Introduction:
The Epiphone Natural Casino is a legendary semi-hollowbody electric guitar renowned for its exceptional versatility and warm, resonant tone. Introduced in 1961, it has been a staple in the arsenals of countless musicians across genres from jazz to rock and roll. This comprehensive guide will delve into the history, construction, and sonic characteristics of this iconic instrument, providing players with an in-depth understanding of its capabilities and the secrets behind its enduring appeal.
The Epiphone Natural Casino first emerged as a budget-friendly alternative to the Gibson ES-335, offering similar construction and appointments at a more accessible price point. However, the Casino quickly established its own identity as a versatile and unique instrument.
Over the decades, the Casino has undergone several revisions and tweaks, but its core design remains largely unchanged. The early models featured a single-cutaway body with a laminated maple top, back, and sides. The current production models utilize a three-piece laminated mahogany body with a solid spruce top, providing a warmer and more resonant tone.
The Epiphone Natural Casino is renowned for its versatility, with a tonal palette that spans from mellow jazz to crunchy rock and roll.
With the P-90 pickups set to a clean setting, the Casino delivers a warm, airy tone with a prominent mid-range. The spruce top provides clarity and articulation, while the mahogany body adds a subtle warmth and depth. This clean tone is perfect for jazz, country, and blues.
When the P-90 pickups are pushed into overdrive, the Casino transforms into a powerful rock machine. The pickups produce a thick, crunchy tone with a slightly overdriven edge. The combination of the warm body and the overdriven pickups creates a distinctive and aggressive sound that is ideal for classic rock, blues-rock, and even heavy metal.
The Casino's versatility extends beyond its sound. Its semi-hollowbody construction and comfortable C-shaped neck make it a pleasure to play, regardless of playing style. The single-cutaway body allows for easy access to the upper frets, making it suitable for lead playing and soloing.
The Epiphone Natural Casino and the Gibson ES-335 are often compared due to their similar semi-hollowbody designs and humbucking pickups. However, there are some key differences between the two instruments:
Choosing the right Epiphone Natural Casino model depends on your playing style and budget. Here's a guide to help you make an informed decision:
Model | Body Construction | Pickups | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Casino Coupe | Semi-hollowbody, laminated mahogany | Single P-90 | $599-$799 |
Casino Elitist | Semi-hollowbody, solid mahogany | Gibson P-90s | $1,499-$1,999 |
Casino ES | Semi-hollowbody, solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides | Gibson P-90s | $2,499-$2,999 |
Casino Vintage Sunburst | Semi-hollowbody, laminated maple top, back, and sides | Gibson P-90s | $899-$1,299 |
Feature | Epiphone Natural Casino | Gibson ES-335 |
---|---|---|
Body Construction | Semi-hollowbody, laminated mahogany | Semi-hollowbody, solid mahogany |
Top | Solid spruce | Maple |
Back and Sides | Laminated mahogany | Solid mahogany |
Pickups | Gibson P-90s | Gibson humbuckers |
Price | $599-$2,999 | $1,999-$3,999 |
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