SERP

Semi-hollow guitars combine solid construction with chambered body designs, offering distinctive tonal characteristics and playing experiences. This roundup examines the key aspects of semi-hollow guitars, from their construction to their sonic capabilities, helping you choose the right instrument for your musical style.

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Reviews

D'Angelico Premier DC Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar

Combining commanding tone with classic art deco styling, the Premier DC delivers the playability and construction quality you'd expect from a much more expensive guitar. The humbucking pickups cut through any mix while the maple neck and chambered maple body deliver exceptional sustain and resonance. Whether you're nailing intricate solos or laying down punchy rhythm, this versatile semi-hollow offers the comfort and feel of a well-worn classic.

PRS SE Custom 22 Semi-Hollow

The PRS SE Custom 22 has become a favorite among guitarists looking for versatile tone and comfortable playability. With its mahogany and maple construction, the semi-hollow body delivers rich, resonant sound while staying surprisingly light at just 7 pounds. The PRS tremolo system keeps your tuning in check, whether you're bending strings or performing intricate techniques. The guitar's humbucker pickups offer both warmth and bite, with a coil split function that adds versatility without the complexity of a 24-fret neck.

Epiphone ES-335 Figured Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar

The Epiphone ES-335 Figured Limited-Edition delivers Gibson-class semi-hollow tones with Alnico Classic PRO humbuckers and a flame maple top/back. Its solid maple center block and mahogany neck provide exceptional sustain while maintaining comfortable playability. The flame maple aesthetic really stands out, though the binding could be more pronounced. Some setup work is required, but the results are well worth the effort for players seeking that classic ES-335 sound.

Monoprice Indio by Boardwalk Semi Hollow Body Electric Guitar with Gig Bag

From the moment you press your fingers down on the rosewood fretboard, you'll feel the quality of this semi-hollow body guitar. The maple neck and body deliver a rich tone that works great for jazz, blues, and rock. While it needs a little tuning and setup out of the box, many users find it plays well after some basic adjustments. The bound body and neck look really sharp with the stylish block inlays.

LSL Instruments Soledita DX KOA Top Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar

Handcrafted in California from premium swamp ash with a figured Koa top, this semi-hollow electric guitar delivers remarkable resonance and sustain. The sculpted bolt-on roasted maple neck features jumbo frets and a slim C shape, while the proprietary humbucking bridge cuts through any mix without overdriving. Despite being returned in excellent condition, every note rings with the subtle character of real nitrocellulose finishes, though you'd expect nothing less from LSL's master-built American guitars.

Guild Starfire I Electric Guitar

This Guild Starfire I DC semi-hollow electric guitar delivers remarkable value for its price point, combining a comfortable thin-U neck profile with premium features like Alnico Humbucker pickups and individual volume/tone controls. The elegantly arched mahogany construction provides excellent sustain while maintaining impressive playability, thanks to the 24.75" scale length and well-engineered neck-to-body joint. Players praise its versatile tone, with reviewers particularly appreciating the clear, resonant sound both unplugged and through amplification.

Epiphone ES-335 Electric Guitar

This Epiphone ES-335 delivers classic semi-hollow tone with Alnico Classic PRO humbuckers and a maple-covered mahogany body. The comfortable C-shaped neck and 22 medium jumbo frets make it a joy to play, while the locking Tune-O-Matic bridge keeps tuning stability. Whether you'recranking through rock riffs or laying down bluesy bends, this guitar nails the vintage 335 sound without breaking the bank.

Monoprice Indio Boardwalk Flamed Maple Semi Hollow Guitar

With its classic double-cutaway design and solid maple construction, this semi-hollow body electric guitar delivers rich, resonant tones perfect for jazz, blues, and rock. The rosewood fingerboard and proprietary ceramic humbucker pickups offer exceptional playability and sustain, while the lightweight maple body keeps you comfortable during long gigs.

Epiphone ES-335 Bigsby

This classic Epiphone ES-335 brings vintage rock tones into the modern era with its semi-hollow body and Bigsby tremolo bridge. The maple construction delivers rich, vintage-style warmth, while Alnico Classic PRO humbuckers give you the versatility to dial in everything from clean jazz to aggressive rock tones. The comfort-focused C-shape neck and 12" radius laurel fingerboard make it a joy to play, whether you're chording through a jazz standard or shredding on a rock anthem.

Grote Full Scale Electric Guitar

The Grote full-scale electric guitar combines vintage style with modern playability. With its basswood construction, rosewood fretboard, and fixed bridge, it delivers crisp, articulate tone perfect for both blues and country. You'll love the attention to detail, from the stainless steel frets to the distinctive metal truss rod cover—it's clear this guitar was built to last.

Eart E-335 Semi-Hollow Body Electric Guitar

When you're ready to step beyond basic solid-body guitars but haven't quite committed to a full hollow-body, the E-335 strikes an excellent balance. With its roasted mahogany neck and laminated mahogany body, it offers plenty of warmth without the extra weight of a solid mahogany body. The 22 stainless steel frets make playing incredibly smooth, while the compound radius fingerboard lets you switch between chordal and lead playing with ease.

Squier Classic Vibe '70s Telecaster Thinline

The Squier Classic Vibe '70s Telecaster Thinline delivers vintage Tele tone with a lightweight, semi-hollowbody design. The chambered mahogany body and maple neck combine for impressive resonance and comfort, while the dual vintage-style pickups deliver that classic Tele twang. The included hardshell case makes it an incredibly versatile addition to any player's collection.

Gibson ES-335 Supreme

This Gibson ES-335 Supreme combines classic semi-hollowbody design with modern upgrades like push/pull volume controls for versatile pickup splitting. The AAA figured maple top and 3-ply body construction give it stunning visual appeal, while the mahogany neck and ebony fretboard ensure smooth playability. The result is a guitar that captures the soul of the ES-335 while adding remarkable flexibility to its legendary tone.

Hagstrom VIK-TSB Viking Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar

When you're not nailing those searing solos you're crafting rich, jazzy tones with this Hagstrom semi-hollow body, thanks to its comfortable maple neck and two powerful HJ-50 humbuckers. Its distinctive look with those pearled fretboard dots really turns heads, while the lightweight design keeps you playing all night long. The whole package feels like a well-crafted statement piece that can handle everything from crunchy rock to smooth jazz.

Epiphone Marty Schwartz ES-335

The Epiphone Marty Schwartz ES-335 combines vintage styling with modern comfort, featuring a 60s SlimTaper neck and Indian laurel fingerboard. Its Alnico Classic PRO pickups deliver versatile tone with coil-tap and phase inversion options, while the 5-ply maple body with AAA flame maple veneer provides exceptional resonance. Players praise its setup stability and tonal richness, with many noting it handles beautifully during extended sessions.

Epiphone ES-339 Semi Hollow Electric Guitar

This Epiphone ES-339 combines classic semi-hollow vibes with surprisingly accurate modern electronics. The comfy C-shape neck and rolled fingerboard edges make it incredibly playable, while the Alnico Classic PRO humbuckers deliver rich, detailed tones perfect for everything from jazz to rock.

IYV IJZ-500 NA 6 String Semi-Hollow Body Electric Guitar

This Vietnamese-made semi-hollow body guitar combines precise CNC craftsmanship with a warm tone that really sings, even unplugged. The Jatoba wood fretboard and spalted maple construction give it that premium feel, while the slim neck makes it a breeze to play, even for smaller hands. The natural finish really lets the wood character shine through, and between the decent pickups and the gorgeous archtop design, you get way more than you'd expect for the price.

PRS Special Semi-Hollow 10-Top Orange Tiger

The PRS Special Semi-Hollow Limited Edition combines a lightweight 7lb 5oz mahogany body with a distinctive 10-top black gold burst finish. It's equipped with PRS's versatile 58/15 LT humbuckers and a Narrowfield middle pickup, offering a range of tones from rich humbucking warmth to clear single-coil brightness. The result is a nimble-handling guitar that excels at everything from jazzier styles to the full-throated roar of rock.

Number crunchernumero Viking Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar

This Viking semi-hollow body guitar returns to the brand's roots with a modern twist. The hard maple set neck, equipped with a Resinator fretboard, offers exceptional playability and stability thanks to the patented H-Expander truss rod. The guitar's design combines vintage charm with refined construction details that ensure lasting comfort during practice or performance.

PRS Special Semi-Hollow Guitar

This semi-hollow guitar combines PRS's renowned humbucking pickups with a classic single-fhole design, delivering versatile tone in a responsive maple-top mahogany body. The coil-splitting features unlock 12 distinct sound modes, while the feedback-controlled construction ensures brilliance without the usual hollow-body hum. Complete with premium PRS hardware and a hard case, it's a standout addition to any player's collection.

Ibanez AS113 Artstar Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar Brown Sunburst

The Ibanez AS113 artfully blends vintage charm with modern versatility, starting with its charismatic Macassar Ebony fretboard that delivers punchy highs and rich sustain. Its Super 58 pickups offer robust tone with that classic humbucker character, while the clever Tri-sound switch lets you shape your sound in three distinct ways. When you're not nailing those killer solos, the guitar's lightweight yet sturdy build keeps you comfortable through long gigs.

ESP USA Eclipse Semi-Hollow Guitar

This ESP USA Eclipse hits the sweet spot between vintage singlecut vibe and modern playability. The mahogany body feels substantial but surprisingly light thanks to strategic chambers, while the set-thru neck design keeps it responsive and snappy. The EMG 57/66 pickups deliver classic PAF tone with that extra clarity active pickups excel at, whether you're nailing those searing lead licks or laying down some fat rhythm parts.

Glarry GTL Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar (Wine Red)

This budget-friendly electric guitar combines a lightweight basswood body with a maple neck and rosewood fingerboard, featuring 22 white copper frets and a comfortable C-shaped neck profile. The semi-hollow design with f-holes gives it a distinctive look and responsive feel, while the humbucker and single-coil pickup configuration delivers versatile tone. At just 5.95 pounds and available in attractive wine red, it's a practical choice for both beginners and experienced players looking toexperiment with guitar modification options.

Firefly FFTH Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar

This Firefly FFTH semi-hollow electric guitar has been given a thorough cleaning and test to make sure it's in top shape. The body shows only minor scuffs at the bottom of the f-hole, while the rest of the finish is in excellent condition. Fresh strings give it that just-off-the-shelf feel.

Buyer's Guide

Semi-hollow guitars combine traditional solid wood construction with chambered bodies to create a versatile instrument that blends the warmth of solid wood tonality with the volume and projection of solid-body electric guitars. This hybrid design makes them particularly popular among players who want more sustain and resonance than an entirely hollow guitar can provide.

Body Construction

Semi-hollow bodies typically feature solid wood cores with chambers carved out to reduce weight and feedback while maintaining sustain. Common core woods include maple, mahogany, or ash, while chambers are typically constructed from lighter materials like plastic or wood filler. Body shapes range from traditional archtop designs to modern interpretations, with options for both traditional and modern playing styles.

Tone and Material Selection

The choice of woods significantly impacts the guitar's sound. Maple body pairs well with bright, articulate tones, while mahogany offers a warmer, more balanced response. The top wood also plays a crucial role - spruce and cedar produce bright, responsive tones, while maple and mahogany offer a more full-bodied sound. Consider the pickups and electronics when selecting wood types, as they interact closely with the guitar's tonal character.

Setup and Playability

Proper setup is essential for semi-hollow guitars. The action should be low enough for comfortable bending and fingerstyle playing while maintaining optimal string height for both bridge and neck pickups. Adjusting the bridge height and compensated saddle can help balance the tone between the two pickup positions. These guitars often require precise intonation adjustments due to their unique construction.

Electronics and Features

Semi-hollow guitars typically feature two humbucker pickups wired in parallel, though single-coil options are available. Consider the pickup's magnetic field strength and winding configuration, as these affect both volume and tone. The control layout usually includes two volume knobs and a master tone control, occasionally with three-way switch options for pickup selection or phase reversal. Look for guitars with reliable controls that remain stable during performance.

FAQ

What is the main difference between a semi hollow guitar and a solid body guitar?

Semi hollow guitars feature a body with both solid and hollow sections, typically with a carved-out center section. This design combines the resonance of a hollow body with the durability of solid wood, providing a balance between sustain and resonance.

In contrast, solid body guitars have a completely solid wood construction. While they offer greater sustain and clear tone, solid bodies lack the natural resonance and warm response of semi hollow designs, making them suitable for different musical styles and preferences.

What are the key materials used in semi hollow guitar construction?

Semi hollow guitars commonly use select hardwoods like maple or mahogany for the solid sections and chamber walls. The body often incorporates chambered construction with carved-out areas to reduce weight while maintaining resonance. Maple, mahogany, and roasted maple are popular for their tonal characteristics and stability.

The exterior shell and back plates may employ materials like poplar, ash, or mahogany. Many guitars feature layered construction, where thin sheets of different woods are bonded together for improved resonance and stability.

How does the chambered construction of a semi hollow guitar affect its tone?

The chambered body design allows for natural resonance and projection, similar to acoustic guitars. The hollow sections vibrate sympathetically with the strings, adding warmth and depth to the tone. The degree of chambering affects sustain and volume, with more extensive chambers producing longer sustain and increased projection.

The density and resonance of the solid sections influence mid-range clarity and low-end response. Maple and roasted maple tend to emphasize brightness and attack, while mahogany provides a rounder, more balanced tone.

What are the main benefits of a semi hollow guitar compared to full hollow body alternatives?

Semi hollow guitars offer improved durability and reduced weight compared to full hollow bodies. The chambered design reduces feedback at higher volumes while maintaining strong sustain and resonance. This makes them more practical for amplification and electric guitar applications.

The solid wood construction provides better stability in changing humidity conditions and requires less maintenance than full hollow bodies. Semi hollow guitars are often less prone to body warping and deformation, making them a more reliable choice for both studio and live performances.

What maintenance requirements are specific to semi hollow guitars?

Regular maintenance for semi hollow guitars includes checking and adjusting neck truss rods, cleaning fretboards, and inspecting tuning machines for proper function. The carved body sections should be periodically checked for proper seating and secure attachment to the solid wood core.

Proper setup involves addressing intonation, ensuring correct string height, and checking for proper bridge plate connection. The guitar should be regularly cleaned to prevent sweat and dirt buildup in the chambered sections, which can affect resonance and sustain.

How does the chambered body affect the guitar's response to humidity changes?

The chambered design tends to make semi hollow guitars more stable in changing humidity conditions. The solid wood core provides consistent dimensional stability, while the open chamber design allows for some natural expansion and contraction without causing warping or deformation.

However, extreme humidity changes can affect the glue lines and carved sections. It's important to store the guitar in a controlled environment with stable humidity levels to prevent issues with the body's fit and function.