What semi-hollow do you play for blues, rock and swing?

[michael s]

Looking for recommendations for a small body, semi hollow with a thin body and a slim neck and light weight. What do you play or have you played that you loved? My budget is $1500 or less. I just sold my Gadow because I didn't like the 1 3/4 neck width. I prefer a 1 11/16. thank you, michael s.

[imwjl]

The recessionary times have caused me to see PRS Hollow Bodies almost as low as your budget. I love mine and they are superb when it comes to quality.

[zabdart]

If I had my 'druthers, I go with a Heritage H-535. They're made by the old Gibson employees in the old Gibson plant in Kalamazoo, and they're sweet guitars. :)

[muscmp]

i have and love my 335 but gibson now makes even smaller ones. i don't remember whether it is a 337 or 339. check out gibson's site.

play music!

[Hotraman]

Find a used Gibson 335! or a Gretsch 6120!

[Crazyquilt]

A Gretsch 6120 isn't a semi-hollow. OTOH, a Duo Jet is, and that's what I'd suggest. I think you'll be able to find a used one in your price range. Then, you have to decide between Filtertron pickups (humbuckers) or DeArmonds (single coils.) Both will work well; just depends on your preference.

Heritages are very nice guitars, as well -- that would be a good choice, too.

[revvv]

Gibson ES335.

[Dr.Wahnsinn]

I know recommendations for a "small-bodied" semi-hollow were requested, but I'd like to put in a plug for the Gibson ES-137C. It's not a small-body, but it is thin. If you find one you really like, I believe they offer tremendous value for the selling price.

They have a mahogany center block but do sound much closer to a Les Paul than an ES-335. It just doesn't have as much of that "woody" tone. Still, I believe them to be one of the few deals still offered by Gibson.

[steveyam]

My Gibson limited edition Custom Shop ES-355 in natural flame maple.

[Sprinter]

If I had my 'druthers, I go with a Heritage H-535. They're made by the old Gibson employees in the old Gibson plant in Kalamazoo, and they're sweet guitars. :)


+1 I love my Heritage H-535!


http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y252/Sprinter92/100_1821.jpg



Sprinter

[skyver]

My ES135:

http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z48/victorkennedy/Strat135.jpg

It sounds and feels just like my old 335 did

http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z48/victorkennedy/ES335.jpg

and you can get one for half the price. Going price on eBay is around $800-900.

The one I have now is a bit unusual. Most of them had f-holes, like the one I used to have:

http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z48/victorkennedy/ES-135.jpg

[michael s]

More recommendations please. :) and, anybody ever played a Campbell American UK1 semi-hollow. I have Dean's UK1 solid and absolutely love it. thanks, michael s.

[lavi]

Perfection. Gibson ES-339. Guitarcenter has 15% off..close to your price range.

[Poppa]

Some beauties posted here! I have had great blues experiences with Gibson ES-335's Guild Starfires, Ibanez AS-200 ( now the Scofield model) and various Fender thinlines / homebrew thinlines.

Right now, I have a homebrew 'chambered' tele from USACG wood that KILLS for blues tones. The Ibanez was as good a guitar as I've every played. Guild seem to fly under the radar. I see nice, vintage ones in your price range. Some great blues players used Starfires and the tone is stellar. Yamaha also made a spectacular 335 style.

[Pvee]

There is an Epiphone Es-339 model now also if you are interested.

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Epiphone-Ultra-339-Electric-Guitar-106523376-i1814270.gc

[Darwin]

I would not overlook a Hamer Newport. A terrific build and extremely well priced on the used market.-- Darwin
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff467/darwinohm/IMG_1755.jpg

[trpullen]

Mine is my Heritage H530. Amazing build quality and tone for days.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-sUUnLnyhECo/TVH-uNOow2I/AAAAAAAAK6Q/Zn8ZPITAdMY/s640/Heritage+H-530+-+00011.jpg

[jseth]

I play my older (1974) Gibson ES-345... it's been hotrodded and modified past the point of any stock resale value, but I love the way it plays and feels... I can get single-coil or humbucking tones, as I choose...

If you want a LIGHT guitar, one of these is not for you, however... Taylor has a few electrics that would fit the bill; the T-5 is INCREDIBLY light (4.4#s) and feels really comfortable on your shoulder, and the electronics give some very nice "approximations" of Telecaster, Gretsch and Gibson tones... it might be the most "mis-understood" guitar of all time, and I think you can find cherry ones for around $1k-$1.5k...

The Taylor T-3 is another good one. I have only played one for an hour or so, but I was impressed by EVERYTHING about this guitar (and I own 2 Gibsons electrics!), from the feel, the neck, the intonation everywhere on the fretboard, the finish and the electronics! I don't know if you will be able to find one in your price range, however...

In my experience, the actual GUITAR used doesn't matter all that much, it's the playing and approach of the player... there has been a lot of great jazz playing with a Telecaster, for example; both Eddie Bickert and Sam Brown come to mind, immediately. In the final analysis, it will be YOU, the player, that shines through whatever you choose to play...

play on..........................................>

John