Suggestions for next electric guitar

[jayhawk]

I play electric at church and currently have an EJ Strat which I like very much and and Epi ES-339. I have no desire to replace the Strat (pure and simple it is a keeper) but am thinking of replacing the 339.

I have done quite a bit of work to the 339, upgraded the pickups, wiring and bridge and had the frets leveled and crowned but am not happy with the tone as I get into the upper frets (above about 10). I don’t feel like I get a good clear sound.

What I want is a hollow or semi hollow body with humbuckers. I want a nice warm at sound, more classic rock not metal. I want a smaller body so I’m not looking at ES-335’s. I’ve thought about a Gibson 339. A Gibson ES-390 looks very interesting, as does a CS-336 or ES-Les Paul.

But I’m also thinking about a PRS. It seems like the PRS might be a better quality or at least more consistent quality. A Hollowbody II would be high on my list, I think but also high on the cost

Right now I’m looking for perspective to give me food for though. Maybe guitars I haven’t thought about I should consider.

Jack

[Steel and wood]

Bucket load of great semis out there and most have hum buckers but if you can find a Greg Bennett designed Royale thin line semi (RL2 model and above) which you will have to purchase second hand (eBay or somewhere else because they don't make them anymore) is but one suggestion. (Fantastic guitars at a great price and no mods necessary).

[BoneDigger]

Take a look at the Epiphone Wildkat. Hollow body buy a smaller body. Pretty good tones! Or even a chambered Les Paul.

[seannx]

This has a smaller body than a ES-335 - Eastman T185MX
https://www.eastmanguitars.com/t185mx

[Cocobolo Kid]

Although not a hollow body, you should check out Matt Eady guitars. After looking and playing various models from Gibson, PRS and Collings, I took a chance and bought an EG Pro from Matt. It is the best electric I have ever owned, both in terms of sound and playability. I was primarily looking for a great clean sound, and this guitar has that in spades. Matt worked for many years at the Gibson custom shop and Benedetto Guitars.

If you want something more mainstream and a hollow body, check out the various offerings from Collings.

[KevWind]

In PRS SE line there is this semi hollow body with humbuckers at $799

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/det...-trampas-green


The next model version up semi hollow would be in the S2 line at about $1799

[Sonics]

Carvin/Kiesel will build you anything you want with any kind of woods, neck joint, electronics and pickups in about 6-8 weeks depending on your spec. The base models prices start from under a grand.

I'd recommend the Frank Gambale pickup in the neck position and the Allan Holdsworth pickup in the bridge position...if you like that kind of singing humbucker tone.

And speaking of Frank and Allan (RIP)...

[mr. beaumont]

Fully hollow and semi hollow guitars are very different.

Semis really arent that different from solidbodies.

[jayhawk]

Some great suggestions, guys.

I’ve got an Epi 339 and had a chance to play an Epi Casino Coupe (339 sized and fully hollow thin line). I really wanted to like it but felt like it has many of the same playability and sound issues as the 339. Wonder if it is just an issue of an Epi build.

Sonics, The Carvin is any interesting idea. I’ve looked at the Allan Holdsworth sig model. I really like the tones Allan could get from the guitar. Just not sure it is the right tone for a worship band,

Jeff, agreed semi and full hollow can be very different. My choice is a thin line full body but those aren’t that common. My son’s George Benson Ibanez is at my house. I suppose I could play it and see what I think of a real jazz box.

I’ve have discovered that Tom Anderson builds hollow bodied versions. I assume they are chambered. It seems like an intersection option. At least at the moment.

Keep the ideas common.

Jack

[raduray]

Ibanez AM93 has good reviews. Small body like the 339.
Also Eastman has the T484, also a small body, with a 1.75 nut which might be better for finger style.

[Birdbrain]

One of Godin's top guitars is the Montreal Premiere, a classy semi-hollow archtop. It's shaped like a Les Paul, but hollow like an ES335...well, not exactly. Godin's innovation here is series of lateral holes in the center block that allow air pressures to flow between the two sides of the body.

Cool, but does it work? I can't say for sure, but it does make for a light and lively instrument. The notes have richness and depth, and the sustain lasts ...until you start the next song. Available with a variety of pickups, and, in my Supreme model, a lovely cap of sunburst maple. Expect to spend somewhere between $1000-2000 for a good used one. It's all good, unless your fingertips are allergic to Richlite.

[gmr]

I would agree the Epiphone es les Paul pro would be a consideration to replace your current Epi. Also, going up the price scale, the B and G Little Sister with Humbuckers would be cool. That one is on my “would like to have” list.

[perttime]

Just to add to the list:
B&G Guitars Little Sister, or the somewhat affordable Little Sister Crossroads.

[hat]

Godin A6 Ultra, or Taylor T5Z, or similar hybrid.

[gmr]

Thanks for those links to the B and G guitars. Here is the link I intended to put up in my earlier post. It is a good comparison of the humbucker and P90 pickups available in the Crossroads model.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Rxmr6wlEiwE