On sale is a light sunburst, 1987 Casino, made by Terada Music. Japan-made Casino has a few unique aspects: the neck joins the body at the 17th fret, not the 16th of other models. This enables you to play higher position frets with less stress. Also the serials numbers are 5 digits in which the 1st indicates the year of 198x or 199x, 2nd telling the model (2:EMPEROR, 3:RIVIERA, 4:SHERATON, 5:CASINO) and the rests being the production number of that year. The years between 1987 and 1997 were manufactured Terada music factory, a globally famous Japanese OEM vendor of Ibanez and other major guitars.

The most famous player of Epiphone Casino must be John Lennon. The fully hollow thinline guitar without the normal center block produced deeper feedback and more versatile echo. It was an ideal guitar for stage and studio and played across their many landmark recordings including Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band. Also said was that in 1968 when the Beatles were making the White Album John took the pick guard off and sanded the bare wood to apply lacquered coats. That must be the reason why I see many of Casino's are hanging around without the pick guard.

Casino is often compared to its parent model Gibson ES-330 in that they have the same full hollow thinline body, two P-90 pickups and trapezoid tailpiece. These full hollow body models are easily distinguishable from the others as it gives players a clear, ringing tone that could be pushed into overdrive when needed and it also makes the sound lighter and louder when played without an amplifier.

This guitar remained in a decent condition, leaving however a few noticeable trace of aging. Chips are found on the rear headstock top. They are covered off by black ink but distinguishable when looked closer. Dents spotted on rear body and rear neck, where on rear body, 1 found around lower bout and 1 center. On the rear neck near the headstock you will notice grip wear. Photo looks as if a crack but it is not. Lastly, the trace of adhesive leftover on the sides of necks indicates neck was sealed previously. This 27 year-old mature vintage comes along with a brand new gig bag.