Sadowsky semi hollow

bluemood · #1 04-01-2011, 05:54 PM

I have never played one but for what I hear it sounds very nice.
Can someone who has one tell me if it feedback at loud volume ?.
I had a hofner very thin classic and it did feedback and was very bright.
I'm still trying to find out how to buy one.
Any other info would also help thanks.

Flat · #2 04-01-2011, 06:11 PM

Hey bluemood,

Have you seen Jack Zucker's detailed demo of this fine instrument?

Jack Zucker

I've got the Sadowsky Jim Hall, but I lust for the semi-hollow as well.

Good luck in your quest!

Bill C · #3 04-02-2011, 12:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluemood

I have never played one but for what I hear it sounds very nice.
Can someone who has one tell me if it feedback at loud volume ?.
I had a hofner very thin classic and it did feedback and was very bright.
I'm still trying to find out how to buy one.
Any other info would also help thanks.

If you want a new one you will have to buy direct from Sadowsky. I've seen used ones very occasionally on eBay/Gbase.

Harleyboy · #4 04-02-2011, 03:53 PM

I have a Semi-Hollow & a Sadowsky JB. I can testify that both are really nice instruments. The JB is my favorite, but I believe the Semi is more versatile.

The Semi does not feed back, but I have to qualify that statement by admitting I do not play loudly and my favorite guitar is a Gibson 330, so I have learned a bit about feedback and just naturally position myself to avoid it.

Tone wise it will go into Larry Carlton territory with my DRRI. Using the Henrikson I can get some nice Kenny Burrell tones, but cannot capture Wes. (Can't play with my thumb either)

I have recently retired and am planning to relocate. I have too many guitars and will probably sell some before spring. If the Semi doesn't make the cut, I'll advertise it on this forum first. I'd like to see it go to someone who will appreciate it.

docbop · #5 04-02-2011, 08:23 PM

Be sure to also checkout the fully hollow version of the same guitar.

Flat · #6 04-03-2011, 02:44 AM

I agree, docbop, that new SS-15 is an extremely intriguing guitar!! Maybe a bit more like Harleyboy's ES-330 than an ES-335?

I'm a little surprised that Sadowsky decided to make this model--I'm all for it, I think it's really great--but I'm just surprised. I thought since the Semi-hollow can get such a good jazz tone that there wouldn't be a need for the SS-15. But good on Sadowsky for building it. Definitely a place in the world for an outstanding fully-hollowbody thin-line. Might not be the best choice if the OP plays in high-volume situations, though. But I'm keen to give one a try!

Bill C · #7 04-03-2011, 02:48 AM

Here's some tasty demos of the SS-15 and the SH by Leo Amuedo ...

http://www.youtube.com/user/quenegoc.../6/tlj-HKwba7w

YouTube - ‪Leo Amuedo playing Sadowsky SS 15‬&rlm;

M-ster · #8 04-03-2011, 11:43 AM

I dig both those Amuedo vids, Bill C. Guitars sound quite respectible in both, too, though I tend to favor the semi-hollow video, for sound.

Latif · #9 04-07-2011, 11:37 AM

The SS15 is not simply a hollow semi hollow. It only has a neck Pup so cannot offer the variety in electric tone that the semi hollow offers. I'm sure it does have a fabulous jazz tone though. I too have a JB and a semi hollow.

Latif

mr. beaumont · #10 04-07-2011, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flat

I agree, docbop, that new SS-15 is an extremely intriguing guitar!! Maybe a bit more like Harleyboy's ES-330 than an ES-335?

I'm a little surprised that Sadowsky decided to make this model--I'm all for it, I think it's really great--but I'm just surprised. I thought since the Semi-hollow can get such a good jazz tone that there wouldn't be a need for the SS-15. But good on Sadowsky for building it. Definitely a place in the world for an outstanding fully-hollowbody thin-line. Might not be the best choice if the OP plays in high-volume situations, though. But I'm keen to give one a try!

If I were having a dream guitar built, that's pretty much it right there. Time to start saving pennies.

Allenl · #11 10-17-2011, 06:22 PM

I happen to own both the SS-15 and semi-hollow. As I was waiting for my SS-15 from Sadowsky guitars, I couldn't resist a great deal I saw on EBAY and ended up picking up a used but in excellent condition Semi-hollow. I've always been a 335 type of guy, so the semi appealed to me a lot. The best way to describe the semi is....everything a "great" 335 should be like with additional features. The semi is much lighter than my mid 90s dot reissue 335 and '67 355. It is also much more resonant with great sustain. Strung with 11s pure nickel roundrounds, the semi can produce a very nice electric jazz tone and also Larry Carlton type of overdriven sounds. The semi is a not quite as dark as my 335 or 355. It has a very balanced lighter sound that is extreely versatile. This is one of my favorite go to guitars, for its' versatility.

The SS-15 on the other hand is a true hollowbody. This is a perfect choice for someone who desires a compact, lighter (6 lb. range) and very comfortable jazz box. Due to the physics of the instrument, the SS-15 does not sound like a full-sized archtop. It produces a lighter, yet convincing jazz tone with a nice acoustic vibe.

SOR · #12 10-18-2011, 10:49 AM

I've had a Sadowsky semi hollow for about a year now and I can say it is nothing short of superb. The humbuckers Sadowsky uses are the best I have come across,notable for their healthy output and extremely low noise. I had a choice at the time between nitro and poly finish (they were switching over to poly) and requested the poly as I have had many nitro guitars over the years and find the finish to be obsolete with many drawbacks. Hope this helps.