Best Semi-Hollow Guitars: ES-335 Style Tone Without the Boutique Cost

The best semi hollow guitars for ES-335 style tone without the boutique cost are the Epiphone ES-335 for the closest classic shape, the Ibanez Artcore AS73 for a maple-bodied jazz-blues all-rounder, and the Gretsch G2622 Streamliner Center Block for a chimey, modern double-cut with a sustaining centre block. A semi-hollow guitar has a solid block of wood running through the middle of an otherwise hollow body, which keeps most of the airy bloom of a hollow body while taming feedback and adding sustain. It is the format that made the Gibson ES-335 famous and is now available in many forms, from compact thinlines to double-cut Gretsch designs. This guide ranks seven picks by body shape, pickup layout and who each suits, and answers the 335-style and thinline questions that always follow.

Our top picks

Top pickGROTE Jazz Electric Guitar Semi-Hollow Body Trapeze

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Also greatGrote Full Scale Electric Guitar Semi-Hollow Body

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Also greatIbanez Artcore AS73

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Key takeaways

• The centre block is the key: it anchors the pickups and bridge, cuts feedback and adds sustain compared with a fully hollow body.
• Choose by body size and pickup type first; the ES-335 shape is roomy, the ES-339 shape is about one size smaller and the Starcaster and Thinline Tele shapes are lighter still.
• Under about 1000 you can get a convincing 335-style semi-hollow from Epiphone, Ibanez, Gretsch or Guild; PRS and some Gretsch variants sit at or above that line.
• Semi-hollows handle more gain than full hollows but still prefer clean-to-crunch amp settings.

What a semi-hollow body gives you that other guitars do not

Solid-body guitars are tight and sustaining but can feel dense. Fully hollow guitars are open and warm but unruly at volume. The semi-hollow sits between them. According to maker descriptions from Epiphone, Ibanez, Gretsch and Guild, the typical construction is a laminated maple top, back and sides bent into a shallow body, with a solid maple block under the bridge and pickups and f-holes cut on the treble and bass sides. The block couples the strings to the body, so the sound is punchy and sustaining, while the hollow wings give a woody bloom.

That recipe is why semi-hollows turned up in jazz, blues, soul and indie rock in equal measure. They go from clean to moderately driven without losing character, and they feel lighter on a strap than a Les Paul style solid-body.

Quick comparison of the best semi-hollow guitars

1. Epiphone ES-335: Best for the closest classic 335 feel

• Double-cut semi-hollow shape inspired by the Gibson ES-335
• Cherry finish in the listing; Figured Top variants in Raspberry Tea Burst and Blueberry Burst
• Dave Grohl DG-335 and ES-345 siblings exist in the same family
• Left-handed versions are listed
• Mid price tier, a fraction of what the original Gibson costs

This is the guitar most people mean by “a 335 on a budget”. Epiphone has long made the shape, and the current Inspired by Gibson ES-335 range is the mainstream route to it. The tone is warm, woody and articulate, with enough sustain for blues leads and enough openness for clean chords.

What to check: decide between the plain finish and a Figured Top, because the figure is cosmetic and the Figured Top costs more. Best for: blues, rock and jazz players who want the real shape. Skip if: you find the full-size body awkward when seated.

Beyond the shape, the case for the Epiphone is parts and ecosystem. Replacement pickups, bridges and knobs are widely available, so the guitar can grow with you. Many players start with the stock pickups and later swap them, which often makes a bigger difference than moving to a more expensive guitar.

Pros:

• Authentic 335 shape and feel
• Many finish and variant options
• Large upgrade ecosystem

Cons:

• Large body for some players
• Stock pickups are good, not boutique

2. Epiphone ES-339: Best for a smaller 335-style body

• Compact double-cut semi-hollow, modelled on the Gibson ES-339
• Vintage Sunburst and Cherry finishes in the listings
• Slightly smaller and lighter than the ES-335
• Mid price tier, a little below the ES-335

The 339 shape takes the 335 look and reduces the body width, so the guitar sits closer to the body and feels more like a solid-body when played seated. The tone is a little tighter than the 335, which some players prefer for rock and blues. It’s the right pick if you love 335 tone but find the full shape too big.

What to check: compare the body dimensions on the maker page, as the 339 is sometimes described as about 10 percent smaller than the 335. Best for: smaller players and anyone who wants a more compact semi-hollow. Skip if: you want the roomy 335 look.

The compact size also changes how the guitar travels. A smaller case is easier to move, and a lighter body reduces fatigue in long rehearsals. If you want a semi-hollow to take to every practice, size and weight matter more than a small tonal difference.

Pros:

• Compact and comfortable
• Similar tone to the 335
• Lighter on the strap

Cons:

• Less visual presence than a full 335
• Some players hear a slightly tighter low end

3. Ibanez Artcore AS73: Best maple-bodied all-rounder for jazz and blues

• Maple semi-hollow body with a rosewood fretboard, per the listing
• Dual humbucker pickups
• Tobacco Brown and Black Flat finishes; a G variant with Classic Elite pickups is listed
• Mid price tier

The AS73 is a long-running example of an affordable semi-hollow. It’s a favourite among students and working players because it covers jazz comping, blues and light rock with no fuss. The neck is slim and comfortable, and the body is a manageable size. Ibanez also makes a 12-string AS7312 variant for players who want shimmer.

What to check: compare the AS73 and AS73G, where the G variant lists upgraded Classic Elite pickups. Best for: versatile, budget-conscious players. Skip if: you want the 335 outline specifically.

For many guitarists the Artcore AS73 is the guitar that demonstrates how far semi-hollow design has come at an accessible tier. Its main trade-off is simplicity: you get solid core features without luxuries such as premium hardware or high-end pickups, but the playability is the reason to buy.

Pros:

• Strong value
• Comfortable neck
• Versatile tone

Cons:

• Hardware is basic
• Not a 335 lookalike

4. Gretsch G2622 Streamliner Center Block: Best for chime and modern rock

• Double-cut centre-block semi-hollow
• Broad’Tron style humbuckers, per Gretsch’s Streamliner description
• Gunmetal, Cadillac Green and other finishes in the listings
• A Bigsby-equipped G2622T and a smaller Center Block Jr. (G2655) exist
• Mid price tier

Gretsch’s centre-block guitars blend the bright, clear Gretsch voice with the stability of a semi-hollow. They respond well to overdrive pedals and cut through a band mix, which is why they show up in indie and alternative rock. The double-cut shape gives easy upper-fret access.

What to check: choose between the plain G2622 and the Bigsby G2622T based on whether you want vibrato. Best for: indie, alternative and country rock. Skip if: you want a rounder, jazz-leaning voice.

The Streamliner line also offers a Jr. size, which trims body dimensions for smaller players. If you like the Gretsch sound but find standard guitars large, the Jr. is worth comparing.

Pros:

• Chimey, clear voice
• Centre block stability
• Several size and tailpiece options

Cons:

• Brighter than a 335
• Bigsby models need more string care

5. Guild Starfire I SC: Best for vintage style and character

• Starfire semi-hollow with single-cut (SC) and double-cut (DC) variants
• Antique Burst and Snowcrest White finishes in the listings
• Part of Guild’s Newark St. Collection, per the listing
• Tremolo-equipped versions appear in the listings
• Mid price tier

Guild’s Starfire is a classic alternative to the ES-335, with a distinctive look and a slightly more individual voice. The Newark St. Collection revisits the vintage design in more accessible forms. It is a good choice for those who want something a little different from the standard 335 shape.

What to check: because there are several Starfire variants including DC and Custom models at higher tiers, confirm which one you are buying. Best for: players who like vintage style. Skip if: you want the most widely supported parts ecosystem.

Starfires have a following among players who want a recognisable but non-standard guitar. They look different on stage, and the tone sits between jazz and rock, with enough bite for blues and enough smoothness for clean work.

Pros:

• Distinct vintage look
• Versatile tone
• Several variants

Cons:

• Fewer aftermarket parts than Epiphone or Fender
• Variants can be confusing

6. Squier Classic Vibe Starcaster: Best for indie and offset looks

• Semi-hollow with an offset-influenced silhouette
• 3-Color Sunburst and Natural finishes, maple fingerboard
• Humbucker pickups, per Fender’s description
• Two-year warranty listed
• Mid price tier

The Starcaster brings Fender-family design to the semi-hollow world. Its look is distinctly alternative, and the sound is a little brighter and airier than a 335 type. It’s a good fit for indie, alt and garage players who want something visually different and lighter than a classic 335.

What to check: compare with the Fender Affinity Starcaster Deluxe if you want to save, as the listings show both. Best for: indie and alt players. Skip if: you want a traditional jazz-box sound.

It also pairs well with pedals, from fuzz to chorus, because the humbuckers are clear and not overly dark. For players who find traditional semi-hollows too conservative, this is an interesting alternative.

Pros:

• Distinctive look
• Fender-family support
• Good for pedals

Cons:

• Not a 335 voice
• Offset shape takes getting used to

7. PRS SE Special Semi-Hollow: Best for modern versatility

• Double-cut semi-hollow in the SE range
• Lake Blue finish with gig bag in the listing
• Humbucker pickups
• Upper-mid price tier

The PRS SE Special Semi-Hollow takes a modern approach to the format. Its build is precise and its tone versatile, covering clean, crunchy and moderately driven sounds well. If you want a semi-hollow that also works for pop, rock and worship music, this is a flexible option.

What to check: confirm the exact model, since PRS offers several SE semi-hollow and hollowbody variants. Best for: players who switch between styles. Skip if: you want a vintage 335 look.

The PRS approach also tends to deliver consistent fret work and stable tuning, which is helpful if you gig or record frequently.

Pros:

• Modern build and consistency
• Versatile tone
• Gig bag included in the listing

Cons:

• Higher price than the Epiphone options
• Less vintage character

Also consider

• Epiphone Sheraton: a premium-leaning semi-hollow with gold hardware and a more refined appearance.
• D’Angelico Premier SS: a semi-hollow with a stopbar tailpiece and a stylish finish range.
• Squier Classic Vibe 60s Thinline Telecaster: a lighter thinline option for twang.
• Yamaha SA2200: a premium Japanese-built semi-hollow for players who want a step into the high end.

How we chose these semi-hollow guitars

This is a research-based list. We did not personally play these guitars. We compared maker descriptions and listing details such as body shape, pickups, variants and included accessories, then grouped them by who benefits most. We limited the list to two models per brand, covered a range of price tiers and kept to claims we could attribute to makers. Confirm current specs on the maker page before you buy.

Semi-hollow buying guide: block, size and pickups

Centre block versus chambered

A true semi-hollow has a solid maple block through the centre. Some guitars are instead chambered, meaning wood is routed out of a solid slab. The difference affects tone: the centre block is brighter and punchier, while chambered guitars are lighter and more open. Check the maker description to see which method is used.

Body size

Full-size 335 shapes are roughly 16 inches wide, 339-sized bodies are smaller and thinline bodies such as the Starcaster are lighter again. If you are petite or sit while playing, start with a compact shape.

Pickups

• Traditional humbuckers: warm, versatile and the standard for 335 tone.
• Broad’Tron or Filter’Tron styles: chimey, clear and slightly brighter.
• P-90s: bite and grit, more hum.

Bridge and tailpiece

Tune-o-matic bridges with a stopbar tailpiece are stable and common. Bigsby options add vibrato. Make sure you understand the string-change process for either.

Neck profile and scale

Many 335-style guitars use a 24.75 inch scale, which is slightly slinky compared with Fender 25.5 inch scale, making string bending easier. Slim tapered profiles suit jazz and fast playing, while fuller profiles suit blues.

Humidity and care

Laminated semi-hollows are tougher than solid-wood guitars but still respond to extremes. Maker guidance from Martin and Taylor suggests 40 to 50 percent relative humidity for wooden instruments, which is a safe target.

Best semi hollow guitars under 1000: where the budget lands

If you are searching for the best semi hollow guitars under 1000, most of this list qualifies. The Epiphone ES-335 and ES-339, Ibanez Artcore AS73, Gretsch G2622 Streamliner, Guild Starfire I and Squier Classic Vibe Starcaster all sit comfortably in that band. The PRS SE Special Semi-Hollow and some upgraded Gretsch and Guild variants sit at or above the line, so check current pricing. Within the budget, the Epiphone ES-335 is the closest to the classic design, and the Ibanez AS73 offers the best value for pure playability.

Best 335 style guitars: how to choose one

The best 335 style guitars share a double-cut, semi-hollow body with two humbuckers and a stopbar tailpiece. The Epiphone ES-335 and ES-339 are the direct descendants of the Gibson design. The Ibanez AS73 and PRS SE Special are 335-inspired alternatives. If the look is essential, choose the Epiphone. If the tone and playability matter more, compare the Ibanez and PRS. The Gibson original is a premium instrument that costs many times as much as these models, so the Epiphone approach is the common route for players on a normal budget.

Semi-hollow tone by pickup type: what to expect

Pickups are the biggest voice control after the body itself. Classic humbuckers give the round, woody midrange most people associate with the 335 sound, and they stay quiet at moderate gain. Broad’Tron and Filter’Tron styles add sparkle and clarity, which cuts through a band but can sound thin if your amp is already bright. P-90 equipped semi-hollows are punchier and rawer, and they reward a dynamic right hand. When you try guitars side by side, keep the amp settings fixed and change only the guitar, so the difference you hear is the pickups and body rather than your EQ.

Best thinline guitars: a lighter route

Thinline guitars are semi-hollow or chambered guitars with a thin body, such as the Squier Classic Vibe Thinline Telecasters and the Starcaster. They offer a hollow-body feel with a lighter weight and often a brighter tone. The Squier Classic Vibe 60s Thinline Telecaster, for example, is a lighter alternative to a 335-style guitar, with a twangy voice that suits country and indie. If you want a thin, light guitar and don’t need the 335 outline, a thinline is an excellent option.

Setting up a semi-hollow for gigging: step by step

1. Fit a fresh set of light or medium-light strings. A 10-46 set is the usual starting point for 24.75 inch scale guitars and keeps bending comfortable.
2. Set pickup height. Press the strings at the last fret and adjust each pickup so there is a gap of roughly 2 to 3 millimetres on the bass side and a little less on the treble side. Pickups too close choke the tone and increase feedback.
3. Check the bridge position. Compare the 12th-fret harmonic with the fretted note on each string and nudge the saddles until they match.
4. Mark and test feedback. At rehearsal volume, strike a low note and let it sustain; if it howls, lower the amp’s bass or move away from the cabinet.
5. Pair with the right pedals. Mild overdrive, compression and reverb suit semi-hollows. High-gain fuzz can provoke feedback, so use it with care.

This routine takes less than an hour and often transforms a stock guitar. A semi-hollow with correct pickup height and a fresh set of strings sounds bigger and clearer than one that has been left as it came from the factory.

Which semi-hollow fits which player: a quick decision matrix

Ownership realities: what wears first on a semi-hollow

The areas that wear first on a semi-hollow are the finish near the cutaways, the stopbar studs and the pot shafts. Binding can lift at the edges if the guitar is stored in hot or dry spaces. Pickup covers pick up fingerprints and scratches, and jack plates loosen over time. Because a semi-hollow has an air chamber, it responds to temperature changes more than a solid-body, so let it adjust before tuning after bringing it in from a cold car. Fresh strings every two to three months keep the tone lively, and a regular wipe-down prevents buildup on the fretboard and body.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between semi-hollow and hollow body guitars?

A semi-hollow has a solid centre block under the pickups, while a hollow body has none. The block reduces feedback and adds sustain.

Are semi-hollow guitars good for metal?

They can handle moderate gain, but high-gain metal often causes feedback. A solid-body is usually a better fit for heavy distortion.

Is an Epiphone ES-335 a good copy of a Gibson?

It follows the same design and shape, according to Epiphone, with different woods, hardware and pickups. Many players find it a very good value alternative.

What strings suit a semi-hollow?

Light or medium-light nickel roundwounds are the standard choice. Flatwounds give a smoother jazz sound.

Do semi-hollow guitars need special amps?

No, but clean amps with moderate gain and good headroom are the best match. Set volumes sensibly to avoid feedback.

Are left-handed versions available?

Some models, such as the Epiphone ES-335, have left-handed versions listed, but availability varies.

Which one should you buy?

• Closest classic 335 feel: Epiphone ES-335.
• Smaller 335-style body: Epiphone ES-339.
• Best budget all-rounder: Ibanez Artcore AS73.
• Chime and modern rock: Gretsch G2622 Streamliner Center Block.
• Vintage character: Guild Starfire I SC.
• Indie looks: Squier Classic Vibe Starcaster.
• Modern versatility: PRS SE Special Semi-Hollow.

Sources

• Epiphone Inspired by Gibson ES series information
• Ibanez Artcore series information
• Gretsch Streamliner Center Block information
• Guild Newark St. Collection information
• Fender and Squier Classic Vibe series information
• PRS Guitars SE series information

Last updated: October 2026