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#1
11-30-2013, 10:45 AM
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Epiphone Elitist vs. standard Casino
Are the Elitist built Epi's worth the extra cash? I know (or have heard) that they're built under tighter controls by craftsman in Japan and that they have U.S. made P-90's, but the difference in price is significant. Not enough to deter me if they're worth it, but not many Elitists available to get my hands on, so your opinions are encouraged...thanks!
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Martin 000-28EC '71 Harmony Buck Owens American Epiphone Inspired by Gibson J-45 Gold Tone PBR-D Paul Beard Signature Model resonator "Lean your body forward slightly to support the guitar against your chest, for the poetry of the music should resound in your heart." -Andrés Segovia 
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#2
11-30-2013, 06:34 PM
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I can't swear for the Elitist since I've never played one either, but photos show it with a three-piece neck similar to the Chinese/Indonesian versions (and unlike the original which it purports to emulate). If I were going for a sunburst Casino I'd sooner be looking at the "Inspired by John Lennon" model at $999 street, IMO well worth the ~$300 (guitar+case) upcharge over the standard model: USA electronics, (reasonably) period-correct finish (albeit poly rather than nitro) and hardware, and what appears to be an upgraded case as well. Much like Hofner's Contemporary Series basses - which incorporate German electronics on a Pac-Rim body - it'll cost you about as much in parts and/or labor to upgrade the standard model to comparable specs; on that basis alone I'd favor it over the Elitist - and even with an aftermarket Plek job you'll still be $600 ahead of the game...
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#3
11-30-2013, 08:04 PM
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I will second the recommendation of the "Inspired by John Lennon" Casino. They have Gibson USA electronics and are terrific guitars. I have a "natural IBJL and I love t to death. The Elitest Casinos are probably better finished and perhaps made of better wood. They also have USA Gibson pickups and a dovetail neck joint. Here is a link to a discussion on the Gibson forum that has a nice table comparing the different Casino models:
http://forum.gibson.com/index.php?/t...or-best-sound/ Last edited by The Old Gaffer; 12-29-2013 at 10:39 PM.
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#4
12-03-2013, 12:03 PM
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I actually found a steal on a used, all original, mint condition 2008 Epi Elitist Casino in vintage burst, so I bought it. Absolutely stellar in every way, and saved 40% off new street price...super stoked! Merry Christmas to me!
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Martin 000-28EC '71 Harmony Buck Owens American Epiphone Inspired by Gibson J-45 Gold Tone PBR-D Paul Beard Signature Model resonator "Lean your body forward slightly to support the guitar against your chest, for the poetry of the music should resound in your heart." -Andrés Segovia
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