Best Semi-Hollow Body Guitar Under $500 Reviewed
Semi-hollow body guitars still have a special place when it comes to western music. These guitars were the baseline of music in the 70s when the artist wanted a beefy sound. Semi-hollow body guitars perform big on stage, which makes them appealing to many artists. Recently, these guitars are making a comeback with the new demand for Americana revivals and Jazz.
With the demand for semi-hollow guitars rising, there are many available options. Hence, it could be overwhelming to settle for the best semi-hollow body guitar. Our article will review the three best semi-hollow body guitar under $500.
Of the entire Ibanez collection, the Artcore AS73 remains the most famous. It starts off our list of the best semi-hollow body guitar under $500 because it offers more value for the money. This AS73 will surpass your expectations for its moderate price.
Body and neck
The Ibanez AS73 has a mahogany neck and a maple body. The body features a double-cutaway style, chrome hardware, rosewood fretboard, classic elite pickups, and ART-1 Bridge.
Its semi-hollow body, the mahogany neck, and rosewood fretboard gives the AS 73 a warm and robust tone. Furthermore, the Classic Elite pickups combine both a broad and well-balanced output.
Playability
Ibanez AS 73 has a well-balanced mahogany neck with a flatter radius. Thus, it makes it easy for the artist to play the guitar for an extended time. Besides, it is an ideal instrument for a beginner since it is easy to use. Unlike other guitars with numerous bells and whistles, the Art core AS73 has only a three-position selector.
If you haven’t used this guitar before, it could take some time to switch between sounds. However, the quality of the sound it produces will surprise you. Besides, it also has an impeccable tone quality, which most musicians enjoy. It has volume controls that are easy to use. These controls also offer versatility since the user can customize the sound output.
Sound
From way back, Ibanez AS73 has been used to play Jazz. Playing this instrument will give you a warm and expressive tone. Luckily, you can achieve different tones from the guitar while playing. The responsiveness of the guitar’s pickup is impeccable, and its intonation is far better for a beginner-level guitar.
- Responsive controls and stable tuning
- Produces a full sound and offers spot-on intonation
- Moderately priced since its quality compares to that of Gibson 335
- Experienced musicians could find the guitar pickups below the quality they desire
- Some may find it intricate since it lacks numerous bells and whistles
Most guitarists dream of owning a vintage Fender. Unfortunately, the dream doesn’t come true for many due to financial constraints. So, how about owning a fender with high-quality sound output for an affordable price?
Body and neck
The Fender 70s telecaster has a maple neck with a poplar body. Thus, the guitar is lightweight and as sturdy as it can be. The uniqueness of the 70s Telecaster lies in its F-shape hole. The hole helps reduce the weight of the instrument, making it easy to play the guitar even while standing up. It also improves the natural resonance of the guitar through the wood.
The C-shaped neck with a 9.5″ radius will ensure you remain comfortable as you play the guitar. It also makes it easy on the fretting hand and suitable for the chords.
Sound
Fender Thinline Classic 70S is slightly different from other Fender Telecasters because it has two wide-range humbuckers. The two wide-range humbuckers are incredible, and are in line with the 70s fashion and music style.
The humbuckers help the guitar produce fat yet full-frequency sound, which you wouldn’t have anticipated from the guitar. With the instrument, you can expand to several music styles, which will move your audience.
Hardware
The Classic Vibe 70s has a robust and reliable bridge, which features a string through the body. The string passing through the body helps the guitar maintain its tuning stability. It also has pretty vintage headstock markings, and are exclusive to the guitar. Its tinted neck finish will take you back to the 70s.
- It has a classic look, yet sturdy and robust
- High-quality sound with different music styles
- It maintains its stability, and is comfortable to play for long periods
- You may need to set up the guitar, which most will find it easy to do
- Some feel they need to make adjustments on the instrument’s bridge
How would you like your Oscar Schmidt OE30? It comes in cherry stain, black gloss finish, and tobacco sunburst.
Design
The Oscar OE30 has a simple yet highly functional design. It has a double-cutaway on the neck, giving it a classic body appearance. The top side of the guitar is flat, and it has two F-holes on each side. It features a rounded bottom, which gives the guitar an enjoyable shape.
Body and neck
Its body is constructed of maple, which gives the instrument a sturdy nature and enhances durability. The maple body also provides delightful tonal qualities, and serves as a good resonator for both high and mid-tones. The result is a bright and energetic sound.
Like the body, the neck of the guitar is made of maple. Its single tonewood makes the guitar produce positive sound. The guitar neck is set through its body, which is consistent with guitars of the same style.
Sound
The Oscar Schmidt OE30 produces a far much better sound than you would have anticipated from a semi-hollow guitar. It produces a clean, strong sound output and nuances. Besides, it has numerous tones to switch between. Hence, it is an ideal guitar when looking to play either Jazz or rock and roll.
Hardware
You should be guaranteed of some excellent action since the guitar features a classic tune-o-Matic system. The system ensures string stability, which every artist considers when shopping for a guitar. The tuning of the guitar is constructed to fit and work well with the guitar’s design.
- Offers excellent value for the money
- Attractive body design which provides aesthetic value and durability
- Produces a string sound which is clean and nuanced
- It has laminated tonewoods which some may not prefer
- The nut is of cheap plastic, which could result in a sound that isn’t entirely clear. However, this is made up for by the nice humbuckers installed on the guitar
To Sum it up
Our three best semi-hollow body guitars under $500 will offer you the best value for your money. Feel free to select any of the above guitars that suits your needs and preference with confidence.
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