Anyone have a Wildkat?

[Jeffmt]

I'm seriously considering one of these for my next purchase. How do they play? And how much work needs to go into one? I'm under the impression that a wiring overhaul is absolutely essential. Also, the dot inlays are criminal but what can ya do...

I do find it amusing that they threw a $125 vibrato on a $300 guitar.

 

[Syrus]

I'm seriously considering one of these for my next purchase. How do they play? And how much work needs to go into one? I'm under the impression that a wiring overhaul is absolutely essential. Also, the dot inlays are criminal but what can ya do...

I do find it amusing that they threw a $125 vibrato on a $300 guitar.

They play nicely enough, body is quite thin for my taste.

The ones I played had a varying in quality, in terms of fret dressing.

One had really really bad frets that needed polishing badly.

The other played really good. So probably hit/miss.




The vibrato is a copy of course. Same as any copy vibrato on a copy strat.

Look at the price of that, when compared to complete guitar.

The Black Royale version is really cool.

 

[Jeffmt]

Thanks for the info Syrus. Didn't realize the Bigsby was a copy but I guess it makes way more sense. Inconsistencies aside, given the price I think it's probably worth a try.

 

[SexyGibson]

I had an AllyCat at one time; basically the same guitar but without the vibrato. It was well built, probably better overall than some of the newer Chinese builds I have played lately. I really didn't keep it long enough to speak much on the tone but it was a nice change of pace from a Les Paul or Strat.

 

[msolok]

I have a Wildkat. Mine is a nagural yellow one. The frets weren't great and the finishing a bit patchy. But overall the guitar plays well, once it is seyup, frets dressed and a bone nut put on.
It does need a wiring overhaul. I haven't done mine but will rip out all wires, pots ans the switch and replace. The stock stuff makes it sound a bit dull.

 

[HRC]

I have a Wildkat. It's a good sounding well built guitar. I haven't had any issues with it.

 

[Azathoth]

The only issue I've had is it going out of tune with the Bigsby. Tried a roller bridge, it was awful, but Big Bends Nut Sauce solved it with the original bridge.

Would love to get it set up, but don't have luthiers in my area.

 

[Pennyman]

I really enjoy mine. Nice beefy neck, but surprisingly heavy for a semi-hollow. I installed a new wiring kit from Jonesy, which really helped clean up the sound. Neck pup is a little muddy, I tend to use the middle position most of the time. Thinking of maybe getting some new pups custom-wound (can't find after-market replacements with the chrome covers - and let's face it, the chrome kicks ass!)

 

[nate_D]

I picked up a used one on craigslist a little while back and enjoy it a lot. The guy I got it from had the Bigsby bar crazy lose and it wouldn't stay in tune. Tightened it up and put some Big Bend's Nutsauce on the nut and bridge and it stays in tune just fine. I'm definitely planning on re-wiring/new caps/pots/bridge and getting the pickups rewound cause I'm not 100% happy with the sound but I do love the way it plays and looks.

 

[spindizzy]

...Neck pup is a little muddy, I tend to use the middle position most of the time. Thinking of maybe getting some new pups custom-wound (can't find after-market replacements with the chrome covers - and let's face it, the chrome kicks ass!)

You might want to check out Lollar Guitars - they do a re-build on Casino/Wildcat pick-ups using the chrome covers and chassis off your originals.
Won't be cheap but their work is pretty stellar.

 

[Pennyman]

Lollar's website says they're not currently taking any "re-wind" orders.

 

[Fresh]

I have one and I am completly happy, considering the price point.

& The bigsby is not a copy Bigsby B70 : BIGSBY® GUITARS & VIBRATOS – OFFICIAL WEBSITE it's for thinner guitars

 

[Azathoth]

I have two, with subtle differences for some reason. I guess because the trans orange is the limited addition.

 

[zontar]

They are kind of cool looking.
And when they came out I was interested in checking them out.

I did, and found out they're not really my thing, but I can see why some people would like them.

I'd say check it out and see if it suits you.

And to those that have them--enjoy!

 

[bob_amos]

Wish they were available as a lefty.... I'd certainly own one at those prices.

 

[Pennyman]

& The bigsby is not a copy Bigsby B70 : BIGSBY® GUITARS & VIBRATOS – OFFICIAL WEBSITE it's for thinner guitars

The B70 isn't a "copy", but it IS made under license in Asia - probably China.


The B7 is the made-in-USA version.