so how do maple hollows sound compared to Pauls?

[korovamilkdud]

I know maple is brighter than mahogany, but I really don't know just how the hollow affects the tone. I can assume a solidbody maple would sound much different from a hollow maple.

For comparison, a Les Paul mahogany-maple top.

Same pickups in both guitars and whatnot.

 

[ItsaBass]

Re: so how do maple hollows sound compared to Pauls?

Fully hollow (e.g. ES-330) or semi hollow (e.g. ES-335/345/355)? If fully hollow, thin body, I assume, like a 330.

 

[ImmortalSix]

Re: so how do maple hollows sound compared to Pauls?

Also, many are laminated maple.

I have both (laminated maple Dot and a Les Paul) and they sound less alike than my LP and my Tele do.

 

[korovamilkdud]

Re: so how do maple hollows sound compared to Pauls?

I should have provided more info.

Not laminated. Semi-hollow, actually. Thin body.

My grammar is ridiculous in this thread. :approve:

 

[ItsaBass]

Re: so how do maple hollows sound compared to Pauls?

Not laminated, so that leaves out the most common thin semihollows, such as the 335. Which models are you thinking of?

 

[korovamilkdud]

Re: so how do maple hollows sound compared to Pauls?

Here, might as well come out with it.

http://www.ibanez.com/HollowBodyGuitars/model-AM73B

 

[ImmortalSix]

Re: so how do maple hollows sound compared to Pauls?

I would not assume that that's not a laminate top. I would not assume that it is a laminate top.

I would find out.

Anyways,

I don't know the tonal differences between a LP and a solid maple top'd semihollow, because I have never played one.


P.S. have a look at the Aria TA Classic

 

[korovamilkdud]

Re: so how do maple hollows sound compared to Pauls?

Good lookin' Aria.

 

[lex666]

Re: so how do maple hollows sound compared to Pauls?

I can get LP tones from my Gibson ES 335, but my LP sounds nothing like my ES 335... weird isn't it?

I've also been playing with my Epi Ultra 339 alot. I really like the open-airy mid-range tone.

Its weird. I would have no problem using a 339 or 335 as a substitute for a Les Paul. But I wouldn't use a Les Paul as a sub for a 339 or 335.

 

[MikeM]

Re: so how do maple hollows sound compared to Pauls?

Beware. I had a full flamed maple Ibanez like that a couple years back. Was never happy with it. The guy I sold it to, also could not bond with it. The treble was quite harsh, the bass was muddy. Just a weird sound.

I vote look for something different (Xaviere?)

 

[JOLLY]

Re: so how do maple hollows sound compared to Pauls?

I can get LP tones from my Gibson ES 335, but my LP sounds nothing like my ES 335... weird isn't it?

Its weird. I would have no problem using a 335 as a substitute for a Les Paul. But I wouldn't use a Les Paul as a sub for a 335.

I can go along with that. I understand what you mean.

 

[guitfiddle]

Re: so how do maple hollows sound compared to Pauls?

That is a laminate top for positive sure. I've been gassing for an AM for a while, but I think I'd take one made in the '80s over the newer one. These look nice, though, and will have better pickups than the AM73 you linked to. They're the AM93 models, and get Custom 58s, which are fairly similar to the old Super 58 pickups.

 

[Bludave]

Re: so how do maple hollows sound compared to Pauls?

Semi hollows are generally made from Laminated maple. The tops are also a laminated top..... not 100% sure but I am certain they are either laminated birch or laminated maple (335's). Tonally; by comparison to a 335. well its like comparing a Ford to a Chevy. The Semi hollows are usually going to offer a more variable amount of tones. With two volume and two tone knobs as well as having a larger body that is somewhat open the tonal variation you can get from these is very wide. Les Pauls being a great guitar in their own way are a very different animal. They can be played with a lot more volume & a lot more gain then you can with a semi hollow guitar. The "air" inside can cause some guitars to howl(this can be fixed in a variety of ways). They are both great guitars but I think the best way to answer your question is to get in a shop and play both side by side!