Leos Posted September 18, 2013 Share Posted September 18, 2013 Has anyone done the comparison first hand ? I have just ordered the Casino 65 Elitist as the ES-330 in the new 16.fret join version is simply too expensive for me. I would have preferred a Gibson though. Only now I see that it got a little brother in the ES-390 albeit with a smaller body and mini humbuckers instead of P90's - but still fully hollow. Anyone made a comparison between either the Casino or ES-330 and this new comer ? I could cancel the Casino and order the ES-390 as its not *that* more expensive... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonyj Posted September 29, 2013 Share Posted September 29, 2013 Has anyone done the comparison first hand ? I have just ordered the Casino 65 Elitist as the ES-330 in the new 16.fret join version is simply too expensive for me. I would have preferred a Gibson though. Only now I see that it got a little brother in the ES-390 albeit with a smaller body and mini humbuckers instead of P90's - but still fully hollow. Anyone made a comparison between either the Casino or ES-330 and this new comer ? I could cancel the Casino and order the ES-390 as its not *that* more expensive... The mini-humbuckers of the ES-390, and the P90s of the Elitist Casino and the ES-330, are like apples and oranges. They are very different. Admittedly the only experience of the 'mini-humbuckers' that I really have is on my '76 Les Paul DeLuxe. On that guitar they really do a superb job, but as I say, they are much different to a P90. As for P90s I have them on a number of guitars including Les Paul Juniors and Specials, which are some of my very favourite guitars. I also have an Elitist '65 RI Casino plus a recently acquired ES-330 '59 RI - both of which are truly fine guitars. They both carry US-made P90s. Which do I prefer? Neither at this stage, as my ES is simply still too new to make a fair judgement. As far as workmanship and quality of assembly are concerned I would suggest that perhaps the edge goes to the Casino. Not that the the ES-330 is not put together in a totally workmanlike way, because it is. It's just that the MIJ Casino simply radiates a 'superior quality' when compared to almost any other guitar, and little things like the finish on the 330 are not quite as good as the Elitist, although admittedly the VOS finish on the Gibson hardware is very well done. The Elitist Casino also has a superb fitted case, which also adds to the feeling of having something a little special. Confusing I know..... As far as sound goes ...... Well, the Elitist Casino has US-made Gibson P90s, which are an excellent p'up, and the ES-330 VOS has a lower scatter wound Gibson CS P90s, which carry a more 'vintage' sound. Subtley different. The Casino has Nickel plated dog eared covers on its P90s, whilst the 330 has the black plastic covers. Some new 330s also have two piece tops and backs - mine, for some reason, has a one piece top and back. The Elitist Casino also has a one piece top and back. The Elitist Casino is also less expensive. Both are comfortable players. OK, back to the ES-390. From a size point of view, the 390 is likely the same size as an ES-339, a guitar I am very familiar with. I love the size of the 339 - but as many players will attest to, the Casino and the ES-330 can make great couch guitars and can be played and enjoyed accoustically, with acceptable results. The ES-339 and likely the ES-390 will be less acceptable accoustically due to the smaller size of the sound box. Picky I know, but something to consider. To me the biggest 'plus' for the Elitist '65 RI Casino - or the ES-330 - is the magnificent P90s they both carry. These, are great guitars. The MIJ Elitist Casino is also, without doubt, one of the best of the 'great value for the money paid' guitars out there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leos Posted October 1, 2013 Author Share Posted October 1, 2013 Hi Tony, Thanks for the reply. I actually pulled the trigger on the Elitist Casino last week and couldnt be happier - although I actually could, but that is for another subject altogether. The guitar I received had some finnishing flaws on the fretboard. So I am in doubt whether or not to keep that guitar. But I am no longer in doubt that it will be a Casino Elitist now, since it plays soooo great. I love everything about it, and the accoustic sound of it is so clean and ringing like a bell I could not beleive it. Much better in fact than my old MIJ pre-elitist and in another league entirely than the dead sounding IBLJ I tried in a shop recently. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soundjunkie Posted October 1, 2013 Share Posted October 1, 2013 I wasn't too thrilled with the es-390 I bought. The bridge pup was weak and the volume and tone pots did not have much taper. Also, the position of the strap button on the trapeze made the guitar extremely unbalanced. Great finish and craftsmanship though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonyj Posted October 2, 2013 Share Posted October 2, 2013 I wasn't too thrilled with the es-390 I bought. The bridge pup was weak and the volume and tone pots did not have much taper. Also, the position of the strap button on the trapeze made the guitar extremely unbalanced. Great finish and craftsmanship though. Interesting ..... what year or 'model' was your ES-330 'soundjunkie'? I have not had any functional or significant cosmetic issues so far with mine, which is a 2012 Memphis CS '59 RI. As I said in my previous post, it is a fine guitar. Just a couple of minor criticisms relating to 'finish'. For instance the edges of the headstock look like they might have been somewhat 'dusty' before they were given the final spray - this is not a VOS related issue IMO, just someone not making sure all surfaces were smooth and clean before that final spray. A relatively minor issue I suppose, but Leos was asking for comparisons between the two guitars, in his post. The Elitist Casino has no such issues; it is a truly fine guitar. In almost every other respect my 330 is also a fine guitar and overall, one I am extremely happy to own. I have absolutely no desire to part with it, either now or in the future. Too bad 'soundjunkie' was not happy with his ES-330. This should not happen with a guitar that has such an iconic history as both of these guitars seem to have. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leos Posted October 2, 2013 Author Share Posted October 2, 2013 Too bad 'soundjunkie' was not happy with his ES-330. This should not happen with a guitar that has such an iconic history as both of these guitars seem to have. I think his comment was related to the ES-390. I own a Gibson Les Paul standard I bought last year after trying out a bunch. At the time I was strictly focused on sound and playability and only made sure the guitar didnt have any obvious finnishing flaws. However, comparing the build quality of the Casino and the LP, the Casino comes out on top and not by a small margin. All details is finnished to a very very high level of accuracy - very impressive. They goofed up on polishing the fretboard, but I guess these things happens - just unlucky. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonyj Posted October 2, 2013 Share Posted October 2, 2013 I think his comment was related to the ES-390. I own a Gibson Les Paul standard I bought last year after trying out a bunch. At the time I was strictly focused on sound and playability and only made sure the guitar didnt have any obvious finnishing flaws. However, comparing the build quality of the Casino and the LP, the Casino comes out on top and not by a small margin. All details is finnished to a very very high level of accuracy - very impressive. They goofed up on polishing the fretboard, but I guess these things happens - just unlucky. Whoops .... sorry everyone! I 'm getting my ES's all mixed up. Thank you 'Leos' for pointing that out, and sorry 'soundjunkie' for the misreading of your 390 experiences. No excuses! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gnappi Posted October 9, 2013 Share Posted October 9, 2013 Has anyone done the comparison first hand ? I have just ordered the Casino 65 Elitist as the ES-330 in the new 16.fret join version is simply too expensive for me. I would have preferred a Gibson though. Only now I see that it got a little brother in the ES-390 albeit with a smaller body and mini humbuckers instead of P90's - but still fully hollow. Anyone made a comparison between either the Casino or ES-330 and this new comer ? I could cancel the Casino and order the ES-390 as its not *that* more expensive... I have both a 330 and Casino, for my part they're equal in everything but cost. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DC42 Posted November 11, 2013 Share Posted November 11, 2013 I have both a 330 and Casino, for my part they're equal in everything but cost. Hey gnappi...nice duo there. Is the Casino a "standard" model or special - vintage one? I originally ordered a Lennon Casino a while back and had to return it. The retailer mistakenly sent back a "standard" model but I kept it (and have been happy). Curious on the differences between the various Casinos. To stay on topic I really was gaga over those 390's but settled on a Sorrento due to budget constraints. Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jayyj Posted November 11, 2013 Share Posted November 11, 2013 Here are my two - '90s Fuji Gen Casino and '65 ES-330, both with added Bigsby B6s. The 330 is my favourite guitar, incredibly resonant and dynamic. The Casino is far brighter with a harder edge to it. It also has a neck like a Jazz bass, but I've managed to adjust. The 330 neck is perfect. I had the chance to play an Elitist Casino recently, and thought it better made than the earlier MIJ, and with a neck profile fairly to a real'65. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Notes_Norton Posted November 15, 2013 Share Posted November 15, 2013 I have a Casino and a 1970 330. The main difference for me is high fret access. When unplugged the Gibson does sound better (better wood) but plugged in the Epi with aftermarker P90s rocks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DC42 Posted November 15, 2013 Share Posted November 15, 2013 I have a Casino and a 1970 330. The main difference for me is high fret access. When unplugged the Gibson does sound better (better wood) but plugged in the Epi with aftermarker P90s rocks. Quite a pair indeed! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Notes_Norton Posted November 18, 2013 Share Posted November 18, 2013 Quite a pair indeed! Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gnappi Posted November 26, 2013 Share Posted November 26, 2013 Hey gnappi...nice duo there. Is the Casino a "standard" model or special - vintage one? I originally ordered a Lennon Casino a while back and had to return it. The retailer mistakenly sent back a "standard" model but I kept it (and have been happy). Curious on the differences between the various Casinos. To stay on topic I really was gaga over those 390's but settled on a Sorrento due to budget constraints. Dave It's a standard newer model not vintage Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian AC Posted June 19, 2014 Share Posted June 19, 2014 Hi all - I have owned in the past an elitist casino, es390 and currently have the 330 vos. All are great guitars but the one I still have is the 330. Comments on the others: Elite casino - fabulous build quality, chimed acoustically but terrible rattle from retaining wire on bridge. Could have fixed, but sold on. When I sold it I regretted it, and was looking for another hollow body from then on. Es 390: bought this, finish and aesthetics great (faded cherry!!). Sound of minis great, very comfortable to play. Found the acoustic sound not quite to my taste so sold on (I play a lot acoustically) Es 330 vos (sunburst): looks great, lightweight, super comfy neck (and I normally like 60s neck), chimed acoustically and plugged in the p90s are sensational. Real variety of sound possible through using tone controls. To summarise, all are great - I definitely prefer the sound from the bigger bodies - and for me the 330 vos has it all (looks, sound, playability). But all 3 are great instruments. I will never sell the 330! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4Hayden Posted June 20, 2014 Share Posted June 20, 2014 I have both a 330 and Casino, for my part they're equal in everything but cost. I wish Epi would shorten their head stock Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
g6120 Posted June 22, 2014 Share Posted June 22, 2014 I have a Casino Inspired and a ES 330 VOS both a like very much . My advice play all three decide and buy and if its the ES 330 wait a save until you have the cash . Buy smart once save time and $ in the long run . For me its the ES 330 VOS it has it all over the rest you mentioned in my opinion . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.