The Ultimate Guide to Hollow Body Electric Guitars: History, Selection & Playing Tips

The first time I held a hollow body electric guitar, I was struck by how different it felt from the solid body electrics I’d played for years. Lighter, more resonant, with a warm tone that seemed to bloom from within the instrument itself. There was something magical about the way it responded to my touch.

If you’ve ever been captivated by the rich, warm tones of jazz legends like Wes Montgomery, the rockabilly riffs of Brian Setzer, or the indie rock sounds of bands like The National, you’ve experienced the unique sonic character of the hollow body electric guitar. These versatile instruments occupy a special place in the guitar world, bridging the gap between acoustic resonance and electric versatility.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about hollow body electric guitars. Whether you’re a curious beginner, an experienced player looking to expand your tonal palette, or simply a guitar enthusiast interested in these iconic instruments, you’ll find valuable insights to enhance your understanding and appreciation of hollow body electrics.

What Is a Hollow Body Electric Guitar?

A hollow body electric guitar, as the name suggests, features a hollow interior similar to an acoustic guitar but is equipped with electric pickups to amplify the sound. Unlike solid body electric guitars (think Fender Stratocaster or Gibson Les Paul), hollow body guitars produce sound through a combination of string vibration and body resonance.

The construction of these guitars typically includes a fully hollow or semi-hollow body with sound holes (often f-holes) that allow the sound to project. This design creates a warmer, more acoustic-like tone compared to solid body instruments, while the addition of pickups enables amplification and electronic tone shaping.

The History of Hollow Body Electric Guitars

The evolution of hollow body electric guitars represents a fascinating chapter in musical instrument development. In fact, hollow body guitars were actually the first electric guitars to gain widespread popularity!

The Birth of Electric Guitars

When guitarists in big bands of the 1930s needed more volume to compete with horn sections, instrument makers began experimenting with ways to amplify the guitar’s sound. Consequently, companies like Gibson and Epiphone started developing hollow body instruments with electromagnetic pickups.

The Gibson ES-150, introduced in 1936, is often considered the first commercially successful electric guitar. Jazz guitarist Charlie Christian famously used this model, and his innovative playing style helped establish the electric guitar as a lead instrument. As a result of his influence, the pickup on the ES-150 is now commonly referred to as the “Charlie Christian pickup.”

The Golden Era

The 1950s marked a golden age for hollow body guitars. Gibson’s iconic ES-335, introduced in 1958, featured a semi-hollow design with a solid center block running through the body. This innovation reduced feedback issues that fully hollow models experienced at higher volumes while maintaining much of the warm tone players loved.

Meanwhile, Gretsch released models like the 6120 and Country Gentleman, which became associated with rockabilly and country music, especially through Chet Atkins’ endorsement. In addition, Guild and Epiphone also produced renowned hollow body models during this period that continue to influence designs today.

Modern Developments

While solid body guitars dominated rock music from the 1960s onward, hollow body instruments never disappeared. In fact, they’ve experienced several resurgences in popularity. Jazz guitarists maintained their appreciation for these instruments, and in the 1990s and 2000s, indie and alternative rock bands rediscovered the unique sonic qualities of hollow and semi-hollow guitars.

Today’s hollow body guitars blend traditional craftsmanship with modern innovations in electronics, hardware, and manufacturing techniques, offering players more options than ever before.

Types of Hollow Body Electric Guitars

When exploring hollow body electric guitars, it’s important to understand the main variations available:

Fully Hollow Body Guitars

These instruments feature a completely hollow interior, similar to an acoustic guitar, but with a thinner body depth. Examples include:

• Gibson ES-175
• Gretsch G5420T Electromatic
• D’Angelico Excel EXL-1

Fully hollow guitars produce the most acoustic-like tone and natural resonance. However, they’re also most susceptible to feedback at high volumes, which is why they’re particularly favored in jazz, blues, and other styles that don’t require extreme amplification.

Semi-Hollow Body Guitars

Semi-hollow designs feature a solid center block running through the middle of the body, with hollow wings on either side. Popular examples include:

• Gibson ES-335
• Ibanez Artcore AS73
• PRS SE Custom 22 Semi-Hollow

The solid center block helps reduce feedback while retaining much of the warm, resonant tone of fully hollow instruments. This makes semi-hollow guitars incredibly versatile, suitable for everything from jazz and blues to rock and beyond.

Thinline Models

These guitars feature an even thinner body profile than standard hollow bodies, often with unique sound hole designs. Notable examples include:

• Fender Thinline Telecaster
• Gibson ES-339
• Guild Starfire

The thinner body makes these instruments more comfortable for players accustomed to solid body guitars, while still offering some of the tonal characteristics of hollow designs.

Why Choose a Hollow Body Electric Guitar?

There are several compelling reasons to add a hollow body electric guitar to your collection:

Unique Tonal Qualities

Perhaps the most significant advantage is the distinctive tone. Hollow body guitars produce a warm, rich sound with enhanced midrange and natural resonance that’s difficult to achieve with solid body instruments. Furthermore, they offer excellent sustain and harmonics that create a three-dimensional sound quality.

Versatility Across Genres

While commonly associated with jazz, hollow body guitars excel in numerous genres. They’re perfect for blues, rockabilly, country, indie rock, and many other styles. Additionally, with the right effects and amplification, they can even work well for heavier genres, especially semi-hollow models.

Playing Comfort

Many players find hollow body guitars extremely comfortable to play. The lighter weight reduces strain during long sessions, and the body’s resonance provides tactile feedback you can feel while playing. In addition, the typically shorter scale length on many models can make them easier to play for some guitarists.

Aesthetic Appeal

Let’s be honest—hollow body guitars are beautiful instruments! The craftsmanship, flame maple tops, binding, and distinctive f-holes create a classic, sophisticated look that stands out on stage. As a result, many players are initially drawn to these guitars for their visual appeal before falling in love with their sound.

Best Hollow Body Electric Guitars for Different Budgets

Budget-Friendly Options (Under $500)

1. Ibanez Artcore AF75 This affordable hollow body offers impressive quality with classic looks, dual humbuckers, and a comfortable neck profile. It’s an excellent entry point into the world of hollow body guitars without breaking the bank.
2. Gretsch G2420 Streamliner With its distinctive Gretsch styling, “Broad’Tron” pickups, and laminated maple construction, the Streamliner delivers vintage vibes at a reasonable price point.
3. Epiphone Casino Coupe This smaller-bodied version of the classic Casino (famously used by The Beatles) features P-90 pickups for a distinctive tone that cuts through the mix.

Mid-Range Options ($500-$1000)

1. The Loar LH-650 Archtop Hand-carved and hand-graduated spruce top with mahogany back and sides gives this guitar exceptional tone. Kent Armstrong pickup delivers vintage jazz sounds.
2. D’Angelico Premier DC This semi-hollow offers sophisticated styling with versatile electronics including coil-splitting for expanded tonal options.
3. Epiphone ES-335 Figured Gibson quality at a more accessible price point, featuring a figured maple veneer top and Alnico Classic PRO humbuckers.

High-End Options ($1000+)

1. Gibson ES-335 The gold standard in semi-hollow guitars, the ES-335 features a maple center block, premium woods throughout, and Gibson’s renowned humbucking pickups.
2. Gretsch G6120T Nashville Players seeking classic Gretsch tone will love this hollow body with its Filter’Tron pickups, Bigsby tremolo, and impeccable craftsmanship.
3. Guild Starfire VI This semi-hollow masterpiece features Guild HB-2 humbuckers, Grover Sta-Tite tuners, and all-mahogany construction for incredible tone and sustain.

Comparison Table: Top Hollow Body Electric Guitars

Key Features to Consider When Buying a Hollow Body Guitar

Body Construction

The construction of a hollow body guitar significantly impacts its tone and playability:

• Body Size and Depth: Larger, deeper bodies generally produce more resonance and bass response, while smaller bodies offer more comfort and feedback resistance.
• Tonewoods: Common top woods include spruce (bright, responsive) and maple (crisp, focused). Backs and sides often use maple, mahogany, or laminated woods.
• Center Block: In semi-hollow models, the type and size of the center block affects how much acoustic resonance comes through versus feedback resistance.

Pickups and Electronics

Pickup selection is crucial for shaping your sound:

• Humbuckers: Common on many hollow bodies, they offer warm, rich tones with good noise cancellation.
• P-90s: Single-coil pickups with more midrange punch and grit than traditional single coils.
• Filter’Trons: Gretsch’s signature pickups, brighter than traditional humbuckers with distinctive clarity.
• Controls: Consider whether you need coil-splitting options, separate volume/tone controls for each pickup, or other specialized electronics.

Neck Profile and Playability

Pay attention to these neck characteristics:

• Scale Length: Many hollow bodies feature shorter 24.75″ scales (Gibson style) versus 25.5″ (Fender style).
• Neck Profile: “C” shapes are common and versatile, while some jazz-oriented models have chunkier “U” shapes.
• Fretboard Radius: Flatter radii (12″ and up) facilitate lead playing, while more curved surfaces (7.25″-9.5″) can be better for chording.

Hardware Quality

Don’t overlook these important components:

• Bridge: Floating wooden bridges offer vintage tone but less adjustability; tune-o-matic style bridges provide better intonation control.
• Tailpiece: Options include trapeze tailpieces (traditional look, more acoustic resonance) and stop-bars (more sustain, better for bending).
• Tuning Machines: Quality tuners make a huge difference in tuning stability.

Common FAQs About Hollow Body Electric Guitars

Are hollow body guitars harder to play than solid body electrics?

Not necessarily. While the larger body size might take some adjustment, many players actually find hollow bodies quite comfortable to play. The neck profiles and actions are comparable to solid body instruments, though some jazz-oriented models might have slightly higher action. If you’re concerned about the size, consider a semi-hollow or thinline model as a transition from solid body guitars.

Do hollow body guitars feedback too much for live performance?

While feedback can be an issue with fully hollow guitars at high volumes, there are several ways to manage it. Semi-hollow designs specifically address this concern with their solid center blocks. Additionally, feedback can be controlled through proper positioning relative to your amplifier, using lower gain settings, and in some cases, physically dampening the f-holes with foam or specialized products designed for this purpose.

Can I play rock or metal on a hollow body guitar?

Absolutely! While fully hollow models might struggle with extremely high-gain settings due to feedback, semi-hollow guitars are quite versatile. Many rock guitarists have embraced hollow and semi-hollow instruments—Dave Grohl, Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys, and Alex Lifeson of Rush have all used them extensively. For heavier styles, semi-hollow models with high-output humbuckers work particularly well.

What’s the difference between an acoustic-electric and a hollow body electric?

Though they might seem similar, these are distinct instrument types. An acoustic-electric is fundamentally an acoustic guitar with added pickups for amplification. It has a full-depth body, typically uses piezo or soundhole pickups, and is designed to sound like an acoustic guitar when amplified.

A hollow body electric, meanwhile, is designed from the ground up to be played through an amplifier, features magnetic pickups like those on solid body electrics, and has a thinner body depth than acoustic guitars. It blends some acoustic properties with electric playability and tonal control.

Do hollow body guitars need special amplifiers?

No special amplifier is required, but hollow body guitars often sound best through clean to moderately overdriven amp settings that allow their natural resonance to shine through. Traditional tube amps with good clean headroom are popular choices, but in reality, you can use any electric guitar amplifier. Just be prepared to adjust your settings to complement the guitar’s inherent tone.

Playing Techniques for Hollow Body Guitars

To get the most out of your hollow body electric, consider these playing approaches:

Clean Jazz Techniques

Hollow bodies excel at jazz, where techniques like:

• Chord Melody: Combining chords and melody lines simultaneously
• Walking Bass Lines: Creating smooth bass note progressions while comping chords
• Shell Voicings: Using minimal chord voicings (root, 3rd, 7th) for clean, uncluttered sound

When playing jazz on a hollow body, try rolling back the tone control slightly and picking near the neck for that classic warm jazz tone.

Blues and Rock Approaches

For blues and rock styles:

• Dynamic Control: Hollow bodies respond beautifully to picking dynamics—dig in for grit, play softly for clean tones
• Controlled Feedback: At the right volumes, you can actually harness feedback as an expressive tool
• Subtle Vibrato: The resonant nature of these guitars complements a more vocal-like vibrato technique

Country and Rockabilly Tricks

For twangier styles:

• Hybrid Picking: Combining pick and fingers for snappy, articulate lines
• Double Stops: Playing two notes simultaneously for that classic country sound
• Tremolo Techniques: If your guitar has a Bigsby or similar vibrato system, subtle pitch modulation adds authentic character

Care and Maintenance Tips

Hollow body guitars require some special considerations:

Humidity Control

Due to their construction, hollow body guitars are more susceptible to humidity changes than solid body instruments. Therefore, maintaining proper humidity levels (45-55% relative humidity) is essential to prevent top cracks, neck issues, and other problems. Consider using a guitar humidifier in dry climates or during winter heating season.

Cleaning and Polishing

Clean your hollow body regularly with a microfiber cloth. For deeper cleaning, use products specifically designed for finished guitar surfaces. Furthermore, be careful when cleaning around the f-holes and other decorative elements, as debris can collect in these areas.

Setup Considerations

Hollow body guitars may require slightly different setups than solid bodies:

• Action Height: Many hollow body players prefer slightly higher action for cleaner note articulation
• String Gauge: Heavier strings (typically .011-.052 or thicker) often bring out the best resonance in hollow instruments
• Pickup Height: Proper adjustment is crucial to balance the natural acoustic properties with amplified tone

5 Essential Hollow Body Guitar Albums to Study

To truly understand the sonic capabilities of hollow body guitars, check out these influential recordings:

1. Wes Montgomery – “Smokin’ at the Half Note” – The definitive jazz hollow body tone, featuring Montgomery’s octave technique and thumb picking.
2. The Beatles – “Revolver” – Listen for George Harrison’s Gretsch hollow body work and John Lennon’s Casino across this groundbreaking album.
3. Brian Setzer Orchestra – “The Dirty Boogie” – Modern rockabilly showcasing Setzer’s phenomenal Gretsch hollow body playing.
4. Grant Green – “Idle Moments” – Masterful jazz guitar with perfect hollow body tone and phrasing.
5. The Black Keys – “Brothers” – Dan Auerbach’s semi-hollow work demonstrates how these guitars can excel in modern rock contexts.

Best Accessories for Hollow Body Electric Guitars

To enhance your hollow body experience, consider these accessories:

Cases and Gig Bags

Due to their size and construction, hollow bodies need proper protection. Gator GC-335 Deluxe ABS Guitar Case offers excellent protection specifically designed for ES-style hollow and semi-hollow guitars.

Amplification

While any guitar amp works, some particularly complement hollow body tones:

• Fender ’65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue provides clean headroom and warm tube tone
• Roland JC-40 Jazz Chorus offers pristine clean tones with built-in chorus effects
• Vox AC15C1 delivers chimey British tones with excellent mid-range response

Strings

String choice significantly impacts hollow body tone:

• D’Addario ECG24 Chromes Flat Wound Strings (Jazz, Blues)
• Thomastik-Infeld George Benson Flat Wound Strings (Premium Jazz)
• Ernie Ball 2626 Not Even Slinky (Rock, Country)

Modifying Your Hollow Body Guitar

If you’re looking to customize your instrument, consider these popular modifications:

Pickup Upgrades

Upgrading pickups can dramatically transform your guitar’s voice:

• Seymour Duncan Seth Lover Pickups recreate vintage PAF humbucker tones
• Lindy Fralin P-90 Soapbars offer exceptional clarity and vintage character
• TV Jones Classic Pickups deliver authentic Filter’Tron tone for Gretsch-style guitars

Hardware Improvements

Other worthwhile upgrades include:

• Bone or TUSQ nut replacements for better tuning stability
• Higher quality potentiometers and capacitors for improved tone control
• Upgraded bridge and tailpiece systems for better intonation and sustain

Conclusion

Hollow body electric guitars occupy a special place in the guitar world, offering unique tones, playing experiences, and aesthetic appeal that continues to captivate players decades after their introduction. Whether you’re drawn to their warm jazz tones, rockabilly twang, or indie rock character, these versatile instruments reward exploration and experimentation.

As you begin or continue your journey with hollow body guitars, remember that finding the right instrument is a personal process. Take time to play different models, listen to players who inspire you, and discover how these remarkable guitars can enhance your musical expression.

What hollow body electric guitars have captured your interest? Do you already play one? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!

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