In the mid 80s, operations were moved to Korea, with Samick as the main supplier of Epiphones. By the mid 70s, Matsumoku started to make a high quality line of Epiphones (Casinos, Sheratons, Emperors, Rivieras.) mostly for the Japanese market.
In the 70s' date=' Gibson halted USA production of Epiphones and contracted Matsumoku in Japan to put out a line of cheap guitars under the Epiphone name.
I have not seen anything anywhere else to indicate that the Elitists are made anywhere other than Japan. I have noticed on ebay that some sellers are saying words to the effect that 'this Elitist was made in Japan before the operations were moved to Korea' (or China).
