Looking at a semi-hollow... thoughts?

[The Dali]

Any thoughts on what I should be looking at? I'm thinking of a relatively inexpensive semi-hollow to try out... thinking of the early Alex Lifeson sound.

Potential Options...



Epiphone Sheraton ($350 - 600)

Hamer Echoton ($300 - 450)

Ibanez Artcore AS-83 or similar (they have a bunch of models) ($300 - 500)

Washburn HB 35 ($500 - 600)

PRS SE Custom Semi-Hollow ($350 - 500)

Kramer Knightrider ($400 - 500)

Any others I should be looking at?

 

[MojoMonster]

Re: Looking at a semi-hollow... thoughts?

I've not played it, but I've heard great things about the Hamer Aztec Gold Echotone.
I do own the Ibanez AS83 and I've played the PRS SE and I like 'em both.
Both have fairly substantial necks... not bats, but not skinny 60's necks either.
Also, I'm not sure that I'd compare them directly given the body shape difference.
To me the PRS is closer to something like the Ibanez AWD or Talman, the Thinline Tele or the Schecter C1.
The Ibanez AS line above the series 80's are all similar or better guitars, as well.

I've got nothing but good things to say about the AS83. Extremely well made, and I'm all about the antique violin finish.
I'd swapped out the electronics for the JP mod with a PGb/Jazzn combo and loved it.
I've since put it back to stock in expectation of selling it.
PM me if you're interested.
As is, it sounds pretty damned good... the stock pickups need 500k pots, tho.

IMO, the PRS stock pups sounds better, but I've never AB'd them on the same amp.

If I were looking for a 335 clone again, I'd go with the Aztec Gold Hamer first.
The Ibanez is nice, but the body shape isn't an exact clone of the 335.

Good luck.
MM

 

[lex666]

Re: Looking at a semi-hollow... thoughts?

Personally, my first choice would be the Epi...

That Washburn looks real nice. I like how they moved the toggle switch to the upper horn. If its made of maple or similar tone wood, this would be my second choice.

Thirdly, I'd choose the PRS SE. I've always had my eye on these, but never got around to playing one. The only thing I don't like about the PRS is the single volume & tone. If you like the tone and feel, this would be my third choice.

Hope that helps.

 

[blueman335]

Re: Looking at a semi-hollow... thoughts?

I've owned a several Sheratons, half a dozen Dots, & half a dozen Echotones over the years. My first choice for a mid-price import 335 would be a Sheraton, and second would be a Dot Deluxe (flame maple top, gold hardware). Third would be an Echotone. All are excellent choices.

The 16" lower bout on a 335 may seem big at first, but you quickly get used to it, and my God, they're so comfortable standing or sitting. Upgrade the PU's (as you should with just about any import), and you have a great-sounding guitar. You will get compliments on your tones. I have a C8/'59N in my Sheraton it may be my best-sounding guitar.

 

[drew_half_empty]

Re: Looking at a semi-hollow... thoughts?

Hagstrom Viking

New for 650-750 or used for 450-600

 

[The Dali]

Re: Looking at a semi-hollow... thoughts?

Good feedback guys.

So, is it as much of a pain in the ass to change pups as I've heard?

 

[lex666]

Re: Looking at a semi-hollow... thoughts?

Oooooh, I like that blonde Hagstrom. Forgot all about 'em...

 

[ImmortalSix]

Re: Looking at a semi-hollow... thoughts?

Good feedback guys.

So, is it as muhc of a pain in the ass to change pups as I've heard?

No, not at all.

I didn't read on the internet that it was hard before I did it, so I was just using my head and doing what needed to be done.

I have changed pickups in my Epiphone Dot 335, and if I can do it, surely you can.

 

[ImmortalSix]

Re: Looking at a semi-hollow... thoughts?

Out of those, I vote for the Ibanez on looks / features, and I know that the PRS will be the best players.

 

[AudioWonderland]

Re: Looking at a semi-hollow... thoughts?

The HB-335 is a great instrument. I prefer and own a SA-2200 from yamaha for my semi hollow

 

[Laughing Kookaburra]

Re: Looking at a semi-hollow... thoughts?

I went Hamer. Played that and the Epi, both are decent. I really like Hamers in general, so that tipped me that way.

 

[GuitarGuy503]

Re: Looking at a semi-hollow... thoughts?

Schecter....

 

[blueman335]

Re: Looking at a semi-hollow... thoughts?

So, is it as muhc of a pain in the ass to change pups as I've heard?

I've changed PU's in F hole guitars probably 40 to 50 times, and from the first time figured out a few little things that make it a breeze. Anyone who tells you it's hard hasn't put any thought into it. This is not a surgical operation, and does not require any special skills or experience. If you're able to dress yourself & drive to work, you can change PU's & pots in a F hole guitar.

I use a stiff plastic-coated wire to pull the pots back in, some guys use aquarium tubing. I usually only need the wire for the neck tone pot; on most guitars I can get the other three pots back inside with a 6" forcept with a curved end. Takes me about 5 or so minutes to get all 4 pots back in. As you pull them up into place, hold the pot stem with the forcept, and use a T-nut driver to tighten; you won't damage the finish like you would with pliers (this holds true for solid bodies too).

A few tips: Set the guitar on an old towel, on a table, with good lighting & ventilation. Use a second old towel on the top of the guitar. Give yourself an extra two or three inches of wire between each of the pots and toggle, so nothing gets pulled too tight upon re-entry. Test everything thru an amp while the pots are outside the guitar, and again after you've got them back inside, but before you put the knobs back on. Nothing difficult. I've put the 4 push-pull Jimmy Page system in a few 335's.

For PU's, quality PAF's are always good in a semi-hollowbody. For a hot bridge, I'd go with a C5, C8, or 498T, and avoid JB's and ceramic magnet PU's.

 

[marvar]

Re: Looking at a semi-hollow... thoughts?

All I can say is:
If you want the big semi-hollow tone, don't go with the PRS.
I have one with p90's, and it sounds great for what I want, sounds closer to a Ric than a Gibson or Epi.
I had the humbucker version too- these are not deep sounding guitars, actually, kinda thin. These guitars are incredible light in weight. Plus, I prefer a volume knob for each pickup. (Which I have re-wired on my PRS, I now have no tone control, but I never use it anyway, I blend the neck in with the bridge.
I also have an EPI Dot, with SD PHAT Cats in it, and an EPI Wildkat with p90s.

 

[DesertRat]

Re: Looking at a semi-hollow... thoughts?

Very happy Ibanez AGS 83 owner here.

 

[The Dali]

Re: Looking at a semi-hollow... thoughts?

Doing some research at lunchtime here.. kinda leaning toward the Sheraton or the Washburn HB35.

 

[bluesbend]

Re: Looking at a semi-hollow... thoughts?

Get the Epi, stick a set of Seth's in it.


Having a selector switch on the upper bout just looks wrong to me.

 

[The Dali]

Re: Looking at a semi-hollow... thoughts?

I should include these as well...

And, finally, this one is offered at GFS for $175!!!

 

[The Dali]

Re: Looking at a semi-hollow... thoughts?

...and here is Alex Lifeson in white!!!!


White Epi Sheraton

 

[blueman335]

Re: Looking at a semi-hollow... thoughts?

I should include these as well...

The first & the third one look nice, especially the one with P-90's. What's the retail price, and do they use decent woods? Some cheap guitars use pine and the quality of materials & workmanship is pretty poor. Check them out to see if the quality is on a par with Epiphone.