AudioFuAudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Semiacoustic Guitars Under $800 2026
The top pick is Gretsch G2622 Streamliner Center Block Double-Cut with V-Stoptail ($535). Harley Benton HB-35 VB Vintage Series gives you the most for the money at $223. Ibanez AM93ME Artcore Expressionist leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 39 models across 10 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 12, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Gretsch G2622 Streamliner Center Block Double-Cut with V-Stoptail
G2622 STRML CB DC MD SPH · Gretsch
91 for sale on Reverb8 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width42.9 mm (1.69")
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- BodyMaple body
This G2622 is a fantastic entry point into the Gretsch world. The Broad'Tron pickups really shine for rockabilly, blues, and indie styles—they've got a real bite. It's a well-built, stylish guitar perfect for players wanting that classic Gretsch vibe without the premium price tag.
Pros
- Broad'Tron pickups deliver a thick, articulate, and surprisingly versatile tone.
- The soft 'C' neck profile offers excellent playability and comfortable feel for extended playing.
- The 3-ply tortoise pickguard with gold logo adds a touch of vintage Gretsch elegance.
Cons
- Maple body can contribute to a slightly less resonant semi-hollow feel compared to chambered alternatives.
- The shorter 24.75” scale length might feel cramped for players accustomed to longer scales.
84AudioFu
Index↓ 13.1%since Aug 14 · lowest so far$615 · Aug 14$535 now$535€477 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Gretsch G2420 Streamliner Hollow Body with Chromatic II Tailpiece
G2420 Strml VLAM · Gretsch
68 for sale on Reverb5 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width42.9 mm (1.69")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- FingerboardLaurel fingerboard
The G2420 Strml VLAM is a fantastic entry point into the Gretsch world, offering that iconic hollowbody vibe at a budget-friendly price. Its Broad'Tron pickups give it a unique, punchy character perfect for rock, blues, and even jazz players looking for something a little different. The neck profile is surprisingly comfortable, making it a joy to play for hours.
Pros
- Broad'Tron pickups deliver a thick, creamy, and articulate vintage tone
- Soft 'inCin' neck profile offers exceptional comfort and playability
- Laurel fingerboard provides a smooth, responsive feel and warm tone
Cons
- Maple body can feel a bit bright; consider warmer strings or pedals
- Village Amber finish, while attractive, shows fingerprints easily
73AudioFu
Index↓ 7.9%since Aug 14 · lowest so far$570 · Aug 14$526 now$526€469 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale628 mm (24.72")
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
The AS73-TTF is a solid entry into the semi-hollow market. It’s surprisingly resonant for a basswood build and the Classic Elite pickups deliver a good dose of vintage-inspired grit. This is an excellent choice for players wanting a classic look and feel without the premium price tag, especially those into blues, rock, or lighter jazz styles.
Pros
- Basswood construction delivers surprisingly warm, balanced tones.
- Nyatoh neck offers a comfortable, familiar feel for experienced players.
- Classic Elite humbuckers provide a versatile range of rock and blues tones.
Cons
- Basswood body can feel a bit 'soft' and prone to dents with rough handling.
- Rosewood fingerboard might feel a little dry to some, requiring occasional conditioning.
72AudioFu
Index↓ 3.9%since Aug 14 · lowest so far$570 · Aug 14$548 now$548€489 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.
62AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$223 now$223€199 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.
62AudioFu
Index↓ 6.2%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$835 · Aug 17$783 now$783€699 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 14Aug 14$402 now$402€359 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42.9 mm (1.69")
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- BodyMaple body
This Gretsch is a fantastic entry point into the semi-hollow world. The Broad'Tron pickups give it a really unique voice—think vintage rockabilly with a modern edge. It's a great choice for players wanting that Gretsch vibe without the premium price tag, perfect for blues, rock, and roots music.
Pros
- Broad'Tron pickups deliver a thick, articulate tone with great sustain.
- Maple top provides focused resonance and a snappy attack characteristic of Gretsch.
- Soft 'C' neck profile offers comfortable playability for various hand sizes.
Cons
- Maple body can feel a bit dense, making it slightly heavier than some alternatives.
- Laurel fretboard, while playable, isn't as luxurious as rosewood or ebony.
58AudioFu
Index↓ 13.1%since Aug 14 · lowest so far$615 · Aug 14$535 now$535€477 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Guild Newark St. Collection Starfire I Jet 90
Starfire I Jet 90 Satin Black · Guild
26 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width42.8 mm (1.69")
- Scale628 mm (24.72")
- Frets22 frets
- BodyMaple body
This Starfire I Jet 90 is a seriously cool, semi-hollow instrument – perfect for blues, rockabilly, and indie players wanting that vintage vibe. The P90s are the real deal, delivering a snarling tone, and the build quality feels solid for the price point. It's a versatile and surprisingly affordable option for a classic archtop feel.
Pros
- Laminated maple body delivers a balanced, articulate tone with warmth
- Franz P90 pickups offer a raw, vintage-inspired growl and character
- Mahogany center block minimizes feedback, improving sustain and clarity
Cons
- Satin finish can feel a bit plasticky and may show fingerprints easily
- Thinline design, while comfortable, might lack the projection of a full hollow body
54AudioFu
Index↓ 1.0%since Aug 14 · lowest so far$783 · Aug 14$775 now$775€692 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale628 mm (24.72")
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- BodyBasswood body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This guitar feels like a vintage hollow-body you can play loud without distortion. The Nyatoh neck slides easily under your fingers while the two humbuckers push out a rich, warm tone. It suits anyone who wants that classic air sound but doesn't need modern electronics. You get a solid build at a friendly price point.
Pros
- Classic hollow body resonates with natural acoustic volume
- Nyatoh and maple neck provide smooth playability
- Dual Classic Elite humbuckers deliver thick output
Cons
- No weight listed makes carrying uncertainty
- Lack of active electronics limits volume control
53AudioFu
Index↓ 5.7%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$593 · Aug 17$559 now$559€499 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale628 mm (24.72")
- Strings12-string
- BodyBasswood body
The AS7312-TCD is a solid entry into the 12-string world, offering a surprisingly full and warm tone from its basswood body. It's a great option for players wanting a jangly, chorus-like effect without the need for pedals, and the neck profile is quite comfortable despite the added strings. Ideal for folk, indie, and classic rock players looking for a distinctive voice at an affordable price point.
Pros
- Basswood body delivers warmth and a pleasing resonance, surprisingly balanced.
- Nyatoh neck offers a comfortable feel and good stability for 12-string use.
- Classic Elite humbuckers provide a surprisingly versatile range of tones.
Cons
- Basswood construction, while warm, lacks the premium resonance of mahogany.
- Plastic nut can be a limiting factor for sustain and tuning stability.
53AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$605 now$605€540 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 39 semiacoustic guitars
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Ibanez AS93SP Artcore ExpressionistAS93FM-VLS · Ibanez · 5 finishes53Stable$783€699$783€699Check ↗
- 12
Ibanez AG75G ArtcoreAG75G-BS · Ibanez52Stable$615€549$615€549Check ↗
- 13
Harley Benton CST-24HB TOL Tob. Flame w/BagHarley Benton · 6 finishes50↓ 6.1%$346€309$346€309Check ↗
- 14
Ibanez AS7328 ArtcoreAS7328-TBC · Ibanez49Stable$660€589$660€589Check ↗
- 15
Harley Benton RB-600CS Classic SeriesHarley Benton · 3 finishes46Stable$279€249$279€249Check ↗
- 16
Epiphone ES-335 Figured Blueberry BurstEpiphone · 6 finishes46↓ 5.0%$638€569$638€569Check ↗
- 17
Harley Benton Aeolus Frost Flame w/BagHarley Benton45↓ 2.2%$458€409$458€409Check ↗
- 18
Höfner Verythin CT Special RedHöfner · 2 finishes45↓ 36.5%$498€444$498€444Check ↗
- 19
Larry Carlton Q7 Hollow Transparent BlueLarry Carlton · 3 finishes45↓ 1.4%$772€689$772€689Check ↗
- 20
Harley Benton Aeolus Frost FlameHarley Benton44Stable$447€399$447€399Check ↗
- 21
Larry Carlton H7 BKLarry Carlton · 5 finishes44↓ 3.1%$705€629$705€629Check ↗
- 22
Guild Starfire I DC California BurstGuild · 3 finishes43↓ 0.6%$779€695$779€695Check ↗
- 23
DAngelico Premier DC Burnt RedDAngelico42Stable$716€639$716€639Check ↗
- 24
Epiphone ES-339 Vintage SunburstEpiphone · 3 finishes41Stable$539€481$539€481Check ↗
- 25
Hagstrom AlvarAlvar WCT · Hagstrom41Stable$783€699$783€699Check ↗
- 26
DAngelico Premier Mini DC Solid BlackDAngelico40Stable$727€649$727€649Check ↗
- 27
DAngelico Premier Mini DC Burnt RedDAngelico40Stable$727€649$727€649Check ↗
- 28
Harley Benton TE-90QM HH Trans BlueHarley Benton39Stable$245€219$245€219Check ↗
- 29
Epiphone Casino Vintage SunburstEpiphone39Stable$670€598$670€598Check ↗
- 30
Höfner Verythin CT Deluxe Special SBHöfner39Stable$671€599$671€599Check ↗
- 31
Epiphone Casino Natural w/ Epi Pro P90Epiphone39Stable$716€639$716€639Check ↗
- 32
Höfner Verythin CT Deluxe Special BluHöfner39Stable$783€699$783€699Check ↗
- 33
Guild Starfire I DC PelhamGuild37Stable$727€649$727€649Check ↗
- 34
Guild Starfire I Jet 90 Gold TopGuild37↑ 3.6%$783€699$783€699Check ↗
- 35
Höfner HCT-VTH-BK Verythin Contem.Höfner35Stable$593€529$593€529Check ↗
- 36
Höfner HCT-VTH-R Verythin Contem.Höfner35Stable$671€599$671€599Check ↗
- 37
Guild Starfire I DC EG w/VibratoGuild32↑ 10.7%$718€641$718€641Check ↗
- 38
Squier Affinity Starcaster DLX OWTSquier30↑ 13.8%$369€329$369€329Check ↗
- 39
Harley Benton Electric Guitar Kit HB35-StyleHarley Benton27Stable$201€179$201€179Check ↗
Semiacoustic Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 118 models we track, not a sample.
Median $547 — half of all semiacoustic guitars here cost less.
median of 114 models · 42 mm (1.65")–43 mm (1.69")
median of 107 models · 628 mm (24.72")–648 mm (25.51")
median of 80 models · 22–22
median of 57 models · 254 mm (10")–350 mm (13.78")
How to choose the best semiacoustic guitars
Tonewoods
Expect mahogany, nato, or basswood for the body. These aren't figured maple masterpieces - they're functional. Mahogany will give you a warmer, more mid-focused tone, basswood is often brighter and more neutral, and nato is somewhere in between. Don't expect miracles; the acoustic properties are still there, but the wood selection will influence the overall character.
Pickups
This is critical. Many guitars in this range come with generic humbuckers that can be muddy or shrill. Look for pickups with a clear, defined low-end and a balanced midrange - you want that low-end thump without it swallowing your signal in a band mix, and that sweet spot of articulation to avoid a boxy sound. Humbuckers are common, but P90s can deliver a fantastic, raw tone, too.
Hardware
The tuners, bridge, and pots matter. Cheap hardware will mean tuning instability and a generally flimsy feel. Look for sealed tuners (they hold tune better) and a bridge that allows for comfortable action adjustment. Chrome hardware looks nice, but it's purely aesthetic - don't pay extra for it.
Neck Profile
This is a personal preference, but crucial for playability. A thin 'D' or 'C' profile is common for faster playing, while a thicker 'U' shape offers more sustain and a vintage feel. Try before you buy if possible, or be prepared to have a setup done to adjust the action and neck relief.
Acoustic Resonance
The hollow body is the whole point, right? Listen for a natural sustain and a pleasing resonance when you tap the body. A cheap, poorly braced body will sound dead and lifeless - that's a dealbreaker. The bracing pattern affects the tone significantly; F-holes are common, but the size and placement matter.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're after that hollow-body vibe, that little bit of acoustic resonance to fatten up your tone, but you're not looking to remortgage the house. Semiacoustic guitars under $800 can be surprisingly good, but you gotta know what to look for. It's a sweet spot - enough quality to gig with, but you're definitely making some compromises somewhere. Let's break down the best options without breaking the bank.
At this price point, you're trading off something. Don't expect premium figured tops or flawless finishes. The biggest compromise will likely be in the pickups and hardware - upgrade those later if needed.
A proper setup from a qualified tech is absolutely essential; even a great guitar will feel and sound awful with incorrect action or intonation. Prioritize playability and tone over aesthetics - a guitar that feels good in your hands is more valuable than a pretty one.
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 118 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 these guitars suitable for recording?
Absolutely. The hollow body adds warmth and character to recordings. Just be mindful of feedback and unwanted resonance - mic placement and room acoustics are key. A good DI signal is also crucial.
Can I use these guitars with high-gain amps?
You can, but be prepared for feedback and a potentially muddy tone. Lowering the gain and using a noise gate are essential. They shine more with cleaner or slightly overdriven tones where you can appreciate the acoustic resonance.
What's the difference between a semi-acoustic and a hollow body?
A hollow body is completely hollow, offering maximum acoustic resonance. A semi-acoustic has a solid center block, reducing feedback and adding sustain, but still retaining some of the acoustic properties.
Are the pickups easily replaceable?
Generally, yes. Most semi-acoustics use standard humbucker or P90 routings, making pickup swaps relatively straightforward. Just be aware of wiring differences when replacing them.
What kind of music are these guitars best for?
They're versatile! Blues, jazz, rockabilly, indie - anything where you want a warmer, more organic tone. They can even work in heavier genres with careful amp and effects choices.
