AudioFuAudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Epiphone Semiacoustic Guitars 2026
The top pick is Epiphone Noel Gallagher Signature Riviera ($918). Epiphone ES-339 Vintage Sunburst gives you the most for the money at $539. Epiphone Alex Lifeson 1976 ES-355 Re AW leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 13 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 12, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Epiphone Noel Gallagher Signature Riviera
Noel Gallagher Riviera · Epiphone
14 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Frets22 frets
This Epiphone Noel Gallagher Riviera is a seriously cool semi-hollow, nailing that Britpop vibe with a touch of vintage elegance. It's a great option for players seeking a distinctive sound and feel without a premium-priced tag – perfect for rhythm guitarists and those looking for a comfortable, versatile instrument.
Pros
- 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.
Cons
- Semi-hollow construction can be prone to feedback at high volumes.
- 24.75” scale length might feel cramped for players used to longer scales.
47AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$918 now$918€819 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale628 mm (24.72")
- Frets22 frets
This Epiphone ES-335 Blueberry Burst is a seriously impressive package. It nails the classic 335 vibe with a gorgeous top and those Alnico pickups give you a really sweet, vintage-inspired tone. It's perfect for blues, rock, and jazz players wanting a semi-hollow experience without the premium price tag.
Pros
- Flamed maple veneer offers a surprisingly upscale aesthetic.
- Alnico Classic Pro pickups deliver a warm, articulate vintage tone.
- Rounded C neck profile is comfortable for a wide range of players.
Cons
- The weight can be noticeable during extended playing sessions.
- While versatile, the semi-hollow construction isn't ideal for high-gain metal.
46AudioFu
Index↓ 5.0%since Aug 14 · lowest so far$671 · Aug 14$638 now$638€569 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Frets22 frets
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This Epiphone 335 Reissue is a fantastic entry point to the semi-hollow sound. It nails the vintage aesthetics and feel remarkably well, offering a sweet spot between affordability and quality. Ideal for players wanting that classic ES-335 vibe for blues, rock, and jazz without the premium-priced tag.
Pros
- 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.
Cons
- 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.
45AudioFu
Index↓ 9.9%since Aug 14 · lowest so far$1,400 · Aug 14$1,261 now$1,261€1,125 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale628 mm (24.72")
- Frets22 frets
This Epiphone ES-339 is a fantastic entry point into the semi-hollow world. It nails that vintage vibe with its maple construction and Alnico pickups, offering a surprisingly robust tone for the price. It's a solid choice for blues, rock, and jazz players looking for a quality instrument without a premium price tag.
Pros
- Maple top delivers a focused, articulate tone with good sustain
- Alnico Classic Pro pickups offer a surprisingly powerful and vintage-voiced output
- Rounded C neck profile is comfortable for a wide range of playing styles
Cons
- The maple construction can feel a bit dense and potentially neck-heavy
- Semi-hollow body makes it more prone to feedback at higher volumes
41AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$539 now$539€481 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42.9 mm (1.69")
- Scale628 mm (24.72")
- Frets22 frets
- BodyMaple body
- FingerboardLaurel fingerboard
This Sheraton is a seriously capable semi-acoustic, nailing that classic hollow-body vibe at a reasonable price. It's a great choice for blues, jazz, and rock players looking for a versatile instrument with a comfortable neck and surprisingly good pickups. The build quality is solid for the price range, making it a real workhorse.
Pros
- 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
Cons
- The vintage sunburst finish can be prone to fingerprints and smudging
- Body weight might be a factor for players used to lighter guitars
40AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$871 now$871€777 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale628 mm (24.72")
- Frets22 frets
- FingerboardLaurel fingerboard
This Epiphone Casino is a fantastic entry point to the hollowbody world. It nails that classic, slightly jangly vibe – perfect for blues, rockabilly, and vintage-inspired tones. It's a surprisingly versatile instrument that offers a lot of character for the price.
Pros
- 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.
Cons
- 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.
39AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$670 now$670€598 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale628 mm (24.72")
- Frets22 frets
- FingerboardLaurel fingerboard
This Epiphone Casino with the Pro P90s is a fantastic value. It nails that hollow-body vibe – think early Beatles, blues, and garage rock – without the premium price tag. The neck is easy to play, and the P90s have a surprisingly powerful, raw tone that’s a real joy to dial in.
Pros
- 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.
Cons
- Laminated construction lacks the complexity of solid-body instruments.
- The shorter scale length limits low-end extension for basslines.
39AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$716 now$716€639 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Frets22 frets
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This guitar feels solid thanks to its maple and poplar body with a stable mahogany neck. The black humbuckers give it a warm tone, while the ebony fingerboard plays smoothly. It suits players who want a bit of airiness without sacrificing too much sustain. The striking Firestorm Shift finish makes it stand out in any shop. Just be ready for a lighter output since it lacks a full solid body.
Pros
- Solid maple and poplar body with mahogany set neck for stability
- Graph Tech nut and medium jumbo frets ensure smooth playability
- Probucker Ignite humbuckers deliver warm, full-bodied tone
Cons
- Semi-hollow body may lack the sustain of a full solid guitar
- No weight specification provided to check comfort during long sessions
39AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,031 now$1,031€920 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This guitar sounds like a real vintage model thanks to its Gibson pickups and solid wood body. The slim neck makes it easy to play for hours. It fits anyone who wants a reliable semi-hollow guitar without extra bells and whistles.
Pros
- Authentic Gibson T-Type humbuckers for classic tone
- Maple and poplar construction for solid resonance
- Slim C neck profile for comfortable playing
Cons
- Harmonica tremolo can be harder to control
- Alpine white finish may show dust easily
39AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,456 now$1,456€1,299 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Epiphone Marty Schwartz Signature ES-335
Marty Schwartz ES-335 SC · Epiphone
3 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale628 mm (24.72")
- Frets22 frets
- FingerboardLaurel fingerboard
This Marty Schwartz ES-335 SC is a fantastic option for players seeking a semi-hollow tone and vintage vibe on a budget. The build quality is surprisingly good for the price point, and those humbuckers deliver a warm, punchy sound that's ideal for blues, rock, and even some jazz. It’s a serious contender for anyone wanting that classic 335 feel without the premium price tag.
Pros
- 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.
Cons
- 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.
38AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$951 now$951€849 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 13 semiacoustic guitars
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
Semiacoustic Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 356 models we track, not a sample.
Median $839 — half of all semiacoustic guitars here cost less.
median of 296 models · 42 mm (1.65")–43 mm (1.69")
median of 330 models · 625 mm (24.61")–648 mm (25.51")
median of 254 models · 22–22
median of 138 models · 254 mm (10")–305 mm (12.01")
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
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.
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 the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 22 semiacoustic guitars from the Thomann catalogue (of 356 in the category). Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
Are Epiphone semi-acoustics as good as Gibsons?
No, they aren't. But for the price, they offer a surprising amount of the Gibson vibe. Think of them as a gateway drug to that hollowbody sound - a fantastic starting point before dropping serious cash.
Will I get feedback problems?
Potentially. Semi-hollows are more prone to feedback. Experiment with amp placement, pickup height adjustments, and consider a noise gate if you play loud.
What kind of music are these guitars good for?
They're versatile! Blues, jazz, rock, even some indie styles benefit from that warmth and resonance. But they're not ideal for super-aggressive metal where you need tight, focused tone.
Should I upgrade the pickups?
Almost certainly. The stock pickups are usually adequate, but a simple upgrade can unlock a whole new level of tone and clarity. It's a relatively inexpensive mod that makes a big difference.
What's the difference between a semi-hollow and a hollow body guitar?
A semi-hollow has a solid center block running through the body, which helps reduce feedback and adds sustain. A fully hollow body has no center block, offering more resonance and a more 'open' sound, but is more prone to feedback.
