jalguitarman
Junior Member
What are the general tonal differences between these two types of construction? Would love some insight on this. Tanks.
Hollow vs Semi- Hollow.
- Thread starter jalguitarman
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St_Genesius
New member
Re: Hollow vs Semi- Hollow.
Through an amp, I think there's less difference than most people would expect/assume/claim.
FWIW -- and with huge caveats about "it depends on the guitar/pickups/etc -- I've found full hollow bodied guitars to have a bit stronger bass and low-mids and bit softer note attacks. But I guarantee you that I couldn't pick out a full hollow from a semi (or solid, for that matter) in a blind listen test.
Through an amp, I think there's less difference than most people would expect/assume/claim.
FWIW -- and with huge caveats about "it depends on the guitar/pickups/etc -- I've found full hollow bodied guitars to have a bit stronger bass and low-mids and bit softer note attacks. But I guarantee you that I couldn't pick out a full hollow from a semi (or solid, for that matter) in a blind listen test.
astrozombie
KatyPerryologist
Re: Hollow vs Semi- Hollow.
I can't say much...
but I've played solid body guitars almost all my life until I got an epiphone 333 a few years back (I sold it about 2 years after I got it)
what I loved about it is that the guitar really felt... alive. the tone has this airy unpredictable kind of feel to it that I love. You can really feel the guitar kind of "breathe".
I assume that a full hollow body guitar would be the same feeling but more intense.
I can't say much...
but I've played solid body guitars almost all my life until I got an epiphone 333 a few years back (I sold it about 2 years after I got it)
what I loved about it is that the guitar really felt... alive. the tone has this airy unpredictable kind of feel to it that I love. You can really feel the guitar kind of "breathe".
I assume that a full hollow body guitar would be the same feeling but more intense.
ratherdashing
Kablamminator
Re: Hollow vs Semi- Hollow.
Full hollow guitars have mellow highs and a softer attack in general. That's why jazz cats love them.
Full hollow guitars have mellow highs and a softer attack in general. That's why jazz cats love them.
blueman335
Mojo's Minions
Re: Hollow vs Semi- Hollow.
+1. Along with the propensity to feedback easily, which is why 335's have been so popular from day one. It's a great idea to have both.
+1. Along with the propensity to feedback easily, which is why 335's have been so popular from day one. It's a great idea to have both.
voggin
Well-known member
Re: Hollow vs Semi- Hollow.
I've had a 339 now for 7 months or so. It's basically a smaller 335, but is built nearly identically (center block, laminated top). Feedback issues are minimal, and with knob tweaking on the amp and guitar, I can get pretty well any rock, blues or jazz tone I want. I'm really starting to think that the 335 design is the perfect electric guitar ( I of course still have GAS for a les paul, an SG, and a hundred other guitars).
I think Gibson or someone should market a 335-type semi with P-Rails. Then you'd have both the humbucker and P-90 sounds in one guitar. Other than maybe shred, that guitar would cover anything.
I've had a 339 now for 7 months or so. It's basically a smaller 335, but is built nearly identically (center block, laminated top). Feedback issues are minimal, and with knob tweaking on the amp and guitar, I can get pretty well any rock, blues or jazz tone I want. I'm really starting to think that the 335 design is the perfect electric guitar ( I of course still have GAS for a les paul, an SG, and a hundred other guitars).
I think Gibson or someone should market a 335-type semi with P-Rails. Then you'd have both the humbucker and P-90 sounds in one guitar. Other than maybe shred, that guitar would cover anything.
ratherdashing
Kablamminator
Re: Hollow vs Semi- Hollow.
That's why the 335 is so cool. It gets a nice amount of bite and attack from that center block, but retains the warm, "woody" character of a hollow-body. And less feedback, of course (though still more than a solid IME). They are, quite possibly, the most versatile guitar on Earth.
Every year I ponder getting one. Maybe next year is my 335 year.
That's why the 335 is so cool. It gets a nice amount of bite and attack from that center block, but retains the warm, "woody" character of a hollow-body. And less feedback, of course (though still more than a solid IME). They are, quite possibly, the most versatile guitar on Earth.
Every year I ponder getting one. Maybe next year is my 335 year.
phil_104
Cheesesteakologist
blueman335
Mojo's Minions
Re: Hollow vs Semi- Hollow.
+1. Very versatile, and they always seem to have great tones. I never thought they looked like they were comfortable, but once I finally tried one, I found out they really are. They just feel good.
You need a 335 this year. At least an import. I picked a nice used Dot last year with a thick mahogany neck, put a pair of Seth's in in; it's sure a nice way to do a 335 on a budget. :14:
+1. Very versatile, and they always seem to have great tones. I never thought they looked like they were comfortable, but once I finally tried one, I found out they really are. They just feel good.
You need a 335 this year. At least an import. I picked a nice used Dot last year with a thick mahogany neck, put a pair of Seth's in in; it's sure a nice way to do a 335 on a budget. :14:
phil_104
Cheesesteakologist
Re: Hollow vs Semi- Hollow.
I say go and get the real deal. I almost bought an epi 335, waited for a year to save up, and ended up getting a 339. Best decision of my life.
Now bluesman might not like me for this (or he might agree), but I own a very nice Les Paul, and personally, I think the 339 or 335 design is the supreme Gibson design. Specially with the 339, I get those really awesome punchy LP-esque tones when I need to rock, but I also get another dimension of tonal response from the guitar because of the construction. It's very much so in the realm of what you expect as the classic Gibson sound, but with overtones and a response to die for. On top of that, you get amazing fretboard access, and the guitar is nice and light to play. A must for any guitar lineup.
I know we recently had a thread in this room about how the guitar is the most over rated design in the world because it's has laminated wood. I don't need to tell you this (but for all those reading this), but anybody who actually a) listens to their ears rather than what they read on the gear page, or b) actually plays music in studio and live environments will tell you that the design is probably one of the most versatile and interesting ones on the market.
When you do shop, consider the ES335, the ES339 and the many variations out there. You can't go wrong.
I say go and get the real deal. I almost bought an epi 335, waited for a year to save up, and ended up getting a 339. Best decision of my life.
Now bluesman might not like me for this (or he might agree), but I own a very nice Les Paul, and personally, I think the 339 or 335 design is the supreme Gibson design. Specially with the 339, I get those really awesome punchy LP-esque tones when I need to rock, but I also get another dimension of tonal response from the guitar because of the construction. It's very much so in the realm of what you expect as the classic Gibson sound, but with overtones and a response to die for. On top of that, you get amazing fretboard access, and the guitar is nice and light to play. A must for any guitar lineup.
I know we recently had a thread in this room about how the guitar is the most over rated design in the world because it's has laminated wood. I don't need to tell you this (but for all those reading this), but anybody who actually a) listens to their ears rather than what they read on the gear page, or b) actually plays music in studio and live environments will tell you that the design is probably one of the most versatile and interesting ones on the market.
When you do shop, consider the ES335, the ES339 and the many variations out there. You can't go wrong.
voggin
Well-known member
Re: Hollow vs Semi- Hollow.
It may be a minor thing, but the one thing I really like about the 339 design over the 335 is the jack on the side, rather than the top, of the guitar. Other than appealing to (or perhaps more accurately, fear of offending) purists, I don't know why they don't do that on 335's.
It may be a minor thing, but the one thing I really like about the 339 design over the 335 is the jack on the side, rather than the top, of the guitar. Other than appealing to (or perhaps more accurately, fear of offending) purists, I don't know why they don't do that on 335's.
Kam
Shaftologist
Re: Hollow vs Semi- Hollow.
I played an Epi 339 just a couple of days ago. It was a righty, it was in my hands for less than five minutes and it was unplugged, so I didn't really get a good feel for it, but it was a killer guitar.
If they ever start making them in lefty, I'll probably try to pick one up.
I played an Epi 339 just a couple of days ago. It was a righty, it was in my hands for less than five minutes and it was unplugged, so I didn't really get a good feel for it, but it was a killer guitar.
If they ever start making them in lefty, I'll probably try to pick one up.
blueman335
Mojo's Minions
Re: Hollow vs Semi- Hollow.
Actually I waver back and forth between LP's and 335's as to which is my favorite. They're both excellent, but 335's may have the edge in versatility.
Actually I waver back and forth between LP's and 335's as to which is my favorite. They're both excellent, but 335's may have the edge in versatility.
ratherdashing
Kablamminator
Re: Hollow vs Semi- Hollow.
As Kam said below, there is no lefty 339 from Gib or Epi sadly.
And I know full well that a laminated top can and will sound fantastic on a semi-hollow. Any Gretsch guitar (including my awesome Duo Jet) proves this.
I can't get a lefty Gibson 335 for under $3k it seems, so that's likely not going to happen unless I trip over a pile of cash, or totally luck out on the used market.
I remember playing a used lefty Epi Dot with 57 Classics in it and being extremely impressed. I was working a crappy job back then so I didn't have the cash to pick it up, but if I encountered that thing today I wouldn't hesitate.
As Kam said below, there is no lefty 339 from Gib or Epi sadly.
And I know full well that a laminated top can and will sound fantastic on a semi-hollow. Any Gretsch guitar (including my awesome Duo Jet) proves this.
I can't get a lefty Gibson 335 for under $3k it seems, so that's likely not going to happen unless I trip over a pile of cash, or totally luck out on the used market.
I remember playing a used lefty Epi Dot with 57 Classics in it and being extremely impressed. I was working a crappy job back then so I didn't have the cash to pick it up, but if I encountered that thing today I wouldn't hesitate.
phil_104
Cheesesteakologist
Re: Hollow vs Semi- Hollow.
I was not aware that they did not make them in lefty. I've never understood companies that don't offer lefty.
I was not aware that they did not make them in lefty. I've never understood companies that don't offer lefty.
indie folk guy
New member
Re: Hollow vs Semi- Hollow.
I hate saying it but it really depends. It depends on each piece of wood, each instrument, pickup selection, etc.
Unfortunately I don't think there is a fair way to do the comparison as a big bodied gretsch with filtertrons will never sound or be a similar reference to an ES335 with low wind PAF style humbuckers.
Some full hollows are big bodied guitars whereas something likea Guild Starfire or ES335 is very thin.
There are different variations of how chambered semi hollows are and this will obviously impact the tone as well.
What are the general tonal differences between these two types of construction? Would love some insight on this. Tanks.
I hate saying it but it really depends. It depends on each piece of wood, each instrument, pickup selection, etc.
Unfortunately I don't think there is a fair way to do the comparison as a big bodied gretsch with filtertrons will never sound or be a similar reference to an ES335 with low wind PAF style humbuckers.
Some full hollows are big bodied guitars whereas something likea Guild Starfire or ES335 is very thin.
There are different variations of how chambered semi hollows are and this will obviously impact the tone as well.
SirJackdeFuzz
New member
Re: Hollow vs Semi- Hollow.
<---- Casinos RULE :headbang:
Thinline full-hollows with P90 = just the perfect combo !!!
What are the general tonal differences between these two types of construction? Would love some insight on this. Tanks.
<---- Casinos RULE :headbang:
Thinline full-hollows with P90 = just the perfect combo !!!
Chickenwings
Alnico 6/8
Re: Hollow vs Semi- Hollow.
I do all my gigs on these two axes. The Full hollow with 13 guage flat strings does classical, solo fingerstyle, jazz and small combo stuff. Its very responsive to dynamics and has a warm fat tone with plenty of bottom. I generally like it with small combo amps. The hollow body feels good when its resonating.
The skinny axe has a solid maple center block. It has an inherently brighter sound that cuts more. To fatten it up i use 13/56 (juts normal roundwound). I use this axe for anything where there is an electric bassist so that covers anything from a larger jazz combo to playing rock. I like this axe with the small combo amps too but its also good with larger, more powerful amps and it can really sing with overdrive.
I do all my gigs on these two axes. The Full hollow with 13 guage flat strings does classical, solo fingerstyle, jazz and small combo stuff. Its very responsive to dynamics and has a warm fat tone with plenty of bottom. I generally like it with small combo amps. The hollow body feels good when its resonating.
The skinny axe has a solid maple center block. It has an inherently brighter sound that cuts more. To fatten it up i use 13/56 (juts normal roundwound). I use this axe for anything where there is an electric bassist so that covers anything from a larger jazz combo to playing rock. I like this axe with the small combo amps too but its also good with larger, more powerful amps and it can really sing with overdrive.
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the guy who invented fire
Fuzzy. Guitars
Re: Hollow vs Semi- Hollow.
Not sure there is really a good way to even do a hollow vs semi hollow comparison since there are SO many variables.
What wood used in the block of said semi hollow makes a difference...the thickness of each guitar (especially) the full hollow...if they have solid tops of ply tops, on and on and we're not even into the pickups, scale length, neck wood, etc yet
However...this is the best I can do...
Here is a limited ES-335, which is a semi hollow, ply maple body, maple center block, mahogany neck, rosewood board with P-90 pickups.
Now, here is an ES-330...same size body, same maple ply construction, same mahogany neck, same rosewood fingerboard, same P-90 pickups, similar rig being used and same player.
The differences in these guitars are the ES-335 is semi hollow and the ES-330 is fully hollow and the ES-335 has a stop bar/tune-o-matic bridge where the ES-335 has the tone-o-matic but uses a trap tailpiece.
Is this a great explanation? Not really but it's far better than I could do in words.
Truth is things like this need to be experienced to be fully understood.
Not sure there is really a good way to even do a hollow vs semi hollow comparison since there are SO many variables.
What wood used in the block of said semi hollow makes a difference...the thickness of each guitar (especially) the full hollow...if they have solid tops of ply tops, on and on and we're not even into the pickups, scale length, neck wood, etc yet
However...this is the best I can do...
Here is a limited ES-335, which is a semi hollow, ply maple body, maple center block, mahogany neck, rosewood board with P-90 pickups.
Now, here is an ES-330...same size body, same maple ply construction, same mahogany neck, same rosewood fingerboard, same P-90 pickups, similar rig being used and same player.
The differences in these guitars are the ES-335 is semi hollow and the ES-330 is fully hollow and the ES-335 has a stop bar/tune-o-matic bridge where the ES-335 has the tone-o-matic but uses a trap tailpiece.
Is this a great explanation? Not really but it's far better than I could do in words.
Truth is things like this need to be experienced to be fully understood.
ItsaBass
New member
Re: Hollow vs Semi- Hollow.
My '68 330 is crunchy and aggressive sounding. My 333 and my cousin-in-law's '68 345 that I had for years were creamier and bassier, and you had to play them harder to get them to cut through in the mix like the 330 does quite easily. But a large part of that probably had to do with the pickups each guitar had. Humbuckers in the semi hollows, and P90's in the fully hollow one. Really hard to compare if both don't have the same pickups.
My '68 330 is crunchy and aggressive sounding. My 333 and my cousin-in-law's '68 345 that I had for years were creamier and bassier, and you had to play them harder to get them to cut through in the mix like the 330 does quite easily. But a large part of that probably had to do with the pickups each guitar had. Humbuckers in the semi hollows, and P90's in the fully hollow one. Really hard to compare if both don't have the same pickups.
