This really doesn't address your issue of solid body vs semi-hollowbody in producing tone. But maybe this article, link below, from Guitar Player magazine on the different effects of wood on tone will prove interesting.

This is a topic I have been studying somewhat seriously lately as I am considering having a Custom Shop Strat built by Fender. I am also very sensitive to weight having had 3 spinal surgeries. I was first considering a swamp ash body as they are the lightest. But I'm not sure Fender will use swamp ash anymore and some guys in a forum started dissing, of course, swamp ash. Of course there was because there is always someone dissing everything in a forum. But there were claims of some swamp ash being a little duller. I want a real Texas bluesy growl.

Anyway, I hope this is some intersting reading: Guitar Player Tonewood Tutorial.