Semi Hollow Guitars

Lemuel Griffin
10 min readJun 9, 2024

--

Semi-Hollow-Guitar-1

Welcome music enthusiasts! Today, we’re excited to present a collection of fantastic Semi Hollow Guitars, perfectly suited for those who crave a combination of old-school charm and modern versatility. Whether you’re a seasoned guitarist or just starting your musical journey, our roundup is sure to have something that will capture your interest.

The Top 5 Best Semi Hollow Guitars

  1. PRS Special Semi-Hollow Charcoal Contour Burst Guitar — Experience unrivaled tone versatility and charisma with the PRS Special Semi-Hollow, featuring 12 unique configurations, a striking semi-hollow design, and top-of-the-line hardware.
  2. Viking Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar — Number Cruncher — Discover the ultimate Viking Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar, providing unrivaled action, unmatched precision, and a remarkable Resinator fretboard that sets it apart on your musical journey.
  3. PRS Special Semi-Hollow Orange Tiger Guitar — Experience diverse sonic territories with the PRS Special Semi-Hollow 10-Top Orange Tiger, a versatile semi-hollow guitar featuring rich, custom tuners and hum/single/hum configuration for a wide range of sounds and styles.
  4. ESP USA Eclipse Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar — Ebony Fretboard, EMG 57/66 Pickups, Black Cherry Finish — Experience the perfect blend of classic and contemporary with ESP USA Eclipse Semi-Hollow Guitar, offering a lightweight, semi-hollow resonance, versatile EMG active pickups, and a stunning Black Cherry finish.
  5. Firefly FFTH: Premium Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar Experience — Immerse yourself in the mesmerizing sound of the Firefly FFTH semi-hollow electric guitar, meticulously restored and assessed to guarantee a seamless musical experience, all without straining your wallet!

As an Amazon Associate I earn through qualified purchases at no cost to you.

Reviews

PRS Special Semi-Hollow Charcoal Contour Burst Guitar

prs-special-semi-hollow-charcoal-contour-burst-1

The PRS Special Semi-Hollow is a true tone chameleon, offering a sumptuous charisma that’s hard to resist. Its coil-splittable 58/15 LT pickups, placed in the bridge and neck positions, provide that quintessential PRS humbucker sound. Coupled with the noiseless single-coil tones of the exclusive PRS Narrowfield pickup, this guitar gives you 12 different configurations to work with. This means you can expect nothing but world-class sound for any situation.

Featuring a beautifully carved figured maple top, accentuated by a single f-hole design, the PRS Special’s semi-hollow construction does not only look striking, but it also adds depth and character to its sound. The resonant space within its mahogany body effectively controls feedback issues that plague fully hollow designs, making it a delight to play.

Equipped with top-of-the-line PRS hardware and a hard case included as standard, the PRS Special Semi-Hollow truly lives up to its name. It is not just a guitar, but a perfect blend of sound, style, and functionality that sets it apart from the rest.

Viking Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar — Number Cruncher

number-crunchernumero-cruncher-viking-semi-hollow-electric-guitar-1

The Viking Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar, a masterpiece from the company’s renaissance, has once again taken its place at the top. The VIK-TSB boasts a Resinator fretboard that pairs seamlessly with the hard maple set neck and patented H-Expander truss rod, providing an even tension throughout the length of the neck. In my daily life, I’ve experienced the perfect blend of sound and control, making this guitar a dream to play.

Although it may not be ideal for all genres, the Viking Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar truly shines in a semi-hollow setting, providing a rich, warm sound that is sure to please any musician. Overall, it’s a guitar that’s worth the investment, and one that’s sure to make any performance stand out.

PRS Special Semi-Hollow Orange Tiger Guitar

prs-special-semi-hollow-10-top-orange-tiger-1

The PRS Special Semi-Hollow LTD guitar offers a perfect blend of traditional and innovative elements, making it an excellent choice for players seeking versatility and tonal depth. With a 22-fret mahogany neck and a maple top, it delivers a warm and balanced tone that’s perfect for rock, blues, or jazz. The semi-hollow body with a single f-hole adds an airy quality to the sound, while the versatile electronics make it possible to explore a wide range of tones and styles.

The guitar features two PRS 58/15 LT humbuckers and a PRS Narrowfield middle pickup, providing a hum-free single coil experience with plenty of clarity and punch. While it may be a bit heavier than some solid-body guitars, the PRS Special Semi-Hollow LTD is well worth the extra weight for its unparalleled versatility and sonic capabilities.

ESP USA Eclipse Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar — Ebony Fretboard, EMG 57/66 Pickups, Black Cherry Finish

esp-usa-eclipse-semi-hollow-guitar-ebony-fretboard-emg-57-66-black-cherry-1

This Semi-Hollow Eclipse guitar by ESP USA is a perfect combination of vintage design and contemporary engineering. The Black Cherry finish adds a touch of elegance, while the comfortable neck profile ensures easy playability. The active EMG 57/66 pickups offer a dynamic range and PAF-like classic tone.

The chambered Mahogany body provides a lighter weight without compromising the overall strength and stability of the guitar. For a serious musician, this ESP USA Eclipse Semi-Hollow guitar is a dream come true.

Firefly FFTH: Premium Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar Experience

firefly-ffth-semi-hollow-electric-guitar-1

Experience the magic of music with the Firefly FFTH Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar. This stylish semi-hollow electric guitar is in near-perfect condition, showcasing a few minor scratches on the f-hole but otherwise untouched. With fresh strings and a sleek finish, you’ll be ready to play right out of the box.

Although it doesn’t come with a case, the Firefly FFTH Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar offers a powerful sound and versatile playability to bring your musical ideas to life.

Buyer’s Guide

Welcome to our comprehensive buyer’s guide for semi-hollow guitars. In this section, we will discuss the crucial features, considerations, and general advice for finding the perfect semi-hollow guitar to suit your unique style and needs. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, our guide will serve as a valuable resource in your search for the perfect semi-hollow guitar.

Semi-Hollow-Guitar-2

Important Features to Consider

When purchasing a semi-hollow guitar, consider the following key features to ensure you get the best instrument for your money and playing style. These features include the body style, pickups, bridge type, and more. Read on to learn more and make an informed decision when purchasing your next semi-hollow guitar.

Body Style

The body style of a semi-hollow guitar can greatly impact its sound and aesthetics. Some popular body styles include the double-cutaway, single-cutaway, and solid body. Each style comes with its own unique characteristics and benefits. For example, double-cutaway designs offer greater access to the upper frets, while single-cutaway and solid body styles may offer a more classic look and feel. Consider your preference for aesthetics and playability when selecting a body style.

Semi-Hollow-Guitar-3

Pickups

There are two main types of pickups in semi-hollow guitars: humbuckers and single-coil. Humbucker pickups provide a fuller, warmer sound with less high-end “quack, “ making them ideal for rock, blues, and other genres. Single-coil pickups offer a brighter, more articulate sound with a higher output, which is perfect for playing jazz, country, and other styles. Consider your preferred playing style and the type of music you want to play when selecting the right pickups for your semi-hollow guitar.

Bridge Type

The bridge type on a semi-hollow guitar can significantly influence its playability and tuning stability. Tune-o-matic bridges are a popular choice due to their ease of adjustment, while vibrato bridges, also known as tremolos, offer more expressive playing options. Consider your playing style and preferences when choosing between these bridge types.

Semi-Hollow-Guitar-4

FAQ

What is a semi-hollow guitar?

A semi-hollow guitar is a type of electric guitar that combines the acoustic resonance of a solid body with the vibrancy of a hollow body. It features a thin piece of wood or laminate known as the “hollow body, “ which is usually surrounded by a solid body. This creates a unique tone that is brighter and more resonant than traditional solid body guitars, while still being warmer and more complex than typical hollow body guitars.

Semi-hollow guitars are popular among a variety of musicians, as their tone is highly versatile, making them suitable for both jazz and rock. They are also often favored by session musicians and studio producers due to their ability to handle a wide range of playing styles and genres with ease. These guitars are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, with the most popular being the Les Paul style, which is characterized by its iconic “single-cutaway” body design.

Semi-Hollow-Guitar-5

What differentiates a semi-hollow guitar from a solid body guitar?

The main difference between a semi-hollow guitar and a solid body guitar lies in their construction. A solid body guitar features a single piece of wood or laminate that forms the entire body of the guitar, while a semi-hollow guitar has a thin “hollow body” that is encased by a solid body. This gives semi-hollow guitars a vibrant, acoustic-resonant tone, along with the added advantages of feedback reduction and improved sustain.

Solid body guitars, on the other hand, tend to have a more focused and direct sound. They are also generally less susceptible to feedback, making them a popular choice for live performances and studio recording sessions. However, solid body guitars lack the warmth and depth that hollow or semi-hollow bodies contribute, which can be a drawback for some players.

What is the most common type of semi-hollow guitar?

The most common type of semi-hollow guitar is the Les Paul style, which features a single-cutaway body design that is reminiscent of the iconic Les Paul Solid Body electric guitar. This style of guitar was popularized by the Gibson Guitar Corporation in the 1950s and is named after the company’s legendary founder, Les Paul.

The Les Paul style semi-hollow guitar is characterized by its large, thick body made of mahogany, its dual-humbucker pickups, and its “P-90” style single-coil pickup located at the neck. These features combine to create a lively and complex tone that has made the Les Paul style guitar a favorite among both amateur and professional musicians alike.

Semi-Hollow-Guitar-6

What is the best semi-hollow guitar for beginners?

Choosing the best semi-hollow guitar for beginners can depend on several factors, such as budget, playing style, and desired features. However, some popular options for beginner-friendly semi-hollow guitars include the following models: Epiphone Les Paul Special II, Fender Telecaster Deluxe, and the Yamaha Pacifica Series PAC012BC.

These guitars are affordable, well-built, and offer a variety of tonal options that can accommodate a range of playing styles. They also typically come with basic features that are suitable for beginners, such as a simple pickup configuration, a comfortable neck profile, and easy access to the guitar’s electronics.

What is the difference between F-hole and f-holes on a semi-hollow guitar?

F-holes are the signature markings that adorn the body of a semi-hollow guitar. They are also known as “f-holes” due to their distinctive hourglass shape, which is reminiscent of the f-shaped cross-section of a violin. These decorative f-holes are not only visually striking but also serve a practical purpose by allowing more air to circulate inside the guitar, which contributes to its resonance and acoustic properties.

There is no fundamental difference between F-holes and f-holes on a semi-hollow guitar; they are simply two different names for the same design feature. The choice of which term to use is generally a matter of personal preference and may be influenced by factors such as the language or region in which the guitar is being discussed or sold.

What materials are semi-hollow guitars typically made of?

Semi-hollow guitars can be made from a wide range of materials, with the most popular choice being mahogany. This hardwood is known for its rich, warm tone and dense grain, which contribute to the guitar’s resonance and overall sound quality. Mahogany is also relatively lightweight, making it an attractive option for guitar manufacturers who want to minimize the overall weight of the instrument without sacrificing tone or playability.

Other materials that may be used in the construction of semi-hollow guitars include maple, poplar, and various laminate woods. Each of these materials has its own unique tonal characteristics, weight, and durability properties, which can influence the final design and performance of the guitar. The choice of materials will depend on factors such as the desired tone, budget, and specific design preferences of the manufacturer or player.

As an Amazon Associate I earn through qualified purchases at no cost to you.

--

--