AudioFuAudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Larry Carlton Semiacoustic Guitars 2026
The top pick is Larry Carlton Q7 Hollow Transparent Blue ($772). Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 2 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 12, 2026
Top 2
Full detail for the 2 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius254 mm (10")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
This semi-hollow guitar feels like a classic Les Paul with a hollow center for more air. The mahogany body and maple top give it a warm, rich sound that cuts through a mix. It fits players who want that vintage vibe without the extra weight. The transparent blue finish looks sharp, but you need to handle it carefully. Great for live gigs where you need both punch and resonance.
Pros
- Solid mahogany body paired with a maple top for warm resonance
- Two LC Q Humbuckers deliver strong output without high-end noise
- Semi-hollow design offers balance between solid body and airiness
Cons
- No weight rating provided makes carrying uncertainty for players
- Transparent Blue finish is risky for accidental surface scratches
45AudioFu
Index↓ 1.4%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$783 · Aug 17$772 now$772€689 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale627 mm (24.69")
- Frets22 frets
- Neck profileC-shape neck
This guitar feels like a modern take on a classic airy tone. The semi-hollow body breathes better than a solid body, while the mahogany neck stays smooth. It suits players who want warmth without sacrificing sustain. Great for blues or jazz, especially if you like that vintage humbucker sound.
Pros
- Semi-hollow body offers hollow resonance for airier tone
- Glued-in mahogany neck provides stable connection
- AlNiCo 2 humbuckers deliver warm midrange punch
Cons
- No weight data listed for heavy semi-hollow body
- Fixed aluminium stop tailpiece limits tonal options
44AudioFu
Index↓ 3.1%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$727 · Aug 17$705 now$705€629 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
Semiacoustic Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 356 models we track, not a sample.
Median $772 — 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 & Design
Carlton's designs, born from his collaboration with Yamaha, are about a refined elegance. It's not about flashy aesthetics; it's about a balanced response across the tonal spectrum and a comfortable feel - a departure from some of the thicker, heavier Gibson hollow bodies he also played.
Pickup Voicing
The key to that Carlton tone. Yamaha partnered with Alnico V pickups specifically voiced to deliver warmth and clarity, avoiding the harshness you sometimes get with brighter pickups. They're designed to respond beautifully to subtle dynamics, letting you coax a huge range of tones without resorting to excessive gain.
Body Resonance & Construction
These guitars use a chambered mahogany body with a maple top - a classic combination. The bracing pattern is crucial; Carlton's specs prioritized sustain and clarity while retaining a lovely, airy resonance. It's a delicate balance; too much chambering and you lose the low-end thump, too little and it feels like a brick.
Neck Profile & Playability
Carlton's signature neck profiles are generally slim and comfortable, allowing for effortless chord voicings and fast runs. It's a neck designed for nuanced playing; you need that responsiveness to really dig into those jazzy lines. The action tends to be a bit higher than modern standards, which contributes to the clarity and articulation.
Hardware & Appointments
The hardware is often understated, but it's chosen for reliability and tone. The bridges and tailpieces are designed to enhance sustain and transfer the body's resonance to the strings. The tuners are generally high-quality, ensuring stability - something you absolutely need when you're bending strings and playing complex passages.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're chasing that Larry Carlton vibe? That buttery, sophisticated jazz/fusion tone? The man's signature semi-acoustics are the closest most of us will get, but they're a bit of a rabbit hole. These aren't your average hollowbodies - they're meticulously crafted instruments with a very specific voice, and understanding what makes them special is key to actually getting that Carlton sound.
Finding a genuine Larry Carlton signature model can be tricky; many guitars look like them but aren't the real deal. Be prepared to pay a premium for a vintage model in good condition, as the build quality was exceptional. Newer models are more readily available but still command a decent price.
Don't chase the finish; focus on the neck feel and overall resonance - a poorly maintained original is still often better than a pristine replica.
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 8 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 Larry Carlton guitars really that different from other semi-hollows?
Absolutely. The pickup voicing and bracing pattern are the biggest differentiators. They're warmer and more nuanced than many Gibson ES-335s, and often offer a more refined feel than some Ibanez models.
What kind of amp do I need to get the Carlton sound?
Carlton famously used a clean Fender Deluxe Reverb, and that's a great starting point. But honestly, the guitar's tone is so good that it'll shine through most clean amps. Experiment with different EQ settings to find what works best for your setup.
Are the newer Larry Carlton models as good as the vintage ones?
Newer models retain the core design elements, but the vintage ones often have a certain magic - the wood has aged, the pickups have broken in. The newer ones are still excellent instruments, though.
What's the deal with the high action on these guitars?
Carlton prefers a slightly higher action for clarity and articulation. It's not inherently bad, but you might want to adjust it to your preference - just be mindful of the impact on the tone and feel.
I found a 'Larry Carlton' guitar for a steal - is it genuine?
Slow down. There are a lot of guitars marketed as 'Larry Carlton' that aren't. Scrutinize the headstock logo, check the serial number against Yamaha's database (if possible), and compare it to known genuine examples. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
