Is a Semi Hollow Body for me?

[Kelsey]

Re: Is a Semi Hollow Body for me?

I just had my Gibson ES-137 Classic set up with .011's, a Junior wrap over the tailpiece, and a new bone nut, and it sounds and plays great -- especially after I lowered the pickups. It's something to consider if you can't swing the money for a 335. I actually prefer the single cutaway look, but the upper fret access is better with a double cut, so it's a matter of style and preference.

[Bludave]

Re: Is a Semi Hollow Body for me?

I have a LP and a 335. To make a comparison I like the sound, feel and tones I get out of my 335 more so than the LP. The 335 is also easier to play due to the double cutaway. The tone is also different. A LP tends to be harsher in a Gain driven amp vrs the 335. In a clean Amp the 335 is a little sweeter. I feel I can get a little better response from the 335 using the 2 volume and tone controls than I can with the LP. The LP is also a great guitar, but for me I will usually pick the 335 when I am looking for the Humbucking tone.
If there is any negative to this style of guitar they can have a tendency to feed back with HIgh volume and high gain more so than a LP does. You have to give yourself greater distance from the Amp, and find a volume level and gain level that is managable. The other negative about a 335, 345, or 355 is any electronic work needs to be accomplished through the "F" holes. This can be very difficult, and may require you to have any service done by a qualified tech. If this is a concern to you consider the "Lucille". It sounds very much like a 335 (with the varitone wide open), but this model has a rear access panel and also does not have any "F" holes. These guitars have a solid block running through them and all the PUPS are mounted in this block, so I don't think sustain will be greater or less than a solid body. In essence these guitars will respond very much like a solid body. In any case the 335, 345, 355, the Epiphone shearton, Casino(has P90 PUP) or the Lucille models are all excellent guitars for that "semi" sound. It really comes down to $ and what feels good in youir hands.

[BluesGuyJ]

I've been thinking about getting a new guitar. I've been playing for 2 and 1/2 years and I can honestly say that I'm well achieved for that amount of time. I'm going to be going to a music program at UNH on a scholarship and I think I deserve to make the jump to a nice high end guitar. Here's a little info about my playing that may help in your thought as to what I should do:

I do not play metal by any means.
The heaviest stuff I'll be playing is AC/DC, Foreigner, 80's rock.
Big on Blues, BIG
Really starting to get into Jazz.

Now compared to solid bodies, do Semi Hollow's have more sustain due to the sound holes that pickup the notation of the strings like on an acoustic? I'm also looking for a thick, sustaining, clear, bright tone. For an amp, it'll either be a Marshall JMP, Soldano Avenger, or a Fender Twin?SR/Hot Rod. Thought that info might help. Well thanks for any advice, and keep on playing!