cbmccarthy Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 Okay fellas, here is my burning question: I'm torn between which way to go when it comes to buying... 1) Epiphone Elitist Casino 2) John Lennon Revolution Casino 3) Gibson CS ES-330L Which one is the best (value, quality, playability)? Of course, I am in the process of making my way to local shops to try my hand at all three (if they're available). But I figured some advice/thoughts from those versed on the subject couldn't hurt. A few disclaimers: I don't want to buy a vintage piece. I want something new, something I have to break in. Second, I've already got a Sheraton, so I'm really in no mood for a semi-hollow. Thus, the decision between three completely hollowbody guitars. Third, I've heard great things about the Revolution, but the price irks me a little because the pieces are crafted in Japan and then assembled here in the States. If I'm going to drop $2,500 on a guitar, why not go with the Gibson (MADE IN THE U.S.A.)? I feel good about buying American. I want to do it as much as possible. Fourth, I want the neck to be thin and fast: I've heard great things in this regard about all three, but Revolution players especially rave about it. Thoughts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron G Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 ....Thoughts? I have one: Gibson Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pohatu771 Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 Unless you specifically want the Lennon model, save money and buy the Gibson. It's not a perfect reissue of a vintage model, but it is very close, and you get colour choices. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clarkuss Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 I've always wanted a Lennon Casino but now that I have the elitist I think my next purchase upwards will be a vintage casino or a Gibson 330. The more I think about the Lennon reissue, the less the price appeals to me. Unless of course you can pick up a decent second hand model at a fraction of the price. I think RE the elitist/lennon debate it has to be one or the other if finances and options are anything to go by Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 ES-330L (Long Neck) means it has the same neck joint as the ES-335...therefore much better upper fret access, just in case you like to play in the upper areas, to any extent. Tone should be quite similar...given all the ones you've mentioned are going to be purchased "New!" The ES-330L, and Elitist Casino, will (possibly)have a bit more treble end, and sustain, due to the metal bridge saddles. How much, will depend on each individual instrument. But, the "Lennon" guitars have nylon saddles, which kills a bit of sustain and treble response. Some prefer the tone of the Lennon one, because of that...more of a "Growl." The biggest thing for me personally, would be the better upper fret access, on the Gibson. But, some that play mostly Rhythm guitar, might not care, one way or the other. Gibson (generally) has a better "resale" value, but the Elitist and Lennon Epi's will hold their values as well, I would guess. Elitist and Lennon comes in "Natural," but I don't think the ES-330L is offered in that finish. Maybe you could "custom order" one, that way...don't know. "Quality," should be identical, or nearly so. The 330 and Lennon guitars will have "nitro" finishes, and the Elitist will be a light and nicely applied Poly. Cheers, CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cbmccarthy Posted March 5, 2009 Author Share Posted March 5, 2009 Thanks for the information and thoughts guys, and keep them coming if you have any more. I just read that the Gibson 330L is only offered online by a few suppliers (Musicians Friend, Guitar Center, etc.). So I won't get a chance to play it before I buy it. Second, I can't find any information on whether or not the 330 comes with a limited lifetime warranty. It doesn't appear to, based on what I've seen on the suppliers' Web sites. That seems hard to believe for me, considering the price. Then again, maybe that's a way to sell additional coverage plans (which I am not keen on since they run out after a few years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron G Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 Thanks for the information and thoughts guys' date=' and keep them coming if you have any more. I just read that the Gibson 330L is only offered online by a few suppliers (Musicians Friend, Guitar Center, etc.). So I won't get a chance to play it before I buy it. Second, I can't find any information on whether or not the 330 comes with a limited lifetime warranty. It doesn't appear to, based on what I've seen on the suppliers' Web sites. That seems hard to believe for me, considering the price. Then again, maybe that's a way to sell additional coverage plans (which I am not keen on since they run out after a few years.[/quote']All Gibsons and Epiphone have the same warranty. Most online sellers offer a trial period, although you'd have to pay the shipping if you decided to return it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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