Gibson ES-335 vs. Epiphone Casino

Posted on May 03, 2005 01:59 pm
ledeux_machina
Member Since: Jun 04, 2004

Hi,
I`ve been looking into getting a Gibson ES-335 for a long time now and I`ve been wondering about all the different models of past and present...there are so many! Ideally, I`d like one with p-90s, block or parallelogram inlays and in vintage sunburst.
Anyway, I just stumbled across the Epiphone Casino and it has the exact aesthetics that I`m after!...I`m just wondering about the sound though. How good is the Epiphone compared to the Gibson?...is it not even worth thinking about?
It`s just that the current Gibson es-335 models are a bit disappointing to my eyes.
Heres a picture of the epiphone...

http://www.the-brits.com/equipment/casino3big.jpg

Thanks for any input.
Take Care.
Alex

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cocofromscotland
Hello!
Member
Since: Jan 12, 2004

May 03, 2005 02:09 pm

I have an Epiphone Les Paul and I can say they are well made guitars.

The main differences between these geetars and the main Gibsons are the pick-ups and the finishes.

So, if you find a finish you like and it plays well, you're sorted. Consideering may guitarists take out the pick ups in actual Gibsons (usually replacing em with Seymours) you have nae bother.

If ye prefer hte look of the Epi and it plays well, nab it and if NEEDED (tho I havent with my les Paul) change the pickups...it will still be cheaper than buying the Gibson and you'll have the perfect guitar.

Also, be aware, there is a John lennon Casion Epiphone signature which costs more than most Gibsons!!!!!!! So - Epi is a good brand for sure.

Coco.

Tadpui
I am not a crook's head
Member
Since: Mar 14, 2003

May 03, 2005 03:56 pm

If you don't like the looks of the newer ES-335s, then keep an eye out for used ones. Ebay, pawn shops, and local music stores would all be good places to keep an eye on. A bit of patience and some effort should turn up a few options for you.

Maybe check out the Epi Elitist Casino for an upgrade in materials and workmanship over the standard Casino.

Noize2u
Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002

May 03, 2005 11:16 pm

Just for the record. There are many out there who play the Epi's rather then the Gibsons. I have owned both and liked each of them.

Yes, there is something about the P-90's that just give a bit warmer tone. But that said, you can buy the Epi for less and then when the money is good, upgrade the pickups.

I suggest just playin them and decide if the Epi will work for you. I personall find their tone wonderrfull.

pjk
Prince CZAR-ming
Member
Since: Apr 08, 2004

May 04, 2005 12:16 pm

I've a epiphone excalibur (solid body electric) that I've been playing for over 15 years. Excellent guitar, wonderful feel. Has EMG selects pickups, so they could be swapped out. They most certainly make some fine pieces. I'd say play it if you can, if it feels good, then by all means, make it your own.