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Original 1966 Epiphone casino vs 1965 Epiphone casino elitist

Casinoman3

New member
Joined
Jan 26, 2020
Messages
1
Hi guys just joined forum!

I figured I’d start a thread about my two Epiphone casinos. One is an all original 1966 Epiphone casino made in Kalamazoo Michigan and the other is a 1965 Epiphone casino elitist made by the terada factory in japan. I’ll be posting pictures and measurements as well as my own observations of both guitars over the next few weeks. The elitist is the newer acquisition of the two. In a month or two I’ll also be posting A video comparing the sound of both guitars stock. I also have another set of pickups and a wiring harness that came from a 1967 casino that got parted. the pickups and harness will end in the elitist. Once installed I’ll post another video comparing the guitars again.


for those wondering why I bought another of what is essentially the same guitar as what I already have. the old casino is a museum piece it’s collector grade. I wanted a guitar I could play without always having a sense of anxiety.
 

darkwave

Member
Joined
Sep 17, 2001
Messages
357
Very interested in this - I have an Elitist Sheraton as my main band guitar and I really enjoy it. Haven't had a chance to play any vintage Epiphone Sheratons or Casinos.

-Douglas C.
 

JimR56

Member
Joined
Oct 20, 2012
Messages
588
Hi guys just joined forum!

I figured I’d start a thread about my two Epiphone casinos. One is an all original 1966 Epiphone casino made in Kalamazoo Michigan and the other is a 1965 Epiphone casino elitist made by the terada factory in japan. I’ll be posting pictures and measurements as well as my own observations of both guitars over the next few weeks. The elitist is the newer acquisition of the two. In a month or two I’ll also be posting A video comparing the sound of both guitars stock. I also have another set of pickups and a wiring harness that came from a 1967 casino that got parted. the pickups and harness will end in the elitist. Once installed I’ll post another video comparing the guitars again.


for those wondering why I bought another of what is essentially the same guitar as what I already have. the old casino is a museum piece it’s collector grade. I wanted a guitar I could play without always having a sense of anxiety.
Hmm... the member profile still shows just the one post. :hmm Hope that this person is doing okay. If you're still reading the forum, I was going to say that I hope you're still playing the vintage Casino... at least at home!! I've got some museum-grade guitars, but they're meant to be enjoyed in one's hands as well as with one's eyes.
 

reddeluxe

Member
Joined
Apr 27, 2017
Messages
82
My best friend has a natural finish Casino double pickup RI that was made approximately 20 years ago, before the Elitist series, and it is an excellent guitar....compares very favorably to the mid '60's originals and is very correct in hardware and build detail; excepting for the Brazilian rosewood fretboard. Have another friend with the identical model from 8 years ago, and while very good as far as playability and overall quality, is not as "correct" to vintage spec as the 20 year old model. My understanding is that the Elitist range sought to make the guitars closer to their original counterparts. I have played an Elitist Sheraton with factory mini HB pickups and Frequensator tailpiece like the originals, that was a very nice guitar.
 
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