Semi-hollow Question

[bobtrack]

Hey guys I own a Richmond Dorchester and it's my first non-solid body guitar. I've been having problems getting it to sound more focussed and less strat like. Is that just how Semi-hollows sound or would have more to do with the pick ups. They're Lace Tone Aluminitones.

 

[Sanford]

Re: Semi-hollow Question

After checking out the Godin video for the Dorchester I'd have to say the scale length and body construction as well as the pickups are contributing to the sound. A 25.5" scale, bolt on neck, and chambered poplar body aren't typical of most semi-hollow guitars. You might be able to fatten up the sound with different pickups, but some of that "strat-ness" will probably remain. The guitar reminds me of the result of a one night stand between a Rickenbacker and a Mosrite...not that there's anything wrong with that.

In addition to different pickups, maybe some signal chain rearrangement could help. What's your path look like now from guitar to amp?

 

[Sanford]

Re: Semi-hollow Question

Just noticed the gear in your signature...is that current?

 

[bobtrack]

Re: Semi-hollow Question

Thanks for the reply man! The gear is current now and the chain is:
Loop 1 - TU-2 --> RC50
Loop 2 - Drive-0-matic --> Whammy --> Delay

 

[blueman335]

Re: Semi-hollow Question

I've got a few semi-hollows, Gibson-style with set necks & 24.75 scales. They're normally a warm design, even when made with maple. For the bridge, I put in a warm magent and/or 250K pots, and I get rich, full tones.

You may end up swapping out the PU's, which is probably the culprit.

 

[Benjy_26]

Re: Semi-hollow Question

I think you'll be fighting that guitar the whole time if you want it to be fat. Judging from the specs, I think that the guitar was designed with shimmer and twang in mind, not thick, fat, creamy tones. If that's what you want, I'd say sell this one and get yourself something with a shorter scale and a bit more mahogany in the recipie.

 

[formula73]

Re: Semi-hollow Question

Alumitones are your problem. They're very thin and stratty, regardless of the guitar.

 

[St_Genesius]

Re: Semi-hollow Question

I'd rather have the cheapest stock pickups from the cheapest Vietnamese copy of the worst guitar of all time than anything made by Lace.

If I could think of a stronger way to put that, I would.

 

[Bludave]

Re: Semi-hollow Question

If its a Polar body I'd go with either the AII pros.... maybe the Slash signature, or a Pearly Gates in the neck or maybe a Jazz. Then paired with a 59. Good combination

 

[bobtrack]

Re: Semi-hollow Question

Thanks guys, I've decided to swap the pups out with a pair of mystery duncans that I have in my OLP. If that doesn't help, it'll be up for sale shortly.