Epiphone Elite And Elitist

[randyz]

I've got several Epiphone Casinos (MIK and MIJ) and my favorite is an MIJ model in sunburst with a rare factory Bigsby. It was built in 2003 and was a presentation guitar awarded to someone connected with Musician's Friend. Since he was a Fender guy, he sold the Casino on eBay and I snagged it with BIN after only a few minutes. It's a gorgeous guitar and an excellent player. I have refered to it as an 'Elite' several times in this forum and others, only to be corrected and told that it's an 'Elitist'.

A few days ago I spotted a 1-day eBay auction for another MIJ 2007 model in sunburst with a trapeze tailpiece, so I snagged it with BIN. The seller needed to sell it in a hurry because a Rick bass that he had order through Fuller's in Houston unexpectedly showed up early. That reminds me of the 1996 AFG that showed up at North Coast about 3 years sooner than I expected...

Anyway, I received the second Casino yesterday and decided to put it side-by-side with the other to compare the sunburst finishes. The first thing I noticed about the second Casino was that the case was longer (although both guitars are the same size). The second Casino's case and truss rod cover are marked 'Elitist' while my older one is marked 'Elite' in both places.

So apparently these MIJ guitars were originally called 'Elite' models before they changed the name to 'Elitist'. I think they should have left well-enough alone, because 'Elitist' carries negative connotations for most people.

[ricardo_vicente]

So apparently these MIJ guitars were originally called 'Elite' models before they changed the name to 'Elitist'. I think they should have left well-enough alone, because 'Elitist' carries negative connotations for most people.

You're spot on (historically) about the name change. I also agree with your personal take on the "Elitist" name. It's especially inappropriate as these are very affordable guitars.
I always thought the name change was due to a copyright issue but I've just read somewhere that Epiphone had already used the "Elite" tag for a line of lower-budget Korean models.

I also have an Elitist Casino and, whatever the name, it's a fine instrument. Hope you're enjoying yours.

[lennon211]

Congrats on the second Casino. You're right about the "elitist" term. Post pics of them when you get a chance.

[deaconblues]

Wow...once again, that is a great-looking Casino!

[charlyg]

never mind I figured it out..... Great guitar BTW.

[wj350]

Congrats on your Casino(s)! Details and pics please!!

[randyz]

Here's my first MIJ Casino - The Elite Model:

No pictures yet on the newest addition...

[randyz]

Why does my picture look so small? I've posted this before on the old site and it looked fine. Have they changed the picture size requirements?

[charlyg]

Looks to me like the major diff between it and a 335 is the pup. I have a Dot Studio, that I have hopped up with a Bigsby, locking/trimming tuners, new pups,pots, and I have a varitone I am going to add. I guess what I want to know, if that is the major dif in tone, or does it feel different too?

[wj350]

Hey Charly!

The major difference (IMO) is the big honking block of wood in the middle. The Casino is a hollow body, the Dot, Sherry, other variations are semis with the center block for sustain.

The P-90s are unique sounding, but as with any pickup, IMO, you can do a lot with tone and volume controls on both the guitar and amp to get the sound you're looking for.

Bill

[charlyg]

AHA! That makes sense.

[wj350]

Randy, beautiful! I didn't realize you had the model with the Bigsby!

Bill

[randyz]

Bill,

My first Casino was a single pick-up '66 model with an ice tea sunburst. I bought it in '85 ($225) and I sold it back in '03 ($1800) when I got my Elite ($800). I never thought I'd find a guitar I liked better than the '66 but the Elite blew it away. As far as Epi archtops, I currently own:

'90's MIK Casino Cherry
'90's MIK Sorrento Orange with Epi Bigsby
'01 MIK Casino Ebony with Epi Bigsby
'01 MIK Casino Vintage Sunburst
'02 MIJ Casino Elite Vintage Sunburst with Bigsby
'07 MIJ Casino Elitist Vintage Sunburst

Here's the Sorrento:

Click on the picture to see it full size. I need to figure out how to post larger pictures on this updated site...