Epiphone Wildkat Royale Semi-Hollywood Electric Guitar Review
The Epiphone Wildkat Royale Semi-Hollywood electric guitar is a beautiful and versatile instrument that has been capturing the hearts of musicians and guitar enthusiasts for quite some time. This semi-hollow body guitar boasts of its unique design, incredible sound, and exceptional playability. In this comprehensive review, we will delve into the features, specifications, performance, and overall value of the Epiphone Wildkat Royale Semi-Hollywood electric guitar.
Design and Aesthetics
The Wildkat Royale’s eye-catching design sets it apart from other guitars in its class. It features a semi-hollow body made of mahogany with a stunning white finish and gold hardware, giving it an elegant and sophisticated look. The top of the guitar is made of laminated maple, which adds to its overall aesthetic appeal.
The guitar’s body shape is reminiscent of the classic Gibson ES-335, but with a smaller, more compact size. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer a lighter and more manageable guitar. The slim-taper D-shaped neck is made of mahogany and is topped with a 22-fret rosewood fingerboard adorned with pearloid dot inlays, making it comfortable to play and easy on the fingers.
Hardware and Electronics
The Epiphone Wildkat Royale Semi-Hollywood electric guitar comes equipped with a set of P-90 Dogear Classic pickups, which are known for their warm, vintage tone. These single-coil pickups provide the perfect balance between the twangy sound of a traditional single-coil and the powerful punch of a humbucker. The guitar also features individual volume controls for each pickup, as well as a master volume control and a master tone control, allowing for a wide range of sonic possibilities.
The Wildkat Royale’s hardware is finished in gold, giving it a luxurious and refined appearance. The tune-o-matic bridge and Bigsby B70 vibrato tailpiece not only add to the guitar’s visual appeal but also provide excellent tuning stability and a pleasing vibrato effect. The Grover 18:1 ratio tuners ensure precise tuning, while the LockTone Tune-o-Matic stopbar bridge further enhances sustain and resonance.
Playability and Performance
One of the most notable aspects of the Epiphone Wildkat Royale Semi-Hollywood electric guitar is its playability. The slim-taper D-shaped neck allows for comfortable and effortless playing, while the rosewood fingerboard provides a smooth surface for fast and intricate fretwork. The medium-jumbo frets are well-dressed and evenly spaced, ensuring accurate intonation and a buzz-free playing experience.
The P-90 Dogear Classic pickups deliver a wide range of tones, from clean and jazzy to gritty and overdriven. The guitar’s semi-hollow body construction adds a natural warmth and resonance to the sound, making it suitable for various music genres such as blues, jazz, rockabilly, and classic rock. The individual volume controls for each pickup, along with the master volume and tone controls, allow for easy customization of the guitar’s sound to suit your personal preferences and playing style.
The Bigsby B70 vibrato tailpiece adds a unique touch to the Wildkat Royale’s sound, offering a subtle vibrato effect that can be used to add texture and depth to your playing. The tune-o-matic bridge and Grover tuners ensure that the guitar stays in tune even during aggressive bends and vibrato usage, providing you with a reliable and consistent playing experience.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Eye-catching design and finish
- Versatile P-90 Dogear Classic pickups
- Comfortable neck and fingerboard
- Quality hardware, including Bigsby B70 vibrato tailpiece
- Suitable for various music genres
Cons:
- Some players may find the body shape too small or unusual
- The semi-hollow body construction may not be ideal for extremely high-gain settings
Final Verdict
The Epiphone Wildkat Royale Semi-Hollywood electric guitar is a fantastic instrument that offers a unique design, versatile sound, and exceptional playability. Its combination of P-90 pickups, semi-hollow body construction, and quality hardware make it an excellent choice for musicians looking for a stylish and versatile guitar that can handle a variety of musical styles.
While some players may find the body shape too small or unconventional, the Wildkat Royale’s overall performance and value more than make up for any minor drawbacks. If you’re in search of a distinctive and versatile electric guitar that can deliver both vintage and modern tones, the Epiphone Wildkat Royale Semi-Hollywood electric guitar is definitely worth considering.
