It's annoying that Doug's Plugs is gone, but I don't see it being too hard to recreate it yourself if you are already making the rubbing. Just take foam or an old flip flop, and then cut the outline of the rubbing while keeping a lip
Thanks, Jack. You're absolutely right. A pair of black flip-flops will be the same material Doug used to make these. I appreciate the suggestion and will pin it for other Viewers.
Wow! thanks so much for this sharing. I'm about to buy a epiphone Casino, and I'm worrying about feedback. I'll try to find an alternative as Doug's plugs is gone. Thank you so much!
Hi Robert I was lucky enough to find a H-78 Harmony 1962 In good condition , I played it and loved it so much I brought it , I never thought I would like hollow bodies but they look and sound awesome , will make up some plugs . Regards from Australia
Ah yes, MM... Invest in a set IF you can find them! Seems most of the suppliers have stopped making plugs. If you find any, please report back. Lots of people asking!
Hmmm… just makes me think of the sound hole plugs you see people use on full acoustics when playing live. Can’t believe I never thought of a similar fix for my wildcat and Sheraton.
Hi Chase. You’re right. In general, internally chambered guitars are much less prone to feedback than semi-hollow and especially hollowbody guitars. If you either own or can buy a chambered guitar, then great. If you have a hollowbody and want to play it live and loud, that’s where plugs come in.
Why would you want to cancel feedback? That's the whole fun part. Playing raunchy as hell with with a hb ( a blue collar guitar, casino for me) and making everyone around you deaf is the THING to do. Honestly though this video is some great stuff :3
Thanks, Almog. I generally agree with your love of raunch. One of the reasons I Love playing hollowbodies is being able to generate and control feedback for solos. Even with the Doug’s Plugs, move close enough and into the right position and the banshee returns!
Thanks for your video. It would be helpful to get an A/B with and without to compare tones. My experience w flat top acoustic is that its neoprene soundhole plug is undeniably effective against feedback, but equally undeniable is the fact that it removes principal acoustic properties. It is a lovely tone, but glossier and more modern.
Agreed about an A/B test. In my experience, the plugs work identically to sound hole plugs on an acoustic guitar. If you’re in a very intimate and quiet environment, you might notice the absence of the acoustic sound normally coming from the f-holes. But if the environment and volume are loud enough to require plugs to avoid feedback, the natural acoustic properties have already been overtaken by the amplified sound.
I thought I needed plugs but what I needed was a Luthier/Guitar Tech expert named Dan Koentopp(Canetop). He asked me to take a photo of my Hofner Jazzica Custom with a Bartolini SJ5 floating pickup and saw 👀 the pickup was too high. Lowered the pickup and NO FEEDBACK! He's in California and I in Chicago. 🎸🎼🎵🎶
Hi man I appreciate the video you made:) Could u upload please a sample of how it’s sounds with high gain tones like classic rock tones, I’m considering to put one on my silvertone and one on a es 175
Hi John. Sorry, but I don’t have time to make the sample you’re requesting. But I can tell you this: when your amp is turned to the level where feedback starts to occur, using plugs doesn’t change the tone at all. Plugs only change the tone when you’re playing 100% acoustic (without an amp) or with the amp at very low volume, where the acoustic tone of the guitar can still he heard.
That’s a good idea, gussoid. I can’t find anyone else who’s made a video showing the difference, either. I have so many other topics I want to cover, it may take me awhile to get around to it. In the meantime, you can read testimonials on the dougsplugs.com website to see what other users have experienced: www.dougsplugs.com/testimonials.html
Dear Robert, I am considering buying a mid-range hollow body/semi-hollow guitar. Actually looking at both, but I have been weighing in my options considering whether the hollow-body would make for a good all-around guitar to possibly play both clean and overdriven/ distorted tones. The two guitars I'm considering are the Epiphone Riviera and the Gretsch Streamliner G2420. Would you have any opinions about them in terms of their tone, playability, and if they would make for a good live guitar for playing all-sorts of tones? Would really appreciate your help. Also, this was a great video. I'll be certainly looking into Doug's Plugs! So thank you! Cheers!
Hey Benjamin. I'll preface this by saying I've not played either of those specific models recently. My understanding is that the Epiphone Riviera is a thin, semi-hollow guitar, akin to a Gibson 335. It has a center block running through it, which specifically tends to diminish the worst of the feedback issues that f-hole guitars are prone to. The Gretsch Streamliner is a slightly thicker, fully hollowbody guitar, which means it will be more resonant and prone to feedback. There are benefits to each, and you should be able to get a full range of tones from either of them. If it were me, and the goal is maximum versatility, I'd choose the semi-hollow option. I just need think of the great rock guitarists who've played 335s - Clapton during the Creem and Blind Faith era; Alvin Lee of 10 Years After, etc. And no matter which guitar you choose, the Doug's Plugs will help keep the feedback under control.
@@RobertCassard Dear Robert, Thank you so much for taking the time to respond to my query. I agree with you on the versatility that the Epiphone would provide. I like both of them but I'm leaning more towards the Gretsch purely cause it has an acoustic feel and resonant sound as well which I love. I was just concerned if it would be a good live guitar and whether it won't be good for distorted sounds. But thank you for your help. I will certainly look into Doug'd plugs.
Hey Robert I play a Gibson es335 veritone with a bigsby and a few custom mods of my own. I have been playing for 40 years now owned my own custom handcrafted guitar and repair shop for 28 years. I have owned several semi-hollow bodies over the years and have never been a fan. This has been a informative and enlightening video for sure. I however would like to point out the one flaw that I see. I would edit the unboxing and skip to the installed section. I mean no disrespect however the video has just shown every single like minded guitarist and guitar tech exactly how to make a set of plugs and cut out the middle man who manufactures the plugs for a living. Unless you were intentionally trying to save the budget guitarist some money then it was perfect. The fact is that even the most do it yourselfer impaired is capable of making their own at home and having several different density pieces of foam and a few test runs they can choose the best tone/feedback reduction that fits their needs.
Hi Bob. Thanks for watching and commenting. Glad you found the video informative and enlightening! As far as making the plugs yourself goes, for someone with your knowledge and experience, it may look easy. However, the time it would take to research, test and get everything perfect would be impractical for most people I know. (Time is money.) Doug has already perfected these babies. One thing that makes his, and other professionally made plugs like these, special is a thin ridge around the entire top edge of the plugs. This allows the guitar owner to push the plugs as deep as possible into the f-holes, without any risk that they will fall in. I trust this video is sending more new customers to Doug than it is inspiring people to make their own, but either way, there’ll be a lot less feedback in the world!
Anybody with expierence with older Gretsch guitars with painted F Holes vs a regular Hollowbody with F Hole plugs ? Anybody know if there is any significant difference between the two ? I absolutely love 50s style gretsch guitars but fear the feedback nightmares that can often happen at gigs if the electric or stage setup is poor. I thought about buying a Gretsch Tennessean with painted F Holes and sticking original dynasonics in there to get the Duane Eddy like sound I'm after minus the F holes. The 50s 6120 and 60s Tennessean are practically identical size wise just with the painted F holes. But I'm curious if In going to all that trouble for nothing and getting an old school gretsch with dynasonics and simply having F hole plugs made to fit would give me the same sound and feedback protection ? Anybody with any expierence ? Do painted F Holes give you alot more feedback protection than quality F hole plugs fitted into a standard semi hollow ? I would be grateful for any help on this from players with more expierence with semi hollows. FYI I'm not trying to play Metallica or anything on one. Figure Brian Seltzer to ACDC being the max level of gain I ever use. Just enough tube overdrive to get some singing sustain on solos but I always try to retain as much clarity as possible. Thanks
Hey COD. Painted F Holes mean a sealed or "chambered" body. You'll have to push it quite hard before you have feedback issues. Nearly the same feedback resistance as a solid body. Get your Gretsch!
What a genius invention! I am thinking about buying a Gretsch Electromatic guitar. There are hollow bodies and bodies with a center block (is that called semi-hollow???). Does that center block eliminate feedback too? So you don't have to use Dougs Plugs? Or does such a center-bock take away too much tone of the guitar and should I buy a hollow body? Thanks in advance!
Hi Sjaak. Yes, semi-hollow indicates a center block, like a Gibson ES-335 and similar models. The center block reduces, but doesn’t eliminate, feedback at high volume. You have to check your particular guitar and amp using real-world locations and volumes to know if you need Doug’s Plugs or not. Or just get some to be safe!
@@RobertCassard Thanks! Yes, I think the hollow body will be a good option for me. Indeed playing unplugged is a very nice possibility to have. Greetings from the Netherlands.
@@SjaakShirly6559 There's usually not a huge difference in sound output between hollow and semi-hollow, but I genuinely LIKE the unamplified sound of my hollow bodies. They remind me of an old Gypsy-style guitar sound a la Django Reinhardt.
Hi Alen. Yes when playing unplugged. It block the air leaving the body of the guitar, so the sound will be “thinner” (less bass) and quieter. If playing through any kind of amplification, headphones, etc., there’s relatively minimal volume change.
Switching from stage monitors (wedges) to in-ear monitors does help a lot with feedback from all instruments with acoustic resonance like hollow guitars and drums... but your stuff here looks pretty cool.
True, bsharp. I’ve been using in-ears for well over 10 years. They do make a huge difference, especially for vocal mic feedback. My hollowbodies still get too resonant, especially when I’m in the corner of a room or under an overhang or low ceiling area where bass frequencies build up.
Man that Rocket is cool as hell! Aside from the hollowbody's natural tendency to feedback I know those old harmony pick ups were kinda bad about it too. I was wondering if there is anything you do to mitigate this? Have you ever tried to "pot" them with wax? I've done this a few times with certain pick ups. Never a set of those harmonys like those you've got but I'm sure it would help if you are having problems from them. I love seeing people playing those older harmonys, they are a beast unlike any other! They tend to have sweet spots that you can't get with other guitars. I Know you know what I mean!
I love ❤️ your enthusiasm for the Rocket, Laura. I did a video about Rockets and who plays ‘em: HARMONY ROCKET guitars - A trip to the stars and today’s stars trippin’ - Guitar Discoveries th-cam.com/video/KLlsxhusORM/w-d-xo.html. Regarding feedback, the plugs were all I needed to tame the beast. They’ve allowed me to play it as loud as I want without any issues. I’ve also posted videos about the crazy way I got the guitar, how I’ve used it as a contrast to clean sounds, etc. thanks for checking out my stuff and taking time to comment!
Good question, Lee. So when playing electric, the only thing they change is eliminating the resonant frequencies that cause feedback. Other than that, the tone sounds virtually identical. That said, if you leave the plugs in while playing acoustically, without an amp, you’ll definitely hear a big difference. Thinner, quieter, less bass.
for those electrically inclined - the feedback response is caused by the sound wave repeating over itself - building out of control - if you invert the signal - you won't be able to tell acoustically but the vibration produced will be exactly opposite the input signal - this should result in no feedback - what do you think
@@RobertCassard it's a simple matter to invert an input signal electrically - and yes - that is the technology used in noise canceling headphones - if this worked I think we would be doing it - but I like to speculate - guitar picker and retired electrician here
@@frankstribling3135 I know it works with electrical signals. And many PA systems have anti-feedback built-in - when the system detects feedback, it simply "notches out" the offending frequencies. But with a hollowbody guitar, the feedback is caused by air inside the guitar creating resonance in the guitar's body. The whole guitar becomes the source of the offending sound at a wide range of frequencies. Any amplification system would have to notch out all those frequencies to prevent the guitar feedback and that would radically change the tone. Putting plugs in the F-holes blocks the air, and therefore does a great job of diminishing this issue.
@@RobertCassard That doesn't make sense to me. Pick-ups pick vibration of steel strings, not wooden body. Maybe if body happens to resonate with a string that is not meant to play, and vibrating body makes the undesired string vibrate, as in viola d'amore, which I happen to play. But that is exceedingly unlikely, you don't often play with musicians that play different notes, and it becomes completely impossible if you palm-mute. I am voting for the inverted signal solution. Btw foam plugs must also change the unplugged tone, just like socks or a balloon would. But neither interferes with magnetic field of the pick up.
@@kokeskokeskokes You're right that covering F-holes changes the characteristics of the guitar's unplugged tone. That's one reason plugs like these are so handy - they're easy to take in and out. As for electric guitar feedback generally, there are multiple causes, as explained in this article: enthu.com/blog/guitar/guitar-feedback/ It's easy to hear the difference between microphonic, acoustic, and harmonic feedback. The main challenge with hollowbody guitars is acoustic feedback. It usually sounds like a big woofy hum. Sound entering the open f-holes vibrates the top, the bridge transfers even more vibrations into the guitar body, and the whole thing resonates having a sympathetic effect on the strings, further increasing the feedback, etc. I did a web search asking, "can phase inversion prevent acoustic feedback?" Here's the answer I got: "Phase inversion can have a limited effect on acoustic feedback, but it is not a reliable solution to prevent it. Phase inversion, also known as polarity reversal, can cancel out certain frequencies or sound waves when two sources are combined, such as stage monitors and the musician’s amplifier. This can help reduce low-frequency resonant feedback, which is often a problem in live sound applications. However, phase inversion will not address feedback caused by reflections from the mains (loudspeakers) to the microphone. According to the search results, reversing the polarity of the monitors relative to the mains will not have any effect on feedback caused by reflections from the mains. Additionally, phase inversion may not be effective in all situations, as the effectiveness of phase cancellation depends on the frequency, wavelength, and distance between the sound sources. In some cases, phase inversion may even create new problems, such as altering the natural sound of the instrument or introducing phase-related artifacts."
This was very interesting. Believe it or not, I’ve never owned a hollow body electric. It’s on my list. On another note, I don’t own an accoustic arch top. This was a great lesson. Great Harmony Rocket by the way!!!
Thanks, George. I don’t own a purely acoustic archtop either, but my Heritage H-575 sounds great unplugged and functions as one! Thanks as always for watching and commenting.
@@RobertCassard Dude that's tons of reduction. lol. Are they durable for removable if I wanna play some jazz? Does your arm rub against it and mess it up?
@@joeysgear1419 Durable...yes. Like the material most flip-flops are made from. Super easy in and out (except for a separate short piece that's hidden under my pick guard, which I leave in all the time).
OK so I have some Doug’s plugs and they’re made out of foam they just made better than just sticking some foam in there but it’s the same thing and you just said foam changes the sound of the guitar so seems like a little bit of a contradiction there
Hey Keith. Ugh. I just went to his site, and it looks like we have another Covid casualty. www.dougsplugs.com/ He says he's no longer producing them. I was about to recommend f-its, from the UK, but they're temporarily out of production, too. www.f-itsfeedbackblockers.co.uk/ (Sounds like he might produce them again once he's moved...?) And this guy made his own: www.paniquejazz.com/2019/12/21/project-custom-archtop-f-hole-covers/
Controlled feedback for sure...in the right context. But when there’s a constant bass hum or med-high screech, neither the audience nor your bandmates will appreciate it. LOL
@@RobertCassardyou re right, i m afraid i am a little bit that kind of noisy guitartist🤣...no...but the main thing i try on my personal sound is control de tone and OD well balance with light feedback or that kind of resonance on a hollow guitar, as a fact im not very interesting on solid guitars becase of that. If this helps to put a little bit more gain could be very very interesting for me. Thanks for aswering...really love your channel.
I always appreciate a little OD, feedback and resonance. That woodiness is why I love an f-hole guitar. I’m finding the Dougs Plugs are perfect to make it more easily controllable. You can still love the guitar close to the amp and get things singing if you want to! Glad you found my channel.
We buy hollow body guitars for the feedback, infinite singing sustain... Squealing is another animal. In that case you might try changing the pickup or wax it, or try a solidbody 😁😁😁
Can you share instructions for how you make them, Andreas? Many people here are frustrated that Doug's Plugs and others have gone out of business. Thanks!
From F-ITS ... "Hi. I'm in the process of moving house, so will be unable to make f-its for some time. I'm going into rented accommodation so at the moment do not have a permanent property with workshop facilities to move in to. Please don't send any rubbings until further notice. Kind regards Bob". Also, the following is at the bottom of the page: "I'M VERY SORRY BUT DUE TO CUSTOMS IMPORT PROBLEMS, I NO LONGER POST F-ITS TO THE EU".
No sonic examples, i.e. guitar played without vs. with? Kinda like "no pic, so it didn't happen" ... no audio example, so it's take someone's spoken word for it as your audio example.
In retrospect, it seems kind of lame, Jeff. I was caught up in the installation and the perfect fit. And I know they just work…but work a little differently on every guitar. Anyway, my apologies for not plugging in for the video.
I know! I was so sorry to hear that. There’s a guy in England named Bob who makes a similar product, but he’s temporarily not making them either: www.f-itsfeedbackblockers.co.uk/
@@joecarpenter5602Read some of the comments here and you'll see there's definitely a market because neither Doug's Plugs nor Ef-Its are currently making them. The key is being able to transfer rubbings from each client to your CNC machine. The company that formerly made them charged in the neighborhood of $60 a pair + S & H.
Anything that seals the f-holes will help reduce feedback quite a bit. I’ve never found a clear “masking tape,” but I tried clear packaging tape a couple times. It always took 2 or 3 layers to work, and it left some residue on the guitar’s finish. I wouldn’t have dared leave it on the guitar.
@@RobertCassard I've tried it on my hollow-bodied Ibanez and worked like a charm. It does leave some glue behind but with some patience and some Naptha and microfiber cloth it comes right out. Still, I am talking about a 500 euro guitar, maybe not advisable on a high-end or vintage guitar!
Threw out the entire beginning of the video you talk about how putting all that stuff in the f hole,changes the sound(balloons,foam,ect) and your answer is to plug the f-hole..what????
Hey Jeremy. Sorry I wasn’t clear. What I meant was that putting anything inside the guitar (that you can’t easily remove from it later, like foam, balloons, etc.) changes the sound of the guitar when played unplugged. In contrast, f-hole plugs can be removed easily with zero damage to the guitar and you can play it unplugged with no change to its sound. I hope that explains the difference…
Hey Rev. The conditions that create feedback are different in every room at every volume with every guitar and amp. I can affirm that they work, but unfortunately, Doug has stopped making his plugs, and the other company (f-its, in the UK) that makes similar plugs, is currently out of production, too. I'm considering pulling this video until there's a purchase option...
Thanks for the comment, Tim. I assume you say F-holes are "meaningless" because most people don't need the openings because they rarely, if ever, play their electric guitars unplugged. Ironically, that's not true of me. As a studio guy, I often play my hollow and semi-hollow electrics as a "limited-output" acoustic while recording. It's a unique sound that "tucks in" to many mixes more easily than full-bodied acoustics do. So, yeah, if you only play your F-hole guitar live, go ahead and buy one with painted F-holes - Gretsch models come to mind. But an ES-335? Even though it has a center block, it can and will, feed back at high volumes and in certain circumstances. Filling the F-holes, no matter how you do it, will virtually eliminate that issue.
@@RobertCassard My handmade ES 335 does not produce feedback noise at all, even on high gain, standing in front of my 75 watt 2/12 cab. As for acoustic like tones, I get those from the piezo pickup bridge and a 1 watt pre-amp.
Looking back, I agree, Shifting Drifter. Video would've been better with a demo, but every hollowbody guitar and sonic situation is different. Bottom line is, the concept of covering or plugging the f-holes in well-proven to radically decrease feedback. If the plugs fit properly, they'll work.
Sorry if you think I was waffling, Christo. But here’s the thing, my conclusion is definitely NOT to tape the f-holes. LOL. The whole benefit of inserts like Doug’s Plugs is not taping anything and damaging a beautiful guitar.
Why would I bother to make the video if they don’t work? I know they work because I’ve successfully used tape over the f-holes and these work the same way.
@@baliscotsurf I get it. The thing about feedback with hollow and semi-hollow guitars is that it's all based on resonant frequencies in each environment, with each guitar and amp, and each volume level. So even if I demo'ed the Dougs Plugs by getting my amp in my room to feed back, and then showing how the plugs reduce the feedback, your setup, room and volume would be entirely different. The only real question is whether blocking the air into and out of the f-holes is an effective way to eliminate feedback (or at least reduce it drastically). It's been well-proven for years that it is. Scroll down through this thread until you get to the shots of Tommy Tedesco and Mark Farner and the tape they used on their f-holes. Pretty funny: www.jazzguitar.be/forum/guitar-amps-gizmos/75769-packing-tape-solution-covering-f-holes.html Anyway, thanks for watching.
@@RobertCassard usually i regret NOT reading the comments before I post. So...I went back & read them. Most of them confirm my point. The time it takes defending your position and no demo is what's funny. Just doesn't feel right. It's like the new Band you discover, you want to share them with everyone. It's like you are hiding the truth.
@@baliscotsurf You don't have to believe me, but it's your loss if you're actually trying to get rid of feedback with your f-hole guitar. I have no affiliate relationship with the guy who makes the plugs, so I make no commission for recommending his product. Based on your comments and skepticism, I'm truly sorry I didn't do an audio demo. It's just a fact of physics and acoustics that blocking the sound hole(s) of any hollowbody guitar suppresses feedback. A more extreme example is the big open "hollowbody" of an acoustic guitar. As soon as you insert a rubbery soundhole cover (the acoustic guitar equivalent of Dougs Plugs), the vast majority of feedback is gone. Here's the product: amzn.to/3oDnIU5 And this guy did a demo which actually includes audio! th-cam.com/video/QSv4ZwR5tV8/w-d-xo.html. Start at 2:45. Cheers, man.
It's annoying that Doug's Plugs is gone, but I don't see it being too hard to recreate it yourself if you are already making the rubbing. Just take foam or an old flip flop, and then cut the outline of the rubbing while keeping a lip
Thanks, Jack. You're absolutely right. A pair of black flip-flops will be the same material Doug used to make these. I appreciate the suggestion and will pin it for other Viewers.
Black flip flops ? Please expand on this.
So I've used a feedback buster with electric acoustics for years, its awesome there is a product now for f hole guitars.
Yes, Scott. It’s the same idea, just customized since all f-holes have subtle differences whereas acoustic sound holes have standard diameters.
Really enjoyed the video Robert, very useful!
Thank you, Mojo!
Wow! thanks so much for this sharing. I'm about to buy a epiphone Casino, and I'm worrying about feedback. I'll try to find an alternative as Doug's plugs is gone. Thank you so much!
You're welcome Vincent. If you find someone who makes similar plugs, please come back and tell me. Most people are resorting to making their own...
Hi Robert I was lucky enough to find a H-78 Harmony 1962 In good condition , I played it and loved it so much I brought it , I never thought I would like hollow bodies but they look and sound awesome , will make up some plugs . Regards from Australia
Congrats on your “new” 62 H-78. LOL. th-cam.com/video/ZXOO_FYB4jA/w-d-xo.html
Hi Rob. That Harmony Rocket is looking gorgeous!
Glad you like it, Brian. Here’s a video where I use it to play a melodic solo: th-cam.com/video/x_dHoNfGnYw/w-d-xo.html
Cool fix I might have to invest in A set
Ah yes, MM... Invest in a set IF you can find them! Seems most of the suppliers have stopped making plugs. If you find any, please report back. Lots of people asking!
This was very helpful, cheers!
Thanks for watching, Russ.
Hmmm… just makes me think of the sound hole plugs you see people use on full acoustics when playing live. Can’t believe I never thought of a similar fix for my wildcat and Sheraton.
It’s the same idea as the acoustic sound hole plugs. And works just as well!
How about simply use chambered solid-body guitar instead of semi-hollow/hollow? Would that solve the feedback problem?
Hi Chase. You’re right. In general, internally chambered guitars are much less prone to feedback than semi-hollow and especially hollowbody guitars. If you either own or can buy a chambered guitar, then great. If you have a hollowbody and want to play it live and loud, that’s where plugs come in.
Thank you! Realy helpfull
You’re so welcome. Thanks for watching!
my savior....thank you
Glad it helped!
Why would you want to cancel feedback? That's the whole fun part. Playing raunchy as hell with with a hb ( a blue collar guitar, casino for me) and making everyone around you deaf is the THING to do.
Honestly though this video is some great stuff :3
Thanks, Almog. I generally agree with your love of raunch. One of the reasons I Love playing hollowbodies is being able to generate and control feedback for solos. Even with the Doug’s Plugs, move close enough and into the right position and the banshee returns!
Wow, that is genius!!
Yep...simple and smart!
Thanks for your video. It would be helpful to get an A/B with and without to compare tones. My experience w flat top acoustic is that its neoprene soundhole plug is undeniably effective against feedback, but equally undeniable is the fact that it removes principal acoustic properties. It is a lovely tone, but glossier and more modern.
Agreed about an A/B test. In my experience, the plugs work identically to sound hole plugs on an acoustic guitar. If you’re in a very intimate and quiet environment, you might notice the absence of the acoustic sound normally coming from the f-holes. But if the environment and volume are loud enough to require plugs to avoid feedback, the natural acoustic properties have already been overtaken by the amplified sound.
I thought I needed plugs but what I needed was a Luthier/Guitar Tech expert named Dan Koentopp(Canetop).
He asked me to take a photo of my Hofner Jazzica Custom with a Bartolini SJ5 floating pickup and saw 👀 the pickup was too high.
Lowered the pickup and NO FEEDBACK!
He's in California and I in Chicago. 🎸🎼🎵🎶
Very cool tip, Peter! My pickups on the Harmony are at fixed height, so this might be difficult for me. But I'll try it on my other hollow body. 😎
Hi man I appreciate the video you made:)
Could u upload please a sample of how it’s sounds with high gain tones like classic rock tones, I’m considering to put one on my silvertone and one on a es 175
Hi John. Sorry, but I don’t have time to make the sample you’re requesting.
But I can tell you this: when your amp is turned to the level where feedback starts to occur, using plugs doesn’t change the tone at all. Plugs only change the tone when you’re playing 100% acoustic (without an amp) or with the amp at very low volume, where the acoustic tone of the guitar can still he heard.
@@RobertCassard ty Robert for your time, and how about the feedbacks how much of it it prevents?
@@JohnahmiasMusic almost all of it. With the plugs in, you have to play very loud or be very close to the amp to experience any feedback
Thanks for the video, can you please show us the difference in feedback with and without the plugs?
That’s a good idea, gussoid. I can’t find anyone else who’s made a video showing the difference, either. I have so many other topics I want to cover, it may take me awhile to get around to it. In the meantime, you can read testimonials on the dougsplugs.com website to see what other users have experienced: www.dougsplugs.com/testimonials.html
@@RobertCassard thanks for your suggestion, unfortunately testimonials don't have sound 😑
I mean 60 bucks is not a lot to try something, but since you had it and make videos for would have been helpful
You’re right!
@@RobertCassard And by the way by no means this is a complain to your work, again I really appreciate your videos. Happy Holidays!
Those look very cool.
I love ‘em!
How to eliminate it? Heck i try to encourage it more squeal and purple lol
YES, YES, YES rickflippin! The plugs go in and out easily, so you’re in luck!
Dear Robert, I am considering buying a mid-range hollow body/semi-hollow guitar. Actually looking at both, but I have been weighing in my options considering whether the hollow-body would make for a good all-around guitar to possibly play both clean and overdriven/ distorted tones. The two guitars I'm considering are the Epiphone Riviera and the Gretsch Streamliner G2420. Would you have any opinions about them in terms of their tone, playability, and if they would make for a good live guitar for playing all-sorts of tones? Would really appreciate your help. Also, this was a great video. I'll be certainly looking into Doug's Plugs! So thank you! Cheers!
Hey Benjamin. I'll preface this by saying I've not played either of those specific models recently. My understanding is that the Epiphone Riviera is a thin, semi-hollow guitar, akin to a Gibson 335. It has a center block running through it, which specifically tends to diminish the worst of the feedback issues that f-hole guitars are prone to. The Gretsch Streamliner is a slightly thicker, fully hollowbody guitar, which means it will be more resonant and prone to feedback. There are benefits to each, and you should be able to get a full range of tones from either of them. If it were me, and the goal is maximum versatility, I'd choose the semi-hollow option. I just need think of the great rock guitarists who've played 335s - Clapton during the Creem and Blind Faith era; Alvin Lee of 10 Years After, etc. And no matter which guitar you choose, the Doug's Plugs will help keep the feedback under control.
@@RobertCassard Dear Robert, Thank you so much for taking the time to respond to my query. I agree with you on the versatility that the Epiphone would provide. I like both of them but I'm leaning more towards the Gretsch purely cause it has an acoustic feel and resonant sound as well which I love. I was just concerned if it would be a good live guitar and whether it won't be good for distorted sounds. But thank you for your help. I will certainly look into Doug'd plugs.
@@benjaminbamnolkar7015 Yeah, if you want the option to play the guitar as an acoustic, the true-hollowbody Gretsch would be the better choice.
Hey Robert I play a Gibson es335 veritone with a bigsby and a few custom mods of my own. I have been playing for 40 years now owned my own custom handcrafted guitar and repair shop for 28 years. I have owned several semi-hollow bodies over the years and have never been a fan. This has been a informative and enlightening video for sure. I however would like to point out the one flaw that I see. I would edit the unboxing and skip to the installed section. I mean no disrespect however the video has just shown every single like minded guitarist and guitar tech exactly how to make a set of plugs and cut out the middle man who manufactures the plugs for a living. Unless you were intentionally trying to save the budget guitarist some money then it was perfect. The fact is that even the most do it yourselfer impaired is capable of making their own at home and having several different density pieces of foam and a few test runs they can choose the best tone/feedback reduction that fits their needs.
Hi Bob. Thanks for watching and commenting. Glad you found the video informative and enlightening! As far as making the plugs yourself goes, for someone with your knowledge and experience, it may look easy. However, the time it would take to research, test and get everything perfect would be impractical for most people I know. (Time is money.) Doug has already perfected these babies. One thing that makes his, and other professionally made plugs like these, special is a thin ridge around the entire top edge of the plugs. This allows the guitar owner to push the plugs as deep as possible into the f-holes, without any risk that they will fall in. I trust this video is sending more new customers to Doug than it is inspiring people to make their own, but either way, there’ll be a lot less feedback in the world!
Anybody with expierence with older Gretsch guitars with painted F Holes vs a regular Hollowbody with F Hole plugs ? Anybody know if there is any significant difference between the two ? I absolutely love 50s style gretsch guitars but fear the feedback nightmares that can often happen at gigs if the electric or stage setup is poor. I thought about buying a Gretsch Tennessean with painted F Holes and sticking original dynasonics in there to get the Duane Eddy like sound I'm after minus the F holes. The 50s 6120 and 60s Tennessean are practically identical size wise just with the painted F holes. But I'm curious if In going to all that trouble for nothing and getting an old school gretsch with dynasonics and simply having F hole plugs made to fit would give me the same sound and feedback protection ? Anybody with any expierence ? Do painted F Holes give you alot more feedback protection than quality F hole plugs fitted into a standard semi hollow ? I would be grateful for any help on this from players with more expierence with semi hollows. FYI I'm not trying to play Metallica or anything on one. Figure Brian Seltzer to ACDC being the max level of gain I ever use. Just enough tube overdrive to get some singing sustain on solos but I always try to retain as much clarity as possible. Thanks
Hey COD. Painted F Holes mean a sealed or "chambered" body. You'll have to push it quite hard before you have feedback issues. Nearly the same feedback resistance as a solid body. Get your Gretsch!
What a genius invention! I am thinking about buying a Gretsch Electromatic guitar. There are hollow bodies and bodies with a center block (is that called semi-hollow???). Does that center block eliminate feedback too? So you don't have to use Dougs Plugs? Or does such a center-bock take away too much tone of the guitar and should I buy a hollow body? Thanks in advance!
Hi Sjaak. Yes, semi-hollow indicates a center block, like a Gibson ES-335 and similar models. The center block reduces, but doesn’t eliminate, feedback at high volume. You have to check your particular guitar and amp using real-world locations and volumes to know if you need Doug’s Plugs or not. Or just get some to be safe!
Also, because the center block does decrease the resonance, the guitar will be quieter when played unplugged. That may or may not matter to you...
@@RobertCassard Thanks! Yes, I think the hollow body will be a good option for me. Indeed playing unplugged is a very nice possibility to have. Greetings from the Netherlands.
@@SjaakShirly6559 There's usually not a huge difference in sound output between hollow and semi-hollow, but I genuinely LIKE the unamplified sound of my hollow bodies. They remind me of an old Gypsy-style guitar sound a la Django Reinhardt.
@@RobertCassard Yes, I agree. Thanks.
We use to simply puch enough foam rubber into the guitar to stop the feedback..
Whatever works, right Jorge?!
Does it also reduces guitar volume when practicing at home (unplugged or with headphones)?
Hi Alen. Yes when playing unplugged. It block the air leaving the body of the guitar, so the sound will be “thinner” (less bass) and quieter. If playing through any kind of amplification, headphones, etc., there’s relatively minimal volume change.
Switching from stage monitors (wedges) to in-ear monitors does help a lot with feedback from all instruments with acoustic resonance like hollow guitars and drums... but your stuff here looks pretty cool.
True, bsharp. I’ve been using in-ears for well over 10 years. They do make a huge difference, especially for vocal mic feedback. My hollowbodies still get too resonant, especially when I’m in the corner of a room or under an overhang or low ceiling area where bass frequencies build up.
@@RobertCassard I can’t argue that
Man that Rocket is cool as hell! Aside from the hollowbody's natural tendency to feedback I know those old harmony pick ups were kinda bad about it too. I was wondering if there is anything you do to mitigate this? Have you ever tried to "pot" them with wax? I've done this a few times with certain pick ups. Never a set of those harmonys like those you've got but I'm sure it would help if you are having problems from them. I love seeing people playing those older harmonys, they are a beast unlike any other! They tend to have sweet spots that you can't get with other guitars. I Know you know what I mean!
I love ❤️ your enthusiasm for the Rocket, Laura. I did a video about Rockets and who plays ‘em: HARMONY ROCKET guitars - A trip to the stars and today’s stars trippin’ - Guitar Discoveries
th-cam.com/video/KLlsxhusORM/w-d-xo.html. Regarding feedback, the plugs were all I needed to tame the beast. They’ve allowed me to play it as loud as I want without any issues. I’ve also posted videos about the crazy way I got the guitar, how I’ve used it as a contrast to clean sounds, etc. thanks for checking out my stuff and taking time to comment!
@@RobertCassard Awesome 👍. I'll check that out!
Why wouldn't those plugs change the tone on the guitar?
Good question, Lee. So when playing electric, the only thing they change is eliminating the resonant frequencies that cause feedback. Other than that, the tone sounds virtually identical. That said, if you leave the plugs in while playing acoustically, without an amp, you’ll definitely hear a big difference. Thinner, quieter, less bass.
for those electrically inclined - the feedback response is caused by the sound wave repeating over itself - building out of control - if you invert the signal - you won't be able to tell acoustically but the vibration produced will be exactly opposite the input signal - this should result in no feedback - what do you think
That’s the principle behind noise-canceling headphones, etc. But how do you accomplish it with a hollow body guitar?
@@RobertCassard it's a simple matter to invert an input signal electrically - and yes - that is the technology used in noise canceling headphones - if this worked I think we would be doing it - but I like to speculate - guitar picker and retired electrician here
@@frankstribling3135 I know it works with electrical signals. And many PA systems have anti-feedback built-in - when the system detects feedback, it simply "notches out" the offending frequencies. But with a hollowbody guitar, the feedback is caused by air inside the guitar creating resonance in the guitar's body. The whole guitar becomes the source of the offending sound at a wide range of frequencies. Any amplification system would have to notch out all those frequencies to prevent the guitar feedback and that would radically change the tone. Putting plugs in the F-holes blocks the air, and therefore does a great job of diminishing this issue.
@@RobertCassard That doesn't make sense to me. Pick-ups pick vibration of steel strings, not wooden body. Maybe if body happens to resonate with a string that is not meant to play, and vibrating body makes the undesired string vibrate, as in viola d'amore, which I happen to play. But that is exceedingly unlikely, you don't often play with musicians that play different notes, and it becomes completely impossible if you palm-mute. I am voting for the inverted signal solution. Btw foam plugs must also change the unplugged tone, just like socks or a balloon would. But neither interferes with magnetic field of the pick up.
@@kokeskokeskokes You're right that covering F-holes changes the characteristics of the guitar's unplugged tone. That's one reason plugs like these are so handy - they're easy to take in and out. As for electric guitar feedback generally, there are multiple causes, as explained in this article: enthu.com/blog/guitar/guitar-feedback/
It's easy to hear the difference between microphonic, acoustic, and harmonic feedback. The main challenge with hollowbody guitars is acoustic feedback. It usually sounds like a big woofy hum. Sound entering the open f-holes vibrates the top, the bridge transfers even more vibrations into the guitar body, and the whole thing resonates having a sympathetic effect on the strings, further increasing the feedback, etc.
I did a web search asking, "can phase inversion prevent acoustic feedback?" Here's the answer I got:
"Phase inversion can have a limited effect on acoustic feedback, but it is not a reliable solution to prevent it. Phase inversion, also known as polarity reversal, can cancel out certain frequencies or sound waves when two sources are combined, such as stage monitors and the musician’s amplifier. This can help reduce low-frequency resonant feedback, which is often a problem in live sound applications. However, phase inversion will not address feedback caused by reflections from the mains (loudspeakers) to the microphone. According to the search results, reversing the polarity of the monitors relative to the mains will not have any effect on feedback caused by reflections from the mains.
Additionally, phase inversion may not be effective in all situations, as the effectiveness of phase cancellation depends on the frequency, wavelength, and distance between the sound sources. In some cases, phase inversion may even create new problems, such as altering the natural sound of the instrument or introducing phase-related artifacts."
This was very interesting. Believe it or not, I’ve never owned a hollow body electric. It’s on my list. On another note, I don’t own an accoustic arch top. This was a great lesson. Great Harmony Rocket by the way!!!
Thanks, George. I don’t own a purely acoustic archtop either, but my Heritage H-575 sounds great unplugged and functions as one! Thanks as always for watching and commenting.
@@RobertCassard OK but Robert, do they get rid of the feedback?
@@joeysgear1419 Yes! I’d say an 80-85% reduction.
@@RobertCassard Dude that's tons of reduction. lol. Are they durable for removable if I wanna play some jazz? Does your arm rub against it and mess it up?
@@joeysgear1419 Durable...yes. Like the material most flip-flops are made from. Super easy in and out (except for a separate short piece that's hidden under my pick guard, which I leave in all the time).
OK so I have some Doug’s plugs and they’re made out of foam they just made better than just sticking some foam in there but it’s the same thing and you just said foam changes the sound of the guitar so seems like a little bit of a contradiction there
Hey Jeff. Foam inserts change the acoustic sound of the guitar, but I haven’t noticed any tonal change when playing through an amp or PA.
thx u for this VDO
NOW, i have to buy one LOL
Thanks for watching, Siri.
Robert, is Doug’s plugs still in business?
Hey Keith. Ugh. I just went to his site, and it looks like we have another Covid casualty. www.dougsplugs.com/ He says he's no longer producing them. I was about to recommend f-its, from the UK, but they're temporarily out of production, too. www.f-itsfeedbackblockers.co.uk/ (Sounds like he might produce them again once he's moved...?) And this guy made his own: www.paniquejazz.com/2019/12/21/project-custom-archtop-f-hole-covers/
Los tapones que le colocaste son de goma o de espuma?
Creo que técnicamente son de espuma, similares a unas sandalias con chanclas.
great as always....but..actually i love hollow guitar with a lot of feedback🤣
Controlled feedback for sure...in the right context. But when there’s a constant bass hum or med-high screech, neither the audience nor your bandmates will appreciate it. LOL
@@RobertCassardyou re right, i m afraid i am a little bit that kind of noisy guitartist🤣...no...but the main thing i try on my personal sound is control de tone and OD well balance with light feedback or that kind of resonance on a hollow guitar, as a fact im not very interesting on solid guitars becase of that. If this helps to put a little bit more gain could be very very interesting for me. Thanks for aswering...really love your channel.
I always appreciate a little OD, feedback and resonance. That woodiness is why I love an f-hole guitar. I’m finding the Dougs Plugs are perfect to make it more easily controllable. You can still love the guitar close to the amp and get things singing if you want to! Glad you found my channel.
We buy hollow body guitars for the feedback, infinite singing sustain...
Squealing is another animal. In that case you might try changing the pickup or wax it, or try a solidbody 😁😁😁
That's right, Daniel. A hollowbody sings, until it squeals! 😱
You can make a foam plug by yourself in 10 min. I use them since 20 years!
Can you share instructions for how you make them, Andreas? Many people here are frustrated that Doug's Plugs and others have gone out of business. Thanks!
@@RobertCassard Yes, i will write down the steps soon!!!
@@andreasfetzer7559 Excellent, thanks!
@@andreasfetzer7559 Thank you. Many viewers will appreciate that!
From F-ITS ... "Hi. I'm in the process of moving house, so will be unable to make f-its for some time. I'm going into rented accommodation so at the moment do not have a permanent property with workshop facilities to move in to. Please don't send any rubbings until further notice. Kind regards Bob". Also, the following is at the bottom of the page: "I'M VERY SORRY BUT DUE TO CUSTOMS IMPORT PROBLEMS, I NO LONGER POST F-ITS TO THE EU".
Thanks...this is sad. I hope someone else steps up to create custom plugs.
@@RobertCassard Yes it is... Unfortunately Doug's Plugs as well. :(
No sonic examples, i.e. guitar played without vs. with? Kinda like "no pic, so it didn't happen" ... no audio example, so it's take someone's spoken word for it as your audio example.
In retrospect, it seems kind of lame, Jeff. I was caught up in the installation and the perfect fit. And I know they just work…but work a little differently on every guitar. Anyway, my apologies for not plugging in for the video.
Just tape off holes
Definitely a good option. But with what kind of tape so it looks good and you don't damage the finish?
@@RobertCassard it will look cool like great funk railroad
Mark Farner taped his f-holes, yes!@@waldek32
You can imagine what I go through .lol
What guitar has your amp squealing?
OK Man ? BUT "DOUGSPLUGS" is Now Outa BUSINESS ! What to do Now????????????? Ol west
I know! I was so sorry to hear that. There’s a guy in England named Bob who makes a similar product, but he’s temporarily not making them either: www.f-itsfeedbackblockers.co.uk/
@@RobertCassard WELL ? If U hear of another maker ?? Please let Me Know !
I have a CNC and was going to make a pair for a friend. Is there a market for these? What would you pay for a pair?
@@joecarpenter5602 Yes ! I would pay the same $60.00 a pair and order 7 pairs ! If possible
@@joecarpenter5602Read some of the comments here and you'll see there's definitely a market because neither Doug's Plugs nor Ef-Its are currently making them. The key is being able to transfer rubbings from each client to your CNC machine. The company that formerly made them charged in the neighborhood of $60 a pair + S & H.
You could stuff foam into the f-holes, but that would change the tone. Solution: spend $60 to stuff foam into the f-holes. 😂
Exactly, Colin! With plugs, at least you don't lose the foam inside the guitar and permanently alter its tone...
Or just do Like Paul Gilbert said at a show, George Benson would cover the F-holes with clear masking tape and problem solved ;)
Anything that seals the f-holes will help reduce feedback quite a bit. I’ve never found a clear “masking tape,” but I tried clear packaging tape a couple times. It always took 2 or 3 layers to work, and it left some residue on the guitar’s finish. I wouldn’t have dared leave it on the guitar.
@@RobertCassard I've tried it on my hollow-bodied Ibanez and worked like a charm. It does leave some glue behind but with some patience and some Naptha and microfiber cloth it comes right out. Still, I am talking about a 500 euro guitar, maybe not advisable on a high-end or vintage guitar!
@@franciscomendonca8 Exactly... a high-end or vintage axe deserves the $60 investment in some Dougs Plugs!
How to ELIMINATE Hollowbody and Semi-Hollowbody Feedback? Buy a Gretsch! Their bracing is made just to do this.
😂 Excellent advice, Todd!
Threw out the entire beginning of the video you talk about how putting all that stuff in the f hole,changes the sound(balloons,foam,ect) and your answer is to plug the f-hole..what????
Hey Jeremy. Sorry I wasn’t clear. What I meant was that putting anything inside the guitar (that you can’t easily remove from it later, like foam, balloons, etc.) changes the sound of the guitar when played unplugged. In contrast, f-hole plugs can be removed easily with zero damage to the guitar and you can play it unplugged with no change to its sound. I hope that explains the difference…
So, 9+ minutes in and we never get to know if they worked.
Hey Rev. The conditions that create feedback are different in every room at every volume with every guitar and amp. I can affirm that they work, but unfortunately, Doug has stopped making his plugs, and the other company (f-its, in the UK) that makes similar plugs, is currently out of production, too. I'm considering pulling this video until there's a purchase option...
Before and after TONES would have been useful.
Agreed, Pops. I missed that opportunity.
F-holes are meaningless on hollow and semi-hollow electrics. Just buy a model that doesn't have them. The ES-335 has great tone and zero feedback.
Thanks for the comment, Tim. I assume you say F-holes are "meaningless" because most people don't need the openings because they rarely, if ever, play their electric guitars unplugged. Ironically, that's not true of me. As a studio guy, I often play my hollow and semi-hollow electrics as a "limited-output" acoustic while recording. It's a unique sound that "tucks in" to many mixes more easily than full-bodied acoustics do. So, yeah, if you only play your F-hole guitar live, go ahead and buy one with painted F-holes - Gretsch models come to mind. But an ES-335? Even though it has a center block, it can and will, feed back at high volumes and in certain circumstances. Filling the F-holes, no matter how you do it, will virtually eliminate that issue.
@@RobertCassard My handmade ES 335 does not produce feedback noise at all, even on high gain, standing in front of my 75 watt 2/12 cab. As for acoustic like tones, I get those from the piezo pickup bridge and a 1 watt pre-amp.
@@timhallas4275 Right on, brother. Sounds like you have a winner.
@@RobertCassardI got the same approach. I'm practicing 3 hours a day and love just natural sound of the guitar
Need an actual demonstration...
Looking back, I agree, Shifting Drifter. Video would've been better with a demo, but every hollowbody guitar and sonic situation is different. Bottom line is, the concept of covering or plugging the f-holes in well-proven to radically decrease feedback. If the plugs fit properly, they'll work.
Waffles for ten minutes. 🙄
Quick answer...tape up the f-holes.
Sorry if you think I was waffling, Christo. But here’s the thing, my conclusion is definitely NOT to tape the f-holes. LOL. The whole benefit of inserts like Doug’s Plugs is not taping anything and damaging a beautiful guitar.
I tend to think they don't work otherwise he would have played it.
Why would I bother to make the video if they don’t work? I know they work because I’ve successfully used tape over the f-holes and these work the same way.
Sorry I'm just not a "trust me..they work" kinda guy
@@baliscotsurf I get it. The thing about feedback with hollow and semi-hollow guitars is that it's all based on resonant frequencies in each environment, with each guitar and amp, and each volume level. So even if I demo'ed the Dougs Plugs by getting my amp in my room to feed back, and then showing how the plugs reduce the feedback, your setup, room and volume would be entirely different. The only real question is whether blocking the air into and out of the f-holes is an effective way to eliminate feedback (or at least reduce it drastically). It's been well-proven for years that it is. Scroll down through this thread until you get to the shots of Tommy Tedesco and Mark Farner and the tape they used on their f-holes. Pretty funny: www.jazzguitar.be/forum/guitar-amps-gizmos/75769-packing-tape-solution-covering-f-holes.html Anyway, thanks for watching.
@@RobertCassard usually i regret NOT reading the comments before I post. So...I went back & read them. Most of them confirm my point. The time it takes defending your position and no demo is what's funny. Just doesn't feel right. It's like the new Band you discover, you want to share them with everyone. It's like you are hiding the truth.
@@baliscotsurf You don't have to believe me, but it's your loss if you're actually trying to get rid of feedback with your f-hole guitar. I have no affiliate relationship with the guy who makes the plugs, so I make no commission for recommending his product. Based on your comments and skepticism, I'm truly sorry I didn't do an audio demo. It's just a fact of physics and acoustics that blocking the sound hole(s) of any hollowbody guitar suppresses feedback. A more extreme example is the big open "hollowbody" of an acoustic guitar. As soon as you insert a rubbery soundhole cover (the acoustic guitar equivalent of Dougs Plugs), the vast majority of feedback is gone. Here's the product: amzn.to/3oDnIU5 And this guy did a demo which actually includes audio! th-cam.com/video/QSv4ZwR5tV8/w-d-xo.html. Start at 2:45. Cheers, man.
He's out of business now.
Sad but true. I’m hoping someone steps in to make a similar product!
@@RobertCassard True. I could use a set for my Gretsch 6120 DSW.