This guitar, like everyone else has said, is awesome! I would highly recommend buying one while you still can. If you look on Epiphone's website, they no longer list this instrument, though they do still list the Casino Elitist, for example. I think they must be discontinuing the Epiphone Elitist Les Paul line. My guess as to why ... this is such high quality for such a great price, that there is no reason to shell out twice as much to have a "gibson" les paul (unless cost is not a factor at all) - which is basically this guitar with a slightly different headstock. Mine needed some minor adjustments and was not perfectly set up right out of the box, but these were not defects in the guitar, just some tweaking with the set-up, which you should probably do with any new instrument. This guitar rocks! I could not be happier.

I have the now discontinued Honey Burst finish. Like others have said, the guitar is drop dead gorgeous. People are just amazed at the grain/finish of this guitar.

Careful inspection shows very meticulous construction. Look all you want, you won't find a flaw.

The guitar is heavy but comfortable, and you can just feel that you are holding a higher quality guitar for a reasonable price. Top notch case is included.

My only complaint is the pickups do not sit snug in the holes/rings. You can wiggle them with your finger (they hold their place otherwise). Not a deal breaker, but my other Les Pauls (ranging from a low end Epiphone to a Gibson Studio) do not have that problem.

Pickup sound is responsive and good, though a bit shrill for my liking. I prefer the Burstbucker Pros in my Gibson.

All in all, you don't have to pay over $2000 for a top quality Les Paul. Unless the name "Gibson" on the headstock is a key feature for you, get this guitar.

I have had my Epiphone Elitist Les Paul Standard Plus for 4 months now and I wanted to tell others how pleased I am with this guitar. It arrived well packaged and without a scratch. The finish is glossy perfect and the wood grain is out of this world. Everyone that sees this guitar comments on how beautiful the wood is. The appearance of this elitist is top notch in my opinion and the care and detailed craftsmanship that has gone into making it really shows through. Excellent job Epiphone.

When I first plugged it in I was surprised how clean this guitar sounds. The pickups have no noise and the tone is crystal clear through both of my amps (Fender Super Champ XD and my Line 6 Spider Valve 112). Turned up and adding some gain this LP is a real rocker. My playing even sounds good on it. The sustain is long and sweat. The pickups are what I say are just right for creating that classic LP sound. You won't need to change the pickups on this guitar. The hardshell Elitist case is top notch also.

I can't say it's a better or worse guitar than a Gibson LP, but I will say its a fine guitar all on it's own.

Gibson Les Pauls rock beyond words, no doubt about that. However, don't be too quick to dismiss this very special instrument and don't let anyone tell you differently! This is truly a real Les Paul in every way. Not a cheap compromise, but a value that you must see and play to appreciate. Granted, it is not a Gibson Les Paul. It's not supposed to be. It is an Epiphone, and worthy in its own right to be played right alongside models easily costing twice as much. You will not be disappointed with this guitar.

I went to the Gibson factory in Memphis, and as soon as I saw the beautiful paint job I immediately grabbed it off the rack. as soon as I plugged it in, it sounded great distorted, on the neck pickup, with tone at zero, all the way to clean, with the bridge pup and tone to 10. this is better than any Gibson I have played, so definitely buy it, if you have the cash.