AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Semiacoustic Guitars for Beginner 2026
The top pick is Harley Benton HB-35 VB Vintage Series ($222). Gretsch G2622 Streamliner Center Block Double-Cut with V-Stoptail 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 width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale628 mm (24.72")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
The HB-35 VB is a surprisingly solid semi-hollow for the price. It's got a vintage vibe going on, with a warm, woody tone that's perfect for blues, classic rock, and even some jazz. This is an excellent option for players seeking that semi-hollow aesthetic and sound without a premium-priced investment.
Pros
- Maple body and arched top offer pleasing aesthetics and focused resonance.
- Canadian maple neck provides comfortable playability and good sustain.
- Vintage-style humbuckers deliver warm, thick tones suitable for blues and rock.
Cons
- Mahogany sustain block might feel a bit lightweight for some players’ preferences.
- Amaranth fretboard can be a bit harder than rosewood, requiring more conditioning.
63AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$222 now$222€199 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale628 mm (24.72")
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This hollow body guitar suits you if you want a simple setup with two humbuckers. You get two volume and two tone controls plus a 3-way switch, so you can choose the neck pickup, the bridge pickup, or both. Its basswood body and nyatoh neck make it a straightforward instrument for playing at home or in a band.
Pros
- Basswood top, back and sides keep the body light and easy to carry
- Two Classic Elite humbuckers at the neck and bridge give you two pickup positions
- Two volume and two tone controls let you shape each pickup separately
77AudioFu
Index↓ 14.3%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$546 · Aug 17$468 now$468€419 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale628 mm (24.72")
- BodyBasswood body
The AS53-TF is a solid entry point into the semi-hollow guitar world. It’s surprisingly versatile – you can get away with blues, rock, and even some lighter jazz tones. This is an ideal choice for beginners or players wanting a vintage-inspired aesthetic and feel on a budget.
Pros
- Basswood body offers a surprisingly balanced, warm tone for the price.
- Infinity R humbuckers deliver a respectable output with a decent amount of crunch.
- Nyatoh neck provides a comfortable, familiar feel for players of various styles.
Cons
- Basswood, while versatile, lacks the tonal complexity of mahogany or maple.
- Hardware, while functional, feels budget-oriented and may benefit from upgrades.
60AudioFu
Index↓ 1.5%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$377 · Aug 17$372 now$372€333 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Gretsch G2420 Streamliner Hollow Body with Chromatic II Tailpiece
G2420 Strml VLAM · Gretsch
72 for sale on Reverb4 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width42.9 mm (1.69")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- FingerboardLaurel fingerboard
You get a hollowbody electric with a cutaway, two Broad'Tron BT-3S humbuckers, and a push/pull master volume that switches to coil split. The maple body and nato neck make up the core of the build, and the Village Amber high-gloss finish gives it a bold look. It suits you if you want a hollowbody guitar with flexible pickup switching.
Pros
- Maple body with a nato neck and laurel fingerboard
- Two Broad'Tron BT-3S humbuckers at neck and bridge
- Push/pull master volume switch gives coil split
73AudioFu
Index↓ 7.9%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$568 · Aug 17$524 now$524€469 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale628 mm (24.72")
- Frets22 frets
- Neck profileC-shape neck
- BodyMahogany body
This RB-600BK is a seriously impressive semi-hollow for the money. It nails that vintage ES-335 vibe with a warm, woody tone and surprisingly good clarity. Ideal for blues, jazz, and classic rock players seeking a budget-friendly, semi-hollow experience.
Pros
- Mahogany body provides a warm, resonant tone with good sustain.
- Artec Classic Mini humbuckers deliver a surprisingly articulate and vintage-voiced sound.
- Maple neck with laurel fretboard offers a comfortable playing experience and decent feel.
Cons
- Hardware, while functional, feels a bit budget-oriented and might benefit from upgrades.
- Semi-hollow construction makes it susceptible to feedback at higher volumes.
47AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$278 now$278€249 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Gretsch G2622 Streamliner Center Block Double-Cut with V-Stoptail
G2622 Strml CB DC CDG · Gretsch
90 for sale on Reverb5 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width42.9 mm (1.69")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- BodyMaple body
- FingerboardLaurel fingerboard
This Gretsch is a seriously fun guitar. The Broad'Tron pickups give it that classic, warm, Gretsch vibe, but the coil-splitting lets you dial in some brighter, more biting tones too. It's perfect for players wanting that semi-hollow body feel and vintage aesthetic without a premium price tag.
Pros
- Broad'Tron pickups deliver a thick, creamy, and surprisingly articulate tone.
- Maple laminate body provides a balanced resonance with good sustain.
- Soft 'C' neck profile offers comfortable playability for various hand sizes.
Cons
- Laminated maple body can be heavier than solid-body guitars.
- Laurel fretboard, while playable, might not offer the same feel as rosewood.
74AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$579 now$579€519 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale635 mm (25")
- Fingerboard radius350 mm (13.78")
This Harley Benton CST-24HB is a seriously impressive semi-hollow for the money. The roasted fretboard and Roswell pickups make it a joy to play, offering a warm, vintage-inspired tone with a surprising amount of clarity. It’s an excellent option for players wanting a classic semi-hollow vibe without the premium price tag, especially those into blues, jazz, or lighter rock.
Pros
- Roasted jatoba fretboard offers excellent playability and stability.
- Roswell HAF pickups deliver a surprisingly articulate and warm tone.
- The GTB wrapover bridge contributes to sustain and a vintage vibe.
Cons
- Meranti body, while decent, lacks the tonal complexity of mahogany.
- Tortoise Flame finish can be a fingerprint magnet and may not appeal to all.
46AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$312 now$312€279 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- BodyNyatoh body
This TE-90QM HH Trans Blue is a seriously impressive value. The chambered body gives it a surprisingly airy quality, and those Roswell pickups nail that classic, slightly gritty tone. It’s perfect for players wanting a solid, reliable guitar with vintage vibes at an affordable price point – think blues, rock, and even some heavier styles.
Pros
- Nyatoh/Quilted Maple body offers surprisingly resonant chambered tone
- Roswell HAF pickups deliver a thick, warm, vintage-inspired hum
- Bolt-on neck provides snappy response and easy playability
Cons
- Nyatoh can be a bit plain tonally compared to mahogany
- Hardtail bridge limits tremolo or vibrato options
39AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$245 now$245€219 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale628 mm (24.72")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
This kit is a great choice if you want to build your own semi-hollow guitar. The poplar body with a mahogany sustain block gives it a warm, airy sound that feels like an acoustic. You get two humbuckers for a thick tone and a bolt-on maple neck for simple setup. Just remember you need to prime the wood and buy your own strings and tools. It's perfect for players who enjoy building their own gear on a budget.
Pros
- Solid mahogany sustain block boosts resonance and warmth
- Bolt-on maple neck offers easier setup than set neck
- Humbucker pickups deliver thick, clean hum-free tone
Cons
- No pre-installed strings or hardware tools included
- Body and neck require priming before final varnishing
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- Nut width42.9 mm (1.69")
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- BodyMaple body
This Gretsch is a fantastic entry point into the semi-hollow world. The Broad'Tron pickups give it a really unique voice—think vintage rockabilly with a modern edge. It's a great choice for players wanting that Gretsch vibe without the premium price tag, perfect for blues, rock, and roots music.
Pros
- Broad'Tron pickups deliver a thick, articulate tone with great sustain.
- Maple top provides focused resonance and a snappy attack characteristic of Gretsch.
- Soft 'C' neck profile offers comfortable playability for various hand sizes.
Cons
- Maple body can feel a bit dense, making it slightly heavier than some alternatives.
- Laurel fretboard, while playable, isn't as luxurious as rosewood or ebony.
53AudioFu
Index↓ 4.4%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$557 · Aug 17$533 now$533€477 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
Harley Benton Aeolus Frost FlameHarley Benton45Stable$445€399$445€399Check ↗
- 12
Ibanez AM73G ArtcoreAM73G-BK · Ibanez55↓ 5.7%$557€499$557€499Check ↗
- 13
Harley Benton Aeolus Frost Flame w/BagHarley Benton45Stable$457€409$457€409Check ↗
- 14
Squier Affinity Starcaster DLX OWTSquier36Stable$367€329$367€329Check ↗
- 15
Guild Starfire I DC CherryGuild · 3 finishes48↓ 19.7%$501€449$501€449Check ↗
- 16
Höfner Verythin CT Special SunburstHöfner · 2 finishes45↓ 20.0%$496€444$496€444Check ↗
- 17
Ibanez AS7312 ArtcoreAS7312-TCD · Ibanez53Stable$603€540$603€540Check ↗
- 18
Epiphone ES-335 CherryEpiphone · 11 finishes48Stable$557€499$557€499Check ↗
- 19
Ibanez AG75G ArtcoreAG75G-BS · Ibanez51Stable$613€549$613€549Check ↗
- 20
Epiphone Sheraton NaturalEpiphone · 4 finishes55↓ 22.9%$669€599$669€599Check ↗
- 21
Ibanez AS7328 ArtcoreAS7328-TBC · Ibanez52↓ 2.6%$641€574$641€574Check ↗
- 22
Epiphone ES-339 CherryEpiphone · 3 finishes42Stable$540€484$540€484Check ↗
- 23
Larry Carlton H7V CSLarry Carlton · 5 finishes41Stable$602€539$602€539Check ↗
- 24
Epiphone Casino Vintage SunburstEpiphone · 3 finishes44Stable$668€598$668€598Check ↗
- 25
Höfner HCT-VTH-BK Verythin Contem.Höfner35Stable$591€529$591€529Check ↗
- 26
Höfner Verythin CT Deluxe Special SBHöfner39Stable$669€599$669€599Check ↗
- 27
Höfner HCT-VTH-R Verythin Contem.Höfner35Stable$669€599$669€599Check ↗
- 28
Gretsch G5420T Electromatic ClassicG5420T EMTC CLS HLW ANV GRN · Gretsch · 3 finishes74Stable$926€829$926€829Check ↗
- 29
Gretsch Synchromatic Falcon Hollow-Body Single CutawaySynchromatic Falcon BB Black · Gretsch · 2 finishes73↓ 5.4%$1,478€1,324$1,478€1,324Check ↗
- 30
Fender Tom DeLonge StarcasterTom Delonge Starcaster SFG RF · Fender · 4 finishes71Stable$1,115€999$1,115€999Check ↗
- 31
PRS SE Custom 24 Semi-Hollow PiezoSE Custom 24 Semi-Hollow VS · PRS · 4 finishes70Stable$1,328€1,189$1,328€1,189Check ↗
- 32
Gretsch Synchromatic Nashville Hollow-Body Single CutawaySynchromatic Nashville CG · Gretsch68↓ 2.5%$1,284€1,150$1,284€1,150Check ↗
- 33
PRS SE Hollowbody II PiezoSE Hollowbody II LTD GT · PRS · 3 finishes68↓ 3.9%$1,395€1,249$1,395€1,249Check ↗
- 34
Evh SA-126 StandardSA-126 Special PLT PRL MET · EVH · 3 finishes68↓ 5.5%$1,551€1,389$1,551€1,389Check ↗
- 35
PRS SE Hollowbody II PiezoSE Hollowbody II Piezo VSB · PRS · 3 finishes66Stable$1,674€1,499$1,674€1,499Check ↗
- 36
Gretsch G5422TG Electromatic ClassicG5422TG Electromatic WS · Gretsch · 2 finishes65↓ 1.0%$1,160€1,039$1,160€1,039Check ↗
- 37
Ibanez PM3C Pat Metheny SignaturePM3C-BKL Pat Metheny · Ibanez · 2 finishes63Stable$1,664€1,490$1,664€1,490Check ↗
- 38
Ibanez AM93ME Artcore ExpressionistAM93QA-JBB · Ibanez · 3 finishes60↓ 6.2%$780€699$780€699Check ↗
- 39
Ibanez AS93SP Artcore ExpressionistAS93FM-TMG · Ibanez · 5 finishes60Stable$865€775$865€775Check ↗
- 40
Epiphone Riviera FrequensatorRiviera SB · Epiphone · 2 finishes60Stable$870€779$870€779Check ↗
- 41
Gibson ES-335 50s Vintage NaturalGibson · 18 finishes60↓ 15.0%$3,227€2,890$3,227€2,890Check ↗
- 42
PRS SE Hollowbody Standard PiezoSE Hollowbody Std. Piezo DHSB · PRS59↓ 1.5%$1,227€1,099$1,227€1,099Check ↗
- 43
Ibanez AG95QA Artcore ExpressionistAG95K-NT · Ibanez · 2 finishes58Stable$852€763$852€763Check ↗
- 44
Ibanez JSM10 John Scofield SignatureJSM10EM-TTB John Scofield · Ibanez · 2 finishes58↓ 2.8%$868€777$868€777Check ↗
- 45
Epiphone BroadwayBroadway WR · Epiphone58Stable$1,060€949$1,060€949Check ↗
- 46
Ibanez GB10 George Benson SignatureGB10-BK · Ibanez58Stable$3,683€3,299$3,683€3,299Check ↗
- 47
Ibanez ASH300 ArtstarASH300-TBC · Ibanez56↓ 14.9%$1,424€1,275$1,424€1,275Check ↗
- 48
Guild Newark St. Collection Starfire I Jet 90Starfire I Jet 90 Satin Black · Guild55↓ 1.0%$773€692$773€692Check ↗
- 49
Ibanez AMH90 Artcore ExpressionistAMH90-BK · Ibanez55Stable$803€719$803€719Check ↗
- 50
Ibanez AS113 Artstar StandardAS113-BS · Ibanez55↓ 5.4%$991€888$991€888Check ↗
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
Playability (Neck Profile & Action)
A chunky neck profile or high action will kill your progress. Beginners need a comfortable, easy-to-play neck - something with a C or D shape is generally a good starting point. Lower action (string height) makes fretting easier, but be careful; too low and you'll get fret buzz.
Body Resonance & Tone
That's the whole point of a semi-acoustic, right? You want a warm, woody tone with a decent amount of sustain. Listen for a balanced response - not too bright and harsh, not muddy and undefined. A little bit of natural reverb is a bonus.
Pickup Voicing & Versatility
Beginners often experiment with different genres. Look for pickups that aren't overly colored - a clean, articulate sound is more useful than a pre-defined 'vintage' tone. You want headroom to shape the sound with your amp and pedals.
Hardware Quality & Tuning Stability
Cheap hardware means tuning instability and a frustrating playing experience. Pay attention to the tuners - do they feel solid? Do they hold tune? The bridge is also important - a poorly made bridge can affect sustain and intonation.
Construction & Build Quality
Semi-acoustics are more complex to build than solid-body guitars. Check for tight neck joints, clean fretwork, and overall solid construction. A cheap guitar might have sloppy binding work or uneven finishes - those are red flags.
Buying guide
So, you're thinking about getting a semi-acoustic? Smart move. They offer a vibe you just can't get from a solid body - that warm, resonant low-end thump and a natural airiness that's great for everything from jazz to blues to indie rock. But jumping into semi-acoustics as a beginner can be a little overwhelming; they're more complex than your average Strat. Let's break down what to look for so you don't end up with an instrument that's more frustrating than inspiring.
Don't chase the prettiest finish or the brand name. Focus on playability and overall build quality. A slightly more expensive model with a comfortable neck and decent hardware is going to be far more enjoyable to play and will hold up better over time.
Be wary of guitars with overly bright, ice-picky top ends; that's often a sign of cheap pickups and a poorly designed tone circuit. And remember, a good setup from a qualified tech is worth the investment - it can transform even a budget guitar.
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
What's the difference between a semi-acoustic and a hollow body?
Hollow bodies are completely hollow, offering maximum resonance and airiness, but are prone to feedback at higher volumes. Semi-acoustics have a solid center block, which reduces feedback and provides more sustain while still retaining a lot of acoustic character.
Do I need an amp for a semi-acoustic?
Yes! While they do project a decent amount of sound acoustically, they're designed to be amplified. A small practice amp with a clean channel will be perfect for getting started.
What's a 'floating' bridge?
It's a bridge design common on semi-acoustics, where it's anchored to the top of the guitar without being glued directly to the body. This allows the top to vibrate more freely, contributing to the guitar's resonance.
Are semi-acoustics harder to play than solid-body guitars?
Not necessarily. It depends on the neck profile and action. A well-set-up semi-acoustic can be just as easy to play as a solid body. Just make sure it feels comfortable in your hands.
Can I use effects pedals with a semi-acoustic?
Absolutely! Semi-acoustics respond beautifully to effects like reverb, chorus, and overdrive. Just be mindful of feedback - a noise gate might be helpful at higher volumes.
