Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $2,074

High-end/Boutique

$500

$1201+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Step into the world of classic rock 'n' roll with the Epiphone Elitist Casino, a semi-hollowbody electric guitar that captures the essence of vintage tone and modern playability. Crafted with precision, this guitar is a testament to Epiphone's commitment to quality and attention to detail, offering musicians a premium instrument that stands out on any stage. The single piece slim taper "D" profile mahogany neck ensures comfortable playability, perfect for long sessions whether you're jamming or recording.

The Elitist Casino's design is both elegant and functional, featuring a traditional headstock free from inlays and adorned with either "Elite" or "Elitist" on the truss rod cover—distinguishing it from other models in the lineup. Its parallelogram fretboard inlays not only add a touch of aesthetic flair but also serve as a nod to the rich heritage of Epiphone's craftsmanship. This model also includes metal saddles on the tune-o-matic bridge, providing durability and stability in tuning, making it an excellent choice for those who demand reliability in their gear.

Whether you're a seasoned performer or an aspiring musician, the Epiphone Elitist Casino offers a versatile soundscape that can adapt to any genre, from blues to rock, and everything in between. Experience the fusion of classic and contemporary, and let your music resonate with the legacy of iconic sounds.

Key Features:

  • Single piece slim taper "D" profile mahogany neck
  • Traditional headstock with "Elite" or "Elitist" on the truss rod cover
  • Parallelogram fretboard inlays
  • Metal saddles on the tune-o-matic bridge
  • Semi-hollowbody design for rich, resonant tones

Product specs

Brand Epiphone
Model Elitist Casino
Finish Natural, Vintage Sunburst
Year 2002 - 2019
Made In Japan
Categories Hollow Body Guitars
Body Material Maple
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Brown, Tan
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Fretboard Radius 12"
Model Family Epiphone Casino
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration SS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"
Series Epiphone Elitist
Top Material Maple
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What makes the Epiphone Elitist Casino different from the standard Epiphone Casino?

The Epiphone Elitist Casino is crafted in Japan with higher quality components and construction, offering superior sound and playability. It features premium materials such as a maple body and mahogany neck, providing a richer tone and enhanced durability compared to the standard model.

Is the Epiphone Elitist Casino suitable for jazz and blues music?

Yes, the Epiphone Elitist Casino's hollow body design and P-90 pickups deliver warm, resonant tones ideal for jazz and blues. Its versatile sound profile allows for smooth, expressive playing across various musical styles.

What is the neck profile of the Epiphone Elitist Casino like?

The Epiphone Elitist Casino features a comfortable, slim-tapered neck profile, making it easy to play for extended periods. This neck shape is ideal for players who prefer fast, smooth transitions between chords and notes.

How does the Epiphone Elitist Casino handle feedback compared to other hollow body guitars?

The Epiphone Elitist Casino is designed to minimize unwanted feedback, thanks to its solid construction and quality components. However, like all hollow body guitars, it may require careful amplifier settings to control feedback in high-gain environments.

Can the Epiphone Elitist Casino be used for rock music?

Absolutely, the Epiphone Elitist Casino's P-90 pickups provide a bright, punchy sound that works well for rock music. Its ability to handle both clean and overdriven tones makes it a versatile choice for rock guitarists.

Jack Fossett

Jack Fossett

Epiphone Casino vs Epiphone Elitist Casino

Video thumbnail for Epiphone Casino vs Epiphone Elitist Casino by Jack Fossett

Epiphone Casino vs Epiphone Elitist Casino

Jack Fossett

Jack Fossett

Video thumbnail for Epiphone Elitist Casino Hollowbody Electric Guitar Demo - Sweetwater Sound by Sweetwater

Epiphone Elitist Casino Hollowbody Electric Guitar Demo - Sweetwater Sound

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Epiphone Elitist Casino vs Gibson ES-335 by Jack Fossett

Epiphone Elitist Casino vs Gibson ES-335

Jack Fossett

Jack Fossett

Video thumbnail for Epiphone Elitist Casino vs Standard Casino with UPGRADED Pickups by Jack Fossett

Epiphone Elitist Casino vs Standard Casino with UPGRADED Pickups

Jack Fossett

Jack Fossett

Video thumbnail for Epiphone Elitist Casino by Jack Fossett

Epiphone Elitist Casino

Jack Fossett

Jack Fossett

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Epiphone Elitist Casino.

Features and functionality

  • The Elitist's construction includes Gibson P90s, which provide a clearer sound profile than the muddier tones of standard Epiphone P90 pickups.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • For quiet playing environments, owners frequently use DI setups over traditional amps, maintaining tonal quality without high volume.

    Source
  • The Elitist Casino handles overdrive well even with its hollow body design, making it suitable for varied playing environments.

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  • The Elitist's design and pickup quality make it ideal for players seeking a vintage tone and aesthetic without the high price of an original model.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Users report success using the guitar with a Behringer Ultra-DI and RME Babyface for direct input into digital setups.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Compared to direct amp play, users note that DI into studio monitors allows for a clearer perception of the guitar's tonal nuances.

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  • The Chinese Casino corrects neck joint inaccuracies found in Korean models, although both have thinner necks compared to vintage Kalamazoo designs.

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  • The Elitist 1965 model features a nitrocellulose finish, closely resembling a vintage Kalamazoo model, unlike the more common polyurethane finishes on other models.

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  • The Elitist Casino is often compared to Gibson models, with owners noting its quality is on par with higher-end guitars.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Some users experience bridge buzz, indicating potential setup needs even in quality models.

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  • Chinese-made standard Casinos may experience tuning issues, poor nut quality, and bridge saddle problems, requiring future repairs or upgrades.

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User experience

  • Owners praise the neck's playability, highlighting its versatility across jazz, blues, rock, and R&B styles.

    Source
  • Korean-built standard Casinos are preferred by some owners over Chinese models for better build quality and fewer maintenance issues.

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Value and pricing

  • Preowned Elitist models can be found for around $1,850 to $2,000, making them an attractive option for those seeking vintage accuracy without the exorbitant cost.

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  • Elitist Casinos can be found on reverb.com for as low as $1000, often refurbished, providing a budget-friendly option for high-end quality.

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Build quality

  • The Elitist Casino features US-made P90 pickups, offering superior sound quality compared to the standard Epiphone P90s.

    Source
  • The Elitist models are crafted in Japan with superior materials, offering a distinct feel and sound compared to Standard models, which are often critiqued for muddier tones.

    Source
  • Some Elitist Casinos come with Seymour Duncan P90s, which can rival or surpass Gibson pickups in terms of sound fidelity.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Owners of standard Casinos often consider upgrading components like the nut, pickups, and bridge saddle to improve tuning stability and sound quality.

    Source

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Keith Richards uses Epiphone Elitist Casino

Keith Richards

Guitarist, Singer

The Rolling Stones

...
Verified via Photo

Keith Richards used a 1961 Epiphone Elitist Casino, according to this Guitar Player article:

"Richards and Wood already had a strong history with Gibson products. In the mid Sixties, Richards played a 1959 Les Paul Standard, a 1961 Epiphone Elitist Casino..."

See how Ally McErlaine uses Epiphone Elitist Casino

Ally McErlaine

Guitarist

Texas

...
Verified via Photo
Color/Finish: Sunburst

In a live photograph, you can clearly see guitarist Ally McErlaine playing an Epiphone Elitist Casino, identifiable by the word "Elitist" visible on the truss rod cover.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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