Help me Decide on a Semi-Hollow Body

[AngryGoldfish]

So with the live performances I've been doing recently and how I've been jamming at home, I've found myself in dire need of a semi-hollow body electric guitar. It's a whole other world of guitars that I have little to no experience with, though, so I thought I'd ask here for the thoughts and opinions of anyone with experience or without.

I'm not fussy about pickups, bridge types, neck dimensions/specifications, production country (though I want to stay away from Epiphone). I am, however, fussy about how big the guitar is. I don't want a huge 335 body, but I do want the acoustic qualities it possesses, or at least as close to it as possible. I'd rather something in between a traditional Les Paul and a 335 in size. I don't mind a hollow-body design as long as the guitar is not known to feedback because I will be using loud volumes and fuzz. Comfort for both seated and standing guitar playing is a must, so a light weight and small body size is important. Any thoughts?

I'm really keen on the Reverend Manta Ray and Tricky Gomez guitars, but I wonder how loud they are acoustically. I can't try them beforehand. The same goes for the Gibson Midtown Custom. I'm also keen on Guild guitars, especially these new MIK reissues. I've heard nothing but excellent reviews from them. The new Peerless Retromatic and the Duesenberg Fullerton TV are also guitars I'm keen on. Opinions? I don't want to have to pay what a Gibson ES339, a Yamaha SA22000BS or a Duesenberg Fullerton TV are all demanding, but I could push to that level if I really fell in love with them. The Hofner Verythin series seem to be popular, but their bodies are pretty damn big despite being so thin.

Peerless Retromatic:


Duesenberg Fullerton TV:


Hofner Verythin double cutaway:


Hofner Verythin single cutaway


Hagstrom Viking:


Hagstrom Tremar Viking Deluxe:


Reverend Tricky Gomez:


Reverend Manta Ray 290:



Reverend Manta Ray HB:



Guild M-75 Aristocrat (hollow body):


Guild Starfire IV:


Gibson Midtown Custom:



Yamaha SA2200BS:


Ibanez AS153-AYS:

[D.o.S.]

Why no love for Epiphone? Gibson's QC is so questionable that there's no reason to pay more for one of their models when you could snag an equivalent Epi for much less.

Also, you're going to want to pay attention to the difference between a chambered "semi-hollow" and a proper semi-hollow. They're different. A semi-hollow has a solid wood piece that runs the length of the body in the middle (think the 335), while a chambered guitar is routed out and often (but not always) has an F-hole +sound chamber/Solid top combination.

Often, but not always, semi-hollows are more prone to feedback than chambered guitars. That is, of course, part of the fun of using a semi-hollow.

[AngryGoldfish]

Maybe this is sacrilegious and overly self-conscious to say but I honestly don't feel like me when playing an Epiphone. I've had them in the past and have since sold them all because I stopped enjoying the experience. I don't want a Gibson either, but it's certainly the better of two evils. I believe wholeheartedly in pride in your instrument. Epiphones just don't make me want to play; they don't inspire me.

I've heard that there is quite a difference between a 'genuine' semi-hollowbody and ones that are simply routed out at the sides, such as the Gibson Midtown Custom, but I can't tell whether the Reverend is like that or not. I have little experience comparing the two—in fact I have none—so maybe I should fly to England and try a few out. But as it stands I think I'd prefer a genuine semi-hollowbody that simply is not as big as a 335.

[Twangasaurus]

Tricky Gomez because sssswwwwooooooooonnnnnnn

[AngryGoldfish]

I just read that the Reverend semi-hollowbodies are routed out. They're not like a 335. I'm not sure which style I want more. The Tricky Gomez is advertised as a lively, resonate guitar, and that's what I want, but I also want that earthy acoustic tone that vintage guitars do best.

[D.o.S.]

Definitely try a few out--I've been using a semi-hollow bass about 98% of the time since 2006 or 2997, and just like with solidbody guitars, there's a wide range of options to sort through.

Of course, while there's a difference between chambered and semi-hollow, I wouldn't go with one style or the other until you've had them in your hands (and preferably plugged in to something approximating your setup)

[patrickviolence]

new starcaster/coronado? i played a modern player thinline with the 90's and it sounded/played great and the new s/c's are made there

[WeHuntKings]

Having played the verythin and the starfire, I'd recommend those two to you. The verythin feels awesome and it's super light, super fast neck too. The starfire is probably one of the best sounding guitars I've ever played hands down.

[AngryGoldfish]

I'll try a few guitars out and keep an open mind.

Having played the verythin and the starfire, I'd recommend those two to you. The verythin feels awesome and it's super light, super fast neck too. The starfire is probably one of the best sounding guitars I've ever played hands down.

Did you play an original Starfire or one of the 2013 reissues that are made in Korea?

[Chankgeez]

Definitely try a few out--I've been using a semi-hollow bass about 98% of the time since 2006 or 2997 ...

When are you gonna let me borrow the time machine?

[D.o.S.]

Depends on your schedule... four months before next week works for me?

[kosta]

…I think I'd prefer a genuine semi-hollowbody that simply is not as big as a 335.

ES-339's are awesome in this regard. Same construction as an ES-335 I believe, but with a smaller body. And the Ibanez Artist guitars fit this bill as well. I have an early 80's Ibanez AM-50 that I love. Happy hunting!

[woolyh]

Gibson CS-336, like a little Gibson Dot ^^

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CApW21blesc[/youtube]

I've seen two the of the Plain Top models the past year in the UK selling just short of a grand.

[Gone Fission]

The Ibanez Artcore models are often very, very good considering how cheap they are. They've got some smaller bodies in the lineup.

Also, check out the Godin Montreal models if you come across them. I haven't seen one in meatspace, but those are fairly compact, reasonably priced, and Godin does some damned good guitars. Some of those have stock Bigsbys, too.

[AngryGoldfish]

I've always been impressed with Ibanez, but I'd be cautious about buying an Artcore guitar without trying a few beforehand. Fortunately they're common enough, even in Ireland, so it shouldn't be too much of a trouble to find a few to compare and test.

Godin have always been on my radar. I was looking at their line-up and forgot to mention them in the OP.

I can't find any CD-336 models in stock in the UK that are below £2000. £1500 is around my maximum, but I MIGHT be able to push for a second-hand ES-339.

The Framus Hollywood DC is cool. I'll look more into it.