Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $948

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Crafted with precision and passion, the Epiphone Elitist Les Paul Standard stands as a testament to the fusion of tradition and innovation. Designed for discerning musicians who crave the authentic Les Paul experience without breaking the bank, this electric guitar delivers a rich, resonant sound that's unmistakably iconic.

The Elitist series is celebrated for its meticulous attention to detail, offering features that set it apart. The guitar's solid body construction is enhanced by premium tonewoods, ensuring both durability and a full-bodied sound. Its handcrafted neck promises comfort and playability, while the high-output pickups provide a dynamic range that can handle anything from crisp cleans to gritty overdrives.

Whether you're performing on stage or recording in the studio, the Epiphone Elitist Les Paul Standard is designed to inspire and elevate your musical journey. Each note you play will sing with clarity and depth, making it a beloved choice among musicians who appreciate quality and craftsmanship in every strum.

Key Features:

  • Solid body construction for robust sound
  • Premium tonewoods for enhanced resonance
  • Handcrafted neck for superior playability
  • High-output pickups for versatile tonal range
  • Authentic Les Paul styling with a distinct headstock design

Product specs

Brand Epiphone
Model Elitist Les Paul Standard (Japanese Export)
Finish Ebony, Faded Cherryburst, Honeyburst, Vintage Sunburst
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, Brown, Red, Yellow
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Epiphone Les Paul
Model Sub-Family Epiphone Les Paul Standard
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 Plain

FAQs

What makes the Epiphone Elitist Les Paul Standard different from other Epiphone Les Paul models?

The Epiphone Elitist Les Paul Standard is crafted in Japan with high-quality materials, including a bookmatched flamed maple top, a one-piece mahogany neck, and USA-made humbuckers, offering superior build quality and sound compared to standard Epiphone models.

What kind of pickups does the Epiphone Elitist Les Paul Standard have?

This guitar features a 50SR USA humbucker rhythm pickup and a 60ST USA humbucker treble pickup, providing a rich and versatile tone suitable for various music genres.

Is the Epiphone Elitist Les Paul Standard suitable for professional musicians?

Yes, the Epiphone Elitist Les Paul Standard is designed with professional-grade specifications, including a set-neck construction, premium hardware, and high-quality pickups, making it an excellent choice for professional musicians seeking reliability and great sound.

What neck profile does the Epiphone Elitist Les Paul Standard have?

The Epiphone Elitist Les Paul Standard features a one-piece mahogany neck set at the 16th fret, providing a comfortable and familiar feel for players accustomed to the classic Les Paul neck profile.

Can the Epiphone Elitist Les Paul Standard handle different music genres?

Yes, with its versatile USA humbuckers and solid mahogany body, the Elitist Les Paul Standard can produce a wide range of tones, making it suitable for rock, blues, jazz, and more.

Bobby Howe Guitar

Bobby Howe Guitar

Epiphone Les Paul Elitist: A Review

Video thumbnail for Epiphone Les Paul Elitist: A Review by Bobby Howe Guitar

Epiphone Les Paul Elitist: A Review

Bobby Howe Guitar

Bobby Howe Guitar

Video thumbnail for Epiphone Les Paul Standard Elitist from 2004 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg & Tobias Hoffmann by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Epiphone Les Paul Standard Elitist from 2004 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg & Tobias Hoffmann

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Video thumbnail for 2004 Epiphone Les Paul "Elitist" Made in Japan by GregsGuitars

2004 Epiphone Les Paul "Elitist" Made in Japan

GregsGuitars

GregsGuitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Crafted in Japan, matches or surpasses Nashville quality.

  • Attention to detail is exceptional, with real pearl inlays and bone nut.

  • Thin yet comfortable neck profile enhances playability.

  • Versatile sound rivals many Gibson Les Pauls.

  • Plays like a dream, with phenomenal sound and aesthetics.

  • High build quality with a classic, attractive look.

  • Hidden treasure status offers excellent value for money.

  • Superior craftsmanship by true Japanese artisans.

  • Offers a premium feel and sound at a more affordable price.

  • Solid weight and balance enhance playing experience.

CONS

  • "Tombstone" headstock design is a divisive aesthetic choice.

  • Requires diligent searching for reasonably priced models.

  • Limited production years can make availability challenging.

Owner Insights

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

Comparisons

  • Some owners argue Japanese Les Pauls, like Orville, offer better specs than the Elitist, including a more authentic Gibson headstock shape.

    Source
  • Owners compare the Elitist favorably to $2k Gibsons, citing similar sound quality but lacking flashy gold hardware.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The rarity of the Elitist models today is partly due to their initial high price, comparable to lower-end Gibsons at the time.

    Source
  • The white Elitist Les Paul is especially rare, with some suggesting it was nearly nonexistent even when first released.

    Source
  • Elitist models can be found used for $500-$600, making them an excellent deal for those seeking Gibson-like quality at a lower cost.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners find the Elitist to play, sound, and feel superior to newer Epiphone models, such as the "Inspired by Gibson" series.

    Source
  • Owners highlight the guitar's weight, noting it as heavier than typical, which may affect long playing sessions.

    Source
  • One owner tuned their guitar half a step down with 12-52 Rotosound top tape flats for a unique sound.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Elitist Les Paul features Gibson USA pickups and wiring, praised for their solid construction and excellent sound quality.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • One owner fixed a pickup selector issue easily, indicating minor setup problems can be resolved without much effort.

    Source
  • A 2003 model was upgraded with Grover 14:1 tuners and had its frets leveled for improved playability.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • A user installed Seymour Duncan JB/Jazz pickups, a 50's wiring harness with CTS pots, orange drop caps, and a Switchcraft switch/jack for enhanced tone.

    Source

Other

  • The original Epiphone Elitist case was missing, so a Douglas case was used as a functional alternative.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Frank Iero uses Epiphone Elitist Les Paul Standard

Frank Iero

Singer, Guitarist

My Chemical Romance

...
Verified via Photo

Guitar is identified in an ad for Epiphone. He played both the Elitist Custom and Standard models. Used in the Revenge-Era

See how Ray Toro uses Epiphone Elitist Les Paul Standard

Ray Toro

Singer, Guitarist

My Chemical Romance

...
Verified via Photo

Played during the Revenge Era. Guitar is identified in an ad for Epiphone: "Ray Toro of My Chemical Romance and his Elitist Les Paul Standard"

See how Luther Dickinson uses Epiphone Elitist Les Paul Standard

Luther Dickinson

Guitarist

The Black Crowes

...
Verified via Epiphone

I also have an Epiphone Korina Flying V that I love…that thing sounds so damn good…and an Epiphone Elitist Les Paul Standard that I love. There’s just something about the Flying V and that Elitist that sound so good.

Epiphone interview, 2005.

Genre Usage

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

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Epiphone Elitist Les Paul Standard, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Epiphone Korina Flying V
Epiphone Korina Flying V Solid Body Electric Guitars
1

Community setups

Show yours
fazliemreguven

fazliemreguven

Gear IQ 238

More Epiphone Solid Body Electric Guitars

Accessories & Related Items

Similar

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    kkolar
    kkolar

    Gear IQ 120856