Epiphone Elitist Les paul

[BloodRose]

I did some searches. Most of the threads where how do they compare to Edwards..

How do they play and sound in general?? HC reviews are nearly all great.. Got a bud looking at a used one.. Supposed to be in mint shape. Ive never had one in my mitts to play. He wanted an Edwards JS, but cant swing the $900 to get one..
Any experience?
Thanks

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Epiphone Elitist Les paul

Assuming that Epi Elitist LP is the US market name for the guitar that is sold in the UK as the Epi Elite LP, the guitar plays very nicely. On the one I tried, the tone was fine. Obviously, under microscopically close examination, there are faults that could be picked when compared to an American-made instrument. For me, the one constant disappointment was the outline of the headstock.

 

[JeffB]

Re: Epiphone Elitist Les paul

Great guitars- though a bit pricey these days compared to several years ago because Epi cancelled the line (in the USA). Same kind of quality as a roughly similar priced Edwards or Tokai. Basically the next generation of MIJ Gibsons after they folded the Orville brand (though orvilles were often built to more exacting vintage spec- and had the "proper" headstocks).

What model, and how much??

 

[BloodRose]

Re: Epiphone Elitist Les paul

black standard/nickel hardware/creme trim.. Mint shape with extra plastic pieces in black still in packages, all case candy. $760

 

[apj]

Re: Epiphone Elitist Les paul

I'd say go for it. They are awesome guitars. You can never go wrong with japanese guitars in my experience. The pickups aren't great but the quality is above and beyond epiphone in my opinion

 

[Aceman]

Re: Epiphone Elitist Les paul

They are THE Les Paul price/performance/quality point. actually, a bit over on quality performance.

I'd buy those all day and Never care about a Gibson.

 

[Stratman]

Re: Epiphone Elitist Les paul

Nothing wrong with them, except don't pay 900... More like 500

 

[SabbathFan0220]

Re: Epiphone Elitist Les paul

I have an Epiphone Elitist SG and the quality is fantastic. Don't be fooled by the Epi name on the headstock, those are serious guitars. Go for it.

 

[kherman]

Re: Epiphone Elitist Les paul

Great guitars- though a bit pricey these days compared to several years ago because Epi cancelled the line (in the USA). Same kind of quality as a roughly similar priced Edwards or Tokai. Basically the next generation of MIJ Gibsons after they folded the Orville brand (though orvilles were often built to more exacting vintage spec- and had the "proper" headstocks).

What model, and how much??

Between the Orville and Epi Elite/Elitist line was the Epiphone Japan line.
Japan market only just like the Orvilles. Same factories too. Fuji and Terada I believe.
The Epi Japans have the correct headstock.
Were replaced by the Elite/Elitist line.
But, brought back as a limited run called the "Lacquer Series" a few years ago.

Anyways, the Elitist would be on par with a Edwards LS92 or Tokai LS90Q (I believe now called LS100Q these days).

Darn good guitars.
I would take one over a Gibby Studio.
Not because of quality. Both are fine guitars.
I just prefer the LP Standard looks over the plain jane Studio looks.

 

[BloodRose]

Re: Epiphone Elitist Les paul

Good responses! Thanks all! I always wanted a Black Custom one. there are some new ones on ebay for $1299. Im sure a good guitar, but not worth $550 more than the one he's getting.
I told him to put a custom in the bridge. : )

 

[kherman]

Re: Epiphone Elitist Les paul

Good responses! Thanks all! I always wanted a Black Custom one. there are some new ones on ebay for $1299. Im sure a good guitar, but not worth $550 more than the one he's getting.
I told him to put a custom in the bridge. : )

Yeah, original new prices ranged from $899 for the plain top. $1099 for the Custom, $1199 for the Premium (figured top). (at least on M.F.)
I'm sure local dealers were less.

$1300 puts you right in the Tokai LS150 and Bacchus Duke Standard range.
Yes, one would have to still pay the $120 shipping as well.
But, those two start getting you into Gibby Historic territory.

 

[BloodRose]

Re: Epiphone Elitist Les paul

yeah, that shop is milking people cuz they have some NOS customs in black and white.. they know people will pay it cuz they are good guitars and espec now that they are discontinued.. I was tempted, but Ive never paid that much for a guitar and am too broke from my Washie and home issues..

 

[blueman335]

Re: Epiphone Elitist Les paul

they are the les paul price/performance/quality point. Actually, a bit over on quality performance.

I'd buy those all day and never care about a gibson.

+1.

 

[JeffB]

Re: Epiphone Elitist Les paul

Between the Orville and Epi Elite/Elitist line was the Epiphone Japan line.
Japan market only just like the Orvilles. Same factories too. Fuji and Terada I believe.
The Epi Japans have the correct headstock.
Were replaced by the Elite/Elitist line.

Yup thats Right! The only real difference is the Elitist were for the american market- pretty much same same as the Epi Japan, other than the headstock.

BR_I'd say $760 is a fair price in really good condition assuming the guitar sounds good. I'd still go a bit lower at first- offer the guy $700

 

[BloodRose]

Re: Epiphone Elitist Les paul

Yup thats Right! The only real difference is the Elitist were for the american market- pretty much same same as the Epi Japan, other than the headstock.

BR_I'd say $760 is a fair price in really good condition assuming the guitar sounds good. I'd still go a bit lower at first- offer the guy $700

was an ebay auction/ $760 was as low as we could win with.. others on ebay were going for 900-1100. So this was cheap considering. Plus, he has spare parts, all original packaging and case candy and says its like new.. I told my bud he'll have to get a mirror pickguard and switch ring, ala sykes.
I hope it plays and sounds great.

 

[80's_Metal]

Re: Epiphone Elitist Les paul

They are THE Les Paul price/performance/quality point. actually, a bit over on quality performance.

I'd buy those all day and Never care about a Gibson.

+1 brother.

 

[Aceman]

Re: Epiphone Elitist Les paul

Seriously. If Gibson put their name on those and sold them for $1000 for a standard, 1250 for flame, and 1500 for a custom - Fender would dry up and die.

 

[BloodRose]

Re: Epiphone Elitist Les paul

that good huh? I dont think I ever heard anything but good reviews.. I couldnt figure why they quit making them.. Even some high profile bands were using them live..

 

[kherman]

Re: Epiphone Elitist Les paul

that good huh? I dont think I ever heard anything but good reviews.. I couldnt figure why they quit making them.. Even some high profile bands were using them live..

If the prices would have been more competetive, I think they would have done
even better.

But, when you could get an Edwards, Tokai, Burny, Orville, Greco at the time
for less including shipping as well as correct headstock, the Elitist just couldn't compete.

It wasn't till they went on clearance (which made them competetive)
at MF, Sam Ash, Sweet Water, etc..
that they sold like gang busters.

I was really hoping the new Epi Tribute and '59 would be on par build and material wise.
It's not like they don't have the ability to at the MIC factory.
They just choose not to.

 

[Mr. B]

Re: Epiphone Elitist Les paul

I had an elitist Les Paul. Craftsmanship was good. The guitar was the deadest, most sterile sounding thing I've ever heard. I changed the bridge, the saddles, the pickups, the pots and caps. It could take any pickup you threw in it and make it sound harsh, bright and sterile even seths and cc.