Epiphone Casino

The Casino is Epiphone’s 6-string semi acoustic guitar. Its design is similar to that of the Gibson ES-330 guitar. However, the Casino is comparatively cheaper than its Gibson look-alike. Its complete hollow body and Gibson’s P-90 pick-ups provide its distinctive heavy sound. It generally comes with a spruce or maple top and is available in a variety of finishes including vintage sunburst, ebony; hand-rubbed cherry and natural wood polishes.

Famous players of the Epiphone Casino are none other than the Beatles. Paul McCartney bought his Casino in 1964 and his guitar solos can be heard in the Beatles hits ’Drive My Car’ (1965) and ’Taxman’ (1966). Subsequently, John Lennon and George Harrison had their personal Epiphones in 1966. Lennon redid the polish of his Casino by sanding the guitar and coating it with lacquer. He also removed the pick guard and tuners and attached a set of gold Grovers instead. Lennon played his personally refurbished Casino in January 1969 at a concert on the rooftop of Apple Records in London, which also happened to be the Beatles last public appearance before they split. Other world-renowned musicians that play the casino include U2’s the Edge, Oasis’ Noel Gallagher and the Strokes’ Nick Valensi.

The Epiphone casino is available in different styles including the popular Elitist’65 model and John Lennon’s custom guitar.