Semi-Hollow vs Solid Body Tone Comparison

We wanted to briefly go over the differences between a semi-hollow and a solid body electric guitar. We called on the trusted Gibson ES-335 and Les Paul since they're close in construction (and they're some solid instruments). Let's take a closer look and listen to the hardware and tone to see how they measure up to each other! Which tone are y'all feeling more?

**Demo begins at 6:45

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[williekenk]

Thank you for using guitars with the same pickups and I presume likely the same electronics. That’s massively helpful in this type of comparison.

[michowdy]

the f holes dont look like an f if calculus is still haunting you after studies....

[danepresley]

I would say the semi hollow definitely adds some warmth

[stratplayr]

I've played solid body guitars pretty much the entire time I've been playing. Strats have been my guitar of choice & I also own a Les Paul, which is fantastic. BUT... I've recently played an ES-335 that has me wanting to make that my new #1 guitar. I will always have an assortment of various guitars, but that 335 has such an amazing tone and air-iness about it. You really have to play one to know - the "feel" of playing a guitar just doesn't come across on a video clip.

[sassysweetx]

For me, the semi hollow sounds like more mellow and smoother. The Les Paul is much sharper and holds the notes longer. For playing blues I’d prefer the semi hollow. But that’s my preference. 🤷🏼‍♀️ 🎸 it made my decision on what to buy ...the beautiful semi hollow.. but the Les Paul is beautiful too.

[worldwide_will]

Semi hollow sounds more alive and open, warmer and sweeter sounding. Solid body has more punch and bite, and less noisy when properly shielded.

[erllrma]

I just now bought a nicely priced semi hollow from the pawn shop and its now the main guitar ive been wanting to play, i love the tone difference it has compared to my les paul special its so much warmer and organic sounding

[periloustactic]

I was considering a semi-hollow body. However, I think the solid body sounds so much better. There is no right or wrong. Thank you for your time. Solid body wins in my mind.

[totherepublic]

I would love to see somebody who can identify the sound of semi-hollow vs. Solid body, blind, in a recording. I have yet to hear a guitar part on a record and be able to say "oh, that is a semi-hollow body guitar."

[NsteveA]

This vid was very well done and answered a lot of questions for me. Good job!

[justasian]

I’d prefer the semi hollow since it’s basically an acoustic and a electric at the same time

[morgenholz]

I compared several guitars and went with the Paul Reed Smith McCarty 594 Hollowbody II. No regrets.

[drexelmarz]

I've always liked Les Pauls from the way they look to the way they feel. But soundwise, semi-hollow guitars seem more versatile from the fact you can play them unplugged & feel lightweight, almost like an acoustic guitar.

[Alienkiwi]

From my experience, I've always found that semi hollows are fantastic rhythm guitars. Their thicker, meatier sound just sounds great as a driving force. When I'm a lead guitar player I use solidbodies, and if I'm a rhythm player I use a semi hollow. Win win

[OfficialForekast]

Absolutely love your style of playing and choice of notes.

[tito.tarantula]

I pulled the trigger on a 64 Trini Lopez reissue and it's an absolute keeper. It took me a minute to dial it in but once I did, the deep growl and sweetness had me hooked. It also forced me to play with a lighter touch. A fantastic instrument.

[yinsound]

This is exactly what I needed to make my decision. Thanks.

[cameronvranek]

Hey it's the "my cat from hell" guy

[thomasbryans]

Beautiful playing on the semi-hollow. really liked that, and I think it's convinced me! They both sound great, but something about the extra oomf of feeling I'm getting from the semi-hollow is great.

[crazywisdom]

One of the best videos I have ever watched... thank you !