Top 7 Cheap Hollow Body Guitars Under $500
Today, we’re diving deep into the world of hollow-body guitars that promise quality without crushing your wallet. We’re focusing on those gems that stay under the $500 mark, and trust me, these axes are far from subpar.
So, whether you’re a newbie in the guitar world or a seasoned player, there’s something here for everyone:
1. Ibanez Artcore AS53 & Ibanez Artcore AS73
The Ibanez Artcore series is a go-to for many due to its blend of quality, affordability, and consistency. The Artcore series guitars offer versatile tones, making them perfect for jazz, blues, and rock. They have a comfortable neck profile and usually come with a mahogany neck and rosewood fingerboard, giving them a warm, resonant tone.
2. Gretsch G2420 Streamliner
Gretsch is renowned for producing top-quality hollow-body guitars and the G2420 Streamliner is no exception. This beauty offers that classic Gretsch sound at a very affordable price. It features a spruce center block, reducing feedback, and two Broad’Tron pickups, ensuring a versatile, dynamic range of tones.
3. Epiphone Dot
The Epiphone Dot is a classic. It features a laminated maple body and top, with a smooth, slim-taper “D” profile mahogany neck. The Alnico Classic Humbucker pickups provide those rich, warm tones ideal for jazz and blues. This guitar is a great entry point for those new to hollow bodies as it combines quality with affordability.
4. Oscar Schmidt OE30
For those on a tighter budget, the Oscar Schmidt OE30 is a great choice. It comes with a maple body and rosewood fingerboard. The guitar has two Washburn HH pickups and a Stop Tailpiece, giving it a well-balanced tone. This guitar stands out for its sleek appearance and competitive pricing, without compromising on sound quality.
5. Ibanez AG75G Artcore
Another entry from Ibanez, the AG75G Artcore features a linden body and a nyatoh neck, paired with a laurel fingerboard. This guitar boasts Classic Elite pickups that cater to a diverse range of musical styles, providing clarity and richness in sound. It is an excellent option for players looking for versatility and consistency in performance.
6. Epiphone Wildkat
Epiphone strikes again with the Wildkat, an innovative, smaller-bodied guitar. It has a mahogany body, a maple top, and a SlimTaper D profile mahogany neck. The P-90 Dogear Classic pickups add to its appeal by delivering vintage, crisp tones. It’s a guitar for those who fancy a bit of retro flair combined with modern craftsmanship.
7. Squier Affinity Series Starcaster
The Squier Affinity Series Starcaster offers premium Fender quality at a fraction of the price. With its offset body and unique headstock design, it’s a stylish choice. It features two Squier humbucking pickups, providing a solid, rich sound suitable for different music genres. This guitar is perfect for those who want Fender vibes without the hefty price tag. If you decide to purchase the Affinity Series Starcaster, be sure to check the guitar’s authenticity by the serial number.
So there you have it! These are the best hollow body guitars under $500, offering a diverse range of tones, appearances, and playability. Remember, a lower price doesn’t necessarily mean lower quality, and each of these guitars is a testament to that!