Looking to buy a reasonably priced semi-hollow…ideas?

[ncblues79]

Hey guys, I’ve been looking at buying a semi-hollow electric for awhile now but can’t seem to narrow it down any. I currently have several electrics including an Ibanez AF85, which is fully hollow. I’m not real happy with it and was thinking of trading it in on a semi. I’ve looked at the Gibson 339 and 355’s and the Taylor T3. I really liked the Taylor, but the price is a little out of my range at the moment ($2,500). I’m looking for something less than $1,000, any ideas?

[Deluxe Strat]

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

[Neiles335]

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

[GnLguy]

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

[ncblues79]

Thanks for the info…I went around and played some different semi’s including epiphone and prs. I couldn’t find anything I liked though. That was until I picked up a Taylor t5 custom. That thing is a dream. Against better judgement, I went ahead and placed it on layaway. I didn’t have the ibanez with me to trade in, so I’ll go back to pick it up in a week or so.

[GnLguy]

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

[Rickey]

@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.

[Deluxe Strat]

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

[Rickey]

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

[Anonymous]

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

[Bryced]

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.

[ncblues79]

Thanks for all the advice! I got the T5 and I have to say it is amazing. I’m a big Taylor fan anyway but this thing is unbelievable. I’ve been playing it almost everyday and I’m still learning all the different sounds I can get out of it. Anyone looking, I would definitely recommend a T5.

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