Electric guitars are a popular choice for musicians of all levels, and for good reason. They’re versatile, easy to play, and they sound great. But what if you’re looking for an electric guitar with a little more personality? An electric guitar hollow body might be the perfect choice for you.
Editor’s Note:Electric guitar hollow body guitars are a great option for musicians who want a guitar with a unique sound and feel. They’re also relatively affordable, making them a great choice for beginners.
We’ve done the research and put together this electric guitar hollow body guide to help you make the right decision. We’ll discuss the different types of electric guitar hollow body guitars available, the pros and cons of each type, and some of the best electric guitar hollow body guitars on the market today.
Key Differences:
| Feature | Solid Body Guitar | Hollow Body Guitar |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Heavier | Lighter |
| Tone | Brighter, more sustain | Darker, more mellow |
| Feedback | More prone to feedback | Less prone to feedback |
| Price | Generally less expensive | Generally more expensive |
Main Article Topics:
- The different types of electric guitar hollow body guitars
- The pros and cons of each type
- Some of the best electric guitar hollow body guitars on the market today
1. Body Type
The body type of an electric guitar is one of the most important factors that affects its sound. Hollow body guitars have a hollow body, which gives them a warmer, more resonant sound than solid body guitars. This is because the hollow body allows the sound waves to resonate more freely, creating a richer, more complex tone.
Hollow body guitars are often used for jazz, blues, and other genres of music that require a warm, mellow sound. They are also popular for playing at low volumes, as they are less prone to feedback than solid body guitars.
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between hollow body and solid body guitars:
| Feature | Hollow Body Guitar | Solid Body Guitar |
|---|---|---|
| Body Type | Hollow | Solid |
| Sound | Warmer, more resonant | Brighter, more sustain |
| Feedback | Less prone to feedback | More prone to feedback |
| Weight | Lighter | Heavier |
| Price | Generally more expensive | Generally less expensive |
Ultimately, the best way to decide which type of electric guitar is right for you is to try out different models and see what you like best. However, if you’re looking for a warm, mellow sound, a hollow body guitar is a great option.
2. Construction
The construction of an electric guitar is one of the most important factors that affects its sound, weight, and price. Hollow body guitars are typically made from laminated wood, which is a type of wood that is made by gluing together thin layers of wood. This makes hollow body guitars lighter and more affordable than solid body guitars, which are made from a single piece of wood.
The type of wood used in the construction of a hollow body guitar also affects its sound. For example, maple is a bright-sounding wood, while mahogany is a warm-sounding wood. The thickness of the body also affects the sound, with thicker bodies producing a warmer, more resonant sound.
The construction of a hollow body guitar also affects its weight. Hollow body guitars are typically lighter than solid body guitars, making them more comfortable to play for long periods of time. This is especially important for guitarists who play standing up.
The price of a hollow body guitar is also affected by its construction. Hollow body guitars are typically more expensive than solid body guitars, due to the cost of the materials and labor involved in their construction.
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between hollow body and solid body guitars:
| Feature | Hollow Body Guitar | Solid Body Guitar |
|---|---|---|
| Body Type | Hollow | Solid |
| Construction | Laminated wood | Single piece of wood |
| Sound | Warmer, more resonant | Brighter, more sustain |
| Weight | Lighter | Heavier |
| Price | Generally more expensive | Generally less expensive |
Ultimately, the best way to decide which type of electric guitar is right for you is to try out different models and see what you like best. However, if you’re looking for a warm, mellow sound, a hollow body guitar is a great option.
3. Tone
The tone of an electric guitar is one of the most important factors that affects its sound. Hollow body guitars have a darker, more mellow tone than solid body guitars. This is because the hollow body allows the sound waves to resonate more freely, creating a richer, more complex tone. Hollow body guitars are also less prone to feedback, making them a good choice for playing at high volumes.
The darker, more mellow tone of hollow body guitars is often preferred for jazz, blues, and other genres of music that require a warm, vintage sound. Hollow body guitars are also popular for playing at low volumes, as they produce less feedback than solid body guitars.
Here are some examples of famous guitarists who have used hollow body guitars:
- B.B. King
- Chuck Berry
- Eric Clapton
- George Harrison
- Wes Montgomery
If you’re looking for a versatile electric guitar that can be used for a variety of genres, a hollow body guitar is a great option. Hollow body guitars offer a warm, mellow tone that is perfect for jazz, blues, and other genres of music. They are also less prone to feedback, making them a good choice for playing at high volumes.
Here is a table that summarizes the key benefits of hollow body guitars:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Darker, more mellow tone | Hollow body guitars have a darker, more mellow tone than solid body guitars. This is because the hollow body allows the sound waves to resonate more freely, creating a richer, more complex tone. |
| Less prone to feedback | Hollow body guitars are less prone to feedback than solid body guitars. This is because the hollow body absorbs some of the sound waves, reducing the amount of feedback that is produced. |
| Versatile | Hollow body guitars can be used for a variety of genres of music, from jazz to blues to rock. They are also a good choice for playing at both low and high volumes. |
4. Versatility
Hollow body guitars have a unique sound that is well-suited for a variety of genres of music. This is due to their warm, mellow tone and their ability to produce feedback at high volumes. As a result, hollow body guitars are popular among guitarists of all levels, from beginners to professionals.
- Jazz: Hollow body guitars are a popular choice for jazz guitarists because of their warm, mellow tone. This tone is perfect for playing jazz standards and ballads.
- Blues: Hollow body guitars are also popular among blues guitarists. The warm, mellow tone of these guitars is perfect for playing blues riffs and solos.
- Rock: Hollow body guitars can also be used to play rock music. The feedback produced by these guitars can be used to create a variety of distorted sounds, making them perfect for playing rock solos and riffs.
In addition to their versatility, hollow body guitars are also relatively affordable. This makes them a great option for guitarists who are on a budget. However, it is important to note that hollow body guitars are more prone to feedback than solid body guitars. This can be a problem for guitarists who play at high volumes.
Overall, hollow body guitars are a versatile and affordable option for guitarists of all levels. They are perfect for playing a variety of genres of music, from jazz to rock to blues.
5. Playability
The playability of an electric guitar is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a guitar. Hollow body guitars are generally easier to play than solid body guitars, making them a good choice for beginners. This is due to a number of factors, including the weight, balance, and neck profile of the guitar.
Hollow body guitars are lighter than solid body guitars, making them more comfortable to play for long periods of time. They are also better balanced, which makes them easier to control. The neck profile of a hollow body guitar is also typically thinner than the neck profile of a solid body guitar, making it easier to reach the frets.
In addition to being easier to play, hollow body guitars also produce a warmer, more mellow sound than solid body guitars. This makes them a good choice for players who want a guitar that is versatile and can be used for a variety of genres of music.
Here are some examples of famous guitarists who have used hollow body guitars:
- B.B. King
- Chuck Berry
- Eric Clapton
- George Harrison
- Wes Montgomery
If you are a beginner guitarist, a hollow body guitar is a great option. They are easy to play, versatile, and produce a beautiful sound.
Here is a table that summarizes the key benefits of hollow body guitars for beginners:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Lighter weight | Hollow body guitars are lighter than solid body guitars, making them more comfortable to play for long periods of time. |
| Better balance | Hollow body guitars are better balanced than solid body guitars, making them easier to control. |
| Thinner neck profile | The neck profile of a hollow body guitar is typically thinner than the neck profile of a solid body guitar, making it easier to reach the frets. |
| Warmer, more mellow sound | Hollow body guitars produce a warmer, more mellow sound than solid body guitars, making them a good choice for players who want a guitar that is versatile and can be used for a variety of genres of music. |
6. Weight
The weight of an electric guitar is an important factor to consider, especially if you plan on playing for long periods of time. Hollow body guitars are significantly lighter than solid body guitars, making them more comfortable to play. This is because the hollow body of the guitar reduces the overall weight of the instrument.
The lighter weight of hollow body guitars makes them a good choice for guitarists who play standing up. They are also a good choice for guitarists who have back problems or other physical limitations.
Here are some examples of famous guitarists who have used hollow body guitars:
- B.B. King
- Chuck Berry
- Eric Clapton
- George Harrison
- Wes Montgomery
As you can see, many of the greatest guitarists in history have used hollow body guitars. This is because hollow body guitars offer a unique combination of comfort, playability, and tone.
If you are looking for an electric guitar that is comfortable to play for long periods of time, a hollow body guitar is a great option.
Table: Comparison of Hollow Body and Solid Body Guitars
| Feature | Hollow Body Guitar | Solid Body Guitar |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Lighter | Heavier |
| Comfort | More comfortable to play for long periods of time | Less comfortable to play for long periods of time |
| Playability | Easier to play | More difficult to play |
| Tone | Warmer, more mellow | Brighter, more sustain |
7. Feedback
Electric guitars with hollow bodies produce less feedback than solid body electric guitars when played at high volumes. This difference is due to the way that the two types of guitars are constructed.
- Body Construction: Hollow body guitars have a hollow body, while solid body guitars have a solid body. The hollow body of a hollow body guitar allows sound waves to resonate more freely, which reduces the amount of feedback that is produced.
- Feedback Loop: Feedback is created when sound waves from the guitar’s amplifier are picked up by the guitar’s pickups and then amplified again. The hollow body of a hollow body guitar helps to absorb some of these sound waves, which reduces the amount of feedback that is produced.
- Output Level: The output level of a guitar is the amount of electrical signal that it produces. Hollow body guitars typica
lly have a lower output level than solid body guitars. This is because the hollow body of a hollow body guitar absorbs some of the sound waves that are produced by the guitar’s strings. - Playing Style: The way that a guitarist plays can also affect the amount of feedback that is produced. Guitarists who play with a lot of distortion and gain are more likely to experience feedback than guitarists who play with a clean sound.
Overall, hollow body guitars are less prone to feedback than solid body guitars, making them a good choice for playing at high volumes. However, it is important to note that all guitars can produce feedback if they are played at a high enough volume. Guitarists who are concerned about feedback should consider using a noise gate or other feedback reduction device.
8. Price
The price of an electric guitar is determined by a number of factors, including the materials used in its construction, the quality of its workmanship, and the brand name. Hollow body guitars are generally more expensive than solid body guitars because they require more materials and labor to build.
The body of a hollow body guitar is made from a thin piece of wood that is bent into a shape and then glued together. The top and back of the body are then carved out to create a hollow chamber. The neck of a hollow body guitar is also made from wood, and it is typically glued to the body. The fretboard is then glued to the neck, and the frets are installed.
Solid body guitars, on the other hand, are made from a single piece of wood that is cut into shape. The neck of a solid body guitar is also made from wood, and it is typically bolted to the body. The fretboard is then glued to the neck, and the frets are installed.
The construction of a hollow body guitar is more complex and time-consuming than the construction of a solid body guitar. This is why hollow body guitars are generally more expensive than solid body guitars.
Despite their higher price, hollow body guitars offer a number of advantages over solid body guitars. Hollow body guitars are typically lighter and more resonant than solid body guitars, and they produce a warmer, more mellow sound. Hollow body guitars are also less prone to feedback, making them a good choice for playing at high volumes.
If you are looking for an electric guitar that is versatile, affordable, and easy to play, a solid body guitar is a good option. However, if you are looking for an electric guitar that produces a warm, mellow sound and is less prone to feedback, a hollow body guitar is a better choice.
| Feature | Hollow Body Guitar | Solid Body Guitar |
|---|---|---|
| Body | Made from a thin piece of wood that is bent into a shape and then glued together | Made from a single piece of wood that is cut into shape |
| Neck | Typically glued to the body | Typically bolted to the body |
| Fretboard | Glued to the neck | Glued to the neck |
| Frets | Installed after the fretboard is glued to the neck | Installed after the fretboard is glued to the neck |
| Price | Generally more expensive than solid body guitars | Generally less expensive than hollow body guitars |
9. Brands
The connection between brands and electric guitar hollow body is significant because the brand of a guitar can have a major impact on its sound, quality, and price. Gibson, Epiphone, and Gretsch are three of the most popular brands of hollow body guitars, and each brand has its own unique sound and style.
Gibson is known for making high-quality, professional-grade guitars. Gibson hollow body guitars are typically made from high-quality materials, such as mahogany and maple, and they are known for their warm, rich sound. Epiphone is a more affordable brand that makes guitars that are similar in style to Gibson guitars. Epiphone hollow body guitars are typically made from less expensive materials, but they still offer good sound quality and craftsmanship.
Gretsch is another popular brand of hollow body guitars. Gretsch guitars are known for their unique sound, which is often described as “jangly” or “twangy.” Gretsch hollow body guitars are often used in rock and country music.
The choice of which brand of hollow body guitar to buy depends on the player’s individual needs and preferences. Gibson guitars are the most expensive, but they are also the highest quality. Epiphone guitars are more affordable, but they still offer good sound quality. Gretsch guitars have a unique sound that is well-suited for rock and country music.
Table: Comparison of Gibson, Epiphone, and Gretsch Hollow Body Guitars
| Brand | Sound | Quality | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gibson | Warm, rich | High | Expensive |
| Epiphone | Good | Medium | Affordable |
| Gretsch | Jangly, twangy | Good | Affordable |
10. Models
The choice of which model of hollow body guitar to buy depends on the player’s individual needs and preferences. There are many different factors to consider, such as the body style, the type of wood used, and the hardware. It is important to do your research and try out different models before making a decision.
Some of the most popular models of hollow body guitars include:
- Gibson ES-335
- Epiphone Casino
- Gretsch White Falcon
- Fender Telecaster Thinline
- PRS McCarty 594 Hollowbody II
These guitars are all well-made and offer a unique sound. However, it is important to choose the right model for your playing style and needs.
For example, if you are looking for a versatile guitar that can be used for a variety of genres, the Gibson ES-335 is a good choice. This guitar has a warm, rich sound that is perfect for jazz, blues, and rock music. The Epiphone Casino is a more affordable option that offers a similar sound to the ES-335. The Gretsch White Falcon is a unique guitar with a bright, jangly sound that is perfect for rock and country music. The Fender Telecaster Thinline is a versatile guitar that can be used for a variety of genres. The PRS McCarty 594 Hollowbody II is a high-quality guitar with a warm, rich sound that is perfect for jazz and blues music.
Ultimately, the best way to choose a hollow body guitar is to try out different models and see what you like best. By doing your research and understanding the different models available, you can make an informed decision that will help you find the perfect guitar for your needs.
Table: Comparison of Popular Hollow Body Guitar Models
| Model | Body Style | Type of Wood | Hardware |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gibson ES-335 | Semi-hollow | Mahogany | Nickel-plated |
| Epiphone Casino | Mahogany | Chrome-plated | |
| Gretsch White Falcon | Hollow | Maple | Gold-plated |
| Fender Telecaster Thinline | Semi-hollow | Ash | Nickel-plated |
| PRS McCarty 594 Hollowbody II | Semi-hollow | Mahogany | Nickel-plated |
FAQs on Electric Guitar Hollow Body
Electric guitar hollow body guitars are a popular choice for musicians of all levels. They’re versatile, easy to play, and they sound great. However, there are also some common misconceptions about hollow body guitars. In this section, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about hollow body guitars.
Question 1: Are hollow body guitars more prone to feedback than solid body guitars?
Yes, hollow body guitars are more prone to feedback than solid body guitars. This is because the hollow body of the guitar allows sound waves to resonate more freely, which can lead to feedback. However, there are a number of things that can be done to reduce feedback, such as using a noise gate or playing with a lower gain setting.
Question 2: Are hollow body guitars more expensive than solid body guitars?
Yes, hollow body guitars are generally more expensive than solid body guitars. This is because they require more materials and labor to build. However, there are a number of affordable hollow body guitars available, so it is possible to find a good guitar that fits your budget.
Question 3: Are hollow body guitars good for beginners?
Yes, hollow body guitars can be a good choice for beginners. They are relatively easy to play, and they produce a warm, mellow sound that is well-suited for a variety of genres.
Question 4: What are some of the best hollow body guitars?
There are many great hollow body guitars on the market. Some of the most popular models include the Gibson ES-335, the Epiphone Casino, and the Gretsch White Falcon.
Question 5: What are some tips for playing a hollow body guitar?
Here are a few tips for playing a hollow body guitar:
- Use a light touch when picking or strumming.
- Keep your gain setting low to reduce feedback.
- Use a noise gate to eliminate unwanted noise.
- Experiment with different pickup positions to find the sound you want.
Question 6: What are the benefits of playing a hollow body guitar?
There are many benefits to playing a hollow body guitar, including:
- Warm, mellow sound
- Less prone to feedback than solid body guitars
- Versatile and can be used for a variety of genres
- Lightweight and comfortable to play
We hope this FAQ section has been helpful. If you have any other questions about hollow body guitars, please feel free to contact us.
Transition to the next article section:
In the next section, we’ll discuss some of the best hollow body guitars for beginners.
Electric Guitar Hollow Body Tips
Hollow body electric guitars are known for their warm, mellow sound and their versatility. However, there are also some things that you should keep in mind when playing a hollow body guitar.
Tip 1: Use a light touch when picking or strumming.
Hollow body guitars are more prone to feedback than solid body guitars. This is because the hollow body of the guitar allows sound waves to resonate more freely. To reduce feedback, use a light touch when picking or strumming.
Tip 2: Keep your gain setting low.
The gain setting on your amplifier can also affect feedback. If you are experiencing feedback, try lowering the gain setting. This will help to reduce the amount of distortion and feedback.
Tip 3: Use a noise gate.
A noise gate is a device that can help to eliminate unwanted noise, including feedback. Noise gates work by cutting off the signal when it falls below a certain threshold. This can help to reduce feedback without affecting the overall sound of your guitar.
Tip 4: Experiment with different pickup positions.
The position of your pickups can also affect the sound of your guitar. Experiment with different pickup positions to find the sound that you want. For example, the neck pickup will produce a warmer, more mellow sound, while the bridge pickup will produce a brighter, more aggressive sound.
Tip 5: Learn to control feedback.
Feedback is not always a bad thing. Some guitarists use feedback to create unique sounds and effects. If you want to learn how to control feedback, there are a few things that you can do. First, try to identify the source of the feedback. Once you know where the feedback is coming from, you can try to reduce it by moving your guitar, changing the position of your pickups, or using a noise gate.
Summary of key takeaways or benefits:
- Hollow body guitars are versatile instruments that can be used for a variety of genres.
- Hollow body guitars are more prone to feedback than solid body guitars.
- There are a number of things that you can do to reduce feedback, such as using a light touch when picking or strumming, keeping your gain setting low, and using a noise gate.
- Experiment with different pickup positions to find the sound that you want.
- Feedback is not always a bad thing. Some guitarists use feedback to create unique sounds and effects.
Electric Guitar Hollow Body
Electric guitar hollow body guitars are a unique and versatile type of guitar that offer a warm, mellow sound and a comfortable playing experience. They are a great choice for a variety of genres, from jazz to blues to rock. However, it is important to be aware of the potential for feedback and to take steps to reduce it. By following the tips in this article, you can learn to play a hollow body guitar and enjoy its unique sound.
Hollow body guitars have been used by some of the greatest guitarists in history, including B.B. King, Chuck Berry, Eric Clapton, George Harrison, and Wes Montgomery. These guitars offer a unique combination of sound, playability, and comfort that makes them a favorite among guitarists of all levels. If you are looking for a versatile and great-sounding guitar, a hollow body guitar is a great option.
