Is there a tonal difference between the I-35 and SoCo models?
It’s always a challenge to articulate the subtle nuances of tone, but in general we find that there is relatively little tonal difference between the SoCo Deluxe and I-35 Deluxe models. Both guitars have semi-hollow body construction and use the same light-wind Imperial humbuckers from Jason Lollar. The biggest difference is that the single-cutaway design of the SoCo Deluxe adds mass to the body and also increases the contact area of the neck joint. This seems to give the SoCo Deluxe a slightly more focused sound with greater low end definition (less airiness/overtones compared to the I-35 Deluxe). Again, this is a very subtle tonal difference. Wood selection (flame vs. quilt) and fingerboard material are other factors that play into the overall tonality of the instrument.
