Pricing and availability
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Description
The Epiphone Elitist Les Paul Custom stands as a testament to impeccable craftsmanship and timeless design. This electric guitar brings the revered Les Paul aesthetics and sound to a new level, combining vintage allure with modern precision. Built for discerning musicians, the Elitist series is known for its superior quality and meticulous attention to detail. The guitar's solid mahogany body delivers rich, resonant tones that are both warm and powerful, making it a versatile companion for any genre.
Equipped with high-output pickups and a robust hardware package, the Elitist Les Paul Custom ensures reliable performance whether you're on stage or in the studio. The comfortable neck profile and smooth fingerboard allow for effortless playability, catering to both rhythm and lead players alike. This guitar is not just about sound; it's about creating an experience that resonates with musicians who demand excellence.
For those who appreciate the finer things in life, the Epiphone Elitist Les Paul Custom is a blend of elegance and power, offering a sound that is as iconic as its name.
Key Features:
- Solid mahogany body for rich, full-bodied tones
- High-output pickups for versatile sound
- Comfortable neck profile for enhanced playability
- Sturdy hardware for reliable performance
- Crafted with meticulous attention to detail
Product specs
| Brand | Epiphone |
| Model | Elitist Les Paul Custom (Japanese Export) |
| Finish | Alpine White, Ebony, Wine Red |
| Year | 2002 - 2008 |
| Made In | Japan |
| Categories | Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Body Material | Mahogany |
| Body Shape | Single Cutaway |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Stop-Bar |
| Color Family | Black, Red, White |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Model Family | Epiphone Les Paul |
| Model Sub-Family | Epiphone Les Paul Custom |
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Offset Body | Non-Offset Body |
| Pickup Configuration | HH |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 24.75" |
| Series | Epiphone Elitist |
| Wood Top Style | Opaque |
FAQs
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What makes the Epiphone Elitist Les Paul Custom different from other Epiphone Les Paul models?
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The Epiphone Elitist Les Paul Custom is a higher-end model made in Japan, featuring premium materials and craftsmanship, such as a mahogany body and neck with a rosewood fretboard, offering superior playability and tone compared to standard Epiphone models.
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What kind of pickups does the Epiphone Elitist Les Paul Custom have?
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The Epiphone Elitist Les Paul Custom features a dual humbucker (HH) pickup configuration, providing a rich, warm tone suitable for a variety of musical styles, from rock to blues.
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Is the Epiphone Elitist Les Paul Custom suitable for professional musicians?
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Yes, the Epiphone Elitist Les Paul Custom is designed with high-quality components and construction, making it a reliable choice for professional musicians seeking a premium Les Paul experience without the Gibson price tag.
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How does the neck profile of the Epiphone Elitist Les Paul Custom affect playability?
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The Epiphone Elitist Les Paul Custom features a set-neck construction with a comfortable profile, offering smooth playability and easy access to higher frets, ideal for both rhythm and lead playing.
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What finishes are available for the Epiphone Elitist Les Paul Custom?
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The Epiphone Elitist Les Paul Custom is available in Alpine White, Ebony, and Wine Red finishes, each with a high-gloss style that enhances the guitar's aesthetic appeal.
Videos
OfficialEpiphone
Dylan Rose of Archer and his Epiphone Elitist Les Paul Custom
Dylan Rose of Archer and his Epiphone Elitist Les Paul Custom
OfficialEpiphone
Epiphone Elitist Les Paul Custom White/Gold Electric - Quick 'n' Dirty
soundpurestudios
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Epiphone Elitist Les Paul Custom.
Build quality
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Some owners noted discrepancies with headstock shapes and truss rod cover screws, indicating potential variances in manufacturing or misidentification of models.
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Comparisons
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One owner with multiple Gibson LPs claims the Elitist has superior playability, though debates exist over whether the posted instrument is an actual Elitist.
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The Elitist Les Paul Customs are compared to other Japanese Les Pauls, some of which offer better specs, including a proper Gibson headstock shape.
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Value and pricing
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An owner purchased the guitar new in 2003 for $650, suggesting it was a good deal despite a cracked case, though others question the authenticity based on price and features.
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Originally considered overpriced, the Elitist Les Pauls were priced similarly to Gibsons, leading to lower sales and current rarity.
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User experience
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A user with a large collection of guitars, including Gibson models, finds the Elitist to be the best they've played, highlighting a potential for high satisfaction among owners.
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Owners often find the Elitist plays, sounds, and feels superior to new Epiphone models inspired by the Gibson Custom Shop.
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An owner fulfilled a 15-year aspiration by acquiring this model, suggesting long-term desirability and satisfaction among enthusiasts.
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Setup and maintenance
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A cracked case was repaired using JB Weld, demonstrating a practical solution for maintaining the instrument's protection.
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Other
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White models of the Elitist Les Paul Custom are extremely rare, making them difficult to find on the second-hand market.
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Features and functionality
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The guitar comes with "Epiphone USA made by Gibson 50SR - 60ST pickups," known for high output but looser low-end compared to Seymour Duncan-loaded Gibson LPs.
Source
4.5 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 6 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
In this interview https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xo8uYUnHqwY with musicians friend, at around 0:49, Frank states that he used to use the Les Paul elitist series. Some of his most notable guitars during the Revenge Era, including "Pansy" were part of the Epiphone Elitist line.
"After Pansy, my main Les Paul, started to show signs of extreme wear and tear I ended up getting a few new Epiphone Elitist Les Pauls in the fleet to take some of the heavy lifting off the old girl and let Pansy stay at home for a rest. These 4 Guitars were named (and stickered) “BELA” and “TEXAS”, both after my dogs rip. And “NEW” and “JERSEY” after my home. “BELA”, “TEXAS”, and “JERSEY” all left my possession somehow or another, gifted to close friends or sold for charity. But “NEW” has sat in my closet graveyard since the day she was smashed on stage… until now. If you went to any of the later My Chem Revenge shows then you probably saw this guitar on stage and heard it in your earholes." - Frank
https://reverb.com/item/70179078-epiphone-elitist-les-paul-custom-owned-by-frank-iero?show_sold=true
"This Les Paul was a main stay of mine for many years during My Chem’s Revenge and Black Parade Touring cycles until it was smashed on stage. This particular guitar was used on MCR’s David Letterman appearance playing Not Ok, on Jimmy Kimmel playing Helena, on much of the MTV 2 dollar bill show from the Revenge era, and countless other performances." - Frank
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The photo titled "MattCortez1373.jpg" on Photobucket shows Matt Cortez with an Epiphone Elitist Les Paul Custom, possibly named "BELA." There is a suggestion that this guitar may belong to Frank Iero.
He uses that white Epiphone Elitist Les Paul Custom through all the song from 0:37 to 4:13. And is used on almost all concerts replacing his Epiphone Sheraton II.
Micah can be seen playing an Epiphone Elitist LP Custom in this video. You can tell its an Elitist because of the unique headstock shape.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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