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The semi-acoustic bass – often also called a semi-hollow bass or hollowbody bass – bridges the gap between purely acoustic basses and modern solidbody electric designs. Used in pop, jazz, rock and many other genres, these instruments are available in a wide range of shapes and finishes and stand out through their distinctive tonal character and construction.
The terms acoustic bass, semi-acoustic bass and hollowbody bass are sometimes used loosely, which can be confusing even for experienced players. Still, each of these categories has some clear, typical traits.
A semi-hollow bass features a hollow or partially hollow body with classic f-holes. Compared with fully hollowbody basses, it usually has a centre block inside the body and slimmer rims, which keeps feedback under control while preserving the airy, acoustic flavour in the tone.
Hollowbody basses are known for their warm, full and highly resonant sound. They blend elements of acoustic and electric instruments and often add a vocal quality to the tone – ideal for jazz, blues, rockabilly and many related styles.
The acoustic bass is clearly different. Its construction is based on a steel-string acoustic guitar, with a large body designed for maximum acoustic projection. It delivers the highest natural volume of all bass guitars, but offers fewer tonal options than a semi-acoustic bass with pickups and onboard electronics.
Although a semi-acoustic bass is louder unplugged than a typical solidbody bass, you will still need an amplifier for rehearsals or live use. Its natural volume is not enough to compete with drums, guitars and keys. If you want an instrument mainly for unplugged playing, an acoustic bass is usually the better choice.
A semi-acoustic bass works on the same principle as an electric bass or electric guitar: magnetic pickups such as humbuckers capture the string vibration. This means you can use regular electric bass string sets. Roundwound strings deliver a brighter, more defined attack, while flatwound strings create a smoother, warmer and more vintage-style sound with reduced finger noise.
Even though semi-acoustic basses are less common than solidbody or fully acoustic models, several iconic players have made them part of their signature sound. The best-known example is Paul McCartney, often seen with his Höfner Violin Bass in the Beatles era and beyond. Jack Casady of Jefferson Airplane and Chris Wood from the jazz trio Medeski, Martin & Wood are also closely associated with the semi-hollow bass tone.
Semi-acoustic bass guitars are available from many well-known brands in a variety of classic designs. Some of the most popular include:
Epiphone: Instruments such as the Epiphone Jack Casady Bass and the Epiphone Viola Bass are favourites among fans of vintage-inspired tones.
Guild: The Guild Starfire I Bass combines high build quality with a characterful, expressive sound.
Ibanez: With the Artcore series, Ibanez offers a wide selection of semi-acoustic bass models for different budgets and musical directions.
Hagstrom: The Swedish brand is known for its Viking basses, stylish 4-string semi-hollow instruments with flexible electronics and authentic vintage character.
Höfner: Creator of the legendary Violin Bass, Höfner also offers the Club Bass, the Verythin and a range of Ignition models.
Beyond these instruments, MUSIC STORE carries many more semi-acoustic bass guitars in a wide range of finishes, body shapes and price points – for both right-handed and left-handed players. Enjoy exploring our online shop!
