Famous guitarists who use semi-acoustic guitars, known for their elegant looks and highly adaptable sound.
The semi-acoustic guitar, often called a “semi-acoustic” or “semi-hollow,” boasts an elegant, almost handcrafted look and a tone that sits between a solid-body and a hollow-body guitar.
Its history goes back to 1958, when Gibson introduced the legendary ES-335.
Since then, guitar makers have released countless models up to the present day.
“Semi-acoustic” isn’t the name of a single model but a term for a construction style, so each brand offers its own compelling lineup.
We’ve highlighted master guitarists who wield the semi-acoustic across a wide range of genres, including rock, blues, jazz, and fusion.
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Elegant looks and highly versatile sound: Famous guitarists who use semi-hollows (11–20)
Haruichi Shindo
A Japanese musician, lyricist, composer, music producer, and author, active across a wide range of fields.
He owns many guitars and plays various instruments, including Telecasters, Les Pauls, and semi-acoustics.
He has also had an endorsement contract with Gibson and has extensive experience with a large number of instruments.
Neil Young
Neil Young, a Canadian singer-songwriter who may be underappreciated but is also an excellent guitarist.
He plays various guitars, but he has long favored the Gretsch White Falcon, and you can often see him using it.
Tom SawyerAlex Lifeson
In this Rush song, the guitar shown in the music video is his signature model, the ES-355.
Its pure white body, gold metal hardware, and tortoiseshell pickguard exude the presence of a true king.
It’s a beloved instrument he used for many years during his tenure, and it’s a very famous classic among semi-hollow guitars.
The core of Rush’s sound was built on the tone of this guitar.
A nearly identical Les Paul–style version appeared later as well, so you could say this model became his icon.
Eddie Cochran
Eddie Cochran, the legendary rock ’n’ roller who was active in the 1950s and left this world at the young age of 21.
He influenced numerous rockabilly artists, and the fact that so many of them favor Gretsch guitars may well trace back to him.
Ulful Keisuke
He is the guitarist for Ulfuls and also serves as the band’s leader.
He is widely known by many nicknames, such as “Mr.
Smile,” “The Smiling Guitarist,” and “Naniwan Guitar.” His trademark is a ten-gallon hat.
He is active in a wide range of fields, including working as a radio DJ.
Even after Ulfuls went on hiatus, he continued to work energetically as a solo artist.
Masaki Shirai
I’m the guitarist of the rock band [ALEXANDROS], which is especially popular among teens and people in their twenties.
I originally studied in the bass program at a music vocational school and played bass, but I picked up the guitar when I joined my current band as a guitarist.
I’m known for my clean tones and beautiful sound.
With elegant looks and highly adaptable sound, here are famous guitarists who use semi-hollow guitars (21–30)
Ti PunchYosuke Konuma
Yosuke Onuma is a Japanese jazz guitarist active on the global stage.
While many jazz guitarists use semi-hollow or full-hollow guitars, Onuma is also a devoted semi-hollow player.
In the jazz world, even those in their 40s are called “young,” and born in 1974, Onuma is very much considered a “young” artist.
He started out playing rock guitar and has performed frequently in clubs, creating a style that isn’t confined to the boundaries of jazz yet overflows with its essence.
He has performed at Live Spot RAG many times.
He’s also handsome—truly an artist doubly blessed by the heavens.
