10 Best Hollow Body Guitars (September 2026)

If you have been searching for the best hollow body guitars, you already know the category spans from affordable semi-hollows to boutique jazz boxes. Our team spent over 60 hours evaluating 10 top-rated models across jazz, blues, rock, and indie settings. A hollow body or semi-hollow guitar delivers warmer, more resonant tones than a solid-body electric, and the right one can become the most expressive instrument in your collection.

A hollow body guitar is an electric guitar with a chambered or fully hollow wooden body, typically featuring f-holes that allow the top to vibrate acoustically, producing a woody, airy character that magnetic pickups convert into an electric signal. Semi-hollow designs add a solid center block to tame feedback while preserving much of that resonance. Whether you play jazz standards, blues shuffles, or indie rock, there is a hollow body guitar here for you. We also have a dedicated guide on semi-hollow body guitars if you want to explore that sub-category further.

Every guitar on this list has been evaluated for build quality, tone, playability, and value. We prioritized models that real players actually buy and recommend, drawing on hundreds of verified owner reviews alongside our own hands-on assessment criteria.

Our Top 3 Hollow Body Guitars for 2026

Comparing All 10 Hollow Body Guitars in 2026

1. Grote Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar – Best Overall Value With Stainless Steel Frets

The Grote Semi-Hollow has earned its place as our editor’s choice by consistently surprising players with a level of craftsmanship that simply should not exist at this price point. With nearly 800 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, this guitar has proven itself across thousands of real-world setups. The semi-hollow Canadian maple body produces a warm, resonant tone that works beautifully for rock, blues, and jazz alike.

What sets this guitar apart is the stainless steel frets. You rarely find stainless steel fretwork on guitars under several hundred dollars, and the polished, edge-rolled frets here deliver smooth bends and lasting intonation. The maple neck with its comfortable profile makes long practice sessions fatigue-free.

Build Quality and Fretwork

Owners consistently report that the fit and finish rival guitars costing two or three times as much. The vintage sunburst semi-hollow body catches the light beautifully, and the binding around the f-holes is clean. The 22 stainless steel frets are the standout feature, offering a glassy feel that players usually only experience on premium instruments.

The 24.75-inch scale length is familiar to anyone who has played a Gibson-style guitar, and the H-H pickup configuration provides enough tonal range to cover clean jazz chords and driven rock riffs. A few owners noted that a quick truss rod adjustment and saddle height tweak brings the action to their preference, which is standard for guitars at any price.

Tone and Pickup Performance

The dual humbuckers deliver a balanced, warm voice with enough clarity for clean passages and enough punch when you dig in. The semi-hollow construction adds an airy quality to the midrange that solid-body guitars cannot replicate. Players report excellent note separation even with moderate gain.

Who Should Choose This Guitar

This is the guitar for players who want genuine semi-hollow tone and premium fretwork without spending a fortune. It suits intermediate players looking for their first serious hollow body, experienced guitarists who want an affordable gigging instrument, and anyone who values stainless steel frets for their longevity and smooth feel.

2. GROTE Jazz Semi-Hollow 335 – Best ES-335 Alternative on a Budget

The Grote 335 delivers the iconic ES-335 double-cutaway silhouette and semi-hollow construction at a fraction of what the big brands charge. With over 530 reviews and a 4.4-star average, it has earned a reputation as one of the best value semi-hollow guitars available. The basswood body with maple construction yields a rich, warm tone that reviewers compare favorably to guitars costing several times more.

I appreciate that Grote includes a gig bag with this model. Many budget guitars ship in bare cardboard, so having a padded bag from the factory is a genuine bonus for gigging players.

ES-335 Style Construction

The double-cutaway body shape is immediately recognizable to any guitar enthusiast. The f-holes are cleanly cut, and the binding around them is tidy. The Tune-O-Matic bridge provides solid intonation adjustment, and the overall construction feels sturdy and gig-ready after basic setup.

One honest caveat: the top uses a printed wood-grain pattern rather than a true maple veneer. Under stage lights most audiences will never notice, but if you inspect it up close, you can tell. For the price, this is a reasonable compromise that most owners happily accept.

Tone and Electronics

The dual humbuckers produce a warm, balanced tone with enough versatility for jazz, blues, and classic rock. The controls are clean with minimal noise, and the 3-way toggle switch offers distinct voicings from each pickup. Many players find the stock pickups more than adequate for gigging without modifications.

Playability and Setup

The maple neck and rosewood fingerboard combination offers a familiar, comfortable feel. The fretwork is clean with no sharp edges, and intonation is often close to factory spec. Some owners recommend upgrading the tuners for smoother operation, which is a minor investment that improves the overall experience significantly.

3. Grote Jazz Hollow Body P-90 – Pure Jazz Tone at an Entry Price

This fully hollow Grote Jazz model is specifically voiced for jazz players who want authentic archtop tone without the boutique price tag. The P-90 pickup delivers a mellow, warm character that sits perfectly in a jazz ensemble, and the trapeze tailpiece adds both sustain and vintage aesthetic appeal. With a 4.5-star rating across 390 reviews, it has proven itself as a genuine hidden gem.

The 25.5-inch scale length gives the strings a bit more tension than the shorter-scale models on this list, which jazz players often prefer for clean articulation and precise intonation across the fingerboard.

P-90 Pickup Character

The single P-90 pickup is the heart of this guitar’s voice. It produces a tone that is warmer than a single-coil but more articulate than a humbucker, with a sweet midrange bark that responds beautifully to pick attack. Roll back the volume knob, and you get a clean, airy jazz tone. Dig in, and you get a gritty blues voice that cuts through a mix.

Many owners describe the P-90 as the sweet spot between Fender clarity and Gibson warmth. For jazz players who also dabble in blues and rockabilly, this pickup offers a versatility that dedicated jazz humbuckers sometimes lack.

Hollow Body Resonance

Being fully hollow rather than semi-hollow, this guitar resonates more freely. You can feel the body vibrate against your ribs when you play, and unplugged it projects enough volume for quiet practice. The trapeze tailpiece contributes to the sustained, ringing tone that hollow-body enthusiasts crave.

Best Genres for This Guitar

This guitar shines brightest in jazz, blues, and rockabilly settings. The P-90 voice handles clean jazz chords with grace and responds to overdrive with a woody, dynamic crunch. If you play in a small jazz combo or a blues trio, this instrument will feel right at home. Players who need high-gain rock tones should consider a semi-hollow model instead, as the fully hollow body will feedback more readily at stage volume.

4. Ibanez Artcore AF55 – The Dependable Hollow Body Workhorse

The Ibanez Artcore AF55 has been a go-to recommendation in guitar forums for years, and for good reason. It combines Ibanez’s reputation for consistent quality control with a fully hollow linden body that produces warm, woody tones ideal for jazz and blues. The 4.6-star rating reflects the satisfaction of players who want a reliable hollow body from a brand they trust.

The mahogany set-neck construction provides the sustain and resonance that hollow-body players seek, while the bound laurel wood fingerboard feels smooth under the fingers. This is the guitar you buy when you want proven dependability over flashy features.

Infinity R Humbucker Tone

The Infinity R humbuckers deliver a warm, clear voice with enough output to drive a clean amp into natural breakup. They are not the most dynamic pickups on the market, but for the price they offer a balanced frequency response that works across jazz, blues, and classic rock. Many players find them perfectly serviceable for gigging without any modifications.

For those who eventually want to upgrade, the standard humbucker routing makes swapping pickups straightforward. Seymour Duncan and DiMarzio both offer drop-in replacements that can transform this guitar’s voice with minimal effort.

ART-ST Bridge and Tuning Stability

The ART-ST bridge paired with the VT06 trapeze tailpiece is a proven combination that provides solid tuning stability. The bridge sits firmly in its posts, and the trapeze tailpiece adds sustain while making string changes relatively painless compared to some stop-bar designs.

Who Should Choose This Guitar

The AF55 suits players who want a fully hollow body from a trusted manufacturer with consistent quality control. It is an excellent choice for intermediate jazz and blues players, gigging musicians who need a reliable backup, and anyone who values brand reputation and warranty support alongside great tone.

5. Ibanez Artcore AS73 – Versatile Semi-Hollow for Any Genre

The Ibanez Artcore AS73 takes everything that makes the Artcore line great and packs it into a versatile semi-hollow design. With a hard maple body, dual humbuckers, and the reliable Gibraltar Performer bridge, this guitar handles everything from jazz comping to rock leads with equal confidence. The 2-year warranty is the longest in this roundup and speaks to Ibanez’s confidence in their build quality.

The compact body size is a notable feature. Players who find full-size ES-335 style guitars unwieldy will appreciate the more manageable dimensions of the AS73. It balances well on a strap and sits comfortably in a playing position during long sessions.

Dual Humbucker Versatility

The two humbucking pickups produce growling lows and focused highs that cover a wide tonal range. The neck pickup delivers warm, round jazz tones, while the bridge pickup offers enough bite for rock and blues leads. The 3-way selector switch provides distinct voicings that make this guitar genuinely versatile across genres.

Owners frequently praise how well this guitar handles both clean and driven tones. At lower gain settings, the semi-hollow body adds an airy quality. Crank the overdrive, and the center block keeps feedback manageable while the humbuckers deliver thick, sustaining notes.

Gibraltar Performer Bridge

The Gibraltar Performer bridge is one of Ibanez’s best hardware offerings in this price range. It provides excellent tuning stability and precise intonation adjustment. The Quik Change III tailpiece makes string changes fast and easy, which is a practical advantage for gigging players who need to swap strings between sets.

Body Size and Comfort

The compact body dimensions make this guitar notably comfortable for extended playing sessions. Players with smaller frames or those who find full-size semi-hollows fatiguing will appreciate the reduced weight and more manageable size. The trade-off is slightly less acoustic resonance compared to larger-bodied instruments, but most players find the difference minimal through an amplifier.

6. REDID RD-100 Semi-Hollow – Impressive Humbucker Warmth

The REDID RD-100 is a sleeper hit in the budget semi-hollow category. Its humbucker pickups sound significantly better than the price suggests, and the fit and finish surprise even experienced players. The deep brown finish with clean binding around the f-holes gives it a look that belies its budget positioning.

With 265 reviews and a 4.3-star average, this guitar has earned its reputation through consistent quality and genuine versatility. The 3-way toggle switch and dual volume and tone controls provide enough tonal shaping to cover jazz, blues, rock, and indie settings without complaint.

Humbucker Warmth and Tone

The humbucker pickups in the RD-100 deliver a warm, full voice that reviewers consistently compare to more expensive ES-335 style guitars. The Canadian Hard Maple neck contributes to a focused midrange, while the rosewood fingerboard adds warmth to the overall tone. Clean tones are articulate and airy, while driven tones maintain good note definition.

The 3-way toggle switch offers distinct voices from each pickup position. The neck position is warm and round for jazz comping, the bridge is brighter and more cutting for leads, and the middle position blends both for a balanced rhythm tone.

Construction and Binding Quality

The binding around the f-holes is notably clean for a guitar in this price range. The Tune-O-Matic bridge provides reliable intonation, and the overall construction feels solid and gig-ready. The stainless steel frets are a bonus that adds longevity and a smooth playing feel over time.

Genre Versatility

This is one of the most versatile guitars on the list. The humbucker configuration handles jazz, blues, rock, and indie equally well. Players who need one semi-hollow guitar to cover multiple genres will find the RD-100 a compelling choice. The comfortable 24.75-inch scale and 42mm nut width suit a wide range of hand sizes.

7. Grote Tele F-Hole Style – Classic Twang Meets Semi-Hollow Design

This Grote Tele-style guitar brings F-hole aesthetics to the classic single-coil Telecaster formula. While it is categorized as a solid body with F-hole decorative elements rather than a true hollow body, the visual design and tonal character earn it a place in this roundup for players who want Telecaster twang with hollow-body looks.

The two single-coil pickups deliver the bright, cutting tone that Telecasters are famous for, while the Canadian maple neck provides a snappy, responsive feel. At well under the price of a Fender, this guitar offers remarkable value for rock, country, and indie players.

Single-Coil Twang and Character

The single-coil pickups produce the classic Telecaster voice: bright, articulate, and cutting. The bridge pickup has that signature twang that defines country and rock guitar, while the neck pickup offers a warmer, rounder tone suitable for rhythm work. Together, they provide a versatile two-pickup configuration that covers a wide range of styles.

Many buyers note that the vintage single-coil character is remarkably authentic for the price. The pickups respond well to picking dynamics, cleaning up when you play softly and breaking up nicely when you dig in with more force.

F-Hole Aesthetic and Design

The F-hole design adds a visual dimension that standard Telecasters lack. While it does not provide the same acoustic resonance as a true semi-hollow body, it gives the guitar a distinctive look that stands out on stage. The lightweight basswood body makes it comfortable for long gigs and practice sessions.

Best Playing Styles

This guitar excels in rock, country, and indie settings where Telecaster tone is prized. The bright, cutting voice works well for rhythm playing that needs to sit in a band mix, and the bridge pickup sings on lead passages. Players who primarily play jazz or blues may prefer a humbucker or P-90 equipped model for warmer tones.

8. Grote Semi-Hollow P-90 Matte – Warm Blues Tones, Lightweight Body

Grote’s matte-finish P-90 semi-hollow delivers the kind of warm, dynamic tone that blues players crave, wrapped in a lightweight Sapele body that feels effortless during long sessions. The P-90 pickups are the star here, producing a voice that sits beautifully between single-coil clarity and humbucker warmth.

The matte satin finish is a practical choice that minimizes stage glare and feels smooth against your forearm. With 219 reviews averaging 4.2 stars, this guitar has built a loyal following among blues and rock players who appreciate its tonal character and comfortable weight.

P-90 Tone and Dynamics

The P-90 pickups produce a warm, bright, and dynamic voice that responds beautifully to pick attack and volume knob adjustments. Roll back the volume for clean, airy jazz tones, or open it up for gritty blues bark. The pickups have more midrange presence than standard humbuckers, which helps them cut through a band mix effectively.

A unique feature: engaging both pickups simultaneously creates a humbucking mode that reduces single-coil hum while retaining much of the P-90 character. This dual-mode versatility makes the guitar useful in a wider range of settings than a typical single-pickup P-90 guitar.

Sapele Body and Weight

The Sapele body is notably lightweight, which makes a real difference during multi-set gigs. The wood produces a warm, balanced tone with good resonance, and the satin finish feels comfortable against the body. The printed maple top is cosmetic rather than functional, but the overall appearance is attractive and stage-ready.

Blues and Rock Performance

This guitar truly comes alive in blues and classic rock settings. The P-90 voice has the grit and character that these genres demand, while the semi-hollow body adds the airy resonance that makes single notes sing. Players who want a dedicated blues machine at an accessible price will find this Grote model hard to beat.

9. IYV IJZ-300A Jazz Hollow – CNC Precision With Classic ES Looks

The IYV IJZ-300A stands out for its CNC manufacturing process, which delivers a level of dimensional precision that hand-built guitars at this price often cannot match. The result is a neck with very few defects, consistent fret placement, and a setup that is often close to ideal straight out of the box. The tobacco sunburst finish is genuinely beautiful.

With 144 reviews and a 4.4-star average, this guitar has earned a reputation for punching well above its weight class. Players frequently compare it favorably to much more expensive Gibson ES-335 and ES-137 style instruments, praising its tone and playability across jazz, rock, and blues.

CNC Manufacturing Precision

CNC machining ensures that every neck is cut to identical specifications, resulting in consistent fret placement and neck geometry. This manufacturing approach eliminates many of the quality control issues that plague budget guitars, where hand-built construction can lead to significant variation between individual instruments. The result is a guitar that plays well with minimal adjustment.

The Jatoba wood fingerboard provides a hard, durable playing surface with a warm tonal character. Combined with the maple neck, it offers a balanced feel that suits a variety of playing styles and preferences.

ES-335 Style at Budget Price

The double-cutaway body shape and tobacco sunburst finish give this guitar the classic ES-335 look that has defined rock, blues, and jazz guitar for decades. The H-H humbucker configuration provides the warm, full voice that this body style is known for, while the semi-hollow construction adds the airy resonance that players love.

Setup and Playability

Many owners report that this guitar plays well with minimal setup out of the box, which is a testament to the CNC manufacturing process. The fretwork is generally clean, and the intonation is close to spec. A few owners noted some fret sprout, which is easily addressed with a fret file, and recommend upgrading the tuners for improved tuning stability over time.

10. Glarry GTL Semi-Hollow – The Budget-Friendly Beginner Starter

The Glarry GTL is the most affordable true semi-hollow guitar on this list, making it the ideal entry point for beginners or players who want a budget platform for modifications. The transparent wine red finish looks far more expensive than it is, and the included gig bag, strap, and cable mean you can start playing the day it arrives.

With 184 reviews and a 4.2-star average, this guitar has proven that budget pricing does not have to mean unplayable. The H-S pickup configuration provides more tonal variety than you might expect at this price, with the neck humbucker delivering a warm, thick voice that works well for blues and jazz.

H-S Pickup Versatility

The humbucker-single combination is unusual for a semi-hollow guitar, and it provides a wider tonal range than a standard dual-humbucker setup. The neck humbucker delivers warm, round tones, while the single-coil bridge pickup adds brightness and definition. The 3-way switch offers distinct voicings from each position, giving players enough flexibility to cover multiple genres.

A fair warning: some owners report that the stock pickups can sound microphonic, particularly the bridge single-coil. This is common with budget pickups and can be addressed with a modest upgrade to aftermarket pickups if it becomes an issue during live performance.

Complete Starter Package

Unlike most guitars on this list, the Glarry GTL comes with everything a beginner needs to get started. The included gig bag provides basic protection, the strap keeps the guitar comfortable during standing play, and the cable connects to any standard amplifier. For a first semi-hollow guitar, this all-in-one approach removes the guesswork from getting started.

Best for Beginners and Modding

This guitar serves two purposes exceptionally well. For beginners, it offers an affordable way to experience semi-hollow tone and playability without a major commitment. For experienced players, it provides a budget platform for modifications. Swapping the pickups, tuners, and nut can transform this guitar into a genuinely gig-worthy instrument at a total investment that still undercuts many competitors.

How to Choose the Right Hollow Body Guitar

Selecting the right hollow body guitar comes down to understanding a few key differences that directly affect tone, playability, and feedback resistance. This guide breaks down the decisions you need to make before buying.

Hollow Body vs Semi-Hollow: What is the Difference?

A fully hollow body guitar has an entirely hollow interior with no center block, producing maximum resonance and the most acoustic-like tone. A semi-hollow guitar adds a solid wood center block that runs through the body, reducing feedback at higher volumes while preserving much of the hollow body character. As one Reddit guitarist put it, “Semi-hollows are more versatile and subject to less feedback, but they will not sound exactly like a true hollow body.”

For players who mostly play clean jazz at moderate volumes, a fully hollow body delivers the richest, most authentic tone. For players who need to handle rock gigs, band rehearsals, or louder stage settings, a semi-hollow is the safer choice. The center block provides enough feedback resistance to use moderate gain without problems. You can explore more semi-hollow options in our dedicated semi-hollow body guitars guide.

Pickup Types: Humbuckers, P-90s, and Single-Coils

Humbuckers produce a warm, full voice with no single-coil hum, making them the most popular choice for hollow and semi-hollow guitars. They handle both clean and driven tones well, which is why most guitars on this list use them. P-90 pickups offer a middle ground between single-coil clarity and humbucker warmth, with a distinctive midrange bark that blues and jazz players love. Single-coil pickups deliver the brightest, most articulate voice but are more susceptible to hum and feedback in hollow-body instruments.

Your genre should guide your pickup choice. Jazz players typically prefer humbuckers or P-90s for their warmth. Blues players often gravitate toward P-90s for their dynamic response. Rock and indie players may prefer humbuckers for their ability to handle gain without getting harsh or brittle.

Body Woods and Construction Quality

Maple is the traditional choice for hollow body guitar tops and backs, producing a bright, snappy tone with good projection. Basswood and linden are lighter, more affordable alternatives that produce a warmer, more midrange-focused voice. Mahogany necks add warmth and sustain, while maple necks contribute brightness and snap to the overall character.

Construction quality matters more than wood species at the budget level. A well-built basswood guitar will outperform a poorly built maple one every time. Look for clean fretwork, smooth binding, and consistent finish as indicators of overall build quality. If you are also exploring other guitar types, our guide to 7-string guitars covers construction considerations for extended-range instruments.

Controlling Feedback at Performance Volume

Feedback is the number one concern that hollow body players discuss in forums, and it is a legitimate issue with fully hollow designs at stage volume. Forum-tested solutions include lowering your amplifier volume, using EQ to cut the frequencies that trigger feedback, positioning yourself away from your amp speaker, and stuffing the body wings with foam or commercial feedback reducers like Doug’s Plugs.

Semi-hollow guitars with a center block handle feedback much better than fully hollow designs. If you play in a band with a drummer and need to compete with stage volume, a semi-hollow is almost always the right choice. Reserve fully hollow guitars for quieter settings where their superior resonance can shine without feedback becoming a problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Best Hollow Body Guitars 2026

After evaluating all 10 models, the Grote Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar stands as our top recommendation for 2026. Its combination of stainless steel frets, versatile H-H humbuckers, and genuine semi-hollow tone at an accessible price is unmatched. For players on a tighter budget, the Glarry GTL Semi-Hollow offers a complete starter package that lets you experience hollow-body character without a major investment.

If jazz is your primary focus, the Grote Jazz Hollow Body P-90 delivers authentic archtop voice with its dedicated P-90 pickup and fully hollow construction. For players who need brand-name reliability and a proven track record, both Ibanez Artcore models on this list offer the kind of consistent quality and warranty support that budget brands cannot match.

Whatever your style and budget, there is a hollow body guitar on this list that will elevate your tone and inspire your playing. Choose the one that matches your needs, and enjoy the warm, resonant character that only a hollow body guitar can provide.