One of these is not like the others...

Guitarsan · 08-07-2008, 06:21 PM

OK, so I've been educating myself on Epi Elitists - I'm about to make the plunge on a new or gently used Standard Plus, and I'm really appreciating all the help in identifying fakes.

So, to test myself -

I first thought this one was fake, but now I'm not sure so sure (between the weirdly worded posting and apparent non-existent serial number on the back of the headstock, but looking at the headstock further I think I might see a shadow of a serial number?) :

EPIPHONE ELITIST GUITAR WITH HARD SHELL CASE - eBay (item 320283044325 end time Aug-11-08 19:59:19 PDT)

and this one is real:

Epiphone Elitist les paul flame top USA pickups MIJ! - eBay (item 330258875153 end time Aug-10-08 16:37:33 PDT)

Do I pass the quiz?

jon_c · 08-07-2008, 06:26 PM

Serial numbers are stamped on (elitists, elites & mij) afaik. Both look legit to me

overdriver · 08-07-2008, 06:36 PM

They both look real to me , I would, if your interested in the 1st one ask for a better pic of the serial # , almost looks as if it was touched up, so as not to show? Makes me wonder if some of the ebay guitars are hot or not. It is the newer of the 2, but what matter.

jkinnison90 · 08-07-2008, 08:38 PM

They both look real.

Guitarsan · 08-07-2008, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by overdriver

It is the newer of the 2, but what matter.

Ah, but I'm curious, at a minimum how old must it be, since the truss cover says "Elitist" rather than "Gibson", as they currently do?

IdiotWind · 08-07-2008, 09:09 PM

Am I the only one who thought of Foo Fighters - The pretender when I read the topic title?

WSR66 · 08-07-2008, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IdiotWind

Am I the only one who thought of Foo Fighters - The pretender when I read the topic title?

nope. I did too.

overdriver · 08-07-2008, 10:29 PM

[quote=Guitarsan;250876]Ah, but I'm curious, at a minimum how old must it be, since the truss cover says "Elitist" rather than "Gibson", as they currently do?[/QUOTE

I could be wrong but I had thought the current ones have Elitist on the truss cover and Gibson was dropped

a guess 04-05 ? Diceman would know! If you ask the guy for the serial you will know forsure.

Sinmastah · 08-07-2008, 11:25 PM

If they start making fake elitists, oh man. Look good though, maybe one of them or both will end up with MLP members.

Guitarsan · 08-08-2008, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by overdriver

I could be wrong but I had thought the current ones have Elitist on the truss cover and Gibson was dropped

a guess 04-05 ? Diceman would know! If you ask the guy for the serial you will know forsure.

Well, here's the thing. It depends on the (currently offered new) model. On new ones, here's what is engraved on the truss rod cover: Tak Matsumoto "Tak Matsumoto", black Custom "Elitist", Goldtop "Elitist", both Standard Plus colors "Gibson". Weird huh? That's why I asked about a Standard Plus showing "Elitist" - that must have been changed in recent past.

diceman · 08-08-2008, 12:29 PM

My 2004's both say Gibson on the TRC.

I've never seen a fake Elitist - not a one - in all of my searching. They are awesome guitars, though - good decision on picking one up!

Production year is the first number in the SN (right after the letter "F").

pfa · 08-08-2008, 12:36 PM

Older Epiphones have Gibson on the TRC .. my 2003 have it aswell.

diceman · 08-08-2008, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pfa

Older Epiphones have Gibson on the TRC .. my 2003 have it aswell.

Elitists and Epiphones really don't follow any of the same rules...

overdriver · 08-08-2008, 01:23 PM

Diceman what is on the one ya got for that fellow member a while back? scarypete ?

diceman · 08-08-2008, 02:33 PM

I linked Scary Pete up with my local Gibson dealer - who always stocks Elitists. Pete said that everything went well shipping his guitar across the country.

Right now they've just got a Custom with aged binding (just like Guido's) in stock. I'm sure they'll be getting more in shortly.

overdriver · 08-08-2008, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by diceman

I linked Scary Pete up with my local Gibson dealer - who always stocks Elitists. Pete said that everything went well shipping his guitar across the country.

Right now they've just got a Custom with aged binding (just like Guido's) in stock. I'm sure they'll be getting more in shortly.

I know bro. but what I was asking was what was written on the truss cover? Gibson or Elitist?

EpiLes · 08-08-2008, 10:41 PM

i think they are probibaly real but i never would trust ebay with my baby. ( les paul ) so id get a new one and just save up for it.... unless its not in production then i wud grab it if its real.

lp_junkie · 08-09-2008, 07:51 AM

I don't use fleabay for anything, I have to play any guitar before buying.

Bordeaux · 08-09-2008, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IdiotWind

Am I the only one who thought of Foo Fighters - The pretender when I read the topic title?

Great song!

Guido · 08-10-2008, 03:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IdiotWind

Am I the only one who thought of Foo Fighters - The pretender when I read the topic title?

me too !

mattfeltham · 08-11-2008, 04:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bordeaux

Great song!

and so easy to play! haha

08-07-2008, 06:21 PM	#1 (permalink)
Guitarsan Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Cary, NC Posts: 63 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	One of these is not like the others... OK, so I've been educating myself on Epi Elitists - I'm about to make the plunge on a new or gently used Standard Plus, and I'm really appreciating all the help in identifying fakes. So, to test myself - I first thought this one was fake, but now I'm not sure so sure (between the weirdly worded posting and apparent non-existent serial number on the back of the headstock, but looking at the headstock further I think I might see a shadow of a serial number?) : EPIPHONE ELITIST GUITAR WITH HARD SHELL CASE - eBay (item 320283044325 end time Aug-11-08 19:59:19 PDT) and this one is real: Epiphone Elitist les paul flame top USA pickups MIJ! - eBay (item 330258875153 end time Aug-10-08 16:37:33 PDT) Do I pass the quiz?

08-07-2008, 06:26 PM	#2 (permalink)
jon_c Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Manchester, UK Posts: 349 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: One of these is not like the others... Serial numbers are stamped on (elitists, elites & mij) afaik. Both look legit to me

08-07-2008, 06:36 PM	#3 (permalink)
overdriver V.I.P. Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: New Brunswick Canada Posts: 2,916 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: One of these is not like the others... They both look real to me , I would, if your interested in the 1st one ask for a better pic of the serial # , almost looks as if it was touched up, so as not to show? Makes me wonder if some of the ebay guitars are hot or not. It is the newer of the 2, but what matter.

08-07-2008, 08:38 PM	#4 (permalink)
jkinnison90 Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Nelsonville, Ohio Posts: 1,378 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: One of these is not like the others... They both look real. __________________ 2003 Epiphone Les Paul Standard - Heritage Cherry Sunburst

08-07-2008, 09:09 PM	#6 (permalink)
IdiotWind Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Maine Posts: 89 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: One of these is not like the others... Am I the only one who thought of Foo Fighters - The pretender when I read the topic title? __________________ 08 Epiphone LP Standard 07 Fender CD140SCE Acoustic-Electric

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08-07-2008, 10:29 PM	#8 (permalink)
overdriver V.I.P. Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: New Brunswick Canada Posts: 2,916 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: One of these is not like the others... [quote=Guitarsan;250876]Ah, but I'm curious, at a minimum how old must it be, since the truss cover says "Elitist" rather than "Gibson", as they currently do?[/QUOTE I could be wrong but I had thought the current ones have Elitist on the truss cover and Gibson was dropped a guess 04-05 ? Diceman would know! If you ask the guy for the serial you will know forsure.

08-07-2008, 11:25 PM	#9 (permalink)
Sinmastah V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Bloomington Minnesota Posts: 2,974 Thanks: 3 Thanked 38 Times in 8 Posts	Re: One of these is not like the others... If they start making fake elitists, oh man. Look good though, maybe one of them or both will end up with MLP members. __________________ Epiphone Elitist SG Faded Cherry Faded Cherry Epiphone SG G-400 Flamed Cherry SunBurst Epiphone Les Paul Plus Top Vintage Sunburst Epiphone LP Special II VOX AD30VT Epiphone Studio 10S Amp http://www.youtube.com/profile_videos?user=sinmastah

08-08-2008, 12:29 PM	#11 (permalink)
diceman V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 6,454 Thanks: 16 Thanked 4 Times in 2 Posts	Re: One of these is not like the others... My 2004's both say Gibson on the TRC. I've never seen a fake Elitist - not a one - in all of my searching. They are awesome guitars, though - good decision on picking one up! Production year is the first number in the SN (right after the letter "F"). __________________ 1969 Gibson Deluxe / 08 Gibson R8 / Epi Elitists: Standard & Custom / Epi Custom & Studio Goth - '65 Fender Jaguar My Band: www.comeupswingingmusic.com or www.myspace.com/comeupswinging

08-08-2008, 12:36 PM	#12 (permalink)
pfa Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 50 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: One of these is not like the others... Older Epiphones have Gibson on the TRC .. my 2003 have it aswell.

08-08-2008, 01:23 PM	#14 (permalink)
overdriver V.I.P. Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: New Brunswick Canada Posts: 2,916 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: One of these is not like the others... Diceman what is on the one ya got for that fellow member a while back? scarypete ?

08-08-2008, 02:33 PM	#15 (permalink)
diceman V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 6,454 Thanks: 16 Thanked 4 Times in 2 Posts	Re: One of these is not like the others... I linked Scary Pete up with my local Gibson dealer - who always stocks Elitists. Pete said that everything went well shipping his guitar across the country. Right now they've just got a Custom with aged binding (just like Guido's) in stock. I'm sure they'll be getting more in shortly. __________________ 1969 Gibson Deluxe / 08 Gibson R8 / Epi Elitists: Standard & Custom / Epi Custom & Studio Goth - '65 Fender Jaguar My Band: www.comeupswingingmusic.com or www.myspace.com/comeupswinging

08-08-2008, 10:41 PM	#17 (permalink)
EpiLes Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 8 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: One of these is not like the others... i think they are probibaly real but i never would trust ebay with my baby. ( les paul ) so id get a new one and just save up for it.... unless its not in production then i wud grab it if its real. __________________ Check out my pics at: http://www.redbubble.com/people/SarahEricD

08-09-2008, 07:51 AM	#18 (permalink)
lp_junkie Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Southeast Texas Posts: 1,129 Thanks: 1 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: One of these is not like the others... I don't use fleabay for anything, I have to play any guitar before buying. __________________ LP_Junkie now on MySpace _____________________________________________ Les Pauls and Marshalls- Hammer of the Gods. EPI/MIJ Modders (Orville-Tokai-Burny-Greco-etc.)

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