Hey, glad you are enjoying learning with GT!

Originally Posted by: ian.robertsonn

However, I'm tempted by an electric guitar (although I'm in no rush) but haven't got a clue where to start. I live and work overseas in a country where there are no guitar stores so I can't just nip down and ask questions, etc.[/quote]

That's a shame because it really is a great idea to try before you buy. By far the best way to choose is to be able to see how different types feel in your hands.

But it is possible to substitute measurement in comparison to your guitar! Your Yamaha has a 25 inch scale length. That's the distance from the nut to bridge. It's an important factor in the size of the guitar. You can also measure the width & depth of the neck. Then you can compare those dimensions to other guitars.

https://usa.yamaha.com/products/musical_instruments/guitars_basses/ac_guitars/apx/specs.html#product-tabs

[quote=ian.robertsonn]

I prefer a softer sound so not really looking at solid bodies but hollow and I really like the look of Gretsch guitars but not realy sure if it's the right way to go or does it really not matter? Grateful for any thoughts from the good and the wise!

You can certainly get a softer sound out of any solid body. Softness or harshness is more a matter of the amp & effects you use.

You might also consider overall cost, too, since you will have to get an amp in order to get the full effective use of an electric. Gretsch has a lot of models to choose from.

https://www.gretschguitars.com/gear/build/hollow-body?sort=new

Most of their guitars are 25.5 inch scale length. A little longer than yours, but close!

Your Yamaha is also a thinline, meaning a little less thick in the body than a typical acoustic. That's a pretty close match to some Gretsch guitars! But some of them are full size thick body guitars.

To compare, Fender & Epiphone make beginner guitar packs with guitar & amp.

https://www.sweetwater.com/c594--Electric_Guitar_Packs

That link goes to Sweetwater & they are really good about customer service on the phone. So you might be able to do some research by talking to them.

Have fun gear shopping! Let us know how it goes!