Best Epiphone Semiacoustic Guitars 2026
Alright, so you're digging the hollowbody vibe, the resonance, the potential for that woody warmth - but you need something gig-ready and won't break the bank? Epiphone's semi-acoustic guitars are your sweet spot. They've been around forever, riding the coattails of Gibson's legacy, but they've carved out their own space, offering a lot of bang for your buck. Let's break down the best Epiphone semi-acoustics and see which one suits your needs.
Last updated: August 31, 2026
Epiphone Sheraton Vintage Sunburst
- • Laminated maple body delivers a warm, resonant tone with sustain
- • Slim taper neck profile provides comfortable, fast playing feel
- • Epiphone ProBucker Mini Humbuckers offer a surprisingly articulate, balanced sound
- • LockTone Tune-o-matic bridge enhances tuning stability and sustain
- • The vintage sunburst finish can be prone to fingerprints and smudging
- • Body weight might be a factor for players used to lighter guitars
- • Mini humbuckers, while versatile, lack the extreme output of full-size versions
Epiphone Alex Lifeson 1976 ES-355 Re AW
- • Authentic Gibson T-Type humbuckers for classic tone
- • Maple and poplar construction for solid resonance
- • Slim C neck profile for comfortable playing
- • Graph Tech nut for stable tuning stability
- • Harmonica tremolo can be harder to control
- • Alpine white finish may show dust easily
- • No specific weight listed for heft check
Epiphone 1962 ES-335 Reissue Vintage Bu
- • Solid maple/poplar construction delivers surprising resonance and clarity.
- • Gibson Custombucker pickups offer authentic vintage humbucker tones.
- • The '60s Slim Taper neck is exceptionally comfortable for extended playing.
- • Quality hardware, including the Tune-O-Matic bridge, enhances tuning stability.
- • The semi-hollow body contributes to a noticeable weight, potentially tiring for some.
- • While a great value, the poplar core limits the sustain compared to all-mahogany models.
- • The vintage burst finish, while aesthetically pleasing, can be prone to fingerprints.
Epiphone 1962 ES-335 Reissue Sixties Ch
- • 5-ply maple/poplar construction delivers a warm, resonant tone.
- • Gibson Custombucker pickups offer a surprisingly authentic vintage vibe.
- • Slim taper neck profile provides excellent playability and comfort.
- • Deluxe machine heads ensure reliable tuning stability and ease of use.
- • The semi-hollow body makes it prone to feedback at higher volumes.
- • Sixties Cherry finish can be a bit thick and less nuanced than some.
- • Weight is noticeable, especially during extended playing sessions.
Epiphone Marty Schwartz ES-335 SC
- • AAA maple veneer top delivers a bright, focused, and resonant tone.
- • Alnico Classic Pro pickups offer a surprisingly thick and articulate vintage-inspired sound.
- • The '60s Slim Taper neck profile is exceptionally comfortable for fast playing.
- • Grover Rotomatic tuners provide reliable tuning stability and a premium feel.
- • Laminated maple construction, while affordable, lacks the outright resonance of solid wood.
- • Coil-splitting, while present, might sound thin compared to dedicated single-coil pickups.
- • The weight can be a factor for extended playing sessions; expect around 8.5 lbs.
Epiphone Casino Natural w/ Epi Pro P90
- • Maple laminate body offers a balanced, resonant tone.
- • Epi Pro P90s deliver thick, creamy vintage-inspired grit.
- • Mahogany neck provides comfortable playability and warm sustain.
- • Cream binding and sloped headstock add a touch of classic elegance.
- • Laminated construction lacks the complexity of solid-body instruments.
- • The shorter scale length limits low-end extension for basslines.
- • P90 pickups can be noisy at higher gain settings.
Epiphone Casino Vintage Sunburst
- • Maple laminate body delivers a warm, resonant, and airy tone.
- • Mahogany neck provides comfortable playability and sustain.
- • Epiphone Pro P90s offer a snarling, articulate vintage tone.
- • Cream binding adds a touch of class and enhances the vintage aesthetic.
- • Laminated construction, while good for tone, lacks the premium feel of solid wood.
- • Shorter scale length limits low-end extension compared to longer scale guitars.
- • The lighter-weight P90s might lack extreme high-gain output for some players.
Epiphone Riviera Sparkling Burgundy
- • Laminated maple body provides warm, resonant tone with surprising projection
- • Rounded C neck profile offers comfortable playability for a wide range of players
- • Epiphone Pro Mini humbuckers deliver focused, articulate tone, avoiding muddiness
- • Indian Laurel fretboard contributes to a smooth, snappy feel and bright upper harmonics
- • Sparkling Burgundy finish, while striking, might not appeal to all aesthetic preferences
- • Semi-hollow construction can be prone to feedback at higher volumes without careful amp settings
- • While versatile, it leans towards cleaner tones and might require pedals for heavier distortion
Epiphone Riviera Royal Tan
- • Laminated maple body delivers a warm, resonant tone with excellent sustain.
- • Rounded C neck profile offers comfortable playability for a wide range of players.
- • Epiphone Pro Mini humbuckers provide a focused, articulate sound with plenty of punch.
- • Indian Laurel fretboard provides a smooth, responsive feel and pleasing aesthetics.
- • Royal Tan finish, while attractive, can be prone to fingerprints and smudging.
- • Lighter gauge strings may be desirable for optimal playability given the semi-hollow construction.
- • While versatile, the pickups lean towards classic rock and blues; modern high-gain tones may be limited.
Epiphone ES-335 Figured Tea Burst
- • Flamed maple veneer top delivers a visually appealing, resonant tone
- • Mahogany neck offers comfortable playability and warm sustain
- • Alnico Classic Pro pickups provide a versatile, classic humbucker voice
- • LockTone hardware enhances tuning stability and overall build quality
- • The figured veneer can sometimes feel a bit thin and less premium
- • While versatile, it leans towards warmer tones, limiting extreme high-gain styles
- • Weight can be noticeable after extended playing sessions due to the semi-hollow construction
Epiphone Noel Gallagher Riviera
- • 5-ply maple body delivers a warm, resonant tone with surprising sustain.
- • Alnico Classic Pro pickups offer a versatile range, from chimey cleans to driven overdrive.
- • Slim Taper C neck profile provides comfortable playability for extended gigs and practice.
- • Hardshell case included offers excellent protection and makes transport a breeze.
- • Semi-hollow construction can be prone to feedback at high volumes.
- • 24.75” scale length might feel cramped for players used to longer scales.
- • Indian Laurel fretboard, while good, isn't quite as premium as Ebony or Rosewood.
Epiphone ES-339 Vintage Sunburst w/Bag
- • Maple construction provides a focused, articulate tone with good sustain.
- • Alnico Classic Pro humbuckers deliver a warm, bluesy growl with surprising clarity.
- • Rounded C neck profile offers comfortable playability for a wide range of players.
- • Grover Rotomatics provide reliable tuning stability, a welcome upgrade.
- • The semi-hollow body can be prone to feedback at higher volumes.
- • While well-built, the hardware isn't quite as premium as higher-end models.
- • The shorter scale length limits low-end extension compared to full-size guitars.
Epiphone ES-335 Vintage Sunburst w/Case
- • Maple top delivers focused, articulate highs and a pleasing sustain.
- • Alnico Classic Pro humbuckers offer a warm, vintage-inspired tone.
- • Rounded C neck profile provides comfortable playability for various hand sizes.
- • Deluxe machine heads ensure stable tuning and easy adjustments.
- • The maple construction can feel a bit dense, making it somewhat heavier.
- • While versatile, it leans towards warmer tones; high-gain shredding isn't its forte.
- • Binding quality, while present, isn't quite as refined as higher-end models.
Epiphone ES-335 Cherry w/Case
- • Maple top provides bright, articulate highs and pleasing sustain.
- • Rounded C neck profile offers comfortable playability for various hand sizes.
- • Alnico Classic Pro pickups deliver a warm, vintage-inspired tone.
- • Included case provides excellent protection and portability for gigging.
- • Maple construction can be somewhat dense, making it a little heavier than some alternatives.
- • Indian Laurel fretboard, while nice, lacks the visual appeal of rosewood for some.
- • Semi-hollow body limits extreme high-gain applications due to potential feedback.
Epiphone USA Casino Vintage Sunburst
- • Maple/poplar laminate construction delivers focused, resonant tone.
- • Gibson USA P-90s provide thick, gritty vintage character.
- • Handwired electronics with Orange Drop caps enhance signal clarity.
- • Rounded C neck profile offers comfortable, familiar playing feel.
- • Hollowbody construction makes it prone to feedback at high volumes.
- • Limited tonal versatility compared to solid-body guitars.
- • Weight can be a factor for extended playing sessions.
Every semiacoustic guitars that matches
24 models match this page. The 15 above are covered in detail; the rest are listed here with their published specifications.
| # | Model | Specifications | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | Epiphone ES-339 Cherry | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 628 mm (24.72") · Frets 22 frets | $564 |
| 17 | Epiphone ES-339 Vintage Sunburst | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 628 mm (24.72") · Frets 22 frets | $560 |
| 18 | Epiphone ES-335 Vintage Sunburst | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 628 mm (24.72") · Frets 22 frets | $616 |
| 19 | Epiphone ES-335 Cherry | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 628 mm (24.72") · Frets 22 frets | $581 |
| 20 | Epiphone ES-335 Figured Blueberry Burst | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 628 mm (24.72") · Frets 22 frets | $662 |
| 21 | Epiphone Emperor Swingster Delta Blue | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 628 mm (24.72") · Frets 22 frets | $884 |
| 22 | Epiphone Futura ES-355 Firestorm Shift | Scale 629 mm (24.76") · Frets 22 frets · Fingerboard Ebony fingerboard | $1,071 |
| 23 | Epiphone Futura ES-355 Dragonfly Shift | Scale 629 mm (24.76") · Frets 22 frets · Fingerboard Ebony fingerboard | $1,071 |
| 24 | Epiphone Emperor Swingster Forest Green | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 628 mm (24.72") · Body Maple body | $872 |
Semiacoustic Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 356 models in this category, so «wide», «short» or «expensive» mean something you can check.
How to Choose the Best Semiacoustic Guitars
Heritage & Gibson Connection
Epiphone's history is deeply intertwined with Gibson. While they're not Gibson clones, they benefit from that lineage, often incorporating design elements and construction techniques that evoke that classic vintage feel - even if the components are different.
Tone Characteristics
Expect a warmer, more resonant tone than a solid-body guitar. The semi-hollow construction adds a natural reverb and a 'bloom' to the sound, which can be fantastic for jazz, blues, and even rock. However, that resonance can also lead to feedback at higher volumes if you're not careful.
Build Quality & Hardware
Epiphone's build quality has improved significantly over the years. You'll find decent Grover tuners on many models, but the pickups are often the first upgrade players make. The hardware is generally reliable, but don't expect boutique-level components - it's a trade-off for the price.
Neck Profile & Playability
Neck profiles vary across models, so try before you buy if possible. Some have a slimmer, more modern feel, while others lean towards a thicker, vintage-style profile. A comfortable neck is crucial for extended gigs and practice sessions.
Feedback Resistance
Semi-hollow guitars are inherently more prone to feedback than solids. Epiphone often uses features like center blocks to mitigate this, but it's still something to consider, especially if you play loud or use high-gain amps. Understanding your amp's headroom is key.
Buying Guide
Look beyond the flashy finishes and focus on the core construction. The pickups are almost always the first thing to upgrade - consider a set of Seymours or similar. Don't be afraid of older models; often, the '50s and '60s Epiphone Elites offer incredible value. Pay attention to the neck; a comfortable neck profile is worth more than fancy hardware.
How This List Is Built
We don't play these instruments — we're a catalog, not a review desk, and we'd rather say so than pretend otherwise. This page covers 24 of 356 semiacoustic guitars from the Thomann catalogue, which is the largest single source of specification data in this category: 15 in detail, the rest listed with their specifications.
Position is computed, not curated. We parse the manufacturer's own description into actual values — nut width, scale, fret count, fingerboard radius, size, alloy — and rank on them: how many specifications a model has published, how many of them are measurable numbers, and how precisely it meets this page's criterion. A product image adds a little. Price is not a ranking signal: it tells you nothing about whether a neck fits your hand. The same inputs always produce the same order, so nothing here is shuffled to look fresh.
What this list is good for: narrowing a category down to a shortlist by spec and budget. What it isn't: a substitute for hearing an instrument. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.