Semi-Hollow Body Guitars: What They Are & Why They Matter
Chris Horton – ELECTRIKJAM Founder
What You’ll Learn Today
Learn How Semi-Hollow Body Electric Guitars Work
Learn About The Different Types of Semi-Hollow Body Electric Guitar
Learn How To Choose Your First Semi-Hollow Body Guitar
What is A Semi-Hollow Body Guitar?
Semi-hollow body guitars hit the scene in the late 1950s, designed for players who wanted the rich resonance of hollow-body guitars without the feedback issues.
The goal? A guitar that could handle higher volumes and still deliver warm, resonant tones.
It worked.
Today, these guitars are staples in genres ranging from blues and jazz to rock and indie.
A semi-hollow body guitar has a solid block running through its center, with hollow wings on either side.
This design gives you the best of both worlds: reduced feedback and longer sustain while retaining the depth and richness that hollow-body guitars are known for.
The result is an instrument celebrated for its warm, versatile sound.
Body Construction
Semi-Hollow Design and Tone
The semi-hollow body design features a solid center block flanked by hollow wings.
This construction helps control feedback while giving the guitar a warmer, more resonant tone compared to a fully solid body.
It’s like getting the best of both worlds: you keep the sustain and punch of a solid-body but add the depth and character of a hollow-body.
Wood Choices
The type of wood used in a semi-hollow guitar has a big impact on its tone:
- Maple: Bright and punchy, it’s commonly used for the top, back, and sides of the guitar.
- Mahogany: Known for adding warmth and depth, this wood is often chosen for the body or neck.
- Spruce: Sometimes used for the top to deliver a more acoustic-like tone
How Do Semi-Hollow Body Guitars Work?
The semi-hollow body construction creates a tone that sits somewhere between solid-body and hollow-body guitars.
This unique sound makes semi-hollow guitars ideal for genres like jazz, blues, and rockabilly.
The resonance from the hollow chambers gives notes a fuller, richer sound, while the solid center block helps maintain clarity and reduce feedback, even at higher volumes.
Pickups and Electronics
The pickups and electronics in a semi-hollow guitar play a crucial role in shaping its sound. Here’s what you’ll typically find:
Common Pickup Choices
- Humbuckers: Known for their thick, warm sound and minimal noise, humbuckers are a popular choice in semi-hollow guitars. They deliver a full, rich tone with less hum than single-coils, making them perfect for genres like jazz, blues, and rock.
- P-90s: For players looking for a bit more bite and brightness, P-90 pickups offer a grittier, more aggressive tone compared to humbuckers. They excel in cutting through the mix while still providing that semi-hollow warmth.
Controls and Wiring
Similar to solid-body guitars, semi-hollow guitars usually feature standard controls like volume and tone knobs, along with pickup selectors.
The wiring allows for a wide range of tonal options, letting you dial in everything from smooth, mellow tones to sharp, edgy sounds.
Bridge and Hardware
Now that you’ve got the basics down, let’s talk about the different types of electric guitars out there. It’s like walking into an ice cream shop – there are so many flavors to choose from, and they’re all delicious in their own way!
Bridge Types
The bridge plays a vital role in a guitar’s tone and sustain. In semi-hollow body guitars, you’ll typically see two common bridge types:
- Trapeze Tailpieces: Often found on vintage and classic models, trapeze tailpieces add a retro aesthetic and give the guitar a slightly different feel and resonance. They’re known for their unique, airy tone that appeals to fans of vintage-style guitars.
- Fixed Bridges: These offer excellent tuning stability and sustain, making them a favorite for players who want consistent, reliable performance.
Importance of Hardware
The quality of the hardware—tuners, bridge, tailpiece—affects more than just tuning stability.
Good hardware improves the overall feel and playability of the guitar, ensuring that it stays in tune and responds well to your playing style.
Upgrading components like tuners or the bridge can significantly enhance a guitar’s performance, making it easier to play and more enjoyable over time.
Versus Hollow Body Electric Guitars: The Jazz Cats’ Delight
Now, let’s talk about hollow body electric guitars. These are like the sophisticated older sibling in the electric guitar family.
They look a bit like acoustic guitars that have been electrified (which is basically what they are). Here’s why jazz players and blues aficionados love them:
- They’ve got a deep, rich tone that’s perfect for mellower styles.
- They can produce some beautiful, complex harmonics.
- They’re great for clean, warm tones.
The Gibson ES-175 is a classic example – it’s been the weapon of choice for jazz legends like Pat Metheny. But you can use it for rock and metal too; Josh Homme recorded Songs For The Deaf on the Epiphone version (it costs like $300).
Popular Semi-Hollow Body Guitars: A Deep Dive
The Icon
Gibson ES-335: The Versatile Legend
The Gibson ES-335 is the benchmark for semi-hollow body guitars
Renowned for its versatility, this guitar is a favorite across genres, it has been actively used for over 50 years in music.
Whether you’re diving into blues, jazz, or rock, the ES-335 delivers a broad tonal range, from warm and smooth to bright and punchy
Need something cheaper? Check out the Epiphone Dot – the guitar Josh Homme used on Songs For The Deaf.
The Rocker’s Choice
Epiphone Casino: The Rockstar’s Choice
The Epiphone Casino is iconic for its bright, crisp sound
This guitar is equipped with P-90 pickups, delivering a raw yet refined tone
The Casino excels in genres where you need to cut through the mix, making it perfect for classic rock, pop, and garage rock.
The Epiphone Casino was used by both John Lennon and Paul McCartney on nearly all of the Beatles’ records.
The Affordable Choice
Ibanez Artcore Series: Quality Meets Affordability
For players who want a semi-hollow sound without breaking the bank, the Ibanez Artcore Series offers excellent value
These guitars provide a comfortable playing experience and a versatile sound that fits into many musical styles, from jazz to rock
The Artcore series is known for its quality craftsmanship and affordable pricing, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced players alike.
Electric Guitar Lessons for Beginners: Learning the Ropes
Online Lessons
Learning online is a great way to advance your guitar skills. If you’re like to learn with ELECTRIKJAM, join our community and get in touch – we can help you on your journey.
In-Person Lessons
I don’t take that many students on, but when I do they get my full attention. If you’d like to book a session, see if we fit – contact me via our Newsletter.
YouTube Tutorials
There’s a tutorial for almost any song or technique you want to learn.
You can check out The ELECTRIKJAM YouTube channel for playing tips and lots more
Essential Accessories
Accessories Every Beginner Needs
You’ve got your guitar, but that’s just the beginning. Here’s some essential gear to get you started
Amplifier
You need something to make your electric guitar, well, electric! Start with a small practice amp.
Tuner
Trust me, you want one of these. Clip-on tuners are cheap and super handy.
Picks
Get a variety pack to find what thickness you prefer.
Strap
Unless you plan on always playing sitting down, you’ll need one of these.
Cable
You need this to connect your guitar to your amp. Get a decent one; it makes a difference.
Gig Bag or Case
Protect your investment from bumps and scratches (and changes in the weather)
+
Helpful Podcast Episodes
We cover A LOT of stuff on The ELECTRIKJAM Podcast. But the curated episodes below are ones all beginner players should check out – and make sure you subscribe too!
Episode 4
·
Jan 19th
·56 Min
Are Amazon Guitars Good? No – Here’s Why…
We take a look at these super-affordable guitars found on Amazon, and give you a different perspective than the influencers. We have had hands-on experience, and you might be surprised with our findings. We can save you some $$$…and potential headaches.
Episode 11
·
March 8th
·
42 Min
We Now Live In The Golden Age of Guitar
Today we take a look at how guitar products, and even guitars themselves, have never been more affordable. The same can be said for recording equipment, and all of the DAW plugins on the market. Everything is much easier now, right?
Episode 18
·
May 4th
·
44 Min
The Fruitless Pursuit For The Perfect Guitar
There is no perfect guitar that will change your playing or your style. A nice guitar may make you want to practice more, but will it change your guitar style? Tools do not make you a better artist.