Top-tier hollow-body electric guitars 2025: The finest hollow-body guitars worth investing in today
Having stumbled upon the realm of electric six-strings, you might've discovered a temptation toward those juicy, resonant, and sonically diverse hollowbody electric guitars. If you haven't already, that yearning will surface soon enough. From blues to rock, jazz, and more, hollowbodies offer a slight variation on the sound you've otherwise been jamming, giving your collection a fresh flavor.
You may not find many in the metal genre, but a skilled hand can tame the feedback and revel in the additional resonance. Remember Brent Hinds shredding his way through gigs on a Gibson Lucille? So, whether you're ready to dive into the world of hollowbodies or simply curious, here's a rundown of the top picks on the market right now.
Top Picks
Best Overall - PRS SE Hollowbody II Piezo
This magnificently designed instrument boasts PAF-style 58/15S humbuckers, providing electric and acoustic sounds in harmonious blend. The build quality is truckload impressive, making the PRS SE Hollowbody II Piezo our top recommendation. If you're on the lookout for a versatile, high-performance guitar that delivers plenty of class, look no further.
Best Budget - Squier Classic Vibe '70s Telecaster Thinline
Taking a corner of both the solid and semi-hollow worlds, this beauty carries an affordable price tag and sounds terrific. The Wide Range humbuckers allow for an array of tones achievable through command of the onboard tone controls, making this Telecaster a genre-diverse chameleon. Its effortless playability, sturdy hardware, and attention-grabbing aesthetics seal the deal for this top-value option.
Best Compact - Epiphone Inspired By Gibson ES-339
Slightly smaller and lighter than the traditional ES-335, this model is a charm to play. Dressed in gloss finishes like Cherry, Pelham Blue, Vintage Sunburst, and Natural, these guitars provide warm and open 335 sounds without breaking the bank. Comfortable to play, this compact choice delivers all-round excellence.
If you're ready to dive further, keep reading for in-depth reviews of each selection.
PRS SE Hollowbody II Piezo
⭐⭐⭐⭐The PRS SE Hollowbody II Piezo impresses with its exceptional acoustic sounds and is a joy to perform on. Those seeking versatility and high performance will appreciate this model that delivers excellent build quality and electric-acoustic sounds without breaking the bank.
Epiphone Inspired By Gibson ES-339
⭐⭐⭐⭐A more affordable counterpart to the Gibson ES-335, the Epiphone Inspired By Gibson ES-339 boasts Alnico Classic PRO humbuckers, a Graph Tech NuBone nut, Grover Rotomatic tuners, and a Locktone bridge and tailpiece for optimum sustain. Available in gloss finishes like Cherry, Pelham Blue, Vintage Sunburst, and Natural, this guitar is a killer option for those seeking warm and open 335 tones without compromising on comfort.
Squier Classic Vibe '70s Telecaster Thinline
⭐⭐⭐⭐The Squier Classic Vibe '70s Telecaster Thinline is an affordable hollowbody contender that sounds great. Wide Range humbuckers allow for a wide array of tones, especially when engaging the onboard tone controls. Its effortless playability, sturdy hardware, and bold aesthetics make this Telecaster an interesting addition to your collection.
In conclusion, whether you're a beginner or seasoned musician, the above picks take you through a variety of hollowbody electric guitars that cater to diverse budgets and musical styles. The PRS SE Hollowbody II Piezo delivers versatility, while the Squier Classic Vibe '70s Telecaster Thinline offers value for money, and Epiphone Inspired By Gibson ES-339 gives you a more affordable taste of 335 sounds.
- In the realm of electric guitars, you might have been attracted towards the juicy, resonant, and sonically diverse hollowbody electric guitars, which offer a slight variation on the sound you've been jamming.
- The Gibson Lucille, used by Brent Hinds for his gigs, is a testament to the potential of hollowbodies, even in the metal genre.
- If you're considering jumping into the world of hollowbodies or just curious, here are top picks that rule the market currently.
- The PRS SE Hollowbody II Piezo, our top recommendation, boasts PAF-style 58/15S humbuckers and impressive build quality, making it a versatile and high-performance pick for a wide variety of music genres.
- The Squier Classic Vibe '70s Telecaster Thinline, an affordable choice, carries Wide Range humbuckers and onboard tone controls that allow for an array of tones, making it a genre-diverse chameleon.
- Epiphone Inspired By Gibson ES-339, a smaller and lighter alternative to the traditional ES-335, provides warm and open 335 sounds at an affordable price, while still being comfortable to play.
- The PRS SE Hollowbody II Piezo is a joy to perform on, offering exceptional acoustic sounds and versatility without breaking the bank.
- The Epiphone Inspired By Gibson ES-339 features Alnico Classic PRO humbuckers, Grover Rotomatic tuners, and a Locktone bridge and tailpiece for optimum sustain, available in gloss finishes that are charming to look at.
