Value/quality of Elitist Dots manufactured in different years

[traveler]

Hi, I'm new here, and I've been reading these forums for a few days as I've been thinking about getting either an Elitist Dot or a Gibson ES-335. I was lucky enough to try out two of the Dots recently, one was made in 2002 (cherry red) and one in 2005 (sunburst). I was wondering if anyone has an opinion on whether or not these guitars already are worth more/less than the street price, considering their age. If so, how much more/less?

 

Also, as a more general matter, does any have an opinion as to whether Elitists hold their value over time as compared with a Gibson (although resale is not a major criterium for my purchase, you never know when you might be forced to part with a loved one)? Thanks in advance.

[charlie brown]

Well, if you're concerned about retaining or increasing "value," then get the Gibson! Their practice of increasing the new

selling price, every few months, will almost guarantee they'll retain their value, at least. ;>) As to Elitists holding their value(?)...hard to say.

I think (personally, and that's just My opinion) they will, eventually..but, maybe not at first? Since the whole line has been discontinued (except the Casino), stores will either discount heavily, to get rid of them, or stick with charging current price, or more...because they're (rare) and "no longer made." I suspect the former, rather than the latter, though. They are Great guitars, no doubt, about that. I guess they just never "took off," in the numbers that Epiphone was hoping for? Who knows? Anyway...just my "2 cents" worth.

 

CB

[traveler]

Thanks for the response, CB. I am trying to figure out whether these particular guitars should be discounted based on their age and, if so, how much, or whether I would be lucky to get one at the ordinary street value considering that they seem difficult to find and apparently are no longer being made. As you said, though, who knows what a dealer might do at this point. I guess I'll just have to find out; all they can do is say no to a lower offer.

 

Have you or anyone else noticed a difference in quality between earlier models and later models? They both sounded similar. The 2005 felt a bit better but had minor cosmetic issues in the f-holes.

 

Cheers,

Traveler

[charlie brown]

Actually, there are folks better qualified (because they have one (or more) of them). I own the "Assembled in USA" Sheraton, (which is essentially, the "Elitist" Sheraton, but painted (Nitro) here, and all American parts, assembled here...but the bodies and necks are made in Japan! So, that's as close as I come to owning an "Elitist!" I'd love to, especially the Casino, but "funds" (or lack thereof) prohibit that, at this time. :>( S

 

Svet has lots of Elitist, as does RotcanX, Tulsaslim, and Jeffery Smith. Maybe they'll chime in here?

 

Cheers,

CB