Shopping for semi-hollow guitars under 500 can feel overwhelming, especially when specs, pickup types, and body styles vary so much at this price. The good news: there are real value picks here for jazz, blues, indie, and versatile everyday playing.
This roundup focuses on practical buying value, not hype, so you can quickly narrow down the best option for your budget and playing style.
Best 10 Semi Hollow Guitars Under 500 Picks for 2026
Best Budget 335 Style
GROTE Jazz Semi-Hollow with Gig Bag
- Rich, warm semi-hollow tone
- Maple neck and rosewood fingerboard
- Gig bag included for transport
Best For: Beginners and budget players wanting a warm semi-hollow
CNC-Cut Sunburst Pick
IYV IRK-300 Semi-Hollow 3-Tone Sunburst
- CNC-made for consistent construction
- Classic 24.75-inch scale length
- H-H pickups with tremolo bridge
Best For: Players wanting consistent build and a classic scale
Stainless-Fret Classic
Grote Full Scale Semi-Hollow Natural
- Semi-hollow Canadian maple body
- 22 stainless steel frets
- 24.75-inch scale with fixed bridge
Best For: Players wanting vintage feel with stainless frets
Budget Jazz Box
GROTE Hollow Body P90 Sunburst
- Full-size 25.5-inch scale
- P-90 pickups with warm-bright tone
- Maple construction and good finish
Best For: affordable full-size hollow-body style and classic P-90 tone
Versatile Semi-Hollow Performer
- Roasted mahogany body and top
- Custom humbuckers with 3-way switch
- Compound-radius neck and fixed bridge
Best For: modern players who want stable setup and humbucker versatility
Matte 335 Style Pick
GROTE GTL-101 Grey P90 Semi-Hollow
- Sapele body with lightweight feel
- P-90 pickups for warm, dynamic tone
- Matte finish reduces stage glare
Best For: budget-minded players who want a low-glare semi-hollow with P-90s
Budget Jazz Semi-Hollow
- Alnico-5 humbuckers cover clean to distorted tones.
- Bone nut and medium jumbo frets support easy playability.
- Warm, mellow voicing suits jazz and blues styles.
Best For: Beginners and value-focused players wanting a warm semi-hollow
Versatile P-90 Semi-Hollow
- Dual P-90 pickups bring a distinct, articulate voice.
- 25-inch scale and fixed bridge keep the feel simple.
- CNC-made construction suggests consistent output.
Best For: Players seeking P-90 tone in a straightforward budget semi-hollow
Feature-Rich 335 Style
- Stainless steel frets improve durability and intonation.
- Hard maple neck and rosewood fretboard feel upgrade-minded.
- Single humbucker with 3-way controls keeps tone flexible.
Best For: Players wanting a warm, durable semi-hollow with simple controls
Best Budget 335 Style – GROTE Jazz Semi-Hollow with Gig Bag
GROTE Jazz Electric Guitar Semi-Hollow Body Trapeze Tailpiece Bridge Guitar Gig Bag (Brown)
Check Price On AmazonIf you want semi hollow guitars under 500 with a classic 335-style feel, this GROTE model is aimed at players who want warm, versatile tone without a big spend. The basswood body, maple neck, and rosewood fingerboard are a straightforward combo for everyday practice, home recording, and general genre-hopping.
Best For: Beginners and budget-minded players who want a semi-hollow with warm tone and an included gig bag.
Pros:
- Semi-hollow design is described as producing a rich, warm tone.
- Maple neck and rosewood fingerboard support a smooth playing feel.
- Includes a gig bag for easier transport and storage.
- H-H pickup setup gives it a flexible electric-guitar format.
Cons:
- Basswood construction may not appeal if you prefer pricier tonewoods.
- Trapeze-style bridge setup may not suit players who want a more modern feel.
This is a practical entry point if you want the semi-hollow look and sound in an affordable package. It keeps the feature set simple, which makes it a sensible value pick for new players or anyone needing a budget backup guitar.
CNC-Cut Sunburst Pick – IYV IRK-300 Semi-Hollow 3-Tone Sunburst
Among semi hollow guitars under 500, the IYV IRK-300 stands out for buyers who care about build consistency and a traditional 24.75-inch scale. Its basswood body, maple neck, and jatoba fingerboard keep the spec sheet familiar, while the H-H pickup layout and tremolo bridge give it a flexible setup for everyday electric playing.
Best For: Players who want a semi-hollow with a classic scale length and CNC-made consistency.
Pros:
- CNC machine production is highlighted for punctual, consistent manufacturing.
- 24.75-inch scale length offers a familiar feel for many players.
- Maple neck and jatoba fingerboard provide a solid standard setup.
- H-H pickup configuration adds broad electric-guitar versatility.
Cons:
- Notes do not provide much detail on the acoustic character of the semi-hollow body.
- Tremolo bridge may not suit players who prefer a fixed-bridge feel.
This model is a sensible pick if you value straightforward specs and manufacturing consistency over flashy extras. It looks like a reliable choice for players who want a familiar playing experience in a semi-hollow format.
Stainless-Fret Classic – Grote Full Scale Semi-Hollow Natural
Grote Full Scale Electric Guitar Semi-Hollow Body Guitar Stainless Steel Frets (Natural)
Check Price On AmazonIf you are comparing semi hollow guitars under 500, this Grote full-size model brings a more traditional 335-style layout with a 24.75-inch scale and stainless steel frets. The semi-hollow Canadian maple body is positioned for warm, rich resonance, while the maple neck and black wood fingerboard keep the playing side simple and familiar.
Best For: Players who want a full-size semi-hollow with stainless steel frets and a warm vintage voice.
Pros:
- Semi-hollow Canadian maple body is described as warm and rich in resonance.
- 22 stainless steel frets add a durable, smooth playing surface.
- 24.75-inch scale length gives it a traditional feel.
- Fixed bridge and H-H pickups create a straightforward electric setup.
Cons:
- Only 22 frets, which may feel limited to some lead players.
- No warranty description is listed in the supplied details.
This is a strong option for players who want classic semi-hollow styling with a few durability-focused touches. The stainless frets are the standout feature, especially if you want a guitar that should hold up well to regular use.
Simple Black Workhorse – IYV IRK-300 Semi-Hollow Black
This black IYV IRK-300 is one of the more stripped-back semi hollow guitars under 500, which makes it appealing if you want the format without extra distractions. The basswood body, maple neck, jatoba fingerboard, H-H pickups, and fixed bridge point to a practical, no-frills design for everyday playing.
Best For: Players who want a basic semi-hollow electric guitar with a simple black finish and fixed bridge.
Pros:
- Semi-hollow construction gives you the style and feel of the format.
- Fixed bridge offers a simple, stable setup.
- Maple neck and jatoba fingerboard keep the playing spec familiar.
- 1-year warranty description is included in the notes.
Cons:
- Supplied notes are very sparse compared with the other models.
- No detailed tone or hardware feature breakdown is provided.
If you mainly want a straightforward semi-hollow and do not need a long feature list, this model is easy to understand and easy to shop. It looks best as a practical, minimal-gear choice rather than a feature-packed standout.
Budget Jazz Box – GROTE Hollow Body P90 Sunburst
GROTE Jazz Electric Guitar Hollow Body Chrome Hardware P90 pickup (Vintage Sunburst)
Check Price On AmazonIf you’re shopping for semi hollow guitars under 500 and want a more classic jazz-box feel, this GROTE model is worth a look. It uses a full-size 25.5-inch scale, a maple neck/body build, and P-90 pickups, which gives it a bright sound with warm undertones and a versatile response for different styles.
Best For: Players who want an affordable full-size hollow-body style guitar with P-90 character and a traditional look.
Pros:
- Full-size 25.5-inch scale with 20 frets for a familiar playing feel
- P-90 pickups and volume/tone controls for a bright, warm tonal profile
- Maple neck and body with a black wood fingerboard and good finish
- Includes a cable and Allen wrench
Cons:
- Strings are shipped less tight to reduce transport damage
- Trapeze tailpiece may not suit players who prefer a different bridge feel
Overall, this is a practical entry-level hollow-body option if you want the look and tonal personality of a P-90 guitar without stretching the budget.
Versatile Semi-Hollow Performer – EART E-TT72 HH Fixed Bridge
For buyers comparing semi hollow guitars under 500, the EART E-TT72 stands out as a more modern, versatile option. It pairs roasted mahogany construction with custom humbuckers, a fixed bridge, and a compound-radius fingerboard, making it a strong fit if you want comfort, stability, and a wider tonal range.
Best For: Players who want a semi-hollow guitar with humbucker power, stable setup features, and modern playability.
Pros:
- Roasted bookmatch mahogany body and top for a premium-style build
- Custom humbucker pickups with 3-way switching for flexible tones
- Compound 9.5″-14″ radius and U-to-C neck profile for easier playability
- Fixed bridge and dual-action truss rod for stable, adjustable setup
Cons:
- More modern spec sheet may not appeal if you want a traditional hollow-body vibe
- Limited control layout with one tone and one volume knob
This is a solid pick if your priority is dependable playability and humbucker-driven versatility rather than a vintage jazz aesthetic.
Matte 335 Style Pick – GROTE GTL-101 Grey P90 Semi-Hollow
If you want semi hollow guitars under 500 with a classic 335-style layout, this GROTE GTL-101 is a straightforward contender. Its sapele body, maple neck, rosewood fingerboard, and P-90 pickups are aimed at players who want a lightweight feel and a warm, bright, dynamic sound in a simple, stage-friendly finish.
Best For: Players looking for a lightweight semi-hollow with P-90 pickups and a matte, low-glare finish.
Pros:
- Sapele body offers a lightweight and comfortable playing experience
- P-90 pickups provide warm, bright, and dynamic tones
- Matte finish helps reduce stage glare
- Includes a guitar cable and two picks
Cons:
- Fixed bridge limits bridge style options
- No warranty description provided in the supplied notes
For players who want an affordable semi-hollow with classic looks, simple hardware, and a non-reflective finish, this model covers the essentials well.
Budget Jazz Semi-Hollow – WestCreek 333 Gold
If you’re shopping for semi hollow guitars under 500, the WestCreek 333 is aimed at players who want a warm, mellow voice with a classic 335-style feel. Its dual Alnico-5 humbuckers and maple-body construction make it a straightforward option for clean, overdriven, and distorted tones, while the rounded-end medium jumbo frets are meant to keep playability comfortable.
Best For: Beginners and players expanding into jazz, blues, and versatile humbucker tones.
Pros:
- Two Alnico-5 humbuckers support clean, overdrive, and distortion sounds.
- Bone nut is designed for efficient vibration transfer.
- Rounded-end medium jumbo frets add a smoother playing feel.
- Warm, mellow sound profile fits jazz-oriented use.
Cons:
- Single-month warranty is short compared with some alternatives.
- Maple-on-maple build may not suit players wanting a more traditional semi-hollow recipe.
- Fixed details focus more on core function than premium hardware extras.
This is a practical pick if you want an affordable semi-hollow with classic humbucker versatility and beginner-friendly features. It looks tailored for players who value comfort and a warm baseline tone more than bells and whistles.
Versatile P-90 Semi-Hollow – IYV ITF-450 Trans Red
Among semi hollow guitars under 500, the IYV ITF-450 stands out for players who want P-90 bite with a fixed-bridge, 25-inch-scale format. The solid top and mahogany body give it a straightforward build, and the CNC-made construction suggests consistency if you’re looking for an easy-to-buy budget semi-hollow for everyday playing.
Best For: Players who want P-90 clarity and a simple, versatile semi-hollow platform.
Pros:
- Dual P-90 pickups offer a different voice than typical humbuckers.
- 25-inch scale length gives a comfortable middle-ground feel.
- Mahogany body with burl maple veneer top adds a classic look.
- CNC machine production points to consistent manufacturing.
Cons:
- Fixed bridge limits tremolo-style expression.
- Notes provide limited detail on fretwork, hardware, and setup.
- Colorway and specs are simpler than some feature-heavy competitors.
If you want a semi-hollow that emphasizes P-90 character over conventional humbucker warmth, this model makes sense. It is best viewed as a clean, no-frills platform for players who want a distinctive pickup sound in a budget-friendly package.
Feature-Rich 335 Style – RD-100 Green
If you’re comparing semi hollow guitars under 500, the RD-100 is a strong value pick for players who want a 335-style layout with upgraded-feeling details. It pairs a semi-hollow body with a hard maple neck, rosewood fretboard, stainless steel frets, and a single humbucker, aiming for a warm, resonant sound with a durable playing surface.
Best For: Players who want a warm semi-hollow with solid neck and fret upgrades.
Pros:
- Stainless steel frets are built for durability and clear intonation.
- Canadian hard maple neck and rosewood fretboard add a premium-feeling spec mix.
- 3-way toggle plus dual volume and tone controls offer flexible shaping.
- Warm, resonant, rich sound profile fits jazz, blues, and rock.
Cons:
- Single humbucker limits pickup-switching options versus dual-pickup models.
- Basswood body may not appeal to players seeking a heavier classic semi-hollow build.
- Warranty information is not clearly defined in the notes.
For players who want a budget semi-hollow with a sturdier-feeling feature set, the RD-100 is easy to recommend. The stainless frets and control layout give it an edge if you care about long-term playability and simple tonal flexibility.
How We Picked the Best Semi Hollow Guitars Under 500
For this roundup, we focused on Semi Hollow Guitars Under 500 that offer the strongest mix of sound, construction, and player-friendly features. Priority went to models with usable pickups, stable hardware, comfortable necks, reliable fretwork, and body designs that make sense for the kinds of music most buyers want to play.
We also looked for useful variety. Some players want warmer jazz tones, while others need more output for rock, blues, or fusion. That means the best pick is not always the most expensive-looking one; it is the one that fits your tone goals and feels good in hand.
Quick Comparison: What Matters Most
At this budget, the biggest differences usually come from pickups, bridge style, neck feel, and overall setup quality. P90-style pickups tend to sound brighter and more aggressive, humbuckers are often smoother and quieter, and trapeze or fixed bridge designs can change sustain and tuning feel. Full-scale models may feel more familiar to players coming from standard electric guitars, while others may prefer a more compact jazz-oriented body.
Key Buying Factors for Semi Hollow Guitars Under 500
Pickups and Tone
Start with the sound you want. If you like cleaner articulation and bite, look for P90s or brighter single-coil-like voicing. If you want thicker mids, less hum, and a rounder lead tone, humbuckers are usually the safer choice.
Neck Comfort and Scale Length
Comfort matters more than almost any spec. Check the scale length, neck profile, and fret size if possible. Players with smaller hands may prefer a more relaxed feel, while those who bend a lot may want smoother fretwork and a neck that does not fight back.
Hardware and Tuning Stability
Bridge and tailpiece design affect sustain, resonance, and maintenance. Fixed bridges are generally straightforward, while trapeze-style setups can suit traditional semi-hollow styling. Good tuners and solid nut work are important in this price range.
Body Size and Weight
Semi Hollow Guitars Under 500 can range from compact and easy to handle to larger, more resonant jazz-style bodies. If you plan to play standing for long sessions, weight and balance should be part of the decision.
Who Should Buy Which Semi Hollow Guitars Under 500?
Choose a P90-equipped model if you want a lively, edgy response for blues, garage rock, or indie. Go with a humbucker-equipped guitar if you want smoother jazz tones, higher-output rock sounds, or a quieter signal for recording and practice. If you are a beginner, prioritize comfort, consistent setup, and straightforward controls over flashy specs.
For players upgrading from a starter guitar, the best choice is usually the model that feels closest to your current setup but offers better pickups and cleaner hardware. For gigging musicians, look for the most dependable tuning stability and the most versatile pickup layout. In short, the right choice depends on whether you value warmth, bite, simplicity, or flexibility more than a specific brand name.