I’ve got a casino and I had the same rattling, it’s the bridge wire that holds the saddle screws in place, i took the wire off and got rid of the rattle
Number 10, I had the same problem and I fixed it by just sticking a small piece of acoustic foam behind the bridge up where the screws are for bridge adjustments intonating the guitar. Believe the spring lost its tension and the looseness causes the rattle/buzz as you play it. A little piece of foam will do wonders for that.
Hi, the rattling you hear is caused by the bridge saddles, or by the spring that holds them down, I put a threadlock glue "Loctite 243", in the saddle screws and now everything is ok
I changed the bridge and tuners for gotoh replacements and its a lot better than before. Also be aware the pick up selector switch on mine rattles in whilst in the centre postion
I had exactly the same rattle/ buzz on an Iby with similar tailpiece Check the ALIGNMENT OF THE STRINGS as they exit the harp/tailpiece towards the pickups. On my Iby, One of the strings was very close and when the string vibrated it contacted the tailpiece. I placed a small Stainless spacer between the fastening nut and tailpiece on the treble side of my guitar to change the angle of the tailpiece slightly. No more rattle…
The rattles I sometimes get in my Casino come from the bridge intonation screws working loose. To avoid changing the intonation, you use a flathead screwdriver to turn the screws lightly until you feel resistance. Usually it's one or two screws that are a little loose. Turning the screwdriver just until you hit resistance usually stops the rattle sound on my Casino.
Regarding #10 the rattling noise. I had a rattling issue with my Casino as well. It was not the pickguard, not the bridge, but the pole pieces of the pickups. I tightened each of them with a screwdriver and the rattling was gone. Like a magic. Hope this experience of mine helps somebody.
The rattle is most likely a saddle on the bridge, push down the strings behind the bridge with a finger and strum, if the rattle desapears or changes in some way, you probably have to file the saddle notches
For those hung up on issue 8, the Casino Coupe has a smaller hollow body that joins the neck at the 19th fret instead of 17th which solves the upper fret reach issue and also improves the feedback issue slightly. Mind you, as a home player feedback has never been an issue for me considering the "venue" and the low gain styles I usually play. The advantage of the hollowbody's quiet acoustic properties for late night practice/songwriting far outweighs any feedback concerns in my view - besides, my Tele can handle the loud stuff just fine!
Bert, I have the CME version of this guitar in Sunrise Orange. I took my pickguard off immediately. I play mine at least 95 percent unplugged! She is so acoustically robust sounding. I actually had to relearn what it’s like to plug her in. I also changed my volume and tone knobs to crystal clear speed knobs. My rattle was the bridge and is easily solved. Also make sure your pickup screws are secure.
#10 is caused by a thin wire that wraps around the saddles on the bridge. I have the same issue and I'm having trouble finding a bridge that doesn't have the wire yet fits the posts. One youtuber suggested the Gotoh GE103B but it doesn't fit.
Mike Berg have you tested it? I have uppgraded both my Casinos (2012 & 2017) with that bridge with great success. No idea if your Casino has different bridge specs. Check Gotoh GE104, maybe it fits your guitar, Thomann website has a few customers reviewing this bridge and mention they have installed it into their Casinos.
@@80daytripper Thank you. Yep I checked it out but the minute I opened the box I knew the posts were to thin. The original posts are about 6mm diameter and the Gotoh are barely 2. There's really a huge difference
@@mikeberg5003 I just measured the posts of my two Casinos and they both are 4mm diameter( same goes for Gotoh GE103 BC bridge posts), not sure if your Casino has different size posts?
@@80daytripper Appreciate the help! Okay so I got out my stew mac string gauge and got accurate readings. Yes, my Casino's posts are 4mm but this (supposedly) gotoh post are 2 mm! LOL wth? Maybe it's a counterfit I don't know.
About the noise (#10) , I know (as I have 3 casinos, 2 of them had this problem), it's the soldering between one of the pickups and its cover. You just have to resolder the pick and its cover (inside - near the 2 crews hole).
I had the exact same rattle on my LTD EC-256 and it turned out to be a loose spring around a neck pickup height adjustment screw - one was shorter than the other. Replaced it with a longer one and it's gucci.
This is possibly the best review of the casino. I have one and agree completely although item 10 does not apply to mine. I would like to stress that unlike all of the semi hollow guitars that I have bought and sold, this guitar has a pleasing sound unplugged, more like a quieter accoustic.
I have that exact guitar...love it. Singer songwriter deluxe! I also have a 335 for the longer scale but p90 have a creamy tone I love. I removed the pickguard because it's too close to the switch and I didn't like the click I'd get on it with my pick when digging in. I had a luthier do a complete setup and carve a real bone nut for it. Couldn't be happier. My luthier reversed the G string saddle to intonate it properly and it works well....Casinos are really soulful guitars. I recommend getting a Boss GE EQ pedal to be able to get an even wider range of tones from the stock pickups...you'd be amazed what leaving the EQ flat and boosting the level just one notch will do to those pups!
saddle screws that don't fit tight and a retaining wire also after the bridge the strings rattle to the tailpiece, I have a foam mute under my trapeze or I hear the wrong notes resonate behind the bridge. I use beeswax and pack the saddle area so things don't ratlle like that.
I grabbed up a pre-owned natural-finish Casino in the summer of 2018. (I had the pick guard removed on sight.) My issues with it were the 8th one you mentioned here and the gratuitous feedback when I activated my distortion generator (players including hard rock as one of the styles they play haven’t really got much business trying to sling a hollowbody). It took me about a year to figure out that the only reason I bought it was because of its iconography associated with the Beatles, something which was never so important to me.
Dude. You gotta lose the AI voice over. I tapped out of the video about a minute in. The graphics are good. You got good content... just gotta lose the A.I. narration
I feel this guitar would be great for a rhythm guitarist due to how mellow it sounds and its empathizing on bass. The neck pickup especially sounds sooo good
Agree, the neck pickup is very good! Not only for rhythm guitarists, it is also great for solo work (I mostly play Jazz and Blues). And listen to Paul McCarney's killer solo on "Drive My Car" from the Rubber Soul album. The reason why I always wanted one...
I have a Casino in worn green. In my guitar the rattling DID NOT came from the bridge and its retaining wire, well, maybe some, but a very small part. I used nail varnish, elmer's glue in every possible gap that might rattle: no dice. The only thing that fixed the rattling was... wait for it... hot glue in every contact point ON THE TAILPIECE. And I mean EVERY contact point: where the string hit the tailpiece, where the string leave the tailpiece and where the blind nuts contact the tailpiece. That fixed 90% of the rattling. Although, it must be said, it was my first pass, I really think I can refine the application and eliminate every and all rattling. I hope this helps. Cheers
Thanks for the review, it's very instructive! I had a (US made) Casino way back in the early 70s. I played it for a couple of years, but then everybody was into Strats and Les Pauls. So I sold it...and always regretted it. Last year I finally acquired a Casino Coupe, since the smaller body size suits me better. Compared to my old Casino the Coupe is not only easier to handle (access to the high notes is very easy, since the neck meets the body at the19th fret, as opposed to the 16th fret on the standard Casino), but the overall quality is amazingly good, if not better. The QC at the Epiphone factory seems to be very efficient. The pickups are very good, no reason to spend a lot of $$$ for replacement pickups IMHO. I did not like the tuners, so I installed some Gotoh SD90s. I also had my guitar tech level and polish the frets, which made it even more fun to play. The only flaw is the rattling coming from the trapeze tailpiece, NOT the bridge or the pickguard strangely enough. Remedy: I pass my guitar cable under the tailpiece before plugging it in et voilà: rattling is gone! Nonetheless I am looking for a better solution, there are tailpiece makers who will custom make one (I'd fancy a Benedetto-style ebony one) from $100 on upwards. Meanwhile the Casino Coupe is my go-to guitar, it does everything I want. Hope this helps...
I have the same guitar, I leveled the frets after 4 weeks of owning it because the string action was a touch to high and had some buzz when set it to my preferred height , also the frets had gritty feel so after it was set up it turned out to be my favourite guitar , absolutely love the tones there is nothing like it plugged in or not... I understand why the Beatles liked this guitar, only one issue with it is the feedback is nuts if you are a metal head banger its not for you....
great review. I have the exact guitar and I love it, esp playing w hi gain. I love the controlled feedback I'm getting out of these pick ups and it takes pedals well. Also This finish is so close to natural. Being able to feel the grain of the wood enhances my playing..it's a sexy guitar
If you like these Type of Epiphone hollow body guitars, have a look at the 339. It’s a more manageable size body, has great pick ups and is all round a great guitar for not much money. Well worth checking out.
339 is a semihollow. Casino Coupe is a 339 sized hollow. Not sure if epiphone currently makes the coupe though, last time I seen one was a few years back.
@@I_Really_Enjoy_Not_Seeing_You you can still find them although Sweetwater claims the model has been discontinued. i believe Epiphone still lists them on their site.
The same I can say about my Streamliner 😊 Buzzing comes from the bridge intonation seddels, some of the them is loosen. I fixed that with small peaces of paper
If you take the bridge off there's a little wire underneath that kinda holds all the intonation saddles in places, that's the source of your rattle. I put a small drop of clear nail polish on the holes on both sides of the bridge and no more rattle.
Wow I just got the same guitar I’ve had it for a few weeks now and I haven’t played it because it’s a guitar for the studio and even though I play bass playing the guitar is a different animal so I just wanted a few different instruments on hand just Incase so I hope this one is different enough to get some use
I wouldn't say these aren't really addressed in other videos. Fairly generic information. You're right about #8 though, and that isn't mentioned by many others. As for #10. Do not go inside the guitar! Rattle and buzz is usually something with the bridge that's loose, or a fret levelling issue. Both simple and cheap to fix.
They look and sound great and perhaps one day I would get one just to have as a fun and different guitar from my Strats,Teles,Les Pauls,SGs.But their limitations prevent me from ever using one as a primary guitar.The first being the limited high fret access....I gotta be able to access those for what I play.The second is the hollow body and how easily it feeds back even with moderate gain....not fun when it starts squealing at the wrong time.And thirdly is accessing the electronics....if a pot or switch ever needed to be fixed or replaced I wouldn't have the patience to fish the whole soldered wire assembly from underneath the wood top through the pickup cavities...what a nightmare job that would be to work on or an expensive one to get a tech to fix.
#10. That rattle can often be the bridge. Bend the retaining wire for the addles into a V, it will hold the saddles down more securely. The rattle is often the saddle itself.
I have one of these (the "Olive Drab" finish). I agree completely with the difficulty of playing upper frets, but its just part of the style. I have noticed intermittent buzzing too but I think it is related to the saddles. There is a lot less downward pressure on the saddles with that floating tailpiece design than a normal Gibson. Try adjusting the intonation screw (even if it is already properly intonated). Approaching the proper position from either direction may make a difference is the buzz.
Use a drop of lock tight. Ive been doing this with cheaper bridges for a LONG time and it stops any of this noise. It also is easy to clean/take off. Just make sure you get the weaker version of lock tight. ;-) It may take more than a drop, but i use a tooth pick to movie it around and get it around the screws threads near the saddle.
Gotoh makes a drop in replacement bridge that doesn’t have that rattling retainer wire, cheap and easy uppgrade. I’ve done this mod to my two Casinos with great success, no more rattle, better sound and more room for intonation too. The stock bridge is total garbage.
Retired guitar tech here. Sorry for answering after such a long time of the release of this vid. The trapezoid tailpiece : dismount and glue a piece of felt to it where it touches the top. Try to get strings with that little piece of plush at the ball-end. A short piece of heat shrink tube as an alternative. As several comments suggest, add small springs between saddles and bridge, or touch up with clear fingernail polish or glue, on all joints of saddles with the base of the bridge. Do not forget to glue thin layers of felt underneath the scratchplate where it is touching the pickup covers. Just my 2 cents.
It needs to be remembered : 1- the ''Worn'' Epiphone Casino ($499. - in this Video) is a Flat Top & Flat Bottom guitar (does not have the 'up-ward rounds') 2- the ''Regular'' Epiphone Casino ($699.) is a 'complete' Arch Top & Arch Bottom guitar. They produce A VERY DIFFERENT SOUND from each other, regardless of being plugged or un-plugged... that's the $200. very important detail.
The worn finish is meant to replicate John's first attempt at sanding off the paint on his first casino with the Maharishi's power tools. Apparently he went a bit too far with the sander. So they say. 😜
Most likely the bridge, import tune-o-matic bridges like this one are prone to vibrations because the retainer wire that holds the saddles in place tends to get loose pretty quickly, it's a lower quality copy of a Gibson ABR-1 which sometimes has the same issues... Alternatively some frets may not have been properly leveled at the factory...Or temperature and humidity changes may cause the fingerboard to expand or shrink and slightly dislodge frets...Just enough to bother you 🙂🙂 Every time I add an Epiphone or any import guitar to my arsenal I'll replace these cheap bridges with better ones with ENCASED saddles, I'll level the frets and if needed replace the nuts with tusq... That solves 95% of the mechanical issues... I own 5 Casinos ( 2 Korean 2 Chinese and 1 American-made ) and I love them...
@@bertsguitarchannel Yes...Lots of differences because they were built in different countries over the years... They're basically all the same "recipe" but the quality/density of the woods are different, the neck profiles are different, the pickups, the wiring, the hardware, etc... And then of course all the work I've put into them... For my money the Korean ones are the best because they're very close to the 1960's models...
The rattling sound from reason #10 is probably coming from the trapeze tailpiece. That's where it's coming from on my 2009 'inspired by Jonn Lennon' Casino.
@@bertsguitarchannel I see. I'm looking to get one for myself around 20-30k php and this es casino worn is my top contender rn. Are there perhaps other guitars with semi-hollow/hollow body that you can recommend?
I got a Casino too with about the same troubles. I found the retainer spring on the intonation saddles! the strings between bridge and tailpiece! I changed the bridge to a model without that spring. I dampened the strings between bridge and tailpiece. I also took the scratchplate and removed two of the three layers on the backside to fit over the dogear and put a thin felt between. This did the trick! Have a nice day.
The factory pickups are fairly lackluster for clean tones -- wooly and unfocussed. Better for gain-y leads. Guitar plays great after I did a setup, but after gigging and recording with it for a couple years leaves something to be desired -- the cleans are anemic. Have ordered replacement pickups.
I agree with onthe #8. You gotta change ur playing and choose other areas on the neck to play, i loved the neck also very confy but the worn series are s##t guitars. The one i’ve bought many had bad frets and quality specs very low. I had sold
Hajaha #8... this is ridiculous!!. I heard that the same happens with some other gibson/epiphone guitars.. 😆 who invented this horn design? Im happy with my D'Angelico double cut, it is Very Easy to reach 22nd fret.
Yep, one thing I've learned over the years is that YOU DON'T NEED TO SWAP PICKUPS! You can do the same thing new pickups will do with an eq pedal, or just adjusting your amps eq
@@bertsguitarchannel I guess back in the day when these were designed people weren't shredding in those upper regions yet ;-) The reason the upper frets are so far into the body is the construction of the guitar, being a full hollow body the neck has little to grab on to.
Never understand folks complaining about the 16-fret body join. You know what other guitar has a 16-fret body join? A LES PAUL - AND they both have a cutaway. Sheesh.
You're right about the 16th fret joint on the les paul. I checked it just now and I found that I can still play the higher frets on the les paul much easier compared to the casino. Could it be the way the joint is made? Thanks for the comment.
@@bertsguitarchannel I suppose the clearance between the neck and the 'horn' might be more open but your hand seems to fit in just fine. LP might be thinner body/join. I imagine there must be something different about the feel for so many to jump on that point. Is there a strap button on the heel? That would be unfortunate too.
@@bertsguitarchannel Because I'm all about closure: Just got done test-driving one and nope couldn't bond with that neck at all. The profile is a thin U shape but like they just used a 1/2" roundover router bit on a 3 x 1! Though the LP technically has the same 16-fret join, that's at the top full-body section of the LP. The cutaway joins down at the 18-19th fret amd doesn't really flare out from the neck til the 20th. The Casino cutaway joins at the 16th and is a much shallower cutaway than the LP. Voila the difference in access! That and that box profile on the Casino continues all the way up where the LP is much rounder. Returned today and going with a new Sire h7v semi. Close enough tones and dream neck (for me).
I have an 'Inspired By Revolution' model. The title here is clickbait. Except for 8, everything else is a +. And since I have other electrics to go 'deedly-deedly' above the 15th fret, #8 doesn't bug me. Btw, I've been offered twice what I paid for this Casino, I've declined.
Sorry if you find the title as clickbait. But I was honestly surprised by my expectations based from other UA-camr reviews with what my actual experience with the guitar. And it is my first Casino and just want to share what mu thought on this guitar. It is still a good guitar and I’m planning to get the older models if I can find one. Thanks for watching and for leaving a constructive comment! 😊👍
@@bertsguitarchannel Ahh, I'm just a grumpy old man. The Casino is my only other single coil guitar besides my Strat and Tele, though. I can see why Lennon and Harrison used them on the 1966 tour.
i wouldn't call it a gamble just different, the creamy tones will more than make up for any deficiencies it has. one thing is must, polish the frets it make a massive difference on this guitar....
Understand hollow body guitars first before you think it feels cheap because it weighs nothing. This, like its lesser known Gibson counterpart the ES-330, has no center block like the ES-335, 339 and what not, there is nothing in there, of course it is going to be light!
#10 is caused by a thin wire that wraps around the saddles on the bridge. I have the same issue and I'm having trouble finding a bridge that doesn't have the wire yet fits the posts. One youtuber suggested the Gotoh GE103B but it doesn't fit.
The only reason is twofold to get one is if your a starting jazz player. The only other reason is that you admire the Beatles and can afford a mid. 60’s version.
NOPE ! ! !.. Keep it ... It's Not for me, Beyond the general body shape. There is absolutely Nothing; I liked about this guitar. A, 2 to 4 out of 10; score at best. Just not enough guitar for the price. But Boss; I am happy you like it as much as you do.. It is cool to have a deep connect with ones guitar, And it does not matter what I think at all. I have a few guitars that just feel exactly right to me,, So I get your point, Peace Out and thanks for the video
Is this video AI-generated? Epiphone guitars are trash. I sold my "John Lennon" Casino a few months after getting it. I took a $300 loss but was glad to. I also bought a BB King 335 that I took to my luthier. The fret board was god awful but I wanted the guitar. The Epiphone-certified luthier tried to get Epiphone to pay for the repair because the problems were obviously due to manufacture but Epiphone denied the claim. That tells you something about Epiphone customer service. If an Epiphone has been built in the USA, it might be alright. Some claim the Korean Epiphones were decent but these Chinese Epiphones are trash.
It's not "reach down the neck, for higher notes" it's UP THE NECK ! For Pete's sake, if you're going to do a video on something, at least know your subject, so that you don't mislead people!
11) Quit using AI voices to present your videos!
Yup - I'm outa here . . . horrible!
I dont leave many comments but had to agree. Watched a few seconds and have to leave. That awful voice. Uncanny Valley Syndrome.
Please come back. Already ditched the AI 😊
Thanks for the feedback. I already ditched the AI 😊
Still AI narration!
No one says “guit-a-ar” 😂
You would narrate yourself. Any human voice is better.
And how is the Casino a budget guit-a-ar???
I’ve got a casino and I had the same rattling, it’s the bridge wire that holds the saddle screws in place, i took the wire off and got rid of the rattle
thanks for the info!
Isnt that the grounding??
I’ve got the same rattle noise on the Gary Clark jr. Casino
@@DOESlab No, it’s the retaining wire for the bridge saddles.
Big problems with Epis.. get a Gotoh bridge if you feel like it. Nashville style, more intonation room for wider array of string gauges.
Number 10, I had the same problem and I fixed it by just sticking a small piece of acoustic foam behind the bridge up where the screws are for bridge adjustments intonating the guitar. Believe the spring lost its tension and the looseness causes the rattle/buzz as you play it. A little piece of foam will do wonders for that.
thanks for the tip!
Hi, the rattling you hear is caused by the bridge saddles, or by the spring that holds them down, I put a threadlock glue "Loctite 243", in the saddle screws and now everything is ok
thanks for the tip!
I changed the bridge and tuners for gotoh replacements and its a lot better than before. Also be aware the pick up selector switch on mine rattles in whilst in the centre postion
I had exactly the same rattle/ buzz on an Iby with similar tailpiece Check the ALIGNMENT OF THE STRINGS as they exit the harp/tailpiece towards the pickups. On my Iby, One of the strings was very close and when the string vibrated it contacted the tailpiece.
I placed a small Stainless spacer between the fastening nut and tailpiece on the treble side of my guitar to change the angle of the tailpiece slightly. No more rattle…
The rattles I sometimes get in my Casino come from the bridge intonation screws working loose. To avoid changing the intonation, you use a flathead screwdriver to turn the screws lightly until you feel resistance. Usually it's one or two screws that are a little loose. Turning the screwdriver just until you hit resistance usually stops the rattle sound on my Casino.
Regarding #10 the rattling noise. I had a rattling issue with my Casino as well. It was not the pickguard, not the bridge, but the pole pieces of the pickups.
I tightened each of them with a screwdriver and the rattling was gone. Like a magic.
Hope this experience of mine helps somebody.
The rattle is most likely a saddle on the bridge, push down the strings behind the bridge with a finger and strum, if the rattle desapears or changes in some way, you probably have to file the saddle notches
For those hung up on issue 8, the Casino Coupe has a smaller hollow body that joins the neck at the 19th fret instead of 17th which solves the upper fret reach issue and also improves the feedback issue slightly. Mind you, as a home player feedback has never been an issue for me considering the "venue" and the low gain styles I usually play. The advantage of the hollowbody's quiet acoustic properties for late night practice/songwriting far outweighs any feedback concerns in my view - besides, my Tele can handle the loud stuff just fine!
Thanks for the information!
Agree on number 8. It is better on the coupe. My rattling is due to the selector switch when in the middle position and playing unplugged.
I bought one in Olive Green and it plays great, no rattles or adjustments needed. After a number of months it got bettercwith age!
Glad you’re loving the Casino!
I fixed the rattle by changing the bridge. It was the retaining springs which added the unwanted buzz
Bert,
I have the CME version of this guitar in Sunrise Orange. I took my pickguard off immediately. I play mine at least 95 percent unplugged! She is so acoustically robust sounding. I actually had to relearn what it’s like to plug her in. I also changed my volume and tone knobs to crystal clear speed knobs. My rattle was the bridge and is easily solved. Also make sure your pickup screws are secure.
Thanks for watching! I would to see that sunrise orange. :)
#10 is caused by a thin wire that wraps around the saddles on the bridge. I have the same issue and I'm having trouble finding a bridge that doesn't have the wire yet fits the posts. One youtuber suggested the Gotoh GE103B but it doesn't fit.
I think I ordered that part as a replacement for my Epiphone SG,
Mike Berg have you tested it? I have uppgraded both my Casinos (2012 & 2017) with that bridge with great success. No idea if your Casino has different bridge specs. Check Gotoh GE104, maybe it fits your guitar, Thomann website has a few customers reviewing this bridge and mention they have installed it into their Casinos.
@@80daytripper Thank you. Yep I checked it out but the minute I opened the box I knew the posts were to thin. The original posts are about 6mm diameter and the Gotoh are barely 2. There's really a huge difference
@@mikeberg5003 I just measured the posts of my two Casinos and they both are 4mm diameter( same goes for Gotoh GE103 BC bridge posts), not sure if your Casino has different size posts?
@@80daytripper Appreciate the help! Okay so I got out my stew mac string gauge and got accurate readings. Yes, my Casino's posts are 4mm but this (supposedly) gotoh post are 2 mm! LOL wth? Maybe it's a counterfit I don't know.
I often hear these noises which in my case have always been caused by the saddles and the spring that holds the screws
About the noise (#10) , I know (as I have 3 casinos, 2 of them had this problem), it's the soldering between one of the pickups and its cover. You just have to resolder the pick and its cover (inside - near the 2 crews hole).
The rattle comes from the wire on the bridge. I changed it for a black goto and black tail piece on my casino coupe
I had the exact same rattle on my LTD EC-256 and it turned out to be a loose spring around a neck pickup height adjustment screw - one was shorter than the other. Replaced it with a longer one and it's gucci.
This is possibly the best review of the casino. I have one and agree completely although item 10 does not apply to mine. I would like to stress that unlike all of the semi hollow guitars that I have bought and sold, this guitar has a pleasing sound unplugged, more like a quieter accoustic.
Wow, thanks for the comment! Glad you were not bothered with the AI voice I used. :)
I think the rattle is the tail piece vibrating. I'd wrap something (a piece of foam or cloth) around it and see what happens. Just a thought
I have that exact guitar...love it. Singer songwriter deluxe! I also have a 335 for the longer scale but p90 have a creamy tone I love. I removed the pickguard because it's too close to the switch and I didn't like the click I'd get on it with my pick when digging in. I had a luthier do a complete setup and carve a real bone nut for it. Couldn't be happier. My luthier reversed the G string saddle to intonate it properly and it works well....Casinos are really soulful guitars. I recommend getting a Boss GE EQ pedal to be able to get an even wider range of tones from the stock pickups...you'd be amazed what leaving the EQ flat and boosting the level just one notch will do to those pups!
saddle screws that don't fit tight and a retaining wire also after the bridge the strings rattle to the tailpiece, I have a foam mute under my trapeze or I hear the wrong notes resonate behind the bridge. I use beeswax and pack the saddle area so things don't ratlle like that.
I grabbed up a pre-owned natural-finish Casino in the summer of 2018. (I had the pick guard removed on sight.) My issues with it were the 8th one you mentioned here and the gratuitous feedback when I activated my distortion generator (players including hard rock as one of the styles they play haven’t really got much business trying to sling a hollowbody). It took me about a year to figure out that the only reason I bought it was because of its iconography associated with the Beatles, something which was never so important to me.
Totally agree with you. It’s the heritage that comes with it
Dude. You gotta lose the AI voice over. I tapped out of the video about a minute in. The graphics are good. You got good content... just gotta lose the A.I. narration
Sorry about that. Yes I have with my recent videos. Thanks for still watching and giving the feedback
I feel this guitar would be great for a rhythm guitarist due to how mellow it sounds and its empathizing on bass. The neck pickup especially sounds sooo good
yes, I often stay with the neck pickup :)
Agree, the neck pickup is very good! Not only for rhythm guitarists, it is also great for solo work (I mostly play Jazz and Blues). And listen to Paul McCarney's killer solo on "Drive My Car" from the Rubber Soul album. The reason why I always wanted one...
Cool feelings. Now tell me what you think.
Listen to Gary Clark Jr solo a casino on “When My Train Pulls In”.
I have a Casino in worn green. In my guitar the rattling DID NOT came from the bridge and its retaining wire, well, maybe some, but a very small part. I used nail varnish, elmer's glue in every possible gap that might rattle: no dice.
The only thing that fixed the rattling was... wait for it... hot glue in every contact point ON THE TAILPIECE. And I mean EVERY contact point: where the string hit the tailpiece, where the string leave the tailpiece and where the blind nuts contact the tailpiece. That fixed 90% of the rattling. Although, it must be said, it was my first pass, I really think I can refine the application and eliminate every and all rattling.
I hope this helps.
Cheers
Thanks for the details!
Thanks for the review, it's very instructive! I had a (US made) Casino way back in the early 70s. I played it for a couple of years, but then everybody was into Strats and Les Pauls. So I sold it...and always regretted it. Last year I finally acquired a Casino Coupe, since the smaller body size suits me better. Compared to my old Casino the Coupe is not only easier to handle (access to the high notes is very easy, since the neck meets the body at the19th fret, as opposed to the 16th fret on the standard Casino), but the overall quality is amazingly good, if not better. The QC at the Epiphone factory seems to be very efficient. The pickups are very good, no reason to spend a lot of $$$ for replacement pickups IMHO. I did not like the tuners, so I installed some Gotoh SD90s. I also had my guitar tech level and polish the frets, which made it even more fun to play. The only flaw is the rattling coming from the trapeze tailpiece, NOT the bridge or the pickguard strangely enough. Remedy: I pass my guitar cable under the tailpiece before plugging it in et voilà: rattling is gone! Nonetheless I am looking for a better solution, there are tailpiece makers who will custom make one (I'd fancy a Benedetto-style ebony one) from $100 on upwards. Meanwhile the Casino Coupe is my go-to guitar, it does everything I want.
Hope this helps...
thanks for the tip
@@bertsguitarchannel My pleasure!
I have the same guitar, I leveled the frets after 4 weeks of owning it because the string
action was a touch to high and had some buzz when set it to my preferred height ,
also the frets had gritty feel so after it was set up it turned out to be my favourite guitar
, absolutely love the tones there is nothing like it plugged in or not...
I understand why the Beatles liked this guitar, only one issue
with it is the feedback is nuts if you are a metal head banger its not for you....
Not really for the high gain heavy stuff 😊
The rattle is the saddle of the bridge, it’s loose... mine had the same problem
Thanks!
great review. I have the exact guitar and I love it, esp playing w hi gain. I love the controlled feedback I'm getting out of these pick ups and it takes pedals well. Also This finish is so close to natural. Being able to feel the grain of the wood enhances my playing..it's a sexy guitar
thanks
If you like these Type of Epiphone hollow body guitars, have a look at the 339. It’s a more manageable size body, has great pick ups and is all round a great guitar for not much money.
Well worth checking out.
thanks for the tip
339 is a semihollow. Casino Coupe is a 339 sized hollow. Not sure if epiphone currently makes the coupe though, last time I seen one was a few years back.
@@I_Really_Enjoy_Not_Seeing_You you can still find them although Sweetwater claims the model has been discontinued. i believe Epiphone still lists them on their site.
The same I can say about my Streamliner 😊
Buzzing comes from the bridge intonation seddels, some of the them is loosen. I fixed that with small peaces of paper
Thanks for the tips!
@@bertsguitarchannel but even better is to change the bridge to roller one, highly recommend 👍
If you take the bridge off there's a little wire underneath that kinda holds all the intonation saddles in places, that's the source of your rattle. I put a small drop of clear nail polish on the holes on both sides of the bridge and no more rattle.
The neck needs to reach far into the body for firmness because the Casino is a proper hollow body, unlike the 335 which has a center block.
Wow I just got the same guitar I’ve had it for a few weeks now and I haven’t played it because it’s a guitar for the studio and even though I play bass playing the guitar is a different animal so I just wanted a few different instruments on hand just Incase so I hope this one is different enough to get some use
I wouldn't say these aren't really addressed in other videos. Fairly generic information. You're right about #8 though, and that isn't mentioned by many others.
As for #10. Do not go inside the guitar! Rattle and buzz is usually something with the bridge that's loose, or a fret levelling issue. Both simple and cheap to fix.
thanks for the info.
They look and sound great and perhaps one day I would get one just to have as a fun and different guitar from my Strats,Teles,Les Pauls,SGs.But their limitations prevent me from ever using one as a primary guitar.The first being the limited high fret access....I gotta be able to access those for what I play.The second is the hollow body and how easily it feeds back even with moderate gain....not fun when it starts squealing at the wrong time.And thirdly is accessing the electronics....if a pot or switch ever needed to be fixed or replaced I wouldn't have the patience to fish the whole soldered wire assembly from underneath the wood top through the pickup cavities...what a nightmare job that would be to work on or an expensive one to get a tech to fix.
#10. That rattle can often be the bridge. Bend the retaining wire for the addles into a V, it will hold the saddles down more securely. The rattle is often the saddle itself.
The rattling's most likely from the Bridge.
I have one of these (the "Olive Drab" finish). I agree completely with the difficulty of playing upper frets, but its just part of the style. I have noticed intermittent buzzing too but I think it is related to the saddles. There is a lot less downward pressure on the saddles with that floating tailpiece design than a normal Gibson. Try adjusting the intonation screw (even if it is already properly intonated). Approaching the proper position from either direction may make a difference is the buzz.
Thanks for watching and for the tip!
Use a drop of lock tight. Ive been doing this with cheaper bridges for a LONG time and it stops any of this noise. It also is easy to clean/take off. Just make sure you get the weaker version of lock tight. ;-) It may take more than a drop, but i use a tooth pick to movie it around and get it around the screws threads near the saddle.
#8 consider epiphone sorrento as an alternative. It’s like the same guitar but the cut somehow gives you better fret access.
thanks for the recommendation
#10 The sound you hear is the spring in the bridge. Probably of strings 1 to 3.
Yeah, my brother suffers from same issue with an epiphone explorer korina, he can move the spring with his fingers, in this case, the second one.
Gotoh makes a drop in replacement bridge that doesn’t have that rattling retainer wire, cheap and easy uppgrade. I’ve done this mod to my two Casinos with great success, no more rattle, better sound and more room for intonation too. The stock bridge is total garbage.
Thanks for the tip!
My Les Paul has the same rattle in the tune omatic. Thanks for the advice on the Gotoh
The rattle could well be how low your action is. The truss rod probably needs to be adjusted to give the neck more relief.
Thanks!
Retired guitar tech here. Sorry for answering after such a long time of the release of this vid. The trapezoid tailpiece : dismount and glue a piece of felt to it where it touches the top. Try to get strings with that little piece of plush at the ball-end. A short piece of heat shrink tube as an alternative. As several comments suggest, add small springs between saddles and bridge, or touch up with clear fingernail polish or glue, on all joints of saddles with the base of the bridge. Do not forget to glue thin layers of felt underneath the scratchplate where it is touching the pickup covers. Just my 2 cents.
thanks for the tip!
It needs to be remembered :
1- the ''Worn'' Epiphone Casino ($499. - in this Video) is a Flat Top & Flat Bottom guitar
(does not have the 'up-ward rounds')
2- the ''Regular'' Epiphone Casino ($699.) is a 'complete' Arch Top & Arch Bottom guitar.
They produce A VERY DIFFERENT SOUND from each other, regardless of being plugged or un-plugged...
that's the $200. very important detail.
Thanks for this great information!
The worn finish is meant to replicate John's first attempt at sanding off the paint on his first casino with the Maharishi's power tools. Apparently he went a bit too far with the sander. So they say. 😜
not flat top, have you played one? arched top and back...
No it's not flat, mine is the worn olive drab and it's exactly the same as the lacquered version
It's the bridge, get tone pro roller bridge. And it will also stay in tune better if your a string bender, and who isn't?
you're right everybody bends :)
I do have the rattle but I’ll take it to get it set up by my friend. I love my casino! I might do something like install lollar pickups on it
I had one, and it turned out to be a string buzz from the bridge on the "b" string.
I had the same problem, It's the trapeze tailpiece, tighten the nuts aittle..should take care of it
thanks
agree, those nuts get loose in time.
also the stock epiphone bridge is notoriously noisy. Gotoh abr is an inexpensive upgrade and no more rattles.
Rattle is likely one of the saddles. Cut up a spring and put the small sections behind the saddle. Bingo no more rattle.
My Casino rattles also. I love it anyway
As a epiphone 339 owner that was helpful , thanks
Most likely the bridge, import tune-o-matic bridges like this one are prone to vibrations because the retainer wire that holds the saddles in place tends to get loose pretty quickly, it's a lower quality copy of a Gibson ABR-1 which sometimes has the same issues...
Alternatively some frets may not have been properly leveled at the factory...Or temperature and humidity changes may cause the fingerboard to expand or shrink and slightly dislodge frets...Just enough to bother you 🙂🙂
Every time I add an Epiphone or any import guitar to my arsenal I'll replace these cheap bridges with better ones with ENCASED saddles, I'll level the frets and if needed replace the nuts with tusq...
That solves 95% of the mechanical issues...
I own 5 Casinos ( 2 Korean 2 Chinese and 1 American-made ) and I love them...
are there big differences in all your casinos?
@@bertsguitarchannel Yes...Lots of differences because they were built in different countries over the years...
They're basically all the same "recipe" but the quality/density of the woods are different, the neck profiles are different, the pickups, the wiring, the hardware, etc...
And then of course all the work I've put into them...
For my money the Korean ones are the best because they're very close to the 1960's models...
@@jeromewagschal9485 I hope I can get one of those Korean made Casinos 🙂
@@bertsguitarchannel That should be easy, there are lots of these around...
The rattling sound from reason #10 is probably coming from the trapeze tailpiece. That's where it's coming from on my 2009 'inspired by Jonn Lennon' Casino.
thanks
So when does Bert talk guitars? All I heard was an AI voice.
please check my new vids. thanks
AI without the I.
Did you ever find a fix for that rattling? Also may I know where did you get this guitar from?
Unfortunately I sold the guitar before fixing it. Now I'm looking to getting one again ☺️
@@bertsguitarchannel I see. I'm looking to get one for myself around 20-30k php and this es casino worn is my top contender rn. Are there perhaps other guitars with semi-hollow/hollow body that you can recommend?
I got a Casino too with about the same troubles. I found the retainer spring on the intonation saddles! the strings between bridge and tailpiece! I changed the bridge to a model without that spring. I dampened the strings between bridge and tailpiece. I also took the scratchplate and removed two of the three layers on the backside to fit over the dogear and put a thin felt between. This did the trick! Have a nice day.
I can also recommend the Epiphone Dot (there are lots of used guitars). I got one and its really good.
thanks for the tip!
The factory pickups are fairly lackluster for clean tones -- wooly and unfocussed. Better for gain-y leads. Guitar plays great
after I did a setup, but after gigging and recording with it for a couple years leaves something to be desired -- the cleans are anemic. Have ordered replacement pickups.
That annoyng buzz is caused by a wire that fixes the bridge. Put vaseline on it and voilee!!! It's gone.
Thanks. This was driving me nuts
Agreed. Sounds like multiple rattles. Tuning pegs are an easy to install inexpensive upgrade.
Have to agree. The AI voiceover is terrible. Record your own voice instead.
agree with you. That is why, I avoid using it lately.
Rattling can be the toggle Switch (Problem of my Casino).
Did you resolve it by just tightening the screws of the toggle switch?
Dude. Pleasee answer his question!
I do Voice overs so I noticed right away the AI voice, it's not hard to find someone to do it that doesn't sound like a robot
Great info. Appreciate the video.
If the name of the channel is: Bert talks guitars… ya gotta lose the AI voice. You can do it. Keep up the good work!
Thanks for the encouragement. I will 😊
I agree with onthe #8. You gotta change ur playing and choose other areas on the neck to play, i loved the neck also very confy but the worn series are s##t guitars. The one i’ve bought many had bad frets and quality specs very low. I had sold
Hajaha #8... this is ridiculous!!. I heard that the same happens with some other gibson/epiphone guitars.. 😆 who invented this horn design? Im happy with my D'Angelico double cut, it is Very Easy to reach 22nd fret.
its a design flaw I think? :)
Yep, one thing I've learned over the years is that YOU DON'T NEED TO SWAP PICKUPS! You can do the same thing new pickups will do with an eq pedal, or just adjusting your amps eq
I completely agree. Learning to EQ is essential!
The only 1 problem for me is the fret access
Glad to know I'm not the only one :)
@@bertsguitarchannel I guess back in the day when these were designed people weren't shredding in those upper regions yet ;-) The reason the upper frets are so far into the body is the construction of the guitar, being a full hollow body the neck has little to grab on to.
The last five frets are just for looks. I have a J45 that has unusable frets also.
#10 rattle-I bet it’s the individual saddles in the bridge.
Great video! I love Casinos!
Thanks!
It feels lightweight because it’s completely hollow unlike 335 style guitars that are not totally hollow. Has nothing to do with quality.
To the point of playing the higher frets, the Gibson Les Paul has the same issue.
Not on the lower cutaway side.
I REALLY HATE the sound of a computer voice.
sorry.
Bert's Computer Talks
I hate "Robotic Voices" . . . . . . . .
Sorry. Thanks for watching and for the feedback.
Never understand folks complaining about the 16-fret body join. You know what other guitar has a 16-fret body join? A LES PAUL - AND they both have a cutaway. Sheesh.
You're right about the 16th fret joint on the les paul. I checked it just now and I found that I can still play the higher frets on the les paul much easier compared to the casino. Could it be the way the joint is made? Thanks for the comment.
@@bertsguitarchannel I suppose the clearance between the neck and the 'horn' might be more open but your hand seems to fit in just fine. LP might be thinner body/join. I imagine there must be something different about the feel for so many to jump on that point. Is there a strap button on the heel? That would be unfortunate too.
@@bertsguitarchannel Because I'm all about closure:
Just got done test-driving one and nope couldn't bond with that neck at all.
The profile is a thin U shape but like they just used a 1/2" roundover router bit on a 3 x 1! Though the LP technically has the same 16-fret join, that's at the top full-body section of the LP. The cutaway joins down at the 18-19th fret amd doesn't really flare out from the neck til the 20th. The Casino cutaway joins at the 16th and is a much shallower cutaway than the LP. Voila the difference in access! That and that box profile on the Casino continues all the way up where the LP is much rounder. Returned today and going with a new Sire h7v semi. Close enough tones and dream neck (for me).
There's no shame in not being comfortable going through the f hole. You'll know when you're ready.
😀
I force blue tack on the intonation saddle cavity spring and screws.. on my casino elitest it was the switch.. blue tack fixed the rattle
I have an 'Inspired By Revolution' model. The title here is clickbait. Except for 8, everything else is a +. And since I have other electrics to go 'deedly-deedly' above the 15th fret, #8 doesn't bug me. Btw, I've been offered twice what I paid for this Casino, I've declined.
Sorry if you find the title as clickbait. But I was honestly surprised by my expectations based from other UA-camr reviews with what my actual experience with the guitar. And it is my first Casino and just want to share what mu thought on this guitar. It is still a good guitar and I’m planning to get the older models if I can find one. Thanks for watching and for leaving a constructive comment! 😊👍
@@bertsguitarchannel Ahh, I'm just a grumpy old man. The Casino is my only other single coil guitar besides my Strat and Tele, though. I can see why Lennon and Harrison used them on the 1966 tour.
So the guitar is a gamble?
I think yes, you just have to be aware of these things about the guitar.
i wouldn't call it a gamble just different, the creamy tones will more
than make up for any deficiencies it has. one thing is must, polish
the frets it make a massive difference on this guitar....
No it's great
Nice Review! Spot On! Nice BUT!
Glad you enjoyed it. But what’s the but…? 😊
Understand hollow body guitars first before you think it feels cheap because it weighs nothing. This, like its lesser known Gibson counterpart the ES-330, has no center block like the ES-335, 339 and what not, there is nothing in there, of course it is going to be light!
#10 bugs me too
#10 is caused by a thin wire that wraps around the saddles on the bridge. I have the same issue and I'm having trouble finding a bridge that doesn't have the wire yet fits the posts. One youtuber suggested the Gotoh GE103B but it doesn't fit.
@@mikeberg5003 have you tested that? I have uppgraded my Casinos with that bridge and it fits in perfectly. Maybe try Gotoh 104?
Bert’s Ai Talks guitar lol
Why can't the guy do his own voice over?
Apologies as I am too shy and not confident enough. But I'm trying with my own voice on my recent videos. I do appreciate your feedback. Thank you.
If you're too shut to do videos...maybe don't do videos. Don't half-ass it.
I think they all rattle but if the guy changed the bridge and cured it, I’m inclined to believe him
Microphonic?
Good info, creepy AI voice.
Thanks! I agree I find it creepy now. That’s why I stopped using it now. Thanks for the feedback.
Ya, agree. Bot sound is a turn-off. I won't run to this channel for my information.
Ten X
The only reason is twofold to get one is if your a starting jazz player. The only other reason is that you admire the Beatles and can afford a mid. 60’s version.
valid point!
I did not care for the Chinese Casino and sold mine within a few months.
do you have a casino made in USA version?
Hello AI voice. I hope you enjoy play. Good visuals why not.
Thanks for the visit
4:10 stream buzz
Better for rythym
This rattle from the bridge! I use pen spring to fix that rattle
where do you install the springs
Yeah good luck getting to them high frets haha
I did my best, but I guess my best wasn’t good enough….😊
@@bertsguitarchannel hahah!
NOPE ! ! !.. Keep it ...
It's Not for me, Beyond the general body shape.
There is absolutely Nothing; I liked about this guitar.
A, 2 to 4 out of 10; score at best.
Just not enough guitar for the price.
But Boss; I am happy you like it as much as you do..
It is cool to have a deep connect with ones guitar,
And it does not matter what I think at all.
I have a few guitars that just feel exactly right to me,,
So I get your point,
Peace Out and thanks for the video
I completely understand your point. thanks for your comment 🙂
@@bertsguitarchannel Yeah Man, Gotta feed that UA-cam Algorithm, Glad to help.
Is this video AI-generated? Epiphone guitars are trash. I sold my "John Lennon" Casino a few months after getting it. I took a $300 loss but was glad to. I also bought a BB King 335 that I took to my luthier. The fret board was god awful but I wanted the guitar. The Epiphone-certified luthier tried to get Epiphone to pay for the repair because the problems were obviously due to manufacture but Epiphone denied the claim. That tells you something about Epiphone customer service. If an Epiphone has been built in the USA, it might be alright. Some claim the Korean Epiphones were decent but these Chinese Epiphones are trash.
Yes, it's AI generated. Thanks for watching!
Don't like the open grain finish.
Yeah the grains are quite big.
It's not "reach down the neck, for higher notes"
it's UP THE NECK !
For Pete's sake, if you're going to do a video on something, at least know your subject, so that you don't mislead people!
Sorry for the terminology used. Thanks for bringing that up. It'll help me improve on my next videos. Thanks again.
Who is Pete?
A Yogi, standing on his head? So going up his neck is moving from his head towards his body?