Need Some Suggestions On An Epiphone

Elias Graves · #1 04-21-2011, 04:24 PM

My beloved Alleykat has become ill. It's a shame, because I really do like the guitar. The humbucker/minibucker combo is cool.
Anyway, the guitar is kind of a cross between a solid and a hollow. A solid mahogany body, fully hollowed except for one chunk right under the bridge with a laminate maple top and a maple neck.
The body has warped. I've had it looked at by a gibson service center, who said they can't do anything and it looks like a replacement issue.
The problem is that the Alleykat (despite appearing on epi's web site) is long out of production and unavailable as a replacement. I'll have to choose a new guitar from Epi's current line at the same price point. This includes any Epi that lists at GC or MF for $499.
From what I can see, my options are:
ES-175
Joe Pass Emperor
Wildkat or Wildkat royale
Dot Royale
Riviera P93
LP Traditional Pro
LP 56 or 57 gold top reissue

I think that about covers it. My wife thinks the Royale models look cool. I have a fear that, in person, they're gonna look more like a trailer park White Falcon than the real deal.
I'm kinda leaning toward the ES-175 or the Joe Pass. The 175 probably gets the nod, as my collection of upgrade parts is chrome, not gold.

What do you guys think?

I'm actually a little partial to a good old sunburst Dot, though that is a less expensive model.

EG

mongrel · #2 04-21-2011, 06:37 PM

I had a used Alleykat 10 years ago and, after I put TI .013 Swings on it, loved it. Especially the mini hum neck. Can't remember why I got rid of it other than I probably needed a couple of hundred at the time. After I got rid of it, I always wondered what it would sound and play like with a neck P-90 and a trapeze tailpiece. So the Wildcat is about what I envisioned except for the Bigsby. Its the same construction. I have a Joe Pass and wouldn't buy another. I have a Samick made Dot and really like it. The 3 P-90 Riv intrigues me but I've seen a whole bunch of them on Ebay with broken and repaired necks. My favourite modern Epi's are the ES 135 and the Sorrento but sadly they are no longer made. The 175 with some Gibson 57's would be a good one.

tonyteech · #3 04-21-2011, 06:57 PM

I have a ES175 which I have just upgraded Nearly as good as the Gibson and over a 1000 cheaper in the UK

billkath · #4 04-21-2011, 07:16 PM

I've a ES175 myself as well. Swapped out the nut and bridge saddles for graphtechs, and put Gibson classic 57's in it. I'm going to upgrade the loom in a few weeks as well, putting in top notch components. For me, it's grand, does the job and sounds fine for what I want, for very little money (including the upgrades).

Elias Graves · #5 04-22-2011, 07:33 AM

The Joe Pass I played yesterday did not impress, nor did the LP Traditional Pro. My Gibby LP Jr is all I need solid-wise.
The Dot has a good sound, but I'd prefer a full hollow. I just wish I could get my hands on one to try. The Riviera is kinda cool, but I have no use for a Bigsby and the third pickup is goofy looking to me.

Right now I'd say the 175 is my leader of the bunch. I wish they still made the Alleykat. I may have to start looking for a used one.

EG

ABQ_Jazz_Fan · #6 04-22-2011, 11:21 AM

That's too bad about the Joe Pass. I bought one about 10 years ago andam still playing it and love it. Maybe there's something different about the new ones.

Elias Graves · #7 04-22-2011, 04:53 PM

The one I tried had a neck that looked like a jigsaw puzzle and it was pretty lifeless. It looked good from ten feet away but any closer...not so much. Epis can be that way. The next one out of the box may be a gem.
That's one thing that makes me nervous about this whole process. I don't get to pick the actual guitar. Just the model.

EG

mongrel · #8 04-22-2011, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elias Graves

The one I tried had a neck that looked like a jigsaw puzzle and it was pretty lifeless. It looked good from ten feet away but any closer...not so much. Epis can be that way. The next one out of the box may be a gem.
That's one thing that makes me nervous about this whole process. I don't get to pick the actual guitar. Just the model.

EG

That's typical of the Joe Pass's made in the PRC. As with most of the rest of them Ive owned and played, the best ones came from either Peerless or Samick in the ROK.

Elias Graves · #9 04-22-2011, 08:41 PM

This one was labeled Indonesia.

EG

ABQ_Jazz_Fan · #10 04-23-2011, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elias Graves

This one was labeled Indonesia.

EG

I didn't realize Epiphone was making guitars outside of Chine now. I guess in this price range, it's best to try one out but I realize that you can't. Just let them know that if you don't like it, it's coming back for a replacement and maybe they'll hand select you one.

mongrel · #11 04-23-2011, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elias Graves

This one was labeled Indonesia.

EG

You're right. I was thinking of the other new models. I have played some really nice Dots from PRC. Indonesia seems to be the most recent spot for the cheapest labor and you mostly get what you pay for. I can't imagine that the Indonesian climate helps a whole bunch in the manufacturing of wood products despite HVAC.

Elias Graves · #12 04-24-2011, 01:25 PM

Played a few Dots yesterday. One was a dog, two were pretty nice. Definitely more of a semihollow sound than the Kat ever acheived. It always sounded like a really mellow LP to me...Though that's not necessarily a bad thing.

Still haven't found a 175 locally.

EG