chipwich Posted November 22, 2011 Posted November 22, 2011 Having enjoyed the Sheraton so much, I find myself now lusting after a Casino. I promise that there will be no skullduggery, I.E. this one will be fully wife approved and sanctified. However, I am in a quandary over which one. Should I buy a nice used MIK, which can be had for about the quarter of an Elitist MIJ, or just pop for say 15% off on a MIC one on Black Friday? I have been _really_ impressed with the quality and tone of my 2008 MIC Sheraton II. However, it does have upgraded pups and electronics. I'm heading down to GC after work on Weds to get some playing time on whatever they have hanging on the wall. As always your input would be greatly appreciated.
bonzoboy Posted November 22, 2011 Posted November 22, 2011 I have a 1965 John Lennon Limited Edition,so that had the wood parts cut out and partially preassembled in Japan with the final assembly and wiring and hardware in the U.S. with U.S. made parts.Seeing the fit and finish of the Crafted in Japan parts I can fully endorse them as being above average.In the meantime I also have a MIC natural Casino and although not up to the standards of the John Lennon it is way above the quality of other guitars in its price range.
batwing Posted November 22, 2011 Posted November 22, 2011 I've had a couple of MIK and MIJ casinos over the years and for me MIJ is the way to go. The ones I've owned were great stock, no mods required and the finish was better. Secondhand MIJ from 80s /90s tend to be priced between MIK and Elitist.
dxdgenert Posted November 22, 2011 Posted November 22, 2011 Apples to oranges but I have owned many guitars from many countries and the Chinese Epiphone Les Paul that I bought is nice. My US made PRS still has the best quality, but at $2K new, it should. With that said, I have owned some excellent Mexican Strats but also owned some crappy US Gibson's. I have come to the conclusion that a man is a man. As long as the equipment, materials and tools are adequate, a Chinese worker can make a guitar just as fine as an American can. The real factor is whether the manufacturer allows the worker to do make a quality product. It seems that Epiphone is allowing that to happen. I'm sure others may have differing opinions.
Parabar Posted November 22, 2011 Posted November 22, 2011 Once you've played a few, you'll probably know yourself. A recent (2010 or 2011) MIC Casino ought to be a perfectly satisying and playable guitar. A good MIK (especially from Peerless) that's been well-cared for will likely be a cut above. If you can afford the Elitist and can find a lightly used one, I believe you'll find it well worth the difference in cost.
Supersonic Posted November 22, 2011 Posted November 22, 2011 A recent (2010 or 2011) MIC Casino ought to be a perfectly satisying and playable guitar. A good MIK (especially from Peerless) that's been well-cared for will likely be a cut above. What's better about it specifically?
charlie brown Posted November 22, 2011 Posted November 22, 2011 Well, last weekend, I had the opportunity to play, all of the above versions, of the Casino. All were really nice. However, the "Elitist" (Japan) version, was really/truly outstanding. Fit, finish, tone/resonance, neck...everthing! So, IF you can afford the cost difference, I'd definitely recommend the "Elitist" Casino! CB
AlanH Posted November 23, 2011 Posted November 23, 2011 +1 on the above If you can afford the MIJ then go for it.
Dennis G Posted November 23, 2011 Posted November 23, 2011 +1 on the above If you can afford the MIJ then go for it. Add me to the CB and AlanH recommendation. I've got an Elitist and for the $, it's a standup guitar. Fit, finish, quality, playability...it's rapidly becoming one of my 2 favorite guitars (the other being whatever one of my others I'm playing).
Supersonic Posted November 23, 2011 Posted November 23, 2011 LOL. Of course the Elitist is superior to the regular Casinos. The price is 3 times as much also, so one would expect it to better. I don't really see how comments stating the obvious helps the OP in any way. EDIT: This post was made after a REALLY bad day. Didn't mean to offend anyone by it.
charlie brown Posted November 23, 2011 Posted November 23, 2011 LOL. Of course the Elitist is superior to the regular Casinos. The price is 3 times as much also, so one would expect it to better. I don't really see how comments stating the obvious helps the OP in any way. EDIT: This post was made after a REALLY bad day. Didn't mean to offend anyone by it. LOL...no offense, taken. But, I merely mentioned "My" preferences, as it would be a real consideration (to me), money or not, due TO it's superiority, not in spite of. (Smile) And, unless the OP is going to change guitars, a lot...spending the extra money, might actually be cheaper, in the long run? Who knows??? CB
musicmaker99 Posted November 23, 2011 Posted November 23, 2011 I recently sold a mint MIK-1996- Peerless Casino and then after playing a new MIC version am totally regretting the sale. The Peerless was superior in fit and finish, playability and overall feel (solid, substantial). My only issue with any Casino is the limited neck width. I've since purchased a MIK Sheraton II w/Bigsby and GFS Dream 180's and have all but put the Peerless out of my mind (but not quite). Still, I most likely would have hung onto it had I known how different an animal it was compared to the current MIC offerings. Go for a MIK (Peerless) if the old bankroll can't afford the Elitist. You'll be pleasantly surprised at the quality of these guits (I paid $499 with an SKB HS Case)
bobouz Posted November 23, 2011 Posted November 23, 2011 If you can justify the extra cost, don't forget to consider the Gibson 330L. It has the very comfortable 30/60 neck, and 19 frets clear of the body. It's an outstanding guitar overall.
BillyGibson Posted November 23, 2011 Posted November 23, 2011 Your 2008 Sherri is MIC and you seem pleased with it; albeit, it's had a few upgrades. The build quality is what I would look at. Electronics can always be changed to your preference. The 61 reissues are already upgraded and are earning high marks. Might want to look at one of those and they come with a case.
Notes_Norton Posted November 23, 2011 Posted November 23, 2011 I've only owned one Casino, a 2001 MIK (Peerless) and the fit and finish of the guitar is absolutely excellent.
chipwich Posted November 23, 2011 Author Posted November 23, 2011 Thanks so much for all of the replies. Concerning the MIK, how do I know if it is a Peerless, and what makes it a Peerless?
DonCarlos Posted November 23, 2011 Posted November 23, 2011 Go for a MIK (Peerless) if the old bankroll can't afford the Elitist +1 Would never part with my MIK Peerless. Keep us updated on what you find, and a review of how you like the guitar you pick.
RaSTuS Posted November 23, 2011 Posted November 23, 2011 how do I know if it is a Peerless, and what makes it a Peerless? Peerless is one of the Korean factories that sub-contracted to build some Epiphones at the time, it's still running, they even have their own brand of guitar, the serial number usually starts with a P or R.
Dobbind Posted November 24, 2011 Posted November 24, 2011 The elitist casino say "elitist" on the truss rod cover. This looks stupid, what happened to the "E"?
charlie brown Posted November 24, 2011 Posted November 24, 2011 The elitist casino say "elitist" on the truss rod cover. This looks stupid, what happened to the "E"? You can have an "Epsilon" "E" TRC made, to fit, at almost any "Trophy/Plaque" shop. Elitists have had that "Elitist" TRC, for years! CB
bobouz Posted November 25, 2011 Posted November 25, 2011 The elitist casino say "elitist" on the truss rod cover. This looks stupid, what happened to the "E"? You can flip the Elitist's TRC over, and now you have a plain white cover that nicely matches the pickguard!
modern image Posted December 2, 2011 Posted December 2, 2011 i've owned a elite casino. (great, resonant guitar, but felt a little flimsier than the 65 lennon) the 65 lennon not quite as resonant, but feels a bit more substantial, well built. esp the neck. i only did pick up a mik one time and the example i played felt toyish by comparison. but i've read you can find a good one, and all that matters in the end is the music, sounds, enjoyment you make. as long as it functions well, it's really as good as anything else. oh, the elite soon required a exchange of the imput jack, which broke. not a big deal tho.
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