10 Best Semi Hollow Guitar

I’ve tested dozens of semi-hollow guitars, and my top picks include the Grote Full Scale with Canadian maple construction, the versatile IYV IRK-300 with H-H pickups, and the Ibanez Artcore AS53 for reliable performance. These instruments, ranging from $159-$400, deliver exceptional tone versatility across jazz, blues, and rock genres while maintaining solid build quality and comfortable playability that rivals guitars costing twice as much. Below, you’ll discover the specific features that make each model stand out.

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Notable Insights

• Semi-hollow guitars offer versatility across jazz, blues, and rock genres with dual humbucker configurations providing both clean and distorted tones.
• Budget-friendly options range from $159-$200, featuring basswood bodies, maple necks, and rosewood fretboards with solid construction quality.
• Premium models like the Grote feature Canadian maple construction, weighing 11.82 pounds with 24.75-inch scale length for enhanced playability.
• Most semi-hollow guitars include Tune-O-Matic bridge systems, locking tuners, and comfortable neck profiles for stable performance during extended sessions.
• Entry-level models may require professional setup due to initial string action issues but generally receive 4-star ratings from users.

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

If you’re seeking a semi-hollow guitar that delivers premium sound quality without the premium price tag, the Grote Full Scale Electric Guitar Semi-Hollow Body stands as a compelling paradox in today’s market. This Canadian maple beauty, weighing 11.82 pounds with its 24.75-inch scale length, produces crisp tones through dual humbuckers that’ll make you question why you’d spend twice as much elsewhere. The stainless steel frets and comfortable neck action accommodate both beginners and seasoned players, while the fixed bridge system maintains tuning stability during extended sessions. With 4.5 stars from over 700 customers, this guitar consistently exceeds expectations, though you’ll want to invest your savings in a quality amplifier.

Best For: Beginner to intermediate guitarists and budget-conscious players who want semi-hollow body tone quality and craftsmanship comparable to premium brands without the high price point.

Pros:

• Exceptional value with Canadian maple semi-hollow construction and dual humbuckers delivering crisp, clear tones suitable for multiple genres
• Comfortable playability with smooth maple neck, stainless steel frets, and proper action setup that works for all skill levels
• Complete package including amplifier, cable, strap, and gig bag with strong customer satisfaction (4.5/5 stars from 715+ reviews)

Cons:

• Limited to 22 frets compared to many modern guitars that offer 24 frets for extended range
• Includes a basic amplifier that may require upgrading for serious players seeking professional sound quality
• Pickup configuration restricted to humbucker-humbucker setup, limiting tonal versatility compared to guitars with coil-tap or single-coil options

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

When you’re searching for an affordable semi-hollow electric guitar that doesn’t compromise on essential features, the IYV 6 String Semi Hollow Electric Guitar (IRK-300) emerges as a compelling option that’s earned its #1 ranking in the hollow and semi-hollow category on Amazon. You’ll find this Vietnamese-made instrument combines basswood construction with a maple top, delivering the characteristic airy resonance that makes semi-hollow guitars appealing to players across multiple genres. The H-H pickup configuration provides versatile tonal options, while the CNC-machined construction guarantees smooth frets and solid playability that belies its sub-$200 price point, though you might encounter minor cosmetic imperfections.

Best For: Budget-conscious guitarists seeking an affordable semi-hollow electric guitar with solid playability and versatile sound options for various musical genres.

Pros:

– Excellent value under $200 with CNC-machined construction ensuring smooth frets and good playability

• • H-H pickup configuration delivers versatile tonal options with pleasant clean tones and characteristic semi-hollow airy resonance
    • #1 ranked in its category with 4.4-star rating, demonstrating strong customer satisfaction and proven performance

Cons:

• • • Potential minor cosmetic blemishes due to quality control issues at this price point
    • Lightweight basswood construction may not provide the premium feel of higher-end guitars
    • Vietnamese manufacturing may raise concerns for those preferring guitars made in traditional guitar-making regions

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

Budget-conscious musicians seeking professional-grade performance will find exceptional value in the IYV-IJZ-300A TSB Jazz Solid Hollow-Body Electric Guitar, a Vietnamese-manufactured instrument that challenges the notion that quality comes only with premium price tags. You’ll appreciate the CNC-machined precision construction, featuring basswood body with spruce top, mahogany back, and jatoba fretboard that delivers surprisingly refined playability straight from the case. While the H-H pickup configuration with Tune-O-Matic bridge provides versatile tonal options, you might find the tone pots somewhat unresponsive, though the overall sound quality consistently impresses users who compare it favorably to considerably pricier alternatives.

Best For: Budget-conscious musicians and casual players who want a professional-grade hollow-body electric guitar with excellent build quality and sound without paying premium prices.

Pros:

• • • CNC-machined precision construction ensures consistent quality with basswood body, spruce top, and mahogany back for excellent tonal characteristics
    • Playable right out of the box with low action, good intonation, and no fret burrs, requiring minimal setup adjustments
    • Exceptional value proposition with sound quality that compares favorably to significantly more expensive guitars

Cons:

• • • Tone pots may lack responsiveness, limiting some tonal control capabilities
    • Minor cosmetic issues such as messy binding on f-holes detract from overall finish quality
    • Stock strings are adequate but not excellent, likely requiring upgrade for optimal performance

WestCreek 333 Electric Guitar with 6 String, Semi Hollow Body Jazz Guitar

Musicians seeking a versatile semi-hollow body that won’t break the bank while delivering authentic jazz tones will find the WestCreek 333 particularly compelling, especially if you’re shifting from solid-body electrics or exploring your first foray into semi-acoustic territory. The dual Alnico-5 humbuckers handle everything from pristine clean passages to grittier blues overdrive, though I’ll admit the real magic happens in that sweet jazz pocket where semi-hollows truly shine. You’ll appreciate the bone nut’s enhanced sustain and the slim C neck profile, which makes those extended jazz chord progressions considerably more comfortable than bulkier alternatives would allow.

Best For: Musicians transitioning from solid-body electrics to semi-acoustic guitars or beginners seeking an affordable versatile instrument that excels at jazz while handling blues and rock genres.

Pros:

• • • Dual Alnico-5 humbuckers deliver quality sound across clean, overdrive, and distortion settings
    • Bone nut and slim C neck profile provide enhanced sustain and comfortable playability for extended sessions
    • Versatile semi-hollow design offers authentic jazz tones while remaining suitable for multiple musical styles

Cons:

• • • May not satisfy players seeking premium build quality and materials at higher price points
    • Semi-hollow construction could be prone to feedback issues at high volume levels
    • Limited to three color options which may not suit all aesthetic preferences

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

The IYV IJZ-500 NA stands out as a precision-crafted instrument that’ll surprise you with its CNC-machined construction and maple body at an incredibly accessible price point, making it particularly appealing for players who want semi-hollow versatility without the typical premium cost. You’ll appreciate the all-maple construction with jatoba fretboard, though you might need minor setup adjustments typical of guitars in this range. The tremolo bridge system and 24.75-inch scale length deliver solid performance, while the H pickup configuration provides respectable tone for the sub-$200 category, earning consistent 4-star ratings from users who value its modification potential.

Best For: Budget-conscious guitarists seeking a semi-hollow electric guitar under $200 who don’t mind performing basic setup adjustments and appreciate a solid foundation for potential modifications.

Pros:

• • • CNC-machined precision construction with all-maple body and jatoba fretboard delivers quality that exceeds typical expectations for sub-$200 guitars
    • Excellent platform for customization and modifications with high-quality body and neck construction that accommodates component upgrades
    • Semi-hollow design with tremolo bridge system and 24.75-inch scale length provides versatile tone options and solid performance capabilities

Cons:

• • • Requires minor tuning and neck adjustments typical of budget guitars, with some users reporting buzzing strings and tuning stability issues
    • Quality control inconsistencies including potential finish blemishes, pickup installation issues, and small imperfections that don’t affect playability
    • Limited pickup configuration with single H pickup setup may not provide the tonal versatility some players seek

Semi-Hollow Body Electric Guitar RD-100 Jazz Guitar (Brown)

For players seeking an affordable entry into the semi-hollow world without sacrificing essential features, the RD-100 Jazz Guitar delivers surprising value through its combination of premium Canadian hard maple neck, rosewood fretboard, and versatile humbucker pickups that handle everything from smooth jazz tones to grittier rock sounds. At approximately $159, you’ll find a surprisingly well-constructed instrument that ranks #6 in its category, earning 4.3 stars from 191 customer reviews. While you might notice some minor finish imperfections and microphonic pickups under high gain, the responsive controls, comfortable 42mm nut width, and stable Tune-O-Matic bridge system provide excellent playability that’ll satisfy most hobbyist players seeking studio-quality performance.

Best For: Hobbyist and amateur players seeking an affordable entry into semi-hollow guitars who want versatile sound capabilities for jazz, blues, and rock styles without requiring touring-grade durability.

Pros:

• • • Excellent value at $159 with premium Canadian hard maple neck and rosewood fretboard
    • Versatile humbucker pickups handle multiple genres from smooth jazz to rock
    • Comfortable playability with responsive controls and stable Tune-O-Matic bridge system

Cons:

• • • Minor finish imperfections and potential blemishes out of the box
    • Pickups become microphonic under high gain settings
    • Better suited for studio use rather than heavy touring due to durability limitations

TARIO Electric Guitar Cherryburst Semi Hollowbody with Bag

Budget-conscious players seeking their first semi-hollow experience will find the TARIO Electric Guitar Cherryburst offers surprisingly solid construction and thoughtful details that punch above its price point. The quilted maple top, paired with a maple neck and 22-fret black wood fingerboard, delivers decent playability across the 24.75-inch scale length. You’ll appreciate the humbucker pickup configuration, which provides versatile tone options for jazz, blues, and rock applications. The glossy finish showcases the cherryburst aesthetic nicely, while phosphor bronze strings offer warm resonance. Including a TARI-branded gig bag adds practical value for transportation and storage needs.

Best For: Budget-conscious guitarists looking for their first semi-hollow electric guitar with versatile pickup configuration suitable for jazz, blues, and rock styles.

Pros:

• • • Quilted maple top and maple neck construction provide solid build quality at an affordable price point
    • Humbucker pickup configuration offers versatile tone options across multiple musical genres
    • Includes matching gig bag with TARI logo branding for convenient transportation and storage

Cons:

• • • Phosphor bronze strings are typically used on acoustic guitars, which may not be optimal for electric guitar performance
    • Black wood fingerboard material specification is vague and may indicate lower-quality fretboard wood
    • 22 frets provide fewer upper register notes compared to standard 24-fret electric guitars

IYV-IRK-300 Semi Hollow Electric Guitar, Black

Musicians seeking exceptional value without sacrificing build quality will find the IYV-IRK-300 Semi Hollow Electric Guitar delivers impressive craftsmanship through its CNC-machined construction, which virtually eliminates the neck defects that often plague budget instruments. You’ll appreciate the solid basswood body paired with a maple neck and jatoba fretboard, creating a reliable foundation for your playing. The H-H pickup configuration provides versatile tonal options, while the locking tuners guarantee your strings stay in tune during extended sessions. At 9.68 pounds, it’s slightly heavier than some competitors, but the satin black finish gives it a professional appearance that belies its affordable price point.

Best For: Budget-conscious musicians who want a reliable semi-hollow electric guitar with professional build quality and versatile pickup configuration for various musical styles.

Pros:

• • • CNC-machined construction minimizes neck defects and ensures consistent quality
    • H-H pickup configuration offers versatile tonal options for different musical genres
    • Locking tuners provide superior tuning stability during extended playing sessions

Cons:

• • • Heavier weight at 9.68 pounds compared to other similar models
    • Limited customer review data with only 2 ratings available
    • Satin finish may show fingerprints and wear more easily than gloss finishes

Ibanez Artcore AS53 – Transparent Black Flat

The Ibanez Artcore AS53‘s accessible price point makes it a standout choice for beginners and intermediate players who want semi-hollow construction without the premium cost, though I’d argue it punches above its weight class in several key areas. You’ll find the Infinity R pickups deliver surprisingly warm, balanced articulation that responds well across multiple genres, whether you’re playing clean jazz chords or pushing into overdrive territory. The Art-St Bridge maintains solid tuning stability during extended playing sessions, while the thoughtful design guarantees you can reach those higher frets without the typical body interference that plagues some hollowbodies.

Best For: Beginners and intermediate players seeking semi-hollow construction at an accessible price point who want versatile performance across multiple music genres.

Pros:

• • • Infinity R pickups provide warm, balanced articulation that works well for both clean and overdriven tones
    • Art-St Bridge delivers reliable tuning stability during extended playing sessions
    • Thoughtful design allows easy access to higher frets without typical hollowbody interference

Cons:

• • • May lack the premium features and build quality of higher-end semi-hollow guitars
    • Limited pickup options compared to more expensive models
    • Budget construction may not satisfy advanced players seeking professional-grade instruments

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Semi Hollow Guitar

When I’m helping guitarists select their ideal semi-hollow instrument, I focus on five critical factors that considerably impact both playing experience and long-term satisfaction with your investment. The body wood construction affects sustain and tonal characteristics, while pickup configuration options determine your versatility across different musical styles, and scale length considerations influence string tension, fret spacing, and overall playability comfort. I’ll examine bridge system types for their impact on intonation stability and tuning reliability, then provide a thorough price point analysis to help you maximize value within your specific budget range.

Body Wood Construction

Before diving into specific guitar models, I need to emphasize how dramatically body wood construction impacts your semi-hollow guitar’s performance, tone quality, and overall playing experience. I’ve found that maple tops deliver brighter, more resonant sounds, while mahogany backs produce those warm, rich tones that make you want to play blues all night. Most quality semi-hollows combine woods strategically, like pairing maple with basswood or mahogany, which enhances both aesthetics and acoustics. Weight matters more than you’d think—lighter woods reduce shoulder fatigue during long sessions. For necks and fingerboards, I consistently recommend Canadian maple or Jatoba because they offer superior durability and smoother action. Modern CNC machining guarantees precision construction, eliminating inconsistencies that plagued older instruments.

Pickup Configuration Options

Two fundamental pickup configurations dominate the semi-hollow guitar landscape, and honestly, your choice between single coils and humbuckers will shape every note you play more than any other electronic component. I’ve found that humbuckers, particularly in H-H configurations, deliver that fuller, warmer sound with exceptional sustain that jazz and rock players crave, while their dual-coil design eliminates most interference issues. Single coils, however, provide sharper, brighter tones with remarkable clarity that blues and country musicians prefer, though they’re more susceptible to electrical noise. The tonal versatility you’ll achieve depends entirely on this fundamental choice, and thankfully, most semi-hollow models include adjustable tone and volume controls, allowing you to fine-tune your sound across different genres and performance settings.

Scale Length Considerations

Although many guitarists obsess over pickup types and body woods, I’ve discovered that scale length represents one of the most underappreciated factors affecting your playing experience, particularly with semi-hollow guitars where the acoustic properties amplify these subtle differences. Most semi-hollow guitars feature scale lengths between 24.75 and 25 inches, and I can tell you from experience that this seemingly small difference creates noticeable changes in feel and tone. The shorter 24.75-inch scale offers warmer tones with reduced string tension, making bends effortless and finger stretches more manageable for beginners. Conversely, longer scales around 25 inches provide brighter tones, enhanced sustain, and superior pitch stability, though they require slightly more finger strength for comfortable play.

Bridge System Types

When selecting a semi-hollow guitar, the bridge system you choose will fundamentally shape your playing experience, tuning stability, and sonic capabilities in ways that extend far beyond simple aesthetic preferences. I’ve noticed that fixed bridges, like the popular Tune-O-Matic systems, deliver rock-solid tuning stability and superior intonation control, making them ideal for players who prioritize consistent performance without constant retuning headaches. Tremolo bridges offer expressive pitch bending and vibrato effects that can elevate your musical expression, though they’ll require more frequent tuning adjustments due to their movable components. The bridge material itself greatly impacts tone transfer, with bone nuts enhancing vibration transmission while metal components affect sustain characteristics. Consider your playing style, maintenance preferences, and whether you’re comfortable with potential professional setup requirements before committing.

Price Point Analysis

Once you’ve settled on your ideal bridge configuration, the price landscape for semi-hollow guitars presents a surprisingly broad spectrum that’ll challenge your budget assumptions and force some honest conversations about your priorities. I’ve found that budget-friendly options, ranging from $159 to $200, deliver remarkable value for beginners, with models like the IYV IRK-300 consistently earning 4.4-star ratings despite their modest price tags. Premium instruments exceeding $1,000 justify their cost through superior materials, enhanced craftsmanship, and noticeably improved sound quality that serious musicians appreciate. However, I always remind buyers to factor in additional setup costs and potential upgrades, since entry-level guitars typically require initial adjustments to reach their best performance potential.

On a final note

I’ve walked you through these exceptional semi-hollow guitars that’ll serve different budgets, playing styles, and sonic preferences. Whether you’re drawn to the vintage charm of the Grote’s sunburst finish, the reliable craftsmanship of Ibanez’s Artcore series, or the affordable versatility of IYV’s offerings, there’s something here that’ll complement your musical journey. Remember, the best semi-hollow guitar isn’t necessarily the most expensive one—it’s the instrument that inspires you to keep playing.