AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Semiacoustic Guitars for Professional 2026
The top pick is Gibson 1959 ES-355 Reissue WR LA ($8,483). Gretsch G7593T Billy Duffy Signature Falcon gives you the most for the money at $4,632. 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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- 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 ↗ -
- 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 ↗ -
- Scale628 mm (24.72")
- Frets22 frets
This is a serious recreation of a '61 ES-335, built by Gibson's Custom Shop with a beautifully aged finish. The tone is classic, warm, and articulate—perfect for blues, jazz, and vintage rock players seeking that authentic 60s vibe. It's a premium-priced instrument, but the craftsmanship and tone are genuinely exceptional.
Pros
- Murphy Lab build quality ensures meticulous attention to detail.
- The '61 Skinny inCin neck profile is incredibly comfortable and fast.
- Unpotted Custombuckers deliver a warm, responsive, and vintage-voiced tone.
Cons
- The heavy aged finish might not appeal to players preferring a pristine look.
- The weight, typical of a 335, can be a factor for extended playing.
42AudioFu
IndexStablesince Aug 17$7,814 · Aug 17$7,814 now$7,814€6,999 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale628 mm (24.72")
- Frets22 frets
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This is a gorgeous, meticulously crafted ES-335 that truly captures the essence of a 1964 Gibson. The vintage specs – the neck profile, the unpotted pickups, the VOS finish – all contribute to a warm, resonant tone that's ideal for blues, jazz, and classic rock players seeking an authentic vintage experience.
Pros
- Stunning VOS finish authentically replicates a '64 aesthetic.
- Custombucker Alnico III pickups deliver warm, articulate vintage tones.
- Mahogany neck with '64 medium C profile offers exceptional playability.
Cons
- The maple/poplar/maple body construction can result in a heavier instrument.
- Aspen White finish, while beautiful, can be a fingerprint magnet.
43AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$7,200 now$7,200€6,449 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale635 mm (25")
- Frets22 frets
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This Hollowbody II Piezo is a seriously gorgeous and versatile instrument. The flamed maple top looks incredible, and the combination of humbuckers and piezo gives you a huge range of tones – from warm jazz to soaring rock leads. It's perfect for players who want a premium semi-hollow with a touch of acoustic authenticity.
Pros
- Flamed maple top delivers stunning aesthetics and focused projection
- Mahogany sides enhance warmth and resonance, a classic pairing
- 58/15 LT pickups offer a versatile, articulate vintage tone
Cons
- The weight will be noticeable, especially during extended playing sessions
- The limited pickup options might restrict some modern genre explorations
37AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$7,256 now$7,256€6,499 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This guitar sounds like a classic sixties jazz player. The P-90 pickups give it a bright, singing tone that cuts through a band. The maple top adds punch, while the mahogany neck feels comfortable for long sessions. It suits anyone who loves vintage warmth and needs a case included.
Pros
- Classic P-90 single coil voice for cutting through a mix
- Authentic 1959 neck profile feels familiar under the fingers
- Solid maple top construction keeps volume and sustain high
Cons
- Single coil pickups require high gain for clean tone
- No tremolo system means fixed pitch stability only
43AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$6,475 now$6,475€5,799 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This guitar feels like stepping back into 1959 with its classic maple body and mahogany neck. The P-90 pickups give it a bright, raw tone perfect for blues and rock. It suits players who want that vintage hollow body sound without modern electronics clutter.
Pros
- Classic hollow body resonance from maple and poplar layers
- Authentic 1959 neck profile for familiar feel
- Bright, cutting P-90 single coil pickups
Cons
- No output jack included for direct instrument use
- No weight listed makes carrying less certain
43AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$6,475 now$6,475€5,799 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42.8 mm (1.69")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This guitar feels like a solid, reliable workhorse for anyone who loves the vintage hollowbody sound. The TV Jones pickups deliver a warm, full tone while the Bigsby tremolo gives it that classic lift. It suits players who want a premium build without the usual hollowbody weight issues, though you might want to check the actual weight before heading out.
Pros
- Two TV Jones Ray Butts Ful-Fidelity humbuckers for rich tone
- Space Control bridge allows smooth string height adjustments
- Bigsby B6GP tremolo adds classic lift and sustain
Cons
- No weight spec listed makes carrying uncertainty
- Gold-plated hardware may not suit every style
43AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$5,280 now$5,280€4,729 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 ↗ -
- Nut width43.1 mm (1.7")
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Frets22 frets
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This guitar feels great to play thanks to its smooth mahogany neck and sturdy ebony fingerboard. The semi-hollow body keeps the sound warm while still letting you get some sustain. It uses top-tier pickups that sound rich, but the missing weight info is frustrating for anyone planning to travel with it. It suits players who want a classic vibe without sacrificing modern comfort.
Pros
- Solid mahogany neck provides comfortable playability for all players
- Graph Tech nut ensures stable tuning under heavy string tension
- Burstbucker Pro pickups deliver rich, versatile tone options
Cons
- No weight specification listed makes carrying uncertainty
- High price point limits accessibility for budget-conscious buyers
43AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$4,688 now$4,688€4,199 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
Gretsch G6136-55VS White FalconGretsch · 2 finishes39Stable$4,800€4,299$4,800€4,299Check ↗
- 12
Taylor T5Z ClassicT5z Custom Koa · Taylor · 3 finishes54↓ 2.3%$4,240€3,798$4,240€3,798Check ↗
- 13
Gibson ES Supreme Bourbon BurstGibson43Stable$4,353€3,899$4,353€3,899Check ↗
- 14
Heritage Guitar H-535 Custom Core DCSHeritage Guitar · 2 finishes50↓ 28.1%$4,093€3,666$4,093€3,666Check ↗
- 15
Gibson ES-335 Figured Blood MoonGibson · 18 finishes52Stable$4,018€3,599$4,018€3,599Check ↗
- 16
Gibson ES Supreme Blueberry BurstGibson41Stable$4,271€3,825$4,271€3,825Check ↗
- 17
Ibanez GB10 George Benson SignatureGB10-BK · Ibanez58Stable$3,683€3,299$3,683€3,299Check ↗
- 18
Gretsch G6120T-59VS Chet AtkinsGretsch · 2 finishes41Stable$3,906€3,498$3,906€3,498Check ↗
- 19
Heritage Guitar Standard II H-535 Trans CherryHeritage Guitar · 2 finishes40Stable$3,907€3,499$3,907€3,499Check ↗
- 20
Gretsch Pro BKSTR JR LX TRP ARGretsch · 2 finishes45Stable$3,739€3,349$3,739€3,349Check ↗
- 21
Gretsch Brian Setzer G6120T-BSSMK 59Gretsch39Stable$3,906€3,498$3,906€3,498Check ↗
- 22
Gretsch G6122T-59VS Chet Atkins CG WSGretsch37Stable$3,907€3,499$3,907€3,499Check ↗
- 23
Höfner H4800-RLC-CB Leader RelicHöfner37Stable$3,897€3,490$3,897€3,490Check ↗
- 24
Gretsch G6636-RF Richard Fortus Signature Falcon Center BlockG6636-RF Richard Fortus Black · Gretsch47Stable$3,572€3,199$3,572€3,199Check ↗
- 25
Heritage Guitar Standard II H-530 OSBHeritage Guitar38Stable$3,795€3,399$3,795€3,399Check ↗
- 26
Duesenberg Starplayer TV Phonic Balboa PRDuesenberg40↓ 4.5%$3,572€3,199$3,572€3,199Check ↗
- 27
Gibson ES-345 Vintage BurstGibson · 2 finishes39Stable$3,572€3,199$3,572€3,199Check ↗
- 28
Gretsch Synchromatic Falcon Hollow-Body Single CutawaySynchromatic Falcon BB Black · Gretsch · 2 finishes73↓ 5.4%$1,478€1,324$1,478€1,324Check ↗
- 29
Evh SA-126 StandardSA-126 Special PLT PRL MET · EVH · 3 finishes68↓ 5.5%$1,551€1,389$1,551€1,389Check ↗
- 30
PRS SE Custom 24 Semi-Hollow PiezoSE Custom 24 Semi-Hollow LB · PRS · 4 finishes70Stable$1,450€1,299$1,450€1,299Check ↗
- 31
PRS SE Hollowbody II PiezoSE Hollowbody II Piezo VSB · PRS · 3 finishes66Stable$1,674€1,499$1,674€1,499Check ↗
- 32
Ibanez PM3C Pat Metheny SignaturePM3C-BKL Pat Metheny · Ibanez · 2 finishes63Stable$1,664€1,490$1,664€1,490Check ↗
- 33
PRS SE Hollowbody II PiezoSE Hollowbody II LTD GT · PRS · 3 finishes68↓ 3.9%$1,395€1,249$1,395€1,249Check ↗
- 34
Fender Tom DeLonge StarcasterTom Delonge Starcaster SLG RF · Fender · 4 finishes71Stable$1,249€1,119$1,249€1,119Check ↗
- 35
Gretsch Synchromatic Nashville Hollow-Body Single CutawaySynchromatic Nashville CG · Gretsch68↓ 2.5%$1,284€1,150$1,284€1,150Check ↗
- 36
Gretsch G5420T Electromatic ClassicG5420T EMTC CLS HLW ANV GRN · Gretsch · 3 finishes74Stable$926€829$926€829Check ↗
- 37
Ibanez ASH300 ArtstarASH300-TBC · Ibanez56↓ 14.9%$1,424€1,275$1,424€1,275Check ↗
- 38
Gretsch G5422TG Electromatic ClassicG5422TG Electromatic WS · Gretsch · 2 finishes65↓ 1.0%$1,160€1,039$1,160€1,039Check ↗
- 39
Duesenberg Starplayer TV PhonicStarplayer TV Phonic VW · Duesenberg48Stable$3,237€2,899$3,237€2,899Check ↗
- 40
PRS SE Ed Sheeran Cosmic SplashPRS48↓ 12.6%$1,561€1,398$1,561€1,398Check ↗
- 41
PRS SE Ed Sheeran Pink OmbrePRS48↓ 17.9%$1,558€1,395$1,558€1,395Check ↗
- 42
PRS SE Hollowbody Standard PiezoSE Hollowbody Std. Piezo DHSB · PRS59↓ 1.5%$1,227€1,099$1,227€1,099Check ↗
- 43
DAngelico Deluxe DC Satin Trans WineDAngelico · 5 finishes46Stable$1,785€1,599$1,785€1,599Check ↗
- 44
Gibson ES-330 Sixties CherryGibson · 3 finishes46↓ 3.8%$3,435€3,077$3,435€3,077Check ↗
- 45
Ibanez JSM10 John Scofield SignatureJSM10-VYS John Scofield · Ibanez · 2 finishes51Stable$1,409€1,262$1,409€1,262Check ↗
- 46
Gibson ES-339 Figured 60s CherryGibson · 3 finishes45Stable$3,042€2,725$3,042€2,725Check ↗
- 47
Duesenberg Starplayer TV Custom BlackDuesenberg45Stable$3,347€2,998$3,347€2,998Check ↗
- 48
Gretsch Pro Broadkaster LX CDGGretsch45↓ 1.0%$3,460€3,099$3,460€3,099Check ↗
- 49
Ibanez AM153QA Artstar StandardAM153FM-ATT · Ibanez · 2 finishes51Stable$1,372€1,229$1,372€1,229Check ↗
- 50
DAngelico Excel Mini DC AmberDAngelico · 2 finishes44Stable$1,953€1,749$1,953€1,749Check ↗
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
Forget shred-style thin necks - we're looking for something comfortable for long gigs and intricate chord voicings. A D or C shape generally works well, offering enough meat without feeling bulky. Action needs to be rock solid without being unyielding; a good setup is non-negotiable.
Pickup Voicing & Response
The difference between a muddy, indistinct sound and a clear, articulate tone lies in the pickups. We want something with a bit of vintage character - not overly bright or scooped - that can handle overdrive without getting fizzy. Think Alnico V pickups with a balanced output.
Body Resonance & Thump
A semi-acoustic's low-end thump is its signature. It shouldn't be boomy or overwhelming, but it needs to add warmth and depth, especially when playing with a bassist or in a full band. The bracing pattern significantly impacts this - thinner bracing means more resonance, but also more feedback potential.
Hardware Quality & Tuning Stability
Cheap hardware is a dealbreaker. We're talking about tuners that hold pitch under gigging conditions, a reliable bridge that transfers string vibrations efficiently, and pots that don't crackle when you turn them. Grover or Gotoh tuners are a good sign.
Feedback Resistance & Stage Presence
A semi-acoustic's hollow nature can make it prone to feedback at higher volumes. The quality of the bracing, the pickup placement, and even the finish can all impact feedback resistance. It needs to be controllable and project well without requiring excessive gain.
Buying guide
Alright, let's talk semi-acoustic guitars for players who actually play. We're not talking about bedroom strummers here; this is for the gigging musician, the session player, the guy who needs a versatile axe that can handle jazz, blues, rock, and everything in between. Finding the right semi-acoustic isn't just about looks - it's about nailing that sweet spot between a hollow body's warmth and a solid body's sustain, and that takes careful consideration.
Don't fall for the 'vintage vibe' trap. Many cheaper semi-acoustics use poorly finished bodies with brittle necks and weak pickups. Spend your money on a guitar with a comfortable neck profile, quality hardware, and pickups that actually sound good - even clean.
A good setup from a reputable tech is absolutely essential to unlock its potential; factor that into the cost.
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 difficult to amplify?
They can be, yes. Their resonant bodies are prone to feedback, so you'll need to be mindful of your amp's placement and gain settings. A good preamp can help, but it's not a magic bullet.
What's the difference between a semi-acoustic and a hollow body?
A semi-acoustic has a solid center block, which reduces feedback and adds sustain. A hollow body is entirely hollow, offering more resonance but also more feedback potential.
Can I use high-gain amps with a semi-acoustic?
You can, but you need to be careful. High gain can exacerbate feedback issues. It's better to use a lower gain amp and rely on pedals for overdrive.
What neck woods are best for a semi-acoustic?
Maple is common for its brightness and stability. Mahogany offers a warmer, more resonant tone. A maple/mahogany combo can provide a good balance.
Are vintage semi-acoustics worth the investment?
Potentially, but be wary of condition and originality. Vintage guitars often need work, and modifications can significantly impact their value. Do your homework and factor in repair costs.
