So I'm just curious. I know Epiphone discontinued the Elitist LPs in 2008, but they still make Elitist guitars in Japan today. I know the number of models are slim, but why don't they bring the LPs? Everyone seems to like them, they have guitars still being made there, why not make the LPs again? Also why did the quit making them to begin with if everyone loves them so much?
Why doesn't Epi bring back the Elitists?
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The reason they were discontinued is they didn't sell very well when they were new, and the exchange rate between the yen and the dollar made them too expensive to produce.
The reason they won't bring them back is they'd easily outsell Gibson USA's 2015 lineup.
The reason they won't bring them back is they'd easily outsell Gibson USA's 2015 lineup.
Mark V Guitars
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I was just gonna say that.
In fact, there are numerous other Epis that kick butt, like the Epi Goldtop I recently procured from CL for a miserly sum.
duaneflowers
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I think the reason also has to do with the availability of solid maple tops and the overwhelming preferences of many buyers to have highly flamed tops (in which case they have to settle for veneer) which would not spec well with elitists. 
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I think the reason also has to do with the availability of solid maple tops and the overwhelming preferences of many buyers to have highly flamed tops (in which case they have to settle for veneer) which would not spec well with elitists.
I'm fairly certain that the Elitists have veneered tops. Many of the older MIJ LPs prior to the Elitist line had foto flame.
duaneflowers
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IMHO many of the Elitist tops are really not all that impressive and I've always chocked that up to them being solid (non-veneer)... if they had veneer tops I think they would also have foto flames, although I can't seem to find a definitive source either way. Perhaps some did and some didn't...
Its a moot point on my Elitist Goldtop, but my VS was advertised as being a non-veneer solid hard rock flame maple top and I had no reason to doubt it at the time. The next time I change the strings I will take a peek under the hood to see if I can verify it either way.
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I got the MIJ foto flame info here on MLP. There have been threads comparing MIJ tops and sure enough, many were identical.
As for the Elitists, it would be very cool if they are, in fact, non veneered. Looking forward to your update.
As for the Elitists, it would be very cool if they are, in fact, non veneered. Looking forward to your update.
paruwi
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Where can you buy those?
caspersvapors
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IMHO many of the Elitist tops are really not all that impressive and I've always chocked that up to them being solid (non-veneer)... if they had veneer tops I think they would also have foto flames, although I can't seem to find a definitive source either way. Perhaps some did and some didn't...
Its a moot point on my Elitist Goldtop, but my VS was advertised as being a non-veneer solid hard rock flame maple top and I had no reason to doubt it at the time. The next time I change the strings I will take a peek under the hood to see if I can verify it either way.
really?
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/mem...maculate-2004-elitist-plain-top-les-paul.html
every plain top elitist Ive seen has looked awesome
In fact I just bought one
paruwi
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Most of them 'Neo Classics' are limited to German/Benelux area
I've bought mine from thomann.de
they ship worldwide,
the LS-10 is currently not listed, but had been available for months
other german dealers still have them in stock
https://www.musikhaus-korn.de/en/search?q=fgn
or you can buy them directly from Japan....
duaneflowers
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really?
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/mem...maculate-2004-elitist-plain-top-les-paul.html
every plain top elitist Ive seen has looked awesome
In fact I just bought one
That one is very nice... but I've seen many that are far from awesome...
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That is not the reason.
paruwi
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What do you think is the reason ?
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I wouldn't dispute that they were / are good guitars. Indeed all I read about them indicates as such, and the responses on this thread indicate that. Yes they maybe as good if not better than some Gibson USA guitars. I think though the price would hold them back from selling too well. Some people buy Gibson because it is just that a 'Gibson'. The name on the headstock I everything to some.
With the case of the recent Gary Clark Jnr Casino, its selling here in Canada close to $1000 before tax. There will not be many stores that get it in unless its pre-sold on an order. My local store even said the same for the Masterbilt AJ45 released at Namm. Will be around $850 + tax. add another $100 for a case and your in for $1050. A Gibson J15 or J35 sells for $1500 including a case. He wont stock it unless its a pre-sold order.
With the case of the recent Gary Clark Jnr Casino, its selling here in Canada close to $1000 before tax. There will not be many stores that get it in unless its pre-sold on an order. My local store even said the same for the Masterbilt AJ45 released at Namm. Will be around $850 + tax. add another $100 for a case and your in for $1050. A Gibson J15 or J35 sells for $1500 including a case. He wont stock it unless its a pre-sold order.
paruwi
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If they would bring them back, they have to compete with other fine MiJ LesPauls....
that means they'll only have a chance if they would be in the same pricerange of ca. 1000-1100 Euro,
that is hard to believe, cause IIRC they were sold back in the time at 1200-1800 Euro
that means they'll only have a chance if they would be in the same pricerange of ca. 1000-1100 Euro,
that is hard to believe, cause IIRC they were sold back in the time at 1200-1800 Euro
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Considering the quality of Epiphones from the 1970's until now, though markedly improved, it will take a long time to elevate this budget brand enough to sell mass quantities of $1000+ guitars...or at least enough to justify high-end lines on a large scale and not just special runs.
Keep in mind that this is really about customer perception of the product. If the main cross section of the customer base sees Epiphone as only a budget brand, they are not likely to spend high dollars on one even if the quality is there. As Epiphone elevates this customter perception, the higher quality models will gain more traction.
Keep in mind that this is really about customer perception of the product. If the main cross section of the customer base sees Epiphone as only a budget brand, they are not likely to spend high dollars on one even if the quality is there. As Epiphone elevates this customter perception, the higher quality models will gain more traction.
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