Comparing Hollowbody & Semi-hollowbody Guitars from Gibson, Guild, Gretsch and Epiphone.

[@chrishsu3708]

that guild is the best to my ears.

[@wildeasage]

Holy crap he's not kidding: the Country Gentleman sounds it was just carried straight out the Beatles recording space.

[@robertlowe1249]

THE GRETCH HAS SUCH A WARM AND EXPENSIVE TONE

[@notapplicable328]

What makes something sound “expensive”? Or did you mean expansive

[@rodrigogomes2064]

OMFG!!!!!!!!!!!

[@aidanjackson1946]

@@notapplicable328 I think they mean the guitar costs alot

[@94SexyStang]

that's what all the cheapasses say

[@andrewdevine3920]

​@notapplicable328 It sounds like a million dollars?

[@802471497]

Blimey! The Gretsch stands out a mile!!

[@michaelnarainsamy3670]

Casino is my favourite but that Gretsch is definitely the best quality. Sound is so pure and clear

[@darwinsaye]

These all sound great. Regarding the Guild: Mini humbuckers are the most underrated humbucker pickups for clarity and chime, along with good filtertrons, in my opinion.

[@ArturBrzozowski444]

I love how you told stories of the guitars before playing I was rooting for Guild but that Gretsch stole my heart ❤️

[@philtron1969]

Thank you so much. It's a joy to have them and to share them.

[@fposmith]

Yes, The Gretsch ! Hands down. It's easy to see why Gretsch Guitars were so so popular in the 50's and especially in the 60's. Pete Townshend was given a 1958 Gretsch 6120 by Joe Walsh. Joe was hanging out with Keith Moon at the time taking hotel room destruction lessons from Keith. Pete used it to finish "Tommy" and subsequently used that guitar on every studio album since. All those great sounds like Pinball Wizard, Reign O'er Me, and the fantastic Quadrophenia, Who's Next, all came from his Gretsch 6120. He said his Gretsch is the most versatile guitar ever made. It will do everything from light jazz to rockabilly all the way to face melting heavy metal shredding, and everything in between ! Here is a video with Pete and that guitar in the background. He said he does not use it live because it's too difficult to do his silly dance on stage with a guitar that big. And besides, it was knocked off the back of a stage, fell almost ten feet and was smashed. He had an old violin maker repair the guitar. He said it came back in better condition than when he got it from Joe. It now never leaves his studio. Myself, I started playing in 1958 at age 9. I learned on a POS. Got my first Gretsch in 1963. Also a 58 model. I have owned Gretsch Guitars ever since. Here is that video of Pete. The interview is not about the guitar, it just happens to be present. kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3fXkH-pe7d5e7M

[@Skiddins]

Think you might have linked the wrong video

[@rickaitkins6539]

Wrong video. That was not Pete. It’s a totally different video.

[@fviannaval]

I think he did on purpose to get views on this video.

[@steveworth544]

the gretsch sounded unlike anything I expected with overdrive. Amazing. Brilliant video..

[@philtron1969]

Thanks so much!

[@RavioloComboli]

Nobody does Hollow Bodies like Gretsch does. But Gibson did have great hollow bodies when they were making them.

[@catmoonmedia8223]

The Casino has a very distinct sound, one that I like except for the overdriven sound. For that the Gretsch blows all of them away. A really good video.

[@prospectnyc]

That Gretsch, to me, sounds like it has the most balance and sweetness. Casino is sparkly and bright. The Guild was very shrill on the bridge, but mellow/warm on the other positions. The ES335 sounded good too, but kind of boring compared to the others. Really love the sound of the Gretsch the most in these clips. Thanks for making this video!

[@philtron1969]

So glad you enjoyed it. It's fun to hear which guitar lights people up. I love them all!

[@IHSisable]

@@philtron1969 if you can effort them...haha

[@philtron1969]

@@IHSisable I got lucky enough to buy most of my guitars before the vintage world went so crazy.

[@IHSisable]

@@philtron1969 dont know wether i should put a dumbs up - or down here...

[@missioncreekfarm7715]

I agree. The Gretsch to me, had beautiful balance all across, no matter which position. Not overkill on the bridge, no muddy water at the neck.

[@bcguitarteacher7328]

That Star fire sounds unique and amazing

[@TheHumbuckerboy]

My favourite here also

[@patrickjamesbissett2910]

Probably the best comparison vid I've ever seen. They all sound great.

[@philtron1969]

That's very kind of you. Thanks for tuning in.

[@hairnation68]

Love the Gretsch and bought one

[@ikkenhisatsu7170]

I’m a drummer, I only know three chords on guitar, but as good as that Guild sounds (they all do), that Gretsch just slays it for me. Damn.

[@RaviLogan86]

Gretsch is the best. Second Epiphone Casino for me.

[@Orion33759]

Definitely. $3500…. That Casino for $500 is dang close though.

[@oceantree5000]

Absolutely seconded.

[@jrhayes6901]

I got a g5120 upgraded with filtertrons and a roller bridge.. Love it

[@juliocesara.ziliani3107]

the epiphone casino....damn, no words to describe.

[@ralphk.j7809]

Best comparison between these brands of guitar ive ever seen. Keep up the good work

[@philtron1969]

Thank you very much.

[@patrickateman06]

Gretsch is a must have guitar, I have one and I would never trade it for anything, it just sounds beautiful

[@theroguetomato5362]

In a fit of insanity in the '80s, I sold my 1966 Gibson ES-335, and I never thought I'd find a guitar I could afford that would sound as good as that ES-335. Then I heard the Electromatic Gretsch 5422. I could afford that, so I got one. I no longer regret selling that 335 (except for how much money I could make selling it today). The Gretsch sound blows it away, and for a good price.

[@ominosersudlander14888]

Cope

[@CJCJCJCJ]

@@ominosersudlander14888 Seethe

[@nesta8518]

Gibson and Guild were my favs, hands down

[@386Clarke]

Nice comparison. I love that country gentleman. I could really hear “Help” in that guitar.

[@TimDoyleMusic]

Great job with the editing! It was nice not having to remember what the previous guitar sounded like. Thanks for the great effort!

[@philtron1969]

That's all my friend Marko from Myth vs Craft. He's got the skills!

[@johnkonstantine9115]

Phil's demo here deserves thumbs up just for the descending chord picking run on 'Help'. Also love the way he shows Malcolm's pic with no name, knowing guitarist will all know who it is.For me there is no clear winner for tone here. All of these guitars sound tremendous. Especially having the demos run quickly, with same parts back to back.You can easily hear the subtle tone differences & how some would suit 'live' & some 'studio' . I was very surprised by the GuildStarfire-3 though. The only two guitars out of my 15 that would compare would be my 79' Gibson ES-335 ( WCR hand-wound PAF's ) & my new Gretsch G6228 FM 'players edition' Jet BT (Broadtron pups) while I dont have the 65' Vibrolux, an old 64' Blonde Bandmaster keeps me company when I'm looking for these classic tones. well done Phil.

[@philtron1969]

Thanks for really digging in!

[@LeopoldAlcocks1]

thanks, was wondering what track that descending run was from. A great review on a great comparison.

[@thetakenking7061]

Gretsch is the king of hollow bodies but all sounded good.

[@paulglock9263]

Great video, probably the best comparison video I've seen. Reading the comments, you can see everyone has a different sound they are looking for. Me I can't resist giving my two cents. The Epiphone hands down winner in my book. All around best all around tone performer, and without even adjusting the tone knob. I also like the slim neck. Yep....The Epiphone comes out on top for the most versatile, and best sound.

[@philtron1969]

Thanks for digging in!

[@kkbandchannel]

Gretsch every time, smooth full sound, so different so warm and beautiful

[@johnhutchinson3368]

Nice, I can see why the 335 is your number 1.

[@sukursukur7677]

the epi with p90 just love it

[@markbrown7103]

For the money I would say grinch has them all licked. I have a GT 427 Graach. And I love it. It’s a great guitar has a great feel and it sounds beautiful for the money you won’t go wrong. If you like hollow bodies solid body Graach I’m thinking about buying one. They’re great guitars. Thanks for this video. Have a great night and a good day.👍🏼👍🏼😁😎😎 super cool that’s a great guitar🎸

[@philtron1969]

I appreciate your input!

[@msaintpc]

That ES-335, yep that's the one.

[@roadapple66]

They all sounded very good but the Guild blew me away with it's chime and spanky tone. The Gretsch was definitely the overdrive champ here. Most of these guitars are bright and chimey, even the Gretsch when played clean, but the Gretsch had the dark, sullen overdrive tone that makes me want one. There is not a bad guitar here, and I would be proud to own any one of them, but the Guild and Gretsch really caught my attention with their unique tones. If I could only have one of these, I'd be torn between the Gretsch and the Guild. The Gretsch was probably best for doing both clean and dirty, but the Guild's clean tone was good enough that I wouldn't care if it was a one-trick-pony. I'm not saying it is because we only heard them do a little, but I would be happy with it even if it was. Thanks for sharing that with us!

[@georgearagon2546]

They all were cool in their own unique way. That's the beauty of having access to so many different brands! Great video.

[@keithhuckabee9859]

All of them!

[@christineshaw4304]

Great video, loved them all but…. ❤the Gibson 🎸

[@viscid09]

The Intro on the Guild is pure gold to my ears and soul! Thanks for that I could listen to this whole day.... so smooth.

[@jenniferwhitewolf3784]

I have a 1966 Guild Starfire V, Bigsby delete, clear finish, Haggstrum bridge. Only 2 of these optioned this way were made, the other one went to Tom Fogarty ( Credence ) ... 1966 Fender Vibrolux Reverb with one original Oxford and one original Jensen . Have owned the guitar since new, the amp since 68. Never had need for anything different...but if I had to replace it, I would look seriously at Gretch...

[@RobertNolan]

Impressive points being made here, and I enjoy how each one is like a tool for a very specific job. Upon first impression, they evoke the same foundation of tones, yet throw the right pickups or drive in them and you'll easily notice how very different they are in total. How on earth could anyone choose a best? They're all so great.

[@philtron1969]

Thanks for watching.

[@damagecontrol60]

Guild had an attack on the strings, very distinct… Gretsch had a space and warmth… love tone of the Epi… 335 was lovely too…I’ll have them all!

[@MVos-md3rp]

Well produced, great chops, personal, entertaining. A keeper. Thanks Phil.

[@philtron1969]

Thank you so much. That's all Marko from Myth vs. Craft. He's amazing!

[@astrofire68]

All beautiful instruments but that Gretsch at 6:59 😍 Wow. Such a beautiful and distinct sound.

[@philtron1969]

It's mighty special. Thanks for watching.

[@Madchris8828]

your playing is just groovy as all get out man! so cool. The Gretsch Filtertron are crazy good sounding with distortion especially for gain on a hollowbody. Some killer guitars in general

[@philtron1969]

Thank you so much!

[@ftlbaby]

One of the best comparison videos I have seen. Just excellent all around. Thank you! 👏🏼 🏆 🥇

[@greatkingrat]

Played in perfect tone order each one slightly more tone than the last. For me it’s the Gretsch that comes alive in the comparison with the Guild second for the sound that I like.

[@awkwardcucumber7899]

The Gretchen is beautiful

[@CycleFab]

Man, thank you so much for this video. I'm live just north of Austin, looking to get my first guitar and I'm just falling in love with the semi hollow body sound.

[@philtron1969]

So glad you dig it. I'm been in the Austin area for 14 years now. Hope you find what you're looking for.

[@sirbenjaminarthuriv4019]

I don't like Gibsons, but this one sounded great! It has a lot of character.

[@jackytreehornsghost]

I came here to check out the Starfire. When I left, I was looking for a Gretsch.

[@tomashormeno1394]

I love that 335’s bridge pickup.... Killer sound

[@philtron1969]

Me too!

[@sunsetjunior9313]

gretsch, as expected was the most polite and ruled the neck pup shootout (at least what you played there), i thought the guild middle position was especially fantastic too....

[@voyager7]

This was a really great video, and for me it's not about which sounds best but about the distinct tone and voicing of each that makes them unique. Great stuff!

[@philtron1969]

Thank you so much!

[@petestaint8312]

Finally, a proper review! Thanks for posting. 👍

[@bradleymunn9940]

That Gretsch sounds so dang good

[@jeffmariajenson9751]

Yep, the Gretsch and the Epiphone!

[@satinwhip]

I'm not surprised that the 335 was Phil's go to guitar. I preferred it to the other three every time. Gibson is back to building to quality guitars. I just bought a 2021 ES-339. The fit, finish, tone and playability are at a level that would only have been available from the Custom Shop five years ago at twice the price. I'm amazed that this guitar actually came off the production line. Gibson must think it's pretty nice, too. They just jacked the price up $500 for this model. Glad I bought when I did.

[@jowyong6769]

Agree with most of the comments here. The Gretsch trounced them all!

[@tremelo68]

Had a '67 Gretsch just like that. It was AMAZING sounding but hard to play. Someone had flattened the fretboard down to 20" radius. Since I had other Gretsch guitars, I sold it. Have a '68 Guild Starfire V now and love it as well. Have a no name Casino copy and it is very nice (once I upraded the pickups to Lollars). Still looking for a decently priced 335 though... One of these days. Nice video, Phil.

[@philtron1969]

Cheers!

[@mikelundquist4596]

I can't decide... I'm pretty sure I just need one of each.

[@airborneassasin]

GUILD ... Dang what a tone... Mini Humbuckers

[@caparaorc]

That gretsch is just heavenly.

[@toddmyers6351]

Great job on comparing sounds, they all have magic. Loved the video, THANKS

[@immastranger6752]

I'm looking to pickup a G5622T in the future. Nevertheless, my unbiased opinion is the Gretsch really had the best overall sound all around. Great vid!

[@smileystevens3060]

Yes that Gretsch has a awesome sound to it....great find....thanks for sharing....

[@philtron1969]

Thanks for tuning in! kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHfGmoRmbJJ_Z9E

[@mikelynchrockfordmusic4823]

Not a bad tone in the bunch! They’re all different and shouldn’t be compared to one another. Thx for a great demo!

[@philtron1969]

Thanks for watching!

[@nickwebb9290]

Excellent review Phil 👍 I have similar guitars except for the Guild, you’ve got their sounds well nailed for this demo.

[@philtron1969]

Big thanks, Nick!

[@flivesey5889]

Really helpful comparison - actually playing the same riff so the only difference is the guitar. I have the Gretsch so favouritism on my part. The Guild is the most different and lacked something to my ear. Liked the chat before the comparison which had been thought out and gave a context. And at under 10 minutes an ideal taster video. Many thanks for this!

[@lk63]

That Guild Starfire is the same guitar that Jerry Garcia used on the Dead's first Album in 1967.

[@philtron1969]

Yes! Dave Davis from the Kinks was seen with one in the '60s as well.

[@anodyneforever3996]

4 Aces. They all sounded great with slight voicing differences.

[@philtron1969]

I agree!

[@zacharypierce3546]

Very nice to hear these classics all together. Excellent licks to demonstrate the sound and differences between these guitars...but I have to say: This video has me looking for a StarFire now! I absolutely loved the tone from that guitar.

[@secundinovega228]

In love with that Gild !!!! This video is the greatest guitar comparison I ever seen , great performance too , you make those guitars sound like ringing a bell 🔔 Thanks for your time of doing this video 🙏🎸🥰

[@secundinovega228]

This smart phones ...Guild !

[@philtron1969]

Thank you so much!

[@maggieo]

I'm a Tele gal,so my rankings won't surprise: 1. Casino 2. Country Gentleman 3. Guild Starfire III 4. ES-335. That said, I'd play all of 'em. They're all gorgeous.

[@keithclark486]

Have played Teles all my life , The Gretsch is In a league of it's own.

[@davedederer4124]

The Gretsch underwhelmed me in the bridge position but in the end it was the clear winner...something about a lot of mids, just enough highs over the top, and sort of a natural bass cut...that combination lets the important "guitaristic" frequencies shine through.

[@Fiasco3]

You've sold me, I need a Gretsch with Filtertron pickups ASAP. It has a more complex sound than the others, there's just more depth and another layer there.

[@manosteel5338]

I have a 72, 335 which I love, but that Guild Starfire really stands out!

[@Mr.PeabodyateU2]

ES -335 and Casino, definitely the punchier of the tones and most pleasing to the ears..

[@Twirlyhead]

I have a DeArmond Starfire Special (budget Guild 1998) which is very similar to your Guild Starfire iii but notably with 2K single coil pickups; it's great. I also have the DeArmond Starfire which is a double cut semi-hollow with Goldtone Humbuckers; great also.

[@nmcg2587]

Nice presentation. For me: The Gretsch and the Gibson - in that order

[@philtron1969]

Cheers!

[@guitashmurtz4772]

Greatsch is my favourit one! Thank you.

[@JedrekVRoscoe]

Those filter’trons on the Country Gent are killer!

[@kozwe9757]

How lovely the Gretsch is!

[@lauranceemory4448]

Great collection you have there. Love me those hollow bodies, even semis.

[@JavierCerecer]

Gretsch + overdrive sounds amazing.

[@philtron1969]

Winning formula

[@brechtloyens3892]

I have exactly the same starfire and country gent both amazing guitars!

[@philtron1969]

Good taste!

[@philtron1969]

I'm so pleased to see so many new viewers and subscribers! WELCOME! Feel free to check out www.philhurleymusic.com and enjoy this video as well: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHfGmoRmbJJ_Z9E

[@tonythetrainee4114]

I dream of owning a Gretsch Country Gentleman, Gibson ES355 and an Epiphone Casino. I'm not a fan of the shape of that Guild but the sound is good.

[@sonnyday6727]

That Gibson sounds amazing

[@randylavoy6196]

I would say GRETSCH first..smooth tones clean...bright..2nd Guild...had full sound ..3rd Gibson...4th Epiphone.

[@laketownmusic]

I can't decide if the Epiphone or the Gretsch was the best. I'm leaning more towards the Gretsch and in my opinion Gretsch does semihollow/hollowbody guitars the best. Guild is my favorite guitar company but I'm not a big fan of the Starfire III, even though it sounds killer. The Gibson is nice too, but I feel like all the other guitars had more of a unique voice than the Gibson. Not to say the Gibson didn't sound killer as well; I just liked the other guitars a lot more. That being said, all are absolutely stunning guitars and makes a guitar nerd like me very envious in the best possible way.

[@philtron1969]

Thanks for checking them out! kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHfGmoRmbJJ_Z9E

[@resonator_95]

Great comparison! Gretsch all the way, for me!

[@Sirstarfish]

I'd take either the 335 or that guild for sure.

[@elevenAD]

if i could only have one it woulds be the Epiphone, sounds perfect.

[@philtron1969]

It's a specail guitar

[@Lwayte]

Great video! It’s so easy to hear the pickup differences the way you formatted this. Gotta say, the 335 sounds pretty muddy when compared to all these others. I’m really intrigued by the Casino and the Guild. Both have great midrange punch and clarity.

[@philtron1969]

Thanks for watching.

[@billregan1981]

Nice back to back comparison and interesting stories with each. Overall I liked the Gretsch for everything you did. They all sound great though.

[@SG-js2qn]

Liked the mini on the bridge and the Filtertron on the neck.

[@douggoransson5179]

What a fantastic demo!!! Thanks, Phil. Really helpful.

[@philtron1969]

Thanks so much, Doug!

[@aaronmajchen982]

Guild and Gibson for me

[@storkonstage]

Gibson 1., Epiphone 2., Gretsch 3., Guild., 4. All great gits.

[@gmac8852]

Not impressed with that guild but I do know for a fact that no 2 guitars of the same make sound exactly alike.

[@JammyGit]

If you're going to buy a hollow/semi hollow guitar, you may as well buy from the company who are the best at making those kind of guitars - Gretsch. Their guitars are the best at every price point, even their cheaper Streamliner models are very good guitars for £400. I've not played any of their higher end guitars but my Gretsch 5126 (electromatic range) is a brilliant guitar. The DeArmond pickups in that guitar are ones I've fallen in love with over time. I already had a set of TV Jones Classic in my self made Tele Cabronita and even though I love the sound of Filtertrons I was glad that my Gretsch had the DeArmonds so that it had a different voice to my TV Jones pickups 👍

[@DanteSinfernoftwww]

completely unbias, I didn't watch the video, just listened. to my ear the 335 and casino tonally outclass the gretsch and guild

[@matthewbowman3861]

Great demo, and I enjoyed the stories. They all sound good, but that Gibson sounds magical!

[@philtron1969]

Cheers! Thanks for watching.