**The Epiphone Natural Casino: An in-depth Exploration of a Semi-Hollowbody Classic**

Introduction

The Epiphone Natural Casino is a semi-hollowbody electric guitar that has been in production since 1961. It is a popular choice among guitarists of all levels, from beginners to professionals, for its versatility, affordability, and classic tone. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the history, specifications, sound, and applications of this iconic instrument.

History and Evolution

The Casino was first introduced in 1961 as a budget-friendly alternative to the more expensive Gibson ES-335. It was designed by Epiphone's then-president, Frank Holton, and was based on the Gibson ES-330. The Casino quickly gained popularity due to its high quality and affordable price point, and it has remained a mainstay in the Epiphone lineup for over six decades.

Over the years, the Casino has undergone several minor modifications. In the early 1970s, the body was slightly enlarged, and the headstock was redesigned. In the 1990s, the Casino was equipped with a new pickup configuration, and the body was given a thinner finish. Despite these changes, the Casino has retained its core design and sound, making it a timeless classic.

Specifications

The Epiphone Natural Casino features a semi-hollowbody body made of laminated maple. The body is 16 inches wide, 2 inches thick, and 39 inches long. The body is bound with a single-layer of cream binding, and it features a natural finish that showcases the beautiful grain of the maple wood.

The neck is made of mahogany and has a slim "C" profile. The neck is 24.75 inches long, and it has a 1.6875-inch nut width. The neck is fitted with a rosewood fingerboard that has a 12-inch radius and 22 frets.

The Casino is equipped with two Epiphone P-90 pickups, which are mounted in a soapbar configuration. The pickups are wired to a three-way selector switch, a volume control, and a tone control.

Sound and Tone

The Epiphone Natural Casino has a warm, mellow tone that is perfect for a variety of genres, including blues, jazz, rock, and country. The P-90 pickups provide a clear and articulate sound that is both cutting and full-bodied.

The Casino's semi-hollowbody construction gives it a natural resonance that adds depth and complexity to its tone. The guitar is also very responsive to picking dynamics, allowing you to play with a wide range of articulation and expression.

Applications

The Epiphone Natural Casino is a versatile guitar that is suitable for a wide range of playing styles and genres. It is a popular choice for blues and jazz guitarists, thanks to its warm, mellow tone and excellent articulation. The Casino is also a great choice for rock and country guitarists who are looking for a guitar with a classic sound and a comfortable playing feel.

Key Features

• Semi-hollowbody body made of laminated maple
• Mahogany neck with a slim "C" profile
• Rosewood fingerboard with a 12-inch radius and 22 frets
• Two Epiphone P-90 pickups mounted in a soapbar configuration
• Three-way selector switch, volume control, and tone control
• Natural finish

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Warm, mellow tone
• Excellent articulation
• Versatile and suitable for a wide range of playing styles and genres
• Affordable price point

Cons:

• Can be prone to feedback at high volumes
• Semi-hollowbody construction can make the guitar a bit heavy

Effective Strategies for Playing the Natural Casino

• Use a light touch. The Casino's P-90 pickups are very responsive to picking dynamics, so a light touch will produce a cleaner, more articulate sound.
• Experiment with the tone control. The tone control on the Casino can be used to shape the sound of the pickups, from bright and cutting to warm and mellow.
• Use the Casino's natural resonance. The Casino's semi-hollowbody construction gives it a natural resonance that can be used to create a variety of effects, such as feedback and sustain.

Tips and Tricks for Epiphone Natural Casino Players

• Use a strap with a wide base. The Casino is a relatively heavy guitar, so a wide-base strap will help to distribute the weight more evenly and reduce fatigue.
• Use a humidifier. The Casino's semi-hollowbody construction can make it susceptible to changes in humidity, so it is important to use a humidifier to keep the guitar at an optimal humidity level.
• Get the guitar professionally set up. A professional guitar setup can help to improve the playability and tone of the guitar