Best Value for Hollow-Body?

[MarkF786]

What's the best value (ie. bang-for-buck) in a hollow-body? I'm looking for something below $1K, but something around the $500 price range would be even better. Of course getting a used one would make it a better value still, though I'd also consider new.

Thanks for the feedback.

Mark

 

[AustinIsPresent]

I second this question. Point us somewhere good!

 

[Trotter]

A used Epiphone Elitist can be found for under $1k. The one I owned actually played better than my Gibson 335.

For only $299 new you could get an Epiphone Dot Studio. I would recommend upgrading the pickups though.

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Epiphone-Dot-Studio-SemiHollow-Electric-Guitar?sku=518706

 

[m@2]

not really a true hollow body, but a used Gibson ES137 can be had for 1k, and is a really fun guitar ..

 

[sector9]

The Gretsch 51xx electromatic series is far better than the guitars mentioned above. Excellent quality and a blast to play.

 

[chucke99]

Don't we answer this question like twice a week? My usual answer is look to the Ibanez AS semi-hollow line. Even the AS-73, which can be had for $300 new, is a well built guitar, but as the numbers go higher, so does the build quality. AS-83 and AS-93 are better still, and the AS103, which you can find used on eBay for $600 or a little less, is stunningly superior. Here's my AS103NT, with replaced pups and knobs (both of those vintage Ibanez):

 

[YETI]

I second the Ibanez series. Nice stuff for the price..(I have owned one)

The 137's are nice as well....

 

[CitizenCain]

Shouldn't we find out if the OP is talking about real hollowbodies or not?

 

[chucke99]

In threads such as this, it might be helpful to ask/determine if the people recommending the guitars are simply recommending the ones they happen to own.

I can't recommend something I haven't either owned or played extensively. I make it a point never to trash anything I haven't owned. So while I recommend the Ibanez AS series, I won't say anything against Epi dots, Heritage, or any other that I haven't had the experience with. I also wouldn't recommend something JUST because I own it.