Casino royale: The original '61 Epiphone Casino is back
(John Gorbe | Posted 2011-07-23)
When you think of Epiphone Guitars what comes to mind? For me and for most it’s their famous Casino model, which was introduced back in 1961. In fact, these artists can’t be wrong: Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison, Keith Richards, Paul Weller, Dwight Yoakam, Miranda Lambert and Dave Haywood of Lady Antebellum. That’s right, they all have used the Casino for their recording and/or concert needs.
To honor this fine guitar, Epiphone is proud to announce the new, limited-edition 1961 Anniversary Casino, which has many features that were discontinued after the original year of production. To celebrate 50 years, Epiphone has produced a limited run of 1,961 Anniversary Casinos, each with a numbered certificate of Authenticity. There are also two models that will be released later this month – one with a trapeze tailpiece and the other with a Tremotone.
The Guitar features a body constructed of five layers of maple/birch, mahogany SlimTaper neck, mortise and tenon joint, “Dot” fingerboard inlays, triangle metal logo badge on headstock, blank two-ply “bullet” trussrod cover, tortoise colored pickguard with foil “E,” black dog-ear P-90 pickups, Tune-o-matic bridge and the choice of either a Trapeze tailpiece or the original Tremtone vibrato. The Casino is also completely hollow, which has helped contribute to its unique sound. Every Casino will also be sold with an original style hard case with gray exterior and blue plush interior.
The pickups are of particular note because Epiphone has recreated the original U.S.A made black P-90’s, which offer a stellar combination of high output and biting treble response. They also feature vintage two-conductor, braided, shielded wiring and black plastic covers. Other electronics faithful to the original Casino include a Switchcraft 3-way toggle and 1/4" output jack.
The U.S. MSRP for the trapeze tailpiece model is $1,332 and $1,415 for the Tremtone.
An interesting note: In 1961 the Casino sold for about $300 USD. Today, these original pieces can be valued up to $15,000 USD.
About Epiphone
Epiphone fretted instruments, amplifiers, strings and accessories are known worldwide for offering the best combination of quality, performance and value. One of Gibson’s most formidable competitors through the first half of the 20th century, Epiphone was acquired by Gibson Guitar in 1957. Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, Epiphone is part of the Gibson family of brands.
For more information on Epiphone, go to www.epiphone.com. Follow Epiphone on Twitter at www.twitter.com/epiphone or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/officialepiphone.
