options for players seeking a slightly smaller body that does not compromise on tone.
Build Quality: Featuring Linden and Nyatoh tonewoods on the body, back, sides, and neck, this guitar is striking to look at. The Tobacco Flat or Transparent Black finish highlights the elegance of the body shape without being flashy.
Playability: The AS53 is a comfortable guitar to wield, with its slightly smaller body size making it less bulky than many traditional semi-hollows. The bound rosewood fingerboard feels smooth under the fingers, and the slim, fast-playing neck profile is what Ibanez is known for. Whether you are strumming chords or running lead lines, it offers an easy playing experience that suits beginners and experienced players alike.
Sounds: Equipped with a set of Infinity R Ceramic Humbuckers, this guitar sounds just as good as it looks, delivering the warm, creamy tone you would expect from a semi-hollow. If you are longing for hollow-body character without breaking the bank, the Ibanez AS53 Artcore should be high on your list.
Best mid-priced
✅ Buy if you want Gibson spec for less: Epiphone has recreated Dave’s Gibson signature very faithfully and there is plenty of US spec for less money than the original.
❌ Avoid if you’re on the smaller side: By combining a Trini Lopez guitar and an ES-335, this guitar feels long. Perhaps not the easiest to wield if you struggle with larger guitars.
Overview: Foo Fighters fans around the globe were giggling with glee when Epiphone announced a production-line replica of Dave Grohl’s signature DG-335. Originally released by Gibson as a premium Memphis-made model, finding one on the second-hand market was even less affordable. Now, this mid-priced Epiphone variant makes owning one achievable without sacrificing quality or materials.
Build Quality: Instead of a pure maple body, Epiphone has opted for a double-bound laminated maple and poplar construction with a one-piece mahogany neck and laurel fingerboard. Like Grohl’s original, this guitar blends an ES-335 body with Trini Lopez details, such as diamond F-holes, split-diamond inlays, and a Firebird-inspired headstock. Epiphone has absolutely nailed the Pelham Blue finish, and overall, it is a stunning reproduction.
Playability: The DG-335 uses an Elliptical C-shape neck profile, slightly chunkier and wider for digging into chords. It fills the palm more than a standard SlimTaper or modern C while still remaining comfortable for lead work. One thing to note: the combination of the Firebird-style headstock and ES-335 body gives it a long overall length, which can feel a touch unwieldy for shorter players.
Sounds: The most exciting inclusion is a set of Gibson USA Burstbuckers, with a Burstbucker 2 in the neck and a Burstbucker 3 in the bridge, exactly like Grohl’s original. Plugged into an AC30 or Mesa/Boogie, you get an instantly recognizable rock tone that nails the Foo Fighters sound. It is perfect for Foo’s fans but also versatile enough to cover everything from bluesy riffs to hard rock staples.
Best T-Type
✅ Buy if you want a slightly different flavor than Fender: This is ideal if you want a semi-hollow with a unique G&L feel, not just another Fender.
❌ Avoid if you prefer a double cut: For some, the balance and look of a double-cut body wins over single-cut semi-hollow designs.
Overview: With plenty of enthusiasm and creativity still to give, Leo Fender, alongside George Fullerton and Dale Hyatt, founded G&L in the late 1970s. The G&L ASAT Classic is a refined take on Leo’s final single-cut bolt-on electric guitar design.
Build Quality: Offering fantastic value for money, the ASAT Classic Bluesboy is a semi-hollow guitar with a swamp ash body, classic 25.5-inch scale length, and either a hard maple or rosewood fingerboard, depending on the finish. Six individual brass saddles provide precise intonation, while 18:1-ratio tuners deliver excellent stability.
Playability: The Thinline design makes this an incredibly lightweight and nimble instrument. While the airy character of a semi-hollow is less pronounced due to the smaller body, the familiar T-style shape feels instantly comfortable and offers minimal resistance across a wide range of genres.
Sounds: A G&L alnico humbucker pairs with Leo’s Fullerton-made, high-output single-coil MFD (Magnetic Field Design) bridge pickup to create a versatile tonal palette. The humbucker’s emphasis on low end balances nicely against the single-coil, which delivers punchy midrange with enough bite to cut through a mix.
Best small body
✅ Buy if you want the 335 feel on a smaller body: This is the perfect size for players who find a 335 too big.
❌ Avoid if you want something lighter: The 339 is still a fairly weighty guitar despite the reduced body size.
Overview: Introduced in 2007, the Gibson ES-339 is a smaller version of the ES-335, intended for those who are more comfortable wielding a guitar with Les Paul-esque dimensions.
Build Quality: Smaller certainly does not mean inferior. The ES-339’s maple center block and quarter-sawn spruce bracing make it every bit a genuine downsized take on its bigger, older brother. The 3-ply maple/poplar/maple body feels solid and well put together, and details like the Grover Rotomatic machine heads and ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic bridge add to the sense of quality. It might be more compact, but it still carries the same Gibson craftsmanship and presence you would expect from the ES line.
Usability/Playability: The ES-339’s scaled-down body makes it a far more manageable guitar than its bigger brother, especially for players who find the ES-335 a little unwieldy. The slimmer lower bout sits neatly against the body, and the double-cutaway keeps the upper frets within easy reach. Add in the rounded C neck profile and you get that familiar Gibson feel; substantial enough to dig into chords but comfortable enough for long sessions without fatigue.
Sounds: If the ES-339 feels like an ES-335 / Les Paul mix, then the ’57 Classic / Classic Plus humbuckers suit the platform with thick bridge position tones, open-neck character and an added twang to the mid position that enables more scope for chord jangle than you’d find on an LP. It’s a very inviting halfway house.
Best with trem
✅ Buy if you want the smoothest tremolo on the market: This is where Duesenberg truly excels, with a system that feels effortless in action.
❌ Avoid if you prefer rough and ready aesthetics: Duesenberg leans toward a super clean look that may feel too polished.
Overview: Founded in 1986 in Hannover, Germany, Duesenberg applies the same level of attention to detail in guitar making as its compatriots at Mercedes-Benz. Every piece of hardware is designed in-house, right down to the pot covers, built not only to look stunning but also to withstand the rigors of the road. The Starplayer TV is a semi-hollow single-cut guitar that showcases this ethos and features one of the finest tremolo systems available.
Build Quality: The first thing you notice when holding a Starplayer TV is how pristine it looks. Every angle has been carefully crafted, from the Super Smooth Z-Tuners to the signature D logo and chrome detailing on the Diamond Deluxe Tremola. It is visually tied together with an Art Nouveau vibe, but the Tremola is more than just a show; it delivers one of the smoothest actions on the market, incredibly responsive and a joy to use.
Playability: The Starplayer TV plays like a dream. Each model is run through a Plek machine to level the frets to within 1/100 of a millimeter. From there, the neck is hand-finished, with rounded fret edges and a rolled fingerboard that make it feel effortless in the hand.
Sounds: This guitar pairs a Domino P90 with a GrandVintage Humbucker, offering a wealth of tones. Both pickups are Duesenberg’s own designs, with a clarity and articulation that really stand out. The combination is as versatile as it is articulate, capable of covering a wide range of styles while maintaining supreme definition.
Also consider
For me, the above picks should cover most guitarists needs when it comes to semi-hollow guitars. If you didn't find what you were looking for though, here are some more great options for you to have a look at.
How to choose
If you’re reading this, chances are you have your eyes on a semi-hollow electric guitar. The good news? I have been helping musicians for the best part of a decade select a suitable semi-hollow for their tastes, budgets, and skill levels. Working in a guitar store means I have handled my fair share of semi-hollow guitars, and here are the top considerations you should acknowledge before making a purchase.
1. Body Shape
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The most important factor you should consider is body shape. Today, semi-hollow electric guitars come in all shapes and sizes. When most people think about a semi-hollow electric, it will likely be a double-cut ES-335-style body they imagine. This is a highly popular shape, but it can be slightly on the larger side for some players.
However, brands like PRS, Sterling by Music Man, and Fender are taking traditional solid-body shapes and routing them into semi-hollows. If you’d prefer the more compact nature of an electric guitar but want to benefit from semi-hollow characteristics, then check out these options on our list. After all, if the body shape doesn’t work for you and feels uncomfortable, it won’t encourage you to play.
2. Pickups
As for the pickups, you will typically come across humbuckers for semi-hollow guitars. This is largely due to the nature of both ’buckers and these guitars’ construction. Semi-hollow guitars can sometimes suffer from feedback, particularly when using gain, and humbuckers are designed to minimize unwanted hum and noise. Humbuckers are warm, rounded, and great for classic rock.
However, particularly on smaller bodies, alternative pickups like single-coils and P-90s can be used. Take the PRS Special, for example, this HSH configuration guitar utilizes a single-coil, while brands like Gretsch and Duesenberg often like to experiment with P-90s. Single-coils are brighter, spankier, and slightly more articulate, while P-90s have more bite and attack. The pickup configuration you go for will be determined by how you would like to sound.
3. Tremolo or no tremolo?
Gretsch and Duesenberg are two brands in particular that love sticking a tremolo arm on a semi-hollow electric. This is the metallic arm at the bridge that, when pressed, produces a tremolo effect. Gretsch often uses Bigsby tremolos, while Duesenberg makes its own. Other brands do install a tremolo arm and they are common sights on semi-hollow electrics.
Deciding between a tremolo bridge and a hardtail will depend on your playing style. Are you likely to use the tremolo while playing? Do you want to have that option? If the answer is yes, then go for it. If it’s no, it may be worth getting a hardtail. After all, if you aren’t using it, it will more than likely just get in the way of your playing and can also be a bit trickier to restring.
FAQs
Are semi-hollow guitars versatile?
Semi-hollow guitars are among the most versatile electric guitars out there. They’ve been played by artists as diverse as Noel Gallagher and Brian Setzer. Out of all the classic shapes, a semi-hollow can cover anything from R&B to hard rock and everything in between.
Don’t let the typical HH configuration fool you; the balance between the breathy, acoustic-like quality that cleans up beautifully and the dirty bite of a humbucker makes these guitars a seasoned musician’s or studio guitarist’s dream. And if the HH setup isn’t for you, many modern semi-hollows now feature coil-splits, P-90s, or even single-coils for even more tonal variety.
Can semi-hollow guitars handle high gain?
If there is one weakness a semi-hollow guitar has, it is the inability to handle seriously high gain. That’s not to say they cannot deliver it. With humbuckers onboard, you will still get great high-gain tones, but the problem tends to appear when you stop playing. Because these guitars have routed internals, feedback can creep in quickly, especially when the gain is cranked. Some players enjoy using that feedback creatively, but more often than not, it can become grating for your bandmates or anyone listening if it screeches constantly.
Do semi-hollow guitars tend to feed back?
Semi-hollow guitars do have a tendency to feed back. While their solid center block makes them less prone to it than fully hollow models, you can still run into some feedback if you stand too close to your amp or are playing with lots of gain. The good news is it’s pretty easy to control. Rolling down your guitar’s volume knob usually kills it instantly. That works fine between songs, but it’s less practical in the middle of a riff.
What difference does the semi-hollow body make to the tone?
Comparing a semi-hollow to a solid body guitar, you will notice a few key differences in the tone. Because a semi-hollow has hollow wings, you get a breathy, woody quality that leans slightly towards an acoustic. The solid center block provides more sustain than a fully hollow guitar and helps reduce unwanted feedback. I have always found that semi-hollows produce beautiful natural harmonics that sit on the brighter yet smoother side of the spectrum. Overall, they are versatile guitars with a unique tonal character that sets them apart.
Are semi-hollow guitars lighter than solid body guitars?
On some occasions, semi-hollow guitars can be lighter than solid body guitars, but not as often as you might expect. Sure, the wings are fully routed, but the combination of a solid center block and typically larger dimensions on the lower bout adds more weight than you’d think. Add a Bigsby or other tremolo into the mix and your semi-hollow won’t feel dramatically lighter than a solid body. Also, many modern solid body guitars have been weight relieved, made thinner, or even fully chambered, putting them on par with a semi-hollow.
Should I get a tremolo for my semi-hollow guitar?
I’d only recommend getting a tremolo for your semi-hollow if you’re actually going to use it. Sure, they look great and add a touch of class, but if your playing style doesn’t involve much tremolo work, they can get in the way more than they help. They also make restringing a bit more fiddly, and the extra weight can feel unnecessary if the arm is just sitting there unused.
Do semi-hollow guitars need special care?
No, semi-hollow guitars don’t really need any special care compared with solid bodies. In fact, I’d argue they sometimes need less. Many semi-hollows use laminated wood, which is less affected by temperature changes. The main difference comes with the electronics. Repairs or pickup swaps are more of a hassle because everything has to be pulled through the f-hole, which is a total faff. My local guitar tech has even blacklisted me from asking him to swap pickups on a semi-hollow again.
Key terms
- Archtop: A type of semi-hollow (or fully-hollow) guitar that has a curved wooden top, as opposed to a flat one found on a Stratocaster, for example.
- Bigsby: This is a brand of tremolo system widely used on semi-hollow guitars. The mechanism produces a smooth and often subtle tremolo effect.
- Center block: A center block is the solid piece of wood running through the middle of a semi-hollow guitar. It has two routed wings attached to either side.
- Coil-split: A coil-split is an electrical feature installed in a guitar that disables one half of a humbucker, allowing single-coil tones to be produced.
- F-holes: An F-hole is the ornamental design found on a semi-hollow guitar’s top; it is always featured on the ‘wing’, or hollow section of the top.
- Feedback: This is an audio loop produced when a guitar’s amplified sound is picked up by the pickups, resulting in feedback. It often sounds like a high-pitched howl.
- Hollow body: Unlike a semi-hollow with a center block, a hollow body guitar is fully routed, doesn’t have a center block and is fully hollow.
- Humbucker: This is an electric guitar pickup formed by two single coils being bunched together. The opposing polarities help reduce any unwanted hum.
- Laminated top: A laminated top is a type of composite wood made up of multiple thin layers of wood glued together to produce the top.
- Neck profile: Simply put, the neck profile is the cross-section of the back of a guitar’s neck. Usually described by letters, like ‘C’, ‘D’, or ‘U’, this gives an idea of the shape.
- P-90: Somewhere between a single-coil and humbucker, a P-90 is technically a single-coil as it has one wire coil, but with a much shorter and wider bobbin.
- Resonance: This is how your guitar’s body will vibrate to a particular frequency. Semi-hollow resonance is a little brighter and airier compared to a solid body.
- Scale length: This refers to the measurement of the guitar’s length between the bridge and nut.
- Set neck: Unlike a bolt-on neck, a set neck is glued into the body in a pre-cut pocket.
- Single-coil: A pickup design that uses a single magnet and coil of wire. They sound bright, clear, and snappy, but can sometimes pick up a little hum.
- Sustain: How long a note rings out once you play it. Semi-hollows usually have more natural sustain than fully hollow guitars, but a little less than solid bodies.
- Thinline: A term used for slimmer semi-hollow guitars. They keep the airy tone but feel lighter and easier to handle. It is a term coined by Fender and its Telecaster Thinline model.
- Tone block: The solid piece of wood running through the center of a semi-hollow. It adds sustain and helps keep feedback under control.
How we test
At Guitar Player, our expert team of guitarists is fully immersed in the world of guitars. With our deep appreciation for the unique tone and versatility of the instrument, we have extensively tested and played numerous guitars to identify the best semi-hollow guitars available.
To compile our list of top semi-hollow guitars, we combine our hands-on experience, meticulous research, and in-depth discussions with our editorial team. We carefully consider factors such as craftsmanship, playability, tonal range, and overall value to ensure we showcase the finest products on the market.
As dedicated musicians ourselves, we understand the importance of finding the perfect instrument that suits your playing style and musical preferences. Whether you're exploring jazz, blues, rock, or any genre that benefits from the warm, resonant tones of a semi-hollow guitar, our goal is to provide reliable and informed recommendations to help you discover the ideal instrument for your musical journey. With the best semi-hollow guitars in your hands, you'll have the tools to express your creativity and elevate your sound to new heights.
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