AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Semiacoustic Guitars Under $1,000 2026
The top pick is Ibanez AS73 Artcore Electric Guitar ($468). Harley Benton HB-35 VB Vintage Series gives you the most for the money at $222. Gretsch G5420T Electromatic Classic leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 58 models across 12 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.
-
- 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 ↗ -
Gretsch G2622 Streamliner Center Block Double-Cut with V-Stoptail
G2622T STRML CB DC VLAMB · Gretsch
90 for sale on Reverb5 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width42.9 mm (1.69")
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- BodyMaple body
This Gretsch is a fantastic option for players seeking that classic hollow-body vibe without the premium price tag. The Broad'Tron pickups give it a real edge for rockabilly, blues, and garage rock, and the short scale makes it easy to play. It’s a versatile and fun guitar, perfect for gigging musicians or anyone wanting a distinctive look and sound.
Pros
- Broad'Tron pickups deliver a thick, articulate vintage-inspired tone.
- The 24.75” scale provides comfortable playability and a warmer voice.
- Nato neck offers a smooth feel and consistent stability over time.
Cons
- Maple body can feel a bit resonant and potentially feedback-prone at higher volumes.
- Anchored Adjusto-Matic bridge can sometimes require tweaking for optimal intonation.
76AudioFu
Index↓ 0.5%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$646 · Aug 17$643 now$643€576 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Gretsch G5420T Electromatic Classic
G5420T EMTC CLS HLW ANV GRN · Gretsch
127 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width42.9 mm (1.69")
- Scale625 mm (24.61")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- FingerboardLaurel fingerboard
This is a hollowbody electric guitar with a maple body, an arched maple top, and two FT-5E Filter'Tron humbuckers. It has a Classic C maple neck, 22 medium jumbo frets, and a 24.6" scale length. It suits you if you want a classic Gretsch hollowbody with a familiar layout of volume, tone and pickup switch controls.
Pros
- Maple laminated body with an arched maple laminated top gives it a classic hollowbody build
- Two FT-5E Filter'Tron humbuckers, one at the bridge and one at the neck
- Master volume with Treble Bleed circuit, master tone, two volume controls and a 3-way switch
74AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$926 now$926€829 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 width44.5 mm (1.75")
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Frets22 frets
- BodyNyatoh body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This guitar feels solid and plays fast thanks to the roasted maple neck and jumbo frets. The Nyatoh body gives it a nice hollow resonance that fits both blues and hard rock. It is a straightforward instrument with two humbuckers and standard controls, perfect for players who want a reliable, high-output tone without extra complexity.
Pros
- Nyatoh body offers a warm, hollow resonance unique to this model.
- Roasted maple neck provides a stable, fast-play feel.
- Graph Tech TUSQ nut ensures smooth string action and intonation.
Cons
- No specific weight rating is listed for this semi-hollow body.
- Two tone controls limit equalization compared to modern multi-band options.
66AudioFu
Index↓ 1.3%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$870 · Aug 17$859 now$859€769 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
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")
- BodySapele body
The AS53-TKF is a solid choice for gigging musicians or students wanting a semi-hollow body feel without the premium price tag. Its warm tone and comfortable neck make it a joy to play, and the Infinity R pickups handle a wide range of genres surprisingly well. It’s a great platform for someone looking to get that classic jazz or blues vibe going.
Pros
- Sapele body provides a warm, resonant tone with surprising projection
- Nyatoh neck offers comfortable playability and good sustain
- Infinity R humbuckers deliver a versatile range of tones, from blues to rock
Cons
- Sapele body can be a bit dense, leading to a heavier instrument overall
- Laurel fretboard, while playable, lacks the premium feel of rosewood or ebony
61AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$401 now$401€359 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale628 mm (24.72")
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- BodyAsh body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This guitar sounds bright and punchy thanks to its ash body and Super 58 pickups. The Nyatoh neck feels warm and smooth under your fingers. It is perfect for players who need a cutting tone in a band but want that vintage hollow-body vibe.
Pros
- Solid ash body provides bright, cutting tone for cutting through a mix.
- Nyatoh set-in neck offers a warm, vintage feel under the fingers.
- Super 58 humbuckers deliver strong output for rock and blues playing.
Cons
- Plastic nut may lack the smooth feel of a real bone alternative.
- Hollow body design requires careful handling to avoid unwanted feedback.
60AudioFu
Index↓ 6.2%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$832 · Aug 17$780 now$780€699 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale628 mm (24.72")
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- BodyMaple body
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
The AS93FM-TMG is a fantastic entry point into the semi-hollow world. It nails that vintage vibe with a modern playability twist, and the Transparent Moss Green finish is just gorgeous. This guitar’s a sweet deal for gigging musicians needing a reliable, good-looking instrument for blues, rock, and jazz.
Pros
- Flamed maple top provides a striking aesthetic and enhanced resonance.
- Super 80 pickups deliver a surprisingly articulate and powerful tone.
- Nyatoh/Maple neck offers a comfortable, stable feel and good sustain.
Cons
- Hollow body construction can make it prone to feedback at higher volumes.
- The 'U' neck profile might not suit players preferring a thinner, modern feel.
60AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$865 now$865€775 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This guitar feels solid thanks to its maple and poplar body with a mahogany neck. The two humbuckers give you plenty of punch, but you only get two knobs to shape the sound. It works well for players who want a classic vibe without needing active electronics.
Pros
- Solid maple and poplar body construction for clarity
- Mahogany set neck ensures strong connection to strings
- Graph Tech nut helps maintain stable tuning
Cons
- Lack of active electronics requires external power
- Only two tone controls limit sound shaping options
60AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Oct 14Oct 14$870 now$870€779 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 58 semiacoustic guitars
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Ibanez AG95QA Artcore ExpressionistAG95K-NT · Ibanez · 2 finishes58Stable$852€763$852€763Check ↗
- 12
Ibanez JSM10 John Scofield SignatureJSM10EM-TTB John Scofield · Ibanez · 2 finishes58↓ 2.8%$868€777$868€777Check ↗
- 13
Ibanez AM73G ArtcoreAM73G-BK · Ibanez55↓ 5.7%$557€499$557€499Check ↗
- 14
Epiphone Sheraton NaturalEpiphone · 4 finishes55↓ 22.9%$669€599$669€599Check ↗
- 15
Guild Newark St. Collection Starfire I Jet 90Starfire I Jet 90 Satin Black · Guild55↓ 1.0%$773€692$773€692Check ↗
- 16
Ibanez AMH90 Artcore ExpressionistAMH90-BK · Ibanez55Stable$803€719$803€719Check ↗
- 17
Ibanez AS113 Artstar StandardAS113-BS · Ibanez55↓ 5.4%$991€888$991€888Check ↗
- 18
Gretsch G2655 STRML CB JR DC VLAMBGretsch · 5 finishes53↓ 4.4%$533€477$533€477Check ↗
- 19
Ibanez AS7312 ArtcoreAS7312-TCD · Ibanez53Stable$603€540$603€540Check ↗
- 20
Ibanez AS7328 ArtcoreAS7328-TBC · Ibanez52↓ 2.6%$641€574$641€574Check ↗
- 21
Ibanez AG75G ArtcoreAG75G-BS · Ibanez51Stable$613€549$613€549Check ↗
- 22
Ibanez AR520HME Artist StandardAR520HME-NT · Ibanez51↓ 3.6%$836€749$836€749Check ↗
- 23
Guild Starfire Deluxe DC GVTStarfire Deluxe DC NST · Guild · 10 finishes51Stable$892€799$892€799Check ↗
- 24
Epiphone ES-335 VSB LHEpiphone · 11 finishes50Stable$758€679$758€679Check ↗
- 25
Harley Benton CST-24HB TOL Tobacco FlameHarley Benton · 6 finishes48Stable$334€299$334€299Check ↗
- 26
Guild Starfire I DC CherryGuild · 3 finishes48↓ 19.7%$501€449$501€449Check ↗
- 27
Epiphone Noel Gallagher Signature RivieraNoel Gallagher Riviera · Epiphone48Stable$914€819$914€819Check ↗
- 28
Harley Benton RB-600CS Classic SeriesHarley Benton · 3 finishes47Stable$278€249$278€249Check ↗
- 29
Gretsch G5622 EMTC CB OLV METGretsch · 2 finishes47Stable$859€769$859€769Check ↗
- 30
Harley Benton Aeolus Frost FlameHarley Benton45Stable$445€399$445€399Check ↗
- 31
Harley Benton Aeolus Frost Flame w/BagHarley Benton45Stable$457€409$457€409Check ↗
- 32
Höfner Verythin CT Special SunburstHöfner · 2 finishes45↓ 20.0%$496€444$496€444Check ↗
- 33
Larry Carlton H7 BKLarry Carlton · 5 finishes45↓ 5.2%$687€615$687€615Check ↗
- 34
Larry Carlton Q7 Hollow Transparent BlueLarry Carlton · 3 finishes45↓ 1.4%$769€689$769€689Check ↗
- 35
Epiphone Casino Vintage SunburstEpiphone · 3 finishes44Stable$668€598$668€598Check ↗
- 36
Epiphone ES-339 ChEpiphone · 3 finishes44Stable$702€629$702€629Check ↗
- 37
Hagstrom '67 Viking IIViking Black · Hagstrom44Stable$836€749$836€749Check ↗
- 38
DAngelico Premier DC Burnt RedDAngelico42Stable$713€639$713€639Check ↗
- 39
Epiphone Casino Natural w/ Epi Pro P90Epiphone40Stable$713€639$713€639Check ↗
- 40
DAngelico Premier Mini DC Solid BlackDAngelico40Stable$725€649$725€649Check ↗
- 41
DAngelico Premier Mini DC Burnt RedDAngelico40Stable$725€649$725€649Check ↗
- 42
Hagstrom AlvarAlvar WCT · Hagstrom40Stable$780€699$780€699Check ↗
- 43
DAngelico Premier DC Black Flake V2DAngelico40Stable$892€799$892€799Check ↗
- 44
DAngelico Premier DC Brown BurstDAngelico40Stable$926€829$926€829Check ↗
- 45
Harley Benton TE-90QM HH Trans BlueHarley Benton39Stable$245€219$245€219Check ↗
- 46
Höfner Verythin CT Deluxe Special SBHöfner39Stable$669€599$669€599Check ↗
- 47
Guild Starfire I Jet 90 Gold TopGuild39Stable$780€699$780€699Check ↗
- 48
Höfner Verythin CT Deluxe Special BluHöfner39Stable$780€699$780€699Check ↗
- 49
Epiphone Emperor Swingster Delta BlueEpiphone39↓ 1.3%$836€749$836€749Check ↗
- 50
PRS SE Hollowbody Standard Dog HSBPRS39Stable$991€888$991€888Check ↗
Semiacoustic Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 152 models we track, not a sample.
Median $613 — half of all semiacoustic guitars here cost less.
median of 134 models · 42 mm (1.65")–43 mm (1.69")
median of 141 models · 627 mm (24.69")–635 mm (25")
most common · 73 models
median of 82 models · 305 mm (12.01")–305 mm (12.01")
How to choose the best semiacoustic guitars
Tonewoods & Construction
Forget mahogany and maple - expect more basswood, nato, or laminate construction in this price bracket. Laminates aren't inherently bad; they can add stiffness and projection, but often at the expense of some acoustic resonance. Knowing what you're getting helps manage expectations.
Pickups
The pickups are everything in a semi-acoustic. You'll likely be looking at humbuckers or P90s, but voicing matters. Do they have that warm, creamy breakup for blues, or a more aggressive edge for rock? Often, cheaper pickups can sound muddy or brittle - a major dealbreaker.
Hardware & Tuning Stability
Cheap tuners are a nightmare - constant retuning mid-song is not a good look. Look for sealed tuners, even if they're basic, and check the bridge quality. A poorly made bridge can affect sustain and intonation.
Neck Profile & Playability
This is hugely subjective, but crucial. A chunky neck can feel awkward, while a thin neck might lack sustain. Try before you buy if possible, or research neck profiles online to see if it matches your preference. Action (string height) is also a big factor - lower action is easier to play, but too low can cause fret buzz.
Acoustic Resonance & Feedback
A semi-acoustic's acoustic properties are key. It's not going to rival a high-end archtop, but it should still have some natural warmth and projection. Be aware of feedback potential at higher volumes - cheaper models can be prone to it.
Buying guide
So, you want that hollow-body vibe, that extra resonance, but you're not dropping a grand-and-a-half? Totally get it. Semiacoustic guitars - they're fantastic for adding warmth and character, whether you're laying down a jazz rhythm, cutting through a blues band, or just wanting a different feel in your bedroom. We've hunted down the best options under $1000 that'll actually inspire you to play, not just sit in a corner gathering dust.
At this price point, you're making trade-offs. Don't expect premium tonewoods or flawless finishes. Focus on the neck feel and pickup voicing - those are the biggest factors in how the guitar sounds and feels.
Consider buying used; you can often snag a higher-spec model for the same price. And be realistic - a $700 semi-acoustic won't magically transform you into Charlie Christian.
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 152 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-hollow and a hollow body?
Hollow bodies are essentially acoustic guitars with pickups - lots of resonance, but prone to feedback. Semi-hollows have a solid center block, which reduces feedback and adds sustain, but still retains some acoustic properties.
Can I use a semi-acoustic for rock music?
Absolutely! While they're often associated with jazz and blues, the right pickups and amp settings can make them great for rock, blues-rock, and even some heavier styles. Just be mindful of feedback.
Are the stock pickups replaceable?
Yes! Almost always. That's a great way to upgrade the tone later on if you're happy with the guitar's overall feel but not the pickups. It's a common and relatively inexpensive mod.
What should I look for regarding feedback?
Feedback is a battle. Lower volume, careful amp placement, and potentially a feedback buster pedal are your allies. The quality of the guitar's construction and the pickups themselves play a big role.
Is a laminate body really that bad?
Not necessarily. Laminate construction is cheaper, but it can be surprisingly stable and project well. It just won't have the same acoustic complexity as solid wood. It's a trade-off to keep the price down.





