By C.

There’s no telling what we might get at the store. We love selling guitars of course, but we love buying them even more! This guitar is just all around stunning, so today we’re pleased to be presenting this one-of-a-kind 1966 Epiphone Casino!

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Right off the bat, you may notice the one standout feature of this particular piece. It’s Olive Drab green! This guitar is anything but your traditional natural or sunburst Casino, while retaining all of the charm and vintage vibe you’d expect from this world famous model. So let us dive in a bit into the history of the Epiphone Casino, and why this one may steal your heart.

The Epiphone Casino is one of the most iconic electric guitars in music history, known for its distinctive sound, striking design, and association with some of the most legendary musicians of all time. Since its introduction in the early 1960s, the Casino has played a significant role in shaping the sound of rock, blues, and other genres, cementing its place as a beloved instrument for both professional musicians and enthusiasts.

The Epiphone Casino was first introduced in 1961 as part of Epiphone’s efforts to compete in the burgeoning market for semi-hollow and hollow-body electric guitars. At the time, Epiphone was owned by Gibson, who acquired the company in 1957. While Gibson produced its own line of hollow-body guitars, the Casino was Epiphone’s version of Gibson’s popular ES-330 model, though with a few unique twists that set it apart.

The Casino is a fully hollow-body guitar, meaning it lacks the center block that many semi-hollow models like the Gibson ES-335 feature. This fully hollow design gives the Casino a distinctive sound characterized by warmth, resonance, and an open, airy tone. However, it also makes the guitar more prone to feedback at high volumes, which became both a challenge and a unique feature for many musicians who embraced its quirks.

The Casino’s body is made of laminated maple, with a mahogany neck and rosewood fingerboard. The guitar features two “Dogear” P-90 single-coil pickups, which are known for their smooth tone. These pickups are an essential part of the Casino’s sound, providing a raw, gritty texture that contrasts with the smoother, more polished tones of humbucker-equipped guitars. And boy, does this guitar sound good! The P-90s, combined with the hollow-body construction, give the guitar a unique sound that is both rich and jangly, making it versatile for a wide range of musical styles.

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The Epiphone Casino gained significant popularity in the 1960s, largely thanks to its association with The Beatles. In 1964, both John Lennon and George Harrison purchased Casinos, followed shortly by Paul McCartney. McCartney’s Casino, with a left-handed configuration, became his go-to guitar for recording and performing, particularly as the band moved away from their earlier pop sound toward more experimental and diverse styles.

Lennon’s Casino, which he eventually stripped of its sunburst finish down to natural wood, became iconic in its own right. The guitar can be heard on many of The Beatles’ most famous recordings, including “Revolution,” “Get Back,” and “Come Together.” Its distinctive tone, combined with Lennon’s raw playing style, helped shape the sound of the band’s later years.

George Harrison also frequently used his Casino, particularly during the “Rubber Soul” and “Revolver” sessions, further solidifying the instrument’s connection to The Beatles’ revolutionary period in the mid-1960s. The fact that all three members of one of the most influential bands in history chose the Casino speaks volumes about its appeal and versatility.

This ’66 in particular shares almost all of the same specs as Lennon’s 1965, except of course the professional refinish in Olive Drab green nitrocellulose lacquer. The finish has also been lightly aged to match the patina of the original hardware. If you think the photos look good, it looks even better in person.

The guitar also has all of the original parts included. The wiring harness has been replaced for reliability, but the original is included with purchase. The original P-90’s sound excellent and the overall feel of the guitar including the narrow 1 9/16″ nut width is quinessential mid-late 60’s Gibson and Epiphone.

One of the defining characteristics of the Epiphone Casino is its ability to produce a wide range of tones. The fully hollow body provides a warm, resonant sound, while the P-90 pickups deliver a bright, punchy attack. This combination makes the Casino equally suitable for smooth jazz tones as it is for raw rock ‘n’ roll.

At lower volumes, the Casino produces a rich, clean sound with plenty of depth and clarity. However, when pushed with overdrive or distortion, the guitar takes on a more aggressive, gritty tone that has made it a favorite among rock and blues players. The guitar’s susceptibility to feedback, due to its hollow-body construction, can also be harnessed by experienced players to create controlled, musical feedback, a technique famously used by many.

In terms of playability, this Casino features a slim-taper neck profile, making it comfortable to play for extended periods. The neck is smooth and fast, appealing to players who enjoy intricate lead work or fluid chord transitions. The guitar’s light weight, due to its hollow construction, also makes it easier to handle on stage, a factor that has contributed to its popularity among live performers.

Over the years, the Epiphone Casino has maintained its status as a classic guitar, used by countless musicians across various genres. From its early association with The Beatles to its use by modern indie and alternative bands, the Casino has never lost its appeal.

Artists like Gary Clark Jr., Noel Gallagher, and The Edge have all used the Casino, drawn to its unique sound and historical significance. While nothing can quite compare to an original 60’s model, Epiphone continues to produce versions of the Casino, including reissues that stay faithful to the original design.

The Epiphone Casino has a long and vibrant history, unique design, and versatile sound have made it a beloved instrument for decades. This 1966 is an example of the golden-era of Gibson guitar production and with a unique finish that is sure to turn heads on stage or in the studio. The Casino has been seen in the hands of a Beatle or as well as many contemporary guitarists, the Casino remains a symbol of creativity and musical exploration, with a timeless quality that ensures its continued relevance in the world of music.

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