2002 Epiphone Elite / Elitist EB3 bass guitar - Discontinued Model -Japan - Original Hard Case

Brand

Epiphone

Here you have a rare 2002 Epiphone Elite EB3 bass guitar. This is NOT your typical Epiphone, made in Korea or Indonesia. This is from the now-discontinued Elite / Elitist line, crafted by the Fujigen company in Japan. It was designed to be a more accurate re-creation of the classic Gibson EB-3 (the model played by Jack Bruce and others, in the 1960s and 1970s), than anything Gibson was selling. So it's a short-scale (30.5-inch model) with the famous "Varitone" 4-position rotary chicken-head switch for pickup selection and tone. That's in addition to the regular volume and tone controls. The "Elite" brand indicates this was the first year. After that, they changed to "Elitist" because of complaints from Ovation, who sold an "Elite" model of guitar. These instruments were made to very high-quality specifications, mostly hand-crafted in Japan, but with parts from the USA and Germany. Special Features: • Solid African mahogany body with a beautiful woodgrain • Heritage Cherry glossy finish • 20-fret short-scale rosewood fretboard with dot inlays • Set-neck construction, just like Gibson. Nothing bolted on here. • Custom-wound USA pickups (not sure of the brand) • 4-position Varitone switch for pickup selection, with a 4th "choke" position for true Jack Bruce tone • Gotoh "elephant ear" or "shamrock" tuners • Genuine bone nut (according to the specs). • Distinctive Elite-style "open-book" headstock design, modeled after Gibson. • Gibson truss-rod cover. Yes, they put Gibson truss-rod covers on these guitars. This was their way of letting you know about the Gibson/Epiphone connection. Excellent condition. The photos highlight a few minor paint blemishes, however the neck is straight, there is no damage to the body or wood itself, or the hardware. Comes with the original Elitehardshell case, made exclusively for the Elite/Elitist line. It has a very nicely textured exterior (feels like leather), with a purple plush interior. The case is also in very good condition. I always try to ship within 24 hours of payment/the next business day. Please note that a signature will be required for delivery. Let me know if you have any questions. Thanks for looking!