donthecon Posted January 21, 2021 Share Posted January 21, 2021 Hi everyone I recently bought an Epiphone Casino, and while I both absolutely love the looks of it (Pau Ferro looked amazing), the acoustic sound and its playability/feel (the edges of the binding were nicely rolled and I love the slimtaper D neck, reminds me of my old spanish guitar), I was having a few issues both with some rattling from the bridge/hardware (including the bridge pickup vibrating) when strumming, the pickup toggle switch being loose, but most importantly the sound of the pickups. I found them to be very hot and muddy, especially the neck pickup, with rumbling noises coming out of the amp when playing the bass strings. I tried to adjust the EQ on the amp, but it didn't help significantly. I have a cheap 20w Harley Benton amp, but my fender Strat sounds clean with every setting. I have heard complaints about the pickups in the casinos being overwound, but didn't expect them to be this muddy. It's a shame because I really bonded with the guitar, but I think I might have to return it and get an Epiphone ES-335 that came out a few months ago. I know they are 2 completely different guitars, but I've heard the humbuckers are lower output compared to the casino p90s. Would you also have returned the casino if you didn't bond with the pickups even though the playability was perfect? And has anyone had any experience with the new ES-335's? Thank you for taking the time! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cunningham26 Posted January 21, 2021 Share Posted January 21, 2021 Muddiness is a pretty common complaint with epi pickups, so even if you switch to the 335 you may still find yourself frustrated. you could try to swap out pickups esp if you go the humbucker route, there are plenty out there. If you have only been playing a single-coil strat through that amp, I'd definitely check whether it's the amp just reacting to something with a little more oomph, esp if it's a lower-end amp. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
donthecon Posted January 21, 2021 Author Share Posted January 21, 2021 Thanks for the answer! I was also concerned with the 335 maybe having the same issue with muddiness.. but either way it would be easier to swap the pickups compared to the casino, right? I've heard its a pain to swap the dogeared p90s due to the different size dimensions.. With the Strat and casino being the only guitars I have, I don't know how to check my amp... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cunningham26 Posted January 21, 2021 Share Posted January 21, 2021 swapping pickups on either will be kind of a pain because most of the work is in and out of the f-holes. there will definitely be more range/selection of HB pickups than dogears but you can up the quality of the p90s pretty easily (if not inexpensively). if you're not certain your amp isn't causing the trouble, I'd bring your casino into a shop, say you wanna test out some amps with your own guitar, and see if a similar sized amp has the same issues. most places should have a blues jr or AC15 kicking around and who knows if the guitar sounds great, you can walk outta there with a new amp! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt4356 Posted January 21, 2021 Share Posted January 21, 2021 Define 'muddy'? I honestly think this is a term we have come to accept as an excuse for what we deem a cheaper product. I own a few epiphone guitars with different pickups from the past 25 years, I've only changed one pickup and that was though boredom really. Some pickups are darker or bass heavy but I can almost guarantee that given the correct set up and some adjustments to the way your setting the amp, you will find a tone you are happy with. If not p90s aren't for you. From experience most pickups don't come correctly set up from the factory, the pole peices should be curved to the same as the fretboard radius, 12 inch in this case. Also as dog ear pickups aren't hight adjustable, check how far the poles are screwed out. Your amp settings for me should be way different to the settings used with a strat, for instance I have a vox and with my p90 guitars I would have bass at about 9 o'clock, treble at about 1 o'clock. Gain about 12. Also don't forget the importance of the volume and tone controls, they are crucial with p90s. Good luck, remember its supposed to be fun. Hopefully you work something out. We have all been there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
donthecon Posted January 25, 2021 Author Share Posted January 25, 2021 On 1/21/2021 at 6:46 PM, cunningham26 said: swapping pickups on either will be kind of a pain because most of the work is in and out of the f-holes. there will definitely be more range/selection of HB pickups than dogears but you can up the quality of the p90s pretty easily (if not inexpensively). if you're not certain your amp isn't causing the trouble, I'd bring your casino into a shop, say you wanna test out some amps with your own guitar, and see if a similar sized amp has the same issues. most places should have a blues jr or AC15 kicking around and who knows if the guitar sounds great, you can walk outta there with a new amp! Thats good to know, how can I up the quality of the p90s easily/inexpensively? And great advice! I tried running my casino through a focusrite audio interface instead of the amp - really made a massive difference, so I am keeping the guitar and soon going amp-shopping. On 1/21/2021 at 7:16 PM, Matt4356 said: Define 'muddy'? I honestly think this is a term we have come to accept as an excuse for what we deem a cheaper product. I own a few epiphone guitars with different pickups from the past 25 years, I've only changed one pickup and that was though boredom really. Some pickups are darker or bass heavy but I can almost guarantee that given the correct set up and some adjustments to the way your setting the amp, you will find a tone you are happy with. If not p90s aren't for you. From experience most pickups don't come correctly set up from the factory, the pole peices should be curved to the same as the fretboard radius, 12 inch in this case. Also as dog ear pickups aren't hight adjustable, check how far the poles are screwed out. Your amp settings for me should be way different to the settings used with a strat, for instance I have a vox and with my p90 guitars I would have bass at about 9 o'clock, treble at about 1 o'clock. Gain about 12. Also don't forget the importance of the volume and tone controls, they are crucial with p90s. Good luck, remember its supposed to be fun. Hopefully you work something out. We have all been there. Tried playing with the pots and running it through my AI and as you said, I found a tone I was happy with. Thanks for the advice! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hollowdan Posted January 27, 2021 Share Posted January 27, 2021 I've had several Epiphones, and generally, I found the pickups to be of good if not great quality. I swapped out the three P90's in my Riviera P93 with boutique pickups, and regretted it not being stock. I personally think it is about EQ in most cases and it takes a bit of work to get the bridge intonated and the height of the saddles right. Once all of that is done, dial it in and enjoy playing. If the bridge rattles, it is the retainer wire (not sure the name of that piece), I believe. Maybe a Wilkinson roller bridge or another option could be considered? Too many players love these guitars and use them to perform, so I think such problems are minor and typical of any new instrument. Adaptations and adjustments always need to be made, right? Enjoy your Casino! Congratulations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larsongs Posted January 29, 2021 Share Posted January 29, 2021 Casino’s are not ES335 type Guitars.. Both are great, both are different sounding Guitars... What kind of Sound do you want? It sounds like you got the made in China Entry level Casino. About $600.00 USA.. They are good Guitars but the Asian P90’s are less than desirable... Replacing them would completely change the Sound for the better... USA Gibson P90’s, Fralins, Lollars or Duncan’s would make it sound amazing... The other alternative is to return it & buy a Used IBJL, Elite or Elitist Casino... A little more expensive but all are extremely good quality Guitars with USA Gibson P90’s which sound fantastic... That is if you want the Single Coil sound... If you want Humbuckers that’s something else.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pablocap2006 Posted September 16, 2021 Share Posted September 16, 2021 In this video Jack Fossett describes the problem of unbalanced casino pickups and gives a simple trick (4:22) that worked for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jifov38653 Posted November 27, 2023 Share Posted November 27, 2023 On 1/21/2021 at 2:58 PM, donthecon said: Hi everyone I recently bought an Epiphone Casino, and while I both absolutely love the looks of it (Pau Ferro looked amazing), the acoustic sound and its playability/feel (the edges of the binding were nicely rolled and I love the slimtaper D neck, reminds me of my old spanish guitar), I was having a few issues both with some rattling from the bridge/hardware (including the bridge pickup vibrating) when strumming, the pickup toggle switch being loose, but most importantly the sound of the pickups. I found them to be very hot and muddy, especially the neck pickup, with rumbling noises coming out of the amp when playing the bass strings. I tried to adjust the EQ on the amp, but it didn't help significantly. I have a cheap 20w Harley Benton amp, but my fender Strat sounds clean with every setting. I have heard complaints about the pickups in the casinos being overwound, but didn't expect them to be this muddy. It's a shame because I really bonded with the guitar, but I think I might have to return it and get an Epiphone ES-335 that came out a few months ago. I know they are 2 completely different guitars, but I've heard the humbuckers are lower output compared to the casino p90s. Would you also have returned the casino if you didn't bond with the pickups even though the playability was perfect? And has anyone had any experience with the new ES-335's? Thank you for taking the time! It's totally reasonable to think about returning your Epiphone Casino if you're having problems with the pickups and it's affecting your overall satisfaction with the guitar—especially if you're still within the return window. Bring your Casino to a qualified guitar tech or luthier for setup. They can fix any loose or rattling parts, as well as modify the action and intonation. Try lowering and raising the pickups' heights. Sometimes, lowering them a little bit helps lessen muddiness. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erin_Jacob Posted November 28, 2023 Share Posted November 28, 2023 (edited) 17 hours ago, jifov38653 said: It's totally reasonable to think about returning your Epiphone Casino if you're having problems with the pickups and it's affecting your overall satisfaction with the guitar—especially if you're still within the return window. Bring your Casino to a qualified guitar tech or luthier for setup. They can fix any loose or rattling parts, as well as modify the action and intonation. Try lowering and raising the pickups' heights. Sometimes, lowering them a little bit helps lessen muddiness. Regarding the Epi Casino being excessively hot, I can definitely identify with that intensity, as it is similar to the highs and lows of gambling. As a gambler, you do realize that the struggle is real? It takes both skill and a little bit of luck to control the intensity of the game. Speaking of which, the playsafecasino service has helped me find my comfort zone. It provides security and an enjoyable gaming experience, making it my reliable companion in the world of casinos. Check out this source if you're as excited about low-wagering casino bonuses as I am—it's changed my life. Cheers to awesome victories and awesome guitars! I hope the music and cards work out well for you! Continue striking those chords and rolling those dice! Great point. I think that it`s absolutely, it's a good idea to consider returning your Epiphone Casino. It could make sense to return the guitar for a replacement or look into other models that better fit your tastes if, after considering these possibilities, you're still not satisfied with the pickups. Edited November 28, 2023 by Erin_Jacob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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