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gibson vs MIJ epiphone


nikko18

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Speaking from the position of having owned both, I can say the MIJ Elite/Elitist is a very good guitar. The materials used for construction are second to none. The p/u's are made in the USA and sound fine.

 

As for the Gibson LP, what more needs to be said. It is a very fine instrument also. I couldn't find any negatives regarding my LP. It was a great guitar. I sold it not to long ago, just for the simple fact that it was never being used.

 

If you want to compare them, the only way is in a side by side test. I personally like the EPI just as much as the Gibby. I know it will be difficult to even find an a Elitist to try out, but you have to search and hey, that's half the fun.

 

2004 Epiphone LP Elitist:

elitist_001.jpg

 

1996 Gibson LP:

LP_001.jpg

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  • 3 months later...

Ive owned Gibson Les Pauls and MIJ Epiphones. (Not Elitists, but the Epiphone brand that isnt officially exported from Japan. The one with the open-book headstock instead of the tombstone.)

 

For the money, The Epiphone wins. Why: the quality is the same the tone is the same. but the cost is about 1/3rd to 1/5th that of a Gibson. My last MIJ Epi I paid $350 for. This new gold top Im buying is about $600. (after converting yen to dollar) This is why Gibson doesnt allow them to be officially exported.

 

Now the bad news. Even in Japan, MIJ Epis are hard to find. Everybody knows what a deal they are so most people that have em, never sell, and they dont make them anymore. (At least Epiphone doesnt. Tokai, Burny...those are separate discussions) So... IF you find one used, can you play it before you buy it? (Id never recommend buying ANY guitar sight unseen). If you DONT lve in Japan, the odds are highly against it.

 

So. IF you find an MIJ Epi, youll probably have to pay the guy who found it, some packing and shipping fees, then the guitar cost. By the time your done with all that youll LIKELY be in the ballpark of a Gibson...

 

So if youre vacationing here in Japan... and find one (right next to a 4 leaf clover) then go that route. I strongly advise it. But if you live in the US, Id recommend a Special Faded, or Vintage Mahogany, or BFG. You wont be disappointed.

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A Pupil I teach has a Epiphone Elitist Les Paul and it plays and feels great. As well made as either of my five Gibson guitars.

 

My Grestch is made in Japan as are my three Fenders too. Every time I went out with a pocket full of cash to buy a USA Fender, Fender Japan won.

 

My favourite countries for electric Guitars are Japan and the US :-$

 

Matt

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A Pupil I teach has a Epiphone Elitist Les Paul and it plays and feels great. As well made as either of my five Gibson guitars.

 

My Grestch is made in Japan as are my three Fenders too. Every time I went out with a pocket full of cash to buy a USA Fender' date=' Fender Japan won.

 

My favourite countries for electric Guitars are Japan and the US O:)

 

Matt[/quote']

 

What about India and China?:-

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I have no experience of Indian Guitars. The only Chinese guitar I have is an Ibanez EP9. Yes it is made very well. I know too that Eastman are a Chinese make who make very well received arch tops. I just don't have a lot of experience of the countries you said Thunder God, sorry.

 

Matt

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