bassbiscuits Posted August 19, 2016 Share Posted August 19, 2016 Over a few pints recently with my brother (who is also a guitarist) we ended up talking about what sort of instruments we haven't got, and what we'd get if we didn't have our current gear. I realised the thing i was missing was a hollowbody, preferably with a Bigsby trem and P90s, to give me a completely different take on guitar to my regular guitarist who's a Tele/strat man. So anyway, I ended up with this Epiphone. Its Chinese-built, but with some decent upgrades such as USA Gibson P90s, Switchcraft pots/switch, Grover machine heads etc. Ok it hasn't got a Bigsby - there is/was a version with a Bigsby, but they're hard to come by, so i went for the trapeze tailpiece with a view to get a Bigsby fitted if i decide I really need it. It sounds great - I loved P90s on a Gibson SG Classic I had some years back, and paired with the hollow body there's a real range from sparkly jangle at low gain, to a real roar at higher gain levels. The very top of the dusty end isn't brilliantly accessible - beyond about the 16th fret its gets a bit tricky, but its probably not what you'd choose for shredding. That said, add a bit of gain and you get some serious grit and sparkly harmonics for those Billy Gibbons-esque bends lower down the neck. I love the dark blue / black burst finish as well - i've got enough three-tone sunburst guitars to last a lifetime, and I think this deep dark blue looks awesome. The set up off the peg was pretty decent, but I took it for a quick set up by the local guy here, who's done a great job. The neck is described as D profile, which is quite slim and easy to play, and obviously being hollow its super lightweight, which is great for me as I've got an ongoing dodgy shoulder. Be interesting to hear it alongside my guitarist's Fenders - should cover a good bit of sonic ground between us. Hopefully gigging it soon thru my Fender Hot Rod Deluxe, and hoping for a righteous tone.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ezbass Posted August 19, 2016 Share Posted August 19, 2016 I put a Bigsby on a Casino a good while back (a B9 I think), easy peasy to fit and it sounded marvellous. P90s are my fave pickups and Bigsbys just do something magical to a guitar's tone to my ears. Enjoy your new purchase, but watch out for feedback. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bassbiscuits Posted August 22, 2016 Author Share Posted August 22, 2016 Cheers Ezbass - yeah maybe the Bigbsy is the way to go - they definitely look cooler! I will have to be careful from the feedback side tho you're right - when i do gig on guitar, we play quite a lot on small stages in pubs etc, so i'll have to be wary of howling! Can't wait to gig it tho. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musicman20 Posted August 22, 2016 Share Posted August 22, 2016 These are great guitars. I picked up an Epiphone Casino Inspired By John Lennon model from Andertons a few years back. End of the inspired by models for now, so they bought a huge batch and it a HUGE bargain for the customers. Lightweight, Gibson P90 pickups and switch, few other nice touches, and a proper Epiphone Hardcase to fit. I love it, and it is the cheapest bass/guitar I own...even at it's normal retail price. P90s are lovely. Enjoy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bassbiscuits Posted August 22, 2016 Author Share Posted August 22, 2016 My mate plays an Epiphone 1961 reissue Casino, and I played them side by side over the weekend. His has a much rounder full neck profile, but in terms of sound they're very much in the same ballpark. Cool! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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