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Description

The Epiphone Alleykat is a standout in the world of semi-hollowbody electric guitars, offering a blend of classic aesthetics and modern performance. This guitar is perfect for musicians seeking versatility and rich tonal depth. The Alleykat's design is rooted in the tradition of semi-hollowbody guitars, providing a warm and resonant sound that is ideal for genres ranging from jazz to rock. Its unique construction features a solid center block, enhancing sustain and reducing feedback, which is a boon for live performances.

Equipped with a pair of powerful pickups, the Alleykat delivers a broad spectrum of tones. The bridge position houses a humbucker for a robust and punchy sound, while the neck pickup is a mini-humbucker, known for its clarity and definition. This dual-pickup configuration allows for smooth transitions between rhythm and lead playing styles.

The guitar's neck is crafted for comfort and speed, making it suitable for both intricate fingerstyle and aggressive strumming. With its user-friendly controls, musicians can easily adjust tone and volume settings on the fly, making it a reliable choice for studio sessions and gigs alike.

Key Features:

  • Semi-hollowbody design with a solid center block for enhanced sustain
  • Dual-pickup configuration: humbucker in the bridge and mini-humbucker in the neck
  • User-friendly tone and volume controls
  • Comfortable neck profile suitable for various playing styles
  • Versatile sound ideal for jazz, rock, and blues genres

Product specs

Brand 920D Custom
Model WILDKAT Prewired Wiring Harness for Epiphone Wildkat/Alleykat
Finish Standard
Year 2010s
Cody Weathers

Cody Weathers

Hollowbody Guitar Shootout: Epiphone ES-339 vs Alleykat vs Casino vs Fender Coronado vs Starcaster

Video thumbnail for Hollowbody Guitar Shootout: Epiphone ES-339 vs Alleykat vs Casino vs Fender Coronado vs Starcaster by Cody Weathers

Hollowbody Guitar Shootout: Epiphone ES-339 vs Alleykat vs Casino vs Fender Coronado vs Starcaster

Cody Weathers

Cody Weathers

Video thumbnail for Messing with my new-to-me Epiphone Alleykat by Memphis Mike OFFICIAL

Messing with my new-to-me Epiphone Alleykat

Memphis Mike OFFICIAL

Memphis Mike OFFICIAL

Video thumbnail for Setup Epiphone Alleykat by Bassboi's Garage

Setup Epiphone Alleykat

Bassboi's Garage

Bassboi's Garage

Video thumbnail for Guitar Hunt/Demo | | Epiphone Alleykat TB | Featuring Kathmandu Bellies | Travel With Me | | by TRAVEL WITH ME

Guitar Hunt/Demo | | Epiphone Alleykat TB | Featuring Kathmandu Bellies | Travel With Me | |

TRAVEL WITH ME

TRAVEL WITH ME

Video thumbnail for Epiphone AlleyKat + Joyo Zombie by Jef Reyes

Epiphone AlleyKat + Joyo Zombie

Jef Reyes

Jef Reyes

Reviews

PROS

  • Noticeable improvement in tone clarity after installing

  • Well-made wiring harness enhances sound quality

  • Versatile for live and studio settings

  • Excellent neck-pickup tone

CONS

  • Bridge-pickup tone is subpar; potential need for replacement

  • Installation may require resizing holes for new pots

  • Factory knobs are not compatible; need replacements

  • Requires specific tools for installation, not all may have them

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Epiphone Alleykat.

Comparisons

  • The AlleyKat is similar in size to the ES-339 and can share cases, but differs in design influences with Gretsch-like features.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The AlleyKat often comes with P-90s or mini humbuckers and a Bigsby, contrasting with the ES-339's classic humbuckers and stopbar tailpiece.

    Source
  • The combination of a Gibson '57 classic and mini humbucker can create a distinct tonal imbalance, with a great bridge sound but an overly twangy neck tone.

    Source

Build quality

  • AlleyKat models have flat backs, in contrast to the ES-339's arched back, affecting the perceived thickness and side profile.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • The Gibson '57 classic pickup in the bridge is appreciated, but the neck's mini humbucker is considered too twangy for some preferences.

    Source
  • Consider DiMarzio Super Distortions or Seymour Duncan JB pickups for versatile genre compatibility in the Alleykat.

    Source
  • P94 pickups fit the bridge, but P90s won't fit the neck; consider Magneto Design Lab's P90mini for a compatible neck pickup solution.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Alleykat is not aimed at replicating a Fender tone, suggesting its strengths lie in non-Fender sound contexts.

    Source
Add

3.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 6 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
automaticadam

One of my two main guitars, fantastic sound in every application

This gem is a hidden treasure. Have used it in every possible live and studio setting with nothing but the best results. I alternate between this and my modded strat for all live gigs and recordings as well as rehearsals. It appears on our debut EP and followup album.

distinctgrey

Discontinued but not forgotten

Insanely gorgeous neck-pickup tone. Aweful bridge-pickup tone, probably gonna throw in a SD SH5.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Brian Aubert uses Epiphone Alleykat

Brian Aubert

Singer, Guitarist

Silversun Pickups

...
Verified via YouTube

In the music video for "Little Lover's So Polite" as well as the music video for "Toy Soldiers" Brian is playing an Epiphone Alleykat.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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