How do tell if ASAT Special Deluxe is semi-hollow?

Wed Jun 30, 2010 6:07 pm

I just bought a 2003 ASAT Special Deluxe (maple top on unknown wood.) I noticed right away that it is quite a bit lighter than my 1997 ASAT Classic (Ash) and somewhat lighter than my 25th Anniversary model (mahogany.) I don't have a scale in the house so it's difficult to say how much lighter. I'm wondering if the Special Deluxe is semi hollow. Is there any way to tell without weighing? Even with weighing, I assume that there are no standard weights to reference.

The body wood is tough to determine as well. I thought it might be mahogany but after shining a bright light on it and looking in the cavity, it seems too light in color. Hard to say.

Thanks.

Re: How do tell if ASAT Special Deluxe is semi-hollow?

Wed Jun 30, 2010 8:04 pm

Mahogany can be either dark, or tan, a lot of the traditional 'gibson' coloured mahogany is died that colour.

Re: How do tell if ASAT Special Deluxe is semi-hollow?

Wed Jun 30, 2010 8:20 pm

I just found a reference elsewhere on this site (viewtopic.php?f=12&t=41) that indicates that the body is a maple top on american tilia (basswood), based upon the date. This has a lower density than ash or mahogany so that would account for some of the weight. It's also 0.1" thinner.

Re: How do tell if ASAT Special Deluxe is semi-hollow?

Wed Jun 30, 2010 8:22 pm

chuck0765 wrote:I just bought a 2003 ASAT Special Deluxe (maple top on unknown wood.) I noticed right away that it is quite a bit lighter than my 1997 ASAT Classic (Ash) and somewhat lighter than my 25th Anniversary model (mahogany.) I don't have a scale in the house so it's difficult to say how much lighter. I'm wondering if the Special Deluxe is semi hollow. Is there any way to tell without weighing? Even with weighing, I assume that there are no standard weights to reference.

The body wood is tough to determine as well. I thought it might be mahogany but after shining a bright light on it and looking in the cavity, it seems too light in color. Hard to say.

Thanks.


There is no Semi-Hollow version of the ASAT Special Deluxe. Introduced in 2001, this is an ASAT with a Maple top on American Tilia back. Sometime late in 2007, the body wood was changed to Maple top on Mahogany. It has rear mounted controls and no pickguard. Check out the List of Regular Production ASAT-style guitars. BTW, American Tilia is also known as Basswood and usually weights less than Mahogany.

Hope this helps.

Re: How do tell if ASAT Special Deluxe is semi-hollow?

Thu Jul 01, 2010 4:27 am

Thanks Craig.

Re: How do tell if ASAT Special Deluxe is semi-hollow?

Thu Jul 01, 2010 6:09 pm

Post a picture of your Special Deluxe if you get the chance. We love to drool over "Porn" here! - ed

Re: How do tell if ASAT Special Deluxe is semi-hollow?

Sat Jul 17, 2010 11:34 am

Here's the Special Deluxe:
Image

More pics of my toys here:
http://chuckbro.smugmug.com/Music/Instruments

Re: How do tell if ASAT Special Deluxe is semi-hollow?

Sat Jul 17, 2010 1:02 pm

Uniquely stunning. Thanks! - ed

(I need to go be by myself for a little while now... ;+)