Hollow-Body and Solid-Body: Should You Choose an Empty or Solid-Body Electric Guitar?

For at least the past 70 years, the common default for electric guitar body types has been this: If you love jazz or blues, buy a hollow-body electric guitar; If you like rock, choose a solid body.

There is a lot of precedent for this. Jazz and blues players really tend to use hollow-body guitars, especially guitars that mimic the classic arch-top that guitarists used before amplifiers. Meanwhile, rock enthusiasts often prefer not-so-arch-top models. When solid-barrel guitars were invented in the mid-20th century, part of the reason they became such a revolutionary invention was that manufacturers no longer had to worry about the sound characteristics of their guitars - which meant they could They can turn the guitar into any crazy shape they want. … And rockers love such novel designs.

However, many rock guitarists still favor the drum guitar, including legendary names like John Lennon or rock 'n' roll style like Chuck Berry. And if someone still thinks it's impossible to play jazz or blues on a solid barrel, they've clearly not heard the work of Les Paul, Allan Holdsworth, Duane Allman, Stevie Ray Vaughan and countless others.

The bottom line is that the style of music you like shouldn't be a major factor when you're deciding between an empty or a solid barrel guitar. Here are some pros and cons that you should consider.

Yamaha SA2200 semi-hollow body electric guitar

HOLLOW-BODY: PROS AND DISEASE OF GUITAR WINS THAT

Even before you connect an empty-cabinet electric guitar to the amplifier, many of its best characteristics are immediately apparent. First, because the drums are empty, they're usually significantly lighter than the solid ones - which can affect quite a bit if you're standing on the stage playing for many hours. Second, because it has the same resonant case as an acoustic guitar, you can hear it without an amplifier connected - an important factor if you live in an apartment building with loud speakers. neighbors when you practice.

When connected to an amp, you'll find that the hollow body naturally delivers a warm and rich tone. That's because the resonance of the body emphasizes the midrange and bass frequencies. That said, empty-barrel guitars are capable of producing many different types of timbre.

Another way that hollow barrel guitars are similar to acoustic guitars is that they don't have high sustain. This isn't difficult to understand - an empty barrel won't vibrate or interact with the pickup in the same way a solid barrel would. That means if you like lingering tunes then the empty barrel might not be for you.

The main disadvantage of empty-barrel guitars is that they are prone to reverberation (speakers howling) if you turn the volume up too loud. There are three main ways to deal with this: 1) Don't screw up your amp too much (which doesn't always work); 2) Learn the old fashioned way like BB King used to do by stuffing a sock inside the case (more or less effective, but not recommended for daily practice); and 3) Make the barrel shallower by placing a solid block of wood inside to counteract unwanted resonances.

Over the years, manufacturers have opted for the latter and created a distinct style: semi-hollow - semi-hollow electric guitars. The Yamaha SA2200 is a great example. Its laminated body has the recognizable lines of an arch-top, complete with double f-holes for better sound escape, but the center block inside the case - made of soft Maple - helps avoid reverberation when turning large volume.

SOLID-BODY: PROS AND CONSULTATIONS OF WINNING GUITAR

Saying the above does not mean that a solid barrel guitar is not reverberated. It's still possible when the volume is on, but you can have more control and even make it produce a predictable sound - like Jimi Hendrix did on “Machine Gun. Because of their heavier weight and independent of the acoustic resonance of the barrel, solid-barrel guitars work better with sound effects, pedals, and are largely dependent on pickup types.

Overall, the treble sounds more pleasant on a solid-barrel guitar than on an empty-barrel. In contrast, a solid barrel is difficult to have a strong bass sound like an empty barrel. But these factors are only relative because they depend on many other factors.

Another point worth noting is that weight can be an issue with solid acoustic guitars. Of course, many players prefer the feel of heavier guitars but that doesn't include guitarists who suffer from neck, shoulder or back problems. However, it does not have to be heavy to produce a long sustaining sound. To prove it, just pick up any pickup model in the Yamaha Pacifica or REVSTAR line. The bodies of these models (primarily a combination of Maple/Alder for Pacificas, Maple/Mahogany for REVSTAR) are engineered for comfort, while still providing all the benefits of a tree. solid barrel guitar.

Yamaha Pacifica solid acoustic guitar

Yamaha REVSTAR solid-barrel electric guitar

Ultimately, choosing between solid and empty acoustic guitars comes down to personal preference. When making a choice, you need to consider what you like best about a guitar: Sound, feel, and look. Don't follow the default advice that one box should play one type of music, another one that plays another. Any guitar can play the style you want.

Reference:

Electric Guitar

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