Epiphone Elitist 335 - opinions?

[fugazi]

Hey all. I'm interested in learning about these guitars. Is the quality close to Gibson USA? Are they made in Japan or Korea? What kind of electronics come stock?

Also what do you think of an Elitist 335 vs. Billie Joe Armstrong Jr. as far as bang for the buck, tone, etc.

 

[MartinPiana]

Japan. From comments, the Elitist has a higher batting average with the 335 than recent Gibbys.... Google jack zucker semi-hollow. On his site, he has reviews of 20 or so semi-hollows.

EDIT: Here's Jack's site: http://www.sheetsofsound.net/semihollow.htm

Here's his (mini) review of the Elitist:

Epiphone Elitist Dot Neck

- Great sounding guitar. Better than the last few Gibson 335s I've had. Unfortunately, the one I bought had a neck twist and the neck was really soft so I returned it.​

 

[edward]

Never played one. But every one who has had one and spoken of it loves the Elite/Elitist line ...definitely a diff animal from your garden Epi. Or so they say. Franky, I'd like to try an LP Custom myself and see ...sorry, guess that's not much of a help, eh?

Edward

 

[Redrum]

I've got one of the Epi Elite 335 Dot's and it's a remarkable instrument. Of my 13 or so electrics, it's without a doubt one of the nicest in terms of overall fit, finish, attention to detail and playability. Just a beatiful 335 style guitar without the hefty price tage of a Gibbo (nothing against Gibson btw).

I purchased mine 1100.00 new (including shipping) and it's worth every penny.

We're talking the Japanese-made Elitist's here, just for the record.

 

[Mark C]

I have one. It's like a Gibson made to PRS quality standards - great bang for the buck and really nice tone to boot. I think it's definately a better deal than the Gibson 335, although I haven't played a historic.

 

[Custom50]

the elites are japanese made, and i have to say, they really hold up! I've only played a few, but they have all impressed me. Definitely a great buy.

 

[Janglin_Jack]

I have an Elitist Les Paul, Elitist SG and had an Elitist Casino. They are excellent guitars. I find them a no compromise instrument and as good as anything I have ever played.

I have other Japan made instruments from the same factories. Ibanez from the 70's/80's, and the current Gretsch guitars.

I put my $600 Ibanez AS-80 from the early 80's against my buddy's Custom Shop 335. He paid something close to $4K. I liked mine better, (so did he as he returned his Custom Shop two days later). I also played my $700 Japan Ibanez FA-100 next to my other friends late 70's/early 80's Gibson ES-175. He is a great Jazz played and loved the sound and playability of mine - he felt the were the same. I like mine better as it has a bit more bite and better rock sound, (his was a bit mellower - better for Jazz).

The bottom line is the Elitist line is not only excellent for the money, they are excellent period. Get one.

Jack

 

[Redrum]

Janglin's right on the money here folks. I love all my gits, but I always toss-in my 2 cents when anyone posts questions about these Epi Elitist 335's.

These models, while often misunderstood within the extended, internationally-manufactured family of Epiphone guitars, are simply outstanding instruments and appear by all accounts to be mostly under the radar to most players and just basically overshadowed by the big "G" in general.

Cheers.

 

[mainsale]

+1 for Epiphone Elitists. I have Casino and the more time I spend with it them more impressed I am with it. It's fit, finish and tone are just wonderful and it is an excellent value for money.

 

[Hoodster]

I have played Redrum's Elitist, and it's a real dog -- just a completely worthless pile of dung of a guitar.

In fact, I think he should sell it to me for $100.

 

[RickC]

I have experience with only one Elitist 335; it's a good one. The dimensions, in particular the body depth, appear to be slightly smaller than on the Gibson re-issues, which is typical of the way 335s really were in the early 60's. Similarly, the narrower, non-Mickey Mouse ears are balls-on accurate. And on this particular instrument, the finish color (cherry) and wood grain are also dead-on. I've never seen a more realistic looking vintage finish on any new 335, including the Historics.

Playwise, the guitar is very light, and combined with the shallower depth makes it very comfortable on the strap. This one is also very responsive and touch sensitive, much like a good "real" '63.

On the downside, they've chosen to model the neck after the rather wide-flatish early 60's style. A real '63 would typically have a meatier profile. This one is an accurate earlier profile, and still nicely shaped and rounded at the edges; just not ideal for fans of bigger necks. Also, the use of poly instead of nitro *does* detract from the feel somewhat; it's a little too smooth and glassy.

But except for the poly, and the headstock, this is one of the best new 335s I'ver ever played, and imo gets closer to vintage specs than anything else on the market.

/rick

 

[Redrum]

Head-on back to the FDP Hoodster, you can learn how to set-up your Strat over there....