Epiphone Casino: Everything You Need to Know
The Epiphone Casino is one of the most iconic hollowbody electric guitars ever made — a favorite of the Beatles, blues players, and modern indie artists alike. Whether you’re comparing it to the Gibson ES-330, checking prices, or researching specs, this guide covers the essentials. Ready to find your own Casino? Shop the latest models here.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Epiphone Casino
Below you’ll find clear answers to the most common questions players ask before buying or upgrading an Epiphone Casino — from its pickups and build to its history and famous players.
Epiphone Casino vs. Gibson ES-330: — what’s the difference?
Both guitars are fully hollow, P-90–equipped thinline electrics, but they come from different ends of the Gibson family tree. The Casino is Epiphone’s take, introduced in 1961 after Gibson acquired Epiphone in 1957. Core differences include neck joint placement (Casino joins at the 16th fret; many ES-330s at the 19th), hardware and trim quality, and branding cues. Gibson ES-330s generally use higher-grade woods, US manufacturing, and vintage-spec hardware, while Casinos vary by era and price point, with modern Standards and Coupes made overseas. Pricing reflects that: new Casinos are typically hundreds, not thousands, of dollars, while Gibson ES-330s run into several thousand.
Where Is the Epiphone Casino made?
Today’s Casino Standard and Coupe models are built in Asia, most often in Chinese factories that produce Epiphone’s core line. Limited USA-made runs have been produced in Gibson’s US facilities, and from the early 2000s to mid-2000s, the “Elitist” Casino was made in Japan. Vintage ’60s Casinos were built in the US, and Korean production also appeared in the ’80s–’90s.
Is the Epiphone Casino fully hollow or semi-hollow?
The Epiphone Casino is fully hollow — there’s no solid center block inside. This design gives it a lighter weight, a resonant, airy tone, and a greater sensitivity to feedback at high volumes compared with semi-hollow guitars.
What pickups are in an Epiphone Casino?
Most modern Casinos come stock with two dog ear–style P-90 single-coil pickups. Recent models often feature “Epiphone Pro P-90” branding, voiced for a vintage-style bite and chime. Many players keep them stock; others swap in boutique dog-ear P-90s for custom tone.
Which Beatles played the Epiphone Casino? How about other famous artists?
John Lennon and George Harrison each acquired Epiphone Casinos in the mid-’60s, using them extensively on Revolver, Sgt. Pepper’s, and later recordings. Paul McCartney also played a left-handed Casino. Other noted users include Keith Richards, Gary Clark Jr., Noel Gallagher, and Dave Grohl (early Foo Fighters era).
Did Gibson’s acquisition of Epiphone change the Casino over the years?
Gibson bought Epiphone in 1957. Under Gibson’s ownership, the Casino debuted in 1961 as a sibling to the Gibson ES-330. Changes since then include:
- 1960s – US-made, Kalamazoo factory; spec tweaks in neck profile and finishes.
- 1970s–1990s – Production moved to Japan, then Korea.
- 2000s – “Elitist” Japan-made series introduced; standard line moved to China.
- 2010s–2020s – Updated hardware, electronics, finish options; limited USA-made reissues. The core formula — fully hollow, P-90 pickups, thinline body — has remained consistent.
