Semi Hollow String Thru Question

[guitarchump]

I was wondering If there would be a feedback problem if i were to run the strings thru the body of a sem- hollow if the area behind the bridge was chambered. Basically If the strings were passing through the hollow area of the body. Would there be alot of feed back? Would I be Better off just leaving the wood there behind the bridge.

Thanks Jeff

[ibanez_crazy]

I would be more worried about the strings pulling thru the body than if it feeds back.

[fryovanni]

I am assuming your top and back will be at least 3/16" or better, and that you would be using a ferrule or other method of protecting and firming up the holes the strings will pass through. In that situation it is really not likely that you would run any risk of pulling the strings through the guitar. If you are concerned you could always use a backing material. As far as feedback. No more so than if you cut an F hole in the body (actually much less probable because of the smaller size of the string holes). If you are thinking about the strings vibrating the back or top (that is not feedback). If your concerned about how much blocking you are removing. That is hard to say because we don't know how much blocking will remain, or the extent of your chambering. Amplification levels and proximity to amps of course will be a very important thing to think about (probably the most important).

Peace,Rich

[guitarchump]

Ok thanks.

I wasnt worried about the strings getting pulled thru the body seeing as the back will be at least 3/16ths think bubinga maybe even 1/4. There will also be top and back ferrules. I was more worried about the strings vibrating inside the chamber the pass through and causing unwanted sound and vibartion. what is your take on this?

[low end fuzz]

id assume the angle of the string off the bridge would would stop the string enough from vibrating to make any noise; like the 'ting' you hear running a pick across the the strings past the saddle;

but it sounds like something i wanna try now; let us know how it works out!

[guitarchump]

For sure! This build will be starting in the next couple of weeks I just need to finnish off this serpent inlay im doing for the guitar im building right now. Can anyone sujest a nice top wood for the bubinga back if the guitar is just going to be oiled (no colour).

Thanks,

Jeff

[fryovanni]

Ok thanks.

I wasnt worried about the strings getting pulled thru the body seeing as the back will be at least 3/16ths think bubinga maybe even 1/4. There will also be top and back ferrules. I was more worried about the strings vibrating inside the chamber the pass through and causing unwanted sound and vibartion. what is your take on this?

Well I think I can picture what you are thinking. I do not think it would become an issue. A semi-hollow just does not move the kind of air and vibrate enough to get a what you are thinking about. If you had strings routed to a tail piece outside the body the strings would be more exposed to sympathetic vibration from an outside source (and this is an electric so the body is not going to be the main source of sound). All that said... I am building a semi that I have continued the block and drilled the string thru holes through the block itself. I wouldn't have really seen a good reason to remove that bit of wood. If I wanted to hollow a body that much. I would make a hollowbody. Of course you may have other design reasons.

Peace,Rich

[guitarchump]

Yea your right I may as well have two separate chambers and not route out the area behind the bridge.

Thanks

Jeff

[fryovanni]

Yea your right I may as well have two separate chambers and not route out the area behind the bridge.

Thanks

Jeff

Jeff,

I routed the area between the two side chambers at the rear of the body. I just left enough meat behind the bridge for the strings. Mine is routed pretty heavy. Bear in mind though semi-hollows are not my thing. So I am by no means a good source for the best routing configuration or volume. It is just a little side project. Best of luck with the project!

[guitarchump]

Thanks, well i think i will just leave some wood there so i dont end up having a problem that could be avoided.

Jeff

Edited July 6, 2006 by guitarchump

[low end fuzz]

if its figured bubinga; birdseye always has a special place in my heart with it; i think with the clash of colours and the effect you get it really brings out the craziness of the bubinga; although its never top and back, its usually a center strip and wings deal