Hollow & Semi-Hollow Body Electric Guitars: An In-Depth Look
The hollow and semi-hollow body electric guitar is an iconic cornerstone of the world of music. From jazz to rock and everything in-between, these guitars have helped shape the sound of today’s music. But what is the difference between a hollow and semi-hollow guitar? How are they different from solid body guitars? In this article we will take a deep dive into the world of hollow and semi-hollow body guitars and explore their differences, strengths, and weaknesses.
The Basics of the Hollow & Semi-Hollow Guitar Bodies
Hollow body guitars are unique in that the body does not come with a center block, as is typically found in solid body guitars. Instead, the top and back of the guitar are a single piece of wood that is hollowed out. This allows for more resonance and allows the guitar to produce a warm, organic tone. These guitars are often used in genres such as jazz, blues, and classic rock.
Semi-hollow body guitars also come without a center block but have an additional piece of wood between the top and back of the guitar. This is called a “floating” piece and provides the guitar with additional sustain and volume. While semi-hollow guitars are not as loud as their solid body cousins, they still provide a great deal of warmth and resonance. Semi-hollow body guitars are often used in genres such as jazz, blues, country, and rock.
The Tone of Hollow & Semi-Hollow Body Guitars
Hollow and semi-hollow body guitars provide a unique tone that is often sought after by players of all types. The hollow and semi-hollow body design offers a great amount of warmth and resonance that can not be found in solid body guitars. These guitars also tend to be quite versatile and can be used in a variety of genres, from jazz to blues to rock and beyond. They are also capable of producing a clean and clear sound that is perfect for playing lead lines.
The tone of these guitars also tends to be quite dynamic. When playing light, fingerpicked parts, the guitar will sound mellow and warm. When dug into hard and played with a pick, the guitar will burst into life, providing a nice bite and sustain. For those looking for a unique sounding electric guitar, the hollow and semi-hollow body electric guitar is a great option.
The Pros & Cons of Hollow & Semi-Hollow Guitars
As with any type of guitar, there are some pros and cons associated with hollow and semi-hollow body guitars. The biggest pro is the unique tone of these guitars. As previously mentioned, these guitars offer a great deal of warmth and resonance, but they are also quite versatile and can be used in a variety of styles. Another benefit of these guitars is that they are typically quite lightweight, making them comfortable to play both seated and standing.
The biggest downside of hollow and semi-hollow body guitars is that they can feedback easily at higher volumes. To combat this issue, the guitars may need to be plugged into a tube amp or equipped with special pickups designed to reduce feedback. Additionally, due to their hollow construction, these guitars may not be as durable as solid body guitars, so they may need extra care to ensure they last.
Conclusion
Hollow and semi-hollow body electric guitars are an iconic part of the world of music. From jazz to rock, these guitars provide a unique tone that is often sought after by players of all types. With their great warmth and resonance, these guitars are capable of producing a clean, clear sound that is perfect for playing lead lines. Despite their tendency to feedback easily, these guitars offer a great deal of versatility and can be used in many different styles. Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned player, hollow and semi-hollow body electric guitars are a great option.
