Reflections upon the semi-hollow guitar

[hydro]

Reflections upon the semi-hollow guitar

Rich Brotherton from Robert Earl Keen's band plays a Collings I-35. It is a really great sounding guitar. That guy is gooooood.

 

[Chickenwings]

Re: Reflections upon the semi-hollow guitar

It should be mentioned that saying you dont like semi-acoustics by playing a hamer echotone for a while is not really an informed opinion. I would not play an epihone les paul custom for a few weeks and then claim that "les pauls just dont do it for me". By the same token, i dont think playing an MIM strat or tele would give me a good idea of what strats and teles are really capable of.
Think about violins as an example. They are all the same size and shape, but any violinist can tell the difference between an average and good violin playing blindfolded. Guitars are no different. You are probably just playing an axe that looks nice, and checks out on paper, but really just doesn't sing for you. Just because it is a semi, does not mean it represents all semis.

 

[formula73]

Re: Reflections upon the semi-hollow guitar

I'm happy to see another 70s/80s Ibanez guy here. That Yamaha, however, is one of my grail guitars.

There's a certain bite and responsiveness that most solidbodies don't seem to have. They're always a little closer to that wild, hairy feedback, centerblock or not, and it's fun to have that on tap.

Bonus? Bigass guitar bodies hide the lovehandles! Sounds good/looks good. Win/win.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Reflections upon the semi-hollow guitar

My experience with them is all positive.

07 Gibson Memphis ES-335 & 81 ES-347

 

[GuitarDoc]

Re: Reflections upon the semi-hollow guitar

Your idol:

View attachment 41493



If anything I found the LP in the beginning too bright. The tele was great.

You really need to lose that mentality that Fenders are inferior. They're only different, and how dare someone else have a different taste.

So, you're saying that this is great tone??!! Yes great playing, but after 20 seconds I HAD to ignore it or turn it off.

 

[GuitarDoc]

Re: Reflections upon the semi-hollow guitar

Semi hollows have been my primary guitar of choice for well over 40 years. I think it's accurate to say that the differences between a semi hollow and a solid body guitar are subtle. With a solid block of wood running the length of a laminated, fairly rigid, and thin body it's a bit optimistic to expect a whole lot of resonance to be going on. However, I also think that there is enough additional resonance to make a distinction between the two. That subtle difference is an important thing because if you know how to use it and take advantage of it there is a place that exists between the world of the solid body and the Jazz box (subtle as it may be) where the semi hollows live and perform very well indeed. And, once again, I'll say that I agree that the difference is subtle. I think it was described best when I once heard someone say, "I can't explain it, but I know it when I hear it."

OMG!! Those are two of the nicest looking semis I've laid my eyes on.

 

[BEACHBUM]

Re: Reflections upon the semi-hollow guitar

I'm happy to see another 70s/80s Ibanez guy here. That Yamaha, however, is one of my grail guitars.

There's a certain bite and responsiveness that most solidbodies don't seem to have. They're always a little closer to that wild, hairy feedback, centerblock or not, and it's fun to have that on tap.

Bonus? Bigass guitar bodies hide the lovehandles! Sounds good/looks good. Win/win.

WOW!!! :beerchug:

 

[blueman335]

Re: Reflections upon the semi-hollow guitar

So, you're saying that this is great tone??!! Yes great playing, but after 20 seconds I HAD to ignore it or turn it off.

The tone's a little thin, but anyone who can play Page note-for-note is okay in my book.

 

[Mr 9finger]

Re: Reflections upon the semi-hollow guitar

The tone's a little thin, but anyone who can play Page note-for-note is okay in my book.

Oh hell! Page can't even play Page note for note half the dam time!

I'm just razz'n ya bro. Page is one of my favorite players, but I've heard more than a few live spots of him and was left wandering "was he even playing the right song?"

 

[LReese]

Re: Reflections upon the semi-hollow guitar

Jimmy Page's Tele might as well be considered semi hollow - ever see the route on a Parsons-White?... Here's mine.

JP's only had the B - so its a slightly smaller route.

Toe shoes in there for a bonus - Cause I know you guys like that.

 

[kramersteen]

Re: Reflections upon the semi-hollow guitar

Toe shoes in there for a bonus - Cause I know you guys like that.

**** i have never seen toe shoes before..There rad as like gloves for your feet. At first i thought you had socks and pluggers on haha

 

[blueman335]

Re: Reflections upon the semi-hollow guitar

Oh hell! Page can't even play Page note for note half the dam time!

I'm just razz'n ya bro. Page is one of my favorite players, but I've heard more than a few live spots of him and was left wondering "was he even playing the right song?"

Agreed. Page is my favorite guitarist, but I will admit some live Zeppelin material is a little rough. Fortunately he had a great bass and drummer to hold it together.

 

[GourmetSaint]

Re: Reflections upon the semi-hollow guitar

Amen Blueman!