My first electric guitar I ever purchased was a Casino. I have had a love/hate relationship with it for over 20 years now, but still my first love and go-to electric. Great video showing the pluses and minuses.
I bought one in 2012. Your comment made me laugh. It's exactly how I feel. I can't bring myself to part from it because of its pluses, but the minuses can drive one crazy. I agree with you and the video guy. To my mind, the perfect compromise guitar would be a semi-hollow-body with P-90 pickups and a LIGHT centreblock. My Ibanez AS93 has a light centreblock that gives it a great hollow-body vibe but it has humbuckers (albeit very good Ibanez Super 58 humbuckers). If Ibanez were to make a version of the AS93 or the less expensive AS73 with P-90 or even Jazzmaster pickups (the latter might look a bit odd in a 335-shape guitar), that would fix the Casino's weaknesses and make it a much more usable and less frustrating instrument.
An interesting and honest review however, if it is sooo bad I do wonder how Howlin' Wolf, George Harrison, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Keith Richards, Dave Davies, Brad Whitford, Shirley Manson, Paul Weller, The Edge, Josh Homme, Daniel Kessler, Noel Gallagher, Brendon Urie, Gary Clark, Jr., Glenn Frey, John Illsley got their unique sounds form theirs?
That pick up switch issue that boggles my mind. My casino doesn’t have that switch so close to the pickguard. That is strange man! As far as the feedback issue I get it! Mine stays home mostly because of that reason.
The pick up switch is not right. Looks like a mistake. My Casino has plenty of room and is not flush to pick guard. Maybe the pick guard was cut wrong.
Nice and honest review! I've been thinking about getting the new casino worn in an olive drab finish. Apperantly it has a c-type neck and different pickups. A lot of players like to remove the pickguard, might make the pickup-switch easier to reach! Also, Gary Clark Jr manages to get some killer tones from his casino's!
Thanks, Nick. I wanted one of these for years but there are so many other far better options in terms of playability out there. Check out the ES-339 guitars those might be the secret gem! :)
@@intheblues Hi Shane fellow lefty player here. Is there an Epiphone 339 in left handed? I’ve never seen one at Southpaw. The Gibson 339 LH is tricky to get a hold of
@@NickintheStates this! Vintage es 225 or 125 even are still very affordable, much better quality and sound and feel, and will increase or at least maintain value unlike these Asian made epiphones
I dunno man, you make it sound pretty great clean and with a little overdrive. I would grab my epi lp or Jet tele for hi gain anyway and its rare a lefty semi hollow is available in my neck of the woods-West coast of Ireland.
I just got the Casino in worn black. Did a fret level, crown and polish, full setup, upgraded tuners and bridge, and its the best guitar I have ever owned, and I have owned a lot. Maybe not for everyone, but it is an awesome guitar with great play-ability.
Hey man I'm interested in buying it and doing the same! Would you mind sharing which parts you bought and telling me more about the overall experience?
@@MrFed-gh6gw Sure, these three parts will get you most of the way there... AVR2GP-N TonePros ABR1 Tune-O-Matic Bridge w/Notched G-Force Saddles in Nickel Finish. Kluson REVOLUTION TUNERS 3+3 PEARLOID KEYSTONE BUTTON NICKEL (NO COLLAR) 19:1 ratio KRGNC-3-NP. Zero Glide ZS-1 Slotted Replacement Nut The experience was fine, if you are good at working on/fixing things. This also doesnt include the fret level, crowning, polish, and setup which require more tools and experience working on guitars. If this is your first time I might consider paying a luthier to do the work if possible. Still a great guitar, and my main guitar since I got it. Enjoy.
@@JohnnyRock hey man thanks so much! Do you have an email or somewhere I can write you directly to ask a couple more questions? I'm considering buying a casino worn on. A great deal I found used :)
I waited about 15 years to play this guitar! This guitar is beautiful and it will no doubt suit some players but due to the ultra-thin neck, tough higher fret access, and instant feedback, it's a bit of a tough buy. For Jazz and traditional blues players, you'll love it. ►Sweetwater - imp.i114863.net/kjg5vL ►Thomann - bit.ly/3hQZTXe ►Sky Music - alnk.to/flqruYM (affiliate links) Timestamps: 0:00 - Jam Track 2:39 - About this Video 4:41 - Gear Disclaimer (Guitar is on Loan) 5:27 - Clean Tones 7:22 - Blues Tones 10:39 - Pros & Cons
The Casino is great for Jazz and real RocknRoll. I gigged one for years but switched to an Epiphone 335 with humbuckers because the P90s were too noisy in some of the venues I played. If the house had funky wiring the guitar got a lot noisier. But it has a distinct sound and the "wooliness" you pointed out is what sells the authenticity of certain genres. Appropriately, like a Hofner bass, when you gotta have that sound, nothing else can get you there.
I have an inspired by Lennon model.. it’s my main live guitar and it’s awesome. Play thru an old ampeg combo, overdriven and loud. Feedback is not a problem and controllable. Stays in tune great, even with the b7 arm on it.
One of biggest problems I find with this guitar is the tune-o-matic bridge. It's tinny and rattles like crazy. I changed mine for a TonePro with nylon saddles and it was a massive upgrade! Fundamentally changed the guitar.
Yep. Original bridge was rattling trash. Immediately replaced mine with a Gotoh Nashville, as the extra width was needed to get the G and low E strings to intonate.
Gotoh makes a drop in replacement bridge that costs about 25 euros. No rattling wire in that one, more room for intonation and improves the tone and sustain. Cheap but very effective uppgrade, I have done this for my two Casinos and have been more than happy. The stock bridge with that retainer wire is just total garbage.
thanks for your review ! really helpful. I think you've ended up with a faulty model, the pickup switch is at the wrong place, none of the guitars shown on music shop pictures or other videos have the switch there. Regarding the hard to get top notes, the Casino Coupe with a ES-339 body gives you easy access to B on the E string. Maybe that's the one you need ?
Hi Shane Fair review, but if you want a guitar to play above the 15th fret you won’t be buying a Casino I have the same guitar but in “ John Lennon” natural...it was so cheap , relatively speaking ( from Thomann) .. that I bought it knowing I would change the tuners, which was not strictly necessary...and I have had the guitar rewired with new pots and oil in paper caps...I didn’t change the pickups as for me they are perfect for blues and classic rock...it for me sounds fabulous....and it is still a very inexpensive guitar As to feedback..yes in front of the amp...but at a full volume rehearsal or gig it is easy to move a couple of feet left or right and the feedback disappears 😉......and if you are a high gain player you wouldn’t be looking at hollow body guitars after all So a fair review but a couple of issues , alluded to above, were in my opinion overlooked However I appreciate you were reviewing from a personal point of view and it’s not for you....we are all different...personally...I don’t “ get”... Ibanez or Jackson style pointy head stocks.........and crazy high gain...but each to their own Theses Casinos are fabulous value for the street retail price...and don’t require any mods at all.....but are great if anyone wants to upgrade parts All best
That intro jam sounds epic; truly glorious tones, and I love the creaminess that the neck pickup adds. Might not be for you, but I’d take it all day long.
Didn't think a Casino was up your alley in sounds and style of music?... That said, you achieved some great tones out of that guitar 👍😎 Think the trick to a great Casino tone is in the manipulation of the volume controls😉👍😎
Really appreciate your honest reviews! You are one of the few channels that reviews gear that I subscribe to and definitely enjoy this channel the most. You give the pros and cons and do realistic demos. Too many channels will either try to push the product, or even worse in my opinion, unfairly rip the product because it's not a $5k custom perfection that almost nobody can afford. Keep it up and hello from Poland :)
Oh man, I feel for you. I've experienced wanting a guitar for a while and then it turns out to be not what you want when you finally get to put your hands on it. Like you said, it just needs to go to the right person who wants it to do what it can do. Never mind, there's always another guitar to look forward to.
Excellent, honest review. The toggle switch thing is weird, on mine (2015 Casino) its about 1.5cm away from the pickguard and not a problem. I can only think yours was drilled in the wrong place and is indicative of the kind of quality issues you can expect from a Chinese made guitar. For me the tuning has always been a problem and recently I swapped in a TUSQ nut. Much better. Its a gorgeous looking guitar and the P90s sound great. Tone wise I find it to be a very mid-rangey guitar (like most archtops) and is best suited to a Vox or Fender amp where you get more of that top end in there. The Casino combined with a Vox sound is a match made in heaven and John Lennon knew this!
From Leo: Guitars can be like the one girlfriend in everyone's past. You admire from afar, you wait for opportunity, you make all the appropriate efforts and you finally start dating her. Nothing really wrong with her but you realize you just don't enjoy her as much as you thought. I was like that with a Natural finish ES-339, I just never enjoyed my time playing it. The new owner is happy and I have a D'Angelico in it's place that makes me smile every time I pick it up.
All valid points, particularly the unreachable notes high on the neck. But I think what makes this an unreliable gigging guitar (for anybody other that straight up jazz and blues musicians) is also what makes it so much fun. So it's a bit of a problem child when it comes to corralling gain and stopping it from going off the rails. Nobody said life was supposed to be easy.
The Korean Casinos had the same neck set as a 335, i.e. full high fret access. Swapped in Kent Armstrong pickups, the neck is PERFECT- it can't be beat, screw the feedback- it's a Casino. John, Paul, and George's favorite electric guitar, good enough for me. Bought mine used on Craigslist (with not so good pickups), for $200 several years back. Don't know if that's still possible...
I had a Samick Sherry that was amazing and I stupidly sold it, a few years later hesitantly bought a Sherry ll. Wow was actually better than original, pickups a bit hotter but the neck is superb, the woody raspy tones are incredible. Such a versatile guitar, If I want p90s I get the Gibbo SG out ! Nice light alternative !
The Sheraton has the center block, so it doesn't squeal as much. I have an old Korean one made in '97. The original Samsung pickups were so microphonic that I could actually speak into them and hear my voice come out of the amp. I've swapped in some Epi '57 pickups that are much better, but I'm still thinking about upgrading the pickups. That said, mine plays awesome. Remember, Shane had/has an Epiphone Dot that he really likes.
I received mine today and the toggle switch is in the correct position relative to the pickguard. I gess that on the model you have on the video the hole has been drilled in a wrong place. Those chinese Epiphone aren't expensive, but the quality control is low. For the rest, I knew what to expect. The "D" neck is not my favorite but thats OK. It's more for singer-songwriter stuff I play with a pianist. Mainly rythm. What I like, except for the Lennon look (mine is natural, a satin finish would have been better than a glossy one) is that it sounds without an amp and it sounds different than my others guitars. I'd never have bought a Casino as a main guitar. I don't think many people do, except maybe some hardcore Beatles fans.
I’m currently waiting on one I bought back in Feb to arrive. (Delayed due to COVID). If you want to hear just how dirty a Casino can get check out Kevin McKeown from Black Pistol Fire and his Big Muff, Octave Fuzz and Bumble Buzz tones. Great band too!
Hey,a couple of his videos popped up on my CZcams ,and he is awsome ! 2 man band,,yes he does use different colored casinos.He makes them sound so cool.I added his song list to my spotify.
@@juanespinosa8064 check out his rig rundown with Premier guitar and their live set at Bunbury Music Festival if you've not seen them. Really cool band.
@@bobcatblooze I did see the rig rundown on his guitars, but yet to see the festival.I just disovered this band by accident.what caught my attention was that he played casinos.Thank you for the heads up oon those videos my Brotha
I've played two or three Casinos. Never really had an issue. I've gotten pretty good at using P90s distorted. My first guitar was an Epi SG Junior with a P90. It's almost like coming home a little.
I've pushed this alternative on many threads, can't help myself: The Eastman T64 is a "Luxury Casino", has a Bigsby trem and Lollar Pus and you can find good deals used, 'cause for some reason they have lousy resale value. (It's still gonna be above the 1000$ in most cases.) It doesn't even have a pick guard (that ugly thing would be the first thing I'd take off anyway), so the switch thing is not an issue. And I've never had any problem playing loud. They look lovely, too. Not sure about the lefty situation.
Should try the Riviera. Those mini humbuckers really cut like a dagger. Center block built. Cleans up nice for jazzy and mellower stuff, too. I have a Heritage H 530 which is a higher end American made guitar that is very similar to this guitar, (Hollow body & two dog ear p 90's), and could crank it up into overdrive without much feedback unless you wanted it to. Has a lot to do with where the amp is located and the type of room you're in. Hard, reflective walls, etc. I run it thru a Super Reverb.
Awesome review, as always. I was torn between the Casino and ES-335 while not being able to try either before buying and went with the 335. Should be here in a couple days, can’t wait!
I know how you feel... I always wanted a Les Paul... I spent the money and got a Les Paul Traditional and was not liking it. I was fortunate to sell it later on for a good price. Lesson learned.
@@abubakr6939 it was beautiful and set up perfect. The neck didn't feel right, wasn't liking the arch of the body, or angle of the neck. It was more like a fine piece of furniture to me than something I could treat as an instrument. Regardless of cost, if It can't live in a Guitar Stand where I can see it and grab it whenever it doesn't live in my house. Didnt like The binding either. Maybe an SG one day..
If you can pick up a Peerless Casino, it has a 17 fret neck joint instead of 16 fret. I originally bought a used 1997 Casino (Peerless plant). Then, I stumbled onto a newer Casino. I was able to play both to make up my mind. My intention was to put a Bigsby on one. On the 16 fret Casino, the Bigsby looked very close/cramped to the bridge. The peerless gave me more high fret access. I didn't buy the new model. I wasn't totally impressed with the pickups on either of the two. I installed a set of Kent Armstrong pickups that was hum cancelling in the middle position. They aren't microphonic either. I can now get a nice controlled feedback/sustain without the squealing.
I like the overdriven sounds... Rhythmic stuff sounds great.. I can’t help but compare it to my new Harmony Comet which is superior in every way. My expectations were a bit high for this new Casino too and I still look forward to getting my hands on one before I judge but .. yeah.. I’m more than happy with my Comet
Looks like you discovered why Lennon took off his pick guard! The MIJ Elite models are a vast improvement. Built in the same plant as MIJ Gretsch with US P90's. The Korean and Chinese guitars are all over the map on quality, but consistently have pickups that are wound too hot. Thanks for your honesty and detailed reviews.
MIJ Gretschs suck. Messed up necks, frets, won't hold a tune, antiquated design. I've sold 5 of them. Electromatic is a far more useable guitar. Even cheap Ibanez is light years better.
I’ve got one of the new worn finish ones and it’s a different beast. It needed a bit of playing in at first but its becoming my favourite electric. Weirdly cheaper than the standard models but has CTS pots etc as stock.
Thanks for the review! I was about to buy one and the lack of upper fret access is a definite show stopper. Thanks so much for the review, and nice chops for sure! Nice to hear a fellow lefty shread too.
As a hardcore Beatles fan I bought a Casino a few years ago. It looked GREAT and sounded pretty good, but... ...the hardware tarnished almost immediately and the neck, as slim as it was, was decidedly slow. Plus the thing just didn't feel very solid, almost toy-like. The restrictive upper fret access wasn't really an issue. I loved it but I ended up selling it. (I liked that you could get it to feed back with some gain. Great for psychedelia.)
The Casino is a useful tool in the arsenal but it is definitely limited. I didn’t used to play much on the upper registers and so got one recently in natural (it is cheap, and all the little joints in the neck show, as do the blotchy black paint dabs on the f holes). Now that I am exploring Gary Moore tunes more than Gary Clark tunes, I find the Casino stays on the wall. Too bad cos it sounds great for that raunchy delta blues tone.
I have a 2017 MIC casino, looks pretty much like the one you are testing. I found it takes quite some work in order to function properly: the nut was waaaay to high, the setup needed a complete overhaul, but worst are the pickups which use the wrong wire and have too many winds. I took 1500 winds off. After all these changes this is a fantastic guitar and by many considered among the best sounding I own, though is is by far the least inexpensive. Yes the neck is slim (and fast!), yes, it doesn’t tolerate high gain, yes, 18+ fret is problematic. It sounds gorgeous and is a feather weight though. I put a Bigsby (in fact, Chigsby with four extra roller bearings) and a roller bridge on, now it is a hugely versatile guitar. I can only recommend to give e it a try. Mine hangs next to a 3000€ ES335 and I feel it plays and sounds just on par.
Volume boost into the clean channel did the same thing or just cranking up the amp loudly. It's pretty unusable for anything loud and a lot of new players might not be as aware of this as you are.
Righto guitourney, no need to be a wanker mate. It’s Shane’s job to be comprehensive when reviewing guitars in order to cater for all levels of knowledge.
The 'feedback' is actually the pickup cover squealing, not the body feeding back. Epi should have sorted this years ago, same problem on my Wildkat. Still haven't found a good neck p/u replacement after 10 years
Hi Shane! First of all I want to thank you (and your team!) for your great "no-nonsense" videos and reviews! Its always a pleasure, and If I ever get the chance to get to Australia, I´ll be sure to pay you a visit! As for your "deal-breakers"... Yes, there's no way around the limited fret-access on a "vintage style" Casino (or ES330 for that matter), but the tone and feedback-issues are a matter of the pickups and pots (imho). I'm using an "Elitist" Casino (better pots + pickups) with my band at rather HIGH levels of gain and volume, and all I get is GREAT, singing feedback that lets you "ride" the notes like you wouldn't believe ;-) (like, in the CCR "I put a spell on you" sort of way...). No annoying squeal like you demonstrated... This is supposed to be a "heads up" - don't yet give up on this great guitar! Also worth mentioning - the Korean-made Casino-Reissues of the mid/late 90´s had the ES335-like fret-access! Not sure if the made any "lefties", though... Hope you can find one that suits you + All the best - C.
I have a red '07 made in China Casino, and I love it. Sold off all my other electrics (Epi les Paul, American Fender Strat, an Ibanez of some sort) cuz I needed the space, but that's the one that speaks to me. Looks to me like the newer ones are made different, mine has a 17th fret neck join, which means that the switch isn't right up against the pickguard. I don't usually play beyond the 20th fret and I don't gig, so feedback at high volumes aren't an issue. The casino sounds better than anything else I've played.
Who buys a Casino to play heavy gain? Isn’t that the downfall of Hollowbody guitars in general? Also, I just like the fact that you can take a guitar that you don’t necessarily like and still sound amazing with it. Great video.
There was a lot of quirky things from guitars in the past. That was part of the sound from the past. People worked around it. Such as fenders weren't fat enough sounding so people added humbuckers. People used to stuff rags in the semi Hollow Bodies. And dip the pickups in wax and so on and so on. It was all part of the sound you heard on recordings. It's like OMG my guitar hums. OMG it has a little squeal. Work it out.
Hey Shane, Long time follower. I have just purchased an identical 2016 model. After years of looking First thing I noticed, about your newer model is the 'Pick-Up Selector Switch' so close to the pick guard, as mentioned. Mine is about 13mm away. Secondly you mentioned you prefer the 'Bridge pick-up' most of the reviews of the older models, prefer the 'Neck Pick-up', I agree ! The neck pick-up to me is more pronounced, and articulate. The Bridge is more brittle sounding in the older model. I will be experimenting with adjusting the 'Pole Adjustment' screws in the future. Am I happy with my purchase, Yes (Just needs a few tweeks) Maybe try an older model, Let me know your thoughts. Keep up the good work Mick Qld
I wanted one for ages, finally got one. Replaced the tuners, replaced the nut, replaced the bridge with a roller, had the pickups rewound, dressed the frets myself. Still hardly ever play it. :(
You really need to try the heritage 530. Similar in layout and build, but better high fret access, thicker (but not too thick) neck, and Lollar pickups. More expensive, yes, but clears up the issues you had with the casino. I absolutely love mine and I am not a jazz guy at all. It’s the kind of guitar that changes the way you play. Tried it in the store while messing with pedals and couldn’t leave without it.
I've had a Korean made Casino since 2004. They're not for everyone I will admit. The feedback can be annoying, and you always have to make sure you're facing away from the amp. A lot of people change out the pickups to Lollar noiseless pickups, and change out the pots and wiring as well. The odd placement of the toggle switch might be because of the left hand model. The right hand model I have just has the regular placement. The only thing I would recommend is is if anyone is considering buying one, is to get a noise gate to compensate for the pickups, which can give you that persistent 60 cycle hum.
Great demo - again ! Phil X got great sounds with a healthy amount of gain on various epi Casinos that he demo'ed in the past. Let's also remember, that Uncle Tud Nugent plays a full hollow Gibson Byrdland with Peavey 5150's and various other high wattage Fender amps, and he control his (potential) feed back with ease.
Shane, Please do yourself a favor and keep this Casino. As you know all full hollow bodies feed back if you simply yawn on them 😆. But, you were sitting right on top of your amp. As for the neck pickup, just swap it, if it’s that bothersome to you. I recently got a Worn Sunrise Orange from CME ( Chicago Music Exchange ) and I absolutely love it. My only real con was my B string saddle buzzing. I called Epiphone and they are sending me a new bridge! I didn’t notice how close my switch was to the pick guard because as an aesthetic I took the guard off. I didn’t have much of a hard time reaching the higher frets. I think you will love this guitar if you give her a chance to show you why she is special.
Casinos are fantastic guitars. Standard has a thin neck and the upper fret access is challenging, yes. But the feedback thing can be controlled and is not that big a problem, unless you are pointing the guitar right towards your amp. Casinos are the most comfy electric to play, sitting down or standing. Lots of tonal options available too, so versatile I would say.
The timing is interesting here. lol I just bought a Turquoise Epiphone Casino on Tuesday, used through GC. Arrived yesterday made in 2019. It is as if it was new. I love it understanding some limitations. Mick from the pedal show made a video before and after replacing the pickups in an Epi Casino. As always enjoy your videos Shane!
How are you liking it? I bought the exact guitar with a Bigsby in turquoise coming from Sweetwater. I bought the last one they had and according to the serial number, it too was made in 2019. I’m actually sitting here waiting for it to be delivered. Been wanting one in turquoise with the Bigsby for years!
I picked up back in one in 2015 new from Thomann it was the Gary Clark Jr Blac & blu LTD addition with made in USA P90 pickups it does not have the problem of woolly not on the low E string, but trying to control the feedback is half the fun great, vid Shane.
I had the clear Casino probably 10 years ago. Never played it much. So I sold it. AND I HAVE REGRETTED IT EVER SINCE! She was beautiful, and I should have tried harder. 😩
Thanks for the review .......Regarding your pickup selector switch being so close to the pickguard ..... yours is somewhat closer than any other I have seen . ....... Also, regarding poor access to the upper frets (true) ......one solution (not sure if it is available for southpaws) is the Epiphone Casino COUPE , which is the same guitar, but with a somewhat smaller body .....with GOOD upper fret access.... Also again.....the Smaller Casino Coupe body MAY have less high gain feedback issues. Cheers.
The Casino Coupe sounds like a great idea, but we’ll probably never see a lefty. I double checked pictures of my old Casino, and my switch wasn’t that close either.
I went through a phase of wanting one of these many years ago. Instead I found a 1966 guild Starfire lll. It’s fully hollow like the casino, but with different pickups and a tremolo. I think both guitars have the same kind of vibe with the hollow body. I don’t play it as much as my solid bodies. It’s not my favorite guitar but I still enjoy playing it. Good video.
Adding my 2 cents to your awesome review. The right handed version doesn't have the issue with the switch and the pickguard. I own the worn green version of that guitar. Anyone can refer to pictures of the product and will see that there's a proper placement of the switch. (Maybe Epi should consider building a real left handed version solving the problem). The guitar is not a symmetrical mirror. The cutaway on the right handed is deeper and the access to higher notes is less problematic. Anyway, thanks for your review!
I’ve been sort of interested in the Epiphone Casino, but didn’t realize it was fully hollow. Thanks for the straightforward review. I might be better off with a Dot (?) or a 335.
I understand your frustration went through a bunch of Hollow Bodies wasn't really happy with any of them. That being said for what this guitar is made for it sounds great especially on the setting with both pickups on. Is kind of a one-trick pony but it does sound great for blues and you sounded great playing it believe me. 👍
The coupe allows access to the upper frets. Feedback is there. I eliminate it by putting it in the rack and picking up a Solid body. Works a treat. Adding capacitance to the neck pick up circuit can liven it up. Fat front tyres can help a drag car go around corners too.
couple things ....the switch problem is easily solved by removing the pickguard and once I got mine professionally setup and replaced the nut with a bone nut, it came to life...it's become my favorite guitar for songwriting
Mr, intheblues I once had an Epi dot, similar guitar. I lowered the action probably more than l should have, but there was no fret buzz. It was one of th best for money l ever had. Shouldn't have traded it.l don't remember if the pickup switch was that close to the pickgaurd probably because I took it off. I can't believe how close it is. I am going to get another dot Epi. It has a center block, good thing cause l have a lot of over driven sounds. That what I like, but it played so well clean. This is an awesome guitar, l would recommend it to anyone, unless your into d-gent or very over saturated sounds. But it performs quite well with a little bit of distortion and a good klon copy. Great show and be well. Best regards from Bobby in Florida. PEACE
Left handed casino is the Devil's model. Serves you right! I have a much sought 2002 MIK Peerless Casino (jointly owned by the Japanese). I love it but it could use a better neck pup.
That high pitched squealing sounds like microphonic pickup feedback, rather than feedback due to the hollowbody. I have a casino and wax potted the pickups which vastly improved the squealing (however you can still get lower pitched hollowbody-induced feedback with too much gain). Also I think this guitar goes beyond just blues and jazz - it can sounds great with gritty rock rhythm guitar sounds as well (taking into account the gain limit due to the hollowbody)
I have had a 2014 from new and love it, but then I'm not 1/10 the player you are, don't gig and rarely go that high on the neck. I love the odd times I get to feedback, also with it being full hollow I like to use it unplugged too - I don't have an acoustic. I can understand your views perfectly but buy it anyway and just look at it ... it's art! lol. A painting of the same price will go down yet this will go up - the toggle switch on mine is correct (?) in line with the bridge. Great channel buy the way and you've cost me a few quid in the past couple of years too!!
I had a Casino a while ago. Regretted selling it. Great guitar and I agree with both PUs on for the best sounds. Don't remember my pu selector being so close to pick guard though. I had pure nickel 11s on mine and got that Kings of Leon tone I was going for at that time. Man I missed that guitar.... great channel btw.
Great playing, honest and informative; I really enjoyed the video, Shane. I bought a used 2014 Casino a few weeks ago and the neck pickup seems better than that newer one. I also agree with your assessment and think my Epi Dot & 339 are way more versatile, and less finicky; I still love the sound of the Casino.
Had one for a few years, found setting up an ongoing struggle compared to it's brother the Dot. Even after a better bridge, nut etc still a bugger to get a consistent set up with good action. Eventually got there, they do sound great in the flesh through a basic tube amp.
Trey Anastasio from Phish plays with that feedback and a hollow body without the center support and does wonders live. He has learned to master the feedback which is a skill of itself but he even says any other guitarist who would play his guitar would hate it.
I own one and I totally agree with all the comments. I’ve removed the scratch plate so the toggle switch isn’t an issue. It’s definitely for particular sound. However, John Lennon, and George Harrison , used them extensively including loud live gigs and it certainly worked for them. It’s probably the guitar John used with extreme overdrive for ‘Revolution’ but as most of the overdrive was applied in the control room there was no feedback.
3 of the Beatles & myself included would buy this guitar!!! I loved this guitar long before I ever even knew the Beatles & Stones and others had used it. So be it unto rightousness.
Like mine quite a bit. First thing I did is take the pick guard off. Didn't even know about the toggle switch "issue", but that eliminates that anyway. As far as feedback goes, sure, you crank it way up on the gain you'll get some feedback. It's hollow! Not really made for the type of sounds that you apparently like. For blues and classic rock it's great!
Interesting review I’m about to buy one these are a Great guitar and here’s why, I’m buying one because they are a true hollow body and they are so easy to get feedback from, that’s why John, Paul & George played Casinos remember that last video on the roof yep they were playing Casinos. If you want to play Hi-Gain stuff like Gary Moore then the Les Paul is your guitar but if you want the classic Beatles sound bordering on the feedback of Hendrix then look no further the Casino is the Guitar you want.
People can listen to Revolver or Sgt. Pepper for example and check Casino tones, that are everywhere in those tracks. McCartney also once said if he would have to pick one electric guitar for the rest of his life, it would be his Casino. If this guitar is good enough for greatest songwriters of all time, then it probably is good enough for me too.
I myself tried the casino, Sheraton and the 335 Epiphone Dot but due to my budget at the time i went on and bought the Epiphone Dot Studio. To be honest I didn’t regret my choice even at the time I did prefer the 335 Epiphone Dot, my Dot Studio is very simple whit one master vol and one master tone but I’m in love whit that simplicity. As for P-90 pickups to my taste I found them great for clean tone but not to great when to much overdrive or distortion way to noisy, but it’s just my taste. Still a great video keep up the good work
I tried the full-sized Casino, and like you, I couldn’t hang with the thin, flat D neck. Then I checked out the ES-339 sized version (Casino Coupe). I has a fatter, rounded C that feels far more comfortable to me. Feedback is easier to avoid, upper-fret access is better, and the PU switch is in the right spot. I love mine, but it’s still very much a niche instrument compared to a semi-hollow. You have to prefer low to mid-gain tones, and many examples need a bridge upgrade because of sloppy tolerances that cause rattles, intonation and tuning stability problems.
Sounds great. You're hired. I don't think that it's at all intentional; but, your tone and phrasing remind me of Satriani. This is not an insult. You are a great musician. I hear Carlos Santana in Joe's playing too.
Shane - go to Reverb and look at an older Epi Casino like 2015. I don't know why Gibson authorized the neck and pickup selector switch move on these newer ones. If you demo'ed mine (2015),you would fall in love (again) .
I never realized the toggle placement on a casino until I saw you playing one... It would drive me absolutely insane. The ring you got from the P-90's and the weak neck pickup makes me wonder if they maybe didn't ground the pickups or just did a terrible job of it. It also could be that pickups are unpotted (for some reason)... So, maybe QC. but I guess the only way to know for sure is to start taking the thing apart which of course voids the warranty thus actually breaking the deal ha
If you check out any righty model, they don’t seem to have the unusable toggle placement. This is a guitar I want to love as well but the pickups are fixed height, so you’re physically incapable of even adjusting the pickup height without going through a ton of nonsense.
I have the elitist one, the neck plays like butter. Casino is a unique beast with a unique sound. Back then, i bought it because i was in love with a certain 65-66 beatles sound. If you have a 60s garage sound in mind, casino is the way to go (kinks, early stones) but don't expect it to sound like a 335. Perfect for a rythm guitar player in the 60s rock/ rnb /garage field.
I’ve been on the fence about this one too. Loved the tones you were getting! Mick from That Pedal Show bought one and had the same squeal problem, so he changed the pickups and no more squeal, so sounds like it’s the pickups being too microphonic, not the fact of it being a hollow body (though maybe that adds to it?)
I LOVE my Casino, but I don't play super-high up on the neck or with gobs of gain, so, I don't disagree necessarily. I find it's a super-versatile guitar. Rhythm or lead in folk, blues, jazz, rock - basically anything but really hard rock or metal stuff that feeds back too much. The review was very fair, but you're right: it's awesome for a LOT of players. Also, this is personal taste, but I love the neck pickup a lot. To each their own, I guess.
PS I don't know if yours is a fluke or mine is or if it's just the leftie version that's afflicted with that selector switch, but my pickup toggle is a good 2-4cm further away from the pick-guard than yours is, so I don't have that switch problem.
@@stufromoz8164 - can I ask what you think of your Artist 58? Which specific version do you have? They interest me as a way to “taste” the semi hollow body. Like the look of the black cherry (no stock til later in the year). What styles of music do you play?
@@riloh58 I have the cherry "dot" 58. I love it for the $488 I paid for it, with hard case, it is definately one of the best value for money guitars I have owned, and there has been a few over the years from squires to Gibsons and everything inbetween. The alnico pick ups are magic, down low they sing like bird and when you throw on the dirt they growl and roar like the proverbial king of the jungle. Mine dosn't have locking tuners so I will do that and probably put in a bone nut, but that's it they are definately the best way into that world of semi hollow heaven. They truly are a very versatile instrument and I haven't looked back since getting mine.
My first electric guitar I ever purchased was a Casino. I have had a love/hate relationship with it for over 20 years now, but still my first love and go-to electric. Great video showing the pluses and minuses.
Great guitar to start on !
Lennon also had a love/hate relationship with this guitar, so you’re in good company!
I bought one in 2012. Your comment made me laugh. It's exactly how I feel. I can't bring myself to part from it because of its pluses, but the minuses can drive one crazy.
I agree with you and the video guy. To my mind, the perfect compromise guitar would be a semi-hollow-body with P-90 pickups and a LIGHT centreblock. My Ibanez AS93 has a light centreblock that gives it a great hollow-body vibe but it has humbuckers (albeit very good Ibanez Super 58 humbuckers).
If Ibanez were to make a version of the AS93 or the less expensive AS73 with P-90 or even Jazzmaster pickups (the latter might look a bit odd in a 335-shape guitar), that would fix the Casino's weaknesses and make it a much more usable and less frustrating instrument.
You don't buy compact car to haul lumber. You don't buy a hollow body guitar to play high gain. Right tool for the job.
It's actual quite fun to ride the feedback on a good Casino. Learn to work with it than to work against it.
Yeah, the cynic in me is waiting for the jazz review that fails the custom shop Strat.
Pretty sure he knows his guitars, he's a pro at this.
@@JT-gm4fk 😂😂😂😂😂
Yeah, he's "backing the wrong horse" for his type of playing. 🤗🤗
An interesting and honest review however, if it is sooo bad I do wonder how Howlin' Wolf, George Harrison, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Keith Richards, Dave Davies, Brad Whitford, Shirley Manson, Paul Weller, The Edge, Josh Homme, Daniel Kessler, Noel Gallagher, Brendon Urie, Gary Clark, Jr., Glenn Frey, John Illsley got their unique sounds form theirs?
That pick up switch issue that boggles my mind. My casino doesn’t have that switch so close to the pickguard. That is strange man! As far as the feedback issue I get it! Mine stays home mostly because of that reason.
The pick up switch is not right. Looks like a mistake. My Casino has plenty of room and is not flush to pick guard. Maybe the pick guard was cut wrong.
@@janjohnmusic4505 I have mine off.
@@janjohnmusic4505 me thinks @Intheblues got a lemon!
Probably because it's left handed.
mine also dent have it. All fine.
Nice and honest review! I've been thinking about getting the new casino worn in an olive drab finish. Apperantly it has a c-type neck and different pickups. A lot of players like to remove the pickguard, might make the pickup-switch easier to reach! Also, Gary Clark Jr manages to get some killer tones from his casino's!
I’ve nearly bought one a few times. The one that I loved the most aesthetically was just a dog. Great video as always man!
Thanks, Nick. I wanted one of these for years but there are so many other far better options in terms of playability out there. Check out the ES-339 guitars those might be the secret gem! :)
@@intheblues I do love the 339. I ended up going 335 and sticking to the old ES-225 for hollow thin p90. Mojo for days!
@@intheblues Hi Shane fellow lefty player here. Is there an Epiphone 339 in left handed? I’ve never seen one at Southpaw. The Gibson 339 LH is tricky to get a hold of
@@NickintheStates this! Vintage es 225 or 125 even are still very affordable, much better quality and sound and feel, and will increase or at least maintain value unlike these Asian made epiphones
I dunno man, you make it sound pretty great clean and with a little overdrive.
I would grab my epi lp or Jet tele for hi gain anyway and its rare a lefty semi hollow is available in my neck of the woods-West coast of Ireland.
I just got the Casino in worn black. Did a fret level, crown and polish, full setup, upgraded tuners and bridge, and its the best guitar I have ever owned, and I have owned a lot. Maybe not for everyone, but it is an awesome guitar with great play-ability.
Hey man I'm interested in buying it and doing the same! Would you mind sharing which parts you bought and telling me more about the overall experience?
@@MrFed-gh6gw Sure, these three parts will get you most of the way there...
AVR2GP-N TonePros ABR1 Tune-O-Matic Bridge w/Notched G-Force Saddles in Nickel Finish.
Kluson REVOLUTION TUNERS 3+3 PEARLOID KEYSTONE BUTTON NICKEL (NO COLLAR) 19:1 ratio KRGNC-3-NP.
Zero Glide ZS-1 Slotted Replacement Nut
The experience was fine, if you are good at working on/fixing things. This also doesnt include the fret level, crowning, polish, and setup which require more tools and experience working on guitars.
If this is your first time I might consider paying a luthier to do the work if possible. Still a great guitar, and my main guitar since I got it.
Enjoy.
@@MrFed-gh6gw Also the switch on my right handed worn model is not up against the pickguard.
@@MrFed-gh6gw Also there is better upper fret access on the worn model
@@JohnnyRock hey man thanks so much! Do you have an email or somewhere I can write you directly to ask a couple more questions? I'm considering buying a casino worn on. A great deal I found used :)
I waited about 15 years to play this guitar! This guitar is beautiful and it will no doubt suit some players but due to the ultra-thin neck, tough higher fret access, and instant feedback, it's a bit of a tough buy. For Jazz and traditional blues players, you'll love it.
►Sweetwater - imp.i114863.net/kjg5vL
►Thomann - bit.ly/3hQZTXe
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(affiliate links)
Timestamps:
0:00 - Jam Track
2:39 - About this Video
4:41 - Gear Disclaimer (Guitar is on Loan)
5:27 - Clean Tones
7:22 - Blues Tones
10:39 - Pros & Cons
I bet the funnel webs love that shag carpet.
Wonder if you could try the Coupe version of the Casino. It seems to alleviate most of the issues you mentioned. Thanks for the review!
@@drivenmad7676 haha. We don't have them where I live. ;-)
@@intheblues Oh that's good. They are creepy:)
It's not really expensive either, though so... the buying part isn't so tough.
The Casino is great for Jazz and real RocknRoll. I gigged one for years but switched to an Epiphone 335 with humbuckers because the P90s were too noisy in some of the venues I played. If the house had funky wiring the guitar got a lot noisier. But it has a distinct sound and the "wooliness" you pointed out is what sells the authenticity of certain genres. Appropriately, like a Hofner bass, when you gotta have that sound, nothing else can get you there.
Agree, there isn't just one type of music or playing (penta-bend penta-bend penta-bend)
I have an inspired by Lennon model.. it’s my main live guitar and it’s awesome. Play thru an old ampeg combo, overdriven and loud. Feedback is not a problem and controllable. Stays in tune great, even with the b7 arm on it.
I have the same guitar and could not be more happier with it.
One of biggest problems I find with this guitar is the tune-o-matic bridge. It's tinny and rattles like crazy. I changed mine for a TonePro with nylon saddles and it was a massive upgrade! Fundamentally changed the guitar.
Yep, I showed the buzz at the end of the video. It's pretty terrible on this lefty as well.
I got the intonation just right and poured it full of clear nail polish.
Yep. Original bridge was rattling trash. Immediately replaced mine with a Gotoh Nashville, as the extra width was needed to get the G and low E strings to intonate.
Gotoh makes a drop in replacement bridge that costs about 25 euros. No rattling wire in that one, more room for intonation and improves the tone and sustain. Cheap but very effective uppgrade, I have done this for my two Casinos and have been more than happy. The stock bridge with that retainer wire is just total garbage.
Mine rattled too but it turned out to be just a loose pickup. Once the screws were tightened the rattle immediately disappeared
I just bought the Casino Coupe last weekend and am totally in love with it. Can’t put it down.
I've had one of those for 5-6 years and its a fantastic guitar
thanks for your review ! really helpful. I think you've ended up with a faulty model, the pickup switch is at the wrong place, none of the guitars shown on music shop pictures or other videos have the switch there.
Regarding the hard to get top notes, the Casino Coupe with a ES-339 body gives you easy access to B on the E string. Maybe that's the one you need ?
Hi Shane
Fair review, but if you want a guitar to play above the 15th fret you won’t be buying a Casino
I have the same guitar but in “ John Lennon” natural...it was so cheap , relatively speaking ( from Thomann) .. that I bought it knowing I would change the tuners, which was not strictly necessary...and I have had the guitar rewired with new pots and oil in paper caps...I didn’t change the pickups as for me they are perfect for blues and classic rock...it for me sounds fabulous....and it is still a very inexpensive guitar
As to feedback..yes in front of the amp...but at a full volume rehearsal or gig it is easy to move a couple of feet left or right and the feedback disappears 😉......and if you are a high gain player you wouldn’t be looking at hollow body guitars after all
So a fair review but a couple of issues , alluded to above, were in my opinion overlooked
However I appreciate you were reviewing from a personal point of view and it’s not for you....we are all different...personally...I don’t “ get”... Ibanez or Jackson style pointy head stocks.........and crazy high gain...but each to their own
Theses Casinos are fabulous value for the street retail price...and don’t require any mods at all.....but are great if anyone wants to upgrade parts
All best
Playing above the 15th fret can be done on the offset Vintage VSA500P.
That intro jam sounds epic; truly glorious tones, and I love the creaminess that the neck pickup adds. Might not be for you, but I’d take it all day long.
Didn't think a Casino was up your alley in sounds and style of music?...
That said, you achieved some great tones out of that guitar 👍😎
Think the trick to a great Casino tone is in the manipulation of the volume controls😉👍😎
Really appreciate your honest reviews! You are one of the few channels that reviews gear that I subscribe to and definitely enjoy this channel the most. You give the pros and cons and do realistic demos. Too many channels will either try to push the product, or even worse in my opinion, unfairly rip the product because it's not a $5k custom perfection that almost nobody can afford. Keep it up and hello from Poland :)
Oh man, I feel for you. I've experienced wanting a guitar for a while and then it turns out to be not what you want when you finally get to put your hands on it. Like you said, it just needs to go to the right person who wants it to do what it can do. Never mind, there's always another guitar to look forward to.
I recently bought one and absolutely love it, so much so that I’m gonna buy another in natural finish, both for the John lennon look 😎
I absolutely love mine. I waited about the time to get one, but it was a beauty worth waiting for.
Is it the Chinese model?
Yes. Thinking of upgrading the pickups, but it’s not needed, mine plus so great.
Excellent, honest review. The toggle switch thing is weird, on mine (2015 Casino) its about 1.5cm away from the pickguard and not a problem. I can only think yours was drilled in the wrong place and is indicative of the kind of quality issues you can expect from a Chinese made guitar. For me the tuning has always been a problem and recently I swapped in a TUSQ nut. Much better. Its a gorgeous looking guitar and the P90s sound great. Tone wise I find it to be a very mid-rangey guitar (like most archtops) and is best suited to a Vox or Fender amp where you get more of that top end in there. The Casino combined with a Vox sound is a match made in heaven and John Lennon knew this!
From Leo: Guitars can be like the one girlfriend in everyone's past. You admire from afar, you wait for opportunity, you make all the appropriate efforts and you finally start dating her. Nothing really wrong with her but you realize you just don't enjoy her as much as you thought. I was like that with a Natural finish ES-339, I just never enjoyed my time playing it. The new owner is happy and I have a D'Angelico in it's place that makes me smile every time I pick it up.
All valid points, particularly the unreachable notes high on the neck. But I think what makes this an unreliable gigging guitar (for anybody other that straight up jazz and blues musicians) is also what makes it so much fun. So it's a bit of a problem child when it comes to corralling gain and stopping it from going off the rails. Nobody said life was supposed to be easy.
The Korean Casinos had the same neck set as a 335, i.e. full high fret access. Swapped in Kent Armstrong pickups, the neck is PERFECT- it can't be beat, screw the feedback- it's a Casino. John, Paul, and George's favorite electric guitar, good enough for me. Bought mine used on Craigslist (with not so good pickups), for $200 several years back. Don't know if that's still possible...
Anyone who picks up my Epi Sheraton loves it. Plays and sounds a dream.
I also have the Epiphone Sheraton. I like mine a lot .Mine was made in South Korea.
I had a Samick Sherry that was amazing and I stupidly sold it, a few years later hesitantly bought a Sherry ll. Wow was actually better than original, pickups a bit hotter but the neck is superb, the woody raspy tones are incredible. Such a versatile guitar,
If I want p90s I get the Gibbo SG out ! Nice light alternative !
The Sheraton has the center block, so it doesn't squeal as much. I have an old Korean one made in '97. The original Samsung pickups were so microphonic that I could actually speak into them and hear my voice come out of the amp. I've swapped in some Epi '57 pickups that are much better, but I'm still thinking about upgrading the pickups. That said, mine plays awesome. Remember, Shane had/has an Epiphone Dot that he really likes.
y’a the Sheraton series is a beast, my fav Epi built by far (the Casino on the other hand...)
@@iforget8716 Never played a bad one, all superb.
I received mine today and the toggle switch is in the correct position relative to the pickguard. I gess that on the model you have on the video the hole has been drilled in a wrong place. Those chinese Epiphone aren't expensive, but the quality control is low. For the rest, I knew what to expect. The "D" neck is not my favorite but thats OK. It's more for singer-songwriter stuff I play with a pianist. Mainly rythm. What I like, except for the Lennon look (mine is natural, a satin finish would have been better than a glossy one) is that it sounds without an amp and it sounds different than my others guitars. I'd never have bought a Casino as a main guitar. I don't think many people do, except maybe some hardcore Beatles fans.
I’m currently waiting on one I bought back in Feb to arrive. (Delayed due to COVID). If you want to hear just how dirty a Casino can get check out Kevin McKeown from Black Pistol Fire and his Big Muff, Octave Fuzz and Bumble Buzz tones. Great band too!
Same here! I bought one in February, still waiting on it. 😀
Hey,a couple of his videos popped up on my CZcams ,and he is awsome ! 2 man band,,yes he does use different colored casinos.He makes them sound so cool.I added his song list to my spotify.
@@juanespinosa8064 check out his rig rundown with Premier guitar and their live set at Bunbury Music Festival if you've not seen them. Really cool band.
@@bobcatblooze I did see the rig rundown on his guitars, but yet to see the festival.I just disovered this band by accident.what caught my attention was that he played casinos.Thank you for the heads up oon those videos my Brotha
Epiphone ES-335 Pro is for me. No feedback issues thanks to the weight, and the pickups are both stellar
I've played two or three Casinos. Never really had an issue. I've gotten pretty good at using P90s distorted. My first guitar was an Epi SG Junior with a P90. It's almost like coming home a little.
I've pushed this alternative on many threads, can't help myself: The Eastman T64 is a "Luxury Casino", has a Bigsby trem and Lollar Pus and you can find good deals used, 'cause for some reason they have lousy resale value. (It's still gonna be above the 1000$ in most cases.) It doesn't even have a pick guard (that ugly thing would be the first thing I'd take off anyway), so the switch thing is not an issue. And I've never had any problem playing loud. They look lovely, too. Not sure about the lefty situation.
Glad to hear the review. As a lefty also I’ve not played one and now I don’t feel like I’m missing out
😂
Should try the Riviera. Those mini humbuckers really cut like a dagger. Center block built. Cleans up nice for jazzy and mellower stuff, too. I have a Heritage H 530 which is a higher end American made guitar that is very similar to this guitar, (Hollow body & two dog ear p 90's), and could crank it up into overdrive without much feedback unless you wanted it to. Has a lot to do with where the amp is located and the type of room you're in. Hard, reflective walls, etc. I run it thru a Super Reverb.
Paul McCartney has stated numerous times that if he could have only one guitar it would be an Epiphone Casino.
Awesome review, as always. I was torn between the Casino and ES-335 while not being able to try either before buying and went with the 335. Should be here in a couple days, can’t wait!
I know how you feel... I always wanted a Les Paul... I spent the money and got a Les Paul Traditional and was not liking it. I was fortunate to sell it later on for a good price. Lesson learned.
Yep, did the same thing...
@@russelllucas1043 i found out I really love fender guitars. The neck feel isnt the same on other guitars
@@darrellm3410 That's what I found too. 😂
Maybe if you got a higher end one you would have kept it lol
@@abubakr6939 it was beautiful and set up perfect. The neck didn't feel right, wasn't liking the arch of the body, or angle of the neck. It was more like a fine piece of furniture to me than something I could treat as an instrument. Regardless of cost, if It can't live in a Guitar Stand where I can see it and grab it whenever it doesn't live in my house. Didnt like
The binding either. Maybe an SG one day..
If you can pick up a Peerless Casino, it has a 17 fret neck joint instead of 16 fret. I originally bought a used 1997 Casino (Peerless plant). Then, I stumbled onto a newer Casino. I was able to play both to make up my mind. My intention was to put a Bigsby on one. On the 16 fret Casino, the Bigsby looked very close/cramped to the bridge. The peerless gave me more high fret access. I didn't buy the new model. I wasn't totally impressed with the pickups on either of the two. I installed a set of Kent Armstrong pickups that was hum cancelling in the middle position. They aren't microphonic either. I can now get a nice controlled feedback/sustain without the squealing.
I like the overdriven sounds... Rhythmic stuff sounds great.. I can’t help but compare it to my new Harmony Comet which is superior in every way.
My expectations were a bit high for this new Casino too and I still look forward to getting my hands on one before I judge but .. yeah.. I’m more than happy with my Comet
Looks like you discovered why Lennon took off his pick guard! The MIJ Elite models are a vast improvement. Built in the same plant as MIJ Gretsch with US P90's. The Korean and Chinese guitars are all over the map on quality, but consistently have pickups that are wound too hot. Thanks for your honesty and detailed reviews.
MIJ Gretschs suck. Messed up necks, frets, won't hold a tune, antiquated design. I've sold 5 of them. Electromatic is a far more useable guitar. Even cheap Ibanez is light years better.
I’ve got one of the new worn finish ones and it’s a different beast. It needed a bit of playing in at first but its becoming my favourite electric. Weirdly cheaper than the standard models but has CTS pots etc as stock.
Thanks for the review! I was about to buy one and the lack of upper fret access is a definite show stopper. Thanks so much for the review, and nice chops for sure! Nice to hear a fellow lefty shread too.
As a hardcore Beatles fan I bought a Casino a few years ago.
It looked GREAT and sounded pretty good, but...
...the hardware tarnished almost immediately and the neck, as slim as it was, was decidedly slow. Plus the thing just didn't feel very solid, almost toy-like.
The restrictive upper fret access wasn't really an issue.
I loved it but I ended up selling it.
(I liked that you could get it to feed back with some gain. Great for psychedelia.)
The Casino is a useful tool in the arsenal but it is definitely limited. I didn’t used to play much on the upper registers and so got one recently in natural (it is cheap, and all the little joints in the neck show, as do the blotchy black paint dabs on the f holes). Now that I am exploring Gary Moore tunes more than Gary Clark tunes, I find the Casino stays on the wall. Too bad cos it sounds great for that raunchy delta blues tone.
I have a 2017 MIC casino, looks pretty much like the one you are testing. I found it takes quite some work in order to function properly: the nut was waaaay to high, the setup needed a complete overhaul, but worst are the pickups which use the wrong wire and have too many winds. I took 1500 winds off. After all these changes this is a fantastic guitar and by many considered among the best sounding I own, though is is by far the least inexpensive. Yes the neck is slim (and fast!), yes, it doesn’t tolerate high gain, yes, 18+ fret is problematic. It sounds gorgeous and is a feather weight though. I put a Bigsby (in fact, Chigsby with four extra roller bearings) and a roller bridge on, now it is a hugely versatile guitar. I can only recommend to give e it a try. Mine hangs next to a 3000€ ES335 and I feel it plays and sounds just on par.
Buy it anyway, swap out that neck pickup, and hang it on the wall hahahaha
You do really honest and thorough reviews. We all appreciate it.
Cheers!
"If u put on a lot of gain, it feedbacks"
Wow, what a deal breaker for a hollowbody 🙄
Volume boost into the clean channel did the same thing or just cranking up the amp loudly. It's pretty unusable for anything loud and a lot of new players might not be as aware of this as you are.
Righto guitourney, no need to be a wanker mate. It’s Shane’s job to be comprehensive when reviewing guitars in order to cater for all levels of knowledge.
The 'feedback' is actually the pickup cover squealing, not the body feeding back. Epi should have sorted this years ago, same problem on my Wildkat. Still haven't found a good neck p/u replacement after 10 years
@@halvach1998 absolutely! Take the cover off, put double tape and place cover back on, same for humbuckers.
@@halvach1998 I have a 2000 Korean Casino, I did Duncan Antiquity in neck position....love it!
So many inspiring and tasty licks in the intro track! :)
Guild Starfire looks EPIC also 🙏🎵😎
Hi Shane! First of all I want to thank you (and your team!) for your great "no-nonsense" videos and reviews! Its always a pleasure, and If I ever get the chance to get to Australia, I´ll be sure to pay you a visit! As for your "deal-breakers"... Yes, there's no way around the limited fret-access on a "vintage style" Casino (or ES330 for that matter), but the tone and feedback-issues are a matter of the pickups and pots (imho). I'm using an "Elitist" Casino (better pots + pickups) with my band at rather HIGH levels of gain and volume, and all I get is GREAT, singing feedback that lets you "ride" the notes like you wouldn't believe ;-) (like, in the CCR "I put a spell on you" sort of way...). No annoying squeal like you demonstrated... This is supposed to be a "heads up" - don't yet give up on this great guitar! Also worth mentioning - the Korean-made Casino-Reissues of the mid/late 90´s had the ES335-like fret-access! Not sure if the made any "lefties", though... Hope you can find one that suits you + All the best - C.
I have a red '07 made in China Casino, and I love it. Sold off all my other electrics (Epi les Paul, American Fender Strat, an Ibanez of some sort) cuz I needed the space, but that's the one that speaks to me. Looks to me like the newer ones are made different, mine has a 17th fret neck join, which means that the switch isn't right up against the pickguard. I don't usually play beyond the 20th fret and I don't gig, so feedback at high volumes aren't an issue. The casino sounds better than anything else I've played.
Who buys a Casino to play heavy gain? Isn’t that the downfall of Hollowbody guitars in general?
Also, I just like the fact that you can take a guitar that you don’t necessarily like and still sound amazing with it. Great video.
Doesn’t Gary Clark Jnr play a Casino with plenty of gain?
@@lucasimms544 I thought he played an SG?
Ted Nugent Birdland
There was a lot of quirky things from guitars in the past. That was part of the sound from the past. People worked around it. Such as fenders weren't fat enough sounding so people added humbuckers. People used to stuff rags in the semi Hollow Bodies. And dip the pickups in wax and so on and so on. It was all part of the sound you heard on recordings. It's like OMG my guitar hums. OMG it has a little squeal. Work it out.
Hey Shane, Long time follower. I have just purchased an identical 2016 model. After years of looking
First thing I noticed, about your newer model is the 'Pick-Up Selector Switch' so close to the pick guard, as mentioned. Mine is about 13mm away. Secondly you mentioned you prefer the 'Bridge pick-up' most of the reviews of the older models, prefer the 'Neck Pick-up', I agree !
The neck pick-up to me is more pronounced, and articulate. The Bridge is more brittle sounding in the older model. I will be experimenting with adjusting the 'Pole Adjustment' screws in the future.
Am I happy with my purchase, Yes (Just needs a few tweeks)
Maybe try an older model, Let me know your thoughts.
Keep up the good work
Mick Qld
I wanted one for ages, finally got one. Replaced the tuners, replaced the nut, replaced the bridge with a roller, had the pickups rewound, dressed the frets myself. Still hardly ever play it. :(
You really need to try the heritage 530. Similar in layout and build, but better high fret access, thicker (but not too thick) neck, and Lollar pickups. More expensive, yes, but clears up the issues you had with the casino. I absolutely love mine and I am not a jazz guy at all. It’s the kind of guitar that changes the way you play. Tried it in the store while messing with pedals and couldn’t leave without it.
I've had a Korean made Casino since 2004. They're not for everyone I will admit. The feedback can be annoying, and you always have to make sure you're facing away from the amp. A lot of people change out the pickups to Lollar noiseless pickups, and change out the pots and wiring as well.
The odd placement of the toggle switch might be because of the left hand model. The right hand model I have just has the regular placement.
The only thing I would recommend is is if anyone is considering buying one, is to get a noise gate to compensate for the pickups, which can give you that persistent 60 cycle hum.
Great demo - again !
Phil X got great sounds with a healthy amount of gain on various epi Casinos that he demo'ed in the past.
Let's also remember, that Uncle Tud Nugent plays a full hollow Gibson Byrdland with Peavey 5150's and various other high wattage Fender amps, and he control his (potential) feed back with ease.
Don’t forget George Thorogood and his es-125s with p90s that he almost exclusively used and heavily overdriven slide also!
The Casino is not aimed at very high gain sounds and is very good for rythm parts. In all calmer genres, it shines. Jazz, blues, bossa, pop.
Shane,
Please do yourself a favor and keep this Casino. As you know all full hollow bodies feed back if you simply yawn on them 😆. But, you were sitting right on top of your amp. As for the neck pickup, just swap it, if it’s that bothersome to you. I recently got a Worn Sunrise Orange from CME ( Chicago Music Exchange ) and I absolutely love it. My only real con was my B string saddle buzzing. I called Epiphone and they are sending me a new bridge! I didn’t notice how close my switch was to the pick guard because as an aesthetic I took the guard off. I didn’t have much of a hard time reaching the higher frets. I think you will love this guitar if you give her a chance to show you why she is special.
Casinos are fantastic guitars. Standard has a thin neck and the upper fret access is challenging, yes. But the feedback thing can be controlled and is not that big a problem, unless you are pointing the guitar right towards your amp.
Casinos are the most comfy electric to play, sitting down or standing. Lots of tonal options available too, so versatile I would say.
The timing is interesting here. lol I just bought a Turquoise Epiphone Casino on Tuesday, used through GC. Arrived yesterday made in 2019. It is as if it was new. I love it understanding some limitations. Mick from the pedal show made a video before and after replacing the pickups in an Epi Casino. As always enjoy your videos Shane!
How are you liking it? I bought the exact guitar with a Bigsby in turquoise coming from Sweetwater. I bought the last one they had and according to the serial number, it too was made in 2019. I’m actually sitting here waiting for it to be delivered. Been wanting one in turquoise with the Bigsby for years!
@@darthvaydr Its a great guitar, fun to play. :-)
I got one today. LH too. Love it. The swtich on mine is not close to the scratchplate like yours. Mines a 2022 model so they must have fixed that now?
I picked up back in one in 2015 new from Thomann it was the Gary Clark Jr Blac & blu LTD addition with made in USA P90 pickups it does not have the problem of woolly not on the low E string, but trying to control the feedback is half the fun great, vid Shane.
I had the clear Casino probably 10 years ago. Never played it much. So I sold it. AND I HAVE REGRETTED IT EVER SINCE! She was beautiful, and I should have tried harder. 😩
Thanks for the review .......Regarding your pickup selector switch being so close to the
pickguard ..... yours is somewhat closer than any other I have seen .
....... Also, regarding poor access to the upper frets (true) ......one
solution (not sure if it is available for southpaws) is the Epiphone Casino COUPE , which
is the same guitar, but with a somewhat smaller body .....with GOOD upper fret access....
Also again.....the Smaller Casino Coupe body MAY have less high gain feedback issues.
Cheers.
The Casino Coupe sounds like a great idea, but we’ll probably never see a lefty. I double checked pictures of my old Casino, and my switch wasn’t that close either.
I went through a phase of wanting one of these many years ago. Instead I found a 1966 guild Starfire lll. It’s fully hollow like the casino, but with different pickups and a tremolo. I think both guitars have the same kind of vibe with the hollow body. I don’t play it as much as my solid bodies. It’s not my favorite guitar but I still enjoy playing it. Good video.
Adding my 2 cents to your awesome review. The right handed version doesn't have the issue with the switch and the pickguard. I own the worn green version of that guitar. Anyone can refer to pictures of the product and will see that there's a proper placement of the switch. (Maybe Epi should consider building a real left handed version solving the problem). The guitar is not a symmetrical mirror. The cutaway on the right handed is deeper and the access to higher notes is less problematic. Anyway, thanks for your review!
I’ve been sort of interested in the Epiphone Casino, but didn’t realize it was fully hollow. Thanks for the straightforward review. I might be better off with a Dot (?) or a 335.
I understand your frustration went through a bunch of Hollow Bodies wasn't really happy with any of them.
That being said for what this guitar is made for it sounds great especially on the setting with both pickups on. Is kind of a one-trick pony but it does sound great for blues and you sounded great playing it believe me. 👍
The coupe allows access to the upper frets. Feedback is there. I eliminate it by putting it in the rack and picking up a Solid body. Works a treat. Adding capacitance to the neck pick up circuit can liven it up. Fat front tyres can help a drag car go around corners too.
Looks like a factory screw up putting the selector switch that close to the pick-guard. Probably why a lot of players take em off!.
couple things ....the switch problem is easily solved by removing the pickguard and once I got mine professionally setup and replaced the nut with a bone nut, it came to life...it's become my favorite guitar for songwriting
Mr, intheblues
I once had an Epi dot, similar guitar. I lowered the action probably more than l should have, but there was no fret buzz. It was one of th best for money l ever had. Shouldn't have traded it.l don't remember if the pickup switch was that close to the pickgaurd probably because I took it off. I can't believe how close it is. I am going to get another dot Epi. It has a center block, good thing cause l have a lot of over driven sounds. That what I like, but it played so well clean. This is an awesome guitar, l would recommend it to anyone, unless your into d-gent or very over saturated sounds. But it performs quite well with a little bit of distortion and a good klon copy.
Great show and be well.
Best regards from Bobby in Florida.
PEACE
Left handed casino is the Devil's model. Serves you right! I have a much sought 2002 MIK Peerless Casino (jointly owned by the Japanese). I love it but it could use a better neck pup.
I tried the Casino coupe and the Casino both, and couldn’t get past the feedback as much as I liked the P90s. I went with the ES-339 and loved it.
Thanks, Shane. I LOVE my Casino but I agree with you in all the cons you mentioned. I think Epiphone should build it as a premium trademark. Cheers!
That high pitched squealing sounds like microphonic pickup feedback, rather than feedback due to the hollowbody. I have a casino and wax potted the pickups which vastly improved the squealing (however you can still get lower pitched hollowbody-induced feedback with too much gain). Also I think this guitar goes beyond just blues and jazz - it can sounds great with gritty rock rhythm guitar sounds as well (taking into account the gain limit due to the hollowbody)
I have had a 2014 from new and love it, but then I'm not 1/10 the player you are, don't gig and rarely go that high on the neck. I love the odd times I get to feedback, also with it being full hollow I like to use it unplugged too - I don't have an acoustic. I can understand your views perfectly but buy it anyway and just look at it ... it's art! lol. A painting of the same price will go down yet this will go up - the toggle switch on mine is correct (?) in line with the bridge. Great channel buy the way and you've cost me a few quid in the past couple of years too!!
I had a Casino a while ago. Regretted selling it. Great guitar and I agree with both PUs on for the best sounds. Don't remember my pu selector being so close to pick guard though. I had pure nickel 11s on mine and got that Kings of Leon tone I was going for at that time. Man I missed that guitar.... great channel btw.
The lefty Casino looks so great. Something about that Epiphone E on the pickguard looks WAY cooler on the lefty Casino than on the righty one.
Great playing, honest and informative; I really enjoyed the video, Shane. I bought a used 2014 Casino a few weeks ago and the neck pickup seems better than that newer one. I also agree with your assessment and think my Epi Dot & 339 are way more versatile, and less finicky; I still love the sound of the Casino.
Had one for a few years, found setting up an ongoing struggle compared to it's brother the Dot. Even after a better bridge, nut etc still a bugger to get a consistent set up with good action. Eventually got there, they do sound great in the flesh through a basic tube amp.
Check out the casino coupe. It's smaller like a 339 and the neck joint is at the 19th fret.
Trey Anastasio from Phish plays with that feedback and a hollow body without the center support and does wonders live. He has learned to master the feedback which is a skill of itself but he even says any other guitarist who would play his guitar would hate it.
I own one and I totally agree with all the comments. I’ve removed the scratch plate so the toggle switch isn’t an issue. It’s definitely for particular sound. However, John Lennon, and George Harrison , used them extensively including loud live gigs and it certainly worked for them. It’s probably the guitar John used with extreme overdrive for ‘Revolution’ but as most of the overdrive was applied in the control room there was no feedback.
3 of the Beatles & myself included would buy this guitar!!! I loved this guitar long before I ever even knew the Beatles & Stones and others had used it. So be it unto rightousness.
Like mine quite a bit. First thing I did is take the pick guard off. Didn't even know about the toggle switch "issue", but that eliminates that anyway. As far as feedback goes, sure, you crank it way up on the gain you'll get some feedback. It's hollow! Not really made for the type of sounds that you apparently like. For blues and classic rock it's great!
Mick from TPS has just done a real great video on changing the pups. Worth a watch.
Interesting review I’m about to buy one these are a Great guitar and here’s why, I’m buying one because they are a true hollow body and they are so easy to get feedback from, that’s why John, Paul & George played Casinos remember that last video on the roof yep they were playing Casinos. If you want to play Hi-Gain stuff like Gary Moore then the Les Paul is your guitar but if you want the classic Beatles sound bordering on the feedback of Hendrix then look no further the Casino is the Guitar you want.
People can listen to Revolver or Sgt. Pepper for example and check Casino tones, that are everywhere in those tracks. McCartney also once said if he would have to pick one electric guitar for the rest of his life, it would be his Casino. If this guitar is good enough for greatest songwriters of all time, then it probably is good enough for me too.
I myself tried the casino, Sheraton and the 335 Epiphone Dot but due to my budget at the time i went on and bought the Epiphone Dot Studio. To be honest I didn’t regret my choice even at the time I did prefer the 335 Epiphone Dot, my Dot Studio is very simple whit one master vol and one master tone but I’m in love whit that simplicity. As for P-90 pickups to my taste I found them great for clean tone but not to great when to much overdrive or distortion way to noisy, but it’s just my taste. Still a great video keep up the good work
I tried the full-sized Casino, and like you, I couldn’t hang with the thin, flat D neck. Then I checked out the ES-339 sized version (Casino Coupe). I has a fatter, rounded C that feels far more comfortable to me. Feedback is easier to avoid, upper-fret access is better, and the PU switch is in the right spot. I love mine, but it’s still very much a niche instrument compared to a semi-hollow. You have to prefer low to mid-gain tones, and many examples need a bridge upgrade because of sloppy tolerances that cause rattles, intonation and tuning stability problems.
Sounds great. You're hired. I don't think that it's at all intentional; but, your tone and phrasing remind me of Satriani. This is not an insult. You are a great musician. I hear Carlos Santana in Joe's playing too.
Shane - go to Reverb and look at an older Epi Casino like 2015. I don't know why Gibson authorized the neck and pickup selector switch move on these newer ones. If you demo'ed mine (2015),you would fall in love (again) .
Need to try an Epiphone Riviera P93, high access, center block and comes in lefty. I had mine Plek'd, bone nut, and ABM roller bridge
My goodness it sounds great to me. And your playing is indeed helping the case. Thx for the vid. Cheers.
Rock on!
I never realized the toggle placement on a casino until I saw you playing one... It would drive me absolutely insane. The ring you got from the P-90's and the weak neck pickup makes me wonder if they maybe didn't ground the pickups or just did a terrible job of it. It also could be that pickups are unpotted (for some reason)... So, maybe QC. but I guess the only way to know for sure is to start taking the thing apart which of course voids the warranty thus actually breaking the deal ha
If you check out any righty model, they don’t seem to have the unusable toggle placement.
This is a guitar I want to love as well but the pickups are fixed height, so you’re physically incapable of even adjusting the pickup height without going through a ton of nonsense.
I have the elitist one, the neck plays like butter. Casino is a unique beast with a unique sound. Back then, i bought it because i was in love with a certain 65-66 beatles sound.
If you have a 60s garage sound in mind, casino is the way to go (kinks, early stones) but don't expect it to sound like a 335. Perfect for a rythm guitar player in the 60s rock/ rnb /garage field.
Never seen such an eclectic mix of blues AND Italian horror movie posters on one wall.
haha thanks mate. It's my two favorite things! :)
I’ve been on the fence about this one too. Loved the tones you were getting! Mick from That Pedal Show bought one and had the same squeal problem, so he changed the pickups and no more squeal, so sounds like it’s the pickups being too microphonic, not the fact of it being a hollow body (though maybe that adds to it?)
I LOVE my Casino, but I don't play super-high up on the neck or with gobs of gain, so, I don't disagree necessarily. I find it's a super-versatile guitar. Rhythm or lead in folk, blues, jazz, rock - basically anything but really hard rock or metal stuff that feeds back too much.
The review was very fair, but you're right: it's awesome for a LOT of players.
Also, this is personal taste, but I love the neck pickup a lot. To each their own, I guess.
PS
I don't know if yours is a fluke or mine is or if it's just the leftie version that's afflicted with that selector switch, but my pickup toggle is a good 2-4cm further away from the pick-guard than yours is, so I don't have that switch problem.
This is going to be my next guitar after falling in love with semi hollow bodies through my artist 58"
..........watching intently............
Yeah fully hollow body guitars are scary beasts
@@stufromoz8164 - can I ask what you think of your Artist 58? Which specific version do you have? They interest me as a way to “taste” the semi hollow body. Like the look of the black cherry (no stock til later in the year). What styles of music do you play?
@@riloh58 I have the cherry "dot" 58. I love it for the $488 I paid for it, with hard case, it is definately one of the best value for money guitars I have owned, and there has been a few over the years from squires to Gibsons and everything inbetween. The alnico pick ups are magic, down low they sing like bird and when you throw on the dirt they growl and roar like the proverbial king of the jungle. Mine dosn't have locking tuners so I will do that and probably put in a bone nut, but that's it they are definately the best way into that world of semi hollow heaven. They truly are a very versatile instrument and I haven't looked back since getting mine.
@@riloh58 Sorry about that i missed that part of your question I play mostly blues and some jazz, some of the simpler stuff anyway.