Epiphone Casino

Korean made, cherry coloured Casino... you know the rest...

I'll admit that I was incredibly disappointed with this guitar. I bought it being a massive fan of The Beatles and Oasis and after reading many glowing reviews of it on here...
I played it through a Marshall G50RCD and however much I tried I just couldn't get an inspiring sound from it... The feedback at just normal volumes became unbearable and I ended up selling it after 6 months... i did give it a fair chance...

I had no gripe with this part... It was very easy to play and looked great

You have to treat her well... she's fragile being a hollowbody and all...

didn't need it..

Just found it a tad uninspiring... I was kinda glad when I sold it..

Okay, anybody who'll say something about it being an Epiphone and not a Gibson clearly knows nothing. The Casino is an original Epiphone signature model, from before their name was just used for Gibson models made in Indonesia. Why else would all 3 guitar-playing Beatles use them? Anyway, the guitar's features are perfect. I didn't want a locking whammy bar or an EVH D-Tuner or any other gimmicky crap. I wanted 2 P-90s and 4 knobs and they all work.

It sounds like rock 'n' roll. Hollowbody guitars, especially with P-90s, have the perfect 50s and 60s rock sound. Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, John Lennon. That's all one really has to say.

I took it out of the box and played for about 8 hours without so much as stringing it.

It's fine. About as good as a thin, hollow-body could be. You can't expect it to take a huge amount of abuse. The screw on neck-join strap button is a little loose. I plan on gigging and playing for many years without a back-up.

I'm not too sure. I bought the guitar from Long & McQuade, who have discontinued sale of the Casino model. I'm guessing I might be on my own.

I've been playing for about 5 years now. I have some older stuff and some newer stuff. I suppose I chose the guitar based on the Beatles' use of it, but I think that anybody who likes the roots of rock or blues would really dig this guitar. On top of that, the turquoise finish looks really nice, and the price is outstanding.

First off, I didn't buy a Gibson, so I won't say anything else about them. I bought an Epiphone, because that's what I wanted, not a Gibson knock-off, or a cheap alternative. I wanted an Epiphone, and that's what I got.

Anyway, the Casino 2 P-90's, 2 volume and 2 tone knobs, 3 way switch. Time-proven setup. The Casino is a completely hollow guitar, which makes for a good little bit of honk, but not so much in the way of sustain. I got the Vintage Sunburst finish. This guitar has everything it needs to sound great.

One thing that surprised me on this guitar was the width of the neck. Being primarily a Strat man myself, I have grown accustom to the weenie-width of the Strat neck, and I was expecting a big difference on the Casino. However, much to my surprise, none could be found. The neck is of a comfortable, thin profile that I instantly found easy to play. After playing Strats with little thin necks for so long, I didn't even notice that the Casino was lacking the charachteristic fatty necks that most guitars of this type have. I was pleased.

This is where it counts. The sound on this thing is excellent. I didn't think that at first, because for the better part of my life, I had played mainly solid-body Fender guitars, so it sounded different. It definitely took some getting used to, but once I got over the fact that it wasn't a thin-coil solid-body, I really liked the sound. It's got a nice fat sound thanks to the P-90's, and it's unbelievably mellow because of the hollow body. Even on the highest tone setting on the bridge pickup, I still couldn't get anything more twangy than a smooth, mellow shimmer. In combination with the neck pickup, it produces that sweet midrange that the Beatles used to put the Casino on the map. The neck pickup by itself can be slightly prone to muddiness, but if you keep your tone knob in check, you can avert unwanted mud.

Another great thing about this guitar is it sounds good, as dirty or clean as you want it. Obviously, a guitar like this was not intended for the fuzz/high-gain world, but even under heavy overdrive situations, it still maintians it's pristine mellow charachteristics.

It's also worth mentioning that one of the biggest influences to buy this guitar was the "Beatles" sound. I'm a huge fan of the Beatles, and this guitar really nails the sound.

I was a bit displeased to see that, on the back near the binding, there was a chip on it, right out of the factory. However, such a minor defect was nothing I was willing to give up my guitar for. the rest of the guitar was in good, finished condition. The laquer was a bit thin around the edges of the F-holes, but such can be expected from a guitar in this price range. The finish on the top, sides, and back is smooth and evenly-applied, and the neck is set into the guitar with no seam whatsoever.

The fretboard left me with mixed feelings. The fake plastic mother-of-pearl looks decent, but was set into a larger hole on the fretboard, leaving small gaps between the inlay and the fretboard, though only closely-scrutinizing eyes would pick up on that. Another thing on the fretboard that I found a tad less than aesthetically-pleasing was the fretboard itself. Down the fretboard there are two large light-red streaks, giving an uneven appearence to the fretboard. However, neither of these aesthetic flaws affected the playability, and as such I am still fairly satisfied.

I've heard that Epiphone is a bit hit-and-miss with their wiring and electronics, but this guitar seems to check out just fine, as did my Epiphone Zephyr Blues Deluxe. The switch seems sound, and the knobs all operate smoothly with no crackle. The pickups both seem sound as well. I don't know about any others, but the Epi's I've owned have all been quite satisfactory.

Never dealt with them. However, Musician's FEIND is usually pretty decent about hooking you up with info to get the company to honor the warranty.

I've been playing for about 10 years, and I've played just about every type of guitar under the sun. I favor Fenders, but I needed something to round out my sound in the studio. Enter the Epiphone. It was an inexpensive, well-made guitar that sounds great and plays very nicely. Epiphone doesn't scrimp on features, extras, or aesthetics, and I respect that a lot.

One word for the haters, the price-tag snobs, and the substitute Gibson buyers: Be proud of what you have. These guitars are not sub-par Gibsons. They're just excellent guitars, straight up. The reason Epi's get such bad raps is because they have to live in the shadow of their Big Brother, Gibson. Obviously, you're going to be pretty hard-pressed to find a guitar that can compete with Gibson's quality, but if you forget for just a second or two that your Casino is an ES 330 spinoff, or that your Les Paul doesn't say Gibson on the headstock, and just take the guitar at face value, you'll see that these guitars are not cheap; they're merely inexpensive. If you're going to buy an Epiphone, be proud of the name, becuase they're quality guitars. Don't compare, don't pretend it's something else, and don't keep yourself from enjoying the guitar because it wasn't $3000. These guitars are tops, and I stand by my axe 100%. I'm proud to be an Epi owner, and I really have no desire to buy the Gibson counterpart. I like my guitar, I like the price, I like the features, and I like the name. So do yourself a favor, forget it's Gibson's sub-company for a moment and treat yourself to a fine guitar. You may know what you're missing, but if you look at an Epiphone, you probably won't care.

stock, poor quality. never stayed in tune. i put on new kluson tuners. pickup switch is crap and cuts out on neck pickup, needs to be replaced. potentiometer shafts are bents, knob's aren't straight, doesn't affect playability. the pickup pole pieces don't align with string, brisge is shaky. binding is poorquality. the rosewood fingerboard is very porous. action is ok but not great. low rating because it has lot's of features but their poor quality, and many need to be replaced.

p-90s sound awesome. this guitar sounds incredible. if i had $2000, i'd buy a 60's ES-330, because epiphones are not good construction.
great for rock and blues.

not good. strings don't line up woth polepieces.action is not so good. tune-o-matic sucks. mine is turquoise finish, looks good, but binding has flaws.

good so far

dunno

i'd pay $250. not that great in features and construction, but killer sound

This is a 2003 Epiphone Casino (natural) made in Korea. Standard features (see musician's friend or other site for details). The only reason i didn't give it a 10 is because it doesn't have humbuckers.

Ive been playing since 1967. I like rock, jazz, and blues. This guitar is well suited for all three styles. It's a hollow body, so don't expect it to sound like an ES 335. Ive owned and ES 330 and a les paul and the casino is my favorite for sound.

Excellent finish, no flaws. Vol and tone knobs lean when turned, as if the shaft is bent. I don't care. I love to play it - very light and well configured. Action is fine.

N/A Haven't had it long enough.

Ive finally found the perfect guitar for me (since i can only have one cause my wife says so). I would replace it if stolen or lost. Made in USA is no longer the gold standard for me.

I purchased my ebony Epiphone Casino about a year ago. It was second hand, but in excellent condition. It was made in 1997. It is all stock with great P90's on it. I was pleased with the quality of workmanship on this guitar. The only thing I don't like about this guitar is the weight. It is too light, and the neck doesn't balance too well. If there was more weight on the headstock, it'd be ideal. I love the trapeze tailpiece, and you can never go wrong with a Tune-O-Matic bridge. This guitar is very 60's, that's what drew me to it. The tuning pegs are crap, and a little loose. Not so they rattle, but not as rigid as i'd like. I can't see a way of tightening them. I didn't like the scratch plate, with it's big "E" on it. It looked like a euro sign. I removed the scratch plate all together to give the guitar a sleeker look. The neck is nice, and the frets are in good shape. The quality of the fret board is as good as my Gibson. It has all the features you need for a guitar like this.

The Casino has a great treble (jangly) sound that gives a sharp distortion. It has the body for an array of rhythm tones that will cover all sorts of music. The pick-ups are good and clean, no buzzing at all. It is good for blues and most lead stuff. I've strung it with 11's, which seem perfect for it. This guitar will always go to the studio with me. With the guitar being so light, it feed backs quickly, but you're always gonna get that with a hollow body.

The set-up was very good when I got the guitar. It needed a few tweaks here and there, and the intonation was a little out, but theses were very easily sorted out. I've not had any problems with the electrics, eveything is smooth and quiet. The "E" on the pick guard had glue comin off it, but that didn't matter to me coz I removed it anyway.

This guitar will age well. When it is freshly strung and nicely polished, it looks sensational, and plays like a beauty. Thats what I love about my "Jezabel"- She always looks great, I can play with her when I like, she doesn't speak unless I make her, and you can put her in a case when you've had enough. I wouldn't gig without a backup, I'm too paranoid. This guitar is very versatile an dependable.

Never had a problem with the guitar.

I've been playin 10 years. I also own a Gibson SG standard and a Fender JM. This guitar is right up there with them, even though it was cheaper. It was a bargain! If it were stolen, I'd definitely replace it with one as close as I could get. I love this guitar. Maybe I should get heavy tuners and solve all my problems.

I bought it in 2002, Natural finish, trapize bridge, everything else is stock parts

I have only tried to use it a couple of times because it keeps flying out of tune every couple of seconds, every time you touch lightly on the body it gives a huge dip in the sound (wammy effect) and also I have not been able to get rid of the feedback playing through mine (marshall 65 watt aniversery series) or any amps i have tried.

Finish is amazing,

Can't play live, won't stay in tune also feedback

n/a

Unless someone can help me with the problems i am having I would not recomend this guitar unless it is to put on display if you are a Lennon fan!

2002 Epiphone Casino, double cutaway cherry finish, hollowbody with two p-90's. Good basic features for simple but elegant guitar. Looks much better without the pickguard.

This sound of this guitar is brighter than my Epiphone Les Paul but warmer than my brothers Fender Telecaster. It is a perfect in between. The clean sound is bright but warm and beautiful and the distorted sound is warm but much clearer than most humbucker guitars. The overall tone is powerful but distiguished like no other guitar I've ever played. Although it is most importantly perfect for the original music I make, I will try and give you a idea of what I think it's good for. I play all kinds of rock n' roll but mainly brit-rock (Oasis, The Verve, Travis) and throwback rock (Superdrag, The Strokes, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club). this guitar is very good for all of those bands considering that Noel Gallagher of Oasis has played casinos, John Davis of Superdrag has plays a casino, and Nick Valensi from The Strokes plays a casino.

The on this guitar is very good. It is alot easier to play bar chords on this guitar than any other guitar I've ever played. The cherry finish is flawless and the overall look of the guitar is beautiful. Unfortunatly the pickup selector is already going crap and the bridge pickup cover wasn't properly soldered on one side and buzzed horribly. These problems are easily fixed and well worth it for the sound and playibility.

It is a hollow body and is therefore quite literally less solid than a Les Paul or Tele but other than the faulty hardware the guitar seems very reliable and I would gig without a backup (if I didn't have the Les Paul). The strap buttons look solid even though I will get strap locks eventually. With a little work, very dependable.

Never dealt with them.

This a very rock n' roll guitar. It's very unique and you should definately play before you buy, but if you play any kind of more traditional rock music it's an amazing value. With a little bit of work it can easily become a professional quality guitar. Compared to my Les Paul and my brothers Tele it's definitely my favorite. One the coolest guitars I've ever played.

I had an epiphone casino that i got for a xmas present, and it was the worst guitar i've ever had, the strings were too close together, couldnt get any distortion out of it, and the selector switch broke after a few weeks. i traded it in for a epiphone dot and thats sooo much better.

sound = s**t, sounds like a bad strat copy when it gets distorted. oh and the hum from those pickups arrggh.

the strings are too close together, if u have normal sized fingers playing chords other than fiths is virtually impossible without touching strings u dont want to.

flimsy, very flimsy, the pickup selector switch (mainly the little plastic tip) will break quick. dont do a gig without having another guitar ready to switch too.

epiphone are very eager to help and they are quick to send replacement parts out for a fee.

I've been playing 8 years now and i have an ibanez rg-7620 in black which is probably the best guitar i have ever played, i have a POD 2 into a marshall vs102r. i really think that this is a bad guitar, if u want a beginners guitar get a squire telecaster, its cheaper, will last longer and is easier to play.

1997 'Aged Natural casino' (more of an Orangy color, not the white they are making now,the best looking i have seen of all the casinos). 22 frets, set up in USa (and well too!). Case came with it,..

Perfect. almost. the 'lead' pickup is the best ive heard. i love playing through it.. the 'rhythm', however can get muddy with insufficient Tone, so be careful with that. Of all the hollowbodies ive played, This ones the best; Riviera- great to play, but tone is warbly and mixed up (i.e. the bass is TOO bassy and the highs are too high, the mids not really there), es-335 being muddy (same with other gibson HBs).
Like i said, the 'lead' can give this amazing treble sound ive only heard with others using this guitar (ie the BEATLES and other users of this guitar. but dont get it just because the beatles did.. it has a life of its own).
The rhythm can get muddy, but maybe its just my amp, having a small practice 10w. amp and wanting something near 100w (plus or minus a few of course) to move up on (ANY SUGGESTIONS? PLLLEAAASEEE because i dont know where to start in looking for amps.... )

Also. Feedback: ive never played more than ten watts for a long period of time, so this hasnt been a problem for me. i played through some big vox amp once and turned it up pretty far (not knowing its full potential..me the dummy). i played some chord and the sound blew me away. not so much the beauty of it, just the quantity. Thats how far ive gotten with loudness, no feeback.
AND if you do want to get some, heres a neat little trick ive found to get some *controled* feedback.

1. Put on the 'distortion' or 'overdrive' on the amp. if you need an effects pedal, im not sure if itll work. try it anyway.
2. play any open string hard (ive found an open A works best). pluck it as hard as you can without breaking it
3. behind the bridge but in front of the tailpiece theres 4 inches of string. press on the corresponding string (with me its an A, behind the bridge) until the string vibrates (giving a 'vibrato' sound).

4. do this press on it REALLY fast, with increasing rhythm.
Out of the amp will start to come this almost haunting A note..turning into some REALLY COOL feedback.

you can stop here, learn it better to where you can do it very quickly and any time you have an open A whole note (maybe half if you are really good at it) you can do this to get a cool effect.

however, heres something i like to do even more:

Find an Ab/G# note an octave higher (like first fret G string) while doing the original vibrato motion behind the A string.

What you should get (with some practice) is this..let me try to describe.. flangy, rotating mess that sounds AMAZING when playing some late 60s/early 70s rock (IE JIMI HENDRIX). if you are copying his rendition of 'the star spangled banner', look for an A note and do this to add the the imagery.

Dont think it sounds horrible, used right, it can be the coolest thing ever..

Thats my bit for feedback, thanks.


The other stuff i like to play is jazz. i really like playing django reinhardt and 'gypsy jazz', but also charles mingus and such. oh! and STAN GETZ>>>>>>>AMAZING!!

however, you have to do some serious twitching to get some great jazz tones. for django, leave it at treble and get some vintage tones that make you think of record players.
other jazz, however, can be hard to play along to with this guitar.
maybe i havent found the 'sweet spot' yet, or maybe its my amp (i hope so..) but theres a very fine line between mellow and muddy with this thing.
i really like the stock p90s though, so i wont be changing them. the jazz situation, well its really not horrible. you just have to do some adjusting on the amp as well as your guitar (you may put it on the 'rhythm' channel on your guitar, but youll have to raise the treble on the amp, stuff like that, to balance each other out).

someone else said 'it has the ability to really bite'. they put it best. youll be on a clean channel when you play some double stops and get some distortion. but not bad distortion. just a little frill...a bite really. a growl. its amazing. this guitar's a person

Everything here, great. its used too.

dunno..ive had it for a quarter year.

however, it seems to be quite sturdy. sure its not nearly as strong as a tele or something, but compared to other hollowbodies this is a tank. And the finish (not sure..polyurethane?) alows you to rub it against something and not leave a mark (i doubt youd want to test it with this beauty though..)

i would use it on a gig without a backup. for sure. its never gone down on me.

its used.

everyone says this is just a hyped 'beginners guitar'.
id barely consider myself a beginner, and this is the nicest guitar ive owned. im not a fender fan, i used to like gibsons (until i played a few!) so this seems to be MY GUITAR!! perfect! its my beauty. on past guitars, id have it for three months and id already be trying to surf on it.

if i lost it or if it was stolen (God forbid!) id buy another one. once i found 'the next one' (second only to 'the one').

i love everything about it. its almost as if its a person you love. its not perfect, but you keep finding out more about it you love until its your 'mate'.

Purchased in 2001, Made in Korea, Set up in the U.S.A. says the sticker on the back. Laminated spruce top, laminated maple body. 3 way pickup selector switch - neck, bridge, neck + bridge. Chrome Alnico P90s. Mahogany neck. Rosewood fretboard. Ebony finish. This is an archtop electric guitar. Trapeze tailpiece, not the tremolo. Stock tuners. Independent volume and tone dials (4 dials total) for both pickups. One strap peg on the back where the neck meets the body. It's a good proper electric guitar with great looks and a strong pro usage history. I'm giving it a 10 since I'm not lacking for a feature within my beginner's electric guitar expectations.

Ideal for Beatles and Oasis tunes of course! I use it mainly for their British rock n' roll sound, which it does perfectly (kind of obvious since they were the ones who made this guitar popular.) I run it through a POD 2.0 to headphones and use it to practice. It turns out that single coil pickups are notorious/loved/hated for being sensitive to interference and generate a lot of hum/noise - I didn't pick up on this until I used it for a sampling experiment and couldn't understand where the noise was coming from. Apparently that's just how it is; but you do get a very pleasing characteristic sound on the up side. The workaround is to set the selector switch to 1+2 and crank up both volume dials, which mostly nullfies the pickup noise. Or you can twist and gyrate until you find a good position with minimum noise.

The action is comfortable and very easy to play with the factory set-up. The Casino's tuning stability/consistency up the fretboard seems a little off at very high frets (past #18). In terms of cosmetics it's a beautiful instrument with no flaws, irregularities, etc. However, the construction quality has some rough points - wobbly cheap feeling selector switch, input jack gets loose (I keep tightening it by hand from time to time), and the Epiphone 'E' on the pickguard is threatening to fall off. Despite these flaws the actual playability of the instrument is unaffected.

I don't do any live playing and I take very good care of it. It does seem somewhat delicate compared to a solid body guitar.

I haven't needed to contact customer support.

I've been playing off and on for about three years. I have an acoustic guitar, a Tech 21 Trademark 10 amp, and a POD 2.0, that's it for guitar related equipment. I would definitely buy it again if it were stolen or lost. It's a great beginner's electric guitar as it can also be played like an acoustic, being a hollowbody, and just plain comfortable to play. I love the look, sound, and feel. The small construction glitches are my only real gripes. If you're looking for a serious beginner's electric guitar, this is definitely worth it.

cherry color. i wish i would have gotten the sunburst one. but oh well, color doesnt matter that much, and cherry is also very nice and flashy. also, i took off the pick guard...it adds to the looks of the guitar. i really dont like the pick guard and it sometimes got in the way of my picking technique, but rarely. i mainly took it off because of asthetic reasons. it looks way cooler i think.

this guitar features a complete hollowbody with two P-90's single coil pickup ups. i really like the full hollow body aspect of this guitar because it allows me to practice without having to plug it in all the time. also, it give me a good excuse to not have to buy an acoustic guitar. it has two volume and tone controls for each pick up. blah, blah, blah. you know the rest.

i play all sorts of music but primarily rock. im not one of those distortion junkies though (although i do own quite a few distortion and overdrive pedals), and appreciate the sound of a clean guitar. my ideal sound that is always running through my head is Radiohead "Let Down" the intro. if you dont know what i am talking about, download online and listen and you will know what i am talking about. absolute pure clean bliss.

i bought this guitar innitially because i was ridiculously impressed with the clean tone of this guitar. i own a fender twin reverb and blues deville and the combo of the two is just beautiful. the reverb and vibrato of the amp combined with the CAsino makes a unique chimey and even twangy sound. i love it. further more, for the price of the guitar you are getting an incredible deal. not many $500 dollar guitars sound the way this one does.

to add to my love of this guitar...it has the ability to really bite. what i mean is that when you kick the distortion pedal this guitar can really sing. its got so much more snarl than you'd think a hollowbody single coil has. now you wont get humbucker fatness with this guitar or even come close to that but i liken it to this---if a les paul is a sledge hammer then the Casino is an arrow. this guitar handles distortions in real well and cuts through the messy noise of a band. i love it.

oh one more thing here's my rig...fender twin reverb--Boss DD-3 (hope to upgrade soon, but a cool pedal)- Electro Harmonix Big Muff Pi - Marshall Blues Breaker (the old black box one, awesome compressed tone)- Boss BD-2. i really enjoy the 3 dirty tones of the pedals. i find that i like the clean tone of this guitar and amp combo so much that i really do not need any effects that mess with the clean tone. ive own various flangers and phasers and find that they are a bit too much for me. this guitar is perfect clean, and very aggressive dirty. awesome guitar.

when the guitar is in conjuction with an overdrive or distortion it does tend to feedback like others have said, i found that you can control this by rolling back the volume of the guitar. it even adds the tone of your guitar. maybe with another guitar you could do that, but with this guitar you are best off rolling back the volume. it does take away some of the cool snarling biting but you can get that cool controlled overdrive/distortion sound that everyone seeks.

i love the p-90's there is no reason to mess with them. korean guitars are very underated. one small thing though. my low E string is always a little flat. but it can be easily fixed.

dont go slamming this guitar around. it is a full hollowbody and cant take as much punishment as solid body. but when you buy this guitar you get a great hardshell case for it. so that helps with taking care of the guitar.

never had to deal with them...hopefully it stays that way. ha

FANTASTIC VALUE. ive been playing for 3 years but i take guitar very seriously. i am hugely influenced by Radiohead, Pete Yorn, Beatles, and lots of British music. this was my first electric guitar and i love it. it wont do it all for you but if you like clean tones, this guitar will stand up to most. buy it!!!!

My casino was made in 1999 in Korea. I recently bought it used from someone who special ordered it for a Beatles tribute band. By the time the guitar arrived, the band was no more! The guitar was only played around the house and that very sparingly! The guitar is a standard Korean made casino and is vintage sunburst. It is in perfect condition. It came with an Epiphone case which is also in perfect condition.

I've been playing for about a year. I only play Beatles songs so this was the guitar for me! I bought a Vox Pathfinder amp and I must say that the sound is very Beatlesque!

I've read some critical reviews of the Korean made casinos but I must say that the quality of this one is exceptional. Fit and finish is excellent. Action is low and fast. I did change the strings to a lighter guage. The pickguard seems a little high. No buzzing but I can see why many people remove the pickguard.

I only intend to play for my own enjoyment at home but the guitar, despite its light weight, appears to be very durable. I wouldn't hesitate to use it in concert.

Alas, since I bought this guitar used, there is no warranty. No experience dealing with Epiphone.

I started playing last October. I don't have any other hobbies and have always wanted to play the guitar, so I just decided to take the plunge and do it. My first guitar was an Ibanez GAX 70 with Peavey Rage amp. After buying my Casino, I traded my Ibanez for a Taylor Big Baby. I have no complaints about my Casino. It is perfect for what I wanted. The sound is excellent and the guitar is of high quality. If lost or stolen, I would definitely replace it, probably with the new Epiphone Elite version. My next purchase hopefully will be an Epiphone EJ160E John Lennon. The Epiphone Casino is an excellent value.

2001 model, Made in Korea, set up in USA, 22 frets, archtop hollowbody, cherry finish, body and neck binding, rosewood fingerboard, crap Korean stock P-90 pickups. Beautiful cherry finish, just adorable. Light as a feather and easy to play.

Sounds fantastic. Love the feel and playability. Use it with a ToneBlaster Ibanez stereo amp and Digitech RP 200 effects pedal. This axe can rock! Watch for feedback at high volumes, but overall I love the sound.

Nice set up. Very easy to play. No complaints here.

Neck pickup went out about a week after I got it, but it was used, so no big deal, it cost me 35 bucks for a resolder job at the pots. Seems very durable even though kind of light. I'd use it without a backup.

N/A bought it used from a pawn shop, great deal for a like new axe, these go for $600 at Guitar Center or Musician's Friend, so I scored.

Love this axe, it's my number one! Everyone who plays it loves it too.

This is an update to a previous review. I upgraded the guitar by replacing the pickups with a Rio Grande Bluesdawg in the bridge and Jazzdawg in the neck. Relaced the volume and tone pots with stock gibson and wiring as well. New Grover tuners and bone nut. Switchcraft pickup switch.

Incredible. Much better tone and no more feedback, even at high volume and gain.

Better electronics and pickups so I expect reliability.

Looks and sounds great.

Don't know too much about this. I'm not much of techie.

I had it tested by a physics teacher who said electrics won't have good sound. The waves came out perfect with or without distortion. I've managed to squeeze just about every sound I need out of it. I play through a Fender RocPro with a subpar Carvin 4X12 with only 2 12s. I played it through a Marshall at some shows and it sounded great. The treble pickup is way too out there. I tend to stay on the meatier toned pickups.

Great action. Great finish. A very pretty guitar. It's good to have the action adjusted frequently. I also had to get the pots and switches swapped which seems to be the biggest complaint.

Plays great live once I get it in tune and I have new strings. I had to get the electronics swapped (pots, switch). Finish lasts. Strap buttons are solid, but get a good strap. I can always depend on it. Sometimes, out of nowhere it will go out of tune though. I've never played with a backup.

Never used it.

I've been playing for about eight years and owned a Peavey Rapter before this. HUGE improvement, obviously. I have a Fender SJ 65S acoustic, a Hohner HW440G, and an Oscar Schmidtt which is broken, but I still love it. I'd probably buy something else if lost or stolen, just 'cause I like MY Casino, not others. I love its playability. It is very easy, low action, nice feel, sounds great on anything. I even play heavy metal with it now and again. I tried out Gibson Blueshawks and Les Pauls, like this one a lot more. It's much lighter.

Just the usual, a stock model with the trapeze tailpiece, cherry red.

2 p-90's, toggle selector (might need changing) Tuning pegs aren't very good, but once it's in tune, it seems to stay that way.

This is why I'm bothering to write. I traded in a Burns electric 12 string in at electro music, Doncaster and was offered a go on a few Casinos, which is what I was after. Identical guitars, in terms of, well everything, sound wildly different.

I wanted a Casino for a spare, as much as anything (I generally play a 335). Going on the first couple that were offered, I thought, yeah, Korean guitars, they're alright, at best. They were all finished well, stayed in tune and were without crackles or bent necks, but they did sound a bit wimpy. Until I decided to help myself to one that was hanging up, out of the way, slightly. And My God, there was the sound, instantly. 100% creamier, either (both) pick-ups, clean/dirty, totally gorgeous. I bought it within minutes.

The nut is crap, without any doubt, but a set of needle files can sort that out pretty quickly. The action was okay from the shop, but it's not so hard to sort out. It's a basic guitar, simple as in uncomplicated.

The finish was pretty good, a couple of flaws in the paintwork, but only tiny, I'm not bothered by that. I may strip it anyway.

Being totally hollow, you wouldn't want to sling it around, because it WILL break. Be nice to it, make sure you have a case. Strap buttons adequate. Buy Grolsch beer bottles and take the red rubber off of the cap and stick them over your strap, much cheaper than strap locks, and they've never let me down (10 years on, same rubber bits). When playing gigs, you never know what's going to happen. I don't expect It'd pack up on me, but you need a spare guitar at gigs for all sorts of reasons.

No need. Touch wood.

I've been playing for 10 years, in original and covers bands (occasionally). The sort of stuff is tuneful, melodic guitar pop (Beatles, Stone Roses, CSN&Y,etc). This is a beautiful looking and sounding instrument, but I would say to anyone, buying any guitar, try a few out, the quality varies enormously, and it's easy to buy something less the perfect, when you don't have to. What I'm saying is -DON'T BUY MAIL ORDER, you don't know what you're getting. Guitars vary, one may be a lot better than the next, for no apparent reason. Use your ears.

I've had the Korean Casino for about 6-8 months. Natural finish with stock tail piece. I got mine with the stock Epi case which is functional but not lavish. Since owning the guitar I've changed out the pick-ups from stock Korean whatever to Gibson P-90s as well as the potts and selector switch.

Off the rack the sound was good; however, after a couple months I got fed up with microphonic feedback. When the pick-up switch broke I had the pick-ups changed out as well. WHAT A DIFFERENCE!!! Still prone to feed back at high volumes but sweet and controlable. The sound is brighter. Tends to run in the mid-range but a fabulous blues sound. Obvious choice for retro sixties..Beatles...etc. On the bridge pick-up through a Vox AC-15 TBX you get Day Tripper. Closest I've ever heard.

Action is good. I've had a set up as the factory set up was ok but not great. Needed some tweaking to the higher frets. The tuning stability is still not all that great. I'm going to get a new nut and look at replacing the tuners which are cheap.

I play out alot and have done so part-time for 20 plus years. Largely a Fender devotee I play out with strats, a tele, through Vox and Fender amps. This guitar appears more fragile than what I'm used to. The volume/tone pots failed in the first month as did the selector switch. New pots and a Switchcraft replacement switch are welcome replacements. If Epiphone would put out just a few dollars more for quality electronics...this would be an unbelievable bargin.

I love this guitar for the looks and vibe alone. The sound in the stock model is good...but I strongly recommend getting Duncans, Dimarzio, or stock Gibson replacements. This makes a huge difference. The basic electronics did not hold up any time at all...get 'em replaced. As noted I plan on changing out the tuners and the nut. So...in effect I bought a new guitar and replaced all the critical parts except the neck and frets. But its still a bargain when compared to the Lennon Model at $2000 plus. This guitar rocks..its comfortable. Fits alot of playing styles except Thrash/Metal.

It's a thin hollowbody, made in Korea, probably in 1997. 22 frets and laminated top. Two volumes, two tones and a three-way switch, as usual. It Sports two dog-ear P90 single coils, arranged so that when both pickups are on (and at the same volume), noise cancellation occurs. The pickup are "Epiphone" branded, which probably means that they are also made in Korea. My model is natural finish, maple top, back and sides (strangely enough, Epiphone site states that the top is "laminated spruce", which is obviously incorrect). The neck is glued in, all mahogany (many, many pieces of mahogany indeed!) and with a fine rosewood fingerboard; it joins the body at the 17th fret. My 1997 model has a 1.62" nut, while the more recent models have a 1.68". Belive me, this makes a lot of differece as far as playability and comfort are concerned. I suggest that you try both necks, if you can, before buying. Bridge is a tune-o-matic clone, tailpiece is a standard, ES330-style trapeze. Tuners are brand-X, Kluson-like shape and behavior. All hardware finish is chrome (including P90 covers, of course!). The guitar comes with a not-so-hard case, which anyway serves its purpose.

This guitar sounds great. P90s are absolutely fantastic. I play jazz/blues/rock with a Line6 POD, mainly clean or sligthly crunch and I'm completely satisfied of the huge variety of sounds I can get.
Please, remember that this is a true (though slim) hollowbody, and hence it is very prone to feedback, even at medum volumes with high overdrive. So I think this is better suited for those styles which don't require distortion and/or very high levels. So it's simply perfect for home playing/recording, club performances, jazz, standard blues, rock 'n roll or pop (do you remeber the Beatles?) and basically everything except hard rock/heavy metal.
P90s are single coil, and so they are noisy. But they just work that way. Remember anyhow that in the 1+2 position you get a good (not perfect) noise cancellation.
And now a little story. Six month ago, I replaced the stock P90 with a couple of Kent Armstrong WPU90. I was seeking a cleaner, more "sophisticated and professional" sound. Big mistake. The stock pickups are much better than their renowed (and expensive) brothers: same power but much more harmonics and a clearer sound. So I restored the originals and get rid of the WPU90s.

The finish is good: no noticeable flaws.
The setup was completely unsatisfactory. The bridge was quite buzzy: the posts and the saddles were rather loose, and so I replaced it with a Gotoh copy. The neck pickup was misaligned with the strings: during pickup replacement experience I filled the screwholes and drilled a couple of new ones, and now it's perfect. The switch was noisy and rattling, so I replaced it with a better one. Unfortunately, these problems are quite normal on most industrial production instruments (even Gibson or Fender guitars sometimes need serious work). Anyhow, I could resolve everything by myself, being a medium skill DIYer.
Most important: since I love low action, I had a professional fretwork done by a luther, wich is also a friend of mine. In that occasion, I had the nut replaced with a graphite one, and that improved a lot the tuning stability (which was rather poor).
After those massive operations, the guitar is absolutely perfect. Very low action with no buzzes or dead notes. A dream to play.
I think that a professional setup, maybe with a good fretwork, can really improve the playability of any guitar. And certainly, it was a blessing for this one!

I play mainly at home, and so I have no direct experience of live behavior. But I think that paying a reasonable attention, this guitar can survive to the owner.

I dont belive that much in warranties given by italian vendors on american-distributed-korean-made instruments. Anyhow, italian law dictates one-year warranty. One year has passed. So far, so good.

I've been strumming for 25 years, but I became serious about five years ago. I owned an awful lot of guitars in my carreer, mostly brand-X and cheap instruments, but also some valuable piece of hardware, like a Gibson SG standard ad a Ibanez JSM100, which still own and love.
The Casino is by far the best guitar I owned, and also one of the best I could play and listen in the last ten years. When I tried it for the first time, two years ago, I didn'k known anything about hollowbodies. It was an enlightment! In that moment I realized that I was born to play a thinline, hollowbody, double cutaway guitar. Everything in the Casino is perfect for me: the weight (it's very ligth), the size, the neck (but I think that the 1.68" profile could be even more confortable), the possibility of practicing unplugged (being hollowbody, it still produces a decent volume) and, of course, the sound. I think I will never give it away and if stolen or lost, I will immediately buy another one. Only, I would try a few samples before buying.
Actually, my only complaint is in the relative "cheapness" of this guitar: I wish there exists a better model, with better quality hardware and woods, but not as expensive as the John Lennon limited edition, which I found to have the same flaws of the lesser model. Some time ago, I tried also a 1967 Gibson ES-330, which is the model that inspired the original '60-Casino. "The real thing" was quite a delusion: the sound compared very similar and the instrument wasn't as comfortable as my Epi (moveover, I don't like sunburst and I don't like spending tons of bucks for that silly vintage fashon).
In the end, I strongly suggest to everyone who never tried a hollowbody to give a chance to this little beauty. I'm sure it will impress you, as it did with me.

2001 model made in korea. Cherry red finish hollow body. Two P90 pickups, each with a separate tone control. Rosewood fretboard, 22 frets. Shaller type tuners.

I bought this guitar for jazz as well as rock n roll. I play it through a mesa/boogie subway rocket reverb and a route 66 pedal by visual sound. The guitar sounds great. Nice highs and lows. Each pickup configuration has a nice usable sound and added flexability with the 2 tone controls. The only problem I have with the guitar is that it feeds back with higher gain or volume. I had some problems with the pickup selector switch but a little mechanical switch cleaner solved that problem.

Setup was good from the factory but I wanted 11 gauge strings so it had to be set up again. Nice finish and apparently well made. Very light and somewhat fragile. No detectible flaws.

The guitar is a hollowbody so you don't want to drop it. If you take care of it, it should withstand the test of time. The pickup selector switch seems weak and will probably need to be replaced in time. The guitar has a lifetime warranty so no worries. I would use a backup primarily to have a different sound available but I think the casino would prove reliable.

E-mailed once a received an immediate and helpful response.

Great sound for a great price. I love this guitar for what I wanted it for. I have been playing for 5 years and prefer my fender strat for blues but love this guitar for early rock and roll and jazz.

This Casino was made in Korea, probably 2001. 22 frets, hollow-body, cherry red finish with rosewood fingerboard. 2 P-90 dog ear pickups with a 3-way pickup switch. One volume and one tone control for each pickup. Trapeze tailpiece.

I love the sound this guitar can make! By adjusting the volume and tone on the two pickups, you can play anything from a sweet high to a growling low. I play this through a Fender Stage 100, which also adds a lot of flexibility with the sound, especially with a little reverb and drive. But watch the volume on the amp because this hollow body will give you feedback if not careful! The pickups are a little noisy, but I expected some of that with the P-90's. These are not humbuckers!

Being hollow body, you can play this without plugging it in, which is great when the wife is asleep and I still want to practice or just play around.

Action is fantastic, no additional setup was required, although Guitar Center does an excellent job of checking it out before you leave the store. Everthing that I could see about this guitar was flawless. It's a beautiful piece. Probably the only flaw I saw was the Epiphone "E" glued onto the pick guard. It fell off within a few hours of playing. This guitar feels great, is smooth and, of course, light weight. Be careful - with all the weight in the neck, it's easy for this strapped on guitar to take a drop if you let go.

There is one major flaw - the pickup selector switch. Sometimes, the neck pickup will cut out. Wiggling the switch, you get a lot of static which tells me it probably should be replaced. I've heard this is a common problem with Epiphone, but should be covered under the lifetime warranty.

I see no reason why this guitar can't withstand live playing or would fail to last, with reason. Being hollow body, it's more delicate than a solid body, yet it's built well and should hold up as long as you care for it as you would an acoustic. I can only see using a backup if you wanted another guitar with a slightly different sound or if the feedback became too much.

As I said, I bought it from Guitar Center, who did an excellent job of letting me try it out, ask questions and checked it out before I left the store. I do need to have the pickup selector checked out or replaced and, with the Epiphone warranty, I'll need to return it to an authorized repair shop. Fortunately, there's one in town. Haven't dealt with them. For some, this could be the sticky point, since not all shops would be authorized by Epiphone.

Been playing off and on for around 20 years. Primarily, my focus has been bass, but I started on guitar years ago. I've played a Gibson Les Paul Deluxe and this is as good quality as that instrument. I wanted something not as heavy as the LP, and this was it. I also wanted something that would give me a variety of sounds, from blues to rock. This guitar fit the bill. I'd buy one again if I lost this one. On the other hand, I've been looking at the Fender Strat just to give some flexibility in sound.

The hum and the pickup selector are the only two annoyances. I feel the hum is probably more due to where I play it in the house, picking up a lot of electrical disturbance from appliances and such. The selector is a manufacturing defect, which hopefully can be fixed.

OK, my guitar is in fact a VT Casino, made in Korea. The "VT" stands for "Vibratone", which is a very accurate reproduction of the Bigsby design, right down to the alloy used in its construction. Besides that feature, my guitar sports a silver sparkle finish, flawlessly executed. Chrome hardware, including the "dog ear" P90's, Kluson-style vintage tuners, 22 medium frets (well dressed and crowned), bound rosewood fingerboard. The neck acess is quite restricted (neck joint at 19th fret), but with superb playability. Hollowbody design with laminated materials (maple on top), 2T-2V control configuration. Comes with an Epi hardcase - nothing too flashy, but nice enough.

Since I play a wil variety of styles, I prefer to find the right tools (guitars, ahem) for each one of them instead of trying to find a jack-of-all-trades. For retro-pop, janglin'rhythm guitar work - or even for Neil Young-inspired feedback rides (the bigsby helps a lot), this guitar is perfect. The P90s installed have the level of hum you'd expect from most single-coil pickups that don't have tone-sucking devices to make them quiet - and I like it that way. The brodge position yields a bite that'll cut in even in dense mixes, adding clarity to rhythm and lead work. The neck pickup provides a warm and round sound - this guitar can even double as a jazz axe (even though I doubt ANY jazz player would dare to mix a silver sparkle guitar with tweed jackets and whatnot...). Combined, both pickups will serve you with a robust tone that can be further adjusted with clever playing with both tone and volume controls. I spent two hours with the guitar before actually buying it, and I just couldn't dial nary a bad sound out of it.

For a non-US guitar, the finish is almost flawless. The pait job is nothing short of spetacular, very smooth and even - and the silver sparkle will behave wildly under stage lights, believe me!! The pickups height cannot be adjusted - you'll have to rely solely on the po'lepieces to provide string balance. In my case, that was not necessary - very good job. The fretwire was well dressed, and the medium gauge used provides a nice playing feel. The neck needed a little adjustment, but just to suit my taste with higher action. The Vibratone Bigsby copy peformed very well - it's not designed for divembombs or Diamond Darrel-squeals, but performs nicely for adding subtle vibrato effects. All in all, this guitar proved to me that Korea CAN build top-notch instruments. My only complaint is the cheap feel of the pickup selector - it cracks a bit and does not feel very solid. Anyways, the visual aspect of the instrument is striking: the cool retro vibe is only augmented by the Bigsby vibrato.

Well, this ain't a Tele, so it won't serve you as a bat in your next stage invasion experience or other riot-related road casualties. As any hollow (or semi-hollow) guitar, it's more delicate and I don't think it can withstand major abuse. The hardware, with the exception of the pickup selector, feels solid. The Kluson-copy tuners are not that great, but I never experienced any serious tuning problems yet, even with constant use of the bigsby. The strap buttons are solid, but as with all my other instruments, I discarded them in favour of Schaller straplocks. Since I'm not that wild onstage, I'd gig with this guitar with no backup - but I can't resist not bringing at least one more axe to a gig.

Lifetime warranty

I've been playing for 16 years. Since I operate a project studio, I won't mention all the gear involved. My main electrics are a PRS Custom 10 Top, a Telecaster '52 RI and a Fender Relic Strat. I play thru a variety of amps, though generally I rely either on a Doctor Z Route 66 or a Mesa-Boogie combo. My pedalboard is in constant mutation. Right now it's down to a RMC wah, Fulltone '69 Fuzz and Full Drive 2, Voodoo Labs MicroVibe and a Line 6 Delay Modeler. I tried the Casino thru this setup and straight to my beloved Vox AC30. Needless to say, I was in Tone Heaven. The P90s sounded amazing thru the '69 Fuzz, and sound surprisingly tight with other distortion boxes in my arsenal (specially my Menatone Red Snapper).
Like I said, I didn't expect versatily - I expected that this particular instrument would provide me a specific set of tone colours. It passed the terst in absolute triumph. It's not a cheap guitar like other Epis, but it's a bargain considering the vibe and sounds you can coach out of it. A winner.

Made in Korea, in the year 2000. You know the rest.

It sounds beautiful on anything you need a clean sound for. It's great for rock and roll. The distorted sound isn't bad either. Right now I'm using a Marshall Valvestate amp, I might move up to either a Fender/ Vox/ Marshall tube amp. The sound is very full, great for rhythm playing. It can be very bright and it can be very jazzy, meaning very bassy sort of sound. It does feed back a lot on distorted settings but it's another color to the sound. O like everything about it.

Got it straight from Epiphone and the set-up was very well done.

Should last with proper care, not too much care, just proper care. We tend to mess up things when we're too careful.

Been playing for almost 4 years. And guitar/music playing is the only vice that I have. It satisfies me most of the time, probably 98% of the time. I love it more than anything else. I'm very glad that I bought this guitar, whenever I start playing it, it's so hard to put it down. Very pleasant sound. I wonder why all guitarist's don't have a Casino, it's just a great piece of work. I recommend that you BUY IT. GO FOR IT MAN!

2001 model, cherry red finish mahogany set neck, maple back and sides. MAPLE TOP!!. According to Epiphone specs, the top is supposed to be laminated spruce, but I have yet to encounter one with a spruce top. You have to be careful when you check out specs on Epi's instruments cause the info on wood types is sometimes not accurate. Two "dog ear" p90's, fake pearl position markers on boundrosewood fingerboard, but looks like real pearl logo on headstock. Trapeze tailpiece. Fully hollow bound body.

I know most people acquire these instruments to get the John Lennon sound, but I decided to get it because it has the same specs as a Gibson ES-330, without the ridiculous rip-off price of that instrument's reissue (which is often even more expensive than the vintage originals from the 60's!).
I play jazz on the instrument, and for the price it really sounds wonderful. Gives me a good approximation of the Grant Green sound. I run it straight through a fender or Peavy Classic tube amp on clean. The P90's sound suprisingly rich for korean cheapies.

Action was wonderful right out of the box. It came with 10's, but I switched them to 12 guage flat wounds. The action required a little tweaking after that, and I 'll probably need a neck adjustment to compensate for the harder tension. Intonation was fine. Finish was flawless.

The hardware is cheap, but we'll see how it holds up. The instrument is really well made, so I'm sure it will stand up to the rigors of live playing.

I have been playing for over 20 years, and I bought this guitar to take around without worry because I have a very expensive jazz guitar that I do worry about and do not want to drag around. Now I can use it just for recording, cause the Epi is fine for all other applications. If it got stolen I would probably get another one. For the price, it's a great instrument. Note: Don't buy one from a store cause you will overpay a lot. Get it from ebay or another auction site. I have seen some stores selling these guitars for up to 700 bucks! That's to much for a Korean istrument.

My Casino is Korean made probably in 2001 and features double cutaway and a natural finish. The top is laminated spruce, and has two P-90 single coil pickups. There are two volume and two tone controls with a toggle to distribute the sound between the pickups. The body is maple laminate and the neck is made of mahogany. The headstock appears to be made of three pieces. Neck and body are bound and there are two F-holes with no binding. The bridge is fully adjustable with a trapeze tailpiece. The neck is delightfully thin and slick. The entire guitar features a shiny lacquer finish.

The sound of this guitar is why I purchased it. I play mostly rock and blues and this fits the bill real well. The sound seems to be somewhere in the middle between the sound of my Strat and a full hollow-bodied jazz guitar. It doesn't get extremely bright highs nor deep lows, but rather takes the middle ground beautifully. I absolutely love the sound of this guitar! Play it clean through my Hot Rod Deluxe and the sound is sweet and mellow. Crank up the reverb a bit, and it's surprising how she can screem!
One of the things I am particularly crazy about is that this guitar is a hollow bodied guitar...there is no center block, and as such it is loud enough to use for practice sessions when you don't want to plug in. This is great for those late night urges when you feel like playing without waking the entire household! The hollow bodied feature also makes this guitar light as a feather and so it very easy to hold. Because of the thin body design it seems to just snug up to my side.
On the negative side, I've noticed that I am getting some buzzing from within the body when I play it acoustically. Sounds like one of the wires inside vibrating, but this does not effect the sound when plugged in and really isn't at the point of being annoying.

This guitar is made in Korea, then shipped to Gibson in the USA where it set up. The way it came from the factory was really perfect.The action is smooth and slick.
The wood on this guitar is absolutely perfect and fit and finish is amazingly flawless. Aesthetically, this is a very beautiful guitar! The entire package is certainly eye pleasing to say the least.

Will this guitar hold up over time? This is difficult to say, but it seems to be well made and I think it will last a long time. If there is one thing that seems a little cheesy I would say it is the machine heads, and I am thinking of changing them with a set of vintage Grovers.

I have had no reason to deal with the company, so I really can't say.

I started playing almost 40 years ago, but took a long break ( about 30 years! ) while I was taking care of family matters. For the past four years I've been caring for myself and one of those things I've been doing is a lot of guitar playing.
Back then, I wanted a Gibson ES330 but I couldn't afford it. Now I can afford it, but Gibson no longer makes it! This guitar is identical in every respect to the Gibson ES 330 so I guess you might say I'm fulfilling a youthful dream.
Overall what amazes me about this guitar is the high level of quality from a Korean guitar, and considering some of the crap I've seen from Gibson USA for enormous amounts of money, this guitar is a real bargain!

this is an epiphone casino that i purchased used, so i'm not sure of the exact date, but i would estimate that it was made in '00 or '01. this guitar is totally hollow. this is not like the epiphone sheraton or the gibson es-335 which have a solid block in the middle, with hollow 'wings' on the side. i'll talk more about what this means later.
this guitar has two p90 pick-ups (single-coil) each of which has it's own volume and tone control and they are wired to a standard 3-way selecter switch. the pickups are excellent on this guitar, but the tone controls are aweful. it's the only major flaw on the guitar. when you roll back the tone, you kill the volume and end up with a muddy sound. i've found that if i turn the tone knob halfway back, then i can get a decent muted tone.
my casino is turqoise, for the first few weeks i didn't like the color that much, but it's growing on me. like most casino's, this guitar has a trapeze tail piece, a tune-o-matic bridge, and non-locking tuners. it has a set-in neck (not bolt-on like fenders), and a nice meaty neck. all in all, it's nothing fancy, but it's got what you need to get a good sound.

i play a wide range of musical styles (rock, blues, reggae, etc.), and i find that the casino fits these styles pretty well. this guitar has a lot of bottom end, so i could see it being used in a punk or metal context, however, people who hit the strings really hard might find that their strings rattle a bit and their sound gets muddy.
i usually play through an electar tube-30 amplifier without any effects. i say that a guitar should sound good without a lot of effects to doctor up the sound, so i keep my rig fairly simple. the casino sounds great through this amp. when i play it through a solid state amp, it loses some of the open, singing sound that i get with it through a real tube amp.
the p-90 pickups sound great (in muy opinion), but they are prone to a little bit of single coil hum. i found that to be a real problem only when i was standing right next to the amp and when i had my gain cranked up high. it has a rich sound, not real bright and ringing, but it has a sort of swampy feel. i think it sounds great when its just a little dirty and you mute the strings with your right hand...like butter :)
i talked about the tone knobs earlier...they're not that great. this makes the guitar not the most versital in terms of tone. it'll sound good in any context, but it will always sound like itself. if this is going to be your first guitar, look for something else (a strat has a lot more versatilty), but if you're looking to fill in your arsenal, this baby rocks! (by the way, you can get some killer feedback from this thing...i like to pretend i'm jimi hendrix!)

i got it used, so i assume the action and the intonation were tweaked by the previous owner (when i got it it was perfect except for some slight buzzing on one string which was easy to fix). everything else looks alright. the pickups are well matched to each other (in terms of output), and it looks great. there were a few tiny cosmetic flaws around the trapezoid inlays, but i'm being really picky. they don't interfere with play, and after all, you buy a guitar to play it...not put it on display. The strap button is on the back of the guitar at the heel of the neck, this isn't a problem for me because i rarely venture past the 15th fret, but if you like that obnoxious shrill sound of ridiculously high notes, you may find that the strap button interferes with access to the highest frets. also, the body of the guitar is bigger than a solid body, so if you're a small person or have short arms, it may be a little uncomfortable to reach the strings. since i got it used, i'm going to leave the rating blank.

i've begun using this guitar almost exclusively with my band. it is a well built guitar and i'm confident that it will stand the test of time. it is a hollow guitar however, and it won't take as much abuse as a solid body, but i've bumped it and knocked it and haven't seen any signs of my carelessness. i don't usually gig without a backup guitar because it seems like an unecessary risk, but if i had to i would be willing to play this without a back up. i'll give it a seven, just because it's hollow.

i've never dealt with epiphone before...hopefully i won't ever have to.

i've been playing the guitar for about five years now, and i've owned a couple strat copies, a 1976 yamaha accoustic, and a guitar i built myself. if this guitar were ever lost i would replace it with another casino, it would never be stolen because i hardly ever stop playing it and the theif would have to pry it out of my kung-fu grip. i really like the sound of this guitar. it doesn't look as flashy as a flying v or an explorer, but it has a wide open sound that a solid body can only dream of. it's light weight (hollow) so it doesn't wear me out after a gig. i would recommend this guitar to any moderate to advanced player. don't buy this as your first guitar though because it is not as versital as some. this however would make an excellent second guitar because it compliments and contrasts the sound of a solid body. overall, an excellent guitar, i can see why john lennon, noel gallegher, and others relied on these guitars as their primary axe.

NOS 1999 imported (Korean) 'reissue' model purchased late 2000. If you're familiar with this breed you know the specifics, otherwise check out the Epiphone site or some of the other Casino reviews for details. The original Casino was basically a copy of the Gibson ES-330 but with a few changes such as inlay markers, etc. The body is of typical thinline laminated maple construction and though the catalogs say the 5-ply top is spruce, the top/outer face is maple as well. But the main difference is that unlike say an ES-335, this one is a true hollowbody and only has a small wood block directly under the bridge. This one has the glossy natural 'Lennon' finish which is a perfect compliment to the body's mild flamey figure and darker mahogany neck. White-cream binding on top/back body and fingerboard add a touch of class. The pickups are generic P90 types with nicely plated dog ear covers. Typical Epiphone hardware (tune-o-matic style bridge & trapeze tailpiece) though the tuners are the Kluson copies with the round metal buttons and stay in tune pretty well. Plastic nut and milky plastic inlay markers in a rosewood fingerboard with medium frets. Purchased new, this one didn't come with a case and since I don't like the plain black cases with gray liner opted for a nice aftermarket ES-335 style case which is black with a maroon liner. A standard guitar with the features I need but the cheap inlays knock it down a notch to 9.

This guitar suits my style of blues & alt-country very well indeed. Being hollow, it is perfect for picking up when everyone's in bed and even an acoustic would be too loud. As such it is very prone to feedback when amplified though, especially at high gain settings. I wouldn't recommend it for any hard rockers out there but as I'm used to playing in three-piece bands, my style is somewhat busy and can control it fairly well. I still would not take this one along for a real loud gig. The pickups are really wonderful for a cheap guitar and sound their best at clean to moderate overdrive levels, where each note just blooms from the amplifier. Higher gain settings tend to sound muddy and even more fuzzy than humbuckers. Other than the single coil hum and feedback howl at high volumes it is not noisy, and the controls don't add any scratches or pops when used. The overall sound is bright & snappy but with very pronounced bass & midrange, even at the bridge setting. Capable of making your basic two-pickup variety of sounds, but with more variety than humbuckers. Its no wonder people have rediscovered the P90 as a viable and useful pickup. Soundwise I can't complain but because of the feedback problem rate an 8.

This guitar sat unsold for nearly two years but the factory or dealer setup was so good I haven't had to change anything. Shame some of the more expensive Gibsons I've had didn't come set up this well. Action is low-to-medium but plays very fast with .010" strings. The neck has a nice meaty profile though more comfortable than some Gibson bat necks. Pickups are nonadjustable save the polepieces which are screws. Everything was done well on this one, all the hardware is installed straight, etc. Remarkably there are no finish flaws nor any wood defects neither. I've owned Historic model Gibsons that had little defects in the binding etc, and they cost much more than this little gem. Again the body displays some mild curly figure, something I haven't seen on most other Casinos. My only bitch here is the crappy plastic nut and cheezy looking plastic inlays. Hey even the 'USA' Revolution model is made overseas (don't freak folks but its true, Gibson only finishes and puts them together here, same for the John Lee Hooker Sheratons) and has the right MOTO pearloid inlays. Would be a 10 but those plastic parts irritate me so it gets a 9.

This guitar seems a little more fragile due to the hollow construction than say a semi-hollow thinline, but is well made and should hold up to live playing fine. Still I wouldn't drink too much and drop this one a lot folks. The hardware is okay but the plating is a little thin (one pickup cover had a little plating chip off within a week) but not as bad as some recent low-end Gibson stuff I've heard about. Plus if you've ever played an Epiphone with a tune-o-maic copy bridge, you know the saddles hurt your hand after a while. The finish is a thick polyester which is more durable than about anything I can think of. Unlike lacquer-finished guitars, this one won't show all those little pick & handling scratches as well, especially with the light natural finish. Strap buttons are standard fare and well placed though some won't like the upper/heel location, but I'm an SG player so its no big deal. I'd say this guitar is highly dependable though always recommend a #2 for a backup.

Thankfully I've never had to deal with Gibson/Epiphone regarding a warranty claim so have no opinion here. They're fairly helpful in answering emails regarding other matters though.

I've been playing about 16 years and have gone through a lot of gear trying to find MY sound. Other current gear includes a reissue ES-335 Dot, '63 Les Paul/SG Standard, Historic '61 Les Paul/SG Custom reissue, 1973 Dove, 1987 paisley Telecaster (first year), a prototype handbuilt custom neck-through thinline electric, and a cheapo or two. If killed or MIA, I'd probably find another in the same color. What I love most about this guitar is its LIGHTweight comparable to an SG and inspiring tones. My only real complaint is regarding the short neck joint which is restrictive when playing high up the neck. It makes me think I'd really like a late 60s ES-330 with the long neck joint like an ES-335. As such its not a good choice for soloing on. Being a huge Beatles fan I've always admired their Casinos and jumped when Epiphone released this model. Before buying this one I tried one of the stripped Revolution models and was not impressed as it sounded and felt dead. Maybe that was a bad example but at least all of the imported Casinos I've tried have the same feel to them and are consistent. I had originally planned on converting mine to a Revolution model (stripping the finish, spraying lacquer sealer, new tuners, etc) but have since changed my mind. This one plays and sounds fine as is and I'm sure the polyester finish would be a pain to strip anyway. For what you can buy these for new or used on ebay they are a bargain. For everything else I rate mine a 10.

This guitar is an Epiphone Refurbished Casino manufactured in Korea. Judging from the serial # it was made in 1997. This hollow body sports 22 medium frets, with a laminated maple top ( Thanks to fellow Casino reviewer, Ted Dascoli for the info on that one) back and sides and a mahogany neck w/rosewood fingerboard. I'm sure you know the skinny on the electronics configuration, so I won't delve into it here. This one has a Turquoise finish( my fave) and is in the Gibson 335 shape, f-holes with neck and body binding, and all that. it also has the standard trapeze tailpiece with a tune-o-matic. Tuners are Kluson style with a sexy,thin, fast neck in 24.75" scale. i have to agree w/the previous poster who happened to buy a refurb Casino from Musician's Friend the same time as I did, and that is I could not find anything overwhelmingly flawed in this guitar. In fact, It came with a real bone nut! Seems like more improvements were made on this guitar than there are on a factory 1st model.

Man oh man! Let me tell you, I used to own an Epi 335 dot deluxe that I wasn't too fond of and exchanged it for this lil' beauty, and it totally blew me away. It's true what they say, The natural acoustics of this hollowbody make it exciting and pleasing enough to go unplugged and strum it in your livingroom! I play a lot of Oasis, Beatles, U2-ish stuff so it fits like a glove. I plug it into my MusicMan 112RP 65 watt hybrid combo and the natural overdrive that this guitar produces in conjunction with the my amp is kick-ass. I haven't been able to get a good overdriven sound using the dot and a ibanez that I own, using this same amp. This particular guitar was made for it! On clean, it produces those expressive warm tones everyone raves about and although, as I'm sure you've read that it lacks sustain it hardly seems relevant to what this guitar sounds like overall. I do have to mention that initially there was a slight little rattling buzz emitting from near the bridge area. Turns out one of the pickup covers' screws were loose. I guess what can you expect for a guitar that has been refurbed. nothin's perfect eh?

the action on this guitar was perfect for me. It is extremely comfortable to play and that combined w/the slim width of the neck it was just plain sweet. The pick-ups may need to be adjusted some to suit my individual tastes. The finish is sharp though not flawless. I say that because the headstock region where the turquoise paint ends and the blackface of the headstock begins, the finish looks "fuzzed" a bit. other than this subtle flaw I can't see any imperfection finish wise. No scratches, dents or cracks in this 4 yr old but newly purchased axe. The hardware has the slightest bit of oxidation particularly on the trapeze tailpiece where the strap button is located. I wiped it cleam and it practically rubbed all off with some guitar polish. Also the pick-up selector was a little crackly at first but then after flicking it back and forth a few times, seems to have eliminated the crackle. All these minor flaws were expected considering this guitar isnt brand new and has been refurbed. The price of $379.99 was a steal!

Will this guitar withstand live playing?! Sure it could. In fact, this is an area that seems to be a bit particular and unique to each individual player. Think about it, you knock this bitch around a bit and of course it's gonna be all banged up and things are gonna come loose etc, etc. If you treat it w/ a little respect like it was a 3,000 axe and it'll last a lifetime. I think this applies really to most any decent guitar. Besides, you should take pride in your posessions that bring you great joy. ( I probably sound like your mother).
The strap buttons need to be replaced with locking ones definitely. My strap has slipped at least 9 or 10 times being gentle w/it. I think you'd be alright using this guitar w/out a back-up.

i've dealt with both Gibson and Epiphone before and every single time, they've helped me out w/any questions and concerns i had. Never had anything repaired under warranty nor out of warranty.

I've been playing coming up on 9 years. No virtuoso talking here, but I've played enough guitars to be able to do some educated comparison. Best Epiphone in the Hollow or semi-hollowbody family that I've ever played or owned. I love Epiphones because not only are they cheap but they are well known enough to have been played by legends. of course, I'll agree the quality was different back then. Kind of iconic playing one. I also own a john lennon ej-160e acoustic/electric that I bought used that sounds great, and an old Epiphone Ft-135 acoustic that is one of my faves.
I love this guitar for its superb tone and it's aesthetics . One thing I wish they could have done differently was to provide different tuning machines. Maybe Grovers ( sheesh I sound like every other Epi owner syaing that!)
This guitar beat the 335 Dot bar none in versatility and good natural tones. The Dot has it's own merits (ie: good sustain, quieter electronics) but like I said, the Casino's lack of sustain doesnt detract from all the great qualities it has to offer in contrast to the Dot.

Made in 2000 or 2001, in Korea. It's a hollow body, no solid block in the middle, just like a Gibson ES-330, without the ridiculous price. The body is made from laminated maple I believe, with a mahogany neck. It's also a "lefty" and you all don't know how difficult it is to find left handed guitars without special ordering and paying lots of extra bucks just because it's a left handed guitar. The finish is called "vintage cherry sunburst" and it looks beautiful. Two P-90 pick-ups, with two volume and two tone controls. Pick-ups sound great to me, I doubt I'll replace them unless they develop some problem in the future. Unknown brand of tuners, seems to stay in tune, but will probably replace these in the near future, along with the pots and selector switch. I haven't had any problems with them, but since most everyone else has stated they've had problems, I'll upgrade soon. The neck is nice and thin and feels and plays great. I bought the guitar from the Musician's Friend website and the price was reduced because it was a "refurb". When I received the guitar it was stamped "2nd" on the back of the headstock. I've looked it over very thoroughly and I'll be damned if I can find anything wrong with it. Although I've read that some people don't like the big "E" on the pickguard, I think it's cool. I've been an Epiphone fan since my neighbor played one in the early 60's. I've found that they make a great guitar for the money. The few areas where they have had to cut back to keep the price low, i.e. electronics, can be remedied for a few bucks and then you have a fine instrument at a sensible price. No Gibson I've ever played was $1,500 to $2,000 better than this guitar. I gave it a 9 because of that damn "2nd" stamped on the back of the headstock.

I knew this guitar would sound great when playing old Beatles and Byrds, a nice bright sound, but I was surprised at how good it sounds when overdriven. I play most everything from the 60's and early 70's and it even sounds pretty good when playing Hendrix and Clapton. You have to stay far away from the amp though cause it will definitely "feed back" with the hollow body. Not much sustain, but that is to be expected with a true hollow body.

I bought this from the Musicans Friend website. It came by UPS and I received it two weeks earier than promised....can you imagine? As I stated previously it was listed as a "refurb" and stamped as a "2nd". I can find nothing wrong with the guitar. The frets seem to have been dressed, because they don't tear up your fingers the way alot of Korean guitars do, the edges are nice and smooth, much better than on my Fender Strat...had to have the frets filed on that. Maybe the reason I haven't had any problems with the selector switch is that they replaced it during the "refurb"? Maybe they filed the frets during the "refurb" too? Who knows, but I'm not complaining, it's a great playing and sounding guitar. If getting a "refurb" guitar means they fixed things that were wrong, I'll always buy a "refurb" in the future. There is one small, and I mean small, spot on the back of the guitar, which appears to be a "knot" in the wood. It is completely smooth, I guess that poly finish will cover any imperfection and it doesn't affect the playability or the looks. Also, the fret markers have not had a bunch of filler applied. I noticed only two which could have used some filler, but I'm not complaining, the small gaps don't affect the playability and I don't like all of that filler crap smeared all over the fret board. The action is good, although I'll have it set up at the German Village Music Shop where they work magic on new or old guitars. My rating is given based upon what this guitar is. You know like Slick Willie said...it depends on what your definition of "is", is. I'd give it a 7 if it was put out by the Gibson Custom Shop. But since it was made in Korea, (probably at the Samick factory), shipped to somewhere in the U.S.A., where some guy checked it out, then shipped to Oregon, where my friends at Musician's Friend allegedly checked it out again and then shipped it to me.... considering ALL of that, it's an easy 9.

I'm sure it would withstand live playing, if you were careful with it. Like any hollow body, it's not intended to be used like you were playing with the Who. The finish seems to be pretty tough...typical poly finish. Strap buttons seem solid. The hardware is OK, but they have to cut back somewhere considering the price...this is probably where they did it. You can replace the buttons, tuners, pots and selector switch for a little bit of nothing. If that's done, I can't imagine anyone having a complaint about this beautiful instrument. I haven't played a gig in around 30 years and I only had one guitar back then....so I had no choice, but I imagine it would be a good idea to have a back up.

Haven't dealt with them, but there's a lifetime warranty on the guitar...not sure what that means....they probably have so many restrictions, the warranty may be worthless.

I've been playing off and on for 35 years. I also have a Fender American Standard Stratocaster, an Epiphone G-400, and a Crate GFX212 amp. I really like this guitar, it gives me the sounds I want and plays great. I wouldn't change anything about the guitar. This has become my favorite guitar, particularly since I can't just pick it up and play without having to use the amp. I play for my own enjoyment and the annoyance of my neighbors and this guitar is fun to play. I could afford to buy a Gibson, but I just don't see that much better quality for the price. Maybe if I was a professional musician... but since I'm not, I'll keep on playing Epiphones. Remember, all ratings here are for an Epiphone, not a Gibson Custom Shop model.

Purchased new in 1985 for $595 Australian. I asume it was made in Japan. It has all the standard Casino features in a cherry finish. It came in a acoustic style hard case, made for it, very rugged construction ... velvet lined and with Epiphone embosed in gold (well not gold but...) on the case.

The sound is exellent! Perfect for many different styles of music. you can get great tonal range from the p90's .. perfect for soft mellow jazz .. great bluesy sound fom the neck pickup with a beautiful p90 ring to the note, sounds great muted or semi-muted too .. Its has a great rock sound too, the bridge pickup delivers a crisp sharp note great for rock riffs. I play my Casino through a 130 watt tube amp. (music man 212 hd one thirty) when the pre amp is turned up this guitar just rocks! I tend to play with the tone controls down (enck pickup set to 4, bridge pickup set to 7) I believe that it comes into its own at those settings, perfect for the roar rock sound I like so much, tho i do alter the sound when its needed. Overall you would be hard pressed to get a better soundng guitar than this. It is increadable value for money.

The guitar wasn't set up too well when I got it ( or maybe it was just me, afterall this was the first "real" guitar I had purshased). So I spent some time tweaking the bridge and the neck. The nut is a bit sus ... cheap plastic .. the switch ... well I've read a lot of complaints about the switch on the Korean made Casinos not operating or causing static, but I have never had any trouble with it on my guitar, and have never needed to alter or even clean it at any stage. The picks do hum a bit when close to diferent electical sources .. just a matter of positioning yourself away from them ( unless you know a way of eliminating it all together, though I dont mind, it means it works! ). The thin neck is exelent to play exspecially for people with stumpy little fingers like me :) ... From what I've read the detailing is better on earlier models like mine. The only other problem I've had is some corrosion and tarnish on the trapese and the bridge pickup .. but thats what you get prom playing in a hot gararge in the middle of summer and not cleaning your guitar afterwards .. I suggest you take good care of your Casino ... it is a quality instrament and taken care of will outlast your lifetime. The action is good ... I'm not the greatest gutarist, but this one fits my hands nicely .. and it looks good on me too !

With the amp is cranked up it will feedback .. o.k. if you want that .. good for those last cords that you use the switch to cut in and out ... The pots are huge wire wound .. top quality .. the switch as I said before I have never had trouble with .. p90's .. well the're p90's buzz a little but exellent sound ... tuning heads on mine are exellent. I dont know what type they are but are smooth to operate and the guitar stays in tune for a long time. strap buttons seem solid enouth though thay are big and a cheap strap can come off if not carefull .. I suggest you use one that will fit it properly to avoid this. It is a very dependable guitar and it is the only electric I use live, though I do also use an acoustic as well.

I didn't realise there was customer support at the time of purchase.
It has never needed repairs (just a little tweaking)
It has a lfetime warrenty

I have been playing 21 years now ( oh god is it that long )i also own a Kramer Ferrington ... its an acoustic with pickup and controls ... that I'm not happy with and intend to sell ... and my amp is a music man 212 hd one thirty. It's a gutsy tube amp which is excellent with the casino. If my casino was lost or stolen? I would try to buy another one from the 80's again. From the sound of the Korean Casino's they just dont match it to the jap Casino's ( tho I'm sure the sound is no dfferent :) I wouldn't compare it to anythign else, it is a unique guitar, and I'm not really interested in anything else ... own one! And you'll see why.

Brand new 2001 made in Korea,22 medium jumbo frets. Total hollow body
just like a Gibson ES330. 2 volume and 2 tone controls and a 3 way
switch. 2 P-90 pickups. The body is laminated maple and the top is
also laminated maple (even though the Epi. website says spruce, Gibson
USA confirms that is indeed laminated maple). The neck is mahogany.
The finish is a semi-transperant Cherry with some type of laquer. The
body style is, of course, a 335 style, 2 f-holes. Tune-o-matic bridge
with a trapeze tail piece. Non locking Grover-style tuners. The neck
has been re-worked (thank goodness) to more of an ES335 style neck.
And, they FINALLY changed that riduculous 1.62 nut to a normal 1.68,
which makes it much easier to play down on the neck. A rosewood finger
board. Pretty basic deal here, not many features, but you don't need
them on this style guitar. Case was extra.

I play alot of The Beatles,Eagles,blues and of course a bunch of
Skynyrd. I'm playing through a Yamaha DG60 with 1-12" speaker and I
use the normal 2 channels, one clean, one dirty with an occasional
stereo chorus. It really isn't that noisy, the middle position has
been wired for hum cancelling. Hey, they are P-90s! The sound is very
rich and 'chimmey' in the treble and full and warm in the middle and
rythum positions. Likes and dislikes? well, as we have seen in many
other reviews, the switch is a little suspect, but for the time being
it works. I think the weakest spot on this fine instrument is the nut.
CHEAP,CHEAP,CHEAP!! It's just a little piece of cheap,weak plastic.
I'v seen better nuts on guitars from Sears for Christs sake! Other
than that, the machine heads seem to work fine, it does'nt go out of
tune, even after bang'in on some Skynyrd. The pickups sound VERY good,
there is no reason to change them out(wheew!).

It was set up decently right out of the box. Crappy strings, but the
action wasn't bad at all. But it was professionally set up by Danny
Hoefer at the American Music store in the Freemont area of Seattle.
Everything looks great. A beautiful semi-transparent Cherry. I took
off the pick guard and had Danny put a black switch washer on it
with Treble and Rythum in gold, looks incredibly great!! This is an
excellent instrument, even "for the money", so to speak. Great
comfortable neck and incedible action, plays very smooth. Excellent
accousticly too.

I've been playing for 25 years and on all kinds of guitars(I currently
own a Les Paul Classic, a Fender strat. and a Fender tele.).And I
think that this is a VERY well made instument (save for the nut) and
will stand up easily to just about any style of playing you want, un
less of course, you are Pete Townsend. Don't be fooled by the light
weight, this is a solid, dependable guitar. I don't think you should
gig live with out a back up of some type, but I wouldn't be too worried.
Not a good Heavy Meatl axe. Hollow body = SQUEALING FEEDBACK
with alot of drive (distortion) at high volumes.

Never had to deal with them. Epiphone has a limited life-time warranty.

Been playing for 25 years. If it were stolen (heaven forbid), I would
buy another one (and couldn't wait to get it). A great instrument with
great sound for a great price, tough to beat that with a stick! At one
point, years ago, I had a Gibson ES225, this is very similar. Although
this is a quality built guitar, Epiphone could spend probably just a
few more pennies on better electronics (save for the pickups) and nut.
If your local store does not have an Epiphone Casino, and you want one,
Good luck!! Because they are extremely slow in producing and shipping
this model. The one I ordered I had to wait 3 months to get.
But it certainly was worth the wait!! I played a John Lennon 65 model
and in reality, there is not that much of a difference. Except for the
fact that you can buy 5 of these for the same money as 1 John Lennon model.

My guitar is laminated top, natural finish~and couldn't be a more beautiful finish. Pickups are P-90s, with a tuno-matic-bridge and trapeze tailpiece. I just ordered a bigsby vibrato to replace my trapeze, because I like the look, and the light tremolo effect! The only trouble I have had is the three way selector switch. In the middle of practices, I'll change the selection to "treble" and it won't sound. I have had all the volumes right and everything, but sometimes the "treble" won't pick up, and then it will kick back in after about 5 or 10 min. Also, the screws that fasten the pickups sometimes buzz, but a little tightening makes it sound like a beauty. My Casino also sounds great unplugged! Sometimes I favor it over my Epiphone acoustic.

The Casino is best for rock/country of the 60s and 70s. I can get some gutsy blues effects out of it too, and I use it every week in my school Jazz band. The rhythm selector sounds great when you turn the tone to 4-5, almost like an acoustic. The treble selector can ring in a perfect "Johnny B. Goode" or early Beatles riffs. Changing up the tone gets good late Beatle tones as well. My only dislike is a lack of solid sustain on some "would be lead solo" that I try and play sometimes. I don't complain though, because otherwise, I wouldn't trade this guitar for any other electric.

When I received my guitar from Musician's Friend, it was perfect. They had set everything up superbly. I have made personal adjustments for my own tastes, but the action: you couldn't ask for better. The selector sometimes seems a little loose, but good manipulation make isn't hard to do. Like I mentioned earlier, I had to tighten the pickups so they wouldn't buzz, and they did buzz! But it was only a few turns with a screwdriver! Action, Finish, and fit are wonderful.

This thing will last me forever. The only adjustment I would make is my selector switch, because of the two occasions it faded out unsuspectedly when I selected the "treble" I wouldn't want that to happen in a concert. As of right now, I don't have a back-up electric, and I don't intend to get one for a while...The Casino is my top choice. (Though I have played some casino's in shops that weren't as great as mine...needed big time check ups.)

One year warranty, but the guitar is great, and epiphone is reliable.

I have played guitar for 3 and a half years. I have an Epiphone acoustic that I bought cheaply, but I wouldn't trade that one either. It sounds incredible. I love my Casino, I play a lot of oldies, more new stuff recently. Brings in perfect Beatles (clear tones) good Oasis (with distortion) and good jazz and blues. It covers a great variety of styles...what else can I say? I've played other guitars, Strats, Teles, Les Pauls, Rickenbacker <--nice! but they don't compare to the acoustic yet so electric tones.
any questions, feel free to email me! peterburd@cs.com

Probably made in year 2000 and supposedly from Korea but had a sticker saying "100% Inspected and Setup in USA by Epiphone". Cherry body with white pick guard. They've discontinued the Vintage Sunburst color..too bad that was my first choice but the cherry turned out beautiful. 3-way selector for 2 P90s (single coils), 2 volume and 2 tone controls. Tune-o-matic bridge, silver hardware. Epiphone hardcase was $69 extra. Light weight axe. Comfortable. Reasonable fair price for the given features, quality, and hardware.

I wanted the Beatles sound...clean tones and the blues tone. Sounds nice even without an amp since it's hollow. I use a practice amp, the Vox Pathfinder, which is highly rated by Harmony Central Reviewers. This guitar also was highly rated here and in Musicians Review website. Get the new Hal Leonard Beatles Songbook transcriptions, this guitar, a Vox amp and you get close to those Beatle sounds without being in a studio. Sounds good in overdrive too.

Compared to some other axes I examined at the local stores, this one was perfect..no flaws, nice finish, no messy glue or paint blemishes..smooth surface..this one must've been built by the best Korean guitar maker for Epiphone or maybe it was made in the USA, I couldn't tell from this one. Maybe Epiphone quality control is really tight like it should be with all makers? Action fine, strings felt like 9s. I did, however, had a noisy (static) pickup switch that caused the neck pickup to go out after a few hours play but I easily took care of it by cleaning the switch contacts...maybe it wasn't noticed during inspection? Do they ever hook these up to an amp or do they use a chromatic tuner to test?

If you go to the Stewart McDonald Guitar Shop Supply site (www.stewmac.com), you'll see how cheap guitar components are. As with everything, the price of things are controlled by labor costs, normally 2 -3 times the cost of materials. When you consider, I could never build a guitar like the Casino for $ 600 myself even if I had the skills and tools, this purchase was a value. Reasonably priced for what I got..fully satisfied. Like anything else, things last longer if taken care of. I could depend on it.

Epiphone warranties must be submitted within 15 days of purchase by website or mail-in card registration. Limited lifetime on body and neck, one-year on electronics, warranty good only to original owner. When I had the pickup switch problem, Musician Friend said take it to the nearest Guitar Center store for a technician to check it out. They have a 45 day trial period. Musicians Friend would reimburse me for the swtch repair or replacement and send out a new P90 if it was a pickup problem. My local Guitar Center had no technicians but had the $10 switch. They recommended a local luthier but he had a 30 day backlog. I called Epiphone/Gibson, they said take it to their authorized repair stations (this in not necessarily the same as a Gibson/Epiphone dealer!!). Unfortunately, the closest one was a hundred miles away. You might want to consider this in your purchase of any guitar by any maker...They should require a guitar technician at all guitar stores. Anyway, I fixed the switch problem by cleaning the electrical contacts by rubbing a piece of paper across them. The Stewart McDonald web site provided tech tips and diagrams of the pickup selector switch and harnessing otherwise I would've hesitated this task as I had never disassembled a guitar. I would have given a higher score it there was a Gibson or Guitar Center repair shop closer by.

Just resumed playing after a 22 year absence. Still have a beautiful sounding 1967 Gibson 12 string acoustic (B25-12N). Plan to add to the collection maybe a Rickenbacher 650D Dakota and a Fender amp for another type of sound. Check out the reviews in www.harmony-central.com..really helpful in narrowing my selection for a ES335 type axe. I also looked at a Hamer Echotone ($519 @ Guitar Center) but saw cosmetic flaws. Mainly liked the reviews and the Beatles sound I wanted. If it got lost or stolen, I'd get another because I'm the type of guy that usually replaces a lost or stolen item with something new and better...not knocking the Casino, it's a good axe.

This review is a of a newer Korean made Casino made I think around '94 based on the serial number. 22 medium-jumbo frets. Laminated spruce top. 2 volume and 2 tone controls with three way swicth, 2 chrome covered Epiphone P-90 high output single coil pickups. Spruce top, laminated maple body, mahogany neck (appears to be 2 piece with the only joint between the neck and headstock). Beautiful cherry red poly finish (sadly not lacquer). Totally hollow body like a Gibson ES-330 with f-holes, body and neck binding. Chrome ABR-1 tune-o-matic style bridge screwed stright into the wood. Cheap chrome plated Kluson style tuning machines. 24.75" scale rosewood fingerboard with pseudo-pearloid trapezoid inlays. Optional accessories are a hardshell case and Vibrotone tailpiece. I got mine used with a real Bigsby already installed. I've since changed the bridge and tuning machines with higher quality nickel plated Gotoh parts. The Gotoh tuning machines are much better quality and "stiffer" than the originals. I don't go out of tune as quickly now. The electronics seem kinda cheap and I will be replacing them in the future.

The Casino sounds like no other guitar I've ever played (apart from an ES-330 of course). The P-90's sound bright and crisp but with good strong midrange and bass. Actually, the Epi P-90's sound a little muddy and I plan on replacing them eventually with some Fralins or Antiquities. The P-90's are fairly noisy ike any single coils. I've been told though that the metal covered P-90's are actually a little noisier than plastic covered ones, so I may try out a set of white plastic covers. The neck pickup is reverse wound so the pups are humbucking in the middle switch position. Playing through just a POD and monitors right now (hopefully a Vox in the not too distant future) I think this is the best guitar I've ever played for clean to slightly overdriven sounds. I also use a Teleaster with 52 reissue pups which sounds really weak in comparison. I may have to get some hotter pickups for the Tele now. Overdriven the Casino sounds really midrangey and unique, lots of resonance, but realtively low on sustain due to the hollow body and short scale. I also really like that it has a good amount of volume when played unplugged. that's nice when I'm playing at night and can't plug in and even the acoustic is too loud.

The action is great, you can get it pretty low without much ill effect. The pickups aren't height adjustable, but do have adjustable pole pieces. The finish looks really great for the most part. Around there f-holes the masking job was a bit less than perfect, but that's not very noticable. The finish it typical modern thick catalyzed polyester/polyuretane finish. I'd much prefer nitrocellulose lacquer, but that would've increased the price by a few hundred dollars I'm sure since its application is more labor intensive. I got the guitar used, so I don't know if it's a new problem, but a few of the upper frets have come unseated just a little. It doesn't look bad, but it does cause a little buzzing. I will be getting that fixed, and that's something that can happen to any guitar so I don't really hold it against the manufacturer. Otherwise, everything seems to be very well made. I've really fallen in love with the feel of the guitar, the 12" readius fingerboard is very comfortable, and the body style is really comfortable. I finally have a guitar that I can hold a little higher that doesn't make me look kinda geeky.

I've only had it for about a month, so I can't comment on reliability that much. It's held up for several years so far, but that deosn't mean much. The only things I worry about are the neck joint and the finish being easily chipped (I hate that about poly finish, nirto doesn't really chip like poly). I replaced the strap buttons with Dunlop locking buttons. My strap came off the buttons fairly easily without them. The chrome plating on the hardware seemd kinda cheap looking. I've reaplaced most of it with better qualty parts with nickel plating which I prefer the look of to chrome anyway. Another thing that kinda puzzles me is why they didn't use real pearloid fingerboard inlays. The logo on the headstock is pearloid, but the fingerboard inlays are just kinda silvery, no pearlescence at all. I mean how much would it have cost to use real pearloi inlay, $25? I'd have payed the extra amount for the improved appearance. One other thing, the tickness of the headstock seems a little too thick to me. Compared to my '65 Gibson J-50 it muct be about 3/16" thicker, which means the tuning machine posts are pretty short making it difficult to get more than two wraps of the larger strings around them. I don't get it.

I've never dealt with Epiphone so I don't really have any comment here.

The $520 I paid included the guitar that came with the Bigsby and case, plus the amount I spent on the new bridge and tuners, a very good deal imo. I think this is the coolest guitar I've ever owned. It looks and sounds so good, and it's not one that you see everyone playing, like a Strat or Les Paul. I pay 60's and 70's inspired pop like the Elliott Smith, Jon Brion, Beatles, Big Star, Aimee Mann, Jellyfish, Beach Boys, Matthew Sweet, etc, and the Casino fits the style very well. As much as I like this guitar I obviously have some complaints, and I'm hoping I'll be able to afford a 60's ES-330 eventally to replace the Casino. Replacing the hardware made a big improvement and after putting in new pickups and electronics I think it will make a really good guitar close to great.

Epiphone Casino (purchased new) - Korean - Natural WC - Made in 2000?
22 fret rosewood fretboard, laminated maple hollowbody with spruce top and f-holes.
2 P-90 pickps.
2 volume and 2 tone controls with one selector switch.
I read that someone's neck was pieced together mahogany. Not sure what he meant by that, but the neck seems to be one piece on mine.
Same specs as the others - Included hex wrench.

I play alot of different stuff - some of my influences include: Them, Animals, Velvet Underground, Flamin Groovies, Chocolate Watch Band, Rolling Stones, Joy Division, Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, Iggy Pop and the Stooges, X, the Pretty Things, the Mummies, and many more. So, I can't really describe a style - figure it out for yourself. As far as the sound of this guitar for all of the above - yes, its all there. I play my Casino on a small 5 watter 6V6'er I made, and on an old Stromberg & Carlson P.A. from the 40's with a 4x10" Argos Thunder Column (with those old, lovely 10" Jensens.) No tone controls... just volume! Needless to say, this guitar &^#$@#%* rocks on them!
%^$#^%$ rocks like you'd never believe! Bright twangs and low bumps. Push the volume on an old tube amp and this guitar has no equal as far as distortion pedals or fuzz boxes go.
Feedback is excesive at superhigh volumes, but very controlable and harmonic. If you can control feedback, you'll love it!
*Note to others: If you don't like feedback, don't stand so close to your amp! ...Yes, I realize that always can't be helped.
I have noticed a little bit of hum on the upper toggle selector position, but hey - back in the day when only tube amps existed, hum was a good thing because it meant it worked! - It doesn't bother me one bit.
Acoustically, this guitar is great for late-night tunes that pop in your head. Not too loud, not too quiet, and the quality is definately there.
In other words, I love the way this guitar sounds.

Set-up from the factory was perfect! I'll admit, since I purchased this guitar on-line from Musician's Friend and never had a chance to play it, I was a bit scared as to exactly what I would get (this goes for all other catagories too.) But I was not let down! As my father put it: I... "bowed to the east, stared at it, and polished it for hours." Truely a beautiful guitar. No flaws* in the wood or inlay. *The dark stain around the inside of the f-holes did, however, bleed a little into the finish... but wait! It's not as bad as it sounds! It is not noticable unless I really nit-pick and examine it.
Action and playability is perfect.
I noticed other people commented that their's wouldn't stay in tune.
I have had no problem with this, but for the guitar's sake, I may replace the tuners with higher quality ones just to be safe.
I may also muster-up the funds for a Bigsby for it, and, if I can get one, a tortoise-shell pickguard.
Near-perfect score, due to the stain around the inside of the f-holes.

I haven't played a live show for a few years but I think this guitar will handle anything as long as you take care of it. No Tommys or Kurt Cobains here, OK? Just watch out for extreme temperature variations! Being all-wood and hollowbody, extreme hot or cold or both could seriously damage this guitar, as it would with any hollowbody, semi, or any really expensive guitar. I baby my guitar, so I expect it to last. If it doesn't then I'll come back and change this rating and give Epiphone hell!
I never played with a back-up and I used cruddy guitars back then... I believe I could depend on my Casino.
The finish seems durable enough, but just encase, I leave my pickguard on.
The selector switch is less-than-perfect. I am going to replace it and check out the wiring.
Near-perfect rating because it's not "rock solid" and because of the selector switch.

I haven't had any problems with this guitar as of yet - God, I hope not! It comes with a limited lifetime warranty though. I did, however, write Epiphone a letter before I bought mine, inquiring as to why they discontinued the Natural Sunburst Epiphone Casino, how I could obtain one, and I made it known that I very much wanted one in that color. The response they sent me was brief - They said yes, Natural Sunburst is discontinued but available on one of the John Lennon issue Casinos for... oh, how ever many thousands of dollars. That kind of ticked me off. But I won't let this spoil the over-all rating of this guitar - I just wanted to get my frustration out because I was not happy at all with their response. Lets hope other areas of their customer service are more... how should I say? ...more personable and less interested in making a buck?

I've been playing guitar for almost 10 years now. I've owned low-end Fenders which fell apart on me, and up until now, I've been playing a Univox Mosrite which was given to me in 2 pieces (Body w/ the neck and part of the body detached.) I fixed it and believe it or not, it has been my favorite and best guitar so far... until I got the Casino. I've had it for a couple of weeks and I love it! I really wish the Korean Casino was available in Natural Sunburst, but I don't regret getting the Natural finish.
I was considering a Gretsch, but chose the Casino for the f-holes.
Also, I was checking out some sales on a couple of Rickenbackers but that was still a little bit too much bread for me.
This is the only expensive guitar I've ever owned. I've played on real Gibsons, and some USA Fenders and was impressed, just as I am impressed with my Casino - But what makes the Casino rise above them all, however, is the fact that you don't have to go broke to own a QUALITY guitar. If this guitar ended up lost, stolen, or damaged beyond repair, I would buy another one. No questions asked. I would recommend this guitar to anyone who was thinking of buying it.

Just picked up this used Epiphone/Gibson Casino. I paid $1000 for it, dealer said it was a "transition" model built in '69. I removed one pickup and it had a "79" on the end of the neck. He said this was built during the Japan period but I think it's more Korean. This guitar has features of a Gibson 330 and an Epihone Casino. The pickguard is single-ply blk and shaped like 330. The headstk is narrow type Epi and the fret inlays are Epi slanted blk. The frets are low and wide and plays smooth. It has a bound fingerbrd. and short neck which meets the body at the 16th fret. The body is finished in this beautiful oldtime sunburst which does not have any red or yellows in it. This is a feature that makes me beleave that it is not an american model. It is very dark, nearly black, and is very attractive looking. The body is single bound and is the usual hollow with no center block like 335. Electronically, it has 2 P90 dog-eared in very tarnished nickel. It has a trapeze tailpc with a diamond and a tuneamatic bridge which doesn't look like Gibson. It has more curve to it that matches the fingerbrd better. It came in this real beatup hardshell case. It has the usual 2 tone & volume setup.The tuners are Kluson nickel. Regardless of what it really is, it plays and sounds good.

With the P90's you'd get some buzz but I just shift my body to eliminate it. The sound is very acoustic and mellow jazz like. You can play mellow or open the tone up and get more treble and definition. The bridge pickup sounds good alone or with a little treble on setting 4. It does not sound like a 335 but more alive and airy. It has an older sound like the Beatles in a way and maybe some early jazz recordings. The frets are low and you have to get accustomed to it. It was fashionable during this period, 1979. It's so cool looking and if I forget...it is very light. I weighted it and it only weighs 6 lbs. It makes a very good rhythm guitar. The new Epiphone Casinos cannot sound as good as this guitar. I mainly use it through Polytone amps to get a mellow tone that I like.

Plays like butter and it sounds so good. The tarnished nickels only adds to the vibe. I hate looking at shiny chrome and gold on guitars. This has a relic look but without the dings and gouges. The case is so beat up though. This guitar is built real good like the very early Ibanez models when all the Asian companys were trying to build good guitars. I remember seeing mid-70's Ibanez that were better than the American models.

This guitar is already 30 yrs. old, it will last longer than I will live. No backup is needed, it can do the job very easily. The strap buttons are OK cause I don't do much jumping around.

I have no warranty, i bought this used and it is 30 yrs old.

I've been playing for 40 yrs..play professional on stage 2tice a week. This is a very nice sounding guitar and has the right look. Tarnished nickel. It sounds better than the custom Gibsons that I've wasted my money on. It only has 1 nick in the face so I'd say it's in excellent shape. I compared it to old Gibson 330's and the new Epiphone Casinos. I even tried the John Lennon models and this sound so much better. The blk pickguard cannot be seen from a distance so it looks like it is not there. I like the way this guitar is..whether it is a Epiphone or Gibson doesn't matter much to me. It does say Epiphone in pearl on the headstock but the sound is all that matters in this universe. May the force be with you.

Natural finish, 2 P-90's. 2 tone, 2 volumne controls,...etc.

I picked this guitar up on a whim, but I can't believe how beautiful it sounds! When played with the selector switch in the middle position, it has a nice, jangly sound reminicent of a Rickenbacker, but distinctive in it's own way. It sounds wonderful through my Vox Pathfinder when played with high volumn, low gain. It sounds a little muddy with the gain boost swittched in, but since I almost never use that feature, It makes no difference to me. This baby has exactly the sound that I've been looking for.

The finish on this one is perfect. I've seen quite a few natural finish Casinos before and since, and this one that I happened to get has the most beautiful one I've seen. The action was well set up at the time of purchase. but there does seem to be a minor problem with the selector switch. I doesn't seem very well made (the switch, I mean), and if you accidentally jiggle it while playing, it distorts the sound breifly. However, I've found that if I jiggle it intentionally while notes are ringing, it makes a neat phasey/tremoloey effect.

The body itself seems sturdy enough. I'm a little suspicious of the tuners and of the tunomatic bridge. They seem a little cheap and I may replace them. The strap buttons seem solid. I don't like to gig without a back-up generally, but if I HAD to, I would choose this guitar to do it with.

Haven't had to deal with them yet, but it has a lifetime warantee, which is reasuring.

I've been playing for 12 years, and I currently own a Rick 325, an Epi Les Paul Standard, and an ES-335 copy. If this guitar were lost or stolen, I would be deeply depressed, and would replace it as soon as humanly possible (although, I don't know if I could find one this beautiful). Other than some minoe hardware issues (Cheap tuners, questionable bridge, questionable switch) it is almost perfect. It very quickly became my main axe, and I drag it with me just about everywhere I go (much to the chagrin of my boss, teachers, etc.)

This one's mad in Korea, cool tailpiece, you'd think the sound will be old and harmonic no, it actually plays rock! It's very verstaile, you can work with it plugged or unplugged.

It sounded better than expected, this is the ultimate!

It was hand-made and the originals since the 60's mine's a nice lacquer natural finish, great.

Hasn't broken down or anything yet

Hey, it has a lifetime warranty doesn't it?

No better guitar out there

This is a Korean made 1999 Epiphone casino. Natural finish. 22 frets. Laminated maple body. 2 P-90 pickups. @ volume and 2 tone controls with one switch. The pickups are marked Epiphone. The neck is multi-piece mahoghany and obviously pieced together. The finish is a clear gloss, but I can't tell if it is nitro or ployurethane. It smells like nitro and is hard, not soft like poly. This is the Es-330 shape without a solid center block. There is a little 1"x1" block in the middle of the guitar between the top and back, but surprisingly the bridge does not connect to it. It has a tuneomatic bridge with a trapeze tailpiece. Tuners are enclosed and look like imitation Klusons. Fretboard is rosewood. The frets are jumbo but low. Neck came in typical Gibson dimensions. No accessories.

I haven't plugged it in. It came with a loose rear pickup. Playing without the amp, it does have a good acoustic sound, which is loud enough to practise without an amp.

Actually I was pleased with the action, fit and finish. This was a guitar sold by one of those places who advertise on online auctions like Yahoo and Ebay for slightly damaged guitars. It was misrepresented, since the fellow said it was "new". There was no mention of any defects in the auction. I was the only bidder. When I got it the rear pickup was loose and rattled. It needs to be resoldered to the chrome cover. It was stamped "used" so i guess I can't take it to Epiphone for warranty fixes. But no problems with the action or the finish as delivered.

Proably the guitar got a bump during shipping from Korea to the US The bump was hard enough to knock the solder off the chrome cover of the rear pickup on both sides. there is a slight indentation in the finsih where the chrome cover apparently made a dent when hit. The solder on the cover didn't look too good, sort of messy and was probably a cold joint. Otherwise it looks ok. This is probably a minor repair but irritating.

It was sold by an online company that sells damaged goods and stamped "used" so there is no warranty. I took a chance since it was $200 less than the mail order catalogs

I have been playing for mucho years and while in high school actually played a friend's original Epiphone Casino, around 1970. The friend then sold it without telling me. I wanted to get into the John Lennon groove. When I get it fixed I should be able to get a Beatles-60's groove out of it.

made in Korea. this casino have great features.
This is 22 fret, and like ES335 hollow body shape.
But it has special bridge like ES195.
4 knob (2tones, 2volumes).
and 3 way picup selecter.
Fret boead is consist rosewood. neck is mahogany. and body is maple.
My casino has cherry color.
all hardware is consist chrome.
I'm korean.. so I could buying cheep price than other people who bought casino.
Guitar : US $350 Hardshell case : US 50$

It is perfect sound what playing blues.
but casino can playing well other music style.
Rock, Metal, rock & roll, etc..

I belive a Korean made 1999 Casino. 2 tone 2volume. 2 P-90 pick-ups. Nice Cherry red finish. Standard eS-335 only complelety hollow. Trapeze tailpiece and tune-o-matic bridge. Kluson style key winds wich actually stay in tune for me. Every thing you need to get that unique sound.

Very versitile. The hollow body, lack of sustain, P-90's, and 4 contols allow you to get excellent clean tones and wild overdrives.
The hollow body makes overdrives have an "on the verge of feedbacking" sound wich suits any distortion style exept metal and the oher heavy stuff. Clean in beautiful. If you tweak with your EQ and tone controls a bit you can get a nylon string sound(the lack of sustain helps out too.) who says you need sustain to have good tone? You know that feedback at the beginning of I Feel Fine? Yes, it works.

Action was great. Needs 11 gauge strings at least. Pick-ups are the best. Epiphone isn't like other second rate guitar companies, it's almost like Gibson never bought them and they are still independant. They do very good work. Next to Rickenbacker, I hold Epiphone as top brand for me. Screw Gibson.

I gig with it as my main guitar. Toggle switch doesn't look the BEST, but it good enough right now. good strap buttons. Never gig with out backup. (in case you bust a string) Finish will last. It's hollow, so don't knock the crap outta it. (8 cause it's hollow)

epiphone's web site isn't that good...but a Life time warrenty is fine by me!

I play alot of beatles. John, Paul, and George all had one of these, so that works out great. I love this guitar! My friend is into all that Heavey Metal stuff, but I showed him this guitar and now he loves 60's british rock and wants one of these for himself. A real Bigsby would be cool...but it's not necessary. I love this Guitar! And it's not expencive!

Bought mine in japan on holidy, korean made '98.
Other stuff pretty much same as the other reviewers.
Came with a cool case, not too sturdy though.

I like the sound switched to the neck pickup, gives it more of
an "acoustic" feel.
Theres a problem with the switch though, sometimes when i switch it to the bridge pickup, the signal doesn't get through and theres no sound output from the bridge pickup, but if i switch it to the middle then it works. Must be some wiring problems which i gotta get fixed.

What can I say... oh yeah... Perfect Action!
Smooth to play, its like a dream.


there was a problem with a buzzing sound which for the life of me I couldn't find where. But its gone now, good riddance.
That was when i first bought it though, so the guitar probably had to adjust to the difference in humidity/weather from Japan and my home.

Well, its not gonna withstand serious knocking but just take care of it like its your baby and it'll last.

I've not been playing long but i was looking for a guitar for 1 year, reading reviews, researching stats about the guitars...etc.
I initially was gonna get a solid body but once i saw the casino, it was love at first sight.
Its a great guitar, not to mention good looking one!

Standard Epiphone Casino (Korean) with 2 P 90 pickups, Natural Finish, mine came with an Epiphone case (pretty cheap looking but nice)

Love the sound of this guitar, it is quite a raunchy sound on the bridge pickup, very bright and nice smooth sound on the neck pickup. I also own an ES 335 and when i saw this guitar in a second hand shop I thought why would I want to buy a cheap Korean version but when I picked it up and played it I can't put it down!! It definately have a sound of its own with the single coil P-90s and the hollow construction!! I love this guitar as much as my ES 335!! Only complain is the tone knobs when I turn them all the way down, the volumne seems to diminish quite a bit as well, but its not like you will be adjusting your tone knobs during a song anyway so its just a minor complaint. I like it on 10 anyway. It tends to feedback quite a bit when you turn it up but if you face away from the amp its orright.

Picked up at a second hand shop but it seems pretty well setup, low action and nice finish. And I especially love the neck, it is a lot smaller and smoother then the standard electric guitars, I believe its the only Epiphone with the neck radius of 1.62" ?! You have got to try it to believe how nicely the neck plays!! My hands are not that big so it is perfect for me. The tone/volume knobs are okay they are a bit noisy when I try to turn the tone knobs but that can be easily fixed. It is very very light though I almost feel like I am holding a toy guitar, wished it could be a little heavier but then again thats probably because I am used to my 335.

Being so light it does seem a bit fragile even though the construction seems to be pretty solid it is just so amazingly light for an archtop guitar, I'd be a bit careful handling this. The strap buttons are good , nice and big there will never be the problem with straps falling off.

Bought at a second hand shop so there is no warranty.

Always wanted a Casino (being a big Beatles fan) and I am telling you, its so MONEY man!! It is so easy and smooth to play and also light as well (compare with the Rivera or the other Epiphone semi-acoustics) thanks to its hollow construction, also the P-90 add a nice punchy sound. Definately a good alternative to the standard ES-335 sounds!! Buy this guitar and be happy !!

Standard recent Korean-made Casino. Black finish, cream binding on body and neck.

Casino's are as distinctive as Strats, Teles and Les Pauls. The single coil tone is fabulous for both rhythm and leads - especially blues and jazz. Back off from full volume a hair and the sound really opens up. Mixing the two pickups leads to millions of variations.

I haven't spotted any flaws. Purchased from a guitar repair pro who did a first rate set-up.

You should probably have one in your collection, and thank God Epiphone makes 'em cheap enough to. THere are sounds you can't get from any other guitar. These guitars are great. I've played for 30 years, had Strats, Pauls, etc. Now, I'm trying to figure out why I never even heard of a Casino until a couple of years ago. The only way I'm giving this one up is if they can pry my cold, dead fingers from it.

Made in 98. Laminated maple, thinline hollow-body with 2 P-90 pickups. Has a 3-way selector and separate volume and tone for each pickup. Natural with glossy polyurethane finish. Tun-O-Matic bridge with a trapeze tailpiece. Tuners are a bit cheesy looking, but they work just fine so far. I bought a case with mine and the dealer threw in a couple of cables.

I play mostly roots-type music--rockabilly, blues, jump blues, swing. I have a couple of Peavey amps, but I play this guitar mainly through my POD. The pickups are very quiet for single coils. It has kind of a thin sound, but nice. Acoustically, it just doesn't make much sound. But it sounds good through an amp. I just re-strung it a few weeks ago with Pyramid flatwound 11s. Now it has a really nice jazzy tone, especially on the front pickup.

The factory set up was fine. Everything was properly adjusted. The action was nice and low, with no buzzes. I wish it had binding in the f-holes. Even so, it's a very well-constructed guitar.

I don't play out, but I suspect this guitar would take it. It's very well put together. I have had it for about a year now and it's holding up just fine. I would depend on it.

I don't know. I haven't had any problems with it. I am buying another Epi though, based in part on my experience with this guitar.

I've been playing seriously for about a year and a half. I messed around for about 10 or 15 years before that. If this guitar were lost, I would buy another one (or maybe a Sorrento). I absolutely love the neck on this guitar. It is the easiest guitar to play that I own. It's an outstanding value for the money.

'96 Non-trem Casino. etc etc....

At stage volume, it *loves* to feedback.... but its not always the good knid. I would also suggest turning on any "Bright"-type switches on the amplifier to bring the tone alive a little. Otherwise, it sounds great.

Everything is nice except the tuners are complete junk. ALso, the nut spacing is quite narrow for the width of the neck. Mine has been switched to one with wider spacing.

It doesn't exactly instill the utmost confidence in me as far as how long its going to hold up. I wish it had a touch more weight to make it feel a bit more solid and perhaps reduce the feedback problems.

Its a hello of a lot better than most new guitars out there now. The sounds is excelltent. The craftsmanship? Not *too* bad, but not great. If you plan on playing this guitar a lot live, I would buy a new set of your favorite tuners at the time of purchase and ditch the stock ones.

Same as all the others on the list. I think mine was made in 98. Archtop, P90s, trapeeze bridge, etc...

Basically I just wanted to write this for other people who might be wondering if this guitar is "right" for them. First off, I play mostly old school punk / Ska (the Clash, Misfits, Specials, Rancid) type stuff. I really don't have much intrest in Blues or Jazz, so I won't even try to say whether this guitar is good for those. This guitar is however, excelent for the music I am playing. It has a very full rich tone when played unplugged, the top end is sparkly without being peircing. The clean sounds translate very well through an amp. Even better though is how it sounds with just enough drive to make it crunchy, When playing big open chords through an overdriven amp alot of guitars sound kind of mushy, the casino does not, The bridge is wonderfull for palm muting, and the lack of sustain makes it so that you can actually hear each time a chord or note is picked, rather than just causing it to all mush toghether. The pickups are unfortunatly a bit noisy when only running one at a time. The guitar is also prone to feedback when played at high volumes, However, on the good side, it is genuine string and body feedback and not just a high pitched squeal, also it has the same wiring as does a les paul, so you can simply turn down the volume of the pickup you aren't using and switch to it when not playing. The only other thing that I think people should be aware of is that due to the tailpiece and the fact that the strings extend past the bridge, If you hit a chord and then quickly stop it, the body and strings past the bridge will continue to ring for a second. Personally, I don't mind this, but it's something you should be aware of. Of intrest to me was the fact that Tim Armstrong from Rancid uses a casino, as did Johnny Marr of the Smiths, and both of Morrissey's guitarists-Alan Whyte, and Boz Boorer.

The Action and neck of my casino was great upon getting it. I would actually say that I think the neck is probably one of the best I have ever played. The Guitar is also very comfortable to play, because the body is almost as thin as a solidbody. The pickups are adjusted well and the strings have a very even level between them. Lookswise the guitar is absolutly stunning (If archtops are your thing) Mine is cherry sunburst and I love the way that it looks like a real instrument, like a cello or string bass, and not a mass produced piece of plastic. However, It did come with a few problems, the pickup selecter switch feels flimsy and badly connected. The tone and volume knobs are somewhat scratchy sounding, and the intonation is off slightly. The bridge also has a slight buzz, but it is not audible through the pickups and so isn't much of a problem.

I was amazed at how light this guitar was when I first picked it up, however it seems well built, and strangely enough, mine came with straplocks. I don't imagine it would stand up to as much abuse as would a solidbody, but if your trying to destroy your guitar, thats your own fault.

Ive been playing about 10yrs and am extremely pleased with this guitar, I find it to be perfect for the music I'm playing, and would encourage anyone else looking for a good guitar for traditional type rock should look into a casino. I would definatly buy it again

This is a 1996 Korean reissue of the Epi model made famous in the mid '60's by The Beatles. It is a 335 style thinline double cutaway consisting of a laminated maple body/top and multi-piece mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard. Electronics include two chrome dog-ear covered passive single coil P-90 pickups controlled by a three-way switch and one volume and one tone per pickup. Finish in my guitar is a polyurethane cherry stain but it also comes in natural, sunburst (as the ones used by The Beatles) and as of lately custom colors such as sea green. Bridge is a Tune-o-Matic style with a hinged trapeze tailpiece (just like John Lennon's) but as of lately the model is also offered with a Vibro-Tone vibrato unit, which is Epiphone's version of a Bigsby unit (by the look of it, I wouldn't be surprised if it's manufactured for Epiphone by Bigsby). Tuners are imported metal oval head Kluson style chrome plated units. Neck scale is Gibson style 24-3/4". The frets are medium and the neck is a real substantial baseball bat, which is a feature that I love. The guitar came in an Epiphone hardshell case with adjusting tools, case keys and warranty card and manual. The case is made out of particleboard and covered in black tolex. The case is adequate for the price range of this instrument but I think judging by the quality, the guitar deserves better.

This guitar does everything it's expected to do. The sound is real balanced being full and gutsy but detailed at the same time; this guitar would probably work in the majority of musical styles including jazz. It wouldn't work very well in a heavy metal format due to its hollowbody; as expected, the guitar can't be played at high volumes unless you're Ted Nugent (I don't know how he can control the feedback playing those Byrdlands like he does). Due to the nature of single coils, the guitar is noisy but I don't consider that a problem as long as the tone is good. Sometimes, when playing the guitar loud, controlled musical feedback is attainable depending on how it's set up, where you're standing with respect to the amp, type of effects and amp and so on. Surprisingly, the pickups themselves are not microphonic at all. I tend not to use it as much on my gigs, unless I know in advance it's going to be a low volume situation.

Although I couldn't recall anything wrong with the woodwork, fretwork and finish, I find that the tuning pegs feel kind of cheesy. Those can be replaced for $30.00 or less though. Another area for improvement is the pickup switch which I replaced with a Switchcraft unit (which will cost around $12.00 to $15.00). By just doing those two mods, you turn this guitar into a real pro instrument. The rest of the controls such as the pots feel real smooth and nice.

This guitar will withstand whatever a 335 or 330 can withstand. Finish work is awesome and if taken care of will last just like the finish on a nice vintage Casino. Strap buttons are ok (just like your run-of-the mill vintage ones). With regular maintenance such as wiping after using, hardware will also hold up even though the chrome plating on the pickups and the trapeze tailpiece could be a little bit thicker. As I said before, by replacing the tuners and pickup selector, this instrument can be turned into a real pro tool (just like on Fender Squire instruments, with the exception of the pickups, which also need to be changed on Squires).

Haven't had to deal with them.

I've been playing for 20 years and have every type of guitar and amp for every type of classic guitar tone. This is certainly one of my bona-fide tools for classic tone. The price for this much quality is unreal. Incredible value. If it were stolen or lost, I would certainly buy it again.

bought July 1996 Laminated spruce top, maple body, mahoghany neck, no vibrato, turqoise color. A beautiful guitar, looks totally vintage, but at a low price. I got it for $550 without a case. You'll be just staring at this one all day when you get it cause it looks so cool. Did I mention the neck? Its a thing of wonder! Very thin and rounded on the back, great for small hands, the opposite of those 80's metal guitars! One of the best necks I've ever played barred none!

an original sound, doesn't sound like a solid body at all, great tone though a clean amp, not harsh or thin at all. both pickups sound great, the word is with Epiphones you should replace the pickups, well you won't need to with these, they sound great. Distorted it sound wonderful as well but will feedback at high volumes, even then it sounds good! This guitar even sounds good direct into a board or through a zoom unit, cause its got so much tone from the body. A good practice guitar unplugged cause its got some volume from the hollow body.

Only weak point was here, try out a few, or have a guitar shop do some adjustments. The fret ends were a little rough and i got out a nail file and smoothed them out, not too hard now it feels great. The bridge had a buzz at times so I had to unscrew the bridge pickup take it out and tighten up the bridge screw from the bottom, now its fine. The volume and tone controls? Worthless, now they sound very scratchy, I live in a humid climate, maybe thats the problem, but I usually leave them on 10 anyway. These could be hard to replace by yourself because there is no backplate and the only way to reach them is the f holes, maybe a guitar shop could do it. Tuners are ok, they look vintage and are low mass, not great but I wouldn't replace them.

had it for 3 years, been great except for the vol. tone pots.

haven't had to, did the adjustments myself.

great guitar, has an original personality, maybe my fave guitar to play while recording cause it has such a cool vibe. For the money a great deal.

The features are well documented here and on gibson.com. Here's the skinny... it's a ES330 style guitar with 2P-90s pickups, 3-way toggle, 2 tone controls, 2 volume controls, chrome hardware, 24.75" scale, 1.68" nut, a set neck joint mahogany neck, rosewood fingerboard, parrellelgram inlays, bound neck and body, laminated maple back and sides, laminated spruce top, all archtop, white pickguard. It is a true hollowbody; no block down the middle like ES335's and such. Mine has a natural finish and a trapeze bridge. It was made in Korea.

Oh, baby. I love the tones of this instrument. Just enough fat acoustic tones to put out great rock, blues and jazz sounds. It goes from rich to bright easily with the electronics setup. It will NOT give you heavy metal sustain. As I said, it's a real hollowbody. But the pickups and hollowbody make a great combo for classic tones. Just listen to the Beatles on Ticket to Ride, Day Tripper or Revolution. They bought three of them in '64. Lennon's is being duplicated to the greatest detail in a replication model (http://www.gibson.com/whatsnew/pressrelease/1999/jan29b.html).
But it puts out great blues tones and it's fat enough for some jazz. The pickups will hum and feedback a bit. The output on the pickups is HIGH. I compared it to the Gibson Blueshawk with their Blues P90s, and the Epi puts out a much bigger sound at the same volume.
I would give it a ten if they could perform a miracle and get rid of the hum, but Gibson couldn't do it with a third pickup hidden in a solidbody Blueshawk, so I don't know how they could do it on the Epi.

The strings had to go immediately. The action had to go down, but that was simple enough with a few twists on the bridge. There is a slight flaw in one of the parrellelgram inlays, but nothing too objectionable. The finish and wood appears flawless. The jury is out on the tuners. They're smooth, but I'm waiting to see how well they hold their tune. It appears they will perform at the level for this price guitar. Apparently, it's adjusted and inspected in the USA according to a tag. The action is easily adjusted with the bridge/trapeze combo. You'll get it just how you like it. I set mine up very low. It's soooo smooth. The neck is comfortable to play for a long periods (I can't put the thing down). And it's drop-dead gorgeous. Like a beautiful woman, it's a head-turner. I'm hanging mine on the wall.

Can't honestly say yet. I promise to report back if it gives me any problems.

Ditto.

I've been playing for over 20 years. I've got a Peavey Classic 30 right now. I occasionally plug a Zoom 505 into the effects loop, but this guitar sounds too good on it's own to muck it up with effects.
I only wish I had bought this guitar when I was starting out. I was too stupid then to even consider an archtop, I guess. Doh! It would have made me a better player right out of the blocks.
I've owned LP's, SG's strats, even all graphite high-tech axes. I wasted my money and time on them. This guitar has the tone, and really, that's go to be the number one thing to look for in any guitar.
If I lose this guitar, after a good cry, I buy another. And, if I ever win the lottery, I'm buying the Lennon Revolution replica guitar.