Would this guitar be suitable for slide?

manwithaplan · #1 August 9th, 2005

http://ibanez.com/guitars/guitar.asp?model=AS83

How does a hollowbody guitar sound with a slide?

randy_mc · #2 August 9th, 2005

It would probably sound great.
Have you played it?

Kirk Lorange · #3 August 10th, 2005

Feedback would be my only concern. I've always had problems with that, but it would probably have a great sound. Hollow bodies have more overtones than solid, I've found. Are you thinking of buying it?

Kirk

Frankenstrat2 · #4 August 10th, 2005

Reminds me of my ES335. I love the sound of a semi-hollow with buckers for slide. Think Dave Hole/Elvin Bishop and you know what the tone should be.
The tune-o-matic brige has those washers that raise the action up at the bridge.
If you buy this one and you aren't happy with the tone, invest in a set of really good pickups like WCRs or Duncan Antiquities. They probably cost as much as the guitar, but will make a huge difference.
Also, if you get feedback, just stuff some slices of dark colored foam into the f-holes. That will tame it right down.

LightninBoy · #5 August 11th, 2005

Hi man,
I've set up a few hollow bodies (semi-acoustic) for slide for some students in the past.
From my experience, some sound great, but some have a very muddy thudding sound, which I personally didn't like.
These were mostly lower to mid priced brands, (Ibanez, Aria Pro, etc).
However, all guitars sound different, even same brand, same model.
I expect more expensive brands like Gibson would have a much better tone, and more sustain.
I recently set-up an early 60's Harmony hollow body and it sounds great; but still, it thuds a little.
As mentioned by Kirk and Barry, feedback can be a hassle also, especially with lots of Over-Drive.

Frankenstrat2 · #6 August 11th, 2005

I'd been toying with the idea of buying a low end semi-hollow body guitar (<$300US) and dropping really good pickups in it, and perhaps upgrading the tuners, bridge and pots. Setting it up for slide. Somehow I have a feeling that for a total of around $600 it will sound just as good as a modern high-end laminate such as the current Gibson 335s, for much less cash. I do own a nice 335 but dont wish to haul it around and fly with it, etc.

Ricochet · #7 September 10th, 2005

I have an Agile AS820 semihollowbody with P90s that I LOVE for slide.

Johnny Guitar · #8 September 10th, 2005

Frankenstrat, I've heard (as I'm sure you have as well) of many people doing this with the Epiphone 335s (which are around $400) and are happy with the results.