If I had $3500 to spend on a guitar, the Epiphone brand would not be a deal-breaker to me. But as an owner of a recent import Casino, I'd really like to see a comparison video. Depending on that comparison - and if I had the $3.5K - I would still weigh the decision carefully. Applause for Cooper and his superb demonstration of the Casino's tonal capabilities

I’m the proud owner of the USA Texan and I plan on pairing it with this exact guitar very soon! I love that epiphone is back in the USA !

Thank you, Chris, for being magnanimous in sharing the playing duties. Thank you, Cooper for demonstrating your great chops on this Kalamazoo Epiphone on a tune appropriate for those P90s! Wow! Timbuktoo and Kalamazoo were such great sounding places when I was learning to read in the early 1960s, foreign then, but later learned the latter is in lower Michigan, and a prodigious producer of musical instruments. Glad to see Epiphone and Harmony coming back!

Great demo, Cooper. That guitar sounds great.

Love my USA Casino! Been looking at Gibby ES335s but one demo with the USA Casino, I HAD to have one! My Strat is weeping. The Casino is now my couch guitar and jamming guitar. Can't put it down. Your demo put me over the top Cooper. P90s make for amazing toys!

Taxman solo was Paul, first Beatles track with a Casino.

@es330

11 ай бұрын

He used it on Help before that. Check out the solo guitar throughout Another Girl.

Thanks for another great review, next guitar is ordering from you guys I hope. Cheers!

I last played a Kalamazoo built Epiphone Texan in late 1970. The next Texan I played was a Bozeman built one in 2022, and I decided within the first minute of playing that it was coming home with me. It is a beautiful guitar, both in quality and in tone, and it is one of my favourites. Stylistically it sits between my Gibson J-45s and SJs, but the longer scale length gives it more power. As for whether the cachet of the Epiphone brand has been degraded by Gibsons turning it into their budget brand, Epiphone is an older company than Gibson with an equally impressive history of quality guitars. I also prefer the pre 1962/1963 headstock shape that the USA guitars use. The Epiphone USA guitars deserve more love in the marketplace!

I'm a Gibson guy but I definitely dig this USA version. I love the vintage Epis of course too. Glad to see Gibson doin this.

And Yes Cooper & Chris are great guitar guy’s! 🎼

Worth every penny - upgraded mine with bone nut and nylon bridge. Definitely my #1!

@danielstoddart

4 ай бұрын

A guitar at this price point really should come with a bone nut out of the box, IMO.

Great Show Thanks!

Gorgeous and sounds great!!! I can't afford it, but would LOVE to have it!!

I have a couple of MIC Casinos, but that thing is next level and sounds phenomenal.

The Royal Tan looks really good and the wood grain back looks just unbelievable. It'd be amazing if they also came in the natural finish just like John Lennon's.

@pookachu64

10 ай бұрын

John Lennon did that himself

It’s a beautiful guitar no doubt. Here’s my take on the whole Epiphone thing, I think many folks are concerned not so much about it simply saying Epi on the headstock but more so resale values. $3,500 is in the higher model range obviously and while these are US made I suppose time will tell what the used market will yield down the road. Just my guess on this, the guitar sounded great too, thanks for the review 🤙

I'd buy it, if I had the money. Still might buy it because I got the made in China version and absolutely love it. Laurel fretboard, poly finish, three ply maple vs maple poplar maple. Doesn't bug me at all. Personally I rather have a 3 ply maple. Probably the rosewood and mother of pearl inlays are the main short comings. Cheaper one is a fun guitar to mod if you are a modder. Throw in a bone nut, higher quality p-90s, CTS pots, orange drop capacitors, maybe a treble bleed. Good stuff. Either way. Would love to have the American version if I could afford it. Sounds awesome.

Beautiful and great sounding guitar l’ve been an Epiphone fan my entire life and love them but the price is a little CRAZY!!!

@MRGTR-94

10 ай бұрын

Indeed, you could buy the import version and spend some money upgrading it and it still wouldn't even come close to price of this. Waste of money.

The Epiphone Casino was the Epiphone equivalent of the Gibson ES-330. The ES-330 was released in 1959, while the Casino wasn’t released until 1961. It was not Epiphone’s design as mentioned in this video. The inlays and the headstock are the only differences. After Gibson acquired Epiphone, they produced “Epiphone” equivalent models of all their major instruments, and those Epiphones were sold to retailers who did not yet have a deal to sell Gibsons.

@pookachu64

10 ай бұрын

Isn’t the body different? 3 ply vs 5?

That sounded great! It made me want to jump on the roof and U2 ube a set! Not really, but it is a great a great sounding guitat, well suited to P90’s. Cooper really showcased its talents. But I wish Chris played the demo. Seriously, thank you for bringing these instruments to us.

This was nice seeing. Epiphone isn't that cheap in quality when I comes to their higher end acoustics and electrics. Nice playing. Here's a request, is it possible to get an Epiphone Excellente into your shop for a demo on this channel? It's an Indonesian made solid acoustic but they sound pretty cool for an Epiphone.

Les Paul began construction on what would become the Log in 1939 after befriending Epiphone owner Epi Stathopoulo. Epi gave Les the keys to the company’s New York factory, where Les worked on the design after hours. His somewhat crude invention consisted of a four-inch by four-inch block of pine, on which he attached a neck, bridge and pickups. He played the instrument live but people were initially bewildered by its unorthodox appearance. No matter. Les Paul had a clever response. The luthier cut an Epiphone hollowbody in two and attached the two halves to either side of his four-by-four-inch slab. It was now essentially a through-neck construction, only with a separate neck piece. But, crucially, it looked not unlike a regular guitar. Its central pine slab also reduced feedback issues and increased sustain, while the guitar also featured a vibrato bridge patented by Doc Kauffman, the Vibrola. This is the Log as we know it.

Not just John and George. Paul has one too!

Great job Copper!

I was impressed enuf with '150' issues ... that i would definitely spend the 💰 on this. Thanx for all u guys do !!😎🌴🎸🎶

Excellent guys 👍🏾👍🏾

You can hear '60's tones screaming out of that guitar!. Why cool! For a whole lot more money the Gibson version of this guitar the ES330 or the Heritage H-530 are available.

I have an import Casino, it’s great. Very affordable for what it is. Nails the Beatles sound!

Would love to know what you guys play for the demos. Would there be tabs somewhere?

George Harrison is smiling!

@chrisnedbalek2866

4 ай бұрын

So is Paul.

Fabulous guitar to own & play!

That thing sounds fucking magnificent. The articulation in the pickups is amazing.

I love my import model!

I love it, I am going to wait and pick up a used one and save some $$$$

Cooper, I wish that I could play guitar like you!

Really appreciate how its a epiphone casino

Hi guys, is it true that the metal covers of the P90s remove some of the high frequencies? I read somewhere that plastic would be better

Good discussion and great guitar playing. I like the guitar, but it's out of my price range, maybe I will start looking for an anniversary model.

How thick are these necks? I have an Elitist but the neck is really thin mainly at the nut.

Anyone know WHY they put the neck inlays slanting to the right, instead of to the left, as in the original vintage versions???

Epiphone has been building USA made Casino`s since the turn of the century, as in a blonde John Lennon model. Same as this, only a natural finish. I ordered several archtops from a catalogue they released back then. The USA made were the premium offering at the time. Something about the violin archtop body design locked into my brain as the right way to do guitar.

How about a Sheraton ii. Is an Epiphone always has been and Epiphone. I know not US made. But still a great guitar. Even a Sheraton ii pro. Talk about being versatile. Love to see a review. This Casino sounds really sweet. Need a natural finish.

How much does that weigh? Sounds great, less filling. Isn't that about a beer? This would be one I'd have to try. The Chris Stapleton USA (Bozeman MT)made 150th anniversary Epiphone Frontier definitely sounds and plays better than any import. But I had to try it. Then my son fell in love with it. The airline ticket to there and back is less than the guitar cost. Now, if I could only win the lottery. Thanks, Chris and Cooper!

Paul McCartney had a Casino first and his was a 1964 model with the open book headstock, the same headstock as the guitar featured here. John and George had 1965 Casinos with the longer headstocks. Kalamazoo made Epiphones are just as good as the Gibson's made there, same materials, same workers.

@Maverikk68

6 ай бұрын

Paul's was a '62, I believe.

need more usa made epiphones

Have these guys never heard of the Gibson ES-330? Same shorter neck, hollow body, P90s etc. I wish I had never sold mine . What a guitar! I wouldn't spend 3k on an epiphone as the re-sale value will inevitably be poor, whereas used ES-330's have significantly increased in value. Don't know why don't Gibson make the 330 part of their regular line-up. Far better sound than the 335 for my money.

Actually John, George and Paul own(ed) Casino's , Paul was the first one to have one, a lefty with an earlier Epi headstock and nickle cover P 90's ...

My issue with the Gibson made Casino is they were announced in 2020, haven't been able to get make them readily available, but have managed to increase the price $500 since the launch. Not very appealing to the consumer who has been long waiting to be able to get one.. And what about the ES-330? Pretty similar.

@fer7068

11 ай бұрын

Es330 is the upgrade version of Casino

Are the pearl inlays facing the wrong direction? I guess even if they’re not, I prefer them the other way. I know, minute detail

@VN9001

8 ай бұрын

Yes. The inlays in fact are flipped around. Good eye there!

This dude can PLAY

I would definitely buy it, and in this case, Epiphone would only help. This is an iconic guitar, and a Gibson Casino would just seem weird. I have the China made version, and it's nice, but it sure doesn't sound like that unplugged.

Gibson did make an ES330 essentially a Gibson version of the Casino.. Gibson reissued it around 2018-2019..

That is one good looking guitar and those P90s take it just where it needs to go

I am a buy USA when possible guy well, because, I live and work here. I also love Gibson, and I had one of these when they first came out with the chrome pickup covers, real nice BUT…. I sold it, it is not the quality I expect from Gibson, but did it scream yes it did, and it had tone for days and played great it just didnt feel like the asking price. It didnt feel like it would last a lifetime. But I did enjoy it. Enough to put a 330 Custom shop on my bucket list. Right now. My 335 does the job I need. But I will have a 330 in my stable.

itˋs worth a trip from germany to texas to purchase this guitar, what is what i would do in a second if i only had time💰, so yes i would buy it in a second because! it says epiphone on the headstock and is american made, which makes it a special piece of art, and after cooperˋs brilliant demo, there should be no discussion if its worth the price, she definitely is....

Thanks! I would buy it, no problem. Just wish you would have played something by the Beatles.

@rexrathtar3893

11 ай бұрын

Because?

@jackorbit7258

11 ай бұрын

@@rexrathtar3893 Because

@pepmasters-999

11 ай бұрын

Medley?

@dannyperfect9270

5 ай бұрын

@@rexrathtar3893good song

I believe John and George's Casinos had a finish on them and they sanded it off. Nothing stopping us from following their lead. 😀

@MRGTR-94

10 ай бұрын

It was only John that sanded down his guitar.

@mr_bassman6685

8 ай бұрын

@@MRGTR-94 George also sanded his guitar, there’s photos of him playing it on occasion throughout 1969 (his had a Bigsby, John’s didn’t)

Gotta grab me one 😍

I'm more interested in a comparison between this and the Eastman t/64. Comparing either to the import casino is silly.

So, it was manufactured at the Gibson factory?

@christhompson5553

11 ай бұрын

Yes

Oh if only it was made in Kalamazoo.😊 In the mid 60’s I had an Epiphone Sorento. It got away 😢

Why are the inlays slanting the wrong way?

yes i have the royal tan. yes it is my main guitar, having displaced a 60s 335. yes I need never buy another axe. I want a Country Gent, but damme if I NEED it! get it.

If I had the 3500 usd for a guitar, i would happily buy the one sais 'epiphone' on the headstock, instead of a gibson. Of course, if it is this model which is usa made, and I guess the build process is way better than the import line. I just love it !

The guitar sounds great and I like Cooper's cap. His shirt should contrast the guitar more, but a fine demo and I will never play like him.I do miss Chris on acoustic as I once awakened with his songs in my head (Yes sometimes it is Cooper' now) I would buy this if I had a need for it. I don't. I play acoustic and it I buy an electric it will be a Telecaster.

I would have to play one if I'm spending $3499 for sure. I like the fact that Epiphone is making the USA models, there is a difference in that. I love the P-90 sound, I own a Gibson Les Paul Special. I also have a Gibson Les Paul R8 and the humbuckers are killer on it, my #1 guitar. What puzzles me is that Gibson makes both the ES330 and the ES335. The Epiphone would have to blow me away to choose over Gibson. Heritage has their game too and some Japanese luthiers do their thing for a fraction of the cost that is made incredibly well like walkin archtop tributes. I know some people that rave over the Walkins. The Gibson ES335 is without question on my list and a dream guitar. It's a hard choice.

@michu6777

11 ай бұрын

Sadly the ES-330 hasn't been in production since 2018, so the current USA Casino can be seen as the successor to the 330 (for now)

@michaelheller8841

11 ай бұрын

@@michu6777 or maybe paying at least double the price for a Custom Shop. A Japanese Walkin might be another option. Damn I wish Gibson still had it in its lineup.

@davidharding200

9 ай бұрын

Not sure if you have played an Es335 but for me completely overrated. If you haven’t played one don’t just believe the hype. Get to a store an try one. If you have and you love it then I’m happy for you. I have an epiphone es335 and my preference is the casino.

There actually was a Gibson “casino” so to speak. It was the Gibson ES-330.

Les Paul was originally an Epiphone model too.

seems like royal tan has the nickel covers..some have black

I'm a fan. As to the Epiphone brand that was the brand the Beatles played. I once tried an import Casino and was not impressed.

Does Cooper have his own big rig? I don’t mean amps...I mean an 18 wheeler? 😂 JK. Love ya, buddy! 🐰💙🎸🎶✌️

They seem to have got the fretboard markers the wrong way around.. Down swept instead of up swept..

the EPI Casino was originally made in The US (Michigan), starting in '61. Different series of the Casino have been made in a variety of places including Japan, China & Korea, where they have their own factories, and Gibson can manage operation, oversee quality control, etc.... Is a new USA made one worth the 3,500$.... not really. I guess it's worth it to anyone who can rationalize & afford the price, but i can think of others that offer the same sonic template, look, and feel within EPI or Gibson models for less.

Nice 👍

The Gibson ES-330 is actually what the Casino is, so it IS a Gibson model, but it's a case where the Epiphone is the more highly regarded and sought after over the Gibson.

Please compare the USA made with the imported Casinos!

This or the Heritage H530? Same price..

the gibson es-330 is the gibson casino

Beautiful but $3500 is out of my price range

@JackTheRabbitMusic

11 ай бұрын

Wow, even if I were a professional musician, I wouldn’t buy an electric guitar over $1500USD. $3500 is just insanity to me. Now, an acoustic guitar...that’s a whole other story.

Does anybody ever wire these Gibson/Epiphone's with 1 volume and 1 tone?

It’s not the name it’s the quality that matters an Epiphone has always been under rated by those who only see Gibson as the standard 13:31

@kimberlybaldwinwhitmire6602

11 ай бұрын

That’s how I feel, too. I will pay for quality and tone over the name on a headstock. 👍🏻

the boy just lit this guitar up wholly shit!!!

Cooper rocks

Gibson ES-330, guys. Pretty much a Casino.

nice color, but it has the inlays backwards! That takes away many points compared to the Chinese model, which sounds practically the same and costs much less.

The inlays aren't even centered which my 2013 Korean one is. American made just doesn't mean anything except $$$ now.

Guys the ES 330 has the same specs as the Casino!

@pepmasters-999

11 ай бұрын

They are very similar guitars, but not identical.

@spectaculous1977

11 ай бұрын

​@@pepmasters-999besides the gibson headstock and either dot or block inlays, what else is different on an ES-330? same exact guitar as a casino except for those two things... Also, these new US casinos have the parallelogram inlays backwards from the original 60s casinos

@pepmasters-999

11 ай бұрын

Different neck profile, as they mention in the video. Different nut width. To me, how the neck feels is kind of important, but your mileage may vary. Block inlays vs parallelograms is not insignificant when it comes to talk about the same. The same is the same. Different is different.

If there's any hate on something, hate gibson because they are the ones that, unfortunately, own epiphone, so they should be setting a high standard and inspect the quality of epiphone being made overseas or in America for that matter. I still regard epiphone a higher quality than most guitar manufacturers around, past or present. That being said, regardless of the brand, I think everything is getting high price these days. It should be a couple hundred dollars less for that America made.

Sound great, looks great. It get’s tiring listening to EPI bashers caught up in the past fabrications.

👍

That is the Royal Tan not Vintage Sunburst…

Having owned an original 1966 ES-330, TWO '61 Anniversary Casinos (both in Royal Tan), and at least THREE cheaper imports along the way, I can say that the SlimTaper D neck is an absolute deal-breaker for me. Why Epi will give you a proper full C neck in their costlier models but continue to force the Slim D on the cheaper models is beyond me. If the neck of ANY guitar feels awkward it's not coming home with me. After the 2 Anniversarys I owned, I wouldn't put up the $3.5 K Epi is asking for this USA model. Both Chinese Annies I owned were purchased for under $1000, had all-USA electronics, and played and sounded just as good as this newer USA model. Biggest playing difference I found was the "poly vs. nitro" finish, which actually (for me) served Epi better 'cuz the Gibson nitro finishes never seem to fully cure.... always a bit sticky. When I heard Epi was "refreshing" (their term, not mine) the import Casinos in 2022-23, I had hoped they'd change the neck profile to a rounded C. Instead, what we got was a tweaked set of P-90s and a plain back and back of neck.... all with the same Slim D neck. C'mon Epiphone ---- I think you know what we want here. Put a properly carved C neck on your imports and watch them fly off the shelves.

@rodolpheponthus2948

Ай бұрын

Did you really compare them side by side ?

Great guitar that doesn't sound as good as the import version you demo'ed earlier :D

Cool guitar, not my cup of tea but I'm glad the people that want something like that have a choice

The mark of the ultimate John Lennon fan is if you play a Sardonyx 800. 😆

Good but arrr I wish Chris had done the demo Love you Cooper XX

Problem is… it’s a bit too pricey

It was good enough for the Beatles.

Quindoa facility is completely American owned and operated Scott Lewis is the facility manager along with American and Asian luthiers so doesn't matter where its made either Quindoa or USA

Man playing: bad muhfuhkuh... I think I'll buy one so I can be bad, too.