Epiphone Casino, 1958?

[Ray Ray]

Can anyone help me? I inharited my uncles epiphone casino. Here is the info clearly marked inside:
Epiphone Casino
Style number E230TD
Serial number 856341

From what I can tell by the serial number it was made in 1958 but I can’t find any information on the casino prior to 1961.

It is a super awesome guitar in its original case and in very good condition. Any help would be truly appreciated.

Ray Ray

 

[Juke Box]

I'm certainly no expert but that guitar has the later model Epi scroll headstock where as I thought the earlier ones had the open book Gibson style headstock.

I had to edit this post because I enlarged it and saw the headstovk is the earlier type headstock

I do not know what to tell you except that looks old

 

[Ray Ray]

Appreciate the quick reply Juke Box. I should’ve posted better closeup pics. Still hopeful someone else may know some additional info.

 

[Juke Box]

Look at those slanted inlays on the fretboard. I've never seen those on a Casino. You may have a pricey vintage Casino.

 

[Ray Ray]

That’s kind of what I’m thinking. I’ll post additional pics in a few.

 

[Juke Box]

https://www.guitarplayer.com/guitaraficionado/collectors-dozen-epiphones-12-most-desirable-guitars

Scroll down. Look at the Sheraton made from 58-61.
Supposedly there were no Casinos made until 61

 

[Ray Ray]

That’s what I’m seeing too but the label clearly says casino and the serial number dates to 1958

 

[Ray Ray]

 

[Supersonic]

Wow, what a beauty you have there. No Casinos were made before 1961 though as far as I know so there's no way it's a '58. Those old serial numbers can be tricky.

If you scroll down to the bottom of the page here, it seems yours would be a 1966 (or 1969)...

http://www.guitarhq.com/epiphone.html

@Paruwi and some others are really great at identifying Epi's so I'm sure someone else will chime in soon.

Congrats on the gorgeous Casino and good luck!

 

[Juke Box]

The headstocks changed in 65. Yours looks like a 64 or earlier since it has the earlier headstock style.

Supersonic is right about ser nos being confusing or wrong.You can date a casino by the headstock style too.

McCartney and Lennon had Casinos made a year apart. McCartney's Casino made in 64 has your style Gibson headstock. Lennon's 65 Casino has the latter Epiphone style headstock.https://www.vintageguitar.com/5485/the-beatles-casinos/

 

[Supersonic]

The headstocks changed in 65. Yours looks like a 64 or earlier since it has the earlier headstock style.

You're right about the headstock change, but his pic he just posted above most definitely has the later headstock (like Lennon's). I'm going with 1966 for this one.

 

[Ray Ray]

Great info guys. Thank you very much. My uncle was in a band throughout the 60’s and he idolized the Beatle’s (Lennon in particular) which is one of the reasons be bought this particular guitar.

 

[Ray Ray]

I think you’re right Supersonic. 66 or 69. If I were a betting man, knowing my uncle, probably a 66. I had it on the wall for the last couple of years. After realizing what I had, it’s back in its original case. Thank you guys so much for all the great info.

 

[Juke Box]

Yea I see what you mean about the headstock. There is a very subtle difference between the Gibson and latter Epi headstock style.

I have an even later Epi style Casino with a 3rd headstock style.

Yours would be a 66 but for the earlier Bigsby on yours. Maybe made late 65 or early 66?

The pots have dates on them. You needn't tsake therm out to read them. Just unscrew one of them and read it through the hole

 

[Paruwi]

• Gibson-made Serial Number, 1961 to 1969, all instruments (non "A" series).
  Beginning in 1961, Epiphone serial numbers follow Gibson's serial number series. All models, stamped in back top of peghead. No "MADE IN USA" stamp below serial number! Note many serial numbers are duplicated from 1963-1969. To figure out which is the exact year for a guitar, see the General Specs section for details. Numbers thanks to Walter Carter.
  Number Range Year
  ------------ ----
  0100 to 42440 1961
  42441 to 61180 1962
  61450 to 64222 1963
  64240 to 71040 1964
  71041 to 96600 1962, a few from 1963/1964
  96601 to 99999 1963
  000001 to 099999 1967 (all 6 digit numbers
  starting with "0" are 1967)
  ^^^^

http://www.guitarhq.com/epiphone.html

Your Casino seems to be from 1962, according to this site, which is a great resurce for old Epiphones

 

[Supersonic]

• Gibson-made Serial Number, 1961 to 1969, all instruments (non "A" series).
  Beginning in 1961, Epiphone serial numbers follow Gibson's serial number series. All models, stamped in back top of peghead. No "MADE IN USA" stamp below serial number! Note many serial numbers are duplicated from 1963-1969. To figure out which is the exact year for a guitar, see the General Specs section for details. Numbers thanks to Walter Carter.
  Number Range Year
  ------------ ----
  0100 to 42440 1961
  42441 to 61180 1962
  61450 to 64222 1963
  64240 to 71040 1964
  71041 to 96600 1962, a few from 1963/1964
  96601 to 99999 1963
  000001 to 099999 1967 (all 6 digit numbers
  starting with "0" are 1967)
  ^^^^

http://www.guitarhq.com/epiphone.html

Your Casino seems to be from 1962, according to this site, which is a great resurce for old Epiphones

That's where I looked Pete, but wouldn't a '62 have black pup covers and the original style headstock?



The listing at the bottom of the guitarhq page seemed more likely?

 

[Paruwi]

That's where I looked Pete, but wouldn't a '62 have black pup covers and the original style headstock?

it could be one of the 'few from 63-64'

 

[Supersonic]

Well maybe he can check the dates on the pots like @Juke Box mentioned so we can know for sure.

 

[Stuart]

Nah... You’re all wrong... It’s an ugly piece of junk (very probably a worthless fake)... Send it to me @Ray Ray & I’ll ensure that it never troubles you again

 

[Davis Sharp]

Condolences on your uncle's passing, but that's a terrific treasure that he left you. Good idea to return it to the case. I see that you have some other vintage items as well (records, Zenith radio?). Looks like that room has a lot of stories to tell.