I played bass for a long time and considered myself a pretty decent bassist. It was only a few years ago I wanted to learn lead guitar. Since then I have discovered that the better I get at playing the guitar the better I get at playing bass without even practicing with the bass at all. I'd say go with the bass, it will improve your timing tremendously. But if you really want the hollow body then the very best one I've picked up lately is the Dean Palomino... It feels and sounds fantastic... and the price isn't bad either. Love the triple pickups.