is this a good deal for an elitist?

[kip0909]

this top is just amazing, but im wondering if what he's asking is a fair price.
Epiphone Elitist Tak Matsumoto Signature Les Paul - eBay (item 110424420230 end time Sep-13-09 11:44:45 PDT)


oh and also, this is for my parents, who think that epiphone isn't up to par with gibson (which for the most part is true), aren't elitists of the same quality of gibsons?

[#1guitarman]

First, This guitar is marked "2nd"...the blemishes he posted pics of are probably the reason...someone with minimal skills could take care of the lil binding problems, and it wouldn't look like a "2nd", but, still it has the stamp...therefore re-sale is low...you shouldnt pay more than $550-$600 for a stamped "2nd" Tak sig. model...He wants too much for it...secondly, the deal about Epi. being "Inferior" to Gibsons, primarily comes from the Epi. Tone. If the Pots-Caps-Wiring-Threeway switch-and Input Jack are replaced, your tone will be increadable...I know mine are, and, I own 5 Epi. les Pauls. A lot of really good Rock, and, a lot of great Country Music has been recorded with Epi. Les Pauls...Take the Wilson sisters for instance, Ann and Nancy..."Heart"...Nancy plays quite a few Epi. Les Pauls and you couldnt tell 'em from a Gibby unless you seen it, She's a great guitarist, playing a great guitar,..."In my opinion"...I have been playing for 44 years now, and, I play all genre of music... ('cept "RAP"...How the hell do ya play that stuff??) I have owned Gibbys, even very expensive Vintage Les Pauls, and, I have finally setteled on buying Epiphone Les Pauls, and modding them to the tone, and action, I require for different types of music. That's the great thing about buying an Epi., you can mod to your hearts content, get the action and tone you want, and still have a fraction of the cost of a stock Gibson. "IMHO" I think Epiphone is the way to go...Fantastic starter guitar, that can be Moded to Proffesional use, as the Guitarist progresses....What more could you ask for??
But, that's just My 2 cents worth....You really have to form your own opinion by playing several guitars and finding out which one is comfortable to you, DO NOT BUY A GUITAR, JUST BECAUSE OF THE NAME ON THE HEADSTOCK!!!...For 15 bucks, you can have YOUR name on that headstock!!...Brand name is NOT a reason to buy!!....Have a good one, and I hope this has been helpful...
Peace,
Chuck
EDIT:...PS...Mr. Les Paul, Himself, approved of the manufacture of Epiphone Les Paul Guitars...that alone speaks volumes....

[Yogi]

Originally Posted by #1guitarman

I play all genre of music... ('cept "RAP"...How the hell do ya play that stuff??)

like this

YouTube - The Next Movement

YouTube - The Next Movement

[Yogi]

Originally Posted by kip0909

oh and also, this is for my parents, who think that epiphone isn't up to par with gibson (which for the most part is true), aren't elitists of the same quality of gibsons?

Regular Epiphones are made with cheaper materials ( Woods, pickups etc. ) and in China where its just cheaper labor than the US. They are good guitars, just not great guitars. With a few inexpensive mods you can make them much better.

The Elitist on the other hand or on par with Gibson quality straight from the factory. They have Gibson pickups with Gibson Hardware and correct Specs ( Even more so than Gibby standards). They aren't weight relieved, and are made with top notch materials.

I do agree that guitar is a tad bit overpriced for a 2nd. I wouldn't pay more than 800 for it, but they are discontinued so rarity is playing a factor here too.