I recieved my Epiphone Byrdland Elitist in natural finish with gold hardware about a month ago. I must say that I was amazed at the guitar for the money I paid. The set-up was perfect as well as the fit and finish.I own many accoustics and jazz boxes. I play mostly Chord Melody's and Jazz solos. I am normally drawn more to a nylon string accoustic but this guitar has really gotten my attention. Compared to a Gibson L-4 CES I own I actually like playing the Epiphone Byrdland a little better. It would be a really interesting test to blindfold a better than average player and plug the Epiphone in and compare the sound and playability to comparable Gibsons. Don't get me wrong I have two Gibsons that I really like playing and they are great guitars. There is just something about this Epiphone Byrdland that says play me.

I have been using my Epiphone Elitist Byrdland for about 6 months now. I have the natural finsh model which is beautiful. I'm happy enough about it that I sold both of my Gibsons (ES-175 and ES-135) which I had owned for years without any regrets. This guitar is just so much better than the Gibsons that there is no looking back. The acoustic sound is pure, much nicer than the ES-175, the ebony fingerboard is light and smooth, the neck is the perfect size for me and the appearance is truly special. The pickups, made by Gibson, produce the wonderful Jazz sound expected from these guitars. I play swing and jazz and this is the perfect guitar. Do not let the fact that it is made in Japan sway you. This is probably the finest piece of craftmanship I have ever seen. The wood is perfect, the fit and finish are great and there are simply no defects. And the price is right! This guitar should sell for thousands more in my opinion.

I really like my new Epiphone Byrdland. It is a truly great guitar. The wood and workmanship are beautiful. The gold plated hardware is first class. I like the shorter scale length of this guitar and that gives the guitar more response and liveliness. I think this is about the best electric guitars I have ever played and I own several top-of-the-line instruments. I've owned Gibson ES-335s and I like the Byrdland better. The pickguard is not attached at the rear. I swings freely, so I simply removed it. This actually improves the look of the guitar. I also put on 4 Gibson "speed knobs" in black. The black compliments the headstock, fingerboard and the pickup surrounds. This is the guitar a fellow would've been proud to play on Ed Sullivan or for any concert -- due to its looks and playability. A great guitar. And great service.

Hello, I just finished an extensive recording project for Sony music. I used my Epiphone Byrdland Elitist guitar for about 85% of these recordings. The studio staff and producers were completely and totally blown away by the tone and warmth this guitar. For all Gibson purists, you need to check out the Epiphone Byrdland Elitist before you spend a fortune on a over priced gibson archtop..... In my opinion, It's one of the best archtop "production" guitars made today. Sincerely, Steve Laury

Hello Musicains Friend, I just finished an extensive recording project for Sony music. I used my Epiphone Byrdland Elitist guitar for about 85% of these recordings. The studio staff and producers were completely and totally blown away by the tone and warmth this guitar. For all Gibson purists, you need to check out the Epiphone Byrdland Elitist before you spend a fortune on a over priced gibson archtop..... In my opinion, It's one of the best archtop "production" guitars made today.