Fescat Posted November 20, 2008 Share Posted November 20, 2008 I just bought one of the Epiphone Japan 61 Reissue SG's from a seller in Japan and am very satisfied with the guitar. Believe it was a limited production run but could be wrong. In my opinion it sounds better than the USA Gibson SG that I sold which had the 490T and 490R pickups. I really did not care for that pickup combo and I rarely played it. I could have put in a 57 Classic Plus pickup but already have a cheap Alsin Dane SG that I installed that pickup in and it sounds great. Was not intending to get another SG but bought an Epiphone Elitist Les Paul and absolutely fell in love with it. Kind of a similar situation as my previous Les Paul which was a USA made Les Paul with the Burstbucker Pro pickups. Did not care for the pickups and just never bonded with it so I sold it. Anyway, I started the search for one of the Epiphone Elitist SG's. Stumbled across the Epiphone SG 61 reissue made in Japan and bought that on a whim because it has the Gibson headstock style. Also had the more traditional looking tuners, not the kidney shaped tuner knobs. Guitar is lacquer finished and looks nice but I did notice a small cluster of pitting near the volume knob. Was in the wood and they really should have caught that before the finishing process. Minor issue with the guitar that I can overlook as overall, it is a superb looking guitar with great tone. Sounds goofy but I really prefer my Epiphone Elitist Les Paul and this SG that is made in Japan. Would love to hear feedback if others own a similar guitar or the Elitist SG. On a side note, I just saw Govt Mule and have a feeling that I will not be able to rest until I have one of the Warren Haynes 58 reissue Les Pauls. Outstanding live band. Go see them if they are playing in your neck of the woods. Going to see Angus and the boys this Sunday. Hell with the recession.....Rock on!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted November 20, 2008 Share Posted November 20, 2008 Hi Fescat, welcome to the "Nut House!" Several of us, here, have that same MIJ '61 SG! I LOVE mine! It's the "Cherry" color version. Can't say enough good things about it. And, at 1/3 (or less) the cost of a Gibson...you can't beat it, with a baseball bat! Elitist LP's, and everything else, were great, as well. We're pretty much sickened by the fact, that all (but the Elitist Casino), have been discontinued. So, be glad you got your Elitist LP, before that happened. Govt Mule is a great band, and Warren a great player, but I've never been one for "signature" guitars, though I do own a Gibson "Lucille." Even though I love BB, I bought it at the time, because it was 300-400 less than a standard (not Custom Shop) ES 335, and the only other ES-355 you could get WAS a "Custom Shop" verision at about 5K. "Lucille," brand new, was 1600...at the time. I really love it, too...no "F" holes and all! Otherwise, I stay clear of "endorsed" or "signature" guitars. They're too expensive, first off (IMHO), and you won't be the endorsed player, anyway. LOL! But, that's just me! CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JefferySmith Posted November 20, 2008 Share Posted November 20, 2008 You're preachin' to the choir. I can't believe that they didn't sell out in one day when they hit ebay. A Gibson quality SG for less than the price of an Elitist? I'm still feeling guilty that it cost so little! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fescat Posted November 20, 2008 Author Share Posted November 20, 2008 Thanks for the feedback guys! Cannot say enough about the Epiphone Elitist and MIJ Epiphone series guitars. Would encourage anyone to check their Gibson ego at the door and buy one of these. The Gibson USA models are 3 times the price but in my opinion, they are no better or no worse than the comparable Japan series Epiphones. Have had Gibson Les Pauls and SG's and prefer the Epiphone Japan guitars. You are right about the signature series guitars but I love Angus so I had to break down and get an Angus Signature SG. It is a bad *** looking SG for sure but a bit of a one trick pony and the bridge pickup has a ton of treble and does not stay in tune well with the vibrato. Had an ES335 Washburn type knock off and it was nice but I am a bit of a three chord thrasher and not technically proficient enough to do that model of guitar justice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted November 20, 2008 Share Posted November 20, 2008 Sure...stick around, it gets crazier (fun), and there are a lot of knowledgeable folks here, that are more than happy to share that. We have some "characters" too...but that just keeps us honest and humble. LOL! Enjoy! CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ant7629 Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 Hey, this makes four of us now doesn't it? Absolutely love my MIJ SG, looks, sound and plays amazing. Welcome to the club! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ButchCassidy Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 So envious! I want one! At least post pics! It's the least you can do!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fescat Posted November 21, 2008 Author Share Posted November 21, 2008 There is a guy selling a white Epiphone 61 reissue Japan SG on Ebay but he has it listed as an Elitist SG. The one I bought was black but the white one looks nice also. Can tell by the headstock and tuning pegs. Also has the Gibson truss rod cover. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ButchCassidy Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 Yeah, after christmas i'm going to save up for one. I wanna see yours! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fescat Posted November 22, 2008 Author Share Posted November 22, 2008 Here are some pics of the new Epiphone 61 Reissue SG Japan that I just got and a few of my other Epiphones. Also have my Angus Young SG in here. Lef to right is Epiphone Custom with a Gibson 57 Classic Plus pickup in the bridge that I installed. Epiphone 61 Reissue SG Japan, Epiphone Les Paul Elitist and Gibson Angus Young Signature SG. The Les Paul Elitist is a Honeyburst. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ButchCassidy Posted November 22, 2008 Share Posted November 22, 2008 I WANTS!!! beautiful.... I know what I'm saving up for now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
msuspartansfan Posted November 23, 2008 Share Posted November 23, 2008 I wonder why no one has thought to buy a bunch of them and sell them over here. I know that Gibson wouldn't allow it, blahblahblah...but why not do it on the grey market? They seem pretty nice, but shipping from Japan or off Fraudbay? No thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pohatu771 Posted November 23, 2008 Share Posted November 23, 2008 Everybody around here seems to focus on the Japanese SG, but I did a little search on eBay: Les Paul Custom- a few finish marks on the headstock, but nice-looking guitar Sg Les Paul Custom Les Paul Standard As long as we're in Japan, here are some more: Orville Les Paul Standard Orville ES-335 Orville Les Paul Custom Orville Les Paul Standard Orville Les Paul Custom Orville by Gibson Les Paul Custom Orville SG Standard Orville by Gibson Les Paul Standard Orville Firebird Some prices are higher than others, but some of them are cheaper than buying a new Chinese Epiphone. I may pick one up after the first of the year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ant7629 Posted November 23, 2008 Share Posted November 23, 2008 Yeah, I almost went for the LP, but after reading Jeff' and CB's good comments, I went the SG route. I imagine the LPs will be good too as in essence they are an Elitist..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted November 23, 2008 Share Posted November 23, 2008 "Elite" was the designation, prior to calling them "Elitist!" They change the name reportedly to avoid confusion with Ovation "Elite" guitars. Epiphone Japan (also known as "Orville" for a certain period of time) are the models that were made for the Japanese market, alone. Not meant for export...which is how they could use the Gibson headstock, and get away with it. Elite and Elitist exported versions have their headstock (which is based on an older vintage Epiphone shape), to abide their contract agreements, with Gibson. Of course, it's all "Moot" now...since Elitist are gone, gone, gone! ;>( According to Gibson, Epiphone Japan was dissolved in 2006. At least, that's what I've read. So, the MIJ Epi's will be a bit more rare, than they already are, seemingly. CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Manitou Posted November 23, 2008 Share Posted November 23, 2008 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nopea Posted November 24, 2008 Share Posted November 24, 2008 I bought my Epiphone SG in Japan back in 2000 while I was living there. It was a limited edition (SG-70 was the model number). I also owned when I was a young lad an original 1961 Les Paul name plated SG with the side to side 'whammy' (this is true... and I have been kicking myself senseless since the day I sold it!). My Epiphone sounds great... not quite the same hardware as a Gibson (PAF-90s etc) but the play and feel it awesome! I would like to see more of body to neck angle (the Gibson 61 has a steeper angle). The neck joint is a little too low (you can see on my pics) that is about half way between the 21st and 22nd frets, and over time the joint is getting a little weak... must stay still as much as possible while playing Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jerome_travis Posted September 13, 2009 Share Posted September 13, 2009 sorry to dig this up! whats the neck profile of the elite SG? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dalester Posted February 8, 2010 Share Posted February 8, 2010 I have one of these 61 RI MIJ SGs, the LQ "lacquer series".. im considering selling or trading.. let me know what you have.. mine is the cool antique lookin white.. (I know its an old topic, but what the heck..) :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rewddawg1 Posted February 8, 2010 Share Posted February 8, 2010 Hi Fescat' date=' welcome to the "Nut House!" Several of us, here, have that same MIJ '61 SG! I LOVE mine! It's the "Cherry" color version. Can't say enough good things about it. And, at 1/3 (or less) the cost of a Gibson...you can't beat it, with a baseball bat! Elitist LP's, and everything else, were great, as well. We're pretty much sickened by the fact, that all (but the Elitist Casino), have been discontinued. So, be glad you got your Elitist LP, before that happened. Govt Mule is a great band, and Warren a great player, but I've never been one for "signature" guitars, though I do own a Gibson "Lucille." Even though I love BB, I bought it at the time, because it was 300-400 less than a standard (not Custom Shop) ES 335, and the only other ES-355 you could get WAS a "Custom Shop" verision at about 5K. "Lucille," brand new, was 1600...at the time. I really love it, too...no "F" holes and all! Otherwise, I stay clear of "endorsed" or "signature" guitars. They're too expensive, first off (IMHO), and you won't be the endorsed player, anyway. LOL! But, that's just me! CB [/quote'] Hey CB this may be a dumb question but bear with me. What is an "F" hole I see being referred to on several threads? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobinTheHood Posted February 8, 2010 Share Posted February 8, 2010 This is an F-hole. Looks more like an "S" if you ask me... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rewddawg1 Posted February 8, 2010 Share Posted February 8, 2010 This is an F-hole. Looks more like an "S" if you ask me... Thanks I didn't know I only play solid body guitars except obviously my acoustic guitar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matiac Posted February 8, 2010 Share Posted February 8, 2010 "F" holes serve the same purpose as the round hole in your acoustic...in case you weren't aware. Sound projection in an acoustic environment...Casinos sometimes sound pretty nice unplugged. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XweAponX Posted July 9, 2010 Share Posted July 9, 2010 You guys MAY have answered a question about what this Epiphone SG I have is: http://forums.epiphone.com/default.aspx?g=posts&m=194963post194963 The headstock on my SG is just like the one on the black G-400 posted, except that I have no extra inlay or designs on the headstock. Problem is, there is NO serial number on mine: The first year I ever saw it, was 1994? Maybe 96, it was given to me in 1998. So I either have one of these Japanese ones, or mine is a fake of some sort, or maybe even a factory second. Think one of you guys can check out my link see what I've got? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vic Flick Posted July 9, 2010 Share Posted July 9, 2010 You guys MAY have answered a question about what this Epiphone SG I have is: http://forums.epiphone.com/default.aspx?g=posts&m=194963post194963 The headstock on my SG is just like the one on the black G-400 posted' date=' except that I have no extra inlay or designs on the headstock. Problem is, there is NO serial number on mine: The first year I ever saw it, was 1994? Maybe 96, it was given to me in 1998. So I either have one of these Japanese ones, or mine is a fake of some sort, or maybe even a factory second. Think one of you guys can check out my link see what I've got?[/quote'] I gave a detailed answer in your other thread, but yours is probably not an Epiphone Japan. The truss rod cover's wrong (3 screw), the lack of a serial #, dot inlays, no crown all point to a very early Korean G-400 (1988 - 1991). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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