Epiphone Elitist 1965 Casino

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$3,080.00 Price Tier: High-end

5.0 (3)

1 Review

4 wishlisted

11 saved

Page last updated Jul 03, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 3, 2026.

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5.0 (24)

$3,080.00 2 available Used

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Average Price: $3,080

High-end/Boutique

$999

$2500+

Price Tier

In the Hollowbody Electric Guitars category, Epiphone Elitist 1965 Casino is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

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The Epiphone Elitist 1965 Casino Natural captures the essence of the iconic semi-hollowbody electric guitars from a golden era of music, delivering both vintage charm and modern reliability. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this guitar features a single piece '60s slip taper "D" profile mahogany neck, ensuring smooth playability and a comfortable grip for extended jam sessions. The spruce bracing and single-ply body and neck binding contribute to its resonant, rich tones, making it a favorite among musicians who crave that classic rock 'n roll vibe.

Adding to its authenticity, the guitar is equipped with P-90T pickups, which produce the unmistakable warm, punchy sound that has defined countless records. The Delrin plastic saddles on the tune-o-matic bridge not only differentiate it from other models but also provide stability and precise intonation. With its distinct Epiphone "E" logo on the truss rod cover, this instrument pays homage to its legendary predecessors while offering the reliability needed for today's performances.

Key Features:

Single piece '60s slip taper "D" profile mahogany neck
Spruce bracing with single-ply body and neck binding
P-90T pickups for warm, punchy sound
Delrin plastic saddles on the tune-o-matic bridge
Epiphone "E" logo truss rod cover for authenticity

Product specs

Brand	Epiphone
Model	Elitist '65 Casino Vintage Outfit
Finish	Natural, Vintage Sunburst
Year	2014 - 2019
Made In	Japan
Categories	Hollow Body Guitars
Body Material	Maple
Body Shape	Double Cutaway
Body Type	Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type	Stop-Bar
Color Family	Brown, Tan
Finish Pattern	Sunburst
Fretboard Material	Rosewood
Fretboard Radius	12"
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"
Series	Epiphone Elitist
Top Material	Maple
Wood Top Style	Plain

FAQs

What are the tonal characteristics of the Epiphone Elitist 1965 Casino Natural?: The Epiphone Elitist 1965 Casino Natural offers a bright and resonant tone, thanks to its maple hollow body and P-90 pickups. This combination delivers a classic, vintage sound ideal for rock, blues, and jazz.
Is the Epiphone Elitist 1965 Casino Natural suitable for live performances?: Yes, the Epiphone Elitist 1965 Casino Natural is well-suited for live performances. Its lightweight hollow body and versatile tonal range make it a comfortable and expressive choice for gigging musicians.
How does the neck profile of the Epiphone Elitist 1965 Casino Natural affect playability?: The Epiphone Elitist 1965 Casino Natural features a set mahogany neck with a comfortable, medium C profile, providing smooth playability and easy access to upper frets, making it suitable for various playing styles.
What makes the Epiphone Elitist 1965 Casino Natural different from standard Epiphone models?: The Elitist series is crafted in Japan with higher quality materials and construction techniques, offering superior build quality, enhanced playability, and improved tonal clarity compared to standard Epiphone models.
Does the Epiphone Elitist 1965 Casino Natural work well with effects pedals?: Yes, the Epiphone Elitist 1965 Casino Natural pairs excellently with effects pedals, maintaining clarity and articulation across a range of effects, making it versatile for both studio and live settings.

Videos

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Chicago Music Exchange

Epiphone Elitist 1965 Casino Outfit Reissue | CME Gear Demo

Chicago Music Exchange

2014 Epiphone Elitist 1965 Casino Natural

Guitar Chimp

Reviews

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PROS

Exceptional craftsmanship with seamless neck and vintage-style frets
Thin 60's neck profile enhances playability
Gibson USA P90 pickups deliver classic growl and bright tones
Captures the iconic 1960s "British Invasion" sound
Japanese-made models offer superior quality over Chinese versions
Articulate pickups provide a balanced and responsive tone
Lightweight design increases playing comfort
Emulates the iconic sound of Beatles' rooftop concert
High-quality build rivals top brands like Gibson and Fender
Attractive hardshell case with regal purple interior

CONS

Requires professional setup for optimal playability
Strap lock placement on the back may be inconvenient

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

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The Elitist features a nitrocellulose finish, making it closer to vintage models than others with poly finishes.
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Some MIC models have slight intonation issues with the G string, which can be resolved with a wound G string or proper setup.
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Features and functionality

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Elitist models are equipped with Gibson P90 pickups, offering a cleaner sound compared to the muddier Epiphone P90s in standard models.
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Comparisons

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The Elitist 1965 Casino is noted as one of the closest models to the vintage Kalamazoo Casino, especially in terms of design accuracy.
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The Epiphone Gary Clark Jr. Casino is another high-regard model with Gibson dog ear pickups, but not as visually accurate to vintage specs.
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The neck joint on 2006 and newer models is a vintage-accurate 16th-fret joint, differing from the 17th fret on earlier Korean and Japanese versions.
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Value and pricing

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Preowned Elitist 1965 models can be found for around $1,850, offering a budget-friendly alternative to vintage options.
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A UK buyer reported purchasing a brand new non-Elitist Casino for about £400, highlighting a potential price point difference between regions.
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Mods and upgrades

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Replacing stock pickups with GFS dogear P90s significantly improves tone, allowing for normal EQ settings and enhancing playability.
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User experience

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The neck profile of USA models is a "Rounded C," slightly thicker than 1960s Epiphone necks, contrasting with the "60s Slim Taper" of imported models.
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Owners note that the Elitist Casino's tone can become somewhat lost when playing in a band with another guitar.
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Some users express concern over the risk of damage during air travel, mentioning instances of airport staff mishandling guitars.
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Use cases and applications

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MIC Casino guitars can be excellent for couch playing due to their smaller size and good unplugged tone, despite the stock pickups being harsh and muddy.
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The guitar's aesthetics and sound resonate with those seeking a "Lennon" vibe, especially when playing songs like "Revolution."
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