Why I Love Epiphone Casinos 

Why do you love the Casino? Let us know! And follow me on Spotify to hear some of the music and gear from my videos ~ open.spotify.com/artist/6RLQFre2Qp5T454mFR5Ol4

A curious fact is that Gibson recently proposed to Paul McCartney to make a custom shop model of his Epiphone Casino. In order for him to check the build quality of the Gibson Custom Shop, they gave him an es 330 which he recently used on his latest album. Finally the project was not finished, but it would have been great to have a replica of his guitar. Lennon is always quoted and it is forgotten that McCartney has been very faithful to his guitar all these years.

Paul McCartney is the reason I picked up a guitar as a young boy, then bass, and later started learing piano. He is the reason I played in a band, and why play in one now. He is the reason I make my own music. And the reason why I bought an Epiphone Casino. My choice fell on the Elitist version. I loved it from the moment I got it. I McCartneyfied it by putting on a B7 Bigsby, and black knobs. I just wish it had the correct headstock. But the Casino is beautiful with a pickguard, and since I removed it on the Macca-version, I bought a second Elitist which I have kept "stock". The Elitist guitars were produced in Japan by Terada, I belive. The fit and finish is absolutely superb. When the USA Epiphones came out, I considered selling one of the Elitist Casinos I have and replace it with a "Gibson produced" Casino. But from what I have seen, these have the paralellogram inlays on the fretboard pointing the wrong way. The pickups are black instead of silver, and there are lots of imperfections in the finish. I would love to see a side-by-side comparison of an Elitist Casino and the recent USA Casino. Also I would like Gibson to release a McCartney model, 100 % accurate and without blemishes from the factory.

Awesome video. I own 4 Epiphone Casinos, a red standard, a sunburst with Bigsby, a 1961 reissue with a Tremotone and a Lennon Revulotion in natural.

The first electric guitar I ever played (1977) was a 1964 Epi Casino that my Dad got in a trade deal, along with a '66 Deluxe Reverb. Wish I had that stuff now. But I did recently buy a Casino from the worn series. Infact my research led me to you sir, just a few months ago. I also purchased a Fender Super Champ X2 that again, research led me back to the channel so I subscribed! Thanks, JW

That jazz tone was delicious. Worth noting that you used the standard, run-of-the-mill Casino with its factory pickups. Dogear p90s with metallic covers just do it for me Excellent video!

Man, I can’t afford another guitar right now. This video is making it really hard not to break the bank! Side note: I think you struck the right balance between talking and playing. Too many videos like this on RU-vid end up being 13 minutes of talking and only one minute of actual playing. You did a great job of explaining the history of the Casino and why it’s good, and then letting us hear the Casino make the case for itself. Thank you!

The iconic vibrato guitar intro on The Smiths How Soon Is Now was played by Marr on a Casino and then reamped through four Fender twins. The producer recalls the original track being played through a Roland Jazz Chorus (which Marr doesn’t agree upon). Regardless the four twins with Marr and the engineers manually adjusting the tremolo. Was what we hear today. Pretty much the guitar sound that hooked me on guitar. Casinos are fun. I’ve never owned one but one of my friends I played with gigs years back ended up becoming a bit of a rock star! Or at least a well known guitarist so I’ve gotten to play a number of these guitars and amps through him.

I don’t know how you do it Jack but you always are on the same road I am on! Thanks for the video!

I was attracted to the Casino because P90s are my favorite pickups and i wanted a hollow body guitar. That's about it. And I'm very happy i got one! I also find myself playing it unplugged quite often.

P90 through a Vox AC30 one of the best tones you’ll hear. I love Epiphone Casinos as well, I play both my ‘94 Peerless and the new Worn one from China, more than my 2011 Gibson Custom Shop VOS ES-355…

Fantastic video, I'm a bass player, but my favourite electric guitar is an epiphone casino

Paul Weller is my favourite Casino player and inspired me to find a P90 loaded guitar… one day I’ll get a Casino :)

I recently acquired a 2019 Casino VS sunburst. It is fully stock and I currently have no reason to change anything. After a month it has become my go to instrument. I like the looks and love the sound, feel and weight. I guess that means it is as close to perfect for me as I have found.

Great timing...just recieved and installed neck pup shim yesterday. All pole pieces adjusted and it's my best playing and unique sounding guitar in the stable. Dig jazz tones for Chitlins Con Carne groove ala Wes Montgomery octaves😎👍 Love it😎👍 😎👍❤🖖 Love brother

I have the Casino Coupe in Cherry, and I love it's smaller than the original, light as a feather. Plays like an acoustic, Great for practice, or plugged in. I'll not part with it. I have Gretsches, fenders etc but it beats them all, in my opinion, although I love my Tele. Noel Gallagher actually uses a Riviera now. I have one,. Very heavy guitars. I paid around £t50, a few years ago. Now they are going for £500 to £600 second hand. Great demo. Thank you. Great playing.

great video! i have a black casino. just upgraded the pickups/electronics (a lollar and a seymour duncan antiquity) -- it was a good guitar before, but now, wow, it is so very good!!!

If the Casino is good enough for John and George, it's good enough for me. Thanks for this video!

I would say the Elitist is the top of the line; jury’s still out on the announced US made ones that haven’t been released yet. The ones made by Peerless in Korea are also highly regarded.

I'm so happy with my Casino, I'm gonna purchase an Epi Sheraton 2 soon as well.

The Casino is the guitar heard on some of the most beautiful music, to my ears at least, that has been recorded- I won't get deeply into that but the words "Rubber", "Revolver", and "Sergeant" come to mind... The tone from the single coil P90 pickups is bright and shimmering but without the shriek one encounters with some other single coil pickups. ( I won't mention the maker's names or models for a number of reasons, one being that I actually like those intruments, and the shriek can be mitigated. ) In the Casino, the lack of a 335 style center block may give the P90s a slightly warmer, more rounded tone, with slightly less sustain, which isn't bad at all. Sustain has it's uses, and too little can make for plunky, cigar-boxesque sounds, but the Casino is just right. Which kind of sums up the Epiphone Casino. A beautiful tone that you don't have to sacrifice playability, usability, and structural integrity for.

That coupe sounds fantastic. The best feeling guitar I ever played was a casino. Unfortunately, the economy versions I have seen all had serious fit and finish problems and I was never willing to pay $2k for the elitist. I think that’s curious because Epiphones are generally well made.

I have had my Casino John Lennon for about 4 years I use it for rock, blues, and even country. It's the all purpose electric, I love the P90 tone, stands out in the band so well. Great video, glad I stumbled on it, I'm subscribed Peace

The Casino is one of those guitars where you can’t really go wrong....

Hi my band mate and I bought a Epiphone Casino each in the 80s they were a great guitar when we both played them at the same time. But when one of us played a different guitar say a Strat and the other played the Casino we found that the Casino would go sharp with our body heat and be out of tune with the Strat. Years latter I bought a Gibson 345 and that guitar was fine and stayed in tune no problem!

I owned a Casino, in Natural, the rooftop John Lennon guitar. Unfortunately I had to sell it. The price point is excellent, especially if you're on a budget. It's counterpart the ES-335 is more than double the price.

Great review Jack I’ve had one for some years now, having bought it new, used for for some gigs but mainly for recording and generally having around my home to play. It’s an Inspired By John Lennon (IBJL) ‘65 and was a limited run, having Gibson US P90’s and quality electrics. It’s a fabulous guitar, obviously great plugged in but also it’s pleasant to use acoustically too. At the time of purchase I also tried the standard model to check whether the higher price was worth it. The IBJL sounded significantly better thus justifying Epi’s hype and higher price

Great video, proud user of the Casino since 2003.

I am really looking to get one. Love the P90’s

When I was a kid I got a gibson ES330 - this was 1965. I loved that guitar but traded it for a bass when I joined a new band. I always regretted that, but I couldn’t afford both. Four years ago I bought a casino elitist - as far as I can recall, this is better than the 330. Slightly thinner neck makes it a joy to play. I will not be letting go of this. Nice video!

I love them because they are p90 based and offer an alternative to the very beautiful sounding but expensive ES335.. I wonder if an old sixties made in USA Casino sound that much different then the new ones.. The new Epiphone Casino's coming out of their Chineese factory seem to follow the original design pretty accurately..

From Leo: I am down to two Hollow body electrics, and they both wear Filtertrons. You certainly get some great tones out of those Casino's

Ephiphone Worn Ebony Casino with upgraded bone nut CTS pots...pickguard removed...(too close to the switch for my taste)....I love the way the neck sits in my hand when the guitar is on my lap...the tones and dynamics you can get from picking technique and how it cleans up at 7 and growls at 10.....it's my favorite guitar and I have more expensive instruments....I can't put it down. I love the weight and that it resonates unplugged

Love it! 👏

Great playing Jack. I've been looking into the new Casino Worn series. I think there's 3 colors. I love that Olive Drab. What do you think about those new Worn Casinos, if you know. Thanks.

My 1961 anniversary casino is my absolute favorite guitar.

I have had several different epiphone guitars including a casino. To this day, I can't keep one in tune for more than 60 seconds.

Hey Jack. I came back just to hear the jazzy tone once again. Awesome video! Maybe I’ll get one Casino soon.

I just bought a Matsumoku 85 Epi casino. Totally unique sound. Was surprised the acoustic sound is boxy, - I'd rather play a solid body acoustically - but plug it in and it shines. All other guitars are like modern cars, they're all the same. But a Casino is a Casino. Thats what I love about it. Already my favourite guitar.

Great casino video. I don't own one, but after hearing so many devoted owners talk and play, I feel I know the character. Got my first electric just a few years back, an SG, and probably imagined they all sounded similar. Until I bought my second last week, a Strat. I could never have guessed how different they sound, so now I'm very eager to get my first Casino. The worn drab olive model is calling me, but sold out everywhere at the moment. I will bide my time and get learning some Beatles songs :D

P-90 pickups on hollow body guitars create some of my favorite tones, especially thin hollow body instruments, like Gibson ES-125T, Epiphone Century (1960's version), ES-330/Casino, etc. I've long wanted a Casino, but the fingerboard reach on the high notes dissuaded me in the past. The Casino Coupe has better access to the high notes, and the side-mounted input/output jack is a plus too, so bought a 2014 Couple in natural with a dark rosewood board. 2014 was the first year of production on this model, and they fazed-out natural finishes, and now using Pau Ferro instead of Indian rosewood for the 'boards. The pickups are decent, but I'll likely change them to Fralin or Lollar, both of whom have the narrower string spacing needed for the neck P-90 dogear. Wolfetone pickups has a mini-humbucker in a bridge P-90 dogear mount, which I'm also considering. I would love to hear a demo of the Wolfetone mini-humbucker in the bridge, and Lollar or Fralin neck P-90 dogear with narrower spacing. Fralin even has metal covers: chrome, nickel, and distressed nickel, although I like black or cream for some reason. I'm thinking all black mini-humbucker in the bridge (you can specify mounting and coil colors, so any combination of black and white are possible), and black plastic on the neck pickup. I know Jack has stated his preference for metal covers, so the Fralin might be the best option? But I really want to hear Wolfetone's "Dachwolff" (two "ff" in name = two coils, and a Dachshund instead of wolf - cute!!) in the bridge. Please consider doing a demo of the Dachswolff mini-humbucker in the bridge position of a Casino/Coupe, and the Fralin or Lollar low-wind (or medium wind) in the neck position? Thanks Jack, I know you love Casinos, and Epiphone semi-hollow body guitars too, as do I. Gibson is just too overpriced, and not that much better sounding, although I'm not a fan of the Epi "D" neck with prominent shoulders and flattish back. Cheers!! EDIT: This is about my 3rd or 4th edit on this comment, so please forgive me for "dogging" you on the "dog ear P-90" questions (I have a service dog, and a very doggishly oriented human being). I found an excellent comparison of mini-humbuckers vs Firebird pickups, which are the same size, similar but different, as this video explains. Either one could be fit into the P-90 dogear housing methinks, but which one do I want? ?Neil Young used a Firebird in the bridge position of his famous black LP, and I can see/hear why, but mini-humbuckers have a charm of their own. This demo dude seems to prefer the Firebirds, and being a HUGE Johnny Winter fan - we love that tone, like a fat single-coil pickup - no? ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-tjpyxovZwHc.html

Been a Strat player all my life til my wife give me a Casino for our wedding anniversary. It’s a Chinese version and my fav guitar now.

Hi Jack. Please do a comparison between epiphone casino standard and worn models. Take care

You would be suprised at just how many of the blues greats rocked epiphones in the 60’s especially. The riviera and casinos were a bluesman classic back then. Why do you think keef picked one up??

I have a 2020 Epiphone Casino in turquoise finish made in China. While I've not experience any issues and its indeed a wonderful guitar to play, the stock pickups are rather hot...10-11K on each pickup when measured with my multimeter! Just had the pickups sent for a rewind to a lower output and can't wait to install them once they come back. The stock pickups distort very early and had to back down the gain on my amp to get a cleaner sound.

Paul Weller is another Casino aficionado.

I got my sunburst casino about 3 years ago, i love the looks of it and the feel of the neck,the lightness of the weight of it too,,the only thing is i tried playing it in public, i got alot of feedback, but other than that i love it

Superb!

Mine will be arriving on Monday 👌🏻

I recently picked up a 1981 Matsumoku Casino and have been really enjoying it. Have you played any of the pre-elitist Casinos? If so how do you think they compare?

I own a 2006 casino with a fitted Bigsby and its pretty amazing foe what i paid for it (about £450 2nd hand) with a nice hard case ) it so very well made ....despite it been a poly finish it still looks nice n dull and very vintage looking ... if i could fault it in any way its the pick ups which are a bit "hot" and kinda muddy compared to the P90 on mu Gibson les Paul Junior but its not that theyre terrible and you can still dial good tones from it with an amp and im too lazy (and skint lol ) to fit new pickups ....it just looks the part and unlike other cheaper guitars i dont feel its a compromise in any way .....i feel theyre great value for money ...and it will give my Ibanex GB10 George Benson a run for its money when playing jazz...i love mine

I love the sound of your Casinos and need help with whether or not to get a Coupe. I have a 1978 Ibanez Artist whose sound I love, but I find uncomfortable to play; it's body is too large for me (same as an ES335). I'm checking out an Epiphone ES339, which is very comfortable, but doesn't have the jazz tones of my Ibanez. It sounds like the Casino would be great for me except for the size. What do I give up in sound with the Casino Coupe over the Casino?

Any thoughts on how the Casino Coupe compares to the big brother. I had a ES-330 that I miss dearly. But the shallow break angle over the saddles was always an annoyance (a bit floppy feeling and loss of sustain & snap). Was thinking the shorter bridge-to tailpiece distance on the smaller coupe body might help that break angle a bit more.

Damn the Elist sounds a lot better than others obviously!!

Great playing per usual, Jack. Have you had a chance to get your hands on one of the new USA Casinos? If yes, how do they stack up against the ones in your stable?

If I was to buy another guitar it would be a Sheraton for the hollow body but right now I'm staying with my 339 because you don't need to run it through pedals to get a blues tone and I don't have feedback!

Nice blues & jazz tones! What do you think about using 12's on a Casino? I simply can't play any lighter strings (yes I know, my bad).. Ever try 12's on one? I use 12's on my Les Paul, and on most of my acoustic guitars.

Jack is the best reviewers because he's unsponsored. Jack is it your favorite over all your other models you review or just the type of casinos?

Great , informative video as always. I have played about 200 Epiphones, and bought about 20, and I love them, love, love love. But I stay away from p90s, and all single coils..........I just can't stand the hum. Has the Casino found a way to reduce the hum?

P90s are the sound of my youth. In a market flooded with every kind of pickup imaginable, the venerable P90 remains one of the few tones that set the standard for everything that followed their introduction. Like many viewers here, I own WAY too many guitars! (Just ask my wife) With so many choices, I still find myself gravitating back to the Casino and the Jazzmaster, another instrument that really is a historical benchmark P90 frame. Between there two, there are not many tones that one would want to produce that these two workhorses can't get done. And although they will never match the driving force of humbuckers, to be fair, humbuckers will never match the clarity and unique ring of these pups. I have a Chinese made Casino which when I bought it, was going to immediately get a pickup swap for Seymour Duncan Antiquity Dog Ear P90s. That never happened. The stock ones gave me everything I hoped to get. In fact, other than tweaking the intonation, I have not had to do anything but just play it. Really love my $699 Casino! What a pleasure it is these days to be able to actually afford instruments of such quality.

I've been looking at thr casino worn olive drab or denim. Love the p90 and it just seems like an amazing guitar to play acoustic which is how I practice mostly as im still learning. I get lost with my spark amp so simple cords will sound great with it.

Do you think the standard Epiphone Casino needs a pickup change to get closer to that Beatle sound?

Hi Jack! I'm been GASing for a es-335 type guitar with p90. The Casino looks and sounds great. What is your thoughts on the current production Casinos?

Do you find there’s a difference in tone & sound between the Casinos with the worn finish & the ones that are lacquered? Thanks!

Hi my friend the butterscotch is 2020”s model made out of USA ? Or is it us made too ?

Grant Green is worth a mention, as a prominent ES-330 user.

Hello Jack, I am a lifetime Beatles fan and turning 56 looking at blues and jazz to add significance to my playing. I found a 1966 (my age!) Casino in great conditions, but is it worth spending over 5K on that guitar when I could get a used Collings i30 or i35 and be sure am getting top wood and top electronics?

Just ordered a Chinese version...but it won't be available until October.

So which one is best… Japanese elitist casino, Japanese Matsumoko or Japanese Terada? All a similar price

I wish could afford a casino

Looking to buy my first Casino (actually my first electric at all) and not sure which model.

Ever played the riviera p93 custom, it’s got 3 p90’s and a bigsby...I have one!

So question. Do you see the Elite models better sounding than the new chinese made?

Hi, I am thinking of getting one of these beauties. So versatile. Can anyone tell me, it's got a fixed bridge, so there must be a block just under the bridge?

Do you think it’s worth it to pay the $3000 for the USA models? Honestly, when I hear comparisons, I really can’t tell a difference. A pickup change would probably make them identical.

Did you have any problems with rattling from the bridge? I tried one in a shop which sounded gorgeous although it had this problem and I looked online only to find out it's quite common and people swap the original bridge to get past it.

I've always wanted to get one of these but I can't afford the Japanese Elitist. I've understand the ones coming out of China right now have some quality control issues so I hesitate to pick one up. Would appreciate any comments regarding anyone's experience with a recent issue coming out of China. Thanks.

This is an unpopular Opinion but, I prefer Epiphone over Gibson any day! I've played plenty of both, and both are great, but Epiphone is the better value. You over pay for a Gibson just for a name. I'd rather pay for a good product rather then a name. Gibson isn't worth the money for the quality of product you get. Just my opinion.

Your skilk is teaching

What are the difference between the different models of casinos? I have an offer to buy a 2018 in natural for $375. Is that a good price?

String gauges?

How did you use so much gain without feedback?

I'm confused because I want a casino but I've never owned a hollow body.

I recently sold my epiphone casino coupe. Worst thing I've ever done 😭

Have you ever had QC issues with the Casinos? Epiphones are a little careless with QC.

But were the Beatles and Stones Casino's when gibson still made them up to gibson standards?

If you love them so much why don't you marry them? (Sorry couldn't resist. )

Wut string gauge you use on the casinos?

Wish hardware bridge wasn’t so cheap Post make guitar out of tune if you aren’t careful 2:01

Definitely NOT my favorite guitar. The finish on mine was disgracefully poor, with sloppy stains from the blond top smeared over the side of the neck, lots and lots of tool marks on the edge of the fretboard, very rough frets, and the black paint lining the f-holes looked like a kid smeared it in unevenly (over an unsanded edge) with his thumb. I have bought guitars (Agile for example, made in Korea moreover, not China) ) that cost far less, with nearly perfect finish. And then there is the problem of fretting notes over the 15 fret, super hot P90s, etc.: design limitations that one understands when purchasing. Epiphone needs to seriously up their QC at the Chinese factory where my Casino was assembled. FWIW the Indonesian made 50th anniversary Sorrento I bought a few years ago shows none of the problems my casino has (except high note fretting). That guitar is a keeper.

Do they pay you dude to these reviews? I bought a squier 50s vibe strat, what a made-in-indonedia piece of junk. Heavy asf, the work on the nut was attrocious to the point it should be replaces, volume and tone pots of the worst quality also. Last time I watch a youtuber recommending guitars.