The Epiphone Casino Review 2024 – Is It Worth the Hype?

Last update 5/2/2024

In this Epiphone Casino review, we ask if it is still worth the hype. Stay tuned as we dive deep into its features, sound, and performance; we shall then consider if it’s worth the investment.

Straight out of the gate, this guitar offers incredible value for money. One of the key highlights of the Casino is its impeccable craftsmanship. Made with a laminated maple hollow body, the guitar has a rich, resonant tone, which is perfect but not limited to Jazz, rock, and blues.

Epiphone Casino Review

The great tone from the guitar is in no small part due to the P-90 pickups delivering a vintage sound that is both warm and gritty. Not only does the Casino deliver great tones, but its playability is also outstanding. The slim-taper neck is top-notch, making navigating the fretboard a breeze.

History and Significance of the Epiphone Casino

The Epiphone Casino has a rich history that dates back to the 1960s when it gained popularity among guitarists like John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison of The Beatles and Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones. Its hollow body design and unique sound quickly became synonymous with the British Invasion sound of the era.

Today, however, the Casino remains a go-to choice for guitarists for that vintage sound and feel that only a combination of a hollow body and P90s can offer. Furthermore, unlike most electric guitars, it sounds great acoustically, even when it’s not plugged into an amp.

Let’s take a closer look at some of its key specifications

Epiphone Casino Review – The Body’s Back and Sides

The Casino has a laminated maple body and a hollow construction that adds depth and warmth to the sound. Furthermore, the layered maple construction lends itself to the guitar’s bright and articulate voice, ensuring that each note rings clearly and clearly. The guitar’s tonal balance of the maple tonewoods allows the Casino to cut through the mix while maintaining a pleasing warmth.

Neck

The slim-taper neck profile is ergonomic and offers a comfortable playing experience. The rosewood fingerboard adds a touch of elegance and also enhances the guitar’s overall playability.

Pickups

The Casino has two Dogear P-90T Classic™ pickups, known for their distinctively warm and gritty sound. These single-coil pickups deliver an expressive and dynamic vintage tone, a distinct combination of sweetness, punch, and that snarl they are famous for. In addition, when pushed into overdrive, the P-90 pickups come alive, delivering a gritty and dynamic sound which are great for blues and rock.

Tones

The Epiphone Casino is a sonic chameleon that effortlessly adapts to various musical genres. They have plenty of assertive bite, resonance, and sustain. Its tonal versatility ranges from the sparkling cleans of Jazz to the gritty overdrives of rock ‘n’ roll. The hollowbody design imbues the Casino with a natural warmth that is further enriched by the resonance of its construction. The Casino is an ideal choice for players looking for diverse tones.

Hardware

The Casino features high-quality hardware, including a LockTone Tune-O-Matic bridge and a trapeze tailpiece. These components offer tuning stability and enhanced sustain.

The Strings (Gauge)

The Casino typically comes out of the box with a standard set of .010-.046 gauge strings. This gauge strikes a balance between playability and tonal thickness. However, feel free to experiment with different string gauges to tailor the feel and sound of the guitar to your preferences.

The Finish

The glossy finish of the Casino not only adds a touch of elegance but also protects against everyday wear and tear. This finish contributes to the guitar’s overall visual appeal, making it a standout instrument on any stage.

Specifications

• Joint: 16th Fret neck joint
• Finish: Nickel
• Bridge: LockTone™ Tune-O-Matic
• Tailpiece: Traditional Trapeze
• Tuning Machines: Vintage-style Epiphone
• Pickguard: 3-ply; White/Black/White with metal “E”
• Control Knobs: Vintage-style Gold with metal inserts and pointers
• Pickup Covers: Nickel
• Neck Pickup: Dogear P-90T Classic™
• Bridge Pickup: Dogear P-90R Classic™
• Controls: 2- Volume, 2- Tone
• Pickup Selector: 3-way Epiphone toggle
• Output Jack: 1/4″ Epiphone Heavy-Duty
• Controls: 2- Volume, 2- Tone
• Strings Gauge: D’Addario® 10, 13, 17, 26, 36, 46

Recommended accessories

Gig Bag or Hard Case

While including a gig bag or hard case depends on the package offered, investing in a hard case is advisable. A hard case provides superior protection during transportation and storage, safeguarding your Epiphone Casino for years.
Like any guitar, the Epiphone Casino has its strengths and weaknesses. Let’s look at some of the pros and cons of this iconic instrument. See Epiphone guitar cases.

Pros and cons of the Epiphone Casino

Pros:

Iconic design and historical significance.
Excellent craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Versatile sound suitable for various musical genres.
Comfortable playing experience with a slim-taper neck.
Distinctive vintage tone thanks to the P-90 pickups.
Full access to the upper frets ( not the case with the Casino)

Cons:

Hollow body construction makes it more prone to feedback at high volumes.
Limited tonal options compared to guitars with multiple pickups.
Not ideal for heavy metal or high-gain styles
Vulnerable to feedback at high volumes due to its hollow design
The pickup selector switch has been problematic for some owners (including me). Oxidation can be an issue; a good quality electrical cleaner can sort it. If not, a new Switchcraft is a solution.
https://www.switchcraft.com/selector-guitar-switches/

Warranty

Epiphones generally provide a limited lifetime warranty for their instruments, showcasing their confidence in the guitar’s craftsmanship and reliability.

As warranty terms can vary. We recommend reviewing the details before buying.

Check Epiphone Instrument Warranty terms

Maintenance and care tips for the Epiphone Casino

Regular maintenance and care are essential to maintain your Epiphone Casino. Here are our suggestions that will keep the guitar looking and sounding its best:

Wipe it down

Clean the guitar regularly using a soft cloth to remove dust and fingerprints; don’t use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that can damage the finish.

The weather

Keep the guitar in a stable environment with moderate temperature and humidity. Extreme changes in temperature and humidity can cause the wood to warp or crack. The best option is to store the guitar in a suitable case or gig bag to protect it from accidental damage when not being played.

Setup

Be sure to have the guitar set up properly by a professional luthier, who will make sure the guitar is playing at its best.

Epiphone Casino Review Conclusion

Is the Epiphone Casino worth the hype?

We feel safe in saying this is an instrument worthy of the hype. Its impeccable craftsmanship, versatile sound, and comfortable playability make it a standout choice for any guitarist.

While the Casino may not be the perfect guitar for every player or style, its unique characteristics and timeless appeal make it a worthwhile investment if you’re looking for a versatile and vintage-inspired instrument.

The rave reviews this guitar receives bolsters its already stellar reputation earned by the many well-known artists that play the Epiphone Casino and Casino Coupe.

References

Epiphone | Casino. (n.d.). Www.epiphone.com. Retrieved August 22, 2023, from https://www.epiphone.com/en-US/Electric-Guitar/EPIBDM867/Natural

Epiphone Warranty Information. (n.d.). Www.epiphone.com. Retrieved August 22, 2023, from https://www.epiphone.com/en-US/Support/Warranty/Epiphone

Selector/ Guitar Switches | Switchcraft. (n.d.). Www.switchcraft.com. Retrieved August 22, 2023, from https://www.switchcraft.com/selector-guitar-switches/