semi-hollow mando?

[John Bertotti]

So I had a semi hollow guitar and it sounded good but was electric of course. How would this approach work for a mando? Semi hollow electric mando. The bridge did not extend into the hollow wings so I wonder just exactly what was going on in the modes. Where all the vibrations just sympathetic from the neck through? There was no direct connection from the bridge or stop tail piece to the wings. Any insight is appreciated. I was thinking it would be a nice way to use some wood not suitable for for a carved or flat top. Thanks John

[toddjoles]

I believe that Godin still makes hollow body electric mandos. I played one once a few years ago at an acoustic shop. Can't give a true eval on the tone as there was no amp in the store. What tone there was was pretty lifeless and there was very little volume. Also the neck felt fat and chunky to me. Probably great for someone used to playing guitar and trying to crossover to mando.




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[Chip Booth]

An old friend of mine from South Carolina, Billy Chapman of Chapman Stringed Instruments, used to make semi-hollow carved top F style electric mandolins. They were played on stage by a few notable rock acts. I don't know how many of these were made or if he still makes them, and dont have a picture handy sorry. I think they were a pretty succesful design for an electric instrument.

Chip