I have an "inspired by John Lennon" Casino in 'burst and it's really quite amazing. I've had it for a little over a year. It's got genuine Gibson dogear p90s, which apparently sets it apart from the pure Epiphone version (I've never played Epi p90s, so I can't say). It looks so pretty and plays so easy -- comfortable neck, the 24.75" scale, etc. Now, I'm still pretty young when it comes to trying out lots of different guitars. I've played maybe 15-20 different electric guitars in my time. But man this guitar just friggin' goes for it. Yeah, it's cool with those jangly early Beatles songs. But it loves fat jazz tones with something like Autumn Leaves, and it can scream like the dickins with some hard rock like vintage Foo Fighters, The Who, etc. In fact, this guitar LOVES Foo Fighters! (I love them, too.) Anybody? What's not to love about these things? Did I get lucky?
The one's made in the Gibson factory are quite nice - at least the one I had limited experience with.
Here's mine..... Got it from a guy whose a Beatles fanatic. The pic was taken in his studio where he actually has a stage with period correct Beatles gear, amps an all. This one was a spare....LOL. As for the Casino I think it's one of the best pure rock and roll rhythm and riff guitars ever made. It just has the right things going on tonally and the slim neck makes it very playable. Not hard at all to understand why John Lennon gave up his Rickebackers for a Casino and recorded with it from then on.
Ha, yeah, it's just a name. I'm cranky like a Larry David cranky. You know, we're living in a society!
I heard that Epiphone were bringing new Custom shop signature models to their Casinos... Stardust Sahara Flamingo Golden Nugget Aladdin Hacienda Cesars Palace Lady Luck
Agreed. And cool story. I'd post my own pic but something about my browser or something won't let me. I know the Casinos today aren't identical to John's. But I'm not a purist like that, and I figured getting a model with bona fide Gibson p90s was the most important part. It's not like anyone out there is playing THE John Lennon Casino, anyway. I just love the guy, I was only a year old when he was shot so I have no authentic connection to him or The Beatles. My parents didn't teach me a thing about music or anything pertaining to pop culture. But I can say that in some ways he and I have had similar chips on our shoulders and his solo stuff always spoke to me, especially Plastic Ono. I actually do get a little emotional at times thinking about what a tragedy it was the way he went and what it must have been like to be around then. And, coincidentally, the Casino is awesome.
FWIW, there also won't be any discernible differences between Gibson P90s and the Epiphone P90 Pros. Since 2014 Epiphone has essentially been copying the Gibson versions of all of their pickups humbuckers as well as P90s. They're as close as it gets. I've been through this with a jam buddy of mine comparing his Gibson P90s to my Epi P90s. Blindfolded you wouldn't know which was which. The Gibson P90s may have slightly higher output but that's it and to be honest I would want higher output from my Casino anyway because dog ear P90s can't be lowered.
Sorry, but Epiphony's are China fake Gibson (Epiphone's) model that have a false reputation that is totally unearned. I had a Korean Sheraton and it was garbage, reminded me of the junk 1960's Vox guitars made in Italy. They should have a headstock that reads like this instead. (and before you say what about Squiers, Squier was NEVER a guitar brand, it was a string company, hence not an import of a once proud American company).
This is kind of a blend of "untrue things" and "ungeneralizeable experiences." The Epiphone-Gibson relationship is a bit more interesting than that. Sorry that your experience with a Sheraton pales in comparison to my experience with my "inspired by John Lennon" Casino, which was made in Korea. Maybe you should try a John Lennon, Revolution, or Elitist Casino? Or at least a Casino? This is a thread about the Casino.
I have my sights on a Casino Coupe. I like the smaller Es-339 size it has. A little more comfortable for little ol' me
I've never played a Casino, but I'm loving a set of P 90's I have in a solid body, so I get what you're saying tonewise.
You sure did go a long way out of your way to say all of that. My Chinese Sheraton II, Les Paul Standard, '66 G400, and Les Paul Special with P90's are all great guitars. They're not as good as Gibsons, sure, but for the money, they're tough to beat.
