Molly Ayala
Hollow-body electric guitars are known for their unique tone and resonance. The guitars have a completely hollow body, which gives them a deep, rich, and natural tone. This makes them especially suited for jazz and blues, but they are versatile and can be used in almost any genre. The main downside to hollow-body guitars is that they are prone to feedback at high volumes. However, this can be addressed in several ways, including using a semi-hollow guitar with a solid block of wood at its centre. Ultimately, the choice between a solid-body and a hollow-body electric guitar comes down to personal preference.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Body | Completely hollow with pickups on the face |
| Sound | Fuller, richer, warmer and deeper tones |
| Volume | Prone to feedback at high volumes |
| Genre | Commonly used for blues and jazz but can be used in almost every genre |
| Feel | Organic |
| Size | Larger |
| Shape | Boxy |
| Weight | Lighter |
| Strings | 6 or 12 |
| Brands | Fender, Ibanez, Gibson, Maton, Epiphone, Yamaha, Squier |
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What You'll Learn
Hollow body electric guitars produce a fuller, richer tone
The body of a guitar plays a significant role in creating sound and playability distinctions. Hollow body electric guitars, as the name suggests, are guitars with completely hollow bodies, i.e., nothing inside them. The pickups on the face of the guitar capture the resonance of the strings reverberating with the hollow inside of the body, producing a fuller and richer tone. This is in contrast to a solid-body electric guitar, which produces thinner, twangier, and less resonant sounds.
Hollow body electric guitars are commonly used in blues and jazz styles, but they make an appearance in almost every genre. They are often referred to as "jazz boxes" due to their common use in jazz and their boxy shape. The full and rich tones produced by hollow body guitars are well-suited to the subdued and mellow nature of jazz and blues music.
The main downside of hollow-body guitars is that they are prone to feedback when played at high volumes. This is because the pickups are not shielded underneath, allowing them to absorb the acoustic resonance of the strings but also making them susceptible to external noise. To address this issue, some manufacturers have opted to place a solid block of wood in the center of the body to combat unwanted resonance, creating a separate category of semi-hollow electric guitars.
Despite the feedback issues, many guitarists prefer hollow body electric guitars for their unique sound qualities. The organic feel and thickness/resonance of the notes produced by these guitars allow for a more expressive and dynamic playing style, especially in genres like blues and jazz. Ultimately, the choice between a solid-body and a hollow-body guitar comes down to personal preference, as both types of guitars can surprise with their tonal versatility.
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They are commonly used in blues and jazz
Hollow-body electric guitars are commonly used in blues and jazz. They are known for their warm, resonant sounds, with enhanced bass response and a natural echo that simulates an acoustic environment. This characteristic is particularly useful in jazz and blues, where a fuller sound spectrum enhances the music's emotional impact. The large body of the instrument amplifies the low-end frequencies, giving the guitar a "fat" tone that is perfect for jazz and blues. The sound of the hollow body can also be very "open" and "airy", making it ideal for strumming chords.
Hollow-body guitars are also highly susceptible to feedback, which can be a challenge for musicians to manage, especially at high volumes. However, many guitarists have learned to use feedback to their advantage, with some using their guitar volume to delicately control the feedback from the amp to create a gritty blues rock tone.
The hollow body guitar's dynamics resemble those of an electro-acoustic, but they sound rounded in the midrange, akin to a regular electric guitar. They are often referred to as "jazz boxes" due to their common use in jazz and their boxy shape. For beginners drawn to jazz or blues, hollow-body guitars can be a good fit, as they offer a gentle learning curve in terms of handling and technique.
Hollow-body guitars have a unique sound and a lot of character. They are highly versatile guitars with a retro aesthetic that are still as popular as ever for blues, jazz, and rock guitarists. They were first created in the 1930s to compete for loudness in large jazz bands and orchestras, and their iconic archtop shape and F-hole design are instantly recognisable.
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Hollow body guitars are prone to feedback issues
Hollow body electric guitars are known for their unique sound qualities, but they are also prone to feedback issues, particularly when used with distorted or high-gain tones. This is due to the design of the guitar, which features a completely hollow body and pickups on the face that are not shielded underneath. As a result, these guitars can be susceptible to excessive feedback, especially at high volumes.
The feedback issues associated with hollow body guitars can be mitigated through a number of techniques. One approach is to adjust the amp settings and positioning. Guitarists can try using a smaller amp, keeping the amp volume low, and standing farther away from the amp to reduce the likelihood of feedback. Additionally, utilising a mixer or a PA system can help control the volume and reduce feedback.
Another technique to manage feedback is to use EQ settings to dial out the problematic frequencies. This can be done with the amp's onboard EQ or by using an external graphic EQ pedal. Adjusting the EQ settings allows for greater control over the sound and can help minimise feedback issues.
Some guitarists also suggest experimenting with different types of strings or pickups to find a setup that reduces feedback while still achieving the desired tone. In some cases, feedback issues may be addressed by using F-Hole plugs or similar modifications to reduce the resonance within the guitar body.
While hollow body guitars can present challenges with feedback, many musicians appreciate their unique sound and feel. By understanding the potential feedback issues and employing appropriate techniques, guitarists can make hollow body guitars work for their playing style and genre of choice.
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They are usually larger than other guitars
Hollow-body electric guitars are usually larger than other guitars. This is because they need space between the back, sides, and top. They are often referred to as "jazz boxes" due to their boxy shape and common use in jazz music.
The size of a hollow-body guitar contributes to its unique sound qualities. The larger body creates a deeper, fuller, and richer tone compared to solid-body electric guitars. The hollow design allows the pickups on the face of the guitar to capture the resonance of the strings reverberating within the hollow body. This results in a more organic and natural tone that is preferred by some guitarists.
While the larger size of hollow-body guitars contributes to their distinct sound, it can also be a drawback in terms of playability. The increased size and weight of the guitar may be uncomfortable for some players, especially those with neck, shoulder, or back problems. Additionally, the larger hollow body can make the guitar more challenging to handle and play, particularly for those with smaller body frames or less physical strength.
However, it is important to note that the size of hollow-body guitars can vary. Some manufacturers offer thin-line hollow body designs that are more compact and easier to handle. These smaller hollow-body guitars may be more suitable for players who prioritize comfort and ease of play without compromising too much on the signature sound of a full-size hollow-body guitar.
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Choosing a hollow body guitar comes down to personal preference
Choosing a hollow-body guitar ultimately comes down to personal preference. There are several factors to consider when choosing a guitar, and the decision to opt for a hollow body, a solid body, or a semi-hollow body depends on what you like most in terms of sound, feel, and aesthetics.
The body of a guitar significantly influences its sound and playability. A hollow-body guitar produces a much fuller and richer tone than a solid-body guitar, which typically has thinner, twangier, and less resonant sound qualities. Hollow-body guitars are known for their deep, warm, and organic tones, which are well-suited for blues and jazz styles, but they are also used in almost every genre. The pickups on the face of the guitar capture the resonance of the strings reverberating with the hollow inside of the body. However, due to the absence of shielding underneath the pickups, hollow-body guitars are highly susceptible to feedback, especially at high volumes. This feedback can be controlled by adjusting the amp volume or placing a sock or a block of wood inside the body to reduce unwanted resonance.
The feel and playability of a guitar are also important considerations. Hollow-body guitars are generally larger and heavier, which can be a preference for some guitarists but may not be suitable for those with neck, shoulder, or back problems. Additionally, the size, build, and density of a guitar's body can influence how it is played and how it reacts to different playing styles.
Lastly, the visual appeal of a guitar is a subjective factor that varies across individuals. Hollow-body guitars, often referred to as "jazz boxes," have a distinctive boxy shape and are available in various finishes and designs, such as the classic Sunburst finish or rich Cherry hues.
When choosing a hollow-body guitar, it is essential to consider the unique qualities of different brands and models, as some may better suit your individual playing style and musical preferences. Ultimately, the decision to choose a hollow-body guitar depends on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics, and you should not feel limited by the perceived notion that certain guitars are exclusively used for specific genres.
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Frequently asked questions
Hollow-body electric guitars are known for delivering a rich, warm and full tone. They are commonly used in blues and jazz styles but are also used in almost every genre. They are usually larger in size and are referred to as "jazz boxes".
Hollow-body electric guitars are prone to feedback issues when used at high volumes. They are also less suitable for distorted tones.
Some popular hollow-body electric guitars include the Yamaha SA2200, the Gibson Byrdland or ES 175, and the Fender Thinline Telecaster.
Hollow-body electric guitars can be purchased from various retailers, including Sky Music and Yamaha.
