Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $616
Standard/Professional
$500
$1201+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Epiphone Uptown Kat ES". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
The Epiphone Uptown Kat ES Ruby Red Metallic is a stunning addition to the semi-hollowbody electric guitar category, blending classic design with modern enhancements. This guitar takes cues from the beloved WildKat series but elevates it with a vibrant metallic finish and Epiphone ProBucker FB720 mini humbuckers that deliver a tight, focused tone. Constructed with a 5-ply maple/poplar body and a spruce center block, it offers a warm, resonant sound with impressive sustain—ideal for a wide range of musical styles from rockabilly to blues.
The Uptown Kat's mahogany neck features a sleek, slim taper "C" profile, paired with an ebony fingerboard that boasts 22 medium-wide frets and classic block inlays. The Graph Tech nut and Grover Rotomatic tuners ensure precise tuning stability, making it as reliable as it is stylish. The guitar's trapeze-style bridge and LockTone Tune-o-matic tailpiece provide solid hardware that complements its vintage aesthetic. Whether you're performing on stage or jamming in the studio, the Uptown Kat ES is sure to turn heads with its bold look and dynamic sound.
Key Features:
- 5-ply Maple/Poplar body with spruce center block for enhanced sustain
- Slim Taper C-profile mahogany neck with 24.75" scale length and 12" radius
- Dual Epiphone ProBucker FB720 mini humbuckers for crisp and bright output
- Trapeze-style bridge and LockTone Tune-o-matic tailpiece
- Grover Rotomatic tuners with 18:1 ratio for stable tuning
- Ebony fingerboard with pearloid block inlays
- Graph Tech nut for added resonance and clarity
Product specs
| Neck Finish | Gloss |
| Number of Strings | 6 |
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Body Type | Hollowbody |
| Body Shape | Uptown Kat ES |
| Body Material | 5-ply Maple/Poplar |
| Body Finish | Gloss |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Neck Shape | Slim Taper C |
| Radius | 12" |
| Fingerboard Inlay | Pearloid Blocks |
| Number of Frets | 22, Medium Jumbo |
| Scale Length | 24.72" |
| Nut Width | 1.68" |
| Nut Material | GraphTech |
| Bridge/Tailpiece | LockTone ABR Bridge with Trapeze Tailpiece |
| Tuners | Kidney-style Tuners |
| Neck Pickup | Epiphone Mini-ProBucker Humbucker |
| Bridge Pickup | Epiphone Mini-ProBucker Humbucker |
| Controls | 2 x volume (master, neck), 2 x tone (master, neck), 3-way toggle pickup swtich |
| Strings | Gibson, .010-.046 |
| Case/Gig Bag | Sold Separately |
FAQs
-
What type of music genres is the Epiphone Uptown Kat ES best suited for?
-
The Epiphone Uptown Kat ES, with its mini humbuckers, is versatile and well-suited for jazz, blues, and rock genres, offering a warm, rich tone typical of semi-hollowbody guitars.
-
How does the Slim Taper C neck shape of the Epiphone Uptown Kat ES affect playability?
-
The Slim Taper C neck provides a comfortable grip and fast playability, making it ideal for players who prefer a sleek neck profile for smooth chord transitions and soloing.
-
Does the Epiphone Uptown Kat ES come with a case or gig bag?
-
No, the Epiphone Uptown Kat ES does not come with a case or gig bag; these must be purchased separately to protect the guitar during transport.
-
Can the Epiphone Uptown Kat ES handle high-gain amplification well?
-
While the Epiphone Uptown Kat ES is primarily designed for clean and mildly overdriven tones, it can handle moderate gain levels. However, feedback may occur with high-gain settings due to its semi-hollowbody design.
-
What is the scale length of the Epiphone Uptown Kat ES and how does it affect tone?
-
The Epiphone Uptown Kat ES has a scale length of 24.72 inches, which contributes to a warmer tone and slightly looser string tension, making it easier for bending notes and playing comfortably.
Videos
Andertons Music Co
Introducing Epiphone's Next Generation of Archtop Guitars!
Reviews
PROS
-
Unique sound with great bite for blues and rock
-
High-quality build with flawless finish
-
Lightweight and super smooth playability
-
Versatile mini humbuckers for diverse music genres
-
Master volume and tone controls offer broad sound options
-
Stunning ruby red metallic finish with upscale aesthetics
-
CTS pots enhance blending for varied tones
-
Comfortable neck profile for easy playability
-
Offers great value for the price
-
Inspired by Gibson quality in a semi-hollowbody
CONS
-
Frequent need for fret leveling and setup
-
High nut causing tuning stability issues on some strings
-
Occasional quality control issues with electronic components
-
Missing accessories like allen wrenches or cables with some units
-
Requires string change out of the box for optimal playability
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Epiphone Uptown Kat ES.
Setup and maintenance
-
Some owners report minor string buzz at lower frets, suggesting minor adjustments can resolve the issue. A professional setup is recommended for optimal playability.
Source
User experience
-
After owning the Uptown Kat ES for over two months, one user finds it delivers great value and versatility in tone, especially for rockabilly and modern swing styles.
Source -
The neck does not have the D shape with big shoulders typical of older Epiphones, providing a more comfortable playability for some users.
Source
Comparisons
-
The Epiphone Uptown Kat ES is compared to the Ibanez AF series, with preferences differing based on the pickups; the Epiphone might be pricier on the secondary market.
Source -
Some users compare the tonal profile to P90s, noting the mini-humbuckers offer more "beef" while maintaining brightness, offering versatility for various musical styles.
Source -
The Uptown Kat ES is distinct within the Kat series for lacking a standard Bigsby, unlike its counterparts.
Source
Features and functionality
-
The guitar's pickups are described as "very hot," which some users appreciate for certain musical styles, while others see it as a preference issue.
Source -
The guitar is equipped with Firebird-style mini-humbuckers, which have magnets in the center of each coil, creating a unique tonal characteristic.
Source -
The mini-humbuckers in the Uptown Kat ES deliver a thinner, more articulate tone compared to the fuller sound of ES-335 humbuckers, appealing to single coil enthusiasts.
Source -
The Uptown Kat ES's color options are a unique draw compared to other models in the Kat series.
Source
Build quality
-
A rubber plug around the pickup selector switch is noted as a historic Gibson feature, not a defect, and is largely unnoticed by most owners.
Source
Other
-
Owners find it challenging to find specific technical details about the pickups, reflecting a gap in readily available manufacturer information.
Source
Mods and upgrades
-
A B7/B70 Bigsby tremolo is recommended for adding a vibrato system to the Uptown Kat ES.
Source
4.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
More Epiphone Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
Accessories & Related Items
Artist usage
Community setups
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
tschuunsGear IQ 656
-