Wildkat or ES-339?

[dporto]

I think on Ibanez vs. Epi it's not entirely the same sorta thing. I had a choice between the ibanez version of the Dot or the Dot. The Ibanez was prettier in most ways, but somehow... didn't feel right. Don't ask why. More "toy like?" I dunno.

 

All kidding aside, though, I look at what we have today and compare to when I started playing. A $300 Wildcat? Good grief, that'd be the equivalent of less than $100 in the '60s? No way for that quality at that price then.m

 

I've owned and played many, many Ibanez guitars and for some reason have never really liked their hollow/semi-hollow guitars. They've always felt/sounded "metallic" to me - not what I expect or want to hear from a semi-hollow or hollow body guitar (I usually play my guitars unplugged as much or more than plugged in).

[milod]

dporto...

 

I think the Ibanez company did a lot better when they were attempting bit by bit copies of Gibbies in the '70s. Since the lawsuits, etc., I think the company took the turn more toward a "popular market" which in the late 70s and forward had tended more toward a rock orientation even in their acoustics. The very few Ibby hollows (1) and semis (perhaps a dozen or so over the past 20 years) I've touched felt somehow toylike and without the sonic depth of the Epi, and weren't even in the same league with Gibbie.

 

That's not necessarily bad, it's just a different concept. They certainly have made pretty instruments and wild instruments and very playable instruments. Just not my schtick since the lawsuits and what appears to have been an intentional corporate move into the emerging guitarist market as opposed to a less expensive virtual equivalent of Gibsons.

 

What's odd to me is how Epi basically fills the role of the much less expensive near equivalent of Gibson on many of their instruments - and quite well done. That means, though, that in ways both Gibson strengths and weaknesses both in design and in corporate construction policy are also similar.

 

I tend to blame many, if not most, complaints about both Epis and Gibbies an major climate changes during transport to wholesalers, retailers, storage in stores, etc. But that "weakness" in design and even materials also tends to give that "something" extra in sound if you just relax about it. At least that's my experience.

 

m

[ChrisR]

The used Sheraton sold before I could get to the store.

 

I would like to either sell my g5135ps or trade it outright for a g51xx or Epi Casino or Es-175. I emailed the Gibson/Epiphone dealer and apparently they don't respond to emails!

 

You would think that in this economy, shops would be more aggressive and attentive.

 

Chris

[milod]

Chris...

 

With all due respect to them, I think the Ma and Pa stores are probably playing it close to the vest in this economy - and likely tend to prefer not to make a mistake as opposed to trying to get the maximum from investment they already have made.

 

m

[ChrisR]

Yeah, I understand that. I was self-employed for 9 years. But I was trying to reach every potential customer I could. I might not have made a sale every time but I was networking with them and many time they came back because of the fact that I did everything I could to engage them.

[milod]

Chris...

 

I ain't arguin' - just noting for some that different folks may take differing tactics to try to survive a tough economy.

 

m

[greglawrence]

TODAY - you can get the Epiphone Wildkat Red Royale brand new at Musician's Friend for $299 - free ship.

 

I own a Gibson CS-356, which is similar to a ES-339.

 

The BIG difference immediately noticed is the very narrow neck width compared to Gibson's wider nut width.

 

I also own an Epiphone Dot Studio and it has the very same 42.5mm nut width.

 

If you have smaller hands, weaker hands, like small necks, or want to play your jazz a little faster (lol) this is probably a great guitar.

The jazz chord progression that kill my hand are much easier to play on the narrow neck.

I almost bought one until I read about the slim nut width...in fact since they are on sale today only for $299...I am still debating!

 

When you use the Bigsby bar, the tune-a-matic bridge rocks back and forth, so immediately you will need to get a bridge that has rollers instead of saddles.

[Parabar]

 

When you use the Bigsby bar, the tune-a-matic bridge rocks back and forth, so immediately you will need to get a bridge that has rollers instead of saddles.

 

Nonsense! Every roller bridge I've ever played has been an absolute tone-sucker with rattles added. I've NEVER had a problem with a tune-o-matic bridge and a Bigsby --- the rocking actually helps. I HAVE, however, substituted a Tru-Arc rocking bar bridge on two of my Bigsby guitars, and been very pleased with the results. If you were to contemplate a bridge change I would recommend a Tru-Arc or Compton many times over before any type of roller bridge, but I wouldn't even recommend that until and unless you had tried the regular bridge first, made sure the string slots on both nut and bridge are properly cut and lubed, and you STILL felt a change was necessary.