Traditional PAF humbucker models are the classic pickups for a semi-hollow guitar. These types of pickup feature Alnico magnets and have a low output, or at most a medium output. In fact, the very first mass-produced semi-hollow-body guitar featured this type of pickup.
Precisely the first mass-produced semi-solid body guitar, has this type of pickups. Obviously, I’m referring to the Gibson ES-335.
Gibson Pickups for Semi-Hollow Guitar
The traditional Gibson ’57 Classic double-coil pickups, for example, would be a very valid model for this type of guitar. This is because they have low power output and Alnico II magnets. This is a classic type of magnet for a double coil pickup.
Nowadays, the ’57 Classic model is difficult to find, even among Gibson ES-335 guitars. The pickups usually found in these models today are typically the Calibrated T-Type Humbucker, the MHS Memphis Historic Spec or the Gibson Custombucker with Alnico III magnets.
However, this information is for reference only. These pickups are designed for specific guitar models and cannot be purchased individually.
The individual pickup models sold by Gibson are usually BurstBuckers. These come in three types, depending on their output level. According to the manufacturer, these pickups are the result of the ongoing development of the ’57 Classic Humbucker.
The most suitable pickup models for a semi-acoustic guitar are the Busbucker 1, which has a low output and is designed for the neck position, and the Busbucker 2, which has a medium output and is designed for the bridge position. Both models feature Alnico II magnets and cost around $150 each.
Other Brands of Pickups For a Semi-Hollow Guitar
Seymour Duncan
Another interesting option is the Seymour Duncan Seth Lover Set, which boasts similar features such as medium output and Alnico II magnets. This set is found on high-end guitars, such as the Heritage Standard H-535.
I know this set of pickups is quite expensive ($280), but it’s not out of reach. In any case, some more affordable options will appear later.
DiMarzio
Can enjoy the legendary sound of DiMarzio guitar pickups, we can use a DP212 for the bridge position and a DP211 for the neck position.
These models feature Alnico V magnets and have a fairly low output for dual-coil pickups.
Guild
Founded in 1952, Guild is an American brand that has become renowned for its semi-hollow guitars.
This brand is notable for developing its own distinctive pickup models. It adds its own touch of class, given that these pickups have a lower output than a traditional PAF humbucker.
The Guild HB-2 model, which features Alnico II magnets, is one of the most widely used in their semi-solid guitars. However, these pickups can be somewhat difficult to find.
Gretsch
Whilst Guild is a classic name in the manufacture of semi-acoustic guitars, Gretsch is even more so. Initially, Gretsch guitars were fitted with single-coil pickups developed by Harry DeArmond and known as the Dynasonic. These pickups produce a bright sound and low output.
The Gretsch Dynasonic is affordable, but it turns out that the Guild brand also developed the DeArmond Dynasonic at a price of around $120.
In 1957, Gretsch guitars began to be fitted with the unique FilterTron pickups developed by Ray Butts at the request of Chet Atkins. It provides a low output, an aggressive twang and attack, and good sustain.
Roswell Pickups For a Semi-Hollow Guitar
If you’re looking for pickups in all the above styles at a more moderate price of around $30 per unit, take a look at the wide range of pickups from the Roswell brand.
Roswell Humbucker and FilterTron
Classic low-output humbucker models are available, including the Roswell LAF Alnico V and the Roswell LVS, which has Alnico II magnets.
The FilterTron models in the FLT series have Alnico II magnets and can be fastened in two different ways (FLT or FLT2).
Roswell H Style y Gold Foil
Pickups with an H-style cover are very suitable for hollow-body guitars. There is the FG20 model, which has a very low output, and the LPH model, which has a somewhat more pronounced output. Both models have Alnico V magnets.
Gold Foil pickups are also an excellent choice when it comes to semi-hollow guitars. The problem is that these types of pickup usually come with a hefty price tag. However, the Roswell brand offers this type of pickup at prices between $40 and $50, even though they have the corresponding gold-plated foil, as seen with the Roswell LGA-NFL-CR Humbucker.
This pickup enables us to add the unparalleled vintage “Hertiecasters” sound of the 1950s and 1960s to any guitar fitted with humbucker-size pickups. Equipped with Alnico V magnets, it has a vintage output that is ideal for achieving a clean sound in genres such as jazz, swing and rockabilly. However, adding distortion opens up the possibility of playing other styles, such as classic rock.
They are also available in a classic format (Roswell GF3H-N-CR), which has an even lower output and a more traditional sound. Mini humbucker versions are also available.
Roswell P90 Pickups
They also offer a range of P90-style pickup models, including the Roswell P90D Dog Ear, which is equipped with Alnico V magnets. The P90S also has Alnico V magnets, but in a soapbar style.
Also for replacing humbucker pickups such as the LP90 or the Gibson P94-style LGA90. Both models have Alnico V magnets.
Thanks to their Korean manufacturing and the company’s manufacturing systems and techniques, these pickups boast impeccable finishes and are available at very competitive prices.
As mentioned, P90 pickups are a type of classic pickup commonly found on semi-hollow guitars. So I’d recommend the page on P90 pickups, which explains their features and the different types, and showcases some of the best P90 pickup models.