AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Semiacoustic Guitars Under $800 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. Ibanez AM93ME Artcore Expressionist leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 40 models across 10 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 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 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")
- 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
55AudioFu
Index↓ 5.7%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$591 · Aug 17$557 now$557€499 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42.9 mm (1.69")
- Scale628 mm (24.72")
- Frets22 frets
- BodyMaple body
- FingerboardLaurel fingerboard
The Sheraton Natural is a solid choice for players wanting a vintage-inspired semi-hollow feel. It nails that classic ES-335 vibe, offering a warm, woody tone perfect for blues, jazz, and rock. A great instrument for gigging musicians on a budget who appreciate a comfortable neck and decent pickups.
Pros
- Laminated maple body delivers a warm, resonant acoustic tone.
- Slim taper neck provides excellent playability and comfortable feel.
- Epiphone ProBucker Mini Humbuckers offer focused, articulate output.
Cons
- The 'Frequensator' tailpiece is purely cosmetic and offers no functional benefit.
- Laminated construction, while good sounding, lacks the clarity of a solid body.
55AudioFu
Index↓ 22.9%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$868 · Aug 17$669 now$669€599 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
55AudioFu
Index↓ 1.0%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$780 · Aug 17$773 now$773€692 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.
53AudioFu
Index↓ 4.4%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$557 · Aug 17$533 now$533€477 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 40 semiacoustic guitars
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Ibanez AS7312 ArtcoreAS7312-TCD · Ibanez53Stable$603€540$603€540Check ↗
- 12
Ibanez AS93SP Artcore ExpressionistAS93FM-VLS · Ibanez · 5 finishes53Stable$780€699$780€699Check ↗
- 13
Ibanez AS7328 ArtcoreAS7328-TBC · Ibanez52↓ 2.6%$641€574$641€574Check ↗
- 14
Ibanez AG75G ArtcoreAG75G-BS · Ibanez51Stable$613€549$613€549Check ↗
- 15
Epiphone ES-335 VSB LHEpiphone · 11 finishes50Stable$758€679$758€679Check ↗
- 16
Harley Benton CST-24HB TOL Tobacco FlameHarley Benton · 6 finishes48Stable$334€299$334€299Check ↗
- 17
Guild Starfire I DC CherryGuild · 3 finishes48↓ 19.7%$501€449$501€449Check ↗
- 18
Harley Benton RB-600CS Classic SeriesHarley Benton · 3 finishes47Stable$278€249$278€249Check ↗
- 19
Harley Benton Aeolus Frost FlameHarley Benton45Stable$445€399$445€399Check ↗
- 20
Harley Benton Aeolus Frost Flame w/BagHarley Benton45Stable$457€409$457€409Check ↗
- 21
Höfner Verythin CT Special SunburstHöfner · 2 finishes45↓ 20.0%$496€444$496€444Check ↗
- 22
Larry Carlton H7 BKLarry Carlton · 5 finishes45↓ 5.2%$687€615$687€615Check ↗
- 23
Larry Carlton Q7 Hollow Transparent BlueLarry Carlton · 3 finishes45↓ 1.4%$769€689$769€689Check ↗
- 24
Epiphone Casino Vintage SunburstEpiphone · 3 finishes44Stable$668€598$668€598Check ↗
- 25
Epiphone ES-339 ChEpiphone · 3 finishes44Stable$702€629$702€629Check ↗
- 26
DAngelico Premier DC Burnt RedDAngelico42Stable$713€639$713€639Check ↗
- 27
Epiphone Casino Natural w/ Epi Pro P90Epiphone40Stable$713€639$713€639Check ↗
- 28
DAngelico Premier Mini DC Solid BlackDAngelico40Stable$725€649$725€649Check ↗
- 29
DAngelico Premier Mini DC Burnt RedDAngelico40Stable$725€649$725€649Check ↗
- 30
Hagstrom AlvarAlvar WCT · Hagstrom40Stable$780€699$780€699Check ↗
- 31
Harley Benton TE-90QM HH Trans BlueHarley Benton39Stable$245€219$245€219Check ↗
- 32
Höfner Verythin CT Deluxe Special SBHöfner39Stable$669€599$669€599Check ↗
- 33
Guild Starfire I Jet 90 Gold TopGuild39Stable$780€699$780€699Check ↗
- 34
Höfner Verythin CT Deluxe Special BluHöfner39Stable$780€699$780€699Check ↗
- 35
Guild Starfire I DC EG w/VibratoGuild38↓ 1.2%$716€641$716€641Check ↗
- 36
Guild Starfire I DC PelhamGuild37Stable$725€649$725€649Check ↗
- 37
Squier Affinity Starcaster DLX OWTSquier36Stable$367€329$367€329Check ↗
- 38
Höfner HCT-VTH-BK Verythin Contem.Höfner35Stable$591€529$591€529Check ↗
- 39
Höfner HCT-VTH-R Verythin Contem.Höfner35Stable$669€599$669€599Check ↗
- 40
Harley Benton Electric Guitar Kit HB35-StyleHarley Benton27Stable$200€179$200€179Check ↗
Semiacoustic Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 116 models we track, not a sample.
Median $533 — half of all semiacoustic guitars here cost less.
median of 106 models · 42 mm (1.65")–43 mm (1.69")
median of 107 models · 628 mm (24.72")–648 mm (25.51")
most common · 63 models
median of 62 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 116 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.
