Sugesstions on a semi hollow body guitar

[echos]

Hey guys/gals. I'm new here to the forum. Been lurking for some time but this would be my first post.

I'm looking for a good semi hollow body guitar. I already have a Gibson LP Standard, so I don't want to duplicate that sound. I'd like something that is distinctly....well....semi hollow in sound. I would be playing mostly rock and blues. I don't play high gain stuff, but I do want it to be able to take a fair amount of gain well.

My LP is a 60s neck, but I think I would prefer something with a bit beefer neck. Not baseball bat, but just something with a little more beef to it. I don't have a problem with the weight or size of a 335, but I think I would prefer something with a smaller body.

I think I'd also like to consider some individual builders. I'm not opposed to the big companies like Gibson, love the one I have, but I think I like the attention to detail that I would get out of a smaller builder.

I'm also looking used, to stretch my dollar, my budget is 1700. I also would like the guitar to have a good resale value. I hate to think about resale, but alas, I do tend to trade/sell guitars.

I'm looking for suggestions so please be opinionated.


Just for reference here is what I'm considering so far:


Gibson ES339- What I think is the ideal for what I'm looking for, but I've heard that it's too much like the LP

Soloway: Never played one, but the reputation is great. Just think it would be a fun guitar.

Heritage Prospect or similar: I've not played one of these, so what is ya'll opinion.

Epiphone ES335 Dot Elitist: I see one of these on the local criagslist. I've heard good things about them, but for the price, I could spend a few buck more and get one of the above.

[Black Squirrel]

for 1700 you should get a good es335. play a bunch and get one that "has it" unplugged.

[miurasv]

I too am interested in a semi hollow body and I've never played one but from the info that I've gathered from the members on this site, the Gibson 336 is the same size as the 339, and instead of being made from laminated woods is made from solid wood. Actually thinking about it that may sound more like a Les Paul than a 339 in that case which is something that I've just realised as I'm typing here. The experts here will chime in I'm sure.

Yes the 335 must be considered too. The other guitar that's of great interest to me is the Yamaha SA2200. This is 335 size and is made from Laminated Figured Maple. I've read that build quality is superior to Gibson and is a world classs instrument. They are very consistent. Some people have said that the pick ups are not quite to their taste but others love them. It has coil tapping too making it very versatile. Resale value is as good as Gibson as far as I can see.

[arthur rotfeld]

Soloways are really nice.

If I was in the market now with limited money. I'd look for a bargain '80s Yamaha or Ibanez, maybe well used in the $700-1000 range and put the remaining money in great new pickups/wiring and impeccable fretwork.

[hudpucker]

Hamer Artist Custom.

Off the charts quality at a ridiculously deflated price when bought used.

[musicofanatic5]

Hamer Artist Custom.

Off the charts quality at a ridiculously deflated price when bought used.
Refreshing to hear an endorsement for a Hamer (or PRS/Heritage/Carvin/Agile/whatever) based solely on the endorser's appreciation for the product, and not followed by the idiot tag of "Blows any Gibson outta the water, dood!!" Thanks.

[pennylink]

Take a look or do some research on Yamaha SA2200, or the older SA2000 or SA2100. Excellent semi-hollow made in Japan with great craftsmanship, tone and consistency. The body size is very similar to a Gibson 335, but it seems very manageable to me :)

[shawntp]

Gibson ES-333 (trimmed down 335 that sell used for ~1000 or even less).

Swap the pickups (has a back plate for ease access), trim back up if desired (pickguard) and its a 335.

[Ymir]

What about a Guild Starfire?

[Jessterr]

I'd also consider the Hamer Monaco and Newport Pro. Two different animals, both excellent.

[FredZepp]

Heritage Prospect or similar: I've not played one of these, so what is ya'll opinion.
The players that have these at the Heritage Owners Club have great things to say about these. Certainly worth looking into...

[echos]

anybody have first hand experience with the heritage and the Yamaha SA2200?

[custom53]

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z135/custom53_photos/Automobles/My%20Autos/Guitars/My%20Guitars/Duotone8.jpg
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z135/custom53_photos/Automobles/My%20Autos/Guitars/My%20Guitars/DuotoneB.jpg

[echos]

I saw one of these on flea-bay. Does it have a piezo in the bridge? Is that a phase switch?

I Hamer, only thing about this one or the Artist series is that it looks just like my Gibson LP DC Standard. I'd really like to get a semi hollow that didn't resemble my LP so much.

[custom53]

I saw one of these on flea-bay. Does it have a piezo in the bridge? Is that a phase switch?

I Hamer, only thing about this one or the Artist series is that it looks just like my Gibson LP DC Standard. I'd really like to get a semi hollow that didn't resemble my LP so much.

Seperate jack for Humbuckers and Bridge Piezo... 3 Position switch to go between them... (HB - HB & Pezio - Pezio)

3 Position switch for the Humbuckers... (Neck HB - neck & Bridge HBs - Bridge HB)

This guitar does it all...



The only other one I have owned and liked was this... (and not resemble a LP) Way different sound though... But a great player...! I should have kept it...

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z135/custom53_photos/Automobles/My%20Autos/Guitars/My%20Guitars/91Ric-360-1.jpg

[AllmanFan]

I would definitely look into a Thinline Series Eastman. It sounds like it's a guitar closest to what you're looking for and they are absolutely gorgeous! Look into the Epi 65 Casino Elitist also. I'm getting mine on Saturday and it is sweet. Depending on the type of music you're into it should be able to reach everything you're looking for and be within your price range.

Fender's 72 Thinline has been a fav of mine also. For some reason people generally don't like them (probably because they're MIM) but mine is wonderful and very versatile. Good luck with the search!

Eat a Peach!

[Whiskey N Beans]

Hey guys/gals. I'm new here to the forum. Been lurking for some time but this would be my first post.

I'm looking for a good semi hollow body guitar. I already have a Gibson LP Standard, so I don't want to duplicate that sound. I'd like something that is distinctly....well....semi hollow in sound. I would be playing mostly rock and blues. I don't play high gain stuff, but I do want it to be able to take a fair amount of gain well.

My LP is a 60s neck, but I think I would prefer something with a bit beefer neck. Not baseball bat, but just something with a little more beef to it. I don't have a problem with the weight or size of a 335, but I think I would prefer something with a smaller body.

I think I'd also like to consider some individual builders. I'm not opposed to the big companies like Gibson, love the one I have, but I think I like the attention to detail that I would get out of a smaller builder.

I'm also looking used, to stretch my dollar, my budget is 1700. I also would like the guitar to have a good resale value. I hate to think about resale, but alas, I do tend to trade/sell guitars.

I'm looking for suggestions so please be opinionated.


Just for reference here is what I'm considering so far:


Gibson ES339- What I think is the ideal for what I'm looking for, but I've heard that it's too much like the LP

Soloway: Never played one, but the reputation is great. Just think it would be a fun guitar.

Heritage Prospect or similar: I've not played one of these, so what is ya'll opinion.

Epiphone ES335 Dot Elitist: I see one of these on the local criagslist. I've heard good things about them, but for the price, I could spend a few buck more and get one of the above.

I always recommend the Guild Starfires when this conversation arises. That said, there is an ES-175 at Wildwood for $1,200 that looks like fun with P-100's. From what you posted, I'd take the 339 and/or the heritage. If you gotta have the Gibson name, you'll know what to do.

[frquent flyer]

Heritage 535 is often compared to the Gibson 335 ;some say its better. I have one with Jason Lollar PU's and it certainly satisfies by semi-hollow needs. I banez are pretty good too. If you have $12000 you can look at the Collings SO-CO.And I wouldn't avoid Soloway. I just got a used solid Soloway SWAN,but they are making Hollow bodies in their newest line.

[choucas09]

How about an Eastman El Rey 3. This is my ER1 below all solid, handcarved etc. Remarkable VFM. The ER3 has two hotter wound pups, no trapeze bridge and a centre block. It's a mere 14" wide. My little babe's a delight.
http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc119/jage7/DSC01479.jpg

[echos]

Thanks for all the comments and suggestions. I'm just stuck in a slump of indicision. The 339s that I was looking at sold as well as the Epi Elitist.

How are the necks on the Yamaha SA2200? Also what is the build quality of the ES333s?

Hamer Newport vs Heritage H535 at same price?

Man, I just wish I could try all of these out first, but you just cannot find many of these in your big box store.

[FFTT]

That Eastman looks like a honey of a guitar, just beautiful.

[3of5]

Hamer Newport. Almost a hollow body. Very reasonable used. Very versatile. Stellar craftsmanship. Mine goes from thinline tele twang to a bit of Ric and Casino and maybe a little 335. Much more open and woody sounding than my 335. This is my best sounding and looking guitar. Also they tend to have fairly substantial necks.

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad157/salguodreppot/IMG_3336.jpg

[choucas09]

That Eastman looks like a honey of a guitar, just beautiful.

Thanks. Yes it is. Heavy carve, feedback resistant and a surprisingly huge tone. Gorgeous neck too if you like them wide (1 3/4").

[Aslan]

I would take a serious look at the Vox series 77 semi hollow, for around $1400 it looks killer and has a great pickup system for multiple sounds.

[bluegrif]

How are the necks on the Yamaha SA2200?

Necks are very nice sort of C shape. Very comfortable, sort of middle-of-the-road neck. Not big, not small. The SA2200 is just a stellar guitar. I really miss the one I had. I sure wish I could have kept it but I sold it knowing they're so consistent I could replace it whenever I got the money. It was a little heavier than my 335 though. That would be my only complaint. But the build quality was absolutely flawless and the stock electronics were first class as well. It sounded a bit sharper and more aggressive than my 335, which is somewhat mellower. Probably the pickups and the ebony board.

[pennylink]

Thanks for all the comments and suggestions. I'm just stuck in a slump of indicision. The 339s that I was looking at sold as well as the Epi Elitist.

How are the necks on the Yamaha SA2200? Also what is the build quality of the ES333s?

Hamer Newport vs Heritage H535 at same price?

Man, I just wish I could try all of these out first, but you just cannot find many of these in your big box store.

Necks are very nice sort of C shape. Very comfortable, sort of middle-of-the-road neck. Not big, not small. The SA2200 is just a stellar guitar. I really miss the one I had. I sure wish I could have kept it but I sold it knowing they're so consistent I could replace it whenever I got the money. It was a little heavier than my 335 though. That would be my only complaint. But the build quality was absolutely flawless and the stock electronics were first class as well. It sounded a bit sharper and more aggressive than my 335, which is somewhat mellower. Probably the pickups and the ebony board.
I totally agree with bluegrif's assessment. I usually roll the controls down to 7-8 for incredible tone, airy and woody, yet ballsy when you dig in. The neck of my 2009 SA2200 measures 0.830" at the 1st fret and 0.930" at the 12th (measured with an electronic caliper). The ebony board and flawless fret work makes it a joy to play. I highly recommend it.

[tapeworm]

Get a Guild Starfire with vintage HB-1 humbuckers in it and make all the 335 owners jealous!

[Carl_Tone]

I have these: click the pics for clips and I added additional clips in blue:

http://www.atozcleen.com/SA_2.jpg (http://www.atozcleen.com/Media/CATS_2.mp3)
Yamaha SA2000 Before new hardware and Bare Knuckle Pickups
Inside Out (http://www.atozcleen.com/Media/335.mp3)

Tell Me a Bedtime Story (http://www.atozcleen.com/Media/BEDTIME_2.mp3)

http://www.atozcleen.com/images/Hamer_sm.jpg (http://www.atozcleen.com/Media/Downtown.mp3)
Hamer Artist Custom w Coil Splitting
All Blues (http://www.atozcleen.com/Media/Allblues_gp.mp3)

Cold Duck Time (Hamer) (http://www.atozcleen.com/Media/Cold_Duck_E.mp3)

They cover ALOT of ground...:aok

[jzucker]

soloway gosling is definitely the most versatile.

[Holy Schnikes]

My Maton BB1200JH is an amazing semi-hollow, replaced both an ES-335 and 339 for me. I prefer the smaller size and it comes loaded with amazing Maton HB pickups with coil tap, giving tons of tonal options.

The construction and playability are top notch! This guitar resonates like no other semi-hollow I've owned. You can just strum it unplugged and tell it's going to be a MONSTER plugged in, amazing guitar!

Disregard the LP, only pic I have is of the pair. Give you an idea of size though.

http://i.imgur.com/NZqzp.jpg

[g6120]

The Epiphone Casino is a great instrument for the dollar amount dont put that one aside .

The inspired version lacks the luster of the poly finish thats my recommendation . Ive yet to play a Casino once properly set up that does play and sound great :aok

[jzucker]

lots of info here: http://www.sheetsofsound.net/semihollow.htm