AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Semiacoustic Guitars Under $2,000 2026
The top pick is Ibanez AS73 Artcore Electric Guitar ($468). Evh SA-126 Standard leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 108 models across 16 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")
- 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 ↗ -
Gretsch Synchromatic Falcon Hollow-Body Single Cutaway
Synchromatic Falcon BB Black · Gretsch
75 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width42.9 mm (1.69")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- BodyMaple body
You get a hollow body electric with a maple body, two Filter'Tron humbuckers, and a Bigsby tremolo arm. It suits you if you like to add vibrato and pitch bends to your playing. The black finish with gold hardware and a gold pickguard gives it a striking look.
Pros
- Maple laminated body and top give it a hollow-body build
- Two Hi-Fidelity Filter'Tron humbucker pickups give you two pickup options
- Bigsby tremolo lets you bend pitch with the arm
73AudioFu
Index↓ 5.4%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$1,562 · Aug 17$1,478 now$1,478€1,324 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Fender Tom DeLonge Starcaster
Tom Delonge Starcaster SFG RF · Fender
108 for sale on Reverb4 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius241 mm (9.49")
- BodyMaple body
This is a semi-hollow guitar with a maple laminated body, a centre block, and one Seymour Duncan Custom SH5 humbucker. You get a modern C-shaped neck with 22 medium jumbo frets, so it suits players who want a slim neck with plenty of fret space. It is a good pick if you like Tom Delonge's signature model and a simple setup with one pickup and one volume control.
Pros
- Maple laminated body with a semi-hollow design and centre block
- Seymour Duncan Custom SH5 humbucker pickup
- Roasted maple bolt-on neck with a modern C profile
Cons
- Only one pickup and a single master volume control with treble bleed
71AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,115 now$1,115€999 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
PRS SE Custom 24 Semi-Hollow Piezo
SE Custom 24 Semi-Hollow VS · PRS
67 for sale on Reverb4 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width42.9 mm (1.69")
- Scale635 mm (25")
- Frets24 frets
- Fingerboard radius254 mm (10")
- BodyMahogany body
This is a semi-hollow electric with a flamed maple top over a mahogany body. It has two humbuckers and a piezo pickup, so you get a choice of electric and acoustic-style tones. The wide, thin neck with 24 frets is easy to reach across, and it comes with a gig bag to carry it.
Pros
- Flamed maple top over a mahogany body with an F-hole
- Two 85/15 S humbuckers plus an L.R. Baggs/PRS piezo pickup
- Wide thin neck with 24 frets and a rosewood fingerboard with bird inlays
Cons
- Piezo has its own volume control, so you need to balance it separately from the magnetic pickups
70AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,328 now$1,328€1,189 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Gretsch Synchromatic Nashville Hollow-Body Single Cutaway
Synchromatic Nashville CG · Gretsch
67 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width42.9 mm (1.69")
- Scale625 mm (24.61")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- BodyMaple body
You get a hollowbody electric with laminated maple body and top, a maple set neck, and two Hi-Fidelity Filter'Tron humbuckers. The Bigsby tremolo and the included deluxe case add to the package. It suits you if you want a classic-looking Gretsch with a tremolo arm and a case in the box.
Pros
- Laminated maple body and top give a hollowbody build
- Two Hi-Fidelity Filter'Tron humbuckers with separate volume controls
- Bigsby tremolo lets you bend pitch for vibrato and effects
Cons
- Hollowbody shape and 24.6 inch scale may suit some styles more than heavy distortion
68AudioFu
Index↓ 2.5%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$1,316 · Aug 17$1,284 now$1,284€1,150 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale635 mm (25")
- Frets22 frets
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
If you want a semi-hollow electric with a wide, chunky neck and two humbuckers, this one is worth a look. It comes with a gig bag and has a flamed maple top, a mahogany neck and an ebony fingerboard with bird inlays. It suits you if you like a classic, good-looking guitar and do not need a lot of tone controls.
Pros
- Flamed maple laminated top gives the guitar a figured look
- Two PRS 58/15 LT S humbucker pickups give you two pickups to work with
- Wide fat neck profile with a mahogany neck suits players who like a chunky feel
Cons
- Only one volume and one tone control with a 3-way switch, so tone options are limited
- Adjustable PRS Stoptail bridge is not a tremolo system, so it will not do whammy effects
68AudioFu
Index↓ 3.8%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$1,450 · Aug 17$1,395 now$1,395€1,249 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width44.5 mm (1.75")
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius304.8 mm (12")
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
You get a semi-hollow guitar with a chambered mahogany body, two humbuckers, and a 3-way switch to choose your pickup combinations. The EVH Modified C neck, ebony fingerboard, and 22 jumbo frets give you a comfortable playing feel. It suits players who want a semi-hollow guitar with a case included.
Pros
- Chambered mahogany body with a lime centre block keeps the build lighter than a solid body
- Two EVH SA-126 humbuckers with a 3-way pickup switch give you several pickup combinations
- EVH Modified C mahogany neck with an ebony fingerboard and 22 jumbo frets
Cons
- Only one volume and two tone controls, so there is little room for extra tone tweaks
68AudioFu
Index↓ 5.4%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$1,640 · Aug 17$1,551 now$1,551€1,389 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 108 semiacoustic guitars
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
PRS SE Hollowbody II PiezoSE Hollowbody II Piezo PBSB · PRS · 3 finishes66Stable$1,674€1,499$1,674€1,499Check ↗
- 12
Gretsch G5422TG Electromatic ClassicG5422TG Electromatic WS · Gretsch · 2 finishes65↓ 1.0%$1,160€1,039$1,160€1,039Check ↗
- 13
Harley Benton HB-35 VB Vintage SeriesHarley Benton · 35 finishes63Stable$222€199$222€199Check ↗
- 14
Ibanez PM3C Pat Metheny SignaturePM3C-BKL Pat Metheny · Ibanez · 2 finishes63Stable$1,664€1,490$1,664€1,490Check ↗
- 15
Ibanez AS53 ArtcoreAS53-TKF Artcore · Ibanez · 2 finishes61Stable$401€359$401€359Check ↗
- 16
Ibanez AM93ME Artcore ExpressionistAM93QA-JBB · Ibanez · 3 finishes60↓ 6.2%$780€699$780€699Check ↗
- 17
Ibanez AS93SP Artcore ExpressionistAS93FM-TMG · Ibanez · 5 finishes60Stable$865€775$865€775Check ↗
- 18
Epiphone Riviera FrequensatorRiviera RT · Epiphone · 2 finishes60Stable$870€779$870€779Check ↗
- 19
PRS SE Hollowbody Standard PiezoSE Hollowbody Std. Piezo DHSB · PRS59↓ 1.5%$1,227€1,099$1,227€1,099Check ↗
- 20
Ibanez AG95QA Artcore ExpressionistAG95K-NT · Ibanez · 2 finishes58Stable$852€763$852€763Check ↗
- 21
Ibanez JSM10 John Scofield SignatureJSM10EM-TTB John Scofield · Ibanez · 2 finishes58↓ 2.8%$868€777$868€777Check ↗
- 22
Epiphone BroadwayBroadway WR · Epiphone58Stable$1,060€949$1,060€949Check ↗
- 23
Ibanez ASH300 ArtstarASH300-TBC · Ibanez56↓ 14.9%$1,424€1,275$1,424€1,275Check ↗
- 24
Ibanez AM73G ArtcoreAM73G-BK · Ibanez55↓ 5.7%$557€499$557€499Check ↗
- 25
Epiphone Sheraton NaturalEpiphone · 4 finishes55↓ 22.9%$669€599$669€599Check ↗
- 26
Guild Newark St. Collection Starfire I Jet 90Starfire I Jet 90 Satin Black · Guild55↓ 1.0%$773€692$773€692Check ↗
- 27
Ibanez AMH90 Artcore ExpressionistAMH90-BK · Ibanez55Stable$803€719$803€719Check ↗
- 28
Ibanez AS113 Artstar StandardAS113-BS · Ibanez55↓ 5.4%$991€888$991€888Check ↗
- 29
Gretsch G2655 STRML CB JR DC VLAMBGretsch · 5 finishes53↓ 4.4%$533€477$533€477Check ↗
- 30
Ibanez AS7312 ArtcoreAS7312-TCD · Ibanez53Stable$603€540$603€540Check ↗
- 31
Ibanez AS7328 ArtcoreAS7328-TBC · Ibanez52↓ 2.6%$641€574$641€574Check ↗
- 32
Hagstrom '67 Viking II´67 Viking II WCT · Hagstrom52Stable$1,115€999$1,115€999Check ↗
- 33
Ibanez AG75G ArtcoreAG75G-BS · Ibanez51Stable$613€549$613€549Check ↗
- 34
Ibanez AR520HME Artist StandardAR520HME-NT · Ibanez51↓ 3.6%$836€749$836€749Check ↗
- 35
Guild Starfire Deluxe DC GVTStarfire Deluxe DC NST · Guild · 10 finishes51Stable$892€799$892€799Check ↗
- 36
Ibanez AM153QA Artstar StandardAM153QA-DBS · Ibanez · 2 finishes51Stable$1,339€1,199$1,339€1,199Check ↗
- 37
Epiphone ES-335 VSB LHEpiphone · 11 finishes50Stable$758€679$758€679Check ↗
- 38
PRS SE Custom 24 S/H CA 2025PRS50↓ 25.0%$1,004€899$1,004€899Check ↗
- 39
PRS SE Custom 24 S/H VS 2025PRS50↓ 25.0%$1,004€899$1,004€899Check ↗
- 40
Guild Starfire Custom DC GVTStarfire Custom DC GVT ST · Guild · 5 finishes49Stable$1,283€1,149$1,283€1,149Check ↗
- 41
Ibanez JSM20 John Scofield SignatureJSM20-BKL · Ibanez49Stable$1,294€1,159$1,294€1,159Check ↗
- 42
Harley Benton CST-24HB TOL Tobacco FlameHarley Benton · 6 finishes48Stable$334€299$334€299Check ↗
- 43
Guild Starfire I DC CherryGuild · 3 finishes48↓ 19.7%$501€449$501€449Check ↗
- 44
Epiphone Noel Gallagher Signature RivieraNoel Gallagher Riviera · Epiphone48Stable$914€819$914€819Check ↗
- 45
Gretsch G5655TG Electromatic AZMGretsch · 4 finishes48Stable$1,004€899$1,004€899Check ↗
- 46
PRS SE Ed Sheeran Pink OmbrePRS48↓ 17.9%$1,558€1,395$1,558€1,395Check ↗
- 47
PRS SE Ed Sheeran Cosmic SplashPRS48↓ 12.6%$1,561€1,398$1,561€1,398Check ↗
- 48
Harley Benton RB-600CS Classic SeriesHarley Benton · 3 finishes47Stable$278€249$278€249Check ↗
- 49
Gretsch G5622 EMTC CB OLV METGretsch · 2 finishes47Stable$859€769$859€769Check ↗
- 50
DAngelico Deluxe DC Satin Trans WineDAngelico · 5 finishes46Stable$1,785€1,599$1,785€1,599Check ↗
Semiacoustic Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 246 models we track, not a sample.
Median $847 — half of all semiacoustic guitars here cost less.
median of 212 models · 42 mm (1.65")–43 mm (1.69")
median of 232 models · 627 mm (24.69")–648 mm (25.51")
most common · 107 models
median of 125 models · 254 mm (10")–305 mm (12.01")
How to choose the best semiacoustic guitars
Construction
Solid, semi-hollow, or laminate - this dictates resonance and sustain. Laminate is cheaper, but often sounds a bit 'dead.' A solid center block is a good compromise for feedback resistance.
Pickups
Crucial for the overall tone. Expect Alnico V pickups to offer a warmer, more vintage vibe than ceramic ones. The voicing needs to complement the body style - bright pickups can sound harsh in a hollow body.
Hardware
Tuners, bridge, and tailpiece all impact tuning stability and sustain. Decent, sealed tuners are a must. A wraparound bridge is simple and functional, but a more traditional tailpiece might offer a slightly better transfer of string vibration.
Neck Profile
This is personal preference, but a comfortable neck is essential for playability. Look for something that fits your hand - whether you prefer a slim C, a chunky D, or something in between. A smooth finish helps too.
Finish & Aesthetics
While not directly affecting tone, the finish impacts the overall feel and perceived value. A thin, nitrocellulose lacquer finish (if you can find it in this price range) will feel more resonant than a thick, poly finish, but it's often a compromise on durability.
Buying guide
So, you want that hollow-body vibe, that acoustic resonance, but you're not looking to remortgage the house. Finding a semi-acoustic that delivers real sonic character without breaking the bank is totally doable - you just need to know what to look for. Forget those marketing buzzwords; we're talking about guitars that'll actually sound good plugged in at a gig or recorded in your home studio, and won't leave you feeling like you overpaid.
At this budget, you're making trade-offs. Expect laminate bodies to be more common than solid wood, and pickups might not be top-tier. Don't chase after fancy features - focus on a solid neck, decent hardware, and pickups that suit your style.
A good setup from a local tech is absolutely essential to get the action comfortable and the intonation right - it's the single biggest improvement you can make.
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 246 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 semi-hollow and hollow body?
Hollow bodies have more air space, giving them a more acoustic-like resonance but are prone to feedback. Semi-hollows have a solid center block, reducing feedback and adding sustain while retaining some of that hollow-body character.
Are these guitars good for recording?
Absolutely, but consider the pickups. A warmer voicing will generally record better than something overly bright. DI recording is a great option too, especially with a good preamp.
Will a cheaper semi-acoustic sound as good as a $3000 one?
No, of course not. You'll notice better wood, more refined construction, and higher-quality components. However, a well-chosen guitar under $2000 can still sound fantastic and be a joy to play.
What about feedback when playing live?
Feedback is a risk with any hollow or semi-hollow. Keep the volume reasonable, be mindful of mic placement, and consider a feedback suppressor if necessary. The solid center block in a semi-hollow helps significantly.
What's the deal with nitrocellulose finishes?
Nitro finishes are thinner and tend to 'breathe' more than poly finishes, potentially offering a more resonant tone. They also age beautifully, developing a patina over time, but they're more delicate and often pricier to apply.
