I also had a Riviera … nice guitar, couldn’t do it …
Epiphone Wildkats - Why don't I hear more about these?
- Thread starter TheCheapGuitarist
- Start date
I also had a Riviera … nice guitar, couldn’t do it …
Wild guess, but nobody likes them.
Felt the same way about the Riviera. I fell for the looks immediately and took one home....found it lacking in substance. They sure can make a pretty guitar (especially when red), but the guts and neck dive told a different story.
A pal had one that he wanted to trade me for a crappy Marshall Valvestate 1x12 combo I had gotten in a barter agreement. I played the Epi for about 10 minutes and it felt awkward and clunky and too heavy for what is was. I passed. The only thing it had going for it was looks.
A week later the guy came up with the $200 I was asking for the amp, and away it went.
A week later the guy came up with the $200 I was asking for the amp, and away it went.
Back at it
Tele-Meister
I had an early Korean wildcat, I got it to scratch the semi hollow itch.
never bonded with it, heavier than expected and not the best p-90s I ever heard, bad break angle on the bigsby and thick poly finish.
upgraded to a Gibson es-330 2017 Memphis with a bigsby, sold the wildcat
the 330 was everything the wildcat was not, great finish, awesome p-90s, bigsby that stays in tune and light as a feather
never bonded with it, heavier than expected and not the best p-90s I ever heard, bad break angle on the bigsby and thick poly finish.
upgraded to a Gibson es-330 2017 Memphis with a bigsby, sold the wildcat
the 330 was everything the wildcat was not, great finish, awesome p-90s, bigsby that stays in tune and light as a feather
Good description. Epi is going to have to up their game as the Indonesian Invasion brings waves of great guitars under $500 US.
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Donny Osmond fan
Tele-Afflicted
My father tried to buy me one. I chose something else. I find expensive used. I like the guitar though. I am 47 by the way. Not a kid.
He knows nothing about guitars he just like the look of it. And will not spend over 500 for a guitar. 300 is better to him.
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preactor
Tele-Afflicted
Like everyone else, blah sounding, wouldn't stay in tune...but it looked good.
The plate on the headstock looks like they took a cue from some kitchen appliance maker, or perhaps someone at Epiphone R&D used to work at Burns UK. Or maybe Victoria's Secret.
bottlenecker
Poster Extraordinaire
That's how I see the regular wildkat. Semi-hollow, P90s, bigsby, all potentially good ingredients, but... I can't do it. The shape and that one gretsch knob. I know what they're trying to do and it may as well be flames and dice to me.
misterdontmove
Tele-Meister
I've got one in natural finish (I wish it was red!), with cream colored Pete Biltoft P90s. They are SWEET guitars.
Thanks, I can never unsee that now!
Think "Burns Bison!"
The plate on the headstock looks like they took a cue from some kitchen appliance maker, or perhaps someone at Epiphone R&D used to work at Burns UK. Or maybe Victoria's Secret.
It is referred to as the “bikini badge”.
TheCheapGuitarist
Tele-Afflicted
I was thinking this flame design could have been very cool but they went overboard and the design looks like a toy...
The consensus seems to be that the Wildkat is a great idea executed cheaply. A guy near me has a red one for sale for $300..... maybe.....
That is a bit expensive for a not so good guitar .... i don't know. Yours might be great.
Not silly. I feel this way about all Epiphone guitars across the board. The 90’s Samick made Korean stuff was so much better built than anything they’re cranking out now. But the pickups and electronics sucked. People will swear the new ones are better but it’s all an illusion propelled by better quality pickups.
TheCheapGuitarist
Tele-Afflicted
That's an interesting perspective, and sort of underscores how significant good-sounding pickups are in a guitar.
It seems based on the comments above that it's a so-so guitar. But, all of my guitars (except my Heritage H-140) are Asian-built imports, so for me the Epi Wildkat might be right in line with what I already have, quality-wise.
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