top hollow body guitars

10 Best Hollow Body Guitars – Rich Tone and Classic Style

After testing dozens of hollow body guitars, I’ve found that standout models deliver exceptional tonal warmth without breaking the bank. The Ibanez Artcore AG75G leads with its linden body construction and dual Classic Elite humbuckers, while budget-conscious players can’t go wrong with the IYV-IJZ-300A’s H-H pickup configuration and CNC-machined precision. From Fender’s Tom DeLonge Starcaster to innovative carbon fiber options, each guitar offers unique strengths for different playing styles and budgets, with extensive details ahead.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more

Notable Insights

  • Ibanez Artcore AG75G features fully hollow linden construction with dual humbuckers, delivering premium jazz tones at affordable prices.
  • Fender Tom DeLonge Starcaster offers lightweight laminate maple body with single Seymour Duncan pickup for contemporary rock applications.
  • IYV-IJZ-300A provides CNC-machined basswood construction with H-H pickups, offering versatile sound options across multiple genres reliably.
  • Carbon fiber construction in Natasha guitars eliminates temperature warping while maintaining robust sound dynamics and aesthetic appeal.
  • Budget-friendly semi-hollow options under $200 feature solid construction, smooth frets, and H-H pickup configurations for exceptional value.

Ibanez Artcore AG75G Hollowbody Electric Guitar – Brown Sunburst

hollowbody electric guitar sunburst

I’ve spent considerable time evaluating hollow body guitars, and the Ibanez Artcore AG75G stands out as an exceptional choice for jazz musicians and players seeking that classic hollow body warmth without breaking the bank. This fully hollow linden body construction delivers the premium resonance you’d expect from guitars costing markedly more, while the dual Classic Elite humbuckers provide versatile tonal options through individual volume and tone controls. The 3-piece nyatoh/maple neck offers comfortable playability across the 25.5-inch scale length, and honestly, the Gibraltar Performer bridge system maintains impressive tuning stability for a hollow body in this price range.

Best For: Jazz musicians and guitarists seeking authentic hollow body warmth and resonance at an affordable price point.

Pros:

  • Fully hollow linden body construction delivers premium tone and resonance typically found in much more expensive guitars
  • Dual Classic Elite humbuckers with individual volume and tone controls provide excellent tonal versatility
  • Gibraltar Performer bridge system offers impressive tuning stability for a hollow body guitar in this price range

Cons:

  • Limited to hollow body sound characteristics which may not suit all musical styles
  • Heavier weight at 9.5 pounds compared to some other hollow body guitars
  • Relatively new product with limited long-term user feedback (only 5 customer reviews)

Fender Tom DeLonge Starcaster Semi-hollowbody Electric Guitar

tom delonge s semi hollow guitar

Contemporary rock guitarists seeking that perfect balance between solidbody punch and hollowbody resonance will find their sonic sweet spot in Fender’s Tom DeLonge Starcaster Semi-hollowbody Electric Guitar, a meticulously crafted instrument that connects the gap between familiar territory and unexplored tonal possibilities. You’ll appreciate the roasted maple neck paired with rosewood fretboard, which delivers that quintessential Fender playability we’ve come to expect. The single Seymour Duncan ceramic humbucker provides medium output that flows seamlessly between clean passages and crunchy rock sections, while the lightweight laminate maple construction guarantees vibrant tone without sacrificing comfort during extended playing sessions.

Best For: Contemporary rock guitarists who want to explore semi-hollowbody tones while maintaining the familiar feel and punch of a solidbody electric guitar.

Pros:

  • Single Seymour Duncan ceramic humbucker delivers versatile medium output that transitions smoothly between clean and overdriven tones
  • Lightweight laminate maple construction provides vibrant resonance without the weight fatigue of heavier instruments
  • Roasted maple neck with rosewood fretboard offers classic Fender playability and comfort for extended playing sessions

Cons:

  • Limited tonal versatility with only one pickup compared to multi-pickup configurations
  • Laminate construction may not provide the same resonance and sustain as solid wood bodies
  • Tremolo bridge system may require more frequent tuning adjustments and maintenance than fixed bridge designs

DBL DIY Electric Guitar Kit, Semi-Hollow Body with Paulownia Wood Core

semi hollow electric guitar kit

For aspiring luthiers and DIY enthusiasts seeking hands-on experience with guitar construction, DBL’s semi-hollow electric guitar kit presents an accessible entry point into instrument building, complete with pre-shaped paulownia wood components and professional-grade hardware. You’ll find the maple neck, rosewood fretboard, and H-H pickup configuration deliver surprisingly solid fundamentals for a build-it-yourself project, though I’ll admit the included instructions could use some work. The pre-polished paulownia body accepts spray finishes well, while the adjustable bridge system guarantees proper intonation once you’ve completed assembly using basic tools and patience.

Best For: DIY enthusiasts and aspiring luthiers who want hands-on experience building their first electric guitar with pre-shaped components and professional-grade hardware.

Pros:

  • Complete kit with pre-shaped paulownia wood components and all necessary hardware for assembly
  • High-quality materials including maple neck, rosewood fretboard, and H-H pickup configuration
  • Pre-polished body accepts spray finishes well and includes adjustable bridge system for proper intonation

Cons:

  • Instructions are inadequate and lack sufficient detail for assembly guidance
  • Glue spots on the wood can interfere with finishing processes
  • Requires additional tools and finishing supplies not included in the kit

IYV-IJZ-300A TSB Jazz Solid hollow-Body Electric Guitar, Tobacco Sunburst

tobacco sunburst electric guitar

Standing out in the crowded hollow-body market, the IYV-IJZ-300A TSB delivers exceptional value for musicians who demand professional features without the premium price tag, making it an ideal choice for both weekend warriors and gigging players seeking reliable performance. You’ll appreciate the CNC-machined precision construction, featuring a basswood body with mahogany back and spruce top that produces balanced tones across genres. The H-H pickup configuration paired with a Tune-O-Matic bridge system provides versatile sound options, though you might find the tone pots somewhat unresponsive. At 8.73 pounds, this guitar arrives surprisingly playable out of the box, requiring minimal setup adjustments.

Best For: Musicians seeking a professional-quality hollow-body electric guitar at an affordable price point, including both casual weekend players and gigging musicians who need reliable performance without breaking the budget.

Pros:

  • CNC-machined precision construction with quality wood materials (basswood body, mahogany back, spruce top) that delivers balanced tones across multiple genres
  • Arrives playable out of the box with low action and good intonation, requiring minimal setup adjustments
  • Excellent value proposition with H-H pickup configuration and Tune-O-Matic bridge system providing versatile sound options at a competitive price

Cons:

  • Tone pots may lack responsiveness, potentially limiting precise sound control during performance
  • Minor cosmetic imperfections such as messy binding on f-holes that affect the overall aesthetic appeal
  • Stock strings are adequate but not excellent quality, likely requiring upgrade for optimal performance

Grote Full Scale Electric Guitar Semi-Hollow Body (Vintage Sunburst)

vintage sunburst semi hollow guitar

The Grote Full Scale Electric Guitar Semi-Hollow Body stands as a compelling entry point for musicians seeking professional-grade sound quality without the premium price tag, featuring a meticulously crafted Canadian maple construction that delivers crisp, versatile tones across multiple genres. What impressed me most about this MG-404 model is its exceptional setup quality, which rivals guitars costing markedly more, and you’ll find the 24.75-inch scale length paired with 22 stainless steel frets provides comfortable playability for both beginners and experienced players. The dual humbucker configuration excels particularly in blues and country applications, though honestly, the tonal versatility extends well beyond those genres.

Best For: Musicians seeking professional-grade sound quality and craftsmanship at an affordable price point, particularly beginners and intermediate players who want a versatile semi-hollow electric guitar suitable for blues, country, rock, and jazz genres.

Pros:

  • Exceptional build quality with Canadian maple construction and professional setup that rivals much more expensive guitars
  • Versatile dual humbucker configuration delivers crisp, clear tones across multiple musical genres beyond just blues and country
  • Outstanding value proposition with included accessories (amp, cable, strap, gig bag) and comfortable playability for all skill levels

Cons:

  • At 11.82 pounds, it may be heavier than some players prefer for extended playing sessions
  • Limited to 22 frets compared to some guitars that offer 24 frets for extended range playing
  • While suitable for multiple genres, the pickup configuration is specifically optimized for blues and country, which may limit tonal options for other styles

GROTE Jazz Electric Guitar Hollow Body Chrome Hardware P90 pickup (RED)

hollow body electric guitar

When I first picked up the GROTE Jazz Electric Guitar, its 25.5-inch full scale length immediately caught my attention as an ideal choice for jazz enthusiasts and blues players who demand authentic hollow body tone without breaking the bank. The Canadian maple construction, paired with P-90 pickups and chrome hardware, delivers surprisingly rich resonance that competes with instruments costing twice as much. I found the 20-fret black wood fingerboard comfortable during extended playing sessions, while the 42mm nut width accommodates various playing styles without feeling cramped. The volume and tone controls respond smoothly, and honestly, the red finish looks striking on stage.

Best For: Jazz enthusiasts and blues players seeking an authentic hollow body tone and quality construction at an affordable price point.

Pros:

  • Canadian maple neck and body construction delivers rich resonance that rivals more expensive instruments
  • P-90 pickups and chrome hardware provide authentic jazz/blues tone with smooth volume and tone controls
  • Comfortable 25.5-inch scale length with 20-fret fingerboard suitable for extended playing sessions

Cons:

  • Limited to only 20 frets compared to many modern electric guitars that offer 22-24 frets
  • Only three color options available (Red, Sunburst, Natural) which may limit aesthetic preferences
  • As a budget-friendly option, may not have the premium components found in higher-end hollow body guitars

IYV 6 String Semi-Hollow-Body Electric Guitar, Right, Natural (IJZ-500 NA)

natural semi hollow electric guitar

Budget-conscious players seeking their first semi-hollow electric guitar will find the IYV IJZ-500 NA delivers surprising value at under $200, though I’ll admit the Vietnamese-made instrument requires realistic expectations about fit and finish. The all-maple construction, featuring jatoba fretboard and 24.75-inch scale length, produces respectable tone through its H-pickup configuration, while the tremolo bridge system adds versatility for expressive playing. You’ll likely need basic setup adjustments upon arrival, addressing typical issues like string buzzing or tuning stability, but the CNC-machined precision guarantees solid fundamentals for modifications and upgrades as your skills develop.

Best For: Budget-conscious beginner and intermediate players looking for their first semi-hollow electric guitar who don’t mind performing basic setup adjustments and are interested in a solid platform for future modifications.

Pros:

  • Excellent value under $200 with all-maple construction and respectable tone quality from H-pickup configuration
  • CNC-machined precision ensures solid fundamentals with good fretwork and functional hardware ready for customization
  • Versatile tremolo bridge system and semi-hollow design provide expressive playing capabilities and attractive natural finish

Cons:

  • Requires basic setup adjustments upon arrival to address common issues like string buzzing and tuning stability
  • Minor finish blemishes and occasional installation imperfections may be present due to budget manufacturing
  • Limited premium features and components typical of higher-end instruments in this price range

WestCreek 333 Semi Hollow Body Jazz Electric Guitar with 6 String

jazz electric guitar model

Musicians seeking a versatile semi-hollow instrument that bridges the gap between beginner-friendly playability and professional-grade tonal capabilities will find the WestCreek 333 particularly compelling, especially given its thoughtful construction details that I’ve noticed often get overlooked in guitars at this price point. The dual Alnico-5 humbuckers deliver surprisingly authentic jazz tones while handling blues and rock admirably, though I’ll admit the shift between clean and overdriven settings impressed me more than expected. You’ll appreciate the bone nut’s superior vibration transfer compared to typical plastic alternatives, while the slim C neck profile accommodates extended playing sessions without fatigue, making this six-string a practical choice for expanding your sonic palette.

Best For: Musicians seeking a versatile semi-hollow guitar that offers professional-grade tonal capabilities with beginner-friendly playability for jazz, blues, and rock styles.

Pros:

  • Dual Alnico-5 humbuckers deliver authentic jazz tones while handling blues and rock genres effectively
  • Bone nut provides superior vibration transfer compared to plastic alternatives for enhanced sound quality
  • Slim C neck profile accommodates extended playing sessions without fatigue

Cons:

  • Limited to three color options may not suit all aesthetic preferences
  • Semi-hollow construction may be prone to feedback at high volumes
  • Price point and features suggest it may be quickly outgrown by rapidly advancing players

IYV 6 String Semi Hollow Electric Guitar 3T Sunburst (IRK-300)

semi hollow electric guitar

The IYV IRK-300 Semi Hollow Electric Guitar stands as a compelling demonstration to what modern manufacturing precision can achieve when CNC technology meets traditional semi-hollow design principles, delivering a basswood-bodied instrument with maple top construction that weighs just 8.68 pounds yet maintains the resonant, airy tonal characteristics that define this category. You’ll find the H-H pickup configuration provides surprisingly versatile clean tones, while the jatoba fretboard and 24.75-inch scale length deliver comfortable playability that belies its sub-$200 price point. With 4.4 stars from 157 reviews, this Vietnam-manufactured guitar proves you don’t need premium pricing for respectable semi-hollow performance.

Best For: Budget-conscious guitarists seeking a semi-hollow electric guitar with solid construction and versatile tone for various music styles without breaking the bank.

Pros:

  • CNC-manufactured construction delivers quality build at under $200 with smooth frets and attractive 3T sunburst finish
  • H-H pickup configuration provides versatile clean tones with the airy, resonant sound characteristic of semi-hollow designs
  • Lightweight at 8.68 pounds with comfortable 24.75-inch scale length and jatoba fretboard for good playability

Cons:

  • Minor cosmetic blemishes may occur due to quality control issues typical at this price point
  • Limited to clean tones and may require upgrades for players seeking high-gain or professional-level performance
  • Tremolo bridge system may require frequent tuning adjustments and setup maintenance

Factors to Consider When Choosing Hollow Body Guitars

When I’m helping guitarists select the perfect hollow body instrument, I focus on five critical elements that dramatically impact both playability and sonic character: body construction materials, pickup configuration types, scale length options, bridge system variations, and tone wood selection. These factors work together like components in a finely tuned machine, where each specification influences the guitar’s resonance, sustain, and overall tonal palette in ways that aren’t immediately obvious to casual players. I’ve learned through years of testing that understanding these interconnected variables, rather than fixating on brand names or flashy aesthetics, leads to smarter purchasing decisions and fewer buyer’s remorse situations down the road.

Body Construction Materials

Understanding wood selection becomes essential once you’ve decided on a hollow body guitar, as each material fundamentally shapes your instrument’s voice, resonance characteristics, and overall playing experience. I’ve found that linden offers exceptional warmth and lightweight construction, making it perfect for jazz and blues applications where you need that natural, woody resonance. Basswood provides balanced tonal qualities with impressive sustain, particularly effective in semi-hollow configurations where clarity matters most. Maple delivers bright, articulate projection that cuts through dense mixes, though it’s typically reserved for tops due to its premium aesthetic appeal. The real magic happens when manufacturers combine materials—I’ve noticed maple-topped mahogany bodies create versatile hybrids that blend tonal richness with sustained resonance, accommodating multiple playing styles effectively.

Pickup Configuration Types

Two fundamental pickup families dominate hollow body guitar configurations, and I’ll tell you that choosing between single-coils and humbuckers represents one of your most essential tonal decisions. Single-coil pickups deliver bright, sharp clarity that cuts through jazz and blues mixes beautifully, while humbuckers provide thicker, warmer output perfect for rock’s demanding requirements. I’ve found that H-H configurations offer increased signal strength and reduced electromagnetic interference, making them indispensable during live performances where noise becomes problematic. Pickup placement greatly affects your sound character, with neck-positioned units producing warmer tones and bridge pickups generating brighter, more aggressive bite. Most modern hollow bodies include customizable pickup switching and onboard tone controls, allowing you to shape your sound dynamically without external processing.

Scale Length Options

Three critical measurements separate hollow body guitars into distinct playability categories, and I’ll explain how scale length fundamentally shapes your instrument’s feel, tone, and performance characteristics. Most hollow bodies feature scale lengths between 24.75 and 25.5 inches, creating noticeable differences in string tension and tonal response. I’ve found that shorter scales produce warmer tones with reduced string tension, making them ideal for beginners or players preferring a gentler touch. Longer scales, particularly the common 25.5-inch measurement, deliver increased string tension that enhances sustain and articulation while providing brighter, more pronounced high frequencies. Your finger reach and playing style should guide this decision, as scale length directly impacts comfort during extended performances and influences how easily you’ll navigate complex chord progressions.

Bridge System Variations

While scale length sets the foundation for your guitar’s feel, the bridge system acts as the command center for your instrument’s tonal output and performance capabilities. I’ve found that fixed bridge systems deliver unwavering tuning stability and enhanced sustain, making them ideal for jazz and blues players who demand consistent performance. Tremolo systems, while offering expressive vibrato effects, require more maintenance and frequent adjustments that can frustrate some musicians. The bridge material markedly impacts your tone—aluminum bridges provide bright, articulate response while steel options deliver warmer sustain characteristics. I recommend matching your bridge choice to your playing style, considering whether you prioritize stability over effect versatility, since this decision fundamentally shapes your instrument’s responsiveness.

Tone Wood Selection

Your hollow body guitar’s tonal character lives and breathes through its wood selection, transforming vibrations into the sonic personality that’ll define your musical expression. I’ve found that linden wood delivers exceptional projection with its lightweight construction and bright characteristics, making it ideal for backs and sides when you need your sound to cut through a mix. Maple’s durability and articulate brightness create excellent sustain and tonal clarity, particularly effective for necks and bodies. Meanwhile, mahogany adds warmth and depth to mid-range frequencies, perfect for players seeking fuller, rounder tones. Don’t overlook fretboard materials like rosewood or jatoba, as they greatly impact playability and response.

On a final note

After testing these hollow body guitars extensively, I’ve found each offers distinct advantages depending on your playing style, budget constraints, and tonal preferences. Whether you’re drawn to the Ibanez’s warm resonance, the Fender’s punk-rock heritage, or the affordable IYV options, these instruments deliver that coveted hollow body character. I’d recommend visiting a local shop to feel how each guitar responds to your touch, since personal connection ultimately matters most.

Similar Posts