Around four times the cost of the Asian version, and around the price of a Gibson ES330

What do you think? Personally is go for the Asian version.

https://www.epiphone.com/Guitar/EPIGM7112/E...intage-Sunburst

It actually has quite a rich history as a brand, interestingly roots coming from where I live; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epiphone

So I guess to some the brand value is still there despite nowadays being known for an official copy brand of Gibson.

But the Asian version is around $600, chess a proper Gibson ES330 is around the same price as the Epiphone Casino. Am I missing something? The Epi Casino USA built seems over priced.

When Epis were all made in the US, comparable models were the same price as Gibson. Epiphone is older than Gibson and was always a high-end brand.
Yes, it's expensive in general but it's an American made, mostly hand crafted, hollow body archtop guitar. That's what they cost.
I'm sure there will be discounts once they've been around a while.

The nitro finish is a big % of the extra expense, also I suspect the way hollow-body guitar process might have differences to asian made guitars.

Interesting, I wonder how the process is different in Asia. I have a Baja Telecaster which is a custom shop design but made in Mexico It cost £800 but apparently they shipped all the parts to Mexico because it would have been too cost inhibitive to make in the USA and they said they probably wouldn't sell at the price they would have to sell them for. I wonder what the difference in labour costs is.

Also not to be taken lightly is that American labor is expensive and that Made In USA label insures that that axe will never drop in value.

Main thing I think is odd is that it's similarly priced to a true Gibson ES which is very similar unless the Casino is something special. In not very knowledgeable about hollow bodies.

As already mentioned, you're paying for a 'Made in the USA' sticker and what should be a hand crafted instument.

I must say that given the price tag, I would have expected true mother of pearl inlay instead of "acrylic"... !

But why is it practically the same price as a Gibson ES????????

Based on my knowledge (not very deep for these models ), in this case, the Epi is not the cheaper version of a Gibson model. Casino is originally Epiphone, so you would be getting the high end guitar. That's why the price is similar to other hollow body Gibson models.

This post has been edited by Gabriel Leopardi: Apr 5 2021, 12:56 AM

Does seem a pinch pricey but I'm very cost aware when it comes to gear as I always have to balance all of my gear needs from one pile of money. So buying a pricey guitar means less experimentation with new picks, pedals, etc. I try to keep guitar purchases at $500 or less which is why I rarely buy new guitars. Same thing with new cars, imho. Pricey at the dealership and then lose 20 percent of their value by the time you get them home. Some folks want that new car smell

Limited run, American made, etc.
Many real Epis, before Gibson bought them and eventually off shored them, were more expensive than Gibson guitars.
This ain't an Ibanez artcore hollowbody. It's a mostly handmade archtop thinline with great pkups and electronics.
Check prices on some hollowbodys made in the States, or England or Germany or in Japan. They're 3 grand whsc.
And to reiterate, this guitar can be an investment.
If you can find a late model Gibson es 330, maybe 2018 or so, they will be around $4000 US. *Satin finish will be less because the satin finish axes lose value. Don't ever buy a satin finished guitar if you think you may want to sell it.

This Casino will be heads and tails above its Asian counterpart. Don't get me wrong, the Asian Epis are good guitars for the price as are the Ibanez semi hollows (I know, I have one). But compared to a real 330 or 335, whether it be a Gibson or a US Epiphone, there's no comparison.

This post has been edited by klasaine: Apr 5 2021, 03:28 AM

Thanks for clarifying Ken

Also, and just for some perspective ...
An Epiphone 'Casino' or a Gibson ES-330 is a very different animal from either the Gibson es335, Epi 'Sheraton II' (Asian Epi 335 style - think Noel Gallagher) or the Ibanez AS series.
A 335 or a Sheraton or an Ibanez AS series has a solid center block which helps it reduce feedback but also results in a mostly solid body tone. You can get great (and indiscernible from) Les Paul tones with a 335 style axe.
The 330/Casino on the other is fully hollow. This requires some different and more complicated internal bracing. You also (ideally) need better quality wood for the top and back as they are going to vibrate much more and be much more influential on the tone of these fully hollow guitars.
The last year Gibson made an ES-330 was (near as I can tell) 2018 and they listed at $2999.00 US. Currently, used, they go for between $3000 and $4000 based on the model and if you want a vintage one - 5 to 7 grand.
Vintage Epi Casinos in decent to good condition will go anywhere from $4000 to $12,000 US. Here's a 1984 Japanese made Casino (Matsumoku factory) for sale for $2140.11 +$360.29 shipping ... https://reverb.com/item/38906797-epiphone-c...m_source=google

This post has been edited by klasaine: Apr 5 2021, 04:51 PM

Fascinating, thanks Ken

FRAN: This should be in the wiki!! Thanks ken!!