Semi Acoustic & Hollowbody Guitars

Semi Acoustic & Hollowbody Guitars are a style of electric with semi hollow bodies. Unlike fully hollow body guitars, semi acoustics have solid centre blocks inside their bodies and a hollow cavity at either side for a warm and versatile sound. Semi acoustic guitars usually have laminated tops and f-holes, and have a different sound quality compared to solid body guitars. Famous semi hollow guitars include the Gibson ES-335 and Epiphone Riviera. Semi-acoustic guitars are used in a wide range of genres, from jazz to blues to indie rock. Although they have more acoustic properties than a standard solid body guitar, they are still designed to be plugged into an amplifier.

Semi Acoustic & Hollowbody Guitars were originally designed as jazz guitars so they are very popular for very popular for blues, soul and jazz genres. They feature an archtop construction - as opposed to the flat top of an acoustic guitar. They were designed in the style of violins and cellos and were particularly known for being made in New York in the 1920s and 30s by brands like Epiphone, Gretsch and D’Angelico. As popular music developed it was clear these large hollow guitars didn’t suit being played through loud, overdriven amps as they would feedback uncontrollably. In an effort to quell the feedback, two things happened. They were made with thin bodies like the Epiphone Casino.

Why Should I Choose a Semi Acoustic or Hollowbody Guitar?

• Classic guitar design
• Perfect for blues, soul and jazz
• Soft, airy sound
• Often lightweight
• Warm and resonant sound with lots of sustain