Hollowbody

Hollowbody refers to a type of electric guitar whose body is largely hollow, as opposed to solid-body instruments. Most hollowbody guitars, also called hollow-body or full-hollow guitars, feature a carved or laminated top and back with sizeable air cavities and sometimes light internal bracing. Many designs incorporate f-shaped sound holes or other apertures to amplify acoustic resonance. A subset known as semi-hollow or thinline guitars includes a center solid block or tone block to reduce feedback when amplified.

The concept originated with early archtop jazz guitars of the 1920s and 1930s, where the hollow body contributed to a warm, acoustic-like tone. Classic models include the Gibson L-5 and ES-175, and Epiphone equivalents. The later Gibson ES-335 and similar designs introduced a partially hollow construction with a center block, aiming to combine electric sustain with reduced feedback and broaden use beyond jazz to blues and rock.

Tonal character is typically warm, woody, and resonant with more natural sustain at lower volumes; they can be susceptible to feedback at high gain, especially in fully hollow designs. Construction materials often include laminated maple for the body, with spruce or maple tops, and set-neck or neck-through designs are common.

Today hollowbody guitars remain popular for jazz and blues, as well as some rock and fusion players seeking acoustic-like ambience with electric versatility. They are often distinguished from solid-body and from fully hollow archtop designs by their balance of resonance, sustain, and feedback characteristics.