The blurb said they replaced the single-pickup thinline ES-225T, explaining why – for a while, at least – the 330 came in those single or double-pickup versions.Ī further difference between the 330 and the semi-solid models was that the 330’s neck was fitted further into the body. The 330 was available at first with one or two pickups, and the October/November 1959 issue of Gibson’s Gazette promo magazine announced the pair as “beautiful professional-type guitars, economy priced by Gibson”. To understand how Gibson positioned the new Casino in its revised and reworked Epiphone range, let’s briefly consider the ES-330.

The Sheraton remained as the only semi-solid among the Gibson-made Epiphones until it was joined in ’62 by the Riviera, which broadly corresponded to the 335. This extremely rare 1961 Casino might be the only example ever made in Royal OliveĮpiphone’s semi-solid Sheraton (originally intended to be called the Deluxe) was roughly equivalent to the Gibson ES-355 in its fancy appointments, while the Casino was a close relation to Gibson’s hollow 330. They were quick to apply some of these approaches and ideas to the new Epiphone lines. These were the stereo 345 and the high-end 355, and also a full hollowbody version, the ES-330.

Ask Bigsby what they think.Īs far as a source for a wiring harness, I would talk to TWANG if I were you.Gibson had recently introduced the ES-335, its groundbreaking semi-solid double-cutaway thinline electric, and in the wake of its success the company’s bosses created a series around it, adding a few more models in the same style.

But, as I indicated, McCartney's Casino had a B7 too and it would have been a pound or two higher than a B3 so that's not entirely the issue. My first thought is that Casino doesn't use a B3 because there isn't a licensed model (no B30 or B300) so cost would be a factor. The only potenitial issue might be the break angle off the back of the bridge. My first guitar, a Harmony H76, had one and it worked just fine. My guess is that the top of the casino is thick enough to support a B7/B70/B700 just fine but if was mine, I might consider a B3 that didn't have to be screwed down to the top. Here's a picture of Lennon playing it before Paul had it restrung sinister style: McCartney's Casino has a B7 on it as well. Previously, Epiphone had their own branded Bigsby (didn't say Bigsby on it so I've always wondered if it was a knockoff). Epiphone had a special run of Casinos with Bigsbys that I thought looked fantastic.

Bigsby epiphone casino