Published on this page in the GuitarFella archive — what our editors chose at the time, not a lab test.
Last Updated: November 19, 2019
This hollow body article saw a few changes to the chart. We removed a couple of models such as the Epiphone Masterbilt Zenith Classic and Oscar Schmidt OE30. These were replaced with three new guitars, including the higher-end Guild Starfire V, as well as the LH-302T from The Loar. We also added the affordable Johnson JH-100-WNB Delta Rose, which is a strong choice for beginners.
What do B.B. King, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Keith Richards, George Benson, and Brian May all have in common?
Come on, it’s easy! They have all enjoyed recording and gigging with hollow bodied guitars, and have created some of the most iconic music on these wonderful instruments.
More than 80 years after Gibson first invented the hollow body electric guitar, they keep growing in popularity. A remedy to some of the aggressive, rock-fueled modern solid bodies, players are attracted to these traditional hollow bodies as they can provide the best of both acoustic and electric tones.
There’s something beautiful about a hollow body. Perhaps it’s the traditional vintage look and feel, combined with the powerful, rich and well-rounded sounds on offer.
And while they certainly aren’t for everybody, as we explain below, they are capable of producing tones that solid bodied instruments struggle to. These days there are so many exceptional hollow bodies on the market competing for your attention, which is great for us consumers!
10 Best Hollow and Semi-Hollow Guitars Under $1000:
Even if it’s incredibly obvious, it's worth mentioning that this style of guitar is much more suited to specific genres of music. For example, jazz, country, blues and soft rock styles can all benefit from the presence of a hollow bodied guitar.
So, before we start our breakdown of the best on the market, a word of warning to beginners that have a passion for punk, rock or metal – you’ll be much better off learning with a
solid body electric guitar. Again, more on the reasons why later.
Still keen on hollow bodies? Great, because we’ve tried and tested some of the best around, and have summarized the best in their categories. Check out our list, and keep reading for more advice on purchasing a hollow body.
The Best Rated Budget Hollow Body Electric Guitar for Beginners:
Are Hollow Bodies For Me?
A good question, with an answer that ultimately depends on the kind of player that you are, or aim to become.
Are you into fast rock or heavy metal? If so, chances are you aren’t even reading this page because hollow body guitars just don’t suit this kind of music – much like a Dave Mustaine “Angel of Deth” signature model wouldn’t appeal to jazz guitarists!
A solid body guitar suits guitarists looking for heavier and louder sounds much better than a hollow body, because solid bodies offer more sustain, while avoiding the feedback issues that occur with hollow bodied instruments at higher volumes.
On the flip side, hollow and semi-hollow bodied guitars appeal to those playing softer styles, such as jazz, country and blues, as well as soft rock and pop. Modern players such as Noel Gallagher, The Edge, and Dave Grohl have all used hollow bodied guitars to great effect, and there’s no reason you can’t either.
These guitars tend to offer a full, rich and well-rounded sound with plenty of bass, while a semi-hollow is naturally very warm in tone and lend themselves well to lighter, more contemporary music.
If you are a beginner, it’s probably worth sticking with a solid bodied instrument (and there are plenty of great
solid bodied guitars under $200, as they offer a slightly easier platform to learn from.
But make sure to try a few hollow and semi-hollows out, if you have the time and they are available to you. Why not? You may find something that resonates with your style, and make the best purchase you’ve ever made!
The Final Word
Before you buy, make sure you try! We can’t stress that enough. Whether you are looking at purchasing in a store, or have found a bargain online, it’s worth your time to test out a few guitars to see if they work for you. Especially if you are looking at a used model. With these it’s imperative to try the guitar out through an amp to feel and hear any potential flaws – there may be a reason they are trying to get rid of it!
If you can’t try out the exact guitar you want, reading in-depth reviews and watching videos online is the next best thing. This is a great way to learn everything you need to know about your possible next guitar.
Check out some reviews on Guitar Fella, and good luck with your purchase!