hollowbodied

Hollowbodied is an adjective used to describe musical instruments whose bodies are largely hollow to resonate sound. In common parlance it most often refers to hollow-bodied electric guitars, but it can also apply to acoustic guitars, mandolins, violins, and other instruments with resonant hollow cavities.

In guitar construction, hollow-bodied (or hollow-body) instruments feature a thin, resonant top and back made of wood with a hollow chamber inside. Many models have f-holes and use laminated or solid wood for the top and back. Some hollow-bodied electrics are semi-hollow, incorporating a solid or laminated center block to suppress excessive feedback. Common woods include spruce or cedar tops with maple or laminated maple back and sides. Electronics, if present, are usually pickups mounted in the body, with tone and volume controls.

Playability and tone: Hollow-bodied instruments tend to produce warm, resonant, acoustic-like tones with enhanced sustain; they are often favored for jazz, blues, and folk. Hollow-body electrics can be more prone to feedback at high volumes compared with solid-body designs, especially if the center lacks a blocking block or if the body is fully hollow.

History and examples: The hollow-bodied guitar became prominent in the early 20th century with archtop models used by jazz players. Iconic models include the Gibson L-5, ES-125, and ES-175, and later the semi-hollow Gibson ES-335, which popularized the center-block concept to balance resonance with reduced feedback. Other makers include Epiphone, Gretsch, and Hofner.

See also: hollow-body guitar; archtop guitar; semi-hollow guitar.