George Harrison's Epiphone Casino: The Essential Guide

Introduction

George Harrison's Epiphone Casino has become an iconic instrument, forever associated with his legendary guitar playing in The Beatles. This article explores the history, features, and legacy of this beloved guitar, providing an in-depth guide for collectors, musicians, and fans alike.

The Origin of the Casino

The Epiphone Casino was introduced in 1961 as a budget-friendly archtop guitar designed for jazz musicians. Its distinctive features included a single P-90 pickup, a slim body, and a distinctive sunburst finish.

In 1964, George Harrison stumbled upon a Casino in a London music shop and was instantly captivated by its sound and appearance. He purchased the guitar and soon made it his primary instrument, using it extensively throughout The Beatles' golden era.

Features of the Epiphone Casino

The Casino that George Harrison used featured the following key characteristics:

• Single P-90 Pickup: The Casino's single P-90 pickup delivers a warm and round tone, ideal for both rhythm and lead playing.
• Slim Body: The Casino's thin and lightweight body makes it extremely comfortable to play, even for long periods.
• Sunburst Finish: The Casino's iconic sunburst finish, with its rich red and orange hues, has become synonymous with the guitar.
• Trapezoid Inlays: The Casino's fretboard features distinctive trapezoid inlays, adding a touch of elegance.
• Gold Hardware: The Casino's gold-plated hardware, including the tuners, bridge, and pickup cover, provides a luxurious aesthetic.

Harrison's Impact on the Casino's Legacy

George Harrison's use of the Casino transformed it from a relatively obscure model to a legendary instrument. His distinctive playing style, characterized by its shimmering arpeggios and melodic solos, showcased the Casino's versatility and inspired countless guitarists.

Harrison's association with the Casino led to a surge in popularity, and the guitar has remained a top choice for musicians of all genres. It has been used by artists ranging from The Rolling Stones to The Strokes, further cementing its status as a classic.

Different Models and Variations

Over the years, Epiphone has released various models and variations of the Casino, including:

Epiphone Casino Reissue:

• Faithfully reproduces the original Casino design, featuring a single P-90 pickup and a sunburst finish.
• Priced between $1,000 and $1,500.

Epiphone Casino Coupe:

• A smaller, more affordable version of the Casino, with a semi-hollow body and optional P-90 or mini-humbucker pickups.
• Priced between $600 and $800.

Epiphone Casino Worn:

• Features a distressed finish for a vintage look, with aging on the hardware and body.
• Priced between $800 and $1,200.

Table 1: Epiphone Casino Model Comparison

Epiphone Casino: A Versatile Instrument

The Casino's versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of musical styles, including:

Rock 'n' Roll: The Casino's P-90 pickup provides a warm and gritty tone, ideal for classic rock riffs and solos.
Jazz: The Casino's single-pickup configuration and hollow body make it a great choice for jazz guitarists seeking a warm and mellow sound.
Blues: The Casino's warm and bluesy tone makes it a popular choice for blues guitarists, from Eric Clapton to Gary Clark Jr..
Pop: The Casino's versatile sound and comfortable playing style make it a favorite for pop musicians of all eras.

Table 2: Epiphone Casino Artists

Table 3: Epiphone Casino Timeline

Stories and Lessons

Story 1: Harrison's Lost Casino

In 1966, George Harrison's Casino was stolen from a Los Angeles hotel room. He was devastated by the loss and spent years searching for the guitar. In 2004, the Casino was finally recovered after being found in a pawn shop in Florida. Harrison was reunited with his beloved guitar, a testament to its enduring significance.

Lesson: Cherish your valuable instruments and take precautions to protect them against theft.

Story 2: The Misidentified Casino

In 1972, Eric Clapton purchased a Casino that he believed to be the same one George Harrison had played on The Beatles' "White Album". However, it was later discovered that the guitar was actually a Gibson ES-335.

Lesson: Do your research before making major purchases, especially when it comes to vintage or rare instruments.

Story 3: The Casino's Comeback

In the 1990s, the Casino experienced a resurgence in popularity thanks to its use by alternative rock bands such as The Strokes and The Libertines. The guitar's classic sound and iconic appearance made it a favorite of these bands' jangly and melodic guitar-driven music.

Lesson: Classic instruments can always find a new audience, and they often influence the sound of future generations of musicians.

Effective Strategies for Finding an Epiphone Casino

• Check online retailers: Websites like Sweetwater and Guitar Center offer a wide selection of new and used Casinos.
• Visit local music stores: Small businesses often have a limited selection, but they may be able to order the Casino for you.
• Attend guitar shows: Guitar shows are great places to find vintage or rare Casinos, as well as knowledgeable collectors.

FAQs

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

The Casino is a full-hollow guitar with a single P-90 pickup, while the ES-335 is a semi-hollow guitar with two humbucking pickups. The ES-335 is also generally more expensive.

2. What other artists have played the Epiphone Casino?

Besides George Harrison, other famous players of the Epiphone Casino include Noel Gallagher, Keith Richards, Gary Clark Jr., and Joe Walsh.

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

Keep the guitar in a humidified environment, avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures, and clean it regularly with a soft cloth.

4. How can I tell if an Epiphone Casino is genuine?

Check for the following markings: Epiphone on the headstock, "Made in Kalamazoo, USA" on the back of the headstock, and a serial number stamped inside the guitar body.

5. What are some tips for playing the Epiphone Casino?

Use a light touch when picking or strumming, and experiment with different pickup settings to find your desired tone.

6. What is the resale value of an Epiphone Casino?

The resale value of an Epiphone Casino varies depending on the year, model, and condition. A vintage Casino from the 1960s can fetch a high price, while a newer model will typically sell for less.

7. How can I customize my Epiphone Casino?

There are many ways to customize your Casino, including changing the pickups, hardware, and finish. You can also add stickers or decals to personalize it.

8. Where can I find information about the history of the Epiphone Casino?

There are a number of books and articles available on the history of the Epiphone Casino. You can also find information on the Epiphone website and the official George Harrison website.

Conclusion

The Epiphone Casino is a legendary guitar that has played an iconic role in the history of rock and pop music. Its warm and versatile sound, comfortable playability, and striking appearance have made it a