AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Semiacoustic Guitars Under $5,000 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 161 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 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 161 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
Gibson ES-335 50s Vintage NaturalGibson · 18 finishes60↓ 15.0%$3,227€2,890$3,227€2,890Check ↗
- 20
PRS SE Hollowbody Standard PiezoSE Hollowbody Std. Piezo DHSB · PRS59↓ 1.5%$1,227€1,099$1,227€1,099Check ↗
- 21
Ibanez AG95QA Artcore ExpressionistAG95K-NT · Ibanez · 2 finishes58Stable$852€763$852€763Check ↗
- 22
Ibanez JSM10 John Scofield SignatureJSM10EM-TTB John Scofield · Ibanez · 2 finishes58↓ 2.8%$868€777$868€777Check ↗
- 23
Epiphone BroadwayBroadway WR · Epiphone58Stable$1,060€949$1,060€949Check ↗
- 24
Ibanez GB10 George Benson SignatureGB10-BK · Ibanez58Stable$3,683€3,299$3,683€3,299Check ↗
- 25
Ibanez ASH300 ArtstarASH300-TBC · Ibanez56↓ 14.9%$1,424€1,275$1,424€1,275Check ↗
- 26
Ibanez AM73G ArtcoreAM73G-BK · Ibanez55↓ 5.7%$557€499$557€499Check ↗
- 27
Epiphone Sheraton NaturalEpiphone · 4 finishes55↓ 22.9%$669€599$669€599Check ↗
- 28
Guild Newark St. Collection Starfire I Jet 90Starfire I Jet 90 Satin Black · Guild55↓ 1.0%$773€692$773€692Check ↗
- 29
Ibanez AMH90 Artcore ExpressionistAMH90-BK · Ibanez55Stable$803€719$803€719Check ↗
- 30
Ibanez AS113 Artstar StandardAS113-BS · Ibanez55↓ 5.4%$991€888$991€888Check ↗
- 31
Taylor T5Z ClassicT5z Custom Koa · Taylor · 3 finishes54↓ 2.3%$4,240€3,798$4,240€3,798Check ↗
- 32
Gretsch G2655 STRML CB JR DC VLAMBGretsch · 5 finishes53↓ 4.4%$533€477$533€477Check ↗
- 33
Ibanez AS7312 ArtcoreAS7312-TCD · Ibanez53Stable$603€540$603€540Check ↗
- 34
Ibanez AS7328 ArtcoreAS7328-TBC · Ibanez52↓ 2.6%$641€574$641€574Check ↗
- 35
Hagstrom '67 Viking II´67 Viking II WCT · Hagstrom52Stable$1,115€999$1,115€999Check ↗
- 36
Ibanez AG75G ArtcoreAG75G-BS · Ibanez51Stable$613€549$613€549Check ↗
- 37
Ibanez AR520HME Artist StandardAR520HME-NT · Ibanez51↓ 3.6%$836€749$836€749Check ↗
- 38
Guild Starfire Deluxe DC GVTStarfire Deluxe DC NST · Guild · 10 finishes51Stable$892€799$892€799Check ↗
- 39
Ibanez AM153QA Artstar StandardAM153QA-DBS · Ibanez · 2 finishes51Stable$1,339€1,199$1,339€1,199Check ↗
- 40
Epiphone ES-335 VSB LHEpiphone · 11 finishes50Stable$758€679$758€679Check ↗
- 41
PRS SE Custom 24 S/H CA 2025PRS50↓ 25.0%$1,004€899$1,004€899Check ↗
- 42
PRS SE Custom 24 S/H VS 2025PRS50↓ 25.0%$1,004€899$1,004€899Check ↗
- 43
Heritage Guitar H-535 Custom Core DCSHeritage Guitar · 2 finishes50↓ 28.1%$4,093€3,666$4,093€3,666Check ↗
- 44
Guild Starfire Custom DC GVTStarfire Custom DC GVT ST · Guild · 5 finishes49Stable$1,283€1,149$1,283€1,149Check ↗
- 45
Ibanez JSM20 John Scofield SignatureJSM20-BKL · Ibanez49Stable$1,294€1,159$1,294€1,159Check ↗
- 46
Harley Benton CST-24HB TOL Tobacco FlameHarley Benton · 6 finishes48Stable$334€299$334€299Check ↗
- 47
Guild Starfire I DC CherryGuild · 3 finishes48↓ 19.7%$501€449$501€449Check ↗
- 48
Epiphone Noel Gallagher Signature RivieraNoel Gallagher Riviera · Epiphone48Stable$914€819$914€819Check ↗
- 49
Gretsch G5655TG Electromatic AZMGretsch · 4 finishes48Stable$1,004€899$1,004€899Check ↗
- 50
PRS SE Ed Sheeran Pink OmbrePRS48↓ 17.9%$1,558€1,395$1,558€1,395Check ↗
Semiacoustic Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 335 models we track, not a sample.
Median $1,037 — half of all semiacoustic guitars here cost less.
median of 279 models · 42 mm (1.65")–43 mm (1.69")
median of 314 models · 625 mm (24.61")–648 mm (25.51")
most common · 146 models
median of 144 models · 254 mm (10")–305 mm (12.01")
How to choose the best semiacoustic guitars
Body Wood & Construction
Mahogany, maple, and their combinations heavily influence the tone. Mahogany tends towards warmth and sustain, while maple can be brighter and more articulate. Expect laminated construction at this price point - solid wood is rare, but well-laminated wood can still sound surprisingly good.
Pickups & Electronics
This is HUGE. Cheap pickups can strangle the life out of a good-sounding body. Look for pickups with decent articulation - you want to hear individual notes, not a muddy mess. Humbuckers offer more output and a thicker tone, while P90s have that raw, gritty vibe.
Neck Profile & Playability
A comfortable neck is non-negotiable. Neck profiles vary widely - from thin and fast to thick and chunky. Try before you buy if possible, or at least check reviews for comments on the neck feel. Lower action is generally preferred, but too low can lead to fret buzz.
Hardware & Tuning Stability
Cheap tuners are a nightmare on stage - constant retuning kills the vibe. Decent hardware doesn't have to be expensive, but it does need to hold tune. Bridge quality affects sustain and resonance - a poorly made bridge will dampen the instrument's natural character.
Acoustic Resonance & Feedback Resistance
A semi-acoustic's charm is its acoustic projection, but that also makes them prone to feedback at higher volumes. Look for guitars with feedback-resistant bracing and potentially a dampening system (though those are less common at this price).
Buying guide
So, you want that hollow-body vibe - the warmth, the airiness, the way it just sings - but your bank account isn't screaming? It's totally doable. Finding a semi-acoustic that delivers serious mojo without costing a fortune takes some digging, but we've been through the wringer enough to know what's worth your hard-earned cash. Let's get you a semi-acoustic that'll inspire your playing and cut through the mix, without inducing financial panic.
At this budget, compromises are inevitable. You're unlikely to get all-solid wood construction or boutique pickups. Expect some level of laminate in the body and hardware that's 'good enough' rather than exceptional.
Prioritize playability and pickup voicing over fancy aesthetics - a guitar that feels and sounds great is far more valuable than one that looks pretty but plays like a brick.
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 335 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, emphasizing acoustic resonance. Semi-acoustics have a solid center block, reducing feedback and offering more sustain while retaining some of that hollow body warmth. Think of it as a balance.
Are these guitars suitable for rock music?
Absolutely, but pickup choice matters. Humbuckers are generally better for heavier styles, providing more output and a thicker tone. P90s can work, but you'll need to be mindful of feedback.
Can I record these guitars directly into an interface?
Yes, but you'll lose a lot of the semi-acoustic's character. A good preamp or mic'd up through a cab is always preferable to capture that natural warmth and airiness.
What should I look for regarding feedback?
Feedback is a common issue with semi-acoustics. Experiment with amp placement, pickup height adjustments, and consider a feedback-suppressing pedal if necessary. Body bracing plays a role, too.
Are these guitars easy to maintain?
They're generally pretty straightforward. Regular cleaning, occasional neck adjustments, and checking hardware for tightness are all you need. Avoid extreme humidity or temperature changes.
