• From: BELGIUM
  • Registered: 2007-01-27
  • Posts: 3,403

Topic: hollow bodies versus hollow bodies & semi hollow bodies

A few questions:
1) What should be the % of guitarists playing hollow bodies/semi hollow bodies?
2) For what style are they made: jazz blues & rock probably but ARE THEY CAPABLE OF MASTERING HEAVY METAL?
3) What is so special about these guitars versus the solid bodies?
4) There are a lot of different brands, and since I have only ONE hollowbody, an old EPIPHONE SHERATON I really don't know much about hollow bodies.
So some brands:
- Gibson ES-335
- Epiphone Sheraton
- Ibanez like ARTCORE CUSTOM AND the signature series like GEORGE BENSON, PAT METHENY, these guitars I found while searching.
- Gretsch, I also know the Brian Setzer & Chet Atkins model with the White FALCON model.
So I am a "virgin" when talking about these kind of guitars.

Is it worth to compare a GIBSON 335 with IBANEZ George Benson or EPIPHONE and GRETSCH white falcon?
Please who plays hollow or semi-hollow bodies and a solid body? I guess that plugging a hollow body in your amp gives a lot of "sound problems" OR are there amps typical for hollows?

[color=blue]- GITAARDOCPHIL SAIS: TO CONQUER DEAD, YOU HAVE TO DIE[/color]   AND [color=blue] we are born to die[/color]
- MY GUITAR PLAYS EVERY STYLE = BLUES, ROCK, METAL, so I NEED TO LEARN HOW TO PLAY IT.
[color=blue]Civilization began the first time an angry person cast a word instead of a rock.[/color]

gitaardocphil's Website

  • From: Central Flatland
  • Registered: 2007-05-30
  • Posts: 223

Re: hollow bodies versus hollow bodies & semi hollow bodies

There is no comparison between ANY Epiphone guitar and a Gretsch White Falcon.  I personally feel that there is no practical comparison between any pro-line Gretsch (any model starting with a 61xx) and any other semi-hollow guitar, period.  It's very nearly comparing apples to oranges, the differences are that pronounced.

That said, any hollow bodied guitar is most likely not going to give you the sort of heavily distorted sound that is associated with contemporary Metal music.  There might be someone out there doing it, but I don't know who that might be; that person is proving the old adage that the sound is in the heart and the fingers.  Doesn't change the fact that it's easier for most people to get bluesy/jazzy/surf/rockabilly out of a hollow body than it is to get Metal.

"There's such a fine line between genius and stupidity."
                              --David St. Hubbins
  • Registered: 2007-01-29
  • Posts: 533

Re: hollow bodies versus hollow bodies & semi hollow bodies

I agree dguyton! Ted Nugent can get some pretty knarly sounds out of those old Byrdland hollowbodies, but he also uses a modern Les Paul as well. Rev Horton Heat and Brian Setzer just absolutely cook on those hotrodded 6120 Gretschs and Chet Atkins and others just mellowed out on them...a Gretsch is it's own class (very high class) of hollowbody guitars!

Middleaged Redneck sorta guy who refuses to grow up...passion for music, especially Southern Rock but like bout everything cept Gangsta/Hip Hop. Collect guitars, mandolins, and love to ride Harleys.
  • Registered: 2007-10-20
  • Posts: 31

Re: hollow bodies versus hollow bodies & semi hollow bodies

I love my Epi Dot. I play everything on it although metal is its least favourite. I run it through an Epi Valve Junior boosted either with a Bad Monkey or a Big Muff. I love the look of it and that's the main reason I got it. I wasn't in the market for a high end guitar like a Gretsch or a Gibby so I tried a few in the same price area: the Dot won for me. That said, I have always coveted a White Falcon: that guitar is pure secks!

No desire to touch the fire,
It's just a...just a sad obsession.

5 Reply by smellie_hippie (edited by smellie_hippie 2008-10-04 10:28:16)

  • From: Tennessee
  • Registered: 2007-09-24
  • Posts: 7

Re: hollow bodies versus hollow bodies & semi hollow bodies

So how do you all feel on the other versions of the nicer hollow-bodies?

Gretsch -> Electrolux
Gibson -> Epiphone

etc etc...  Are these hollow-bodies still decent?

  • From: Central Flatland
  • Registered: 2007-05-30
  • Posts: 223

Re: hollow bodies versus hollow bodies & semi hollow bodies

I have three (3) Gretsch Electromatic guitars, a 5120 (black, heavily modified), a 5122 (walnut, replaced bridge with a Rocking Bar Bridge), and a 5296T Pro Jet (stock); all are excellent instruments right out of the box.  The only issue that many owners have with these guitars is that the stock humbuckers don't sound "Gretschy" enough, they sound midway between a Gretsch and something like a Gibson P90, so many folks replace them with TV Jones pickups.  Everyone I've corresponded with who owns one of these guitars agrees that they are quality instruments, that the fit and finish are excellent, that they sound great and look fabulous; but they are a modder's dream come true.  If you live anywhere near a dealer, I highly recommend going in and playing one, you won't regret it.  Just be ready to start wanting one REALLY bad...

"There's such a fine line between genius and stupidity."
                              --David St. Hubbins
  • From: Almancil, Algarve, Portugal
  • Registered: 2006-09-02
  • Posts: 6,205

Re: hollow bodies versus hollow bodies & semi hollow bodies

I was in my friend's music shop today when a customer brought in a guitar for repair. When he opened the case it was an early 1960's 'Chet Atkins Tennessean' hollow body Gretsch with a bridge problem. I was surpised that the 'F' holes were in fact painted on and not holes at all but it certainly is a hansome beast. I have no idea of what it is worth, but I guess quite a bit.

I was cheeky enough to ask if I could play it when it is repaired and received a 'yes certainly' so I am looking forward to that day.

Roger

"Do, or do not; there is no try"

Roger Guppy's Website

  • Registered: 2008-10-11
  • Posts: 3

Re: hollow bodies versus hollow bodies & semi hollow bodies

want a hollow body that is easy to play and that you will fall in love with from the start,,, try out a hagstrom viking but, you better get one as quickly as possible they shot up 100 $ since i bought mine about 4 months ago and they seem to be on back order alot even at musiciansfriend