Here we have an Epiphone Elitist 60s Les Paul custom manufactured for the Japanese domestic market at the Fujigen factory in 2005.

Along with Orville by Gibson, these are exceptional guitars that well and truly give their USA counterparts a run for their money in terms of quality and performance.

The neck, being mahogany, begins with an "open book" headstock, with 5-ply binding and inlay and is fitted with 24k gold plated Grover tuners of USA manufacture. Moving further down the neck, which is more 50s than 60s in profile, feeling substantial in the hand with enough shoulder to almost be a U shape. The bound rosewood fretboard sports block inlays and a long tenon which joins the body at the 16th fret. Finally to the body, which has a maple top and mahogany back with 7-ply binding and houses 2 "USA Classic Humbuckers" with gold covers that are beautifully balanced with rich bell-like cleans and all the grind you would expect from a Custom when put through an overdriven amp. Completing the compliment of gold hardware is a wired ABR-2 bridge and stopbar tailpiece. The electronics, which are all original to the guitar are controlled as expected via a 3-way selector switch and 2 vol / 2 tone configuration.

Cosmetically, this guitar shows all the usual signs of having been played over the past two decades, with dents and scratches throughout, including some buckle rash to the back of the body, shallow dents on the back of the neck and abrasive marks around the strap pins. The gold finish has worn through in places as is common, especially at the tuning machines. Functionally however, the guitar is in great shape with a straight neck, a fully adjustable truss rod and newly dressed frets which have plenty of life left and feel superb under the fingers. In addition to leveling and polishing the frets we have given the guitar a deep clean and set it up for what we feel is optimal playability.

The guitar comes with a hard case but no warranty or tags are present.

A superb example of Japanese craftsmanship at its finest!

Overview of specifications:

• Tuners: Grover
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Neck: Mahogany, 22 fret, long tenon
• Neck Joint: Set, 16th fret
• Nut: Bone approximately 1 11/16" / 42mm
• Scale: 24.75
• Top: Maple
• Back: Mahogany 
• P/U: USA Classic Humbucker
• Hardware: 24K Gold
• Finish: Ebony
• Weight: Approximately 9.45lbs / 4.29kg

All customs duties, fees and import procedures are the responsibility of the buyer. Please be aware of the import duties & requirements in your country.

Should an item be returned due buyer’s failure to pay taxes, customs fees, etc. the cost of the return shipping charges will be subtracted from the refund amount.

Used items can be returned within 7 days of delivery. The cost of a return shipment, which must be trackable and insured, shall be borne by the buyer.

When packing an instrument for shipment we take every precaution to prevent damage during transit.

We always try to accurately convey the condition of our products, however please bear in mind that feel, performance and even condition are subjective. In light of this, please examine the photos carefully!

When examining a truss rod on a straight neck, we check that it can turn up to about 45 degrees in both directions. When we say the truss rod can be adjusted, we mean it can be adjusted up to 45 degrees. Anything beyond that risks damaging the instrument.

Please note that the product description was made at the time of listing and there may be a slight variance when you receive your instrument due to environmental factors such as temperature and humidity.

Regarding accessories, only those shown in the photo or listed as "Accessories" in the description are available.

This item is also on offer locally and might sell elsewhere.

If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact us. We are based in Japan so there may be a delay between your initial communication and our response. We are not ignoring you! Thank you for your patience.

Unauthorized reproduction of images and text is strictly prohibited.