Best-Selling Semi-Hollow Body Guitars
The most popular semi-hollow body and ES-335-style guitars on Reverb, updated daily.
When the Gibson (Electric Spanish) ES-335 debuted in 1958, it was nothing short of an amplified revelation. Since the early ‘40s, manufacturers were trying to figure out how to stick a magnet on an archtop and project the guitar’s rich warmth enough to compete with big bands of the era. By adding a center block, acoustic bracing, and f-holes, they put a tamper on the feedback and gave rock, blues, and jazz guitarists a staple instrument.
There are as many 335-style semi-hollow bodies on the market as there are hit songs fueled by one. The familiar shape of the Ibanez Artcore AM93, the signature looks and tone of the Fender Thinline Tele, the rowdy rockabilly sensibilities of the Gretsch G5622T Electromatic: All have their attractive points, but it’s best to compare them side by side.
Find the best-selling models on Reverb, decide which one is the best fit for you, and start strumming out some warm, throaty hits of your own.
This page updates in real time with current data, so what you’re seeing is up-to-the-minute rankings. Click on each entry for more info and check out the bottom of the page for more details on buying a 335-style guitar.
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Gibson ES-335 Dot Figured 1991 - 2014
Starting at €2,171.80The 1991 - 2014 era of Gibson USA ES-335s were available with either a plain or figured maple top. These models are identical other than the figured maple, and can be identified by their model codes: ESDP for plain top models, and ESDT for figured top models. The model codes can be found on the f-hole sticker or COA booklet depending on the year of production. - 6
Rickenbacker 330
Starting at €1,763.83As one of the most popular Rick guitars currently in production, the Rickenbacker 330 has a host of famous fans: Tom Petty, Pete Townshend, Carrie Brownstein, and Johnny Marr, to name a few. The 330 sports Rickenbacker’s classic semi-hollow crescent moon body made of maple. Older 330 models came with the Rickenbacker Toaster pickups, which are more suited to a tone a la The Beatles, while the newer Hi-Gain pickups may sound more like The Smiths. Either way, the Rickenbacker 330 is great for jangly, British-sounding tone. - 10
Epiphone Sheraton II 1986 - 2007
Starting at €629The Epiphone Sheraton II features an 'Epiphone by Gibson' headstock from 1986 - 1988 and more traditional 'Epiphone' labeled headstock from 1988. It is made with a maple / walnut neck which differs from the models made from 2008 onward which features a maple neck. - 11
Gibson ES-335 Dot 1991 - 2014
Starting at €1,916.12The Gibson ES-335 Dot has been known by more than one name over the last three decades, but it's undoubtedly singular in its popularity as one of Gibson's most well-known reissues. First known as the ES-335 Dot, then renamed the ES-335 Reissue in the '90s, this instrument is based on the technical specs of its 1960s predecessor. While specimens from the early '80s may command a higher asking price, all ES-335 Reissues are built from a semi-hollow maple body with a rosewood fingerboard, two humbuckers, and come with the identifying dot inlays. Its popularity over the years has landed the ES-335 Dot Reissue in the hands of many a famous guitarist, like Dave Grohl and Eric Clapton.
The 1991 - 2014 era of Gibson USA ES-335s were available with either a plain or figured maple top. These models are identical other than the figured maple, and can be identified by their model codes: ESDP for plain top models, and ESDT for figured top models. The model codes can be found on the f-hole sticker or COA booklet depending on the year of production. - 14
Fender Classic Series '72 Telecaster Thinline
Starting at €719.10The Fender Classic Series '72 Telecaster Thinline has become a staple for guitarists after the hot-rodded look and tone of vintage Teles in a reliable, modern package. Modeled after the Teles of the late '60s that guitarists would customize with hot-to-the-touch pickups, the '72 Classic Series sports a pair of Wide Range Humbuckers and a chunky '70s-style neck painstakingly recreated from actual vintage specimens. Finished in a polyurethane gloss showcasing the semi-hollow ash body, the '72 Telecaster Thinline doesn't disappoint in sound or looks. - 15
PRS CE-24 Semi-Hollow
Starting at €1,917.42Features a 25" scale length, and a pair of 85/15 humbuckers. Semi-Hollow version of the longtime PRS staple, the CE-24. - 17
Epiphone ES-335 (2020 - Present)
Starting at €399Epiphone's new Inspired by Gibson ES-335 promises to deliver the tone and feel of a classic Gibson in a more affordable package for budget-conscious guitarists. It features the '60s-style Kalamazoo headstock that the rest of the collection also sports, as well as a solid maple center block for increased sustain and feedback resistance. Available in a variety of finishes, the Inspired by Gibson ES-335 is a great instrument for any playing style. - 20
Gretsch G5622T Electromatic Center Block Double Cutaway with Bigsby, Laurel Fretboard
Starting at €620Features Black Top Filter'Tron pickups, as opposed to the earlier Hilo'Tron pickups on the previous version.
What to Consider When Buying a Semi-Hollow Body Guitar
Shape
With acoustic design playing a larger role, the body is going to be a large factor in the sound you get. The Gibson or Epiphone ES-335 and its variants offer those room-filling rich harmonics, while sleeker options like the ES-339 and Fender Telecaster Thinline get you closer to solid-body sound with more bite.
Set vs. Bolt-On Neck
The sustain and resonance inherent in a semi-hollow body is a large part of their allure, and how the neck connects will affect response. A set neck will afford longer sustain but also runs for more money and a greater risk of breaking, while bolt-ons offer ease of repair and more affordable prices but less sustain.