15 Best Cheap Semi-Hollow Body Guitars For Blues, Rock & Jazz

If you’re looking for some of the best and most affordable semi-hollow body guitars suitable for blues, rock and jazz music – don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place! In today’s in-depth guide, I’m going to highlight the fifteen of the coolest guitars of this type.

Finding a good and reliable semi-hollow body guitar isn’t that easy, especially if you’re just an amateur. There are just so many different models out there! However, once you find out which brands manufacture the best hollow and semi-hollow body guitars, it all becomes much easier.

That’s why I decided to create a list of 15 best semi-hollow body guitars for blues, rock and jazz music! Feel free to check it out below – there’s a chance that your next dream guitar is somewhere here. Of course, the sound demos are included as well!

Ibanez AS53

Ibanez AS53 is one of the cheapest semi-hollow body guitars mentioned on today’s list. In my opinion, it’s a really underrated model – not many people are aware of how good it actually is.

I had the pleasure to test out the AS53 on my own and I was really impressed by its quality. The guitar features a sapele top, back and sides. There’s also a really comfortable Nyatoh neck with an easy-playing walnut fingerboard. The neck is a huge advantage of that guitar – the satin finish feels extremely smooth.

The manufacturer decided to equip that model with a pair of pretty good pickups – Infinity R Ceramic Humbuckers. Both of these humbuckers offer a lot of versatility when it comes to tone, so whether you’re into clean jazz tones or a bit more punchier rock riffs, the AS53 won’t disappoint you.

Undoubtedly, Ibanez AS53 is one of the best cheap semi-hollow body guitars suitable for rock, blues and jazz music. It has everything you need and it’s available at a relatively low price. Who needs anything else?

Here’s the demo.

Epiphone ES339

Epiphone ES339 is an another fantastic semi-hollow body guitar suitable for both amateur and professional guitarists. It’s basically a cheaper version of the legendary Gibson ES399, which is a far more expensive guitar.

What makes it so special? Well, the guitar features a maple top with maple back and sides. On top of that, there’s a really comfortable mahogany neck with an easy-playing laurel fingerboard which guarantees an enjoyable playing experience.

The ES339 model can be efficiently used for the vast majority of music genres out there – it’s extremely versatile! Whether you’re into blues, country, jazz, rock, indie or grunge, this guitar will do the job. It’s all thanks to the Alnico Classic PRO humbuckers which give you access to both modern and vintage tones.

When it comes to pricing, it’s totally affordable. It’s not the cheapest semi-hollow body guitar on today’s list, but considering the fact that it sounds and feels close to the high-end Gibson ES339, it’s definitely worth the money.

Here’s the sound demo.

Gretsch G5622T Electromatic

Gretsch G5622T Electromatic is one of the most expensive semi-hollow body guitars on today’s list, but it’s still fairly affordable. In my opinion, this is one of the best guitars of this type that you can potentially find under the $1000 and $1500 budget range.

The G5622T model features a laminated maple body, a comfortable maple set-in neck and an easy-playing laurel fretboard. The quality of these materials is really high, so they guarantee a superb playing experience.

Gretsch decided to equip that model with the Broad’Tron pickups which are perfect for all enthusiasts of vintage tones. This guitar sounds amazing with a fair amount of overdrive, but it’s also a fantastic choice for clean tones as well. On top of that, it also has the Bigsby B70 tailpiece which gives you access to even more cool sounds.

It is also worth mentioning that Gretsch G5622T Electromatic is available in a few different color versions, so anyone will be able to find their favorite one.

Although it’s not a cheap guitar, it’s definitely one of the coolest semi-hollow body models on today’s list. I have no hesitation in recommending this model to every guitarist who’s searching for a great sounding and reliable axe of this type. It’s really difficult not to fall in love with that model!

Here’s the demo.

Squier Classic Vibe Starcaster

Squier Classic Vibe Starcaster is an another affordable semi-hollow body guitar that exceeds all the expectations. It’s suitable for both amateur and more advanced guitarists and it can be efficiently used not only for home practice, but also for live shows and studio sessions.

Just like all other instruments from the Classic Vibe Series, this Starcaster model has a really cool vintage vibe. It has a semi-hollow body made of maple with an alder center block. There’s also a C-shaped maple neck with an easy-playing maple fingerboard.

It is also worth mentioning that this is a really comfortable guitar to play on – mainly because of the gloss finish on the neck. It’s not suitable for everyone, but I’m sure that a lot of you will absolutely enjoy that!

Squier also equipped that model with a pair of Fender Wide Range Humbuckers which sound very clear and fat. Surely, all lovers of blues, rock and jazz music will be really impressed by their versatility.

When it comes to pricing, it’s a really affordable model. It’s not the cheapest semi-hollow body guitar made by this brand, but it’s still a fantastic choice for guitarists of all levels. Surely, finding a better semi-hollow body guitar under $500 won’t be that easy.

Here’s the demo.

Ibanez AS73

Ibanez AS73 is an another popular and inexpensive semi-hollow body guitar designed for the most demanding guitarists out there. This is basically an upgraded version of the AS53 mentioned earlier in today’s article.

What makes it so cool? Well, the AS73 model features a linden top, back and sides. There’s also a very comfortable Nyatoh neck with an easy-playing walnut fingerboard which guarantees a smooth playin experience.

In comparison with the AS53, this model looks and sounds a bit differently. It has block inlays on the fretboard, a black pickguard and two pickup covers. The headstock looks a bit different. In my opinion, it looks a bit more expensive than the AS53, which seemed a little bit basic.

Of course, just like any other semi-hollow body guitar mentioned on today’s list, the AS73 is a perfect choice for rock, blues and jazz. It’s a very versatile instrument, so whether you prefer clean tones or a lot of punch, it won’t let you down.

When it comes to pricing, Ibanez AS73 a bit more expensive than the AS53, but it’s not a huge difference. Surely, even guitarists with a limited budget should be able to easily save up on that particular model.

Here’s the sound demo – feel free to check it out below.

Harley Benton HB-35

Harley Benton HB-35 is one of the most popular and the most affordable semi-hollow body guitars made by this famous brand. For those who aren’t aware, Harley Benton manufactures budget versions of some of the coolest guitars in the world.

To be honest, the HB-35 exceeds all the expectations. It’s really amazing that such an affordable guitar can sound that good! It features a maple body with a mahogany sustain block. There’s also a comfortable maple neck with an easy-playing Amaranth fretboard.

The manufacturer decided to equip this model with a pair of Vintage-style humbuckers which offer a lot of versatility when it comes to tone. Surely, it’s one of the best cheap semi-hollow body guitars for rock, blues and jazz music.

It is also worth mentioning that the HB-35 model looks fantastic from the outside too. Although it’s a cheap guitar, it doesn’t feel or look cheap. In fact, it’s easily to think that this is a much more expensive guitar from a higher shelf. That’s why I highly recommend checking it out!

Here’s the demo.

Epiphone Sheraton II Pro

Epiphone Sheraton II Pro is an another amazing semi-hollow body guitar designed for the most demanding guitarists out there. This is a particularly good model for advanced and professional guitar players, but it will also be a great choice for beginners.

The Sheraton model features an all-maple construction with a solid center block. There’s also a comfortable maple neck with the Pau Ferro fingerboard with guarantees a smooth and enjoyable playing experience.

The tone of that axe can be described as soft and full-bodied, so it’s a fantastic choice for any jazz enthusiasts out there. At the same time, the ProBucker pickups used in that model give you access to a lot of interesting tones, so if you’re searching for a bit more punch for blues, country and rock music, this guitar can do it all.

It is also worth mentioning that the Sheraton II Pro model looks absolutely amazing from the outside too. It certainly seems like a much more expensive high-end guitar. Although it’s not the cheapest guitar on today’s list, it can definitely be classified as a really affordable model.

Here’s the demo.

Guild Starfire I DC

Guild Starfire I DC is one of the most popular semi-hollow body models manufactured by this famous brand. This guitar has everything that you potentially need from an axe of this type – it has the looks, the sound and the feel.

What makes it so popular? Well, the guitar features a mahogany body with a mahogany neck and an easy-playing rosewood fingerboard. This is a huge advantage of that model, because it allows you to play for several hours without getting tired.

Additionally, the manufacturer equipped this model with a pair of fantastic pickups – Guild HB-2 Nickel Humbuckers. They offer a fantastic fullness and sustain, so they’re extremely versatile. No matter whether you want to play subtle clean jazz sounds or fat and vintage-style rock riffs, this guitar will do the job.

Considering the fact that this is not an overly expensive guitar, it’s definitely one of the best semi-hollow body guitars for the money. I have no hesitation in recommending this model! No matter if you’re a beginner or a professional player, you will definitely notice the uniqueness of that axe.

Here’s the demo.

D’Angelico Premier SS

D’Angelico Premier SS is one of the most expensive semi-hollow body guitars on today’s list, but it’s definitely one of the best ones. This is a particularly good choice for all advanced and professional musicians.

The guitar features a laminated maple top, back and sides. There’s also a really comfortable maple neck with Ovangkol fingergboard which has a great feel too. D’Angelico equipped this model with a pair of Seymour Duncan humbuckers which are perfect not only far jazz, but also for hard rock.

Who is it for? Well, the Premier SS model will be perfect for all musicians who like to play live of record in a studio. This is a fantastic instrument to gig with, because it does a great job at cutting through the mix. Surely, all working musicians are going to love that.

Although the pricing of that model is pretty high, it doesn’t change the fact that this is one of the best semi-hollow body guitars available under $1000. Well done, D’Angelico!

Epiphone Wildkat

Epiphone Wildkat is an another excellent semi-hollow body guitar that exceeds all the expectations. This particular model can be efficiently used by both amateur and more advanced guitar players out there.

What makes it so cool? Well, the Wildkat features a mahogany body with a maple top. It also has a comfortable maple neck with an easy-playing rosewood fingerboard. The quality of these materials is really good, so it certainly looks and feels like a bit more expensive axe.

What’s important, Epiphone equipped that model with a pair of AlNiCo V P-90 single-coil pickups. They’re extremely versatile, so it doesn’t matter whether you prefer clean or more distorted tones. The Wildkat is perfect for blues, jazz and rock music! On top of that, it also has a Bigsby tailpiece.

Undoubtedly, this is one of the best semi-hollow body guitars available under the $500 and $1000 price range. In my opinion, it’s worth every cent.

Here’s the demo.

Squier Affinity Starcaster

Squier Affinity Starcaster is one of the cheapest semi-hollow body guitars manufactured by this brand. But although it’s a budget guitar, it offers a surprisingly good value for the money.

The Affinity Starcaster features a laminated maple body and a comfortable C-shaped maple neck with an easy-playing maple fingerboard. Squier also equipped this model with a pair of really good humbuckers – they’re pretty basic, but they still can give you access to a lot of interesting tones.

Who is it for? Well, I think that the Squier Affinity Starcaster will be an excellent choice for anyone who’s searching for their first semi-hollow body guitar. It won’t be easy to find a better axe of this type at this price level.

I have to admit that I’m a huge fan of the Squier guitars from the Affinity Series. I had the pleasure to test out a few of these guitars on my own and they always felt amazing. Their necks have a fantastic satin finish which is really easy on the fingers.

That’s why I highly encourage you to check it out! Overall, it’s a really good electric guitar available at a relatively low price.

Here’s the sound demo.

Epiphone ES-335

Epiphone ES-335 is an another very popular semi-hollow body guitar suitable for all-level players. This is basically a more affordable version of the legendary Gibson ES-335, which is far more expensive.

The ES-335 by Epiphone has a maple top, back and sides and a comfortable mahogany neck with an easy-playing laurel fretboard. Epiphone also equipped this model with a pair of Alnico Classic PRO Humbuckers which offer a lot of versatility when it comes to tone.

Undoubtedly, this semi-hollow body axe will be an excellent fit for all enthusiasts of rock, blues and jazz music. It’s a really versatile instrument, so it can be efficiently used for a lot of different styles of music.

What’s important, when you directly compare the Gibson and Epiphone ES-335, the difference is not that huge. Of course, Gibson ES-335 is a better guitar, but considering how affordable the Epiphone model is, it offers a spectacular value for the money. That’s why I highly recommend checking it out!

Here’s the sound demo.

Firefly FF338PRG 

Firefly FF338PRG is one of the cheapest semi-hollow body guitars mentioned on today’s list. It’s not exactly the best guitar in the world, but it gets the job done and it’s available at a very low price.

The FF338PRG model features a laminated body with a flamed maple veneer. On top of that, it has a comfortable maple neck with an easy-playing rosewood fingerboard. The quality of these woods is surprisingly good, especially considering the fact that this is a budget guitar.

The manufacturer equipped this model with a pair of humbuckers which give you access to a lot of cool guitar tones. Since it’s a cheap guitar, these pickups are pretty basic, but they still sound quite good. Whether you’re into blues, rock or jazz – they should be just fine.

Who is it for? Well, if you’re on a really tight budget and you can’t afford getting any of the other guitars mentioned on today’s list, this is probably the best axe that you can get at this price level. It’s not ideal, but it’s still a great guitar.

Here’s the demo.

Epiphone Riviera

Epiphone Riviera is an another extremely popular semi-hollow body guitar suitable for both amateur and more advanced guitar players. To be honest, this model has everything that you potentially need from a guitar of this type – it has the looks, the sound and the feel.

The guitar features a maple body and a mahogany neck with an easy-playing laurel fingerboard. The comfortable rounded C-shaped neck is a huge advantage of that guitar, because it allows you to practice for several hours without getting tired.

What’s important, Epiphone decided to equip this model with a pair of Epiphone Pro Mini Humbuckers which are extremely versatile. No matter whether you like to play with a lot of crunch or not, the sound of that axe won’t let you down. It’s a perfect choice for blues, rock and jazz music.

Undoubtedly, Epiphone Riviera is one of the best and most affordable mid-level semi-hollow body guitars. It will be really tough to find a better instrument of this type at this price level. That’s why I love it!

Here’s the sound demo.

Gretsch G2622T Streamliner

Gretsch G2622T Streamliner is an another very popular semi-hollow body guitar available at a relatively low price. This particular model is a fantastic choice for both amateur and more advanced guitar players.

What makes it so cool? Well, the G2622T model features a maple body and a Nato neck with an easy-playing laurel fingerboard. The Thin U shape of that neck guarantees a smooth and enjoyable playing experience.

What’s important, Gretsch decided to equip that model with the Broad’Tron BT-2S Humbuckers. They’re really versatile, so they can be efficiently used for both clean and more distorted tones. Whether you’re into blues, country, rock or jazz – the G2622T model will make you sound great.

When it comes to pricing, it’s not the cheapest guitar on today’s list, but it can still be considered as one of the best cheap semi-hollow body guitars available under $1000. Surely, it’s worth every cent!

Here’s the demo.

Pros & Cons of Semi-Hollow Body Guitars

If you’re not sure whether a semi-hollow body guitar will be a good fit for you, that’s not a big deal! I can totally recommend this type of guitars to all guitarists, no matter how experienced they are.

Here’s a few pros and cons of semi-hollow body guitars – in my opinion, the advantages of these guitars definitely outweigh their disadvantages.

Advantages

• High versatility
• Suitable for all music genres
• They all sound great unplugged
• They look awesome
• Perfect for beginners
• You can practice on these guitars without amplifier

Disadvantages

• Prone to feedback
• Difficult to repair (if they break)
• Quite often expensive

Looking for more jazz guitars?

If you’re searching for more jazz guitars, feel free to check out the guitars on Thomann – here’s a few of their bestsellers.

Summary

As you can see, there are a lot of fantastics semi-hollow body guitars out there. No matter whether you want to play blues, rock or jazz music, you can be sure that the tone of all of the guitars mentioned above won’t disappoint you. I have no hesitation in recommending all of these models!

Which semi-hollow body guitar is your favorite and why? Leave a comment down below and let me know what you think, I’m really interested to hear your thoughts!

Thanks for checking out today’s review, hopefully it was helpful and you found what you were hoping to find. If you enjoyed this article and you’re searching for more gear recommendations, you may also like:

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• IVY IJZ-300 – Best Cheap Jazz Guitar? [REVIEW]
• 10 Best Budget Jazz Guitars For All-Level Guitarists