Semi Hollow bodies and Feedback, Thin lines

[Pushpin&Poetry]

Hello-
I was wondering if you could please answer these questions? Thank you very much!!

1. What makes semi hollow body guitars feedback besides standing close to your amp? Is it distortion?

2. In your opinion what are some good semi-hollows for rock-with distortion?

 

[Jeroen]

Re: Semi Hollow bodies and Feedback, Thin lines

Most ES335-type guitars are pretty feedback-resistant, as they have a 'center block' in their body that runs from the neck to at least the tailpiece (but usually all the way to the strap button). The pickups are mounted onto the center block, so they are nearly equally resistant to feedback as, let's say, a Les Paul-type guitar, but with the added resonance of a hollowbody. That's why they are called SEMI-hollow. The real feedback problems occur with true hollowbodies, mostly just because of volume, and not as much due to distortion levels.

 

[Benjy_26]

Re: Semi Hollow bodies and Feedback, Thin lines

Volume and standing in the wrong place contribute to feedback with hollows and some semi's. I have a Sheraton with a set of Phat Cats and have no problems with unwanted feedback. The intentional feedback though is great. You can get a note to sustain for days if you work it right.

 

[Bludave]

Re: Semi Hollow bodies and Feedback, Thin lines

I have a 335 and a Thin line Telecaster type of guitar. Feedback is caused on this type of guitar from air in the chambers causing the wood to vibrate in an undesireable way. There are a few things that can be done to elimintae it.

1. Cut back on volume and/or gain

2. The hollow chambers can be padded or stuffed with foam rubber or something similar to minimize the feedback. I have done this on my 335 and it does help.

3. Wax pot the pickups. If the pickups are the slightest bit microphonic the feedback will become an issue.

4. Isolate the pickup cavity with foam under the pickups. This in many cases will usually solve the problem if the pickups are not microphonic.

As far as types of guitars to look at.

1. Epiphone Shearton
2. BB King model Lucille (Gibson and Epiphone makes a model). This guitar is an excellent choice because it has no "F" holes so many of the issues that can cause the feedback are now eliminated. The other issue is there is an access panel on the back of the guitar so wiring repairs or upgrades are much easier on this type of guitar. A 335 type of guitar all wiring repairs needs to be done thru the "F" holes and this can be very frustrating.

3. Heritage 535. Very nice guitar A friend just got one and it is an impressive guitar
4. Gibson 335. My personal favorite HB tyoe of guitar.
5. Gibson 345 or 355 Stereo. The "original" Lucille was a 345. Can be played in stereo. these have a varitone "chicken head" type of dial on them that gives a lot more variety of sounds from the guitar.