Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $2,905

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$999

$2500+

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Description

The Epiphone Casino (John Lennon) is a tribute to the legendary Beatle, limited to a production of 1965 units, mirroring a '65 replica in Sunburst. It's often mistaken for the later "Inspired By" Lennon model, but the unique inner serial number card and a plain back of the headstock set it apart. Delving into the instrument's core, you'll be impressed with its superior sound quality and superb playability, offering an authentic vintage experience that's hard to find in today's market. Perfect for both Lennon enthusiasts and guitar aficionados, this guitar strikes all the right chords with its melodic blend of history, style, and performance.

Key Features:

  • Limited edition with only 1965 units produced
  • Inner serial number card indicating production number
  • Plain back of the headstock
  • Authentic '65 replica in Sunburst
  • Superior sound quality and playability
  • Ideal for Lennon enthusiasts and guitar aficionados

Product specs

Brand Epiphone
Model USA Collection John Lennon Signature '68 Casino
Finish Stripped Vintage Natural
Year 1998 - 2000
Made In United States
Categories Hollow Body Guitars
Artist John Lennon
Body Material Maple
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Tan
Finish Features Relic
Finish Style Satin
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"
Series Epiphone Artist Collection
Top Material Maple
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What makes the Epiphone Casino (John Lennon) unique compared to other semi-hollowbody guitars?

The Epiphone Casino (John Lennon) is renowned for its full hollow body design and P-90 pickups, providing a distinctive resonant tone ideal for rock and blues. Its association with John Lennon adds historical value, making it a sought-after model for fans and collectors.

How do the P-90 pickups on the Epiphone Casino affect its sound?

The P-90 pickups on the Epiphone Casino deliver a bright, punchy sound with a strong midrange presence, making it versatile for genres like rock and blues. They provide a distinct, vintage tone that cuts through the mix with clarity and warmth.

Is the Epiphone Casino (John Lennon) suitable for beginners?

While the Epiphone Casino (John Lennon) offers excellent playability and sound, its historical significance and price may make it more appealing to experienced players and collectors. Beginners might prefer starting with a more affordable model before progressing to this iconic guitar.

What is the neck profile like on the Epiphone Casino (John Lennon)?

The Epiphone Casino (John Lennon) features a comfortable, slim-taper neck profile, allowing for easy playability and smooth transitions across the fretboard. Its set-neck construction enhances sustain and overall tonal quality.

Does the Epiphone Casino (John Lennon) handle feedback well?

As a fully hollow body guitar, the Epiphone Casino is more prone to feedback at high volumes compared to solid body guitars. However, with proper technique and volume control, it can be managed effectively, making it suitable for live performances and studio recordings.

Sam Ash Music

Sam Ash Music

Epiphone Inspired by John Lennon Casino Electric Guitar | Everything You Need To Know

Video thumbnail for Epiphone Inspired by John Lennon Casino Electric Guitar | Everything You Need To Know by Sam Ash Music

Epiphone Inspired by John Lennon Casino Electric Guitar | Everything You Need To Know

Sam Ash Music

Sam Ash Music

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Comparisons

  • The Lennon model is often favorably compared to the Elitist and previous USA-assembled versions for its overall feel and quality.

    Source
  • The 1965 Limited Edition model reportedly has a warmer and thicker acoustic tone than a 1994 Peerless or a 2020 Worn Ebony Casino.

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  • The "Inspired by John Lennon" models have a thicker neck, closely matching early 60s designs, unlike the thin, flat necks of post-1996 Korean models.

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  • Notably, the import version lacks the nylon saddles found on John Lennon’s original 1965 model.

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User experience

  • Some users find the wood on the "Worn" model to feel "dead," lacking the complex tonal interaction found in more resonant hollow electrics.

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  • One owner described owning multiple "Inspired by John Lennon" models, mentioning they feel akin to Gibsons and are often found in unplayed condition.

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  • Enthusiasts report that the guitar maintains its impressive sound quality even after 8 years of use.

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Features and functionality

  • New USA models feature parallelogram inlays facing the opposite direction of original specs, setting them apart from earlier versions.

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  • The stock P90s on the Chinese-made Casino offer a unique tonal blend between a Stratocaster and a humbucker, delivering a distinct Beatles-esque sound.

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Value and pricing

  • Despite not playing differently from import versions, the 1965 Limited Edition is valued for its nitro finish and collectibility.

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Build quality

  • The nitro finish on the Limited Edition model offers a more premium feel compared to the "Worn" finish, which some find feels "cheap" and uneven.

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  • The import models can be identified by the three truss rod cover screws and lack of a truss rod nut, differing from American models.

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Use cases and applications

  • The Casino's P90 pickups produce a rich, jangly tone ideal for Beatles-style music and articulate solo notes for blues rock.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Buzzing issues often stem from the small wire in the bridge; a GOTOH bridge is recommended as a quick fix.

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  • Flatwound strings are suggested to achieve a vintage tone similar to 1960s sounds.

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  • A truss rod adjustment can effectively resolve buzzing problems, as reported by multiple owners.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Owners recommend using old, worn strings to mimic John Lennon’s preferred sound for an authentic vibe.

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5.0 out of 5

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how John Lennon uses Epiphone Casino (John Lennon)

John Lennon

Singer, Guitarist

The Beatles

...
Verified via Photo

John used this guitar since 1969, he used this one during the Get Back (Let it Be) Sessions and also during Abbey Road Sessions

A

Ariel Rot

Guitarist

Los Rodríguez

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, we can see Ariel Rot playing an Epiphone Casino in natural gloss finish. (2:01)

Album Usage

The Epiphone Casino (John Lennon) has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

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

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