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standard casino vs elitist casino


ataylor

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so i'd like to start saving for an epiphone casino (in sunburst) -- i'm just trying to decide which one to aim for. what are the major differences between the two models? i'm going to list a few off the top of my head -- feel free to correct or add to it.

 

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color: the elitist casino has a better sunburst finish with the dark wood finish on sides/back neck. the standard model has typically had a "weaker" sunburst, although i have seen some chinese casinos that have great sunbursts. example:

and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMqQ_Zpr8zI&feature=related

 

finish: from what i understand, the standard casino is polyurethane, while the elitist model is finished in nitrocellulose, which would allow the guitar's top to vibrate better, resulting in better sound, yes?

 

hardware: i believe the standard model is chrome-plated metal (what kind?) while the elitist model is nickel.

 

pickups: standard model comes with epiphone pickups, while the elitist model uses gibson usa pickups.

 

tuners: standard model comes with vintage-style tuners, elitist model has grover tuners

 

neck: standard model joins at 17th fret, elitist model joins at 16th fret

 

tonewood: standard model is 3ply maple, elitist model is 5ply maple? correct me if i'm wrong on that one.

 

case: standard model doesn't come with case but fits standard epiphone archtop case, elitist model comes with deluxe case

 

origin: standard model made in china, elitist model made in japan

 

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anything i'm missing? obviously the elitist guitar should look and sound better, but does it look and sound $700 better? i've never had the chance to play one so i'm asking those of you who have played both to help me out. i've played some standard casinos and i think they're great guitars, but it could be worth saving a little more for something that could last a little longer.

 

thanks

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The Elitist is finished in poly' date=' just like the standard model. The Lennon models are finished in nitro.[/quote']

 

...Ahhhh yes,...but the Elitist "poly" finish is far superior than the standard poly. You will have a tough time telling a difference from a nitro finish....as demonstrated below...

 

IMG_0811.jpg

 

Left - Elistist MIJ Right USA Assembled

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Some standard Epis look like they have been dipped in poly, my Elitist has a very thin coat of poly whick looks great! The neck feels very similar to my Gibsons, I had a Dot Studio which I hated and never thought I would own another semi until I played an Elitist.

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