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Average Price: $4,499

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Description

The 1965 Epiphone Casino is more than just a guitar; it's a piece of musical history. Revered by icons like John Lennon and George Harrison, this instrument delivers a distinctive tonal clarity that has been pivotal in shaping rock and roll. Unlike its semi-hollow counterparts, the Casino is a true hollowbody, lacking a center block, which contributes to its unique resonance and lightweight feel. Its double cutaway thin body ensures easy access to higher frets, making it a favorite for both rhythm and lead guitarists.

Crafted with a 5-ply laminate maple and birch body, the Casino sports two single-coil P90 pickups that provide a warm, rich sound with just the right amount of bite. Whether you're strumming chords or playing intricate solos, the Casino's dynamic range and sustain are unparalleled. Its trapeze tailpiece adds a touch of vintage aesthetic while offering great tuning stability, and for those who crave a bit more flair, the optional tremolo bridge is a coveted feature.

Finished in a classic sunburst that pays homage to its '60s roots, the Casino is not just a guitar; it's a statement. For musicians seeking a blend of historic authenticity and versatile sound, the 1965 Epiphone Casino is a timeless choice.

Key Features:

  • Full hollowbody design with no center block
  • 5-ply laminate maple and birch body
  • Two single-coil P90 pickups
  • Double cutaway thinbody archtop
  • Trapeze tailpiece with optional tremolo tailpiece
  • Tune-o-matic bridge
  • 16-inch wide body
  • Classic sunburst finish

Product specs

Brand Epiphone
Model Casino E230TD
Finish Burgundy Mist, Cherry, Pelham Blue, Royal Tan, Sunburst
Year 1961 - 1969
Made In United States
Categories Archtop Electric Guitars, Hollow Body Guitars
Body Material Maple
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Blue, Brown, Red, Tan
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Epiphone Casino
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration SS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"

FAQs

What type of pickups does the 1965 Epiphone Casino use, and how do they affect its sound?

The 1965 Epiphone Casino is equipped with P-90 pickups, known for their high output and midrange presence. These pickups deliver a resonant, woody tone that is ideal for rock, blues, and jazz, offering a versatile sound profile with plenty of character and punch.

Is the 1965 Epiphone Casino suitable for beginners or more advanced players?

The 1965 Epiphone Casino is more suitable for intermediate to advanced players due to its unique tonal characteristics and historical significance. Its semi-hollow body and P-90 pickups offer a distinctive sound that appeals to musicians with a developed ear for tone.

What is the neck profile of the 1965 Epiphone Casino, and how does it affect playability?

The 1965 Epiphone Casino features a set-neck construction with a mahogany neck and rosewood fretboard, offering a comfortable, smooth playing experience. Its 24.75" scale length and double cutaway body enhance accessibility to higher frets, making it suitable for various playing styles.

What are the finish options available for the 1965 Epiphone Casino?

The 1965 Epiphone Casino is available in several finishes, including Burgundy Mist, Cherry, Pelham Blue, Royal Tan, and Sunburst. Each finish provides a unique aesthetic appeal, allowing players to choose a look that suits their personal style.

How does the hollow body design of the 1965 Epiphone Casino influence its sound?

The hollow body design of the 1965 Epiphone Casino contributes to its resonant, airy sound with enhanced sustain and warmth. This design is particularly effective for genres like rock, blues, and jazz, offering a rich tonal palette that is both dynamic and expressive.

Dave Simpson

Dave Simpson

1965 Epiphone Casino (The Beatles Model)

Video thumbnail for 1965 Epiphone Casino (The Beatles Model) by Dave Simpson

1965 Epiphone Casino (The Beatles Model)

Dave Simpson

Dave Simpson

Video thumbnail for 1965 Epiphone Casino Plays The Beatles  with Perry Stanley by Perry Stanley

1965 Epiphone Casino Plays The Beatles with Perry Stanley

Perry Stanley

Perry Stanley

Video thumbnail for 1965 Epiphone Casino | Nick Dias at Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

1965 Epiphone Casino | Nick Dias at Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for The Beatles Favourite Guitar? Hear This Clean Original 1965 Epiphone Casino by PREMIER GUITARS

The Beatles Favourite Guitar? Hear This Clean Original 1965 Epiphone Casino

PREMIER GUITARS

PREMIER GUITARS

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1965 Epiphone Casino.

Comparisons

  • The 1996 USA model is slightly less accurate than the Japanese Elitist model but has a nitrocellulose finish, unlike the Elitist's poly finish.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Revolution model is based on John Lennon's modified 1965 Casino, offering a unique historical connection.

    Source
  • The 50th Anniversary model styled after a 1961 Casino doesn't match The Beatles' guitars closely.

    Source

User experience

  • Japanese models from the '70s and '80s are praised for quality but differ from original Kalamazoo specifications.

    Source
  • New USA version features a shorter headstock like Paul's 1962 model but lacks a Bigsby, affecting historical accuracy.

    Source

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Artist usage

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See how George Harrison uses 1965 Epiphone Casino

George Harrison

Singer, Guitarist

The Beatles

...
Verified via Vintage Guitar® magazine

John Lennon and George Harrison both acquired Epiphone Casinos at the end of 1965. The main difference was that Harrison's guitar had a Bigsby tailpiece while Lennon's had a trapeze tailpiece. This became Harrison's main guitar during the band's final tour in 1966, and was used heavily during the recording sessions of Sgt. Pepper the following year. Harrison would strip the finish off the guitar in 1968, at the suggestion of Donovan. Harrison claimed the guitar sounded better as a result of the finish being stripped. “I think that works on a lot of guitars,” he explained. “If you take the paint and varnish off and get the bare wood, it seems to sort of breathe.”

See how Jonny Buckland uses 1965 Epiphone Casino

Jonny Buckland

Guitarist

Coldplay

...
Verified via Photo

In Coldplay's concert that was played live on October 15, 2020 through Instagram; Jonny can be seen playing a mid 60's Gibson ES-300T in the photo attached.

See how Howlin' Wolf uses 1965 Epiphone Casino

Howlin' Wolf

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Guitaraficionado

Howlin' Wolf is often photographed playing a 1965 Epiphone Casino. According to Guitar Aficionado, he used this guitar during his European tour.

See how Brendan Benson uses 1965 Epiphone Casino

Brendan Benson

Singer, Guitarist

The Raconteurs

...
Verified via YouTube

Brendan can be seen in the video (12:01) with Epiphone Casino in his studio

See how Francisco Durán uses 1965 Epiphone Casino

Francisco Durán

Singer, Guitarist

Los Bunkers

...
Verified via Photo

Francisco Durán used a 1965 Epiphone Casino from approximately 2009 to 2024 in both concerts and recordings. ![Source Image](https://images.equipboard.com/uploads/source/image/152056/41d1c3572ce2620dcdaa80db26b87037.jpg)

See how Brian Ray uses 1965 Epiphone Casino

Brian Ray

Singer, Guitarist

Paul McCartney (Live Band)

...
Verified via Photo

Here is a pic. on instagram of Ray's 65 "Silver Fox black" Epiphone Casino.

See how Jeramy "Rainbow" Gritter uses 1965 Epiphone Casino

Jeramy "Rainbow" Gritter

Guitarist, Composer

The Voidz

...
Verified via Photo

In this Instagram post, Jeramy shows his 1965 Epiphone Casino guitar.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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