Epiphone Elitist club

The Epiphone Elitist are a range of guitars that attempt to bridge the gap between their more expensive Gibson counterparts and the standard Epiphone range. They Endeavour to do this by using select tone woods, top-end components and details that are more at home on more-expensive guitars.
These were made to very high specifications in Japan but some parts are made in other countries, including the USA and Germany. These guitars cost more than twice as much as Standard Epiphone guitars. Standard Epiphone and Gibson guitars have an open-book headstock, but Elitist models have a more curved style dating back to the Epiphone Masterbilt series of guitars. The Elitist series was discontinued in 2008.

This is my Elitist Sheraton...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v715/adamsmith90/1b3a7f59.jpg

Here is my Goldtop LP. This one really got me turned around on humbuckers. Sounds great, not too heavy. Got a great price from MF outlet in KC because of a dime sized hit it took down by the strp button. Cured my LP GAS!

http://www.tdpri.com/telephoto/data/529/Epiphone_Elitist_Goldtop.jpg

Doug

Here is my Goldtop LP. This one really got me turned around on humbuckers. Sounds great, not too heavy. Got a great price from MF outlet in KC because of a dime sized hit it took down by the strp button. Cured my LP GAS!

http://www.tdpri.com/telephoto/data/529/Epiphone_Elitist_Goldtop.jpg

Doug

That is nice :cool:

I love LP Goldtops!

Thanks Adam. I really like your Sheraton. I have an Epi Dot, but it sure is not an elitist...

Thanks Adam. I really like your Sheraton. I have an Epi Dot, but it sure is not an elitist...



I had a Dot Studio but hated the lack of bling, dont have that problem with the Sherri, it even has real gold plated hardware :mrgreen:

Let's see some more Elitists!

I don't have any experience with the Elitist line (but I'd like to). I have played a standard Epi Casino, and it was pretty nice, particularly for the price ($600). The Epiphone Elitist 1965 Casino is more than twice the price ($1,500). Can it truly be said that it is more than twice the guitar compared to the standard?

I'm not trying to pour cold water on a hot thread, but I think the question is valid. I understand that assessments are in a number of aspects subjective in nature, and when it comes down to it, quite personal. But there are plenty of variables that should be more objective in nature, and I am asking about those. I also have no problem believing that quality parts and craftsmanship can make a noticeable difference.

But I just don't know how true it is in this case. In terms of tone and playability, would I be getting more than twice the guitar if I go Elitist? I'd sure like to hear from someone that has real experience with both models.

I have owned a couple of Elitists.
A Chester and a Lester.
Both great guitars.
I have a blonde Sheraton in my sights now.

I don't have any experience with the Elitist line (but I'd like to). I have played a standard Epi Casino, and it was pretty nice, particularly for the price ($600). The Epiphone Elitist 1965 Casino is more than twice the price ($1,500). Can it truly be said that it is more than twice the guitar compared to the standard?

I'm not trying to pour cold water on a hot thread, but I think the question is valid. I understand that assessments are in a number of aspects subjective in nature, and when it comes down to it, quite personal. But there are plenty of variables that should be more objective in nature, and I am asking about those. I also have no problem believing that quality parts and craftsmanship can make a noticeable difference.

But I just don't know how true it is in this case. In terms of tone and playability, would I be getting more than twice the guitar if I go Elitist? I'd sure like to hear from someone that has real experience with both models.

Do you get twice the guitar with all Elitist Models? I don't know BUT I know that my Sunburst Elitist which I got brand new in 2007 for $1150 IS! The Elitist line comes from the same Japanese factory that makes Gretsch's top line guitars and are made from selected woods, USA Gibson electronics, a top quality HSC and is finished very nicely. Compared to the run of the mill MIC Casinos at GCs, there is no comparison. You would think that for a hollowbody guitar, that weight wouldn't be an issue, but it is - I've picked up some real MIC boat anchors. And the guitar also sounds fantastic acoustically and does not need a thing changed on it to make it sound great electronically.

I don't have any experience with the Elitist line (but I'd like to). I have played a standard Epi Casino, and it was pretty nice, particularly for the price ($600). The Epiphone Elitist 1965 Casino is more than twice the price ($1,500). Can it truly be said that it is more than twice the guitar compared to the standard?

I'm not trying to pour cold water on a hot thread, but I think the question is valid. I understand that assessments are in a number of aspects subjective in nature, and when it comes down to it, quite personal. But there are plenty of variables that should be more objective in nature, and I am asking about those. I also have no problem believing that quality parts and craftsmanship can make a noticeable difference.

But I just don't know how true it is in this case. In terms of tone and playability, would I be getting more than twice the guitar if I go Elitist? I'd sure like to hear from someone that has real experience with both models.

Seriously. Yes. As said above the select tone woods cost a lot more than the standard stuff used, the pickups and electronics are all Gibson USA and Switchcraft, the fit and finish is sublime. My Elitist Sheraton even has 24k gold plated hardware! Amazing guitars :cool:

http://www.gakki.com/catalog45/epiphone_elite_collection.jpg

http://www.paulplumeri.com/guitars/2007_Epiphone_Sheraton_Elitist.jpg

...As said above the select tone woods cost a lot more than the standard stuff used...

About the woods, I don't have the specs in front of me right now, but if memory serves, "run of the mill MIC" Epi's with the "the standard stuff used" are made of "laminate" and the Elitists are "5-ply." Is that right? The difference being a better grade of laminated wood?

Aside: here's a thread about an Epiphone Emperor Regent: http://www.jazzguitar.be/forum/guitar-amps-gizmos/6265-emperor-regent-darn-near-good-gibson.html

The poster was never happy with the tone. When he pulled the pickup and looking inside he found:

The whole thing - repeat WHOLE THING - is made of plywood, even the neck ! The internal braces are plywood scraps as well, no attempt was made to shape or form them, as is routinely done on all quality instruments.

This picture is shot through the neck pickup hole looking at the heel of the neck:

http://www.jazzguitar.be/forum/attachments/guitar-amps-gizmos/1102d1252891825-emperor-regent-darn-near-good-gibson-ep1-mods-001.jpg

Aside: here's a thread about an Epiphone Emperor Regent: http://www.jazzguitar.be/forum/guitar-amps-gizmos/6265-emperor-regent-darn-near-good-gibson.html

The poster was never happy with the tone. When he pulled the pickup and looking inside he found:

The whole thing - repeat WHOLE THING - is made of plywood, even the neck ! The internal braces are plywood scraps as well, no attempt was made to shape or form them, as is routinely done on all quality instruments.

This picture is shot through the neck pickup hole looking at the heel of the neck:

http://www.jazzguitar.be/forum/attachments/guitar-amps-gizmos/1102d1252891825-emperor-regent-darn-near-good-gibson-ep1-mods-001.jpg

I can assure you the neck on my Sheri is mahogony, the top is good quality maple ply, Gibson uses maple ply for the 335, its just how you make a hollow body top.

I can assure you the neck on my Sheri is mahogony, the top is good quality maple ply

Oh yes, I wasn't slagging off all Epiphones, just showing there is a range of quality, and the buyer should beware.


Gibson uses maple ply for the 335, its just how you make a hollow body top.

Gibson ES-335s and ES-175s have laminate tops, for example, but some others have solid, carved tops (L-5). But I agree with what your implying: plywood (=laminate) doesn't necessary imply a cheap guitar.

Also, the Guitar featured in that link is not an Elitist, its a run of the mill Epiphone. All Elitists are made from high grade tone woods and USA hardware.

Still agreeing with you. Just pointing out there's a big range of quality in Epis.

Gibson ES-335s and ES-175s have laminate tops, for example, but some others have solid, carved tops (L-5). But I agree with what your implying: plywood (=laminate) doesn't necessary imply a cheap guitar.

This tracks with what I was commenting on/questioning when I referenced the Epi's made of "laminate" and the Elitists of "5-ply." The difference being a better grade of laminated wood. Thanks for that reference to the carved top of the L-5. I thought I had remembered that some archtops had carved tops, particularly Collins archtops. I've been GASing for one for years, but sadly they are out of my range. Of course, those guitars are another subject, or, better said, a subject for another thread.

A few weeks ago I was at Dave's in La Crosse and had the opportunity to play a standard Casino, the Inspired By John Lennon Casino, and an Elitist Casino. The fit and finish on the elitist are considerably higher than the other two options, and the Gibson p-90s in the Elitist and IBJL sounded better to me than the standard. All were great guitars, but I left with the Elitist. Having also played a few Gibson ES-330s, I'd put my Casino up against any fully hollow, p-90 equipped thinline guitar. I'll post a pic or two as soon as I get my new pickguard on it--the one thing I don't like about any of the Casinos is the blindingly white pickguard!

A few weeks ago I was at Dave's in La Crosse and had the opportunity to play a standard Casino, the Inspired By John Lennon Casino, and an Elitist Casino. The fit and finish on the elitist are considerably higher than the other two options, and the Gibson p-90s in the Elitist and IBJL sounded better to me than the standard. All were great guitars, but I left with the Elitist. Having also played a few Gibson ES-330s, I'd put my Casino up against any fully hollow, p-90 equipped thinline guitar. I'll post a pic or two as soon as I get my new pickguard on it--the one thing I don't like about any of the Casinos is the blindingly white pickguard!

Congrats! Welcome to the club!

My Sheri has a new TP...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v715/adamsmith90/3b7ed543.jpg

This falls somewhere between the ES335 and the Elitist so I figured I could show it off here too. Epiphone by Gibson ES335 1999 model. Think Elitist with Gibson headstock and MIJ Pups.

My Epi Elitist Tak...

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q98/weeladdie2007/Guitars/P1010027_800x600.jpg

Here are my 2 Elite's:
A 2002
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd106/wrfabus/100_2492.jpg
And A 2003
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd106/wrfabus/Epi2.jpg

I have a 2008 Epiphone Elitist Byrdland in natural finish.
Photos to follow.

I have 5 Epi Elite/Elitsts, and number 6 is on the way. Just purchased an '07 Tak Matsumoto Les Paul with OHSC and case candy.

My first Elitist is an '03 Cherryburst Plus Top Standard LP with OHSC
Next was my '03 Vintage Sunburst Elite J-45 with a Fishman pickup.
Then I found a '03 Elite Riviera in Vintage Sunburst with a Bigsby with OHSC
Next to add to the stable is an '03 Elite Thunderbird Bass with OHSC
Most recent addition is an '04 Elitist LP Custom in Alpine White with OHSC, Mint.
And on the way is the '07 Tak Matsumoto Signature LP with OHSC with Signature

Pics to follow shortly.

I also had 2 other LP's, a Honeyburst Standard Plus Top and a Vintage Sunburst Studio that have been sold.
There was also a Cherry '63 ES-335 Elitist Dot that was sold too, that one I regret letting go of.

My 2003 Elite Faded SB Plain top LP. One of the best LP's Ive played or owned.

http://http://www.tdpri.com/telephoto/data/500/medium/DSC00875.JPGhttp://www.tdpri.com/telephoto/data/500/medium/DSC00875.JPG


http://[img]http://www.tdpri.com/telephoto/data/500/medium/DSC00875.JPG

My Epi Elitist Tak...

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q98/weeladdie2007/Guitars/P1010027_800x600.jpg

I've got one of these however mine is the Elite Tak Signature model (Has the signature near the fret board below the 3 way switch) and has the Gibson style 'Open Book' headstock that shows it was made for the Japanese domestic market.

This is my first Les Paul, I'm the 3rd owner and the condition of guitar is a tribute to the past owners, no dents, chips only a very slight very hard to see 1 centimetre diameter mark in the centre of the back and a small scratch on the cover of the 3 way switch.

Gibson USA tell me that as far as they are able to determine signature model like mine were made in 2003 and only approximately 300 were produced.

Hello All Im brand new to this forum. Im so gassed to See all the Elitist guitars. I got my first one alongtime ago. Its a Epi L.P. custom (red) Elitist. My next one is a Plain top lp with a faded sunburst I have done alot of work to this one. I'll do a post on it. My newest one Is the 57 goldtop Its a Great guitar and what a looker. I look forward to sharing Pictures and specs Well let me set up Account info And Ill post Pic's shortly

BG65

Hey guys,
I'm looking to buy a sunburst Elitist Sheraton or 335.
Does anyone have one of these they'd part with?

I'd really like to buy one of the USA Sheraton's they made for a short time in the early 2000's , but those are super hard to come by and usually too expensive for me.

I just got this Byrdland last month, bought in Japan.

http://img844.imageshack.us/img844/9372/screenshot20120416at135.png (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/844/screenshot20120416at135.png/)

Beautiful!

I just got this Byrdland last month, bought in Japan.



Oh, very nice! More pictures, please! :smile:

Proud owner of an '07 Elitist Les Paul Custom. One of the finest guitars I've ever owned, and great bang for the buck.

please tell me 'journey to the centre of the mind' sounds great on this thing...or at least 'yesterday when i was young'!

the byrdland that is...

That Byrdland is amazing. I assume they didn't have the Gibson headstock in the US? The first Gibson I ever laid a hand on was a Byrdland when a friends dad bought one back in the 80's.

Here is my Epi Elitist LP with 2 of my Strats...

That Byrdland is amazing. I assume they didn't have the Gibson headstock in the US? The first Gibson I ever laid a hand on was a Byrdland when a friends dad bought one back in the 80's.

Here is my Epi Elitist LP with 2 of my Strats...

Yeah, they only make the Gibson headstock in Japan. But they also stopped shipping any Epiphone Byrdlands outside of Japan, only for the domestic market these days. I heard it's because the Terada factory made them too close to the original and that ate into the sales of the US made Byrdland. The guitar is a dream to play.

If anyone has an elitist byrdland in Canada (or US) they want to possibly part for one or another guitars i have send me a PM.