TheX Posted August 2, 2008 Share Posted August 2, 2008 I've sold all but one of my normal Epi's (still have a sunburst Joe Pass on CL) and I'm hunting for Elite/Elitist replacements. Have a couple LP's already and semi's are next. The Firebird was a tough one to let go of but there is a very happy guitarist in Austin right now playing the crap out of it, he blew me away when he was in my loft testing it. Is this bad? The Elitist guitars are so far beyond the normal guitars for me and if you shop around there are serious bargains to be had. I understand that outside of the US it can be more expensive and that's truly a shame. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Henry Mars Posted August 2, 2008 Share Posted August 2, 2008 I've sold all but one of my normal Epi's (still have a sunburst Joe Pass on CL) and I'm hunting for Elite/Elitist replacements. Have a couple LP's already and semi's are next. The Firebird was a tough one to let go of but there is a very happy guitarist in Austin right now playing the crap out of it' date=' he blew me away when he was in my loft testing it. Is this bad? The Elitist guitars are so far beyond the normal guitars for me and if you shop around there are serious bargains to be had. I understand that outside of the US it can be more expensive and that's truly a shame. [/quote'] Nah ...whats wrong with stepping up? Believe me I wouldn't buy any Epi but an Elitist model. I love the damn things. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Svet Posted August 2, 2008 Share Posted August 2, 2008 I understand exactly how you feel X! I've been cheerleading the Elitists from the day I bought my first, a Sheraton. At one point I owned 7 but I sold off a Dot because I bought its Gibson counterpart. I figured I would not use it much. The Elitists are by far the best value going and I feel my two LP's stack up nicely when compared with my Gibson CS LP's. Svet Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JefferySmith Posted August 2, 2008 Share Posted August 2, 2008 In light of the reports of their possible demise, I have had to ask myself what I would do if they were no longer available. The average buyer like me would have two choices: (1) stick with the MIK and MIC models, or (2) buy a Gibson. In light of that, I can understand Gibson's possible decision to discontinue them. But I suppose there are Elitist surrogates out there that aren't Gibson. Heritage and Eastman come to mind. Or whatever comes out of that Japanese factory after Elitists are phased out (assuming that they are phased out). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Strum Posted August 2, 2008 Share Posted August 2, 2008 What is the attraction to an Elitist? How do they differ from the others? I'm not questioning the quality or performance, but when looking at "new" pricing, are they really that much better. As I've stated before, I'm a "bang for the buck" shopper, so justifying the gap in price is important. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JefferySmith Posted August 2, 2008 Share Posted August 2, 2008 What is the attraction to an Elitist? How do they differ from the others? I'm not questioning the quality or performance' date=' but when looking at "new" pricing, are they really that much better. As I've stated before, I'm a "bang for the buck" shopper, so justifying the gap in price is important. [/quote'] Immaculate craftsmanship, high end electronics (so you don't have to replace them), and excellent setup right out of the box. The fit and finish on mine are far better than on my 1965 Gibson ES-335. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Sentry Posted August 2, 2008 Share Posted August 2, 2008 Eh, if I found an Elitist out there that I could play, and it was available? I'd snatch that sucker up in a heartbeart. You're doing the right thing, OP... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Svet Posted August 2, 2008 Share Posted August 2, 2008 I don't know where to even start! The one constant on all guitars is the woods used to craft them. The Elitist instruments use a grade of wood that is more in line with much higher cost guitars. I suggest you read the Epiphone literature here and be sure to click on all of the thumbnails. MY LP Elitists cost 1149 and 1500 dollars respectively and I have no problems comparing them to my Gibson LPs that MF sells for 5500 and 3400. I normally would not recommend anyone buy a guitar without trying it out first but I am confident in doing so with an Elitist. If you like the feel and sound of an LP in general then you will love the Elitist iteration. Same goes for the other models. Svet Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oldscool0943 Posted August 2, 2008 Share Posted August 2, 2008 Hello, Since paying Pro in the late 60's early 70's I have owned many high end guitars, Blah, Blah. I also have a small collection of Korean guitars from Epi, Ibanez, good guitars for the coin. I bought a Elitist Lp Custom and all I can say is I Am a BIG FAN.I usually spend lots of money on after market mods, a disease of sort. The Elitist needs none. It plays awesome from the box. The fit, finish,pick ups excellent! I own a Gibson LP and this Elitist rivals and I think exceeded the Gibby from the box. I can gig with the Elitist and not worry about a back up, and yes at 56 I still gig on a regular basis and yes I do bring several other guitars out with me. I sure hope that they don't stop making these gems. Super, Super guitars. Climbing down off my soap box now! Regards, Oldscool Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JefferySmith Posted August 2, 2008 Share Posted August 2, 2008 Well stated. Mods would only be a step down unless you planned a completely different type of sound. For that' I'd get a different Elitist. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMC1 Posted August 2, 2008 Share Posted August 2, 2008 I think that most people buy a Standard Epi,find this place,read about Elitists,then wish they had bought one in the first place.The simple fact is that unless you know where to get one,you don`t have a hope in hell.I think that Spud summed it up in a thread elsewhere,that most Epi`s are "Good Guitars",but ,the Elitists,the nearest thing you will ever get to actually paying out the fee for a Gibson.I own an R8,and i can honestly say that my Elitist Standard can safely hold it`s own against it all night long.It`s not Snobbery,it`s common sense. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Strum Posted August 2, 2008 Share Posted August 2, 2008 Well prior to my question, I had read enough raving about the elitist here to know that it wasn't a handful of people that liked them. Here are my thoughts based on this thread 1) Set-up: means little when it is a good set-up out of the box. Sure it's nice to be able to play it right away and I think it shows care and attention prior to arrival. I set-up my own to what I like, so set-up costs are not an issue. 2) Electronics: I tried pricing out the pups in the Elitist, but I couldn't find a cost. I'm sure they are of good quality, but not knowing the value I can't really make a statement about being worth it. I also don't know what it would cost to upgrade a $400 Dot. 3) Finish: Nice finish is a nice feature, but it all depends on how much of a difference it is. Again, some value, but debatable as to how much. I think that is more of a personal choice. 4) Fit: BINGO, THE MOTHER LOAD, JACKPOT - this feature not only lends itself to the quality of tone from day one, but it certainly is a feature or characteristic that lends itself to the guitars longevity. Whatever doubt I put on value in items 1 thru 3, item 4 more than makes up the difference and then some. Edit: oh, and throw in the higher quality wood. I'm not about to do a wood mod on any guitar#-o In light of the comments in this thread, it would actually be better of viewing the Elitist as Elitist compared to Gibson, rather than standard Epiphones versus Elitist. The way I see it, you are not getting a better grade Epi, you are getting a Gibson at a better price. Okay, now that you explained it and sold me on your thinking, who's going to sell me an Elitist 1963 ES-335 Dot for cheap? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMC1 Posted August 2, 2008 Share Posted August 2, 2008 LOL,no such thing as a "Cheap Elitist" anymore Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Strum Posted August 2, 2008 Share Posted August 2, 2008 LOL' date='no such thing as a "Cheap Elitist" anymore [/quote'] Ok, my Dot was free and my SG was free, who's going to give me a Elitist 1963 ES-335 Dot? and don't jam up my PM with offers, I only need one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMC1 Posted August 2, 2008 Share Posted August 2, 2008 Hm,ok,officially, i hate ya,free stuff. (only joking) :- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Strum Posted August 2, 2008 Share Posted August 2, 2008 Hm' date='ok,officially, i hate ya,free stuff. (only joking) :-[/quote'] My motto: free is good. also, Loud is good, but good is better. But back to subject, the points on the Elitist have GAS setting in. You know that feeling when it starts bubbling, well it's a bubbling and I'm already looking behind me to see what I have to sell. Did a lot of selling recently and all that is left really is the "not for sale" stuff. I guess I will have to start looking at the non-guitar stuff to sell. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheX Posted August 2, 2008 Author Share Posted August 2, 2008 I don't have anything against the MIK or MIC Epi's, I just need to be more selective about what I have. I really have to thin down my collection to a reasonable amount. My house is only so big and the damn things are everywhere so Elitists it is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMC1 Posted August 2, 2008 Share Posted August 2, 2008 @Just Strum,I have total sympathy on the GAS my friend, i have the option to buy another Elitist LP and an Elitist Casino,but i also have GAS for another Blues Custom Amp.Don`t you just hate that damn GAS.Not sure what the Amp version of GAS is :-/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Strum Posted August 2, 2008 Share Posted August 2, 2008 I don't have anything against the MIK or MIC Epi's' date=' I just need to be more selective about what I have. I really have to thin down my collection to a reasonable amount. My house is only so big and the damn things are everywhere so Elitists it is.[/quote'] You opened with "good deals to be had". I was looking at Craigslist (not buying yet, just pricing) and this guy went from $999 to $900. If you were in the market for one, would this be a consideration? That question is to anyone, not just theX. http://nh.craigslist.org/msg/765512191.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Strum Posted August 2, 2008 Share Posted August 2, 2008 Don`t you just hate that damn GAS When it's accompanied with lack of funds or having to make a decision - oh, the pain. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Strum Posted August 2, 2008 Share Posted August 2, 2008 Although they have American components, where are they actually made/assembled? What country gets noted on the guitar? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheX Posted August 2, 2008 Author Share Posted August 2, 2008 You opened with "good deals to be had". I was looking at Craigslist (not buying yet' date=' just pricing) and this guy went from $999 to $900. If you were in the market for one, would this be a consideration? That question is to anyone, not just theX. http://nh.craigslist.org/msg/765512191.html[/quote'] That's a sweet guitar right there. Very tempting if it were local. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheX Posted August 2, 2008 Author Share Posted August 2, 2008 Although they have American components' date=' where are they actually made/assembled? What country gets noted on the guitar?[/quote'] Japan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JefferySmith Posted August 2, 2008 Share Posted August 2, 2008 Although they have American components' date=' where are they actually made/assembled? What country gets noted on the guitar?[/quote']All of mine have been made in Japan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Strum Posted August 2, 2008 Share Posted August 2, 2008 I have an acoustic being shipped to me in about a week, I am getting ready to put a ARC300 in lay-away (I miss my old one after one month that I am buying another one) and then TheX and the rest of you go and make one hell of a pitch on the value of an Elitist. You are one cruel bunch of characters. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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