Whether it was the times or the number of instruments produced, the Casino-a full hollowbody with two P-90s (another Kalamazoo invention)-was destined to be thought of as an Epiphone classic. Though the Casino, first released in 1961, was essentially Epiphone's version of the Gibson ES-330, the Gibson version never caught on with fans. In fact, two Kalamazoo designed guitars-the J-160E out the classic Epiphone John Lennon EJ-160E) and the Epiphone Casino-together share the distinction of being the only two guitars heard on every Beatles recording session.īut over the last decade thanks to a diverse group of artists like Gary Clark Jr., Radiohead, Paul Weller, and Brendan Benson of the Raconteurs, the Epiphone Casino has transcended its Beatle connection and become a must-have for any player's collection. The Epiphone Casino might be the House of Stathopoulo's most iconic instrument thanks to its association with The Beatles. The long and winding road of a rock maverick
