FLASHBACK: 1963 Epiphone Casino

BACKGROUND

Essentially a lower class Gibson ES-330, the Casino was a true thin-line hollow body with two P-90 pickups introduced in 1961 and, to the annoyance of Gibson, quickly won over the market for that style of guitar. It’s certainly seen as the “classic” Epiphone guitar. One of the reasons it was sought out in rock and roll music at the time was its ability to feed back!

WHAT IT SOUNDS LIKE

Like a guitar plugged into an amp. Classic. Listen to any Beatles recording or Gary Clark, Jr. for true references.

NOTABLE PLAYERS

The Beatles, Gary Clarke Jr., Radiohead

OTHER NOTES

Paul McCartney still brings his 1963 Casino (same as mine!!) out for “Paperback Writer” each night. Supposedly, the Casino is one of only two guitars that made an appearance on EVERY Beatles recording after it was acquired. Want to guess the other?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Don Miggs is a singer/songwriter/producer and fronts the band miggs (Elm City/Capitol Records). His love affair with vintage instruments and gear only presents a problem when he’s awake. Chat music & gear with him @donmiggs or miggsmusic.com, lalamansion.com, or his radio show, @thefringeAM820 (Saturdays 5-7PM EST).
Photo by Rob Meigel