Best Semi Hollow Guitars Under $1000

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Looking for that rich resonance, smooth sustain, and versatile tone that only a semi-hollow guitar can offer—without crossing the $1000 mark? You’re in the right place.

Semi-hollow guitars blend the acoustic resonance of hollow bodies with the sustain and feedback resistance of solid bodies, making them ideal for jazz, blues, classic rock, indie, and more. Whether you’re strumming soulful chords or dialing in smooth leads, these guitars deliver vintage vibes with modern flexibility.

In this guide, we’ll break down the best semi-hollow body guitars under $1000—built to sound great, feel amazing, and last for years.

Why Choose a Semi-Hollow Guitar?

Semi-hollow guitars are known for:

  • Warmer, more open tones than solid bodies

  • Controlled feedback (thanks to the center block)

  • Great clean and overdriven tones

  • Stylish vintage aesthetics

  • Perfect for blues, jazz, funk, classic rock, and even some modern pop/indie styles

Best Semi-Hollow Guitars Under $1000 (2024 Top Picks)

1. Epiphone Riviera

Best Overall Semi-Hollow Under $1000

A faithful revival of a ‘60s classic, the Riviera brings Epiphone Pro Mini Humbuckers, a laminated maple body, and classic ES-style looks—all at a very reachable price.

Key Features:

  • Laminated maple top, back & sides

  • Set mahogany neck

  • Epiphone Pro Mini Humbuckers

  • Tune-O-Matic bridge with trapeze tailpiece

  • 24.75″ scale length

Why It’s Great:

  • Chimey and articulate tone with excellent sustain

  • Comfortable neck profile

  • Vintage-style visuals with solid hardware

Best For: Blues, rock, soul, and players wanting classic tone and looks

Price: ~$699

2. Gretsch G2622 Streamliner Center Block

Best Semi-Hollow for Rock and Retro Vibes

The G2622 offers vintage Gretsch charm with modern performance. Its Broad’Tron pickups pack more punch than typical Filter’Trons, making it great for players who want crunch and clarity.

Key Features:

  • Laminated maple body with spruce center block

  • Broad’Tron BT-2S humbuckers

  • Thin U-shaped neck

  • Adjusto-Matic bridge with V-stoptail

  • 22 medium jumbo frets

Why It’s Great:

  • Balanced tone with great attack

  • Handles overdrive well

  • Retro styling and versatile tone

Best For: Classic rock, indie, rockabilly, and Gretsch lovers on a budget

Price: ~$499

3. Ibanez Artcore AS93FM

Best for Jazz and Smooth Lead Work

The AS93FM brings jazz club class with a flame maple top, Super 58 Custom pickups, and an easy-playing neck. This is one of the smoothest-playing guitars in its price range.

Key Features:

  • Flamed maple top/back/sides

  • Artcore set-in neck, bound ebony fretboard

  • Super 58 Custom humbuckers

  • Classic Ibanez fit and finish

  • Gold hardware and high-end look

Why It’s Great:

  • Warm, full jazz tone with excellent sustain

  • Fast neck and smooth frets

  • Gorgeous aesthetic

Best For: Jazz, blues, R&B, and players who want elegance and tone

Price: ~$750

4. Epiphone Dot

Best Budget ES-335 Style Semi-Hollow

The Dot is a budget-friendly version of the Gibson ES-335, giving you rich lows, bell-like highs, and a tone that handles jazz, blues, and rock with ease.

Key Features:

  • Laminated maple body

  • Mahogany neck with laurel fretboard

  • Alnico Classic humbuckers

  • Stopbar tailpiece and Tune-O-Matic bridge

  • Classic double-cut design

Why It’s Great:

  • Thick, resonant semi-hollow sound

  • Traditional style and feel

  • A proven platform for modding

Best For: Beginners, blues and jazz players, or those on a budget

Price: ~$499

5. Squier Classic Vibe Starcaster

Best Offset Semi-Hollow with Retro Appeal

The Starcaster is Squier’s reissue of Fender’s rare semi-hollow offset. Its Wide Range pickups and unusual body shape make it a standout visually and tonally.

Key Features:

  • Laminated maple body

  • Maple neck and fretboard

  • Fender-voiced Wide Range humbuckers

  • Adjusto-Matic bridge and stop tail

  • Gloss finish and ‘70s aesthetic

Why It’s Great:

  • Funky, bright tone with solid low end

  • Unique styling stands out

  • Plays great out of the box

Best For: Indie, funk, alt-rock, and players who want something different

Price: ~$479

Quick Comparison Table

Guitar Model Pickups Body Style Best For Price
Epiphone Riviera Pro Mini Humbuckers ES-style Vintage rock, blues, modern soul ~$699
Gretsch G2622 Broad’Tron BT-2S Double-cut center block Rock, classic, retro tones ~$499
Ibanez AS93FM Super 58 Custom Double cutaway Jazz, blues, lead work ~$750
Epiphone Dot Alnico Humbuckers ES-style Budget tone, classic looks ~$499
Squier Starcaster Wide Range Humbuckers Offset semi-hollow Funk, indie, unique sound ~$479

What to Look for in a Semi-Hollow Guitar Under $1000

1. Pickups

  • Mini Humbuckers: Brighter, tighter tone (Epiphone Riviera)

  • Broad’Trons or Wide Ranges: More aggressive, brighter midrange

  • Classic Humbuckers: Warm, rounded tone for jazz and blues

2. Center Block

  • Most semi-hollows under $1000 have a spruce or maple center block to reduce feedback and add sustain

3. Neck Feel

  • Consider the neck profile: Slim-tapered for speed, or chunkier for grip and control

4. Style & Comfort

  • Body shapes range from traditional ES-335 to offsets like the Starcaster

  • Choose what fits your style and playing position best

Final Thoughts

Semi-hollow guitars offer the best of both acoustic resonance and electric punch. And in the sub-$1000 range, you’ll find some incredibly versatile, well-built instruments that punch way above their price tag.

Here’s the bottom line:

  • Choose the Epiphone Riviera for vintage tone and pro-level feel

  • Go with the Gretsch G2622 for bright, retro rock flavor

  • Pick the Ibanez AS93FM for smooth jazz and expressive leads

  • The Epiphone Dot gives you timeless tone on a budget

  • Want to stand out? The Squier Starcaster nails retro cool

Ready to plug in and resonate? Find your semi-hollow soulmate and let your tone soar with warmth, style, and soul.

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