What's the difference between solid and hollow electric guitars?

Question

I'm thinking of buying an electric guitar, and start learning to play it, but I have no idea which kind to buy. I was wondering, what's the difference, especially in sound. Also, which one is better and which one do you recommend.

Thanks

And also which brand do you recommend and where to buy it? I don't want to spend more than 500 dollars on a guitar.

Answer 1

There is no "best". Full hollow bodies have a "jazzy", mellow sound, but they can have feed back problems at high volume. If you're just starting out, a good solid body is probably better. The Squier HSS Strat is good as is the Epiphone Les Paul or SG. They are all around $300.

Answer 2

Solid-body electrics are essentially what it says--solid wood, but with space cut out for the electronics. Hollow-bodies are similar to an acoustic but outfitted with internal electronics. Hollow-bodies are typically larger than most solid-bodies and are pricey. Among the known hollow-bodies are the Gibson ES-335s and the Gretsch's 6120s--both well beyond a $500 price tag.

I bought my Nashville Chet Atkins Gretsch (6120) for $600 in November 1965. Today, such an instrument would cost around $2500 to $3000.

I've played the Fender Stratocasters and a few Gibson Les Paul's, but much prefer the larger hollow-body's delivery.