A real Les Paul, Made in Japan.
The Elitist line was manufactured by Epiphone in Japan, which include Casino, Sheraton, Rivera, 335, Brydland, Broadway, Country Deluxe, and a range of Les Paul models, are high quality counterpoints to Gibson’s American made instruments. “Made in Japan” is synonymous with high quality in the guitar world. Epiphone and may other high quality intruments are made in Korea, China, Indonesia and Japan. The Elitist line is now out of production or discontinued.
Our review guitar is a Les Paul Standard in a Honey-burst finish with a solid ‘plus’ top of book-matched flame Maple. The ‘Plus’ top designation signifies higher quality cosmetically than the plain top standard models. This particualr instrument was built in 2004 in Japan and was purchased as a special deal – Probably due to it’s ‘Plus’ top being not the most figuered. This guitar might fit the bill for those seeking traditional tones in a sturdy, high quality instrument built to vintage specs.
Figuring is the grain pattern of the wood. The more appealing the grain pattern of the Maple top, the more expensive the intrument.
Elitist Les Paul Standard Features At a glance.
- Gibson manufactured pick-ups and USA electronic components.
- Durable Polyurethane finish
- Long neck tenon
- Grover tuning machines
- African Mahogany back (book-matched on early models according to literature)
- Solid Book-Matched Maple top (not a veneer)
- Vintage style hardware (American Standard Spacing & Size)
- Matching Deluxe hard-shell case – included with original purchase.