T16 Hollow Body
From the very beginning of solid-body guitar design, players have sought ways to make their instruments lighter. One natural solution was to borrow concepts from traditional archtop instruments and apply them to solid-body designs. The semi-hollow T-style guitars emerged in the late 1960s, nearly two decades after the original solid-body concept.
The guitar body begins as a solid block of Korina, carefully shaped and carved to its final form. The chamber is meticulously hollowed out using a combination of machines and hand tools—without the use of CNCs—allowing Karl to achieve the perfect balance of weight and resonance. Once the chamber is complete, a carefully selected Swamp Ash top is added, chosen for both its tonal richness and aesthetic appeal. From wood selection and hardware choices to paint application and our precision neck joint, every detail is crafted to enhance the playing experience.
Why a Hollow T-style?
Beyond aesthetics, the T16 Hollow offers tangible benefits to the player. The lighter weight reduces strain during long sessions while enhancing tonal character, adding a new dimension to the familiar T-style sound. Even in Roger Rossmeisl’s original semi-hollow designs, the goal was weight reduction—but the result was an entirely new voice, yet familiar to standard T-style guitars.
The hollow design produces a fuller more open sound, while retaining the voice of the T16 shape. Other refinements, such as a rolled fretboard, a slightly roomier lower cutaway, and a tighter waist, all contribute to an improved playing experience. A belly cut and chamfered armrest increases comfort without sacrificing tone, making long playing sessions more enjoyable. The threaded bolt neck construction provides a more secure neck joint and improved sustain.
We use premium hardware to ensure that your guitar performs at its best. The Radioshop ID set is our choice for increased dynamics, warmth and to capture that 50’s sound. The small details add up and that's why we use Paper In Oil Caps, CTS Pots and a Switchcraft Jack and control switch.
From: £3250
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Body & Neck
Body: Hollow Korina body with a Swamp Ash top, high-gloss nitrocellulose lacquer
Neck: Flame Maple, oil or lacquer finish, traditional truss rod
Measurements: 25.5” scale length. 22.5mm thickness at the 1st fret, 23.5mm at the 12th fret and a 42.5mm width Bone Nut
Fretboard: Indian Rosewood, 7.25, 9.5 or 12” or Compound radius options available, Medium Jumbo fret wire, Mother of Pearl dot inlay
Construction: Threaded bolt construction for a tighter, more resonant fit, offering improved sustain
Hardware & Electronics
Tuners: Gotoh vintage split-post tuners
Bridge: Gotoh brass 3-saddle intonated bridge
Pickups: 50’s style Tele set
Electronics: CTS premium audio taper pots, Paper In Oil caps, CRL switch, Switchcraft output jack
Comes complete with a Hiscox hard case.
