Semi-Hollow Body & Hollow Body

Artists have played some of the most memorable, beautiful music using semi-hollow and hollow body electric guitars. The versatile instruments embody the best in electric and acoustic guitars, offering visual and tonal appeal. At LAWK STAR Guitars, we offer beautiful D’Angelico, Paul Reed Smith and Gretsch guitars.

Body Construction

A semi-hollow body guitar has a solid block of wood in the center of the body, as well as hollows with F-shaped holes. This design allows you to wire and amplify it like a solid-body guitar. Hollow body guitars look like their semi-hollow counterparts, but have archtops and are hollow like acoustic guitars.

Sound

Thanks to their natural resonance, one of the greatest benefits of semi-hollow and hollow body guitars is the ability to amplify them or unplug them for an acoustic sound. Hollow body guitars, sometimes called jazz guitars, produce clear, bright tones that are both warm and rich. They have superb resonance and, when unplugged, have a deep base response. Hollow body guitars are great for all venues, however they may produce feedback at high volumes and require a DI.

Semi-hollow body guitars have sweet, pure tones that are perfect for genres like jazz, blues, folk music and Indie rock. They offer harmonic richness with rounded midtones, striking overtones and plenty of sustain. The cavities give the guitar a lush sound, while the center block helps eliminate the feedback at high amplification levels.

When choosing a semi-hollow body or hollow-body guitar, base your decision on the type of music you intend to play, the size of your audience and how comfortable the instrument feels. As one of the National Association of Music Merchants top online guitar sellers in the U.S., LAWK STAR Guitars is committed to bringing you the best in boutique electric guitars. Feel free to browse our online selection or visit our Portland-area facility.