Epiphone Elitist gold top or Gibson vintage mahogany?

[cobra2000]

hello I am new to this forum but not to guitars. I've been playing for about 6 years and have gone through my fair share of fenders deans epiphones etc. But now I've decided to get a Gibson, but after reading a lot about the Epiphone Elitist I'm wondering what would actually be of better quality and sound any comments are appreciated


Joey

[diceman]

The Elitists are great. Its a "hands down" for the Elitist in my opinion. I have two of them - and used to own a Gibson Studio. I am MUCH happier with the quality and sound of the Elitists than I am with the Gibson Studios (and Standards). If you're not chasing the headstock name - the Elitist is without a doubt a better guitar regarding materials and construction (and feel, IMO).

You're sacrificing the Nitrocellulose finish, since the Elitists are Polyurethane. You're gaining long neck tenon construction, ABR bridge, bone nut, real mother of pearl neck inlays, abalone inlay on the headstock, solid back (no weight relief or chambers), and still getting Gibson hardware and switches, and Gibson USA made pickups. The VM Studio has a Nitro finish, but is weight relieved, has a plastic nut, short tenon, and obviously no frills such as neck or body binding - it also has plastic neck inlays if I'm not mistaken.

I'd suggest going somewhere that stocks the Elitists and playing one if you're able (for a more personal comparison) - if not, you can go off of the rave reviews from the guys on the forum here (at least a dozen Elitist owners - not a one have a single bad thing to say about them!).

And, Welcome to My Les Paul Forum!!

[cobra2000]

Thanks for the quick reply! unfortunately all that's around me is a GC and they had the gibson vintage mahogany but no Elitists but after reading the great reviews on here about them and looking at the spec sheet compared to the Gibson it's starting to look pretty obvious to me. I also don't care about what the head stock says or how it looks as long as it sounds and feels killer

[diceman]

I love them - then again, I'm just one person. The overall consensus around here though is that the Elitists are absolutely top notch. I've yet to hear ONE person say that they played an Elitist and weren't blown away by how nice they are. The only "naysayers" around here are guys who have never even touched one!! The only somewhat neutral (although mostly positive) comment that I've read came from BCRGreg, who is a pretty big name (repair master of sorts, vintage expert, etc) - he said that they are very nice guitars, and the only cons he mentioned were the price, and that he thinks that the poly finish is too thick.

There is nothing "wrong" with the Gibson models - but the Elitist offers a whole lot more for the price. And, they "feel right" to me. The chambered Pauls feel like toys in my hands. I went in to buy a Gibson and walked out with an Elitist about a year ago - and acquired a second one recently. I've been waiting for the right Gibson to come along - have played probably 30 or so in the past year, and have yet to find one that I liked, much less loved. I sure do miss my old Gibson Studio - but I wouldn't trade either of my Elitists to get it back.

[Guido.c]

I had also the doubt, but in between the elitist les paul custom and this gibson les paul studio : Musician's Friend - Multiple Images - Product Detail
but having read this reviews, I ordered my elitist...its on the way already...hope this helps.
guido

[cobra2000]

I don't really mind about the finish or anything the only real draw back I saw was it wasn't made in the U.S. but I haven't read one thing about the guitar that said it wasn't put together well or lacked quality. oh and i was also trying to decided between the two guitars but I've always been a sucker for GT's and theres no way I could afford a gibson gold top so I think an elitist it is. Thank you all for your opinions now I just have to figure out which guitars I want to get rid of to make room ha

[diceman]

This one is in our local Gibson shop right now:

[dcmey]

I own a Gibson Les Paul Vintage Mahogany, and I swear by that guitar. To me I wouldn't trade that guitar for any other. The sound to my ears is incredible. If you can play one and then play on an elitest, and then buy what you feel sounds the best. Don't buy one based on what some one said, we all have are favorites. Best of luck on your decision.

[WhippingPost]

You've gotten two very similar, and very good suggestions. Both suggest playing both guitars and picking your favorite. I really don't think you would be unhappy with either guitar. However, one might just speak to you a little more.

That being said...

Originally Posted by diceman

I beg, I pine, I perish! I really want that guitar.

[Paul_Cat]

Are Elitists really that great?... I've never seen one in the many guitar stores around here in T.O. Canada, but I find that my Epi standard can is just as good (if not BETTER) quality then a Gibson standard... although I did look long and hard for mine and no other Epi I've tried is as good... maybe I need a job :P

[Paul_Cat]

...to afford a Gibson

[diceman]

Originally Posted by Paul_Cat

Are Elitists really that great?... I've never seen one in the many guitar stores around here in T.O. Canada, but I find that my Epi standard can is just as good (if not BETTER) quality then a Gibson standard... although I did look long and hard for mine and no other Epi I've tried is as good... maybe I need a job :P

Yeah - they are that great (IMO). The debate on whether the regular Epi line is better than Gibson is lacking in a lot of areas. The finish for one (same "con" as the Elitist - Poly). Then you get in to quality of wood (hit or miss w/ Epi), the 4 piece backs, veneered everywhere, 3(?) piece necks with a shallow headstock angle, the hardware and electronics, etc. The Epis are great for the money - but they do not rival Gibson without some serious mods - and when these are done, you still have the lower quality woods, which can't be upgraded. This makes it important to selectively choose an Epi that sounds and feels good acoustically. Epis DO usually have medium or long neck tenons, and solid backs (although I believe they incorporate light woods like alder to cut down on weight). Epis are fantastic for the money.

Elitists really do take Gibson head on - making the decision between the two a very difficult one.

My admittedly biased opinion aside, and in line w/ Dcmey's comment, the Vintage Mahogany Studio is an EXCELLENT value - AMAZING value, really, for a USA made Les Paul. There is no "wrong" decision here - just the one that is right for you!

[cobra2000]

Originally Posted by diceman

This one is in our local Gibson shop right now:

Those pictures just made the decision 20 times harder, really digging the gold top. I'm going to go try to find a music store around here that has an elitist since I already played the vm les paul and I have to admit that one did sound pretty good but I'm interested in seeing how the elitist compares, I think I might be a bit biased towards the gorgeous finish now

[83135]

Originally Posted by diceman

the Vintage Mahogany Studio is an EXCELLENT value - AMAZING value, really, for a USA made Les Paul. There is no "wrong" decision here - just the one that is right for you!

I have played both the Elitists and the VM. I much prefer the VM.

This is just my opinion, but I can't get past the ugly Elitist headstock. Or maybe it's the fact that the whole line was called Epiphone "Elite" when it was first launched. Or perhaps its the fact that the Elitist necks are so thin and the guitar is covered in plasti . . . I mean poly Or maybe it's the weak sounding pickups that come in the Epis.

Remember now, this is just my opinion after playing many examples of each. My good friend owns a music store and is an award-winning Epiphone seller, so I have experience playing a lot of examples of pretty much every guitar that comes through his shop.

[diceman]

Originally Posted by 83135

I have played both the Elitists and the VM. I much prefer the VM.

This is just my opinion, but I can't get past the ugly Elitist headstock. Or maybe it's the fact that the whole line was called Epiphone "Elite" when it was first launched. Or perhaps its the fact that the Elitist necks are so thin and the guitar is covered in plasti . . . I mean poly Or maybe it's the weak sounding pickups that come in the Epis.

Remember now, this is just my opinion after playing many examples of each. My good friend owns a music store and is an award-winning Epiphone seller, so I have experience playing a lot of examples of pretty much every guitar that comes through his shop.

I'm not a huge fan of Poly either - I prefer everything else on the Elitist, though.

The VM has Burstbucker Pros I believe - great pups! The Elitists do NOT have "Epiphone" pickups, though - they are Gibson pups, made by Gibson here in the USA, and are 'relabeled' 490/498's that are used on the rest of the Gibson Studio line (other than the VM).

Elitist necks are thicker than the Gibson 60's profile - but not a beefy 50's neck, for sure.

You let the headstock and name be a major factor for you, huh?

[cobra2000]

well actually after playing the vm I thought the neck actually felt a little bit to thick for my liking so I'm guessing the elitist should feel just right? and as far as the epiphone name goes I have a g-400 "custom shop" thats alpine white with emgs that i wouldn't trade for any gibson so that doesn't bother me any

[83135]

Originally Posted by diceman

You let the headstock and name be a major factor for you, huh?

You dirty rat bastid!

I had the chance to get a VM or an Elitist for free as a small bonus from my office. I chose the VM. It just SOUNDED and FELT better.
But I DO hate the "Elitist" headstock.

[diceman]

Originally Posted by 83135

You dirty rat bastid!

I had the chance to get a VM or an Elitist for free as a small bonus from my office. I chose the VM. It just SOUNDED and FELT better.
But I DO hate the "Elitist" headstock.

All good bro!

I did find the Elitist pups to be a little bit on the thin side - putting in some Vitamin Q caps really cleared that up for me, though!

Call me crazy - but I like the Elitist head stock second only to the real thing. Most other "copy" brands that use an original headstock are just f'n ugly!

Heritage has a terrible one - I'd be quite tempted to get one if they had a reasonable headstock! So, I see where you're coming from. I don't mind the Elitist headstock at all, though.

[scary pete]

Originally Posted by 83135

I have played both the Elitists and the VM. I much prefer the VM.

This is just my opinion, but I can't get past the ugly Elitist headstock. Or maybe it's the fact that the whole line was called Epiphone "Elite" when it was first launched. Or perhaps its the fact that the Elitist necks are so thin and the guitar is covered in plasti . . . I mean poly Or maybe it's the weak sounding pickups that come in the Epis.

Remember now, this is just my opinion after playing many examples of each. My good friend owns a music store and is an award-winning Epiphone seller, so I have experience playing a lot of examples of pretty much every guitar that comes through his shop.

I lol'd at this ^^
this entire post reeks of "omg this les paul sucks cuz its not gibson". I could easily argue this way and say epi > gibson cuz gibson must be worse since they are so cheap they put plastic tuners on their guitars.

Originally Posted by diceman

The Elitists are great. Its a "hands down" for the Elitist in my opinion. I have two of them - and used to own a Gibson Studio. I am MUCH happier with the quality and sound of the Elitists than I am with the Gibson Studios (and Standards). If you're not chasing the headstock name - the Elitist is without a doubt a better guitar regarding materials and construction (and feel, IMO).

You're sacrificing the Nitrocellulose finish, since the Elitists are Polyurethane. You're gaining long neck tenon construction, ABR bridge, bone nut, real mother of pearl neck inlays, abalone inlay on the headstock, solid back (no weight relief or chambers), and still getting Gibson hardware and switches, and Gibson USA made pickups. The VM Studio has a Nitro finish, but is weight relieved, has a plastic nut, short tenon, and obviously no frills such as neck or body binding - it also has plastic neck inlays if I'm not mistaken.

I'd suggest going somewhere that stocks the Elitists and playing one if you're able (for a more personal comparison) - if not, you can go off of the rave reviews from the guys on the forum here (at least a dozen Elitist owners - not a one have a single bad thing to say about them!).

And, Welcome to My Les Paul Forum!!

This stole the words from my mouth.

Also, one of the cons BCRGreg mentioned, the poly finish is hand applied, so it varies slightly on each guitar, so it may not be 'too thick'

[83135]

Originally Posted by scary pete

I lol'd at this ^^
this entire post reeks of "omg this les paul sucks cuz its not gibson".

Then perhaps you need to work on your comprehension.

I've played a bunch of each model. I prefer the VM. Simple as that. Never said the Elitist sucks, just listed the things I don't care for.

[ninny404]

Originally Posted by 83135

Then perhaps you need to work on your comprehension.

hey hey, no need for that heh. let's just settle down.

[83135]

Settle down? That's a good one.

[ThrashPirate]

Personally, I'd buy the Gibby.

[goldencd]

The rikenbocker....
uh
er

ELITIST.

Although Gibsons will vary more from guitar to guitar I have found, so you might find a really good one. Elitists seem to be really constant.

kirk out