Epiphone - Product Introduction: Extra Edition

Hello!
Though I intended to conclude this blog series about Epiphone guitars in three parts, there are still many captivating Epiphone models left to discuss.
Moreover, I realized that I hadn’t covered the most iconic Epiphone guitar in the previous entries.
So, here’s an extra edition! I’d like to introduce four more Epiphone guitars that I just couldn’t leave out.

These guitars range from classic, historically significant models to those that blend traditional styles with modern elements.
This is a must-read for anyone considering purchasing a full or semi-acoustic guitar.

So now, let’s dive into the extra edition of the Epiphone guitar special feature.

Epiphone / Casino Vintage Sunburst

The Casino is designed based on the ES-330.
This is synonymous with Epiphone and needless to say, it’s a masterpiece of guitars.
Many of you might already be well-acquainted with this legendary guitar, but let me give a brief overview.
Its primary features include a full hollow body with P-90 single-coil pickups and a trapeze tailpiece (nicknamed the “swing tailpiece”).
The hollow body offers a rich, resonant tone, which is the best feature.
In addition, the trapeze tailpiece enhances the natural reverb of the guitar.
The downside is that the hollow body is prone to feedback and the trapeze tailpiece can reduce sustain.
However, every instrument has its flaws, which should be noted.
The Casino’s P-90 pickups with metal dog-ear covers are undeniably stylish.
This guitar is versatile enough to be used in rock, jazz, pop, and more.

Epiphone / Riviera Sparkling Burgundy

The Riviera is designed based on the ES-335.
It differs from the Casino with its semi-hollow body that features a center block.
You might wonder about the difference between full and semi-hollow guitars.
Full hollow bodies are empty inside, while semi-hollows have a block of wood running through the center or at the back.
Don’t underestimate this feature. This center block mitigates the feedback issues of full hollow bodies and provides richer sustain.
Another highlight is the adjustable LockTone Tune-O-Matic bridge and Frequensator tailpiece.
The Frequensator tailpiece, split into two sections, balances string tension between the wound and plain strings, making it easier to play compared to typical guitars.
It’s an excellent choice for those with less grip strength or for female guitarists because this guitar is easier to play with lower tension than general guitars.

Epiphone / Sheraton Vintage Sunburst (Frequensator)

Based on the ES-355, the Sheraton stands out with its luxurious appearance.
Gold hardware, Tree of Life inlay on the headstock, block inlays on the fretboard, and cell binding. All these features make it stunning.
The key difference from the popular Casino lies in its pickups.
While the Casino uses P-90s (single coils), the Sheraton is equipped with mini humbuckers.
These pickups provide less power but a brighter high-end compared to standard humbuckers, making the Sheraton more powerful and less noisy than the Casino, while still offering a bright sound.
Another major difference is the joint fret.
The 19th fret for the Sheraton versus 16th for the Casino, making high-position play significantly easier.
These two features can be said for the Riviera.
The Sheraton’s elegant look and high playability make it an exemplary model in the Epiphone lineup.

Epiphone / Emperor Swingster Delta Blue Metallic

The Emperor Swingster is notable for its classic yet modern look and stylish tremolo arm (Chet Atkins handle, also known as the wire arm).
While its flashy color draws attention, it’s also highly functional with a distinctive sound.
The LockTone Tune-O-Matic bridge is pinned to the wooden base, ensuring it stays in place even when using the tremolo arm, maintaining tuning stability.
The wire arm longer than the regular Bigsby arm allows for smooth, delicate tremolo action, creating beautiful pitch modulation.
A key feature is the push/pull switch on the tone pots, allowing for series/parallel wiring of the pickups.
Combined with the 3-way toggle switch, this guitar can produce anything from the warm, mellow tones typical of hollow bodies to sharp, cutting sounds.
Personally, I find the switch being a series/parallel toggle rather than a coil tap to be a key feature.
This is because hollow body guitars have the tendency for the sound to be too intense or muddy when distorted, but switching the pickups to parallel mode tightens the sound.
This makes it very manageable, allowing it to sit well in a band’s mix without interfering with other instruments, even in rhythm parts.
Additionally, in series mode, the strong, prominent sound is ideal for lead parts and solos.
The switch pot is set to parallel by default, and pulling up the knob switches it to series wiring.
Despite having “Swing” in the model name, this guitar is versatile enough to cover many genres, including jazz, rock, pop, blues, and country.

How did you find the four Epiphone guitars I introduced?
The Casino needs no introduction, but the other three are equally remarkable with their unique features.
Personally, I highly recommend the Emperor Swingster.
In addition to the cool appearance, the Emperor Swingster also has excellent functionalities for performance and sound, epitomizing Epiphone’s long history while also hinting at future possibilities.
That’s all for my four-part blog posts on Epiphone guitars.

If the guitars introduced this time are in stock, you can try them out at the Sound House showroom, so please feel free to visit us.

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Like other guitars I introduced in other articles, the stock for these four guitars is limited, so decide quickly if you’re interested!
See you again in the next Sound House staff blog.
Goodbye!