Fakebuster/Guitardater help me.. (MIK '57 Epi Elitist Goldtop)

North · 10-03-2008, 03:44 AM

Here are the pictures..
Is there ever Korean-made goldtop('57 Elitist)??
And what should be the retail price of this guitar?? Thankss~

GNR4EVR · 10-03-2008, 05:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by North

Here are the pictures..
Is there ever Korean-made goldtop('57 Elitist)??
And what should be the retail price of this guitar?? Thankss~

Elitists are made in Japan exclusively. What year is that?

North · 10-03-2008, 07:42 AM

Gibson now said there's something weird about the guitar.. So Ill let you know again then.. Wont buy it yet though ^,^" Thanks all once again~

djwilbanks · 10-03-2008, 07:43 AM

Do not purchase, straight up fake.

Skynyrdpicker · 10-03-2008, 07:52 AM

Fake

North · 10-03-2008, 08:40 AM

Woahhh~ You all saved me!! Thankss!!

djwilbanks · 10-03-2008, 09:08 AM

No prob, North. It's kinda what we do, we're just:

calibud · 10-03-2008, 09:30 AM

Man I was looking at the headstock picture and epiphone is printed so bold it looks like a kid colored it on there.

wantsa58 · 10-03-2008, 10:16 AM

Ha finally a MIK fake.. I knew there had to be at least a few out there..

GNR4EVR · 10-03-2008, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djwilbanks

No prob, North. It's kinda what we do, we're just:

This is a first, I think. Havent seen a fake Elitist yet. Good conversation piece if anything. Its worth 200.00 at best.

North · 10-03-2008, 11:49 AM

Hey guys, I got Gibson reply
"This appears consistent with a 2003 Les Paul Elitist 57 Goldtop. The suggested retail price for this model was $1,537 US MSRP. Thank you for the inquiry."
(I send the same set of pics to them..)
I guess it's a darn good fake.. but then din the FULL-gold coat give it away???
So you can tell fake from the logo on the headstock right?! New Knowledge~
Thanks guyss =D

Sinmastah · 10-03-2008, 11:54 AM

Those pics barely help at all, and that it why. The pickgaurd screw was too close to the edge.

jkinnison90 · 10-03-2008, 11:55 AM

Don't Elitist also have the Gibson style truss rod cover? Not 100% on that.

djwilbanks · 10-03-2008, 12:14 PM

heh, regardless, still a fake.

Too many things wrong with it, the biggest being a serial # to a MIK.

Sinmastah · 10-03-2008, 01:12 PM

Post a big pic of the back of the headstock.

GNR4EVR · 10-03-2008, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by North

Hey guys, I got Gibson reply
"This appears consistent with a 2003 Les Paul Elitist 57 Goldtop. The suggested retail price for this model was $1,537 US MSRP. Thank you for the inquiry."
(I send the same set of pics to them..)
I guess it's a darn good fake.. but then din the FULL-gold coat give it away???
So you can tell fake from the logo on the headstock right?! New Knowledge~
Thanks guyss =D

Did you tell Gibson the serial number? I find it strange that they have no problem with it being made in Korea. Wierd.

GNR4EVR · 10-03-2008, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jkinnison90

Don't Elitist also have the Gibson style truss rod cover? Not 100% on that.

Yep, Mine does. One screw top and bottom. That ones using a regular Epiphone TRC.

diceman · 10-03-2008, 06:11 PM

Good Lord. That is the first fake "Elitist" I've ever seen. It was only a matter of time. Yes, the Elitists have the 2 screw TRC. The GT's are gold on the top only. The original pix were way too small - but it appears that the SN is printed and not stamped as they are on the Elitists. The "Epi" script looks wrong, and should be (abalone or mother of pearl - can't remember which).

Sounds like your Gibson help guy sucked. That happens from time to time.

Benniator · 10-03-2008, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by diceman

Sounds like your Gibson help guy sucked. That happens from time to time.

Well, it's an Epi. He couldn't be bothered.

diceman · 10-03-2008, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Benniator

Well, it's an Epi. He couldn't be bothered.

Good point.

Those guys are usually pretty helpful - but every once in a while you get a guy who knows next to nothing...

North · 10-03-2008, 08:47 PM

Gibson guy already get back to me and said he'll check it out again.. Yeppz thumb up for Gibson XD.. Again.. the logo quite obvious.. I feel ^,^"

diceman · 10-03-2008, 10:54 PM

In addition to what I mentioned above (now that you've posted larger pix):

Pup selector nut is wrong - the Elitist nut actually has two slots in the ring.

Inlays are very sloppy.

Headstock shape is off. Hump is too pointy, corners are too low.

Bridge pup ring is too short.

Neck pup ring is too tall.

Plastic Nut rather than bone.

Same crappy fake looking pink lined case as used by "Payless" guitars (and I LOVE the pink/brown Gibson cases...)

Tuning pegs are not in line, and too close to the edge.

SN should be stamped. It should also start with "F"

Should have an ABR bridge, not a Nashville.

No "Elitist" logo on the back of the headstock.

Speed knobs are stock, not tophats.

The Epiphone script is actually very close (to the Elitist Epi script), but the inlay material is wrong)

Too much metal flake in the finish, and too "gold" rather than the "copper" tone that the Elitist GT's have. (And, as mentioned above, should be top only).

Bracket screw for pickguard is too close to the edge. (also, look at that bracket itself, all bent and not flush w/ the body...)

Pup ring screws on corners should be recessed and flat topped.

Control cavity plate is the wrong shape (should be "longer" along the diagonal axis - it is too squareish.

GNR4EVR · 10-03-2008, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by North

Gibson guy already get back to me and said he'll check it out again.. Yeppz thumb up for Gibson XD.. Again.. the logo quite obvious.. I feel ^,^"

Gee, you'd think the "Gibson Guys" could tell if their own product is fake or not.. Kinda pathetic, and not the first time weve had a discrepancy with them.
Just adds to the confusion, as if there isnt enough already.

diceman · 10-03-2008, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GNR4EVR

Gee, you'd think the "Gibson Guys" could tell if their own product is fake or not.. Kinda pathetic, and not the first time weve had a discrepancy with them.
Just adds to the confusion, as if there isnt enough already.

You can't hardly blame them - anyone could mistake that beauty for the real deal.

GNR4EVR · 10-04-2008, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by diceman

You can't hardly blame them - anyone could mistake that beauty for the real deal.

Oh, well, I got mine...

The often imitated, never duplicated Elitist!!!

Gunner · 10-04-2008, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GNR4EVR

Oh, well, I got mine...

The often imitated, never duplicated Elitist!!!

Nice Dude! Sweet friggin top.

Yogi · 10-04-2008, 07:34 PM

Also look at the wood on the fretboard. Its got those white streaks in it like it was painted or stained to be a rosewood color. Looks just like my Chibson, except the inlays are a lot sloppier. Where did you find this thing?

djwilbanks · 10-04-2008, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yogi

Also look at the wood on the fretboard. Its got those white streaks in it like it was painted or stained to be a rosewood color. Looks just like my Chibson, except the inlays are a lot sloppier. Where did you find this thing?

My Epi Goldtop had the white streaks in the fretboard. It was 100 percent real, but I agree that looks weird on an Elitist.

diceman · 10-04-2008, 07:58 PM

I've got mine as well!

GNR4EVR · 10-05-2008, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by diceman

I've got mine as well!

And I must honestly say, I admire your collection, Diceman

10-03-2008, 03:44 AM	#1 (permalink)
North Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 9 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Fakebuster/Guitardater help me.. (MIK '57 Epi Elitist Goldtop) Here are the pictures.. Is there ever Korean-made goldtop('57 Elitist)?? And what should be the retail price of this guitar?? Thankss~ Last edited by North; 10-03-2008 at 06:08 PM. Reason: Clearer pics uploaded

10-03-2008, 07:42 AM	#3 (permalink)
North Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 9 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Fakebuster/Guitardater help me.. (MIK '57 Epi Elitist Goldtop) Gibson now said there's something weird about the guitar.. So Ill let you know again then.. Wont buy it yet though ^,^" Thanks all once again~ Last edited by North; 10-03-2008 at 06:12 PM.

10-03-2008, 07:43 AM	#4 (permalink)
djwilbanks V.I.P. Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Arkham Asylum Posts: 27,760 Thanks: 220 Thanked 443 Times in 82 Posts	Re: Fakebuster/Guitardater help me.. (MIK '57 Epi Elitist Goldtop) Do not purchase, straight up fake. __________________ This post happily existed in all possible states until you observed it. Now it has collapsed into a single state. I hope you're happy. Click Deadpool for my Soundcloud page.

10-03-2008, 07:52 AM	#5 (permalink)
Skynyrdpicker Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Montreal Posts: 3,863 Thanks: 79 Thanked 24 Times in 12 Posts	Re: Fakebuster/Guitardater help me.. (MIK '57 Epi Elitist Goldtop) Fake

10-03-2008, 08:40 AM	#6 (permalink)
North Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 9 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Fakebuster/Guitardater help me.. (MIK '57 Epi Elitist Goldtop) Woahhh~ You all saved me!! Thankss!!

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10-03-2008, 09:08 AM	#7 (permalink)
djwilbanks V.I.P. Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Arkham Asylum Posts: 27,760 Thanks: 220 Thanked 443 Times in 82 Posts	Re: Fakebuster/Guitardater help me.. (MIK '57 Epi Elitist Goldtop) No prob, North. It's kinda what we do, we're just: __________________ This post happily existed in all possible states until you observed it. Now it has collapsed into a single state. I hope you're happy. Click Deadpool for my Soundcloud page.

10-03-2008, 09:30 AM	#8 (permalink)
calibud Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 4,509 Thanks: 88 Thanked 150 Times in 23 Posts	Re: Fakebuster/Guitardater help me.. (MIK '57 Epi Elitist Goldtop) Man I was looking at the headstock picture and epiphone is printed so bold it looks like a kid colored it on there.

10-03-2008, 10:16 AM	#9 (permalink)
wantsa58 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 686 Thanks: 4 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	Re: Fakebuster/Guitardater help me.. (MIK '57 Epi Elitist Goldtop) Ha finally a MIK fake.. I knew there had to be at least a few out there.. __________________

10-03-2008, 11:49 AM	#11 (permalink)
North Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 9 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Fakebuster/Guitardater help me.. (MIK '57 Epi Elitist Goldtop) Hey guys, I got Gibson reply "This appears consistent with a 2003 Les Paul Elitist 57 Goldtop. The suggested retail price for this model was $1,537 US MSRP. Thank you for the inquiry." (I send the same set of pics to them..) I guess it's a darn good fake.. but then din the FULL-gold coat give it away??? So you can tell fake from the logo on the headstock right?! New Knowledge~ Thanks guyss =D

10-03-2008, 11:54 AM	#12 (permalink)
Sinmastah Epi Verification Expert Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Minnesota. Posts: 16,402 Thanks: 8 Thanked 611 Times in 108 Posts	Re: Fakebuster/Guitardater help me.. (MIK '57 Epi Elitist Goldtop) Those pics barely help at all, and that it why. The pickgaurd screw was too close to the edge. __________________ Epiphone Elitist SG Faded Cherry(Jonesey'd and WB'd) Epiphone Elitist SG Faded Brown (EMG's) Epiphone MIJ Les Paul Ebony LQ Fender Mexi Oly White Strat Squier Natural Vintage M Jazz bass Peavey Classic 50 SG's FTW

10-03-2008, 11:55 AM	#13 (permalink)
jkinnison90 Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Nelsonville, Ohio Posts: 1,379 Thanks: 1 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Fakebuster/Guitardater help me.. (MIK '57 Epi Elitist Goldtop) Don't Elitist also have the Gibson style truss rod cover? Not 100% on that. __________________ 2003 Epiphone Les Paul Standard - Heritage Cherry Sunburst

10-03-2008, 12:14 PM	#14 (permalink)
djwilbanks V.I.P. Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Arkham Asylum Posts: 27,760 Thanks: 220 Thanked 443 Times in 82 Posts	Re: Fakebuster/Guitardater help me.. (MIK '57 Epi Elitist Goldtop) heh, regardless, still a fake. Too many things wrong with it, the biggest being a serial # to a MIK. __________________ This post happily existed in all possible states until you observed it. Now it has collapsed into a single state. I hope you're happy. Click Deadpool for my Soundcloud page.

10-03-2008, 01:12 PM	#15 (permalink)
Sinmastah Epi Verification Expert Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Minnesota. Posts: 16,402 Thanks: 8 Thanked 611 Times in 108 Posts	Re: Fakebuster/Guitardater help me.. (MIK '57 Epi Elitist Goldtop) Post a big pic of the back of the headstock. __________________ Epiphone Elitist SG Faded Cherry(Jonesey'd and WB'd) Epiphone Elitist SG Faded Brown (EMG's) Epiphone MIJ Les Paul Ebony LQ Fender Mexi Oly White Strat Squier Natural Vintage M Jazz bass Peavey Classic 50 SG's FTW

10-03-2008, 06:11 PM	#18 (permalink)
diceman V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Montana Posts: 29,930 Thanks: 1,212 Thanked 419 Times in 83 Posts	Re: Fakebuster/Guitardater help me.. (MIK '57 Epi Elitist Goldtop) Good Lord. That is the first fake "Elitist" I've ever seen. It was only a matter of time. Yes, the Elitists have the 2 screw TRC. The GT's are gold on the top only. The original pix were way too small - but it appears that the SN is printed and not stamped as they are on the Elitists. The "Epi" script looks wrong, and should be (abalone or mother of pearl - can't remember which). Sounds like your Gibson help guy sucked. That happens from time to time.

10-03-2008, 08:47 PM	#21 (permalink)
North Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 9 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Fakebuster/Guitardater help me.. (MIK '57 Epi Elitist Goldtop) Gibson guy already get back to me and said he'll check it out again.. Yeppz thumb up for Gibson XD.. Again.. the logo quite obvious.. I feel ^,^"

10-03-2008, 10:54 PM	#22 (permalink)
diceman V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Montana Posts: 29,930 Thanks: 1,212 Thanked 419 Times in 83 Posts	Re: Fakebuster/Guitardater help me.. (MIK '57 Epi Elitist Goldtop) In addition to what I mentioned above (now that you've posted larger pix): Pup selector nut is wrong - the Elitist nut actually has two slots in the ring. Inlays are very sloppy. Headstock shape is off. Hump is too pointy, corners are too low. Bridge pup ring is too short. Neck pup ring is too tall. Plastic Nut rather than bone. Same crappy fake looking pink lined case as used by "Payless" guitars (and I LOVE the pink/brown Gibson cases...) Tuning pegs are not in line, and too close to the edge. SN should be stamped. It should also start with "F" Should have an ABR bridge, not a Nashville. No "Elitist" logo on the back of the headstock. Speed knobs are stock, not tophats. The Epiphone script is actually very close (to the Elitist Epi script), but the inlay material is wrong) Too much metal flake in the finish, and too "gold" rather than the "copper" tone that the Elitist GT's have. (And, as mentioned above, should be top only). Bracket screw for pickguard is too close to the edge. (also, look at that bracket itself, all bent and not flush w/ the body...) Pup ring screws on corners should be recessed and flat topped. Control cavity plate is the wrong shape (should be "longer" along the diagonal axis - it is too squareish.

10-04-2008, 07:34 PM	#27 (permalink)
Yogi Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 870 Thanks: 2 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Fakebuster/Guitardater help me.. (MIK '57 Epi Elitist Goldtop) Also look at the wood on the fretboard. Its got those white streaks in it like it was painted or stained to be a rosewood color. Looks just like my Chibson, except the inlays are a lot sloppier. Where did you find this thing? __________________ Fall mountains... just don't fall on me...

10-04-2008, 07:58 PM	#29 (permalink)
diceman V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Montana Posts: 29,930 Thanks: 1,212 Thanked 419 Times in 83 Posts	Re: Fakebuster/Guitardater help me.. (MIK '57 Epi Elitist Goldtop) I've got mine as well!

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