• From: Genoa, NE
  • Registered: 2016-02-02
  • Posts: 102

Topic: Hollowbody Styles "?"

Need some experienced suggestions. I'm at the point right now where I want to incorporate an electric into my show. I've got a Gibson Studio T, but the downside is that the body is smaller than my Seagull acoustic/electric, and the transition would be more than I'd like to attempt at a hour to hour and a half presentation. Some hollowbodies I have looked at have a thicker, more acoustic-like body. Others maintain a thinner, though still, hollowbody. I'll be playing with the body rested on my thigh and want to not lose the feel of the acoustic/electric. I know that there will be a definite change from six to 12 strings, and touch will also present differences, but I think that I'll be able to overcome these with attention to the fretboard work that I do. But the grip and stability of my "grasp" of the instrument will certainly deter the subtle differences in changing instruments mid act. A typical comparison would be, say between Epiphone Limited Edition Riviera Custom P93 Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitar  Wine Red and the Epiphone Joe Pass Emperor-II PRO Electric Guitar. Either of these are in the range of dollars I want to have to spend. Sampling both at Guitar Center would probably answer my questions, but when one talks of investment, it's always a wise thing to get some advise from esperience before taking a leap of faith. Would appreciate any and all advise I might get from my Chordie friends.

  • From: Western Oregon,US
  • Registered: 2008-07-22
  • Posts: 2,498

Re: Hollowbody Styles "?"

Howdy Kevin,  Well you got two things going for you right off.... Epiphone, and the option of playing them before you shell out the $$.  I personally haven't played a Riviera to know what that one is like, but I did play a Casino and then an Emperor Joe Pass.  The Casino was a bit thin to my ears, and the Emperor was way better sounding, so that would be my first choice from the perspective of balance and tonal value from the pickups and body style/construction.  I am partial to the Epiphone label as they are good quality, consistent, and have excellent warranty and customer support.  Once in awhile you might find one that needs a little tweaking in the set-up department, but I write that off to a matter of feel rather than some failing mechanically.  The guitars are adjusted by people, and tastes vary by individual in that respect.  As a side-note, I usually do my own set-ups and rarely find one off the rack that doesn't need a little something usually just a bridge height change or string guage.

Good Hunting & you'll know when you hear it (the right one that is).

"what is this quintessence of dust?"  - Shakespeare

3 Reply by Classical Guitar (edited by Classical Guitar 2016-11-25 01:39:59)

  • From: Virginia, USA
  • Registered: 2016-02-07
  • Posts: 923

Re: Hollowbody Styles "?"

If you have a Guitar Center locally than you should talk with their expert and try each one in their acoustic room. The opinion that each will offer you will vary depending on their own feel and sound and the only way for you to know what is comfortable to play, and offers you the sound you want, and that you can change back and forth without it bothering you is to play them. That way you won't buy guitars you will later regret.

Music is what feelings sound like.
Music is life, that why our hearts have beats.

4 Reply by Tenement Funster (edited by Tenement Funster 2016-11-24 10:33:32)

  • From: Nova Scotia, Canada
  • Registered: 2013-01-20
  • Posts: 4,083

Re: Hollowbody Styles "?"

Choosing a new guitar, especially when moving a different style than what's familiar, is a bit of an adventure .. but very enjoyable. Apart from esthetics and such, the fundamental difference in hollow bodies is whether or not they have a center block under the bridge. A block will give you more sustain, but noticeably lessens the depth and warmth of the full hollow body. Center-block designs also tend to have shallower bodies, which also affects the tone.

I looked up the local price of your Epiphone Riviera Custom P93, and there a few others in that price range that might be worth considering:

1) Gretsch Streamliner series (w/ Bigsby) have both a semi-hollow and full-hollow in this price range (luscious sounding pickups)

2) Ibanez Artcore Expressionist or AF-series (nice slim neck, which wasn't suitable for my large hands)

3) Godin 5th Avenue series (full-hollow, best for jazz)

When I compared what you're considering and these others, the Gretsch full-hollow suited my taste best (sound, feel, etc.). But that's entirely personal, and any of the ones you're looking at would be excellent value for the money. I fully agree with Doug that one can't go wrong with an Epiphone ... very well made.

  • Tyson7
  • Senior Member
  • Offline
  • From: Wisconsin
  • Registered: 2011-04-25
  • Posts: 493

Re: Hollowbody Styles "?"

I understand the issue. I play mostly acoustic sitting down at gigs. I have a Taylor T5 that's about the same thickness as your Gibson. It's great if you stand but day and night feel when sitting down. I tried a Gretsch 6120 and being a little deeper body was much easier to play while sitting . More acoustic feeling. I think the Emperor would give you a better feel you might be looking for as the body is a little deeper.. Just my opinion. Try all your options and you will discover which feels best for you. Enjoy the journey to your new friend. Let us know which you decide on.

   Joe

Tyson7's Website

  • Registered: 2015-01-02
  • Posts: 3

Re: Hollowbody Styles "?"

try a gretsch streamliner centerblock jr
i just picked up one a month ago & luv it
could try to review it here, but would possibly turn into a rant.
mine is my primary rock-a-billy & gospel guitar now.

  • From: West Georgia
  • Registered: 2006-10-14
  • Posts: 2,557

Re: Hollowbody Styles "?"

I miss my Artcore. *sniff*

Epiphone Les Paul Studio
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8 Reply by joeyjoeyjoey (edited by joeyjoeyjoey 2016-12-17 14:47:27)

  • From: massachusetts
  • Registered: 2010-10-18
  • Posts: 1,674

Re: Hollowbody Styles "?"

You should try out as many as you can. You may end up with something completely different.  Don`t forget used. You could get a lot more bang for your buck.  Ibanez Artcore is a wonderful guitar. A friend just bought a Gretsch. Full hollow. He loves it. I don`t know the model. My Gretsch is great. It is basically a case queen. A little too great that I am afraid to scratch it.  Don`t rule out pawn shops, craigslist. This time of year, they have a great selection

Enjoy Every Sandwich
Nothing In Moderation  -- Live Fast. Love Hard. Die Young And Leave A Beautiful Corpse. -- Buy It Today. Cry About It Tomorrow.
  • TIGLJK
  • Honoured Member
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  • Registered: 2010-05-11
  • Posts: 3,170

Re: Hollowbody Styles "?"

I have an Ibanez artcore and absolutely love it - great sound and low action on the fret.


ps -Bill - nice to see you here again !!! :0  smile  smile smile

Your vision is not limited by what your eye can see, but what your mind can imagine.
Make your life count, and the world will be a better place because you tried.

"Use the talents you possess, for the woods would be very silent if no birds sang except only the the best." - Henry Van Dyke
  • TIGLJK
  • Honoured Member
  • Offline
  • Registered: 2010-05-11
  • Posts: 3,170

Re: Hollowbody Styles "?"

I have an Ibanez artcore and absolutely love it - great sound and low action on the fret.
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Ibanez/Artc … -Guitar.gc    $600

ps -Bill - nice to see you here again !!! :0  smile  smile smile

Your vision is not limited by what your eye can see, but what your mind can imagine.
Make your life count, and the world will be a better place because you tried.

"Use the talents you possess, for the woods would be very silent if no birds sang except only the the best." - Henry Van Dyke