Ive been looking at the epiphone dot I havent played one yet they also have a smaller version both are $399

It may not qualify as a semi-hollow, (actually and archtop acoustic/electric) but I recently purchased a Godin 5th Av. Kingpin ( non cut -a-way. single P90 pickup) and I’m having a blast with it.. The quality, fit and finish, tone is exceptional. It is fully hollow, and sounds super both acoustically and amped…Made in Canada. In the USA you can purchase this for around $500.00 which is a great deal… Guitar Player Magazine guitar of the year 2009.. Check out this review;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpyWLrxEuX0
They also have a Kingpin II model cut a way with 2 p90s for under $1000.
If you can manage the price, the Gibson ES335 (or one of it’s fancier cousins) is the ultimate in semi hollow guitars IMHO…. You’d never go wrong with this iconic guitar… You could look for a gently used one, although they don’t depreciate much, which is a good thing in my view… they hold their value and appreciate with age. The EPI 333Dot is a decent reproduction, at a third of the cost, but if you play them against each other you will definitely notice the difference.
The EPI Sheraton II is a possible contender too…
I;m Curious though… what is it about the Ibanez AF 85 that you aren’t happy with?
Regard; Neil

I know what you mean about full hollowbodies, I’ve had 2 of them and its just not my cup of tea.

Before buying an Epiphone, if you can find one to try, look at a Peavey JF-1 Ex. Its a 335 copy that is $350 new and the workmanship is really good. One of the most comfortable necks I’ve ever played. Here are a couple of links

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guitars/peavey-jf-1-hollowbody-guitar

http://www.peavey.com/products/index.cfm/item/736/113643/JF-1(tm) Red

If I didn’t have the Peavey and wanted a semi-hollow, I would look at the Paul Reed Smith SE Custom Semi Hollow
for under $700. You can’t beat PRS for quality, plus they have kept probably 95% of their manufacturing in Maryland instead sending it Asia
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guitars/prs-se-custom-semi-hollow-electric-guitar/h70027

Both of these guitars gets really good reviews

Taylor T5 Custom, huh?

That’s a ‘Does everything under the sun and does it very well and looks good too’ guitar.

Very nice guitar so congrats on a good purchase

@deluxe strat 2012 wrote:

Ive been looking at the epiphone dot I havent played one yet they also have a smaller version both are $399

Same here. Seems like a good guitar, being a Gibson and all. How about a semi hollow PRS. They’re the onl guitars with humbuckers I could get myself to like. The pups and the PRS guitars seem bright for a bucker, something I like.

I havent looked at any PRS’s I guess i figured they were out of my price range

They’re a little out of mine too. Oh, well. We can still dream though, right?

I have the Epiphone 339. Very nice for the price.I had to clean up the fret board and have a setup done to it. Then of course re-adjust for my taste. Overall feels really nice. Nice and light.

I changed the pick up – currently to the Jazz / Pearly Gate. The push pots are a nice bonus – little thin but usable.

Guitar Center has the 30 day return policy which I utilize for everything anymore. Nice to try the product in the comfort of you home for a few weeks. Never had a problem returning – Guitars, amps, etc…Try on you might like it.

Good luck

I have an Epiphone es339 pro- the basic one. A smaller bodied es335 style. Love it. Great build quality but pretty cheap for what you get. One tip- try out a few of the same model until you find a good ‘un. Absolute bargain really as with many guitars these days. I have a couple of Classic Vibe’s. Unbelievable quality for the money. Happy searching.