Wiz-ski Posted November 4, 2009 Share Posted November 4, 2009 I know it's probably too early to be asking this, as most haven't touched an Inspired by Lennon Casino, BUT: If faced with the decision to buy a brand new Inspired By John Lennon Casino, OR a real deal Revolution Casino with a repaired headstock for the same price - What would YOU do? One addendum, you know for a fact that the repair was done by a reputable luthier.... Wiz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Summerisle Posted November 4, 2009 Share Posted November 4, 2009 If the repair had been expertly completed, then I wouldn't blink at the chance of owning a top-end Casino for $1000. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brianh Posted November 4, 2009 Share Posted November 4, 2009 The repair would just be one factor if it were me. If it's well done and essentially invisible, and if the price reflected that, then maybe the real deal. The Blue Book depreciates repairs - even professionally done - pretty steeply. But there are other factors - price/value being one, and of course which guitar speaks to you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluelake07 Posted November 4, 2009 Share Posted November 4, 2009 It's a joy to get a brand new guitar. The flipside of that is when...oh cr*p...it gets it's first ding. With a used guitar you don't worry about adding to the scars. The specs of the Inspired By look good and I don't think there will be much if any difference soundwise between the two. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clarkuss Posted November 4, 2009 Share Posted November 4, 2009 The JL Inspired Bys look great but I'd prefer to have an elitist... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pohatu771 Posted November 4, 2009 Share Posted November 4, 2009 For the same price, I'd have to go with the Revolution. I haven't played one, of course, but I'm guessing that the Inspired by is a slightly-modified "standard" Casino, which I already own. I'd prefer the 1965, though. The headstock break would be easier to hide, also. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted November 4, 2009 Share Posted November 4, 2009 Play 'em both, see which one speaks to you. You (nor any of us) will never be "John Lennon," so...unless it's for "collectibility" (which will be somewhat compromised, due to the repair) or "bragging rights," I'd buy whichever one best suits your needs, and pocketbook. The IBJL version IS to the 1965 specs, so...it's neck joint, actual shape and appointments, are to those specifications, including USA hardware and electronics. That's as close to an "Elitist," as you'll get, from a Chinese version. It's not just a reworked standard Casino...at least according to what Epi-1 told us. Cheers, CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest icantbuyafender Posted November 4, 2009 Share Posted November 4, 2009 I'd go with the Revolution. At least you know it wont ever break at the headstock ever again, as generally all adhesives used (like bonding agents, epoxies, wood glue) to fix the break will in the end have a much more durable neck than a new guitar will-- Due to the fact that wood is not as strong as a good epoxy. The Revo' just looks better, and I bet the break isnt even visible. A Magnificent guitar, true to its roots at one third of the going price... Bottom Line, Think of it like getting a Gibson LP custom for the price of an Epi LP custom. And, add in a reinforced neck. I say once more, REVOLUTION! "you say you want a revolution...." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
byrds1965 Posted November 4, 2009 Share Posted November 4, 2009 I am one of the few who played my own MIK burst, vs an Elitist and a Lennon Revolution and did not find a need to upgrade when I had the funds to do so. I would go with the brand new Inspired by with the same 3 ply constuction, neck joint, Gibson PUs and electronics as the Revolution and with the full Epiphone/Gibson warranty peace of mind. Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bonzoboy Posted November 4, 2009 Share Posted November 4, 2009 I'd go with the Revolution,I have a J.L.'65 and it's the easiest guitar I own for playability.The sound of the'65 and Revolution are dead ringers for the real McCoy also and as someone else stated a neck won't break at the repair site if the proper glues or epoxys were used. ---------------------------------------------------- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest icantbuyafender Posted November 4, 2009 Share Posted November 4, 2009 I'd go with the Revolution' date='I have a J.L.'65 and it's the easiest guitar I own for playability.The sound of the'65 and Revolution are dead ringers for the real McCoy also and as someone else stated a neck won't break at the repair site if the proper glues or epoxys were used.----------------------------------------------------[/quote'] +1 heh Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnMcClane5000 Posted November 5, 2009 Share Posted November 5, 2009 haha, as if a MIC/MIK Cas wasn't a dream to play... For me personally, I like when everything's perfect on a guitar, no broken necks, no cracks, etc. etc.... Because stuff like that bothers me and what if you really need/want to sell it someday? No matter what little fixing a guitar has it will always decrease the value of it even if you now think: "But it's going to be a player's guitar".... Go with the brand new one (IBJL)! It's not your average Casino, it's a chinese one with American hardware and Pickups! You can't go wrong with that combination I think... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clarkuss Posted November 5, 2009 Share Posted November 5, 2009 The Chinese Casinos I played in my local shop the other day were great. I wouldn't hesitate to buy one if the price was right and the money was there. I'd still much prefer an Elitist though. After owning the Les Paul and playing some of the Terada Gretsches, they're the nicest new guitars I've ever laid my hands on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hiwhat Posted November 5, 2009 Share Posted November 5, 2009 The Elitist Casino is basically buried in poly - and I just can`t stand that heavy plasticky feeling anymore. Even if it sounds great, it just feels wrong! My new IBJL on the other hand feels almost like raw wood. The first time I put it out of its case, I thought: "Damn - they forgot the paintjob!" Tonewise, there is absolutely no reason not to go with the IBJL. Wood, electronics, pickups, neck joint, finish - everything is spot on. Even unplugged, it`s incredibly resonant and "alive". My korean Riviera - again a guitar with a thick poly finish - sounds like a normal solidbody in comparison. Lookwise, the finish on the IBJL is IMHO closer to the actual casino Lennon played on the rooftop concert. More on the IKEA side of things if you know what I mean. Don`t get me wrong, the USA Revolution looks absolutely gorgeous - but it resembles a guitar with a faded clear coat of nitro that is hanging in a museum in Tokyo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluelake07 Posted November 5, 2009 Share Posted November 5, 2009 Telecoaster, congratulations on your purchase. That's the first IBJL I've seen that is owned by a member here. If I was in the market for a Casino (I have one) and was right-handed (I'm not), I'd save up some more money and go for the IBJL. The natural and sunburst both look great; tough decision between the two if I was buying. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlueMeanie Posted November 6, 2009 Share Posted November 6, 2009 I'd go for a IBJL as well! I'm the kind of person that can't sleep if my guitar had a crack that was repaired..it'll always bother me.. Whatever you purchase post pics! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wiz-ski Posted December 8, 2009 Author Share Posted December 8, 2009 Let's throw another wrench in this: Repaired Revolution for a grand or Blem Inspired by for $700??? Blemish is miniscule..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brianh Posted December 8, 2009 Share Posted December 8, 2009 Blem, blem blem! Hurry up! And if you don't take it, let me know where it is... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest icantbuyafender Posted December 8, 2009 Share Posted December 8, 2009 REVO! better deal to be had, sir! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brianh Posted December 8, 2009 Share Posted December 8, 2009 A repaired guitar will always be a repaired guitar. A blem will blend in with all the others after a few years, nothing to explain later. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cookieman15061 Posted December 8, 2009 Share Posted December 8, 2009 I have to agree with Telecoaster. The IBL casino is really a huge step up from my MIC one. From feel to sound, plugged or unplugged, its a class axe. The neck is sublime and you just don't wanna put it down. Plus the look is all Let it be rooftop mojo! LOL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wiz-ski Posted December 10, 2009 Author Share Posted December 10, 2009 OK, so I went with the IBJL - will post pics when I get it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AS90 Posted December 10, 2009 Share Posted December 10, 2009 I prefer used guitars and my Elitist sheraton has a neck repair so you can guess which one I would go for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tzer0 Posted December 27, 2009 Share Posted December 27, 2009 I just read a review by a guy who used to have the Lennon Signature Casino an for him the neck was too small to be comfortable. He actually switch to the Inspired By Casino, which he felt had a neck more like his Gibson 330, and was happier with it. So you may be pleased you went with that. My dilemma is whether to go with the Inspired By Casino or the Elitist. It may come down to money. With what I save by getting the IB I may be able to get a DR212 12 string or even an EJ 160. Sure, I'd love a Gibson J 45, but all in good time. If Epiphone was good enough for the Beatles it's not much of a sacrifice. Now if they'll just make that new Texan Without the electrics in it. Maybe the new ones needed an excuse for not being as good. ; ) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red 333 Posted December 28, 2009 Share Posted December 28, 2009 If Epiphone was good enough for the Beatles it's not much of a sacrifice. The Epiphones for sale today are fine instruments in their own right, but please keep in mind that before 1970, Epiphones like the Beatles used were basically rebadged Gibson intruments (or variants thereof) which were mnufactured at the Gibson plant in Kalamazoo, Michigan. They often sold for the same or more than a Gibson instrument, too. Red 333 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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