New Guitar Day! Since hearing the Revolver album as a teenager I’ve wanted an Epiphone Casino. Revolver is my favourite Beatles album. Zoe and my dad both picked the white album. Watching the Beatles Get Back Documentary Series during Christmas in 2021 just cemented that I should have one by now.
The problem was that I didn’t have space for any more guitars. I had 5 guitars and a 6 string bass so kept 2 guitars and got rid of the rest. I kept the red Epiphone by Gibson Les Paul Special Model from 1997. My mum and dad got me it for my 16th birthday. My all black 1985 Ibanez Destroyer DT380 that I got with my student loan in 2003 or 2004 stayed. The rest went.
Now with some space cleared, I flipped between the worn olive, the worn ebony and the natural finish. I went for the worn olive. I already have a black guitar. George Harrison didn’t buy a natural coloured casino, he got a sunburst one and sanded it 🤣
I also got a little vox practice amp to go with it.
History of the Epiphone Casino
The Epiphone Casino is a hollow-body electric guitar. It has made a significant mark in the music world since its introduction in 1961. Renowned for its unique sound and versatility. The Casino stands out for its strong connections to several iconic musicians and bands.
The Casino was first introduced in the early 1960s by Epiphone. Epiphone originally gained recognition for producing acoustic guitars. The design of the Casino is based on the Epiphone Broadway model. Featuring a fully hollow body and a double cutaway the Casino allows easy access to the upper frets. The Casino features P-90 single-coil pickups that deliver its bright and articulate tone. It is suitable for various genres, including rock, jazz, and blues.
In 1965, The Beatles’ John Lennon and George Harrison famously adopted the Casino as their instrument of choice. Lennon’s Casino, in particular, became synonymous with the band’s innovative sound during their later years, especially in songs like “Revolution” and “The Ballad of John and Yoko.” Harrison also utilized the Casino for its unique tonal qualities, helping to shape the band’s sonic experimentation.
Famous Users of the Epiphone Casino
- John Lennon: As mentioned, John Lennon is perhaps the most famous user of the Epiphone Casino. He acquired his Casino in 1966, and it played a pivotal role in The Beatles’ music during their later period. The guitar is known for its distinctive sunburst finish, and is celebrated for its contribution to the band’s sound on iconic tracks.
- George Harrison: Another member of The Beatles, George Harrison, also favored the Casino, contributing to its popularity. Harrison used the guitar for various studio recordings and live performances, showcasing its versatility.
- Paul Weller: The frontman of The Jam and The Style Council, Paul Weller is known for his love of vintage guitars, including the Epiphone Casino. He has been seen using the guitar in live performances, further solidifying its place in rock history.
- Gary Clark Jr.: A modern-day blues-rock artist, Gary Clark Jr. has been spotted using the Casino in his performances. His playing style highlights the guitar’s ability to produce a warm, rich tone, showcasing its adaptability in contemporary music.
- The Edge: U2’s guitarist, The Edge, has occasionally employed the Casino for specific tracks, taking advantage of its unique tonal characteristics to enhance U2’s sound.
Iconic
The Epiphone Casino remains an iconic instrument in the world of music, revered for its rich history and association with legendary artists. Its distinctive sound and versatile design have made it a favored choice among musicians across genres. Whether used for rock, blues, or jazz, the Casino continues to inspire players around the globe.
For more information on the Epiphone Casino and its history, you can check resources such as Guitar World and Reverb.
I also did some setup work on my red Les Paul, it’s been sat a while (I’m going to adjust the action a little once I get a new action ruler delivered, no idea where the one I used to have went). I’ll also setup my destroyer at the same time.
