Gibson's decision to reappraise the role of the Epiphone Casino in its product line, and to bring its manufacture back to the U.S., is no small matter. The new Epiphone USA Casino is an American beauty that is stunning to look at, a joy to play and record with, and an investment worth making whether you rock a mop-top or not.
When you plug this guitar into your amp, you can't help but feel like you're playing a classic instrument that has been well-loved for years. The sound is rich, spanky, and full of character, with a hint of acoustic air that really brings out the best in you. Whether you're chugging out Oasis-approved cowboy-chord rhythms or laying down fat "Day Tripper"-style riffs, this guitar responds beautifully to your playing style.
One of the most impressive things about the Epiphone USA Casino is its ability to maintain its rich sound through high-level amp models and studio monitors. Feedback was never an issue in our tests, and the guitar always seemed to have a natural, effortless vibe that was hard to resist.
But what really sets this guitar apart is its built-in EBow capabilities. With just a little bit of drive or fuzz, you can sustain notes for days on end, creating a sense of atmosphere and tension that's perfect for adding drama to your playing. The neck and body vibrate with the sound, making it feel like the guitar is really talking and responding to what you're playing.
Of course, all of this comes at a price – specifically, a price tag that's significantly higher than many other Epiphone models on the market. But if you're looking for a high-quality instrument that will deliver a professional-grade sound, then the Epiphone USA Casino is definitely worth considering.
Specifications:
- NUT WIDTH: 1.69” bone
- NECK: Solid mahogany
- FRETBOARD: Indian rosewood, 24.75” scale, 12” radius
- FRETS: 22 medium jumbo
- TUNERS: Nickel-plated Vintage Deluxe
- NUT: Graph Tech NuBone
- BODY: 3-ply maple/poplar/maple with nitrocellulose lacquer finish
- BRACING: Quarter-sawn spruce
- BINDING: Single-ply cream
- BRIDGE/TAILPIECE: Gibson ABR-1 Tune-o-matic with Thinline Trapeze tailpiece
- PICKUPS: Gibson USA P-90 Dogear single-coil (x2)
- CONTROLS: Volume (x2), Tone hand-wired with Orange-Drop caps (x2), 3-way toggle pickup switch
- FACTORY STRINGS: Gibson .010–.046
- FINISHES: Royal Tan (reviewed), Vintage Sunburst
- BUILT: USA
Epiphone Casino (USA Collection) in Royal Tan
(Image credit: Epiphone)
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