My initial impression was that the neck pickup sounded wonderful, but the bridge pickup sounded kind of weak and lifeless in comparison. ( I know it's going to be just coal & switches for me ) We're getting close so Merry Christmas to all and I hope you get lots of guitar stuff this year. Maybe some differences in pots too, I don't know. The Standard have quite a bit more volume it seems as well at the same settings. Must be something else other than where they are made IMHO. What is everyone in Epiphone land's take on the two guitars, sound & playing? There must be some difference in the PUP's isn't the Elitist Gibson USA made & the Standard Chinese made for Epiphone? Something like that. Overall, I really want to like the Elitist better, cuz I really don't like much made in China except for fine China plates & cups! You know, porcelain type stuff. Fit & finish kicks the butt off the Standard however big time!!! Also, my pup selector switch on the Elitist seems to pop into the center position from either the bridge or neck position easy. My standard plays about as well as the Elitist it seems too. What I hear is a more chimmy, brighter ring & more sustain from the standard vs the Elitist.

I don't drink or smoke anything so we can't blame that.

But, when playing along w/ Beatles tunes, I believe the Standard Casino sounds more Beatles like than the Elitist does. I love the fit, feel, & look of the Elitist. I've now had my Elitist 1965 Casino for a couple of weeks & would like some constructive feedback from other users & their thoughts/impressions.

Epiphone casino vs elitist