MIJ, good as an equivalent TOkai in my book. These 80s Japanese built guitars are fantastic quality, but as they're not so well known as a brand, they often sell for a lot less than their quality merits. Epiphone E519 Hardshell Case for 335-Style Guitars 129.00 No Credit Check. The ES-335 had full size humbuckers, while the Sheraton & Riviera had mini-humbuckers. Epiphone Casino Archtop Hollowbody Left-Handed Electric Guitar (with Gig Bag).

A lot of these go on ebay, often with hardshell case, for around 200 quid.Įqually, on the used market I wouldn't rule out a Westone Rainbow - see e.g. 1958 > Gibson ES-335 & Epiphone Sheraton 1959 > Gibson ES-330 1961 > Epiphone Casino 1962 > Epiphone Riviera Only the ES-330 & Casino were fully hollow w/P-90s. The regular MIK Epis are superb if you take the time to select the best one you can find - not as good as the gibson, BUT IMHO infinitely better value for money: at about a quarter of the price, you're getting a guitar that's a lot better than half as good. That is the reason so many models, types etc. Casino close 2nd but I am sure others may have different opinions. I gather these are not officially available here anymor,e so yuo might find a good deal on one used, especially as (and i think herein lies the root of them not taking off here) they were perceived as expensive Epis rather than 'cheaper gibsons' (if they'd called em MIJ Gibson, they'd have not been able to make them fast enough) - on the second hand market they should go for a really good deal as a player's guitar rather than a brand. Epiphone ES-335 Pro is much better than the Dot. The Epi Elite range - if you can find one - are every bit as good as a Gibby, unless you have a hang up re cellulose lacquer. if it's one of the US built Epis, then it's certainly as good as the Gibson.

Epiphone casino vs 335