AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Semiacoustic Guitars for Advanced 2026
The top pick is Ibanez GB10 George Benson Signature ($3,683). Gibson 1959 ES-355 Reissue WR LA leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 169 models across 22 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 7, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale628 mm (24.72")
- BodyMaple body
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This GB10-BK is a beautifully crafted instrument, clearly designed for the discerning jazz and smooth-style player. The combination of maple, spruce, and ebony creates a sophisticated tone with a refined feel, and the flatwound strings nail that classic Benson vibe. It’s a serious guitar for serious players who appreciate top-tier Japanese construction.
Pros
- Maple/Spruce construction delivers warm, focused, resonant tones.
- Ebony fingerboard offers exceptional clarity and smooth playability.
- Gotoh machine heads provide reliable tuning stability and feel.
Cons
- The semi-hollow body can be prone to feedback at higher volumes.
- 24.75in scale limits versatility for players preferring longer scales.
58AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$3,683 now$3,683€3,299 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This guitar feels like stepping into the sixties with its cherry finish and hollow body. The mahogany neck is easy to play, and the humbuckers give it a strong sound that works for jazz or rock. It comes with a case, making it ready to go anywhere.
Pros
- Classic semi-hollow body with maple top and poplar center
- Two T-Type Humbucker pickups for thick, modern tone
- Slim Taper neck profile offers easy playability
Cons
- No weight specification listed in description
- Single-ply binding may not hold up to heavy use
59AudioFu
Index↓ 11.8%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$3,795 · Aug 17$3,348 now$3,348€2,999 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42.9 mm (1.69")
- Scale632 mm (24.88")
- Frets21 frets
- BodyAsh body
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
The T5z Custom Koa is a seriously cool instrument—a real chameleon. The Koa top is gorgeous, and the hybrid pickup system lets you cover everything from delicate fingerstyle to full-on rock. It’s ideal for gigging musicians needing a versatile, compact, and premium-priced solution.
Pros
- Koa top delivers stunning visuals and a warm, resonant acoustic tone.
- T5 Crave neck profile provides exceptional comfort and fast playing speed.
- Hybrid pickup system offers incredible tonal flexibility across genres.
Cons
- The shorter scale length might feel unusual for players accustomed to longer scales.
- Custom Koa models command a premium price, limiting accessibility.
54AudioFu
Index↓ 2.3%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$4,341 · Aug 17$4,240 now$4,240€3,798 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale628 mm (24.72")
- Frets22 frets
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This is a seriously dialed-in ES-335, straight from Gibson's Murphy Lab. The aged aesthetic and Custombuckers nail that vintage vibe perfectly, making it ideal for blues, jazz, and classic rock players who appreciate top-tier craftsmanship and authentic tone. It's a statement piece and a joy to play, though be prepared for a substantial investment.
Pros
- Murphy Lab construction guarantees exceptional build quality and attention to detail.
- Custombucker Alnico III pickups deliver that classic, warm, and articulate ES-335 tone.
- The authentic Medium 'C' neck profile offers comfortable playability for a wide range of players.
Cons
- The Ultra Heavy Aged finish might not appeal to players preferring a pristine look.
- The weight, typical of a 335, can be fatiguing for extended playing sessions.
51AudioFu
Index↓ 15.7%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$9,350 · Aug 17$7,886 now$7,886€6,999 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- BodyMaple body
This guitar sounds big thanks to its curly maple top and powerful humbuckers. The mahogany neck feels warm under your fingers. It suits players who want a thick tone but only have two knobs to play with.
Pros
- Solid maple body and curly maple top/back give great resonance
- Custom Shop Classic Humbuckers deliver a thick, powerful sound
- Mahogany neck with 50s C profile feels smooth and classic
Cons
- Only two volume and two tone controls limit tone shaping
- Heavy semi-hollow body may be difficult for smaller players
50AudioFu
Index↓ 28.1%since Oct 22 · lowest so far$5,693 · Oct 22$4,093 now$4,093€3,666 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Gretsch G7593T Billy Duffy Signature Falcon
G7593T Billy Duffy Falcon · Gretsch
12 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width43.5 mm (1.71")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets22 frets
This guitar feels great because the arched top and back let your hands rest comfortably. The custom pickups give it a rich, warm sound that cuts through a band. It is built to last with a sturdy maple and walnut neck. This Falcon suits players who want classic Gretsch tone with a modern, reliable feel.
Pros
- Triple layer maple and walnut neck offers solid stability
- Custom wound pickups deliver a distinct warm black top tone
- Arched top and back design provides comfortable playing relief
Cons
- No specific weight rating is provided in the official specs
- White gloss finish may show scratches more easily than darker colors
48AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$4,632 now$4,632€4,149 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Gretsch G6636-RF Richard Fortus Signature Falcon Center Block
G6636-RF Richard Fortus Black · Gretsch
10 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width42.8 mm (1.69")
- Scale625 mm (24.61")
- Frets22 frets
Richard Fortus's signature Gretsch is a seriously cool, semi-hollow axe. The Filter'Trons give you that classic Gretsch vibe, but with more grit for modern rock tones. It’s ideal for players who want a unique voice, a comfortable neck, and a striking look—especially those leaning towards alternative and classic rock styles.
Pros
- Laminated maple construction delivers focused, resonant tone.
- FilterTron humbuckers offer a unique blend of warmth and bite.
- Neo-Classic thumbnail inlays add a distinctive visual flair.
Cons
- The center block helps, but it's still a hefty instrument to play for extended periods.
- The shorter scale length limits low-end extension compared to longer scale guitars.
47AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$3,572 now$3,572€3,199 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42.9 mm (1.69")
- Scale625 mm (24.61")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This semi-hollow guitar has a beautiful flamed maple top that breathes well. It uses two Pro Twin Six humbuckers for a strong, warm tone. The anchored bridge and string-through tremolo make it playable for both jazz and rock. It suits players who want a classic archtop feel without the full hollow resonance of older models.
Pros
- Flamed maple top and archtop create rich, resonant air.
Cons
- One master volume limits individual pickup control options.
46AudioFu
Index↓ 1.5%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$3,739 · Aug 17$3,682 now$3,682€3,298 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale628 mm (24.72")
- Frets22 frets
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
- Weight3.7 kg
This ES-355 reissue is a serious contender for players chasing that classic Gibson tone and feel. The Murphy Lab build quality is evident, and the Watermelon Red finish is stunning. It’s a premium-priced instrument best suited for blues, jazz, and rock players who appreciate a warm, resonant voice and comfortable neck.
Pros
- Maple/poplar body delivers a focused, articulate tone with warmth.
- '59 Medium C neck profile provides exceptional comfort and playability.
- Unpotted Alnico III humbuckers offer a raw, vintage-voiced, dynamic response.
Cons
- The weight (3.70 kg) can be fatiguing for extended playing sessions.
- Watermelon Red finish, while beautiful, may not appeal to all players.
46AudioFu
IndexStablesince Aug 17$8,483 · Aug 17$8,483 now$8,483€7,598 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Frets22 frets
- BodyMaple body
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This ES Supreme is a seriously gorgeous instrument, dripping with vintage vibe and modern refinements. The flamed maple top looks incredible, and the Burstbucker pickups give you everything from creamy jazz tones to snarling rock leads. It's ideal for players seeking a high-end, semi-hollowbody with a unique look and feel, especially those leaning towards blues, jazz, and classic rock.
Pros
- AAA flamed maple top delivers stunning visuals and enhanced resonance.
- Burstbucker Pro pickups offer a versatile, articulate, and powerful tone.
- Ebony fingerboard provides exceptional clarity and a fast playing experience.
Cons
- The Seafoam Green finish, while unique, may not appeal to all tastes.
- Hollowbody construction contributes to a potentially heavier playing experience.
45AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$4,341 now$4,341€3,888 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 169 semiacoustic guitars
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Gibson ES-330 Sixties CherryGibson · 3 finishes46↓ 3.8%$3,435€3,077$3,435€3,077Check ↗
- 12
Gretsch G6120T-55VS Chet AtkinsGretsch · 2 finishes44↓ 10.4%$3,601€3,225$3,601€3,225Check ↗
- 13
Gretsch Pro Broadkaster LX CDGGretsch45↓ 1.0%$3,460€3,099$3,460€3,099Check ↗
- 14
Duesenberg Starplayer TV PhonicStarplayer TV Phonic VW · Duesenberg48Stable$3,237€2,899$3,237€2,899Check ↗
- 15
Gibson ES Supreme Bourbon BurstGibson43Stable$4,353€3,899$4,353€3,899Check ↗
- 16
Gretsch G6136TG-58 LTD Cust Falcon NEGretsch43Stable$5,280€4,729$5,280€4,729Check ↗
- 17
Gibson 1962 ES-330 Reissue SCGibson · 2 finishes43Stable$6,475€5,799$6,475€5,799Check ↗
- 18
Gibson 1959 ES-330 Reissue VNGibson · 2 finishes43Stable$6,475€5,799$6,475€5,799Check ↗
- 19
Gibson 1964 ES-335 Aspen White VOSGibson · 3 finishes43Stable$7,200€6,449$7,200€6,449Check ↗
- 20
Gretsch Pro Broadkaster JR LX BLKBRYGretsch44Stable$3,494€3,129$3,494€3,129Check ↗
- 21
Gibson 1961 ES-335 Reissue 60s CH VOSGibson · 4 finishes42↓ 3.9%$5,580€4,998$5,580€4,998Check ↗
- 22
Duesenberg Starplayer TV Custom BlackDuesenberg45Stable$3,347€2,998$3,347€2,998Check ↗
- 23
Gibson ES Supreme Blueberry BurstGibson41Stable$4,271€3,825$4,271€3,825Check ↗
- 24
Duesenberg Starplayer TV Phonic Balboa PRDuesenberg40↓ 4.5%$3,572€3,199$3,572€3,199Check ↗
- 25
Heritage Guitar Standard II H-535 Trans CherryHeritage Guitar · 2 finishes40Stable$3,907€3,499$3,907€3,499Check ↗
- 26
Gretsch G6120T-BSNSH Brian Setzer Signature NashvilleBrian Setzer G6120T-BSNSH BK · Gretsch40Stable$3,516€3,149$3,516€3,149Check ↗
- 27
Gibson ES-345 Vintage BurstGibson · 2 finishes39Stable$3,572€3,199$3,572€3,199Check ↗
- 28
Gretsch Brian Setzer G6120T-BSSMK 59Gretsch39Stable$3,906€3,498$3,906€3,498Check ↗
- 29
Gretsch G6136T-59VS White FalconGretsch · 2 finishes39Stable$4,687€4,198$4,687€4,198Check ↗
- 30
PRS SE Hollowbody II PiezoSE Hollowbody II Piezo OTSB · PRS · 3 finishes66Stable$1,718€1,539$1,718€1,539Check ↗
- 31
Gretsch Pro Nashville Bigsby CAD GRNGretsch44Stable$3,181€2,849$3,181€2,849Check ↗
- 32
Heritage Guitar Standard II H-530 OSBHeritage Guitar38Stable$3,795€3,399$3,795€3,399Check ↗
- 33
Gibson ES-339 Figured 60s CherryGibson · 3 finishes45Stable$3,042€2,725$3,042€2,725Check ↗
- 34
Höfner H4800-RLC-CB Leader RelicHöfner37Stable$3,897€3,490$3,897€3,490Check ↗
- 35
Gretsch G6122T-59VS Chet Atkins CG WSGretsch37Stable$3,907€3,499$3,907€3,499Check ↗
- 36
PRS Hollowbody II Piezo Yel. TigerPRS37Stable$7,256€6,499$7,256€6,499Check ↗
- 37
Duesenberg Starplayer TV Midnight FlakeDuesenberg41↓ 3.6%$3,227€2,890$3,227€2,890Check ↗
- 38
Heritage Guitar Standard H-530 TRCHeritage Guitar38Stable$3,347€2,998$3,347€2,998Check ↗
- 39
Ibanez PM3C Pat Metheny SignaturePM3C-BKL Pat Metheny · Ibanez · 2 finishes63Stable$1,664€1,490$1,664€1,490Check ↗
- 40
Evh SA-126 StandardSA-126 Special QM El Natural · EVH · 3 finishes64↓ 5.0%$1,590€1,424$1,590€1,424Check ↗
- 41
Duesenberg Alliance Series Joe Walsh BKDuesenberg · 2 finishes39↓ 3.3%$3,237€2,899$3,237€2,899Check ↗
- 42
Ibanez JSM100 John Scofield SignatureJSM100-VT John Scofield · Ibanez44Stable$2,879€2,579$2,879€2,579Check ↗
- 43
Duesenberg Starplayer TV Ocean FlakeDuesenberg38Stable$3,237€2,899$3,237€2,899Check ↗
- 44
Duesenberg Starplayer TV Gold BurstDuesenberg38Stable$3,236€2,898$3,236€2,898Check ↗
- 45
Duesenberg Starplayer TV Galaxy BurstDuesenberg39↓ 3.1%$3,125€2,799$3,125€2,799Check ↗
- 46
Duesenberg Starplayer Mike CampbellDuesenberg36↓ 1.7%$3,293€2,949$3,293€2,949Check ↗
- 47
Duesenberg Starplayer TV Plus BKDuesenberg36Stable$3,283€2,940$3,283€2,940Check ↗
- 48
Höfner H4800-HGL-0 Leader Green LineHöfner35Stable$3,347€2,998$3,347€2,998Check ↗
- 49
Duesenberg Starplayer TV Balboa Pearl RedDuesenberg38Stable$3,125€2,799$3,125€2,799Check ↗
- 50
Gretsch Pro Tennessean Bigsby CHRYGretsch44Stable$2,723€2,439$2,723€2,439Check ↗
Semiacoustic Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 356 models we track, not a sample.
Median $1,160 — half of all semiacoustic guitars here cost less.
median of 280 models · 42 mm (1.65")–43 mm (1.69")
median of 332 models · 625 mm (24.61")–648 mm (25.51")
most common · 146 models
median of 149 models · 254 mm (10")–305 mm (12.01")
How to choose the best semiacoustic guitars
Neck Profile & Playability
Advanced players need a neck that feels right. Thin, shred-style necks can feel flimsy on a semi, while overly thick ones can choke your vibrato. We're looking for profiles that inspire confidence and allow for complex voicings without fatigue - a comfortable 'C' or a slightly flattened D is often the sweet spot.
Pickup Voicing & Flexibility
Forget generic 'warm' tones. We want pickups that can handle a range of styles - from articulate jazz tones to gritty blues breakup. Humbuckers can get muddy in a semi if they're not voiced correctly; P90s can be a revelation, but can also lack headroom. Versatility is key, but clarity is paramount.
Body Resonance & Acoustic Projection
A semi's acoustic voice is part of its charm. It's about that low-end thump and the sustain you feel vibrating through the body. Some semis are overly boomy, others are too tight and lifeless. We're looking for a balance - a resonant tone that complements the electric pickups without being overwhelming.
Hardware Quality & Tuning Stability
Let's be real, cheap hardware ruins a good instrument. Tuners that slip, a bridge that intonates poorly - it all adds up to frustration. Advanced players demand stability and precision; you can't be tweaking your tuning between every song.
Construction & Finish Quality
Advanced players appreciate the details. Tight fretwork, clean binding, and a finish that breathes - it shows attention to detail and impacts the instrument's longevity. Sloppy construction translates to headaches down the road, and cheap finishes can crack and check under stage lights.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're not a beginner anymore and you're looking at semi-acoustic guitars. It's a sweet spot - you get that warm, woody resonance, but with the electric versatility. But a semi isn't just a hollow body with a center block; it's a different beast. This isn't about a beginner's first semi; we're talking about instruments that can truly elevate your playing, whether you're laying down a walking bassline, nailing complex jazz chords, or just chasing that vintage vibe in a rock band.
Don't chase the 'vintage' look alone. A semi-acoustic's construction and wood choices have a huge impact on its tone and playability. Pay attention to the neck profile - it's the most personal aspect.
Also, be aware that many cheaper semis use glued-in necks or laminate bodies, which seriously compromises sustain and resonance. It's often worth stretching your budget for solid wood construction and better hardware - those corners cut will be felt for years.
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 356 semiacoustic guitars from the Thomann catalogue. 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 semi-acoustics hard to amplify?
They can be! The acoustic nature means you need to be mindful of feedback, especially at higher volumes. A good preamp and careful amp placement are essential. Don't expect them to roar like a solid body.
What's the difference between a semi-acoustic and a hollow body?
Hollow bodies have full acoustic resonance, which is amazing for warmth but prone to feedback. Semi-acoustics have a center block to tame that resonance while retaining some of the acoustic character.
Can I use a semi-acoustic for rock music?
Absolutely! But pickup choice is crucial. P90s or overwound humbuckers can give you the grit you need. Just be prepared to work with feedback.
What neck radius is best for a semi-acoustic?
It's personal preference, but a medium-cambered radius (around 10-12 inches) often strikes a good balance between comfort and string bending ability. A flatter radius can feel less natural on a semi.
Are higher-end semi-acoustics worth the money?
Generally, yes. You're paying for better wood, craftsmanship, hardware, and pickups - all of which contribute to a more responsive and nuanced instrument. The difference in playability and tone is often significant.
