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Are You Curious About the Best Semi-Hollow Body Guitar for Rock?

Learn about the best semi-hollow body guitar for rock.

You’ve probably noticed that there are a lot of different semi-hollow body guitars out there.

The different setups, different models, and different features can become confusing.

At the end of the day, it’s hard to know which one is the right to play rock.

Plus, you don’t want to buy a guitar only to find out that it’s the wrong one for you.

Fortunately, we’ve done exhaustive research and found the best semi-hollow body guitars available today that are perfect for playing rock!

What does this mean for you? Simply put: You can leave your worries behind.

Rest assured, these are the best of the best, and they’re available today.

Check it out! You won’t be disappointed.

Best Semi-Hollow Body Guitar for Rock: Best Overall

Ibanez Artstar AS153

If you’re looking for a stylish, versatile, and resonant semi-hollow body guitar to play rock, then check out the Ibanez Artstar AS153.

The body is made of flamed maple with bound f-holes, a double-cutaway shape, and a set-in neck, so it’s very resonant with warm, full tones, has an upscale look, and phenomenal sustain.

The 3-piece neck has the AS Artstar shape, is made of nyatoh and maple, and has a radius of 12″. As a result, it’s very versatile, feels very comfortable in your hand, and has easy playability.

With 22 medium frets, acrylic and abalone block inlays, and a bone nut, the bound Ebony fretboard delivers a classic tone, an opulent look, enhanced resonance.
Plus, the Artstar Fret Edge Treatment gives you a much smoother playing experience.

The two Super 58 humbuckers at the neck and bridge positions deliver a classic and very versatile tone with a moderate output making them perfect for playing rock. Plus, the Tri-sound switch allows you to set the neck humbucker in parallel expanding your tonal versatility.

Pros

  • Bone Nut
  • Hardshell Case Included

Cons

  • Only Available in One Finish

As you can see, the Ibanez Artstar AS153 delivers plenty of versatility, playability, and performance that’s great for playing rock.

We think you’ll find its looks, design, and features will satisfy no matter what you’re playing.

Don’t miss out! Click here and get yours now.

Best Semi-Hollow Body Guitar for Rock: Best Budget

Ibanez Artcore AS53

Are you looking for a semi-hollowbody that’s got a compact body, dynamic tones, and is easy on your budget? Then check out the Ibanez Artcore AS53.

It has a compact body made of Sapele with a double-cutaway and set-in neck design. As a result, it’s very comfortable to play, delivers enhanced resonance and superior sustain, as well as easy playability.

The neck is made of nyatoh, has Ibanez’s AS Artcore shape, and a radius of 12″ so it provides plenty of stability, feels comfortable in your hand, and has easy playability.

With small dot inlays and 22 medium frets, the bound walnut fretboard has a simple look, adds a warm tone to your sound, and a versatile playing experience.

The Infinity humbucker pickups at the neck and bridge positions deliver a warm and creamy tone that’s perfectly balanced, very versatile, and perfect for playing rock.

Finally, the Gibraltar Performer bridge provides improved sustain, and solid tuning stability, while the Quik Change III tailpiece ensures your string changes are hassle-free.

Pros

  • Available in 3 Finishes

Cons

  • Plastic Nut

As you can see, the Ibanez Artcore AS53 is a smaller-bodied semi-hollow body guitar that delivers an easy playing experience and quality features at a very affordable price.

We think you’ll agree it’s a great choice for anyone on a budget who’s looking for a potent semi-hollow guitar.

Don’t hesitate! Click here and get yours today.

Best Semi-Hollow Body Guitar for Rock: Best Runner-Up

Guild Starfire IV

Are you looking for a semi-hollow body guitar that’s got a thin, compact boy, is a modern twist on a classic and delivers unique tones? Then check out the Guild Starfire IV ST.

It has a double-cutaway thinline body made of maple, with an arched top and back, a solid spruce center block, and a set-in neck. As a result, it’s very comfortable to hold, delivers bright, warm, and resonant tones, and is easy to play.

The mahogany neck has a maple center seam, is in a vintage soft “U” shape, and has a radius of 9.5″ giving you a very vintage playing feel and high-performance durability.

With 22 narrow-jumbo frets, a bone nut, and Pearloid dot inlays, the bound ebony fretboard has a very straightforward look, and a more vintage feel while it also adds superior resonance and a classic tone to your sound.

The vintage-style Guild LB-1 “Little Bucker” pickups at the neck and bridge positions provide a distinctive tone with plenty of warmth and punch that makes them perfect for playing rock.

Plus, with a 3-way toggle switch and separate volume and tone controls for each pickup, you’ll always be able to dial in your preferred sound.

Finally, the Grover Sta-Tite Open-Gear tuners are paired with a Guild Tune-O-Matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece which increases sustain enhances resonance, and delivers superior tuning stability.

Pros

  • Available in 3 Finishes
  • Includes Hardshell Case

Cons

  • Feels Like Guild Could Have Added Bound f-Holes and Block Inlays at This Price

As you can see, the Guild Starfire IV ST delivers a semi-hollowbody guitar that has unique and powerful tones, easy playability, and the feel of a solidbody guitar.

We think you’ll agree it’s a versatile and feature-packed semi-hollowbody that’s primed to play rock.

Why wait another day? Click here and get yours now.

Best Semi-Hollow Body Guitar for Rock: Best Under $1000

D’Angelico Premier SS

Are you interested in a semi-hollow body guitar that has a superb look, delivers stunning tones, and high-performance features? Then check out the D’Angelico Premier SS.

It has a laminated maple body with a single cutaway, and a set-thru neck design so it delivers full and resonant tones, excellent resonance, and massive sustain.

The maple neck is in a “C” shape with a radius of 14″ so it’s comfortable in your hand and versatile enough to play leads and chords effortlessly.

With 22 medium-sized frets, block inlays, and multi-ply cream binding, the ovangkol fretboard delivers a stylish look, adds depth to your tone, and provides easy playability.

The Seymour Duncan Designed humbucker pickups, an HB-102N at the neck and an HB-101B at the bridge, deliver warm, full-bodied tones that are versatile and suitable for a variety of playing styles, especially rock. They’re controlled by a 3-way toggle switch, and separate volume and tone controls for each pickup.

Finally, the chrome Tune-O-Matic bridge is anchored with a D’Angelico Stairstep Trapeze tailpiece which delivers enhanced resonance and sustain as well as an opulent look.

Pros

  • Available in 4 Finishes
  • Includes Gig Bag
  • Available with a Stop Tailpiece

Cons

  • Only Available in Right-Hand Models
  • Some Finishes Only Come with a Stop Tailpiece
  • Plastic Nut

As you can see, the D’Angelico Premier SS has a deluxe look, high-quality features, and effortless playability.

We think you’ll find it makes a statement in looks, features, and sound.

Why wait another day? Click here and get yours now.

Best Semi-Hollow Body Guitar for Rock: Best Under $500

Squier Classic Vibe 70’s Telecaster Thinline

Are you looking for a semi-hollow body guitar that has a throwback vibe, a chambered body, and some potent tones? Then check out the Squier Classic Vibe ’70s Telecaster Thinline.

It has a chambered Telecaster body with an f-hole made out of soft maple and a bolt-on neck so it’s resonant with high-performance sustain and a full tone.

The maple neck has a “C” shape with a radius of 9.5″ making it comfortable for your hand and giving you a very vintage playing feel.

With 21 narrow-tall frets, black dot inlays, and a bone nut, the maple neck adds a classic tone to your already full sound, a vintage feel to your fretting, and improved resonance.

The Fender Designed Wide Range humbuckers at the neck and bridge positions are where this guitar shines when playing rock. They deliver serious overdrive with plenty of lows and very crisp highs.

The vintage-style tuners are paired with a 6-saddle Vintage-Style string-through-body Tele bridge that features barrel saddles. As a result, it delivers optimal resonance, enhanced sustain, and rock-solid tuning stability.

Pros

  • Available in 2 Finishes

Cons

  • No Split-Coil Option

As you can see, the Squier Classic Vibe ’70s Telecaster Thinline is designed to play rock and delivers the essential sounds and features you’re looking for.

We think you’ll find its vintage look and playing feel will open up a whole new level of possibility.

See for yourself. Click here and get yours now.

Best Semi-Hollow Body Guitar for Rock: FAQ

  • Are semi-hollow guitars good for rock?
    • Yes, they’re a good compromise between a solid body guitar and a fully hollow guitar since they’re less prone to feedback problems and still deliver a warmer and more resonant tone.
  • What are semi-hollow guitars best for?
    • Semi-hollow guitars are best for clean, and not too distorted playing. If you’re just starting out, you’re probably going to be better off with a solid body guitar, unless you’re playing jazz. Please see this post and this one for more recommendations.
    • Also, this post covers some semi-hollow Ibanez guitars built to play jazz.
  • Can you play rock on a hollow body guitar?
    • Yes, although you won’t be able to play anything with too much distortion because of feedback problems. See this post for hollow body recommendations under $1000 and this post for hollow body recommendations under $500.
  • What is the best guitar for rock?
    • A Stratocaster is probably the most popular and more versatile guitar for playing rock. See this post for a beginner’s guide to Stratocasters and this post for our recommendations on Stratocaster alternatives.