I need a list: Alternatives to ES-330, Casino, etc.

[paulblackford]

I would like my final guitar to be a fully hollow thinline like an ES-330...only a lot cheaper, but with 2 P90s. I like Epiphone Casinos, and Sorrentos, and I'm considering those. I'm not too familiar with fully hollow, P90 models from other manufacturers. I am looking for it to be quality enough to be a long term acquisition. Ibanez, Epiphone level. I was disappointed to see that the only fully hollow offering (that I've seen) from Ibanez has a large, thick build like a jumbo. I'm looking for thin, and hollow (no center block).

 

[Piggy Stu]

Buy a used Casino and it will ALWAYS sell if you tire of it. I sold 2 for more than I paid. John Lennon means they will sell forever

 

[richiek65]

Eastman T64
View attachment 1037262View attachment 1037262

 

[sloppychops]

I'll second the recommendation for a used Casino.

I can't even think of another fully hollow, double P90 guitar that's in the Casino price range. (Assuming you're looking at the MIC Casinos.) Maybe the Epiphone Wildcat?

If you want to go cheap, with just one P90, fully hollow, and no cutaway, there's the Grote Jazz Hollow body. I think it's $199 now on Amazon. Not exactly what you're looking for, though.

If you want this to be a "final guitar," I'd say look at either an Eastman T64 (around $1900 new) or a Heritage H530 (around $2600 new).

 

[paulblackford]

Ooh, I may be looking at an Airline Tuxedo.

What are the full hollows from Gretsch, Guild, D'Angelico? I'm looking, but it's funny how search engines just ignore the "full", or "fully" hollow designation. I keep getting 335s, and copies.

 

[Peegoo]

A real sleeper of a 2x P90 beast is the Godin Kingpin II.

The Guild M75 Aristocrat is a no-F-hole hollow archtop that sounds fantastic. Not true P90s (they're "Franz" units), but they sound amazing and they're 'P90 enough" to make a P90 freak happy.

 

[Milspec]

A real sleeper of a 2x P90 beast is the Godin Kingpin II.

I wholeheartedly support that choice if a full hollow it the desired goal. It just might be the perfect guitar comfort-wise I have ever played.

 

[clydethecat]

Guild Starfire III

Guild Starfire III with Guild Vibrato - Cherry Red

Hollowbody Electric Guitar with Arched Laminated Maple Top, Laminated Mahogany Back and Sides, Mahogany Neck, Ebony Fingerboard, and 2 Humbucking Pickups - Cherry Red

www.sweetwater.com

 

[paulblackford]

A real sleeper of a 2x P90 beast is the Godin Kingpin II.

The Guild M75 Aristocrat is a no-F-hole hollow archtop that sounds fantastic. Not true P90s (they're "Franz" units), but they sound amazing and they're 'P90 enough" to make a P90 freak happy.

Wow, the Godin Kingpin II looks pretty nice. Time to look for some demos. Thanks.

 

[Milspec]

Wow, the Godin Kingpin II looks pretty nice. Time to look for some demos. Thanks.

If you like a short scale and flat Gibson-like neck you will like playing it. The fact that the body is thinner than most hollows also adds to the comfort factor. I bought one when they first came out direct from Canada without playing one first. A risky move, but turned out to be one of my best outcomes.

 

[bottlenecker]

Thin fully hollow guitars don't have many examples after the 60s. I am always keeping an eye out because its my favorite kind of electric guitar. I don't believe the airline tuxedo is hollow, even though its made to look like a guitar that is.

 

[Milspec]

 

[paulblackford]

If you like a short scale and flat Gibson-like neck you will like playing it. The fact that the body is thinner than most hollows also adds to the comfort factor. I bought one when they first came out direct from Canada without playing one first. A risky move, but turned out to be one of my best outcomes.

That sounds great, and a Gibson-like neck is great, too. This may be worth a test drive, if I can find one.

 

[paulblackford]

Wow! Greg makes that Guild sound great. Sounds like it has really nice stock pickups.

 

[buster poser]

If a single cutaway isn't a dealbreaker, I've been extremely happy with a Gretsch 3161 for the last year or so. Budget alternative if you happen to find one, Korean made. I gave $650 for mine in January or so and it's an absolute peach.

2003 Gretsch Historic Series G3161 Synchromatic | Reverb

A killer thinline Gretsch semi-hollowbody in a classic transparent Orange finish! Excellent condition with only light signs of use and plays smoothly. A fantastic sounding guitar featuring a pair of Gretschbuckers for a thick, punchy tone! Includes original hardshell case.

reverb.com

 

[schmee]

Ooh, I may be looking at an Airline Tuxedo.

What are the full hollows from Gretsch, Guild, D'Angelico? I'm looking, but it's funny how search engines just ignore the "full", or "fully" hollow designation. I keep getting 335s, and copies.

-Streamliners and other in the Gretsch line are hollow. But they are a tad thicker body. I had a NOS G3161 I liked a lot. Wish I hadn't sold it. I bought it trying to find a 25.5 scale hollow guitar. Realistically though, it felt pretty big playing a gig.
-Some Guild Starfires are full hollow and people like them.
-The full hollow M75 Aristocrat is a very small body and lightweight guitar. Like 5.5 lbs light!
I had one I loved in the late 60's. BUT, I bought one in maybe 2005 and hated it. Bright, and plinky. Go figure. Your needs change.
-My Geo Benson Ibanez GB30 is a killer hollow guitar for quality, but it's HB's. Also a bit thicker body but a small.

Still, one of the G. Benson models has mini buckers and could be swapped out readily for P90's. the GB 10 MAY be a smaller body...

Ibanez George Benson Signature Hollow Body Electric Guitar, Antique Amber

This signature hollowbody belongs to none other than the legendary jazz musician George Benson. In collaboration with Ibanez, this strikingly unique model features a linden and spruce hollow body with a nyatoh neck for an effortless feel in your arms. The bound walnut fingerboard is seamlessly...

www.russomusic.com

 

[ZackyDog]

Well, it's a semi-hollow/center-block but it won The Editor's Choice and it's relatively thin.

Review: Gretsch G2622TG-P90 Limited Edition Streamliner

With a pair of P-90 pickups and a centre-block, this isn’t your average Gretsch – but it certainly makes a statement.

guitar.com

 

[paulblackford]

Well, it's a semi-hollow/center-block but it won The Editor's Choice and it's relatively thin.

Review: Gretsch G2622TG-P90 Limited Edition Streamliner

With a pair of P-90 pickups and a centre-block, this isn’t your average Gretsch – but it certainly makes a statement.

guitar.com

View attachment 1037282

It certainly looks good. I'd like to stay away from the center block, but the Bigsby is nice.

 

[ZackyDog]

@BB

 

[Controller]

Gretsch 2420 Streamliner. You can swap out the Broadtrons if you want but I would give them a shot first.