Londonbus Posted September 5, 2010 Share Posted September 5, 2010 Totally new here... First post. I have done some searching online but figured this is probably the best place to get some answers. I am very close to pulling the trigger on a sunburst "Inspired by" Lennon Casino. I had a question regarding the size of the neck... I have heard that the IBJL Casino has a somewhat beefier neck that the $599 "standard" Chinese Casinos, but I was curious if somebody (who maybe has both of these) could -A- confirm this is true and -B- give me somewhat of a description of just how they differ. Is it in the depth or the width of the neck? The Chinese "standards" I've played seemed a bit on the tiny side... Not something I couldn't live with for $599, but for closer to $1k I might start to take some issue with it. Secondly, I've seen some photos online where the SUNBURST finish can look very high gloss, and some photos where there was clearly a more "matte" look to it. Again, I'm referring to the sunburst finish. Which is it? I've also read that the build seems to be a slight improvement over the $599 Standard models. Any truth to that, or is this a case of people trying to justify their purchase decision? I've wanted a Casino for a long time, and the "inspired by" Casinos sound like exactly what I have wanted. However, before I pay the extra money over the standards, I want to make sure I am getting something more than just a $599 guitar with a expensive signature on it. Man, I used to drop thousands on guitars without thinking twice. Now that I'm older, it seems I don't have the extra $$$ to "make mistakes" with as I used to. A lot of questions, I know. ANY information about these guitars from current owners (or those who know)is really appreciated. :-k Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blofeld Posted September 5, 2010 Share Posted September 5, 2010 I've just gone through exactly the same decision over the last few weeks, so thought I'd register and share my thoughts, for what they're worth. I played a standard and IBJL in a local shop. I ended up buying the standard because I felt it was better made than the Lennon and had a slimmer neck. The standard happened to have been made in Korea last July (number begins 090721) but I was very open to a MIC. (I'd like to point out that for me, it just happened that particular IBJL example wasn't quite as good as the particular standard- disappointingly all 4 knobs were put on wonky, one tuner not on straight, for example. I'm disappointed in a way my experience adds to the MIK-is-better opinion) I'd say the neck on the JL is the same width, but is slightly deeper, more so towards the body. I wouldn't say it was quite as deep as a Sheraton I played for comparison. The finish seemed quite similar on both models; quite glossy. If it looks matte on some photos I personally think it's just the way it's been photographed without prominent reflections. The JL was more of a copper colour, and the dark burst more gradual. In terms of build quality, as I've mentioned I felt the particular JL wasn't as well made as the standard. My final (tough) decision came down to the fact I didn't feel comfortable spending the extra money. Sonically I would say the JL sounded a bit meatier; my standard was slightly more toppy. (the guy in the shop cranked up the amp full and came to this conclusion; I couldn't notice it that much) The switch was also a little more robust. The things I'd thought I preferred (the dark sides and back, blue label, 5-ply wood, nickel parts, ....and yes, that little logo) didn't matter so much when I saw them for myself. Your comments about wanting a casino for ages and feeling the JL is exactly the product for you echoes my own thoughts exactly. I wanted to buy the JL but in the end, I felt of the two examples I played the JL didn't feel enough like a more expensive instrument. Buying an instrument should be about what feels right to you, in my opinion. It's quite possible my experience is an exception. I got it just for a bit of fun at home, so if I get on with it I might in a year or two think about shopping again for an IBJL. Personally I felt the paint job on the standard is close to Mccartney's anyway so if you're a Beatle fan there's still 'inspiration'. Apologies for the I hope this might be of interest. Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gunner Posted September 5, 2010 Share Posted September 5, 2010 I have played the Chinese made standard several times in the store, owned a sunburst IBJL, and now own an Elitist. I didn't play any of the three side by side, but in my opinion the IBJL and Chinese standard neck were about the same. Definitely wider and deeper and more comfortable (to me) than the Elitist, but not a baseball bat either. The finish on the IBJL sunburst is definitely gloss (I believe the natural is matte). IMHO, the IBJL is the same wood and build quality as the Chinese standard, but with US quality electronics, a decent hardshell case, a cool old-school label on the inside, and a black grommet on the selector switch. Oh, and the neck is set at the 17th fret on the standard and the 16th fret on the IBJL. I think you could probably buy a standard and upgrade it to the IBJL quality for less than the $400 difference if you did the work yourself. I have never played a MIK Casino. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
66Justin Posted September 5, 2010 Share Posted September 5, 2010 I have planned on purchasing a new Casino for quite a while now. My cousin purchased a new MIC Casino about 4 months ago that I have played quite a few times. I finally did decide to spring for a new vintage sunburst IBJL Casino just a couple of weeks ago because Sweetwater made me a good deal at just over $850. I figured about $300 in difference was worth it to myself for the guitar and the hardshell case. After playing my IBJL as compared to my cousin's MIC Casino on his Vox VT50 amp I didn't notice any difference in sound. The difference I did notice however was in the finish. His MIC Casino had some sloppy finish work around the f-holes and the gloss doesn't look quite as nice a finish to me either. The neck however is exactly the same to me, thin, but not too thin. I felt as though both guitars felt the same all together, but maybe ( I could be imagining it), the MIC Casino felt a tiny bit more unbalanced than the IBJL Casino. Overall, I am very happy that I went with the IBJL Casino mainly because of the difference in finishes and the fact that it came with the hardshell case. The $300 difference I believe was worth it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Londonbus Posted September 5, 2010 Author Share Posted September 5, 2010 Now this was the type of information I was wanting to hear!... Some side-by-side comparisons firsthand as I live a few hours from any dealer where I could have checked for myself. Thank you guys so much! Blofeld, you sound like your criteria for selection is almost EXACTLY how I would be looking at one. I HAVE played several standard models and have never not liked one, and I had a sneaking suspicion that my desire for a IBJL was because I wanted to hear it was perfect. I suppose that since I know I would like a standard I should just go that route, as I know it would be a win/win (save some money, still have a guitar I like). As far as the CTS and Switchcraft parts, I have plenty of those components already around and can easily change that over myself, and I know I'll want to do that. The neck I can live with if they're the same width. I have a Japanese Gretsch Jet from the 90's with a pretty shallow depth neck, so no biggie there. Looks like a standard will be just fine for me. Plus I can take the extra $$$, buy a Bigsby B7 and go George on it (and still have $$$ left). Thanks for the input guys... Much appreciated. OH.... And if "Blofeld" is in reference to the James Bond villian, you are freakin' awesome in my book! I go to parties every Halloween as Blofeld (which everyone thinks is "Dr. Evil"...grrrrr) Interestingly, my normal look isn't too far off from Blofeld year round. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blofeld Posted September 6, 2010 Share Posted September 6, 2010 it would be a win/win (save some money, still have a guitar I like)Plus I can take the extra $$$, buy a Bigsby B7 and go George on it (and still have $$$ left). I got an Epi hardcase and Vox practice amp, and still saved plenty against the JL. (Can't quite work out 'Get Back' tone yet, but can nail most other Beatle tones from it I think.) Hope it works out for you, Londonbus. (In passing, if you like a bit of Bond I'd recommend the books; so much better than the films. Casino Royale, Goldfinger, Dr No are probably best.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cookieman15061 Posted September 6, 2010 Share Posted September 6, 2010 OK here goes. I currently own the IBJL Casino, a 2006 made in Korea Casino with bigs and had owned but recently sold a 2008 standard Casino. My IBJL is without question the better made guitar with the Gibson USA parts. The tone on the natural with the matte finish is better to my ears than the other two dipped in poly guitars. I love the satin neck and total feel of the Lennon. My 2006 is a beautiful guitar but I hated the awful humming it gave off, never stayed in tune, cheap wiring, pickups and switches. So as a last resort I gutted her. New electronics, nut and tuners. Now she plays as good as she looks but still with the added investment she a notch below the IBJL. The standard was just that. Nothing awful but nothing great. A muddiness to the pickups because of the cheap Chinese electronics that had me reaching for other guitars first. I was considering doing the same to this one as my 06 but when I got word of the IBJL I decided to wait. I know others opinions may differ but thats my experience. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bynapkinart Posted September 6, 2010 Share Posted September 6, 2010 I got an Epi hardcase and Vox practice amp, and still saved plenty against the JL. (Can't quite work out 'Get Back' tone yet, but can nail most other Beatle tones from it I think.) Which one? The Vox I mean. Oh yeah, on Get Back, the jangle comes from George's Tele and the honky lead stuff is John's Casino. Bridge PU with tone rolled off to about 1 works for me! Otherwise, I just dig the bridge open! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blofeld Posted September 6, 2010 Share Posted September 6, 2010 New electronics, nut and tuners. Now she plays as good as she looks but still with the added investment she a notch below the IBJL. From my understanding, the difference would probably be what the 5-ply construction of the JL adds to the sound. Have to say I loved the finish of the matte JL when I had a go a few weeks ago. Bynapkinart, I got the pathfinder 10. I can see a bit of reverb would be nice, but for what I need now it suits me great. I can get a great Taxman sound with the OD on, Revolution with the gain right up,a decent Nowhere Man, Clapton woman tone, so far. I spent 10 minutes the other day just enjoying playing about with the feedback . Thanks for the GB tip; I'll give it a go! (it's the lennon sound I was after) Looks like you have the ACTV's? Were I to upgrade I'd probably try one. Vox amps all look so great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taxman Posted September 7, 2010 Share Posted September 7, 2010 I have both the Standard (the burst) and the Inspired By. Both are superb. Again, BOTH are superb. But if we were to choose based upon price, for the money the Inspired By is the better deal. The better tuners, the better pickups, better electronics, better build, plus a case all make the extra 300 or so dollars money well spent. In all honesty, there really isn't much difference in the tuners, pickups, electronics, and build; but that slight difference that you do feel when you play is nice to have. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wardog Posted September 7, 2010 Share Posted September 7, 2010 i can not fully comment on the topic do to the fact i have just purchased my first hollowbady a few weeks ago. i got the natural due to a cat 4 used item on musicians friend website. the issue was produces no sound. I took a chance and won out big in the end, bad solder on the bridge pup. (cost and got all the goodies and case $416.00 us reason i decided to post was, to educate everyone on the pots in the ibjl casino's-- they are crap. to be honsest they are really crappy. now some my not have to but i would say you should expect to change them out. the only us electronics on them is the pups. the pots are not even alpha or cts. i could not see the brand on them. once i saw this i quickly ordered some cts pots and plan to use them and a orange drop cap, along with old style cloth and sheilded wire to update the electronics. yes, i agree it sounded awesome when i fixed the bad solder, but boy was i disappointed about the electronics. I loved the matte finish and would have gotten one in this finish it i would have spent 1k on it new. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Londonbus Posted September 7, 2010 Author Share Posted September 7, 2010 Thanks Wardog. I just assumed they would be alphas or cts because of the other US electronic parts. That is indeed disappointing. I just ordered the Standard BTW. I'll make my way over to a shop sometime before Christmas and check out a IBJL for sure. If it seems that much better I'll just buy the IBJL and sell the Standard. Who knows, maybe I'll just bite the bullet and get a US model by then. Once again, thanks a million for everyone's input. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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