docmeister53 Posted December 16, 2010 Share Posted December 16, 2010 Help! I know there has been some discussion about the pros and cons of the Casino and the Sheraton. I am a "novice" but sort of a collector and want to "complete" my "collection" with a thinline hollow body or semi-hollow body guitar. Have a Gibson Studio Worn LP, Fender Custom Shop Deluxe Strat. I love blues and jazz guitar -- BB King is my "King" so I figured Lucille would be the obvious choice, but everything I read suggests that all of these guitars have strengths. I have been told that I have the LP for a humbucker and the Strat for that "bell like" Fender sound. Does it make more sense to get a Casino with the P90s since I have a humbucker or would a semihollow body with humbuckers fit my tastes? I guess I could buy a couple more guitars, but I am not a professional and shouldn't even be looking for a third guitar. I actually feel somewhat like a poser since I am not that good a player. Everything is played thru a Fender HotRod Deluxe. Thanks for any suggestions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted December 16, 2010 Share Posted December 16, 2010 Help! I know there has been some discussion about the pros and cons of the Casino and the Sheraton. I am a "novice" but sort of a collector and want to "complete" my "collection" with a thinline hollow body or semi-hollow body guitar. Have a Gibson Studio Worn LP, Fender Custom Shop Deluxe Strat. I love blues and jazz guitar -- BB King is my "King" so I figured Lucille would be the obvious choice, but everything I read suggests that all of these guitars have strengths. I have been told that I have the LP for a humbucker and the Strat for that "bell like" Fender sound. Does it make more sense to get a Casino with the P90s since I have a humbucker or would a semihollow body with humbuckers fit my tastes? I guess I could buy a couple more guitars, but I am not a professional and shouldn't even be looking for a third guitar. I actually feel somewhat like a poser since I am not that good a player. Everything is played thru a Fender HotRod Deluxe. Thanks for any suggestions. Go out, and play all of them! It's the only real way you'll know what you like, when you hear it, or how it plays, as well. I'm fortunate enough, to own all three (Vintage 1966 USA Casino, AIUSA Sheraton w/mini-humbuckers, and Gibson "Lucille!" They are ALL "great," and ALL different, as well...in tone, feel, looks, etc. If you are a novice "Collector," maybe what you need to do, is decide which one you want to get "first?!" (Smile) I'm sorry...but I can't really recommend one, over the other's. Really depends, on what music you like to play, the tones you want, and (maybe?) price point. Try them all...it's the only way to know. Added: One thing I will say, is "Lucille" feeds back less, than the other 2, having no "f" holes...and, the Casino feeds back, easiest, all things being equal. But, Casino's have wonderful tone, too. Very fat, articulate, and warm. The Sheraton and Lucille will have better upper fret access, as the Casino neck joint, is at the 16 fret (or 17th on Korean models). CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
docmeister53 Posted December 16, 2010 Author Share Posted December 16, 2010 Thanks. Only problem is that all i can find locally are a Sheraton and a few Dots. No Lucille or Casinos. And to be honest, I know what "feels" good, but I don't have the playing down enough to really tell. to be honest, I was expecting exactly what you recommended. All very good advice and ultimately, I think you are right. That's why I am looking at Epiphone instead of Gibson right now. Probably would be better off investing in lessons rather than guitars (just don't leave me with anything to look at) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hungrycat Posted December 16, 2010 Share Posted December 16, 2010 I don't know what your budget is, but have you seen the new Gem Series Lucilles? Dear Lord, the white one is gorgeous. I don't know if they're $3600 worth of gorgeous, but... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
midiman56 Posted December 16, 2010 Share Posted December 16, 2010 I think CB did his usual great job summing things up ... That being said, I've mentioned on here a few times that, to my ears, Dots, Lucilles (I own a MIK Epiphone)and other humbucker-equipped semi's don't sound amazingly different from solid body Les Pauls ... a bit "thinner" and noticably less sustain ... buy very similar in most respects. A P90 equipped guitar would make sense sonically as you are building a collection based on various tones. I don't own a Casino yet, but I do love my P93 Riveriera. Great look, great player, and a sound all it's own. As for improving your playing as opposed to your guitar collection ... that is a very valid and "honest" point to make, Doc. I will also add that, sometimes, getting your hands on the "right" instrument can be truly cathartic. Often, a certain instrument will make you a better player, or at least open up your desire to build your skills. Good luck and have fun with it ... that's important! Jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
docmeister53 Posted December 16, 2010 Author Share Posted December 16, 2010 Wow! Thanks for all the input.. Would love to have a Gibson Lucille, but...I think I should wait on that one... Figured that I could probably get the tone I am looking for with either of the guitars I have.. Love watching the video of BB, Buddy Guy, Jimmie Vaughn and Eric Clapton playing on stage.. Then you really can hear the difference in style.. I have been leaning towards the hollow body Casino. Now I have to decide on a "plain" Casino, vs JL inspired vs. Elitist...Always a choice. Tell me a little bit about the Riveria? Semihollow body? I really appreciate your taking the time to provide me with information. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobouz Posted December 16, 2010 Share Posted December 16, 2010 For the most tonal variety: Do not pass go, do not collect $200, move directly to a P90 Casino! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brianh Posted December 16, 2010 Share Posted December 16, 2010 I have been leaning towards the hollow body Casino. Now I have to decide on a "plain" Casino, vs JL inspired vs. Elitist...Always a choice. Tell me a little bit about the Riveria? Semihollow body? If you can afford it, get an Elitist Casino. Otherwise, the IBJL Casio has the USA electronics. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
docmeister53 Posted December 16, 2010 Author Share Posted December 16, 2010 Thanks again for all the good advice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Versatile Posted December 16, 2010 Share Posted December 16, 2010 Just to chip in with 0.02's worth The Casino, as mentioned is a great characterful guitar And BB King, pre Lucille, played an ES330 which is almost identical to a Casino V Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
docmeister53 Posted December 17, 2010 Author Share Posted December 17, 2010 Does Gibson even make a comparable hollowbody anymore? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bonzoboy Posted December 17, 2010 Share Posted December 17, 2010 I have 2 Casinos-a '65 John Lennon model and an '08 MIC natural and they're both great but the John Lennon is truly a masterpiece and I'm not given to hyperbole but it is simply the finest guitar of all my 26 and is in fact the best guitar I've ever played.I guess it comes as no surprise that I suggest Casino. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hungrycat Posted December 17, 2010 Share Posted December 17, 2010 Does Gibson even make a comparable hollowbody anymore? Yes. Custom Shop ES-330L, $2,499 at Musician's Friend, available in Antique Cherry Red, Beale St. Blue, or Sunburst. http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Gibson-Custom-Custom-ES330L-Electric-Guitar?sku=527894 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pennyman Posted December 17, 2010 Share Posted December 17, 2010 I wasn't planning on commenting in this thread since you specifically mentioned the three types of guitars you were interested in, but seeing as how you noticed the WildKat in the other thread, I guess I'll toss my hat in the ring. The WildKat is semi-hollow, thin-body, larger than an LP and smaller than a Sheraton or Casino. P90 goodness, and a Bigsby. Sure, that combo isn't everybody's cup o' meat, but if you're feeling open-minded, you might just like it. It takes a good setup and a little bit of babying to keep in tune (others have reported differently), but I can get a real nice variety of tones out of it, from clean to crunch. And she turns heads. Oh heck, any excuse to show off again! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
epi-curious Posted December 17, 2010 Share Posted December 17, 2010 I wasn't planning on commenting in this thread since you specifically mentioned the three types of guitars you were interested in, but seeing as how you noticed the WildKat in the other thread, I guess I'll toss my hat in the ring. The WildKat is semi-hollow, thin-body, larger than an LP and smaller than a Sheraton or Casino. P90 goodness, and a Bigsby. Sure, that combo isn't everybody's cup o' meat, but if you're feeling open-minded, you might just like it. It takes a good setup and a little bit of babying to keep in tune (others have reported differently), but I can get a real nice variety of tones out of it, from clean to crunch. And she turns heads. Oh heck, any excuse to show off again! I should have picked one of these up when they were first issued. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
docmeister53 Posted December 17, 2010 Author Share Posted December 17, 2010 Decisions, Decisions.. That is one beautiful guitar. I have always liked the looks of the very thin bodied guitars, but this gorgeous. And when I get right down to it, I am not sure of the exact sound that I am trying to acheive. I guess I want to have options. But more imporatantly, I think I want a "work of art." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
docmeister53 Posted December 17, 2010 Author Share Posted December 17, 2010 So now I am looking at the Wildkat. Amazing looking guitar. Probably would fit the bill for what I am looking for - maybe not quite the Casino tone, but... Only problem is that even at Guitar Center here, they have a Sheraton and a few Dots. On ebay, with some choices, but there is something to be said for being able to hold it before buying it. Read reviews - some mixed. One said it should be a "first" guitar. Not sure why. Some love the fit and finish. Others have concerns about it. I probably need to "step away from the guitar" for a little while and think about it.. Thanks for listening and all the advice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parabar Posted December 17, 2010 Share Posted December 17, 2010 Versatile wrote: And BB King, pre Lucille, played an ES330 which is almost identical to a Casino Well --- sort of. Early in his career, B.B. played many different guitars, including the ES-330 and even an ES-175 (and he called them ALL "Lucille"). For the most part, though, (including his best-known recordings) he played ES-355's, the fancier version of the ES-335 (much like a Sheraton), which is a semi-hollow guitar with humbuckers. B.B.'s specifications for his signature model started with this design, and eliminated the f-holes to reduce feedback, added the Varitone switch for more tonal variety, the fine-tuning TP-6 tailpiece, and stereo outputs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supersonic Posted December 17, 2010 Share Posted December 17, 2010 Well --- sort of. Early in his career, B.B. played many different guitars, including the ES-330 and even an ES-175 (and he called them ALL "Lucille"). For the most part, though, (including his best-known recordings) he played ES-355's, the fancier version of the ES-335 (much like a Sheraton), which is a semi-hollow guitar with humbuckers. B.B.'s specifications for his signature model started with this design, and eliminated the f-holes to reduce feedback, added the Varitone switch for more tonal variety, the fine-tuning TP-6 tailpiece, and stereo outputs. He was quite fond of ES-345's too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
docmeister53 Posted December 17, 2010 Author Share Posted December 17, 2010 What's not to be fond of???? Hey Pennyman. I found 3 Wildkats for sale on ebay. 1 demo 2 new. For $399-599. should I go for it and put everyone who has been listening to my questions out their misery? Also a few Alley Kats... oh no.... Should just go to Guitar Center and pickup something they have.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pennyman Posted December 17, 2010 Share Posted December 17, 2010 Yeah, there's definitely something to be said for "Try before you buy" especially with guitars. When I was looking for mine, I had found another one in cherry burst, but when I played it, it was a major letdown - wretched intonation, sharp fret ends... I found this one at another shop nearby, and it was night and day. Maybe your local GC can bring one in for you to try on a no-obligation basis (?) Hit Sledge up with some questions, too - he's the one with the tiger-stripe 'Kat in that other thread. I was actually considering buying his at one point, but our signals got crossed and it never worked out. Nice guy, good-looking guitar, and he's taken care of it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tweed1 Posted December 18, 2010 Share Posted December 18, 2010 Three reasons that I ended up getting a Casino, over the other choices. First, I had just discovered P90 pickups, so that was a must. Second, I had just gone through several wraparound tailpieces and was tired of trying to find the solution to comfort (where I place my hand when I pick) and intonation. I swore that my next guitar would have a trapeze tailpiece. Finally, I sold a Gibson Melody maker (P90) and an acoustic to get a comprimise guitar. I needed an electric guitar that would also take the place of an acoustic when unplugged. The Casino does a pretty good job at all three. As far as the feedback problem you hear about, I have no issue with it. I can get it, when I want it. And it's easy to control. Take a listen to "Listen" on one of the early Chicago albums when they still had Terry Kath. I can nail that and even get more harmonics if I want. The Casino is the second most fun guitar I've ever owned. It all depends on what you want. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillyGibson Posted December 18, 2010 Share Posted December 18, 2010 Being totaly objective, with no biases toward either guitar, I would go with the Casino. Perhaps one in cherry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
docmeister53 Posted December 18, 2010 Author Share Posted December 18, 2010 Again, thanks. Casino certainly sounds like the go to guitar for now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brianh Posted December 18, 2010 Share Posted December 18, 2010 Decisions, Decisions.. That is one beautiful guitar. I have always liked the looks of the very thin bodied guitars, but this gorgeous. And when I get right down to it, I am not sure of the exact sound that I am trying to acheive. I guess I want to have options. But more imporatantly, I think I want a "work of art." Well, um: http://forum.gibson.com/index.php?/topic/59552-hnbmwtgd/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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