What are the differences in sound/playability between solid body and hollow body electric guitars?
The sound and playability of a guitar is affected more by the overall quality of the instrument and electronics than by differences between solid- and hollow-body designs. Some people believe that solid-body guitars allow the musician to move higher up the fretboard, but some hollow-body guitars also sport deep cutaways. Some musicians may prefer a wider or a narrower body, which could rule out narrow solid-bodys or wide hollow-bodys for some. As far as sound is concerned, I have always felt that hollow-body guitars can produce a somewhat richer and fuller sound (e.g., that greasy blues sound), but that is simply personal taste. Given the variety of quality pickups and components available, the sound of a guitar can be tailored over a very wide range, regardless of body design. Rather than pick a specific body type, it is best to play and listen to the instrument and then make your decision based on feel, sound, action, weight, balance, and features.
