Elitist Les Paul Custom Review

This model represents the Paul legacy with distinction. It features a bookmatched flamed maple top on a bookmatched mahogany back and is fully American equipped.

Features:	9.6
Sound:	9.8
Action:	9.6
Reliability:	9.4
Impression:	9.4
Overall rating:	9.6
Users rating:	8.2
Comments:	41

overall: 10

Featured review by: Ippon, on february 11, 2008

Price paid: $ 450

Purchased from: Hamamatsu Japan

Features: This Made in Japan LP Custom Elite was a limited production run similar to the specials run by bigbox guitar stores in the USA like MusiciansFriend/Guitar Center. Mine is a 2007 model with the typical MIJ quality, high. 22 frets, 24-3/4" scale, Mahogany set neck, Mahogany body with a Maple cap, Alpine White with Gold hardware. They offered 2 PU configs: Burstbucker Pros or Burstbuckers 1 and 2. Mine came with the BB 1/2. // 10

Sound: It's made for Classic Rock and won't disappoint if you dabble in GN'R or Mettalica. Think Gibson LP R9. It works very well with my Fender HotRod and my friends' Hughes & Kettner TriAmp MK II and MB RoadKing. The electronics are superior (pots and switch) and the humbuckers are Gibson-quality. // 10

Action, Fit & Finish: The action wasn't extremely low, the pus didn't need height adjustment, and the finish was flawless. I've had this for a little over 6 months, way past the honeymoon stage, the Gold hardware looks new, since I make sure to wipe it down after each session, and I still am amazed by what I paid for it. // 10

Reliability & Durability: This guitar reminds me of my dad's Gibsons, built like tanks. I expect this to remain awesomely playable when I have grandkids. The straps are pretty solid but like most of my LPs, it'll get the proper straplocks. This thing probably weighs 11 pounds or so. This is my current "go to" LP. // 10

Impression: I play classic rock, blues, learning jazz, and dabbling in some metal. This one does most of it. I go to my 7-string MIJ Ibanez for the extra chug and trem wankery or to my Strats for SRV and Blackmore. This comes close to the Gibson R9, my MIJ Burny Super Grade comes closest to the R9, stock. I was fortunate to get this and its twin SG, also in Alpine White, when a local shop had a huge anniversary sale in Hamamatsu. I've seeen this same model sell for $900-1100 on Evil Bay. I'd rate this slightly higher than the MIJ Tokai LS (Love Rock) and MIJ Edwards LP, but slightly below the MIJ Burny Super Grade. // 10

overall: 10

Reviewed by: ^Slash^, on february 27, 2007

Purchased from: Local Music shop

Features: My LP was made in 06 in Japan. It's a Standard 22 fret, 24-3/4" scale. It's obviously solid top. Alpine white finish that looks absolutly wonderful. It has the Tune-O-Matic bridge, with passive electronics. It has the 2 volume, and 2 tone knobs with the 3-way selector. Grover tuners which do the job of staying in tune quite nice. It also includes a 50SR USA for the neck pick up, and a 60ST USA for a bridge pick up. But I took both of those out and put in Alnico Pro II's. // 10

Sound: The Custom Elitist suits my music style perfect. I play blues from the '50s, metal from the '80s, Zeppelin, Sabbath, GN'R, Buddy Guy etc. I'm using a Crate GT212 120 watt amp, that works okay I suppose. You get like no feedback at all with gain on 10. But then again I have my amp on like 2 most of the time. But I think the guitar controls feedback nicely. Distorted sounds are nice the bridge hiumbucker is wonderful, and the neck pick up is nice and bassy the way I like it. And I'm not talking about the Alnico pups. // 10

Action, Fit & Finish: The action was alittle to high for my likings but that was easy to fix with the Tune-O-Matic bridge. The pickups were just fine when I got the guitar. I didn't find any flaws in the guitar, but I had noticed some wax on the pickup, so I just got a cloth a rubbed it off. Other than that it came to me pretty much perfect. No scratches or anything like that. // 10

Reliability & Durability: This guitar will 100% withstand live playing, unless you wanna kill it on stage, which is absolutly up to you. I have played 2 gigs with it, and it was a gem on stage. The hardware will definetly last a long time. The strap buttons are solid and haven't come loose. The only thing I recomend is to have strap locks since the Elitist guitars are a tad heavier than just normal LPs. And you wanna keep them safe. I would gig with this with out a backup any day. The finish is awesome I absolutly love the alpine white finish, and there hasn't been any cracks or chippings come off yet. And I don't think there will be anytime soon. // 10

Impression: I play a very wide variety of music, and this guitar is a perfect match. I have been playing for about a year and a bit. I own a Crate GT212 and Music Research Works ETG34, a Dunlop Crybaby Classic Wah, and Crate GT212 120 watt amp. There is nothing I wish I had asked before buying the guitar. If it were stolen I would beat the crap out of the person Who stole it, or if I had lost it I would probably go and buy another. I love the finsh, the ease of playing, the quality, and the sweet sound. I compared this to a Epiphone Standard LP, a Black Beauty SG, and some Ibanez guitar. And this Ep blew all 3 out of the water. If anyone here on UG is going to a buy an LP Standard or any LP, I do recomend them spending a bit more for the Elitist line they are wonderful guitars. Maybe not as good Gibson Custom shop, but they do compare to Gibson USA Standard guitars. And for 1200 you can't go wrong. The price and quality for the guitar is just awesome. // 10

overall: 10

Reviewed by: unregistered, on may 22, 2008

Purchased from: eBay/one owner

Features: 2004 Wine Red Elitist Custom. Not too much to add to a Custom description except, it is better quality than about 6-7 Gibsons I looked at in the Guitar Center last week for $2, -2, 500.00 more dollars! If you don't know what a Les Paul Custom, I mean a real one, is made of/from/like etc. then stick to playing with yourself! // 10

Sound: It has classic rock sound with that oh sooooo long sustain. This is achieved by the long neck tenon and aged solid mahogany body. The pups are clear and dark at the same time. I have Strats, Schecters and the Paul is much more low end defined. However. I play thru a Traynor 40YCR all tube amp with an adorning Wine Red cover and oatmeal grill. Check it out at Traynor.com For the money, this amp rocks and is self-biasing too! Boss ME-50 effects and the slight of hand magic we all develop as we progress! // 10

Action, Fit & Finish: The best action, fit and finish of any guitar I have ever purchased. My G & L Legacy is an ever so close match. No wonder Gibson keeps these Elitist underwraps. Why PAY 3-4, 000.00 for a name, unless you are bound and determinded. To each his/her own! Mine has a beautiful waavy(sp? ) grain and is book-matched expertly! As I said I purchased it from eBay, the seller bought it for his son and the son decided to go in another musical direction. Good for HIM and damn good for me! // 10

Reliability & Durability: 9lbs 8 oz's of pure mahogany and maple, throw in a little metal and plastic and if you break into my home I will break your skull with the pickup input end and then continue to play "Hells Bells" for you as you descend into the infernal gates of whatever you want to call it! I do not play Live, I usually just annoy our cats and the close neighbors. // 10

Impression: I do not play in a band. Vocalist from the first grade till now. Decided to learn on my own in 1978, college course and then on my own till now. Yes I am almost a half-century old, but I survived the late '70's and the snow laden '80's, so there you go! This is my second "Custom". An original 1980 Black Beauty. God, why did I sell it in 1996. Oh yea!, to buy my wife an anniversary ring. Sometimes ya gotta do what ya gotta do! They say the Strat is the rock-n-roll guitar. Try to play AC/DC on a Strat. I have tried, no damn meat or sustain. Strats have their place as do all other hybrids out there. Everyone's Strat, Tom Anderson, Suhr, ESP et. al. look like a Strat! Copy a Gibson and you get your ass sued of! Enough said!!! // 10

overall: 7.8

Reviewed by: Moe., on april 21, 2008

Price paid: $ 532

Purchased from: -

Features: This Epiphone was made in 2007 in China. It has 22 frets and the scale is 24.75". The neck is quite large and bulky, making it hard to solo for some people. It's a set mahogany neck, with a rosewood fret board. The headstock features Grover tuners, which hold tune well, but could do better in my case. The body style is the obvious Les Paul shape with the single cut away. It's a solid mahogany body with alder top, and a Tune-O-Matic bridge. The guitar features gold hardware, which fades after a while. On top of that, the gold pickup covers are very hard to keep clean. It features 2 Alnico pickups, 2 individual volume and tone pots, and a 3-way pickup switch. // 8

Sound: The sound of this guitar is quite good. The stock pick ups are muddy to my ears, but a quick change will fix that. It suits a lot of styles, from punk, rock, pop, jazz, and blues. Although I'd recommend something else for metal players, as the neck isn't much to vouch on for soloing. It can be slightly noisy at times but I usually roll back the volume knob during guitar-less parts of songs. It's a very full sound, which suits a lot of styles well, although I wouldn't mind have something brighter. The guitar is slightly versatile, but will always give off that classic Les Paul tone. I can manage to get a nice jazz tone on the neck pick up though, and a metal tone on the bridge pickup. // 9

Action, Fit & Finish: The guitar, when purchased, wasn't set up at all. It had a heap of back bow on the neck, A lot of fret buzz, and wouldn't hold tune at all. I got it setup by my guitar tech (thanks Mark) and it plays fairly well now. The pick ups were adjusted well, and the action was adjusted perfectly for minimal action and minimal fret buzz. The first few frets needed to be re-glued, but are fine now. The bad setup from the factory was the only problem I had on my guitar so far. // 8

Reliability & Durability: The guitar can withstand gigs and live playing well, but like most guitars I wouldn't throw it from one side of the stage to the other. The hardware may need replacing after a bit of a long period, along with the electronics, but this is a basic thing for me. The strap buttons were solidly put in place, but I didn't want to take any chances and replaced them with Dunlop straploks. The alpine white finish looks fairly good to me, and after many months of continues playing hasn't faded at all. // 7

Impression: When I purchased this guitar, I was heavily into punk music. It's a great match for punk music, but over time I've gotten into more of the heavier nu-metal music. I've found the neck to be a little too slow in my hands for that, so I may end up selling this soon. My overall impressions stay still on the basis that this is a nice guitar for the price. I may be tempted to by another if this one gets either lost or stolen, but I may go for the Jackson or PRS se route. I love the feel of this guitar up to the 17th fret; from there it's a struggle to reach things. I wish it had better fret access, but my hands are smaller than others so it may just be me. // 7

overall: 10

Reviewed by: unregistered, on july 04, 2007

Price paid: $ 1050

Purchased from: Outlaw Music, Missoula MT

Features: // 10

Sound: This guitar sounds great. I'll probably be changing out the bridge pickup in the near future, possibly to a Duncan Distortion like I have in my Epi LP, but the neck pickup is fantastic, both clean and distorted. I play through a Laney GH50 tube head and 4X12 Laney cab, through a Metal Muff stomp box. This guitar sounds very clear, warm and full, a noticeable step up from my Epi LP Custom, and hands down a better guitar than the Gibson LP Studio, which was the other guitar I was considering picking up. I play harder rock/punk music (www.myspace.com/comeupswinging, not the greatest recordings, but we aren't trying to 'get famous', just having fun) and of course, the Les Paul, which bridges many style gaps, works well for me. // 10

Action, Fit & Finish: Flawless. Alpine White looks fantastic, and will age very nicely. My shop did a pro setup, so I don't know how well it was setup from the factory. As beautiful as the Gibson Custom Shop counterpart, if you can stand not having "Gibson" across the head stock. // 10

Reliability & Durability: Solid. The hardware is a big step up from the regular Epiphone line. I had Schaller strap locks installed, but the stock buttons looked good. This guitar is as reliable as any Gibson. I'm also really looking forward to the Alpine White finish turning yellow. // 10

Impression: I had full intentions of getting a "Gibson." I owned a mid 90's Gibson LP Studio when I was younger, but they sure don't make the studio like they used to. I did a little side-by-side comparison w/the Elitist and the Studio, I found the studio to be considerably lighter (which I don't like), less comfortable in the neck, not nearly as well finished, and "cheap" feeling in comparison to the Elitist. I'm not saying that the Studio is a bad guitar, but it is without question "inferior" to the Elitist in all areas other than the Nitrocellulose finish. As compared to the Gibson Custom Shop LP, it is maybe a hair lighter, has a rosewood fretboard as opposed to the Gibson ebony fretboard (the only thing I wish the Elitist had done differently), but otherwise is of very similar feel, sound, and playability. The Elitist case is nice, kind of an alligator finish, nice hasps, arched top, an ugly purple lining, and a nice leather wrapped handle. Had I been able to spend $3, 500 on the Gibson, I would have, but in my opinion, the Elitist is the "same" quality guitar for 1/3 the price. Did I mention that it was beautiful? Flawless binding on the top and back, neck and headstock. The headstock is also apears to be at the "correct" Gibson angle, as opposed to the Standard Epiphones. // 10

Comments

[paultheturk]

this guitar is pure sex i want it so much maybye in alpine white though yep yep

[magvol]

what a beauty

[richard_edwards]

im not a les paul guy, but if it sounds good and looks half decent ill be tempted.

[Phill-Rock]

whats the difference between the elistist and the normal custom?

[senor_penguin]

normal custom is $600 and the etlist is about $1000, theres your difference

[chris24789]

^ and a huge jump in terms of construction, hardware and overall quality

[^Slash^]

Yeah. The Elistist series are made with higher quality rather than the normal standard/custom

[getoutofhere]

when i get money i'm gonna get a standard custom. and both of them come with grover tuners

[^Slash^]

Yeah. I really like the vintage sunburst on the standard. I wish Customs came in that rather than just plain white/black/red

Although the alpine white looks SEXY.

[nightwalker903]

i know ill prob get flamed but my chemical romance plays them. no im not a fan but its pretty kool someone in a famous band uses a epi rather than gibson. ive heard the elists are amazing and better than normal custom. i have a normal custom and might be tempted to get one of these instead of a gibson

[USAPeavey]

The Epiphone Elitists are like completely different instruments compared to other Epis. It is almost like its another brand. They are in a league of their own but are priced accordingly

[fhqwgads]

I have an Elitist, and it's great. It's my first electric, and I'm really lovin the sound I get from it, I play alll idfferent styles, and the Elitist proves to be quite versatile instrument.

Rock on!

[RedHotFan182]

taking back sunday's rhythm guitarist uses elitist too so mcr arent the only ones

[mayer_fan44]

I have an elitist and I've played the non-elitist epis before...there is no comparison. The elitist comes with the Gibson-grade pickups rather than the lower quality epiphone ones. I would also recommend it over a gibson because the gibsons are made by hand. First, being hand-made makes it more expensive. Second, being hand made also makes it possible for flaws in the instrument. The bodies on the epi elitists are all machine made to perfection. So anyone that says the price is the only difference between the normal epi and the elitist is sorely mistaken. The elitist is well worth the money and I would even venture to say that it's slightly under-priced just because the quality is so amazing. I recommend it to any guitar player.

[black_coffin]

im a les paul guy more than a sg but i love sg's and i own a les paul junior

[kfong03]

lol i have a normal epi LP standard and i reli can't tell much difference from the etlist ones. you guys are making me feel bad....lmao

[Korzack]

Shh, don't over-laud it too much... We'll end up knocking the price up by another couple of hundred hehe.
Still, sorely tempted - probably worth trading in me old standard LP for one of these when the times right.

[rockhead77]

is this guitar as bright sounding like a gibson or does it have a daarker tone like most other epiphone's?

[rosemetal17]

if u want this version of guitar in gibson, what model would be the similar one?

[kfong03]

any gibson les paul custom would do

[Sage]

rosemetal17 wrote:

if u want this version of guitar in gibson, what model would be the similar one?

gibson makes this guitar and its called the les paul custom just like this one. if you are looking for this exact guitar in gibson its like 3400-3500 at my local music shop.

[samm12]

God, I want to get one of these. alpine white is very sexy, and elitist epi's are amazing.

[lucas_22]

like to get a elitist. orginally i wanted to get a gibson sg cause of the price compared to an les paul in gibson. i saw this and was like wow, because it woulod feel the same as my epi lp standard which i love already, and would sound great unmodded. also i dont need to be worried when i go touring to be a little rough on it. its not like im spenidng my whole inheritance on it like a gibby custom, which cost about 3500 dollars. i could buy one of these and still have enough dow to buy a marshall jcm 2000 full stack which would also be good fot touring and still have about the same quality.

[Entendu]

RedHotFan182 wrote:

taking back sunday's rhythm guitarist uses elitist too so mcr arent the only ones

yea eddie uses one, Fred played Gibson SGs

[Ali-b912]

nightwalker903 wrote:

i know ill prob get flamed but my chemical romance plays them. no im not a fan but its pretty kool someone in a famous band uses a epi rather than gibson. ive heard the elists are amazing and better than normal custom. i have a normal custom and might be tempted to get one of these instead of a gibson

i think most of lynryd skynyrd now play their epiphone one, but i dunno about it. alot of famous bands use(d) epis tho, i know the beatles did and so did oasis. i think many famous bands probably use them but not on stage or recording. during rehearsal some bands would probably use epi because they arent as epensive in case of accidental floor collisions. even tho yes they dont pay for them all the time, gibson isnt just gonna be all "woop diddle dee dee you smashed 38 guitars, heres some more"

[GNRAGE_2010]

Anthony Raneri from Bayside uses an Epiphone Elitist

[UrMomsMom]

I dont trust this review... i mean come onnn... perfect 10s ?!??!?!?

[bokuho]

UrMomsMom wrote:

I dont trust this review... i mean come onnn... perfect 10s ?!??!?!?

All perfect 10's is a little bit high I agree, but Elitists really are THAT damn good. Unless you really want a Gibson neck profile (and can't live with the Epiphone neck profile at all), the Elitists are better in most respects than their Gibson production-level counter parts. In terms of sheer build quality (forgetting personal tonal preferences or whatever for a moment), only the Gibson Custom Shop can beat them.

[blaze2thekings]

mayer_fan44 wrote:

Second, being hand made also makes it possible for flaws in the instrument.

stupidest thing ive ever heard, anybody that works for any big name company is a very skilled person who creates amazing guitars thats the point of having a high end guitar...its hand made, machines go through the motions. So if you pick up a Gibson or whatever brand and it sucks....its cuz some guy dropped it in the back of the shop or it got warped or something.

[Ippon]

UrMomsMom :
I dont trust this review... i mean come onnn... perfect 10s ?!??!?!?

Dangit, you're right, I meant to give it a 9 for "Impression" no matter the 10s in the other areas.

I'd give the Burny Super Grade a 10 once I write the review.

Anyway, check out the pics of this MIJ:
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j284/JudokaUSA/mijEp i/IpponMIJEpiLP-10.jpg
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j2 84/JudokaUSA/mijEpi/IpponMIJEpiLP-08.jpg
http://i83.photobu cket.com/albums/j284/JudokaUSA/mijEpi/IpponMIJEpiLP-06.jpg
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j284/JudokaUSA/mijEpi/Ippo nMIJEpiLP-04.jpg

I love the full, multiple binding throughtout (body, neck, and headstock).

:cheers:

[cukd7x-a2-]

paultheturk wrote:

this guitar is pure sex i want it so much maybye in alpine white though yep yep

A Gibson Les Paul Studio in alpine white costs the same just about, os your choice...

[Ippon]

Check out the pics I posted (Alpine White) and what I paid in Japan.

[MCrmy777]

A lot of bands play these. Mychem. Sugarcult, plain white t's, hawthorne heights. Until they get big and start playing gibsons

[ianscrandlecake]

doesn't lars from rancid still play the white epi lp he ogt for his 21st?

[ellucifere]

oh my god its so hotttt mmmmm

[KCW1229]

you know the GOld hardward on this elec. is actually 24k gold?? its says all over the epi site

[KCW1229]

probly last you a long time

[-GuitarHero-]

Would you recommend this over a G-400 Custom, I have the G-400 and am looking to buy one of these, but in Alpine White

[KenG]

Reviewed by: Moe., on april 21, 2008
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Price paid: 532

MOE's review is not for an Elitist LP Custom but for a standard EPI LP Custom! Elitist's are made in Japan, not China and Elitists have Maple Tops on mahogany not Alder. I wish people would learn to tell the two product lines apart as it's frustrating to see comments made based on one model but directed towards the other. The headstocks are totally different & only Elitists have the Elitist logo on the rear of the headstock. It's not rocket science but somehow still eludes people.

[Esric]

it reminds me too much of my dads 64 les paul custom with mother of pearl fretts. Beautiful guitar but the head snapped off after a jam session we had.

[KenG]

Esric wrote:

it reminds me too much of my dads 64 les paul custom with mother of pearl fretts. Beautiful guitar but the head snapped off after a jam session we had.

Unlike Strat's which are damn near indestructible, Les Pauls have a weak spot & the angled headstock is it! A good amount of wood is removed from the joint to allow for access to the trussrod nut. It needs more clearance because the tool must fit over the nut, not into it as with Strat's/Tele's. Your dad's LP may have been previously cracked from an earlier accident (sliding off an amp it was resting on perhaps, or maybe it was dropped at one time) and it chose that time to give up the ghost. This is why I always advocate a guitar stand for rest during playing & a case for storage all other times.