05 јун 1967 epiphone casino
Discover the 1967 Epiphone Casino, a hollow-body electric guitar celebrated for its P-90 pickups, lightweight mahogany build, and crisp tonal clarity. Known for its use by iconic 1960s artists, this model remains a sought-after choice for vintage warmth and versatile rock, blues, and jazz performance.
1967 Epiphone Casino The Hollow-Body Guitar That Defined 60s Rock Tone
For players seeking a lightweight, resonant instrument with biting treble and organic feedback, few options rival the mid-60s semi-hollow from Gibson’s sister brand. Its thin, laminated maple construction and P-90 single-coils deliver a raw, vocal midrange ideal for blues, garage rock, or jangly chord work. Unlike bulkier contemporaries, its 14.75-inch lower bout balances stage presence with shoulder-friendly playability.
Original models feature a three-piece mahogany neck, dot inlays, and a trapeze tailpiece that enhances string resonance. The nitrocellulose finish–often in sunburst or natural–typically shows subtle checking by now, a mark of authenticity. Avoid units with replaced tuners or rewound pickups; these modifications can diminish collectibility and alter the signature high-end sparkle.
Artists like Paul McCartney and Keith Richards favored this model for its ability to cut through dense mixes without sacrificing warmth. Studio engineers frequently mic its soundhole at a 45-degree angle to capture both acoustic body resonance and electric grit. For modern players, pairing it with a low-wattage tube amp and minimal EQ adjustments replicates its classic garage-era snarl.
When evaluating potential purchases, inspect the neck joint for cracks and test the original “Patent Applied For” pickups for microphonic hum–a common quirk that adds character but may require potting. Reverb and specialized vintage dealers like Chicago Music Exchange often list well-preserved examples, though prices now exceed $15,000 for unmodified specimens with case and paperwork.
1967 Epiphone Casino
Target players seeking mid-60s hollow-body electrics: This Gibson subsidiary model delivers crisp articulation via its dog-ear P-90s, favored for balancing clean jazz warmth with overdriven rock grit. Mahogany necks paired with laminated maple bodies reduce feedback at higher volumes, while the “trapeze” tailpiece (standard until late 1960s revisions) enhances sustain.
Key maintenance: Inspect fretboard binding for shrinkage due to aging celluloid. Original unpatented humbucker-sized single-coils require periodic pole-piece adjustments to maintain string balance. Humidity-controlled storage prevents spruce bracing warping in thinline chambers.
Collector insight: Pre-1968 examples lack volute reinforcements, increasing headstock fragility–verify neck integrity before purchase. Market valuations range $4,000–$8,000 USD, with premium prices for factory Bigsby units or documentation linking to British Invasion bands. Avoid refinishes; nitrocellulose lacquer checking adds authenticity.
Tone tip: Pair with 11-gauge flatwounds and tube amps below 30 watts to accentuate midrange punch without overwhelming hollow-body resonance. Studio engineers often mic the f-hole at 45 degrees to capture airy high-end clarity.
Identifying Key Features of the 1967 Epiphone Casino
Hollow-body construction defines this model, with a laminated maple body and mahogany neck. Its thin profile (1.75″ depth) reduces weight (6-7 lbs) while enhancing acoustic resonance, a trait rare in electric guitars of its era.
Dual P-90 pickups deliver raw, mid-forward tones with 8.5k-9.5k output. The bridge unit sits closer to the neck than later revisions, creating a warmer, less aggressive sound ideal for blues and jazz.
Trapeze tailpiece with a floating rosewood bridge allows precise intonation adjustments. Unlike fixed tailpieces, this design minimizes string tension, contributing to its signature sustain and harmonic richness.
16:1 ratio tuners feature kidney-shaped buttons, distinct from the tulip-style hardware used post-1970. These ensure stable tuning despite the hollow body’s susceptibility to temperature shifts.
Unbound dot inlays on a 24.75″ scale rosewood fretboard contrast with bound necks of earlier models. The slim „D“-shape neck profile (0.82″ at 1st fret) facilitates complex chord work.
Original finishes include translucent cherry and natural lacquer, applied in thin coats that age to a distinctive amber tint. Later reissues lack the nitrocellulose formula’s micro-checking patterns.
Maintaining the 1967 Casino’s Original Tone and Hardware
Retain the original P-90 pickups to preserve midrange bite and dynamic response; rewiring or replacing them risks altering the instrument’s harmonic complexity.
- Hardware Care:
- Clean nickel-plated tuners and tailpiece with a microfiber cloth and non-abrasive metal polish to prevent oxidation.
- Avoid swapping the trapeze bridge–its lightweight design directly impacts sustain and string vibration transfer.
- Electronics Preservation:
- Use contact cleaner sparingly on potentiometers to maintain stock resistance values (typically 300k-500k ohms).
- Keep original cloth-covered wiring intact; modern shielded cables can dampen high-frequency clarity.
- Structural Integrity:
- Store at 45-55% humidity to prevent laminate separation in the hollow-body construction.
- Check neck angle annually–a 3-5 degree tilt ensures proper string tension without bridge modification.
For string replacements, opt for 10-46 gauge pure nickel wraps to reduce tension on the spruce bracing while matching period-correct output levels.
Assessing the 1967 Casino’s Market Value and Authenticity
Verify serial numbers and hardware stamps first. Original models from this era feature a six- or seven-digit imprint on the headstock or label. Cross-reference these with factory records or dedicated vintage guitar databases to confirm production year and factory origin. Units stamped “Made in USA” typically command higher prices due to their association with historic manufacturing standards.
Inspect the pickups and electronics. Genuine mid-60s examples house single-coil P-90s with black bobbins and unpotted coils, identifiable by their raw, slightly microphonic tone. Non-original replacements or rewired components can reduce value by 20-30%. Check solder joints for factory consistency–clean, uniform connections indicate unaltered wiring.
Examine the body and neck construction. Authentic models use a laminated maple top with mahogany sides, weighing between 5.5–6.2 lbs. Early versions lack a center block, resulting in pronounced acoustic resonance. Look for wear patterns: fretboard aging should align with bridge and tailpiece corrosion. Refinished bodies or replaced tuners (e.g., replaced Kluson Sealfasts) lower appraisal estimates by up to 40%.
Compare recent sales data for pricing benchmarks. Unmodified examples in excellent condition sold for $8,000–$12,000 in 2024 auctions, while refurbished units averaged $4,500–$6,500. Scrutinize listings for accuracy–misrepresented “all-original” claims are common. Collaborate with certified appraisers specializing in pre-1970s hollow-body guitars to avoid inflated valuations.
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