poopcicle Posted July 10, 2011 Share Posted July 10, 2011 Hello everyone! I am relatively new here so let me start by saying thanks for all I have learned as a lurker before I started posting. So here is my situation, I am a vocalist that has played mostly acoustic guitar over the years becoming proficient enough jam and play with others! I recently bought a es-175 and love it and have since started playing rythem in my band helping to fill up solos and what not. It has been a blast and now I have, "buy a new guitar fever"! So long story long! I want to expand my options.... so I decided to look for another guitar but with p90s to contrast the humbuckers in my 175. the only ones I could find in my relative price range are the 56 reissue gold top Les Paul and the Wildkat. Here is where you come in! I like the hollow body sound I have now so my gut says go for the Kat but I have concerns that the Bigsby will be a hassles for me even though I probably wont use it. I have never played a LP but love the look and the GT so I am trying to make the most educated guess I can. None of my local retailers have either in stock so I cannot try before I buy. Again I am strumming chords and playing little runs, nothing even close to leads or solos, my job is primarily to sing so filling up the sound is what I am looking to facilitate! thanks for any and all input and education offered. as an afterthought I also need to know if p90s would even be useful in the scenario I have? Maybe Humbuckers are the way to go....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RaSTuS Posted July 10, 2011 Share Posted July 10, 2011 P90s are awesome, they rock big time, sound like a super meaty single coil (which they basically are) or a bright humbucker. The guitar I would most consider is the Riviera P93, an absolutely gorgeous guitar at a very reasonable price. Riviera Page Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poopcicle Posted July 10, 2011 Author Share Posted July 10, 2011 P90s are awesome, they rock big time, sound like a super meaty single coil (which they basically are) or a bright humbucker. The guitar I would most consider is the Riviera P93, an absolutely gorgeous guitar at a very reasonable price. Riviera Page Excellent! I will throw that into the running! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
animalfarm Posted July 10, 2011 Share Posted July 10, 2011 "poopcicle" - Based on your OP, you seen to be torn between a semi-hollow or an EPI Goldtop solid-body with P-90s. May I offer the following: We have a Guitar & Gear review thread in the Lounge (new feature), will have reviews for 2 of the 3 gits I will suggest. 1. Epiphone Limited Edition RIVIERA CUSTOM P93 (Wine Red): ($499.00?) Review Thread http://forum.gibson.com/index.php?/topic/70155-limited-edition-riviera-custom-p93-wine-red/page__gopid__955366 2. RondoMusic site: Agile AL-2000 Gold Top w/P90: $249.00 Possible cost-effective alternative to EPI Goldtop http://www.rondomusic.com/al2000p90.html (Rondomusic sells some amazing guitars for the $$$, but I stll do love my EPIs!) 3. SX HAWK MN MH Strat Copy With 2 P-90s and Stop Tail: $119.00 Review Thread http://forum.gibson.com/index.php?/topic/70034-sx-hawk-strat-copy-with-2-p-90s-i-found-the-missing-link/ I own the SX Hawk. The P-90s turned up will give you a definiate vintage 70s Rock sound. Turned down, they clear up to a more bluesy tone. Just my input. Good luck!!!!!!!!!1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pennyman Posted July 10, 2011 Share Posted July 10, 2011 I'd definitely recommend P90s. I had a jam last night in which I reacquainted myself with my Wildkat after a years' absence (long story, I work overseas and I'm now "home" for the summer...). It was epic! I couldn't believe the variety of tones I was squeezing out of it! Gritty, greasy and dirty, to sweet, clean, & chimey, and everything in between, P90s do it all with a tonal character that 'buckers can't quite match. (To be fair, though, a lot of it has to do with the amp too - I'm using a Vox VT30, and it's really quite versatile.) Anyway, back to you. P90s are the bomb. Yeah, they buzz, but you get over it. IMHO - Since you already have a hollow-body w/ 'buckers, it might make sense for you to get a solid-body with P90s. Don't worry about the Bigsby for now, as you say you won't use it much anyway. I'd say go for the goldtop, and if you want to add a Bigsby later (and how good will THAT look?) that's always an option. (All that being said, I still give a big thumbs up for the 'Kat, I love mine!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RaSTuS Posted July 10, 2011 Share Posted July 10, 2011 Ok, I figured you were in the market for an Epi, if brand doesn't matter I'd suggest an Xaviere XV-560, they're a thinline semi-hollow with a TOM/stop-bar arrangement and a solid maple top, very ES-175 like, they are the house brand for GuitarFetish and come loaded with a set of GFS Alnico Soapbar P90s, GFS are widely considered the best bang for buck pickups around. I bought one as a blem about 5 months ago for $150, and while it needed some work (it was a blem after all) it has turned out to be a complete ball tearer. They sell new for $249. Thread on whipping mine into shape, take your time and read the thread, at least until Post #3. Xaviere XV-560 Thread GuitarFetish info page. Xaviere XV-560 Product Page The best value guitar around IMHO, and they fit into a standard LP case like a glove. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
musicmaker99 Posted July 10, 2011 Share Posted July 10, 2011 EPI CASINO..........end of story. Although I do agree with Rastus that XAVIERs, like AGILES, are a great bang for the buck. I played one for the first time a couple days ago and likened it to an Agile AL-xxxx (it was only $149-used at GC).. I have an Agile AL-3100 and Al-2000. The former I would put up against ANY Epi LP and even...........well, let's not go there The Casino would complement your ES-175 beautifully. I owned an ES-175 for all of two days (traded it back for the Casino) so I know how it sounds (rich, dark, full.....while the Casino is classic P-90's--brighter, crunchier but with cleans that shimmer). It's a bit more $$ but worth it and offers you a model that garners respect without being a Gibson. I'm also a big fan of the Wildkat to (so many good choices, aren't there?). Then...............go after an Agile, Xavier...or Epi solid body Les Paul ( I love my 56 GT). My P-90 guits: Gibson Les Paul 1960's Tribute Epi Wildkat Epi 56 Gold Top Reissue Epi 1996 Peerless Casino THE CASINO IS THE ONE TO THE LEFT OF THE WHITE IBANEZ IN THE CENTER Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
musicmaker99 Posted July 10, 2011 Share Posted July 10, 2011 Always be aware of the "feedback" characteristics of any archtop/semi-acoustic guitar. Your Es-175 is pretty susceptible.........the more open they are inside the more potential exists for unwanted feedback and the Casino is certainly no different. Maybe you should opt for a Solid Body....just sayen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poopcicle Posted July 10, 2011 Author Share Posted July 10, 2011 wow so much excellent advice and so quickly! thanks everyone. I think I have it narrowed to the Wildkat or the p93 Riviera! I would love the Casino but I feel like I can slip the Kat or Riv in under the Bosses (I mean better half) watchful eye @ around $400.00 US locally! Sounds like I don't need to worry about the Bigsby if I am not going to be using it much. and that p90s will be an excellent addition to my set up. Musicmaker- first, beautiful collection in your photo. As to the feedback I have a good handle on it with the 175 so barring a completely worst case scenario I think I will be alright with another Hollow/Semi. Thanks for pointing it out though, it would be a real rude awakening on stage if it was an unknown variable! I love the look of that GT LP so much(your killing me with your pic! lol)!!! Some day I will have one and it is not out of the running yet since it is still in the around 400.00 US range. I had a G-400 that I tried to use but just couldn't get the sound I wanted in the Band "mix". I found it quite easy with the Hollow bodies I tried so that is why I am leaning that way! This may very well be because of my lack of "electric" playing over the years. I am so used to strumming an Acoustic that I was very much at home quickly on my 175. The sound/ feel I want is most likely readily attainable from a solid body it is just my lack of experience that has impaired my ability to dial it in. to many choices :) RaSTuS- Brand does not matter in reality but I am a bit obsessive compulsive so chances are if I can find something I like in the Epi/GIb family I will tend to go for it! I would never disqualify something based solely on this, if I found something of good quality and playability I will take that over blind brand recognition! Animalfarm- thanks for the review links, great info there! Pennyman- your reacquaintance jam story really makes me want to run a Kat through my equipment! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlanH Posted July 10, 2011 Share Posted July 10, 2011 GuitarFetish info page. Xaviere XV-560 Product Page The best value guitar around IMHO, and they fit into a standard LP case like a glove. That is a stunning guitar, RaSTuS! Those quilt tops are gorgeous and the finish and quality looks amazing on those pics for $250. As for Wildkat vs LP with P90s. If you like your archtops and clean music styles, I would go 'Kat. If you like hard rock and dirty blues I would go LP. With the 'Kat, the extra master volume knob gives you a lot of versatiltiy. With selector in the middle position, you can blend the individual volumes knobs and get a humbuckerish tone, using the master volume and master tone to control your overall levels. I can get beautiful cleans with my 'Kat but then I can also get a dirty, gritty growl when I feel a like bashing out a bit of punk or dirty blues. Because this guitar is like a chambered LP but with a ply top it doesn't get so much feedback as a Casino. Alan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillyGibson Posted July 11, 2011 Share Posted July 11, 2011 If I were looking for a semo-hollow with p90's, I'd look at this: http://www.guitarfetish.com/XV-560-SOLID-Maple-Top-Semi-Hollowbody-Alnico-P90s_c_187.html I like to play before I buy, but for $250, this would be worth taking a chance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brianh Posted July 11, 2011 Share Posted July 11, 2011 The Guitar Fetish guitars have gotten mixed reviews here, although I know Rastus loves his Xavier that he got as a blem. If I remember, he had to do a fair amount of work on it to make it playable. (Ratus can elaborate.) I'd do a little more research by searching here and on the 'net for reviews of the XV guitars, and keep in mind they are a mail-order only company, so you won't be able to play it unless you buy. You can always return it though. But it'll be the same with a Wildkat, because most dealers don't stock them.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RaSTuS Posted July 11, 2011 Share Posted July 11, 2011 If I were looking for a semo-hollow with p90's, I'd look at this: http://www.guitarfet...P90s_c_187.html I like to play before I buy, but for $250, this would be worth taking a chance. The Guitar Fetish guitars have gotten mixed reviews here, although I know Rastus loves his Xavier that he got as a blem. If I remember, he had to do a fair amount of work on it to make it playable. (Ratus can elaborate.) Ok, I figured you were in the market for an Epi, if brand doesn't matter I'd suggest an Xaviere XV-560, they're a thinline semi-hollow with a TOM/stop-bar arrangement and a solid maple top, very ES-175 like, they are the house brand for GuitarFetish and come loaded with a set of GFS Alnico Soapbar P90s, GFS are widely considered the best bang for buck pickups around. I bought one as a blem about 5 months ago for $150, and while it needed some work (it was a blem after all) it has turned out to be a complete ball tearer. They sell new for $249. Thread on whipping mine into shape, take your time and read the thread, at least until Post #3. Xaviere XV-560 Thread GuitarFetish info page. Xaviere XV-560 Product Page The best value guitar around IMHO, and they fit into a standard LP case like a glove. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clarkuss Posted July 11, 2011 Share Posted July 11, 2011 If you already have a hollowbody I'd recommend getting a solid/single coil option. SG or LP w/ P-90s would be good options. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amx05462 Posted July 11, 2011 Share Posted July 11, 2011 i have both those guitars and both have there own sound. the wildkat feels and operated somewhat like a small gretsch. the gold top. is heavier and well is a les paul. i re wired my gt because the electronics that came with it didnt work properly. the wild kat is fine if you dont use the tremelo. mine went out of tune alot using it till i replaced the nut with a roller nut and put on a schaller roller bridge the problem was then solved. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bookkeeper's Son Posted July 11, 2011 Share Posted July 11, 2011 Always be aware of the "feedback" characteristics of any archtop/semi-acoustic guitar. Your Es-175 is pretty susceptible.........the more open they are inside the more potential exists for unwanted feedback and the Casino is certainly no different. Oh, of course! And that's why you NEVER see one played by professionals in a concert-volume situation. More FRS (Forum Regurgitation Syndrome). Although I will allow that flailing away in front of your amp with the volume at 10 in your bedroom in your parents' house might do that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supersonic Posted July 11, 2011 Share Posted July 11, 2011 Oh, of course! And that's why you NEVER see one played by professionals in a concert-volume situation. More FRS (Forum Regurgitation Syndrome). This statement (I assume it's an attempt at sarcasm) makes no sense. Where does he mention anything about professionals not playing them in concert volume situations? What exactly is your problem? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
musicmaker99 Posted July 12, 2011 Share Posted July 12, 2011 Oh, of course! And that's why you NEVER see one played by professionals in a concert-volume situation. More FRS (Forum Regurgitation Syndrome). Although I will allow that flailing away in front of your amp with the volume at 10 in your bedroom in your parents' house might do that. Total nonsense. At the Jeff Beck concert the opening act (forget his name) played nothing but archtops at ear splitting levels. Seems to me there's also a little video of a band called the Beatles up on a rootop blasting away with John picking his Casino. Oh, now I see, your remarks were sarcastic. My bad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bookkeeper's Son Posted July 12, 2011 Share Posted July 12, 2011 Total nonsense. At the Jeff Beck concert the opening act (forget his name) played nothing but archtops at ear splitting levels. Seems to me there's also a little video of a band called the Beatles up on a rootop blasting away with John picking his Casino. It was a joke, son. And thanks for supporting my point. (Doesn't anybody understand sarcasm? Sheesh) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
musicmaker99 Posted July 12, 2011 Share Posted July 12, 2011 never mind. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillyGibson Posted July 12, 2011 Share Posted July 12, 2011 (Doesn't anybody understand sarcasm? Sheesh) It's a generational thing. Only those over 40 get it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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