Build quality of Elitist vs Studio?

[romonster]

Is the build quality on a new Epiphone Elitist as good as/less good than/better than the build quality on a new LP Studio?

[Termanator7]

Well the Epi Elitists are setup by the guys at Gibson but was originally setup in Japan. I would rather have an Elitist over a Gibson Studio. I've heard amazing things about the elitists and ok things about the studio. You should wait for Diceman to reply, he will be able to help you out.

[diceman]

I prefer the construction methods and materials used on the Elitist, although I prefer the finish on the Studio. Elitists have solid backs, long neck tenons, bone nut, real mother of pearl and abalone inlays, but are poly finished. They also have USA pickups and Gibson or exact equivalent hardware, switches, and pots. Studios have short tenons, plastic nut, plastic inlays, and chambered or weight relieved backs (depending on year) - but they are Nitro finished, and the white Studios have Ebony boards. I'd suggest playing a few of each before you make your decision.

Elitist consistency is much better than what I've seen from Gibson USA lately, so if you're planning on ordering "sight unseen," the chances of getting a "dud" Elitist are slim to none - not so true w/ the Gibson Studios.

Both are great guitars - I've owned both - I prefer my Elitists to the Studio that I used to have - but I have laid my hands on some great Studios in shops recently.

Best of luck with your decision!

Having been in your position and having to make that decision, being able to afford either, I went with the Elitist - I'm glad I did, and have gotten a 2nd one since then.

[romonster]

Thanks for the advice...I'm going to call around and see if anyone has an Epi elitist I can try out.

[hbucker]

On paper the construction differences aren't even close. Elitist wins. I would say QC on the Elitist line is better too but have nothing but my opinion to back that up.

I can say that I've played Gibson LP's that I liked better than my Elitist but NONE of them were Studios. The Studios I've played needed a setup at a bare minimum. But none have felt and played as nice as my Elitist.

This isn't to say that Studios "suck" or anything. But to answer your original question, the Elitist wins; on paper and in application.

[5F6-A]

elitist all the way

[Davey Rockets]

this probably won't help your decision-making (or will it), but I own both an Elitist and a Studio.

Based on the two I own, the workmanship and finish are about the same. Obviously much varies with guitars, although I've never seen or heard anyone getting a bad Elitist. It certainly seems that if you were to buy "sight unseen", the odds would favor the Elitist, given the consistently high level of workmanship of Elitists. If you have a chance to play both, then your hands and ears will tell you which way to go.

Playing wise, they both play great, no guitar has an advantage over the other... tone-wise, they're different flavors, but they're both very good flavors. I reach for each of them on an equal basis, depends on my mood.

[romonster]

Originally Posted by Davey Rockets

this probably won't help your decision-making (or will it), but I own both an Elitist and a Studio.

Based on the two I own, the workmanship and finish are about the same. Obviously much varies with guitars, although I've never seen or heard anyone getting a bad Elitist. It certainly seems that if you were to buy "sight unseen", the odds would favor the Elitist, given the consistently high level of workmanship of Elitists. If you have a chance to play both, then your hands and ears will tell you which way to go.

Playing wise, they both play great, no guitar has an advantage over the other... tone-wise, they're different flavors, but they're both very good flavors. I reach for each of them on an equal basis, depends on my mood.

Thanks everyone! I actually found a used LP Standard Faded and bought that instead of the Studio or Elitist. I think it sounds great, but it should sound even better once I replace the pups with some from Wolfetone (haven't decided which yet, but leaning towards the Marshallheads).

[diceman]

Congrats! I really like those Faded Studios - I played one last year and loved it!

[romonster]

Originally Posted by diceman

Congrats! I really like those Faded Studios - I played one last year and loved it!

Thanks! To be exact, it's an '05 Honeyburst LP Standard Faded with a 60's neck. I'll try to put up pics sometime.

[Nova_jam]

I'd take an elitist over a studio. mho. But i've found that title dosent ensure quality. You can find trashy gibson's and fantastic epi's or whatever. You just need to go and try them both out. Compare the feel,weight, and all that. Hey, maybe even take a budy and have them hand you one or the other while your eyes are closed lol.

[diceman]

Originally Posted by Nova_jam

Hey, maybe even take a budy and have them hand you one or the other while your eyes are closed lol.

I've always wanted to do that. I may try that out when I'm comparing R8's this summer...