mamm7215 Posted November 2, 2009 Share Posted November 2, 2009 Or new for that matter. I've been gassing and just found these forums so I joined up. A purchase is imminent. I've seen a few good ones (almost new) go for 350-450 on the Bay. Some new in the mid-500 range so I guess that seems about right? I've read a lot about Korea vs China but does it matter? I looked at Epi's site on the China factory and it looks like they'd be as well made as any, ever...including US models. And what's the REAL diff between a K or C model vs US or Elitist. They all use laminated maple, no? Some better pots and electronics maybe on the pricier ones but $1000.00-$3000.00 better? I don't know, just asking, and trying to read all I can... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pohatu771 Posted November 2, 2009 Share Posted November 2, 2009 There are five common options for buying a Casino: Standard Chinese/Korean model (most common found in Cherry, VS, or Natural, but other options exist) - Sells new for $600, used will generally be $400-$500, in the US. Inspired by John Lennon (China) (1965 Sunburst or Revolution Natural) - sells new for $1000 - and it's brand new, so used won't come up for a while. Elitist (Japan) (Sunburst or Natural) - Sells/Sold new for ~$1400, used will be around $1000 John Lennon 1965 or Revolution (Japan/USA) - sells new for $2600. Used is anywhere between $1800 and $2200. Vintage USA (Kalamazoo) - sells anywhere between $2000 and $4000, depending on year, condition, and pickup configuration. If you factor in the early Japanese models, which aren't terribly common, you're looking at around $800-$1000, with some "non-standard" finishes. The more recent models follow standard Gibson/Epiphone finish options, but the 80s Japanese Casinos can be found in Wine Red and a very nice "dark" sunburst. If you're looking at a Kalamazoo, you're paying largely for a vintage instrument, and not so much for a "player." The Elitist or (non-Inspired) Lennon models are the best guitars. If it's worth $1000 more to you, then it's worth it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brianh Posted November 2, 2009 Share Posted November 2, 2009 This may be of some use: http://forums.epiphone.com/default.aspx?g=posts&t=11079 PS: I still think a used Elitist is the way to go unless it just has to be "Inspired". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamm7215 Posted November 2, 2009 Author Share Posted November 2, 2009 No doesn't have to be a JL "inspired" or copy or anything. It just seems that with CNC and a Gibson trained staff and QC levels, there shouldn't be any reason a QD Chinese Casino isn't as good as an Elitist, short of maybe some better parts. I agree, my research tends to lean with an Elitist, my wallet, however... It's almost like the American Strat vs Mexican thing...the SAME wood is shipped to both factories. BOTH factories have the same equipment and parts and QC. The hilarious thing is who do you think makes up most of the workforce of the California factory? (hint, they're from where the other factory is). Or so I've been told. I had a line on a good Casino locally but I emailed the guy that I'd buy it and haven't heard back. Thanks again for all your replies, this is a great forum! Edit: Just read the above post listing all the differences. What's the diff between laminated maple and 5 ply? Seems like the Elitist would be the thing to get. I could get away with a std. Casino but if I sprung for an Elitist the sleeping dragon (wife) would rise and smite me... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pohatu771 Posted November 2, 2009 Share Posted November 2, 2009 CNC isn't much use for an archtop, laminated guitar. It's bent, not carved. About the only thing that can be done by machine is cutting F-holes, control holes, and pickup routes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamm7215 Posted November 2, 2009 Author Share Posted November 2, 2009 and neck set pockets and join cuts, etc. but yeah, good point... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brianh Posted November 2, 2009 Share Posted November 2, 2009 What's the diff between laminated maple and 5 ply? I don't know either' date=' just spouting back the available info. It may be the SDT (same damn thing). Seems like the Elitist would be the thing to get. I could get away with a std. Casino but if I sprung for an Elitist the sleeping dragon (wife) would rise and smite me... Does she have to know? Receipts are easy to fake... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamm7215 Posted November 2, 2009 Author Share Posted November 2, 2009 She would be my Frau Bifeda to your Dr. Evil.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamm7215 Posted November 3, 2009 Author Share Posted November 3, 2009 :D Well a bit of a letdown, I went to my local music store (near Vancouver, Canada) and tried out a natural finish Casino today. Played well and they even have a 0% deal on now but the new price is $745.00CDN. To top it off, the volume/tone knobs weren't really solid, needed tightening, and the switch was kinda flimsy. The finish on the fretboard near the body seemed "off" as well. I tried some Gibsons and a Korean Sheraton, no issues there. They were supposed to have a sunburst model in but it didn't come in. I really wanted to like the natural but not for the loose pots and questionable finish for almost as much as a new elitist in the states. Our dollar is almost at par (93-95 cents I think) and an almost $300.00 (after taxes) price difference isn't worth it considering what you can get on the bay (near new or fac. 2nd new) for half the price including shipping. So I wait...my casino will come...one day... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brianh Posted November 3, 2009 Share Posted November 3, 2009 She would be my Frau Bifeda to your Dr. Evil.... Dr. Evil? Frau Farbissina? Who are they? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamm7215 Posted November 3, 2009 Author Share Posted November 3, 2009 ha Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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