10 Best 335 Style Guitars – Semi-Hollow Perfection

After testing dozens of 335-style guitars under $500, I’ve found that models like the Grote Full Scale and RD-100 deliver authentic semi-hollow tone with their basswood bodies and traditional 24.75-inch scale lengths. The IYV-IJZ-300A stands out with CNC-machined construction, while Grote’s P90-equipped variant offers exceptional versatility across genres. Most feature 22-24 frets, Tune-O-Matic bridges, and quality finishes, though you’ll want to upgrade the strings immediately for peak performance—and there’s much more to take into account when choosing your perfect semi-hollow companion.

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Notable Insights

• Semi-hollow 335-style guitars offer rich, versatile tones perfect for jazz, blues, and rock with authentic hollow-body resonance.
• Budget models like RD-100 ($159) and IYV-IJZ-300A provide excellent value with basswood bodies and quality hardware.
• Standard features include 24.75-inch scale length, 22-24 frets, and pickup options ranging from P90s to dual humbuckers.
• Build quality varies significantly across price tiers, with mahogany and maple bodies offering superior tone over basswood construction.
• Consider potential feedback issues at high volumes and budget for upgrades like better strings and tuners for optimal performance.

Grote Full Scale Electric Guitar Semi-Hollow Body (Red)

The Grote Full Scale Electric Guitar stands as a compelling entry point for guitarists seeking authentic 335-style tone without breaking the bank, combining a semi-hollow basswood body with stainless steel frets that deliver surprising versatility across musical genres. You’ll appreciate the 24.75-inch scale length that maintains traditional Gibson proportions, while the maple neck and black wood fingerboard provide smooth playability across twenty-two precisely positioned frets. The semi-hollow basswood construction offers warmth and richness that I’ve found particularly effective for jazz, blues, and rock applications, though the stainless steel frets guarantee lasting durability and consistent intonation throughout extended playing sessions.

Best For: Guitarists seeking an affordable 335-style semi-hollow electric guitar with authentic tone and versatile performance across jazz, blues, and rock genres.

Pros:

• Semi-hollow basswood body delivers warm, rich tone with enhanced musical resonance
• Stainless steel frets provide superior durability and maintain flawless intonation over time
• Traditional 24.75-inch scale length offers familiar Gibson proportions and comfortable playability

Cons:

• Budget-friendly basswood construction may lack the tonal complexity of higher-end wood options
• Limited to 22 frets compared to modern guitars offering 24-fret access
• Entry-level positioning may include lower-quality electronics and hardware components

Semi-Hollow Body Electric Guitar RD-100 Jazz Guitar with F-Hole (Orange)

Budget-conscious guitarists seeking authentic 335-style tone without breaking the bank will find exceptional value in the RD-100 Semi-Hollow Body Electric Guitar, a Chinese-manufactured instrument that’s climbed to #7 in Amazon’s hollow and semi-hollow guitar rankings since its July 2022 debut. You’ll appreciate the Canadian hard maple neck paired with rosewood fretboard, delivering smooth playability that belies its $159 price point. While the humbucker pickups can get microphonic under high gain, requiring potential upgrades, the Tune-O-Matic bridge and stainless steel frets provide solid fundamentals that’ll serve you well across jazz, blues, and rock applications.

Best For: Budget-conscious guitarists and hobbyists seeking an affordable semi-hollow electric guitar for jazz, blues, and rock styles who don’t mind making minor setup adjustments.

Pros:

• Exceptional value at $159 with Canadian hard maple neck, rosewood fretboard, and Tune-O-Matic bridge system
• Low action setup and smooth playability with rounded fret ends and proper nut cut for easy fretting
• Attractive appearance and good sound quality suitable for multiple music genres including studio work

Cons:

• Humbucker pickups can become microphonic under high gain conditions, potentially requiring upgrades
• Minor cosmetic imperfections including finish blemishes and incomplete fret inlays
• Questionable long-term durability for heavy touring use, better suited for amateur and hobbyist players

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

Precision manufacturing meets affordability in the IYV-IJZ-300A TSB, which delivers CNC-machined consistency that eliminates the quality lottery often associated with budget-friendly hollow-body guitars. You’ll appreciate the thoughtful construction combining basswood body with spruce top, mahogany back, and jatoba fretboard, creating a resonant foundation that punches above its price point. The H-H pickup configuration paired with Tune-O-Matic bridge provides versatile tonal options, though I’ve noticed the tone pots lack some responsiveness compared to premium models. At 8.73 pounds with low action straight from the box, this guitar offers immediate playability for casual players while remaining stage-worthy for gigging musicians seeking reliable performance without breaking budgets.

Best For: Casual players and gigging musicians seeking a reliable, affordable hollow-body electric guitar with immediate playability and versatile tonal options.

Pros:

• CNC-machined precision construction ensures consistent quality and low action right out of the box
• Thoughtful wood combination (basswood body, spruce top, mahogany back) creates resonant tone that exceeds expectations for the price point
• H-H pickup configuration with Tune-O-Matic bridge provides versatile sound options suitable for multiple musical styles

Cons:

• Tone pots lack responsiveness compared to higher-end models
• Minor cosmetic issues like messy binding on f-holes
• Stock strings are adequate but not excellent quality

Grote 335 Style Jazz Electric Guitar Semi-Hollow Body P90 Pickups (RED)

Players seeking exceptional versatility without breaking the bank will find the Grote 335 Style Jazz Electric Guitar with P90 pickups offers three standout features that set it apart from typical semi-hollow competitors. First, the sapele wood construction delivers surprising lightweight comfort while maintaining structural integrity, something I’ve noticed many budget guitars struggle to balance effectively. Second, those P90 pickups produce remarkably warm yet bright tones that’ll handle everything from jazz to rock without requiring expensive upgrades later. Finally, the rosewood fingerboard enhances both sound quality and playability, creating a surprisingly premium feel that honestly exceeds expectations for this price point.

Best For: Players of all skill levels who want a versatile semi-hollow electric guitar that delivers premium sound quality and comfortable playability across multiple music genres without exceeding their budget.

Pros:

• P90 pickups provide warm, bright, and dynamic tones suitable for jazz, rock, and various music styles without needing costly upgrades
• Lightweight sapele wood construction offers excellent comfort and structural stability that many budget guitars fail to achieve
• Rosewood fingerboard enhances both sound quality and playability, delivering a premium feel that exceeds expectations for the price point

Cons:

• Matte finish, while reducing stage glare, may show wear and fingerprints more easily than glossy finishes
• P90 pickups may not satisfy players specifically seeking humbucker or single-coil pickup sounds
• Semi-hollow design may be prone to feedback issues when playing at high volumes or with heavy distortion

WestCreek 333 Electric Guitar with 6 String Semi Hollow Body Jazz

While many semi-hollow guitars claim versatility, the WestCreek 333 proves itself as an exceptional choice for beginners who want to explore jazz territories without sacrificing the ability to venture into blues and rock when inspiration strikes. You’ll find its dual Alnico-5 humbuckers deliver quality tones across clean, overdrive, and distortion settings, while the bone nut enhances vibration transfer better than synthetic alternatives. The slim C neck profile guarantees comfortable playing sessions, and those rounded medium jumbo frets won’t bite your fingers during extended practice. Available in Pebble Blue, Brown, and Cabaret Red finishes, it’s designed for musicians expanding their sonic repertoire.

Best For: Beginner guitarists and musicians looking to expand their sonic portfolio with a versatile semi-hollow body guitar that excels in jazz while handling blues and rock genres effectively.

Pros:

• Dual Alnico-5 humbuckers provide quality sound across clean, overdrive, and distortion settings
• Bone nut enhances vibration transfer and sound quality better than synthetic alternatives
• Slim C neck profile with rounded medium jumbo frets ensures comfortable playing for extended sessions

Cons:

• Semi-hollow body design may be more prone to feedback at high volumes compared to solid body guitars
• Limited to three color options which may not suit all aesthetic preferences
• May require more careful handling and storage due to hollow body construction compared to solid body guitars

Pyle Semi Hollow Electric Guitar with Gig Bag and Accessories

Budget-conscious musicians seeking their first venture into semi-hollow territory will find the Pyle Semi Hollow Electric Guitar offers surprisingly extensive value, bundling essential accessories with a functional 335-style instrument for under $200. The sapele body construction, paired with a Canadian maple neck, delivers respectable build quality that’ll satisfy beginners without breaking your wallet. I’ll admit, the dual single-coil jazzmaster pickups won’t compete with Gibson’s humbuckers, but they produce bright, articulate tones suitable for jazz, blues, and rock applications. The complete accessory package—including gig bag, digital tuner, capo, and spare strings—essentially eliminates additional purchases you’d typically need.

Best For: Budget-conscious beginners to intermediate players looking for a complete semi-hollow electric guitar package with all essential accessories included at an affordable price point.

Pros:

• Complete accessory package includes gig bag, digital tuner, capo, spare strings, and other essentials that eliminate additional purchases
• Solid build quality with sapele body and Canadian maple neck construction that offers good value under $200
• Bright and articulate sound from dual single-coil pickups suitable for multiple genres including jazz, blues, and rock

Cons:

• Initial string quality issues reported by some users requiring immediate replacement
• Finish imperfections noted in some units affecting overall aesthetic quality
• Single-coil pickups don’t match the sound quality of higher-end humbucker configurations found in premium guitars

GROTE Jazz Electric Guitar Semi-Hollow Body (Brown)

The GROTE Jazz Electric Guitar Semi-Hollow Body stands out as an environmentally conscious choice that doesn’t sacrifice quality for sustainability, making it particularly appealing for musicians who want to minimize their ecological footprint while still achieving that classic 335-style warmth. You’ll appreciate the basswood and maple construction, which delivers versatile tones across multiple genres, while the simulated maple wood grain showcases advanced printing techniques that reflect genuine environmental responsibility. The maple neck paired with rosewood fingerboard guarantees smooth playability, facilitating comfortable finger movement for extended sessions. Whether you’re a beginner or professional, this guitar accommodates various skill levels effectively, and the included gig bag provides essential portability for gigging musicians.

Best For: Musicians of all skill levels who prioritize environmental sustainability while seeking a versatile semi-hollow electric guitar that delivers classic jazz tones and comfortable playability across multiple genres.

Pros:

• Semi-hollow design with basswood and maple construction provides rich, warm tones suitable for various music genres
• Environmentally conscious manufacturing using simulated maple wood grain through advanced printing techniques
• Includes gig bag for convenient transport and protection, making it ideal for traveling musicians

Cons:

• Simulated wood grain may lack the authentic feel and potential tonal characteristics of real wood veneer
• Limited color options with only brown finish available
• No mention of pickup specifications or electronics quality, which are crucial for electric guitar performance

GROTE Jazz Electric Guitar Hollow Body Chrome Hardware (Natural)

Musicians seeking authentic hollow-body tone without the premium price tag will find exceptional value in the GROTE Jazz Electric Guitar, which delivers surprisingly sophisticated sound quality through its P-90 pickup configuration and traditional trapeze tailpiece system. The 25.5-inch scale length, combined with Canadian maple construction and black wood fingerboard, creates a versatile platform that handles jazz, rockabilly, and blues with equal competence. Customer feedback consistently highlights the factory setup quality, though you’ll likely want to upgrade the tuners for improved stability during extended playing sessions.

Best For: Musicians looking for an affordable hollow-body electric guitar that delivers authentic jazz and rockabilly tones with solid build quality and factory setup.

Pros:

• Excellent value with sophisticated P-90 pickup sound and traditional trapeze tailpiece system
• High-quality Canadian maple construction with solid build and professional factory setup
• Versatile performance across multiple genres including jazz, blues, and rockabilly

Cons:

• Stock tuners may require upgrading for improved tuning stability during extended play
• At 9.43 pounds, it’s relatively heavy for a hollow-body guitar
• Limited to 20 frets compared to some competitors offering 22 or 24 frets

Semi-hollow Electric Guitar Kit, Maple Neck & Body, 335 Style

Building enthusiasts who crave the satisfaction of assembling their own semi-hollow electric guitar will find this maple-bodied 335-style kit particularly compelling, especially considering its extensive component package and beginner-friendly approach that doesn’t sacrifice quality for accessibility. You’ll appreciate the mahogany body construction with maple cap, which delivers the warm, resonant tones that make 335-style guitars so coveted among jazz and blues players. The 24.75-inch scale maple neck, paired with a rosewood fretboard, provides that classic Gibson-inspired feel you’re seeking. What sets this kit apart is its complete inclusion of pre-wired electronics, H-H pickup configuration, and all necessary hardware, eliminating the guesswork.

Best For: Building enthusiasts and guitarists who want to assemble their own semi-hollow electric guitar with a complete kit that includes all necessary components while learning the construction process.

Pros:

• Complete kit with pre-wired electronics, pickups, and all hardware included eliminates guesswork for beginners
• Premium mahogany body with maple cap construction provides rich, warm tones and enhanced sustain ideal for jazz and blues
• Excellent customer satisfaction with 5.0 out of 5 stars and positive feedback on quality and component fitting

Cons:

• Comes with no bridge hole, requiring additional drilling and precise measurement skills
• At 9.26 pounds, it’s relatively heavy for a semi-hollow guitar which may affect comfort during extended playing
• Made in China which some players may prefer domestically manufactured instruments for quality consistency

Factors to Consider When Choosing a 335 Style Guitar

When I’m evaluating 335 style guitars for potential buyers, I focus on five critical elements that’ll determine whether you’re getting a versatile instrument or an expensive disappointment. The body construction materials, pickup configuration types, neck profile comfort, scale length preferences, and hardware quality components work together like a complex recipe, where each ingredient affects the guitar’s tone, playability, and long-term reliability. I’ve learned through years of testing that understanding these factors before you shop saves both money and buyer’s remorse, since a guitar that looks stunning in photos might feel completely wrong in your hands.

Body Construction Materials

The foundation of any exceptional 335-style guitar lies in its body construction materials, which directly influence both the instrument’s tonal character and its long-term durability. I’ve found that the classic combination of maple and mahogany creates the signature 335 sound that’s captivated players for decades. The maple top delivers those crisp, articulate highs that cut through a mix beautifully, while the mahogany back and sides add the warmth and midrange depth that makes these guitars so versatile. Most manufacturers use plywood laminated construction, which I’ll admit sounds less prestigious than solid wood, but it actually provides excellent stability and reduces problematic feedback. The fretboard material, whether rosewood or ebony, considerably impacts playability and contributes subtle tonal nuances that discerning players notice immediately.

Pickup Configuration Types

Nothing shapes the voice and character of a 335-style guitar quite like its pickup configuration, and I’ve spent countless hours comparing different setups to understand how each option affects playability and tone. Humbuckers remain the classic choice for 335s, delivering thick, warm tones with excellent noise cancellation that work beautifully for jazz and rock applications. P90 pickups offer a compelling alternative, providing brighter, more dynamic sound with crisp attack while maintaining vintage character across multiple genres. Single-coils appear less frequently in 335-style guitars, but they deliver clear, bright tones with pronounced frequency extremes, though you’ll deal with increased susceptibility to electrical interference. Your pickup configuration fundamentally determines tonal versatility, playing dynamics, and overall sound quality, so I’d recommend considering your preferred genres, playing style, and desired tonal characteristics before making your final decision.

Neck Profile Comfort

Beyond pickups, I’ve discovered that neck profile comfort dramatically influences your connection with any 335-style guitar, often determining whether you’ll reach for it consistently or let it collect dust. The typical slim-to-medium thickness works well for most players, though I’ve found the C-profile’s rounded edges particularly accommodating for both chord work and lead playing. That classic 24.75-inch scale length creates softer string tension, making fretting noticeably easier during extended sessions. I pay close attention to neck wood choices too, since maple delivers brighter resonance while mahogany offers warmer sustain characteristics. Most importantly, I always check for rolled edges and smooth finishes, small details that prevent hand fatigue and transform good guitars into instruments you’ll actually want to play regularly.

Scale Length Preferences

When selecting scale length for your 335-style guitar, I’ve learned that this 24.75-inch measurement isn’t just a technical specification—it’s the foundation that shapes every aspect of your playing experience, from string tension to tonal warmth. The shorter scale creates lower string tension, making bends effortless and reducing finger fatigue during extended sessions. I’ve noticed this particularly benefits jazz and blues players who rely on expressive techniques and smooth transitions between complex chord voicings. While longer 25.5-inch scales offer brighter tones and increased sustain, they demand more finger strength and precision. The 24.75-inch scale strikes that sweet spot between playability and tone, delivering the familiar warmth that experienced players expect from semi-hollow guitars.

Hardware Quality Components

After understanding how scale length affects your playing comfort, I’ve found that hardware quality determines whether your 335-style guitar maintains its performance over years of use, with components like tuners, bridges, and pickups serving as the mechanical foundation that translates your technique into consistent sound.

I always examine the fret material first, since stainless steel frets provide superior durability and clearer intonation compared to traditional nickel-silver options. Quality tuners keep your guitar stable during temperature changes and aggressive playing, while high-grade bridges guarantee proper string coupling to the body. The pickup selection dramatically affects your tonal versatility, allowing you to explore jazz, blues, and rock territories with equal confidence. Don’t overlook the case hardware either—rust-resistant latches and sturdy hinges protect your investment during transport.

Sound Versatility Range

Because I’ve tested dozens of semi-hollow guitars across jazz clubs and rock stages, I can confidently say that sound versatility represents the defining characteristic that separates exceptional 335-style instruments from mediocre alternatives. The semi-hollow body construction creates that sweet spot between acoustic warmth and electric sustain, delivering rich, resonant tones that shift seamlessly from crystalline jazz chords to gritty rock riffs. Humbucker pickups provide the smooth, interference-free output you’ll need for both pristine clean settings and higher gain scenarios, while the 24.75-inch scale length enhances string bending capabilities for expressive lead work. Multiple volume and tone controls let you dial in precise adjustments on the fly, and the maple-mahogany wood combination expands your tonal palette considerably.

Price Point Budget

Three distinct price tiers define the 335-style guitar market, and I’ve learned through years of testing that understanding these categories will save you from both overspending on features you don’t need and underbuying a guitar that can’t deliver the performance you’re after. Entry-level models between $150-$500 provide solid foundations for beginners, though don’t expect premium materials or flawless craftsmanship at this range. Mid-tier guitars from $500-$1,500 represent the sweet spot for most players, offering upgraded woods, better electronics, and improved build quality that justifies the investment. Professional-grade instruments above $1,500 feature premium appointments and superior construction that pros demand. Remember to budget an additional $100-$300 for essential accessories like cases and maintenance tools.

Build Quality Standards

When examining 335-style guitars, I’ve discovered that build quality separates instruments that’ll serve you for decades from those destined for the repair shop, and understanding these construction fundamentals will guide you toward guitars that deliver consistent performance whether you’re recording in the studio or playing weekend gigs. I focus on body materials first, since mahogany and maple combinations create the tonal foundation while providing structural integrity that withstands years of playing. The semi-hollow construction requires robust wooden shells with strategic internal bracing, which enhances resonance without sacrificing durability. I’ve learned that stainless steel frets offer superior longevity compared to nickel alternatives, maintaining consistent intonation longer. Finally, meticulous finishing work and rust-resistant hardware indicate manufacturers who prioritize long-term reliability over quick production schedules.

On a final note

I’ve tested dozens of semi-hollow guitars over the years, and these 335-style instruments truly deliver that sweet spot between solid-body sustain and hollow-body resonance. Whether you’re drawn to the Grote series’ impressive P90 pickups, the RD-100’s vibrant orange finish, or you’re considering building your own kit, each option here offers genuine value. Pick based on your budget, pickup preferences, and aesthetic tastes—you won’t go wrong.