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
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?
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 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 :)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ?
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.
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.
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!
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 :)
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!
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.
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😉👍😎
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.
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
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...
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.
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.
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’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 UA-cam ,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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Great video Shane, glad to hear the pros and the cons both! As long as people know about them, they can make an informed decision and get something that suits their needs.
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.
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. :(
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.
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 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. 😩
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.
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
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 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..
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
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!
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.
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.
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.)
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 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.
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
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.
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 have never played a Casino. I am a right handed player and don't know if the standard right handed Casino is setup any differently but given your review I don't think I would like it too much. I like having the toggle switch easy to reach and the way this guitar was setup that looks difficult. I also would not like the neck joint that restricts access to the upper frets. Why would you build a guitar that has 22 frets but you can't get past number 16. Another deal breaker for me would be the inability to play with any type of high gain without the guitar squealing that badly.
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.
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.
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
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 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.
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. 👍
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.
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’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.
As a Casino owner and a Gibson ES-330L owner I'd like to comment on your review. The issue with the pickup switch by the pickguard is a manufacturing flaw. Though I haven't seen this particular flaw before it fits with other flaws I've seen. I returned a cherry Casino because the trapeze tailpiece was off-center and I returned an Inspired by Lennon Casino because either the pickguard was cut incorrectly and would not lay flat around the pickups or else the pickups weren't spaced properly, so quality control is an issue. Besides maybe the tone of the neck pickup your other complaints about feedback and access to the upper frets you would have the same issues with a $4000 Gibson Custom Shop Historic ES-330 which is like Gibson's version of a Casino. If you can ever find a lefty ES-330L give that one a try because the price was not that high compared to the Custom Shop Historic 330 but the 330L has the neck joint farther upper the neck like a 335 and I've found mine a joy to play. Then Gibson went one step further and a couple of years ago issued a ES-335 P90 (with the center block) but I never saw or tried one of those but that might be the one you want.
I bought the P90’d Custom Shop ES 335, in Cherry when they were announced (with ‘proper’ coil taps - not splits... obviously). It cost around £1700 and was a good, if not great sounding, guitar. I think I maybe should have changed the Gibson pickups, rather than selling it - but I don’t think tapped, 4 wire, P90s are common if, indeed, available elsewhere, so would have lost the facility to tap (I think it was about 33%) off the coils, for what Gibson termed ‘a more vintage sound’.
For me one of best things about Shane’s channel (I’ve watching him since almost the beginning) is watching Shane grow as a guitarist. Good job. Wrenshaw in Florida
Sorry you didn't grok the Casino Shane. I liked mine when I got it used (325.00 USA) at a yard sale but it did need some attention. The nut was already changed to a GraphTech when I got it. The pick ups were way too hot, instant Ted Nugent feedback on any note, changed out to Tyson Tone Labs 53 Wraptail P-90's solved that. New pots/switch/caps/tuners/pickguard and a Bigsby B3 vibrato rounded it out. I love my Casino after all that and it plays/sounds great.
I appreciate the review. I have 10 electrics so, if I want to play a lead, I’ll ise one of my other guitars. I have a feeling you could add a short extension to the pup switch. We’ll see, mine arrives today. If I feel as you do, I will be honest and add another comment to let you know.
Thanks for the review, Shane. In looking at other Casinos, both new & old, it appears the pickup selector switch is generally a tad farther away from the pickguard. Even the images for this model on the Sky Music site show it a bit farther away. It does seem to vary a little even amongst the images for the new models (which is a bit odd), but it sits roughly inline with the bridge. The example you have just seems wrong.
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?)
Myself being a lefty who only wants to play left handed guitars, this is my new go to channel. Although sound is pinnacle for a lot of players. I put an instrument being practical in aesthetics, comfort and accessibility. I have a physical issue. That being I have small hands and bulky necks are problematic. Weight is not an issue. I am not a stage performer. I am a Blues, Folk, and Rock player and any combination thereof. Amplifiers and gear can compensate for a lot of things. But having a professional opinion and demonstration is so influential to what purchases I may choose. Coming from another lefty who is also a member of the Commonwealth. I am Canadian and I have had five uncles marry Aussies and brought them here. They just couldn't ever shake their accents and they have all passed, so that's the afterlife's issue to listen to. Sorry they were all so shrill and bossy.
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!!
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.
Why not get a Casino Coupe? 🤔 Btw: Paul McCartney once said that if he was stranded on an island and could only have one guitar - it would be an Epiphone 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.
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.
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. 🤗🤗
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
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.
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.
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?
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 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 :)
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.
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.
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.
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)
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 ?
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
Paul McCartney has stated numerous times that if he could have only one guitar it would be an Epiphone Casino.
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.
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
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 😎
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!
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 :)
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!
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.
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😉👍😎
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.
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.
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
😂
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.
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...
Epiphone ES-335 Pro is for me. No feedback issues thanks to the weight, and the pickups are both stellar
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.
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.
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!
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’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 UA-cam ,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 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.
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.
Guild Starfire looks EPIC also 🙏🎵😎
So many inspiring and tasty licks in the intro track! :)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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!
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 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.
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.
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?
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.
Great video Shane, glad to hear the pros and the cons both! As long as people know about them, they can make an informed decision and get something that suits their needs.
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.
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. :(
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.
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 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. 😩
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.
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
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 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 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!
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. :-)
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.
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.
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.)
Mick from TPS has just done a real great video on changing the pups. Worth a watch.
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!
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!
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.
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
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.
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.
My goodness it sounds great to me. And your playing is indeed helping the case. Thx for the vid. Cheers.
Rock on!
I have never played a Casino. I am a right handed player and don't know if the standard right handed Casino is setup any differently but given your review I don't think I would like it too much. I like having the toggle switch easy to reach and the way this guitar was setup that looks difficult. I also would not like the neck joint that restricts access to the upper frets. Why would you build a guitar that has 22 frets but you can't get past number 16. Another deal breaker for me would be the inability to play with any type of high gain without the guitar squealing that badly.
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.
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.
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
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 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.
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. 👍
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.
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.
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!.
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.
Check out the casino coupe. It's smaller like a 339 and the neck joint is at the 19th fret.
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.
As a Casino owner and a Gibson ES-330L owner I'd like to comment on your review. The issue with the pickup switch by the pickguard is a manufacturing flaw. Though I haven't seen this particular flaw before it fits with other flaws I've seen. I returned a cherry Casino because the trapeze tailpiece was off-center and I returned an Inspired by Lennon Casino because either the pickguard was cut incorrectly and would not lay flat around the pickups or else the pickups weren't spaced properly, so quality control is an issue. Besides maybe the tone of the neck pickup your other complaints about feedback and access to the upper frets you would have the same issues with a $4000 Gibson Custom Shop Historic ES-330 which is like Gibson's version of a Casino. If you can ever find a lefty ES-330L give that one a try because the price was not that high compared to the Custom Shop Historic 330 but the 330L has the neck joint farther upper the neck like a 335 and I've found mine a joy to play. Then Gibson went one step further and a couple of years ago issued a ES-335 P90 (with the center block) but I never saw or tried one of those but that might be the one you want.
I bought the P90’d Custom Shop ES 335, in Cherry when they were announced (with ‘proper’ coil taps - not splits... obviously). It cost around £1700 and was a good, if not great sounding, guitar. I think I maybe should have changed the Gibson pickups, rather than selling it - but I don’t think tapped, 4 wire, P90s are common if, indeed, available elsewhere, so would have lost the facility to tap (I think it was about 33%) off the coils, for what Gibson termed ‘a more vintage sound’.
For me one of best things about Shane’s channel (I’ve watching him since almost the beginning) is watching Shane grow as a guitarist. Good job.
Wrenshaw in Florida
Sorry you didn't grok the Casino Shane. I liked mine when I got it used (325.00 USA) at a yard sale but it did need some attention. The nut was already changed to a GraphTech when I got it. The pick ups were way too hot, instant Ted Nugent feedback on any note, changed out to Tyson Tone Labs 53 Wraptail P-90's solved that. New pots/switch/caps/tuners/pickguard and a Bigsby B3 vibrato rounded it out. I love my Casino after all that and it plays/sounds great.
I appreciate the review.
I have 10 electrics so, if I want to play a lead, I’ll ise one of my other guitars.
I have a feeling you could add a short extension to the pup switch.
We’ll see, mine arrives today.
If I feel as you do, I will be honest and add another comment to let you know.
Thanks for the review, Shane. In looking at other Casinos, both new & old, it appears the pickup selector switch is generally a tad farther away from the pickguard. Even the images for this model on the Sky Music site show it a bit farther away. It does seem to vary a little even amongst the images for the new models (which is a bit odd), but it sits roughly inline with the bridge. The example you have just seems wrong.
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.
With no centre block, how does it sound unplugged?
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.
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?)
Myself being a lefty who only wants to play left handed guitars, this is my new go to channel. Although sound is pinnacle for a lot of players. I put an instrument being practical in aesthetics, comfort and accessibility. I have a physical issue. That being I have small hands and bulky necks are problematic. Weight is not an issue. I am not a stage performer. I am a Blues, Folk, and Rock player and any combination thereof. Amplifiers and gear can compensate for a lot of things. But having a professional opinion and demonstration is so influential to what purchases I may choose. Coming from another lefty who is also a member of the Commonwealth. I am Canadian and I have had five uncles marry Aussies and brought them here. They just couldn't ever shake their accents and they have all passed, so that's the afterlife's issue to listen to. Sorry they were all so shrill and bossy.
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!!
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.
Why not get a Casino Coupe? 🤔
Btw: Paul McCartney once said that if he was stranded on an island and could only have one guitar - it would be an Epiphone 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.
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.
You bought a hollow body guitar with P90s. What did you think was going to happen?