Semi-hollow guitars occupy a sweet spot in the world of electric guitars, bridging the gap between the punch of solid body guitars and the resonance of hollowbody guitars. Their blend of resonance and warmth appeals to players across genres, from jazz and blues to rock and beyond. We love semi-hollows at Eastwood! That’s why we make a wide variety of semi-hollows for any price range and taste, from the futuristic Backlund Rockerbox to the retro Classic series.

We love breathing fresh life into this classic design, and it’s the perfect time to discover why semi-hollows remain so beloved by guitarists worldwide!

What is a Semi-Hollow Guitar

Like the name says, a semi-hollow electric guitar is partially hollow and features a hollow chamber inside the body. They often have a solid center block that helps reduce feedback and increase sustain. The result of this design is a rich tone that is both airy and focused, offering tonal possibilities other guitars might not reach. Not to mention, air tends to weigh less than wood and the hollow chambers make some semi-hollow guitars a good option for weight relief. For instance, the average weight on our Classic 6 guitars is under 7.5 pounds!

 

History of Semi-Hollow Guitars

Up until the mid 1950s, guitar bodies were either solid like the Gibson Les Paul and the Fender Telecaster, or fully hollow like the Gibson ES-175. There was a huge difference in tone between these two designs. The solid body guitars had much lower feedback and better sustain, but they didn’t have the rich tone you could get with a hollow body. Enter the Gibson ES-335 in 1958, a revolutionary design that offered the best of both worlds: warm tone from the hollow chambers and feedback resistance from the solid center block. Eastwood’s Classic 6 HB owes a lot to this pioneering instrument!

Like a lot of “firsts” in the guitar world, Rickenbacker also produced semi-hollow guitars in 1958 with their Capri models. They were even both released in the spring! Great minds were thinking alike a lot in those days. Regardless of who was the “real” first, the Gibson ES-335 was a success and has proved to have remarkable staying power, having been in continuous production since 1958.

Why Play a Semi-Hollow Guitar?

Semi-hollows are perfect for combining the openness and warm tone of hollow bodies with the punch and clarity of solid body guitars. If you’re a player who craves expressive dynamics, you’ll love the way a semi-hollow guitar responds to touch. They can deliver subtle, dark, jazzy tones as well as bold, rock-ready crunch without sending your amp squealing. Eastwood’s semi-hollow models cater to a wide variety of players. If you love the classic rock tones of Grand Funk Railroad, check out the Eastwood Messenger which pays tribute to the guitar played by their founding vocalist Mark Farner.

Who Plays a Semi-Hollow Guitar?

Semi-hollow guitars have found a home in every genre of music. Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters regularly performs with a semi-hollow body Gibson, and the Eastwood Classic 6 HB-TL is the perfect 335-style guitar for paying tribute to his massive sound.

Richard Lloyd is a founding member of the band Television and is also known for his extensive solo and session career. His distinctive tone combines avant-garde with art rock, and he's an expert at blending catching melodies with intricate solos. Lloyd teamed up with us to create the Eastwood Classic 6 Richard Lloyd Signature, and it has a Maple body and a set Maple neck with cool "sharks teeth" fret markers. If it's good enough for Lloyd, it's good enough for us!

And they're not just for guitar players! Semi-hollow basses are great for anyone wanting to harken to the round, warm sound of an upright bass without having to drag an upright bass around. No one knows this better than bassist, songwriter, and kindest evangelist Seye. He may be best known for his work in the band Gorillaz, but trust us when we say your life will be better if you follow Seye on Instagram. He's just a light. We might be a little biased because not only can he often be seen playing his Eastwood Classic 4 Bass, he has his own signature model as well: the Eastwood Classic 5 Seye Signature.

Semi-hollow instruments have enduring appeal because of their design and tonal flexibility. They do a little bit of everything, and they’ve come to have their own special identity too. When you pick up a semi-hollow from Eastwood, you’re connecting with a lineage of innovation that transcends genre. So when you’re looking for your next guitar, consider a semi-hollow! Their rich tone and responsive dynamics just might guide you to your next musical adventure.

Thanks for reading! If you'd like to hear these guitars and learn more, check out this video: