**Epiphone Casino: The Iconic Electric Hollow-Body Guitar**

The Epiphone Casino is a legendary electric guitar that has graced the stages of countless iconic musicians, from The Beatles to Oasis to The Strokes. Since its introduction in 1961, it has become synonymous with the classic rock and roll sound.

History and Evolution

The Casino was born out of a collaboration between Epiphone and Gibson, the latter being the parent company of Epiphone. Inspired by the success of Gibson's ES-335, Epiphone set out to create a more affordable version with a similar hollow-body design.

The first Casino debuted in 1961 with a double-cutaway body shape and a single P-90 pickup. Over the years, it has undergone various modifications, including the addition of a second P-90 pickup and a trapeze tailpiece. The current production model features a three-ply laminated maple body, a glued-in mahogany neck, and a rosewood fingerboard.

Key Features and Specifications

• Body: Double-cutaway, semi-hollow body with a laminated maple construction
• Neck: Glued-in mahogany neck with a 24.75" scale length and a slim-taper profile
• Fingerboard: Rosewood fingerboard with a 12" radius and 22 medium jumbo frets
• Pickups: Two Gibson USA P-90 pickups (one in the neck, one in the bridge)
• Controls: Volume and tone controls for each pickup, three-way pickup selector
• Hardware: Trapeze tailpiece, Epiphone LockTone Tune-o-matic bridge

Sound and Versatility

The Epiphone Casino is renowned for its warm, resonant sound that is both clean and articulate. The P-90 pickups deliver a punchy, yet balanced tone that excels in rock and roll, blues, and jazz.

The Casino's versatility is further enhanced by its two pickup configuration. The neck pickup produces a rich, mellow sound ideal for warm cleans and jazzy lead lines, while the bridge pickup provides a brighter, more aggressive tone suited for rock and blues rhythms.

Famous Players and Impact

Throughout its history, the Epiphone Casino has been embraced by countless legendary musicians:

• The Beatles: George Harrison famously used the Casino on the iconic "Revolver" album, giving it a distinctive psychedelic sound.
• Oasis: Noel Gallagher relied heavily on his Casino for the band's signature anthems, including "Wonderwall."
• The Strokes: Albert Hammond Jr. used the Casino as his main axe, contributing to the band's early garage rock aesthetic.

The Casino has played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of rock and roll. Its influence can be heard in the music of countless bands, from The Smiths to The White Stripes to Arctic Monkeys.

Table 1: Epiphone Casino Specifications by Model

Table 2: Sound Comparison of the Epiphone Casino and Gibson ES-335

Table 3: Popular Epiphone Casino Accessories

Stories and Lessons

Story 1: George's Casino

George Harrison's Epiphone Casino played a crucial role in The Beatles' "Revolver" album. It provided the warm, psychedelic sound of the title track and "Taxman." Harrison attributed the Casino's unique tone to its hollow-body construction and P-90 pickups.

Lesson: The right guitar can significantly enhance a musician's creativity and push the boundaries of sound.

Story 2: Noel's Casino

Noel Gallagher's Epiphone Casino became an integral part of Oasis's iconic sound. Its warm, crunchy tone perfectly complemented his distinctive songwriting style. Gallagher credits the Casino's P-90 pickups and trapeze tailpiece for its distinctive growl.

Lesson: Choosing the appropriate guitar for your musical vision can help define your band's identity.

Story 3: Albert's Casino

Albert Hammond Jr.'s Epiphone Casino was instrumental in shaping The Strokes' early garage rock sound. Its bright, punchy tone cut through the band's noisy, minimalist arrangements. Hammond praised the Casino's versatility and ability to handle both distortion and clean tones.

Lesson: The Epiphone Casino is a versatile guitar that can adapt to different musical styles and playing techniques.

Tips and Tricks

• Use a light touch: The Casino's P-90 pickups are sensitive to picking dynamics. A light touch will produce a cleaner, more articulate sound, while a heavier attack will generate a more aggressive tone.
• Experiment with the pickup selector: The three-way pickup selector allows for a wide range of tonal options. Combining the neck and bridge pickups can produce a rich, full sound ideal for lead work.
• Adjust the tailpiece: The trapeze tailpiece on the Casino can be adjusted to alter the string tension and intonation. Experiment with different tailpiece positions to find the optimal setup for your playing style.
• Choose the right strings: The type of strings you use can significantly impact the Casino's sound. Flatwound strings produce a warmer, mellower tone, while roundwound strings provide a brighter, more aggressive sound.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between the Epiphone Casino and the Gibson ES-335?

The Casino has a laminated maple body, while the ES-335 has a solid maple body. This difference in construction results in the Casino having a warmer, mellower sound with less sustain, while the ES-335 has a brighter, more aggressive sound with more sustain.

2. Which musicians are famous for using the Epiphone Casino?

The Casino has been used by countless legendary musicians, including The Beatles, Oasis, The Strokes, The Smiths, The White Stripes, and Arctic Monkeys.

3. What is the price range of the Epiphone Casino?

The Epiphone Casino is available in a range of prices, depending on the model and features. The basic Casino Coupe model starts at around $649, while the top-of-the-line Elitist model retails for around $1,499.

4. Is the Epiphone Casino a good guitar for beginners?

The Epiphone Casino is a great choice for beginners who want a versatile, iconic electric guitar. Its warm, mellow sound and comfortable playability make it a good fit for a wide range of musical styles.

5. What is the best way to care for an Epiphone Casino?

To maintain your Epiphone Casino in optimal condition, it is important to:

• Wipe down the body and neck with a clean cloth after each use.
• Store the guitar in a cool, dry place when not in use.
• Loosen the strings slightly if the guitar will be stored for an extended period.

6. How often should I restring my Epiphone Casino?

The frequency with which you should restring your Epiphone Casino depends on how often you play and the type of strings you use. As a general rule, it is a good idea to restring your guitar every 3-6 months.

Conclusion

The Epiphone Casino is a timeless electric guitar that has earned its place as a legend in the music industry. Its warm, versatile sound, comfortable playability, and iconic design have made it a favorite of musicians from all walks of life. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, the Epiphone Casino is a guitar that will inspire and delight for years to come.