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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With elegant looks and highly adaptable sound, here are famous guitarists who use semi-hollow guitars (21–30)
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.
Toshiyuki Abe
I’m a Japanese musician and the guitarist for Tulip.
Of all my instruments, the Gibson ES-335 is my favorite, but I also play Rickenbackers and custom-made guitars from Ibanez.
I’m active as a support musician as well, having participated in works by Mari Sugiyama and Piccadilly Circus.
I also publish essay collections and am involved in a wide range of activities.
John Lennon
When it comes to The Beatles’ frontman John Lennon’s guitar, the Epiphone Casino comes to mind.
It’s a very famous guitar because Lennon used it.
However, there’s frequent debate about whether the Casino is a semi-hollow or a full-hollow guitar, and some argue it’s not a semi-hollow—so keep that in mind.
Yasuhiro Suzuki
He is a Japanese singer-songwriter and a former member of Off Course.
He has been active in a wide range of fields, including writing songs for Hiromi Go and television commercials.
While he prefers to use acoustic and semi-acoustic guitars, he owns many other instruments as well.
He is trusted by many top-tier musicians.
Mick Taylor
Mick Taylor, Keith’s second partner in The Rolling Stones, often played semi-hollow guitars as well.
It’s a shame he’s underrated relative to his talent, but his slide guitar is truly exquisite.
There are very few players who can make a guitar sound that seductive.
nakajin
He is the leader and guitar sound producer of SEKAI NO OWARI.
His trademark is a hat and glasses, and he is said to be very serious and stoic.
In addition to the guitar, he plays a variety of instruments such as the tambourine and the sitar.
He has long favored a semi-hollow Gibson ES-335, and it seems to be used frequently in live performances.
Kotaro Furuichi
I’m a Japanese musician and actor, and I play guitar for THE COLLECTORS.
I’m often called “Ricken-kun” because I frequently play a Rickenbacker, but I also use instruments like semi-hollows and models from Teisco.