Semi vs Hollow Body Guitars - Feedback

[Little Jay]

But doesn't than in effect turn it into a semi? With the resulting tone of a semi?

Not in my experience. My hollow bodies ES-125 and Furch G-1 with sound posts sound very different from my ES-333 and my Epiphone Sheraton, which in turn sound different from my solid body guitars (Fender std Strat and Fernandes '57 Strat).

The ES-125 and Furch have a that typical laminated hollow body attack and snappiness and the way the notes decay (yes, they have thunk!) Even my thinline Tele has some 'hollowness' going on, but that one is the closest to a solid body from all my semis.

But a sound post can be easily removed if you don't like it, so why not try it out? I suspect you won't want to play without it anymore.

[Woody Sound]

Not in my experience. My hollow bodies ES-125 and Furch G-1 with sound posts sound very different from my ES-333 and my Epiphone Sheraton, which in turn sound different from my solid body guitars (Fender std Strat and Fernandes '57 Strat).

The ES-125 and Furch have a that typical laminated hollow body attack and snappiness and the way the notes decay (yes, they have thunk!) Even my thinline Tele has some 'hollowness' going on, but that one is the closest to a solid body from all my semis.

But a sound post can be easily removed if you don't like it, so why not try it out? I suspect you won't want to play without it anymore.

Thanks for the objective suggestion. I probably SHOULD try it, instead of assuming the worst.

[EllenGtrGrl]

I think the sound post is the best solution with the least hassle (and it doesn't alter the look of your guitar).

Here's the one in my Furch:


And here in my ES-125:

Quite a few Gretsch hollowbodies have sound posts in them for feedback reduction. Also, instead of sound posts, some Gretsch holowbodies employ what's called trestle bracing (which Gretsch developed in the 50s) between the top and bottom (my 59 reissue Country Cub has this). It's similar to the more recently developed arched center block, that Godin uses.

Gretsch Trestle Bracing

[Cavalier]

but upright basses don't

Upright Bass is from the viol family, different instruments than the violin, viola, cello group.

[Gitfiddler]

George Benson always plays a full hollow guitar at high volumes and has no feedback issues, especially with one of his signature (laminate) GB10's. He knows where to place his amp...and has the added benefit of some of the world's best sound men.

If he plays a larger bodied hollow body, he tends to use clear tape over the F-holes.