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1965 Epiphone E230TD Casino, Serial Number 317310

This 1965 Epiphone Casino™ E230TD is an exceptionally clean and original example from one of the most celebrated periods in the model's history. Produced on October 19, 1965, it pairs the fully hollow thinline body and dual P-90 pickups that define the Casino with a beautiful, cherry-rich Royal Tan finish, nickel hardware, and an Epiphone Tremotone vibrato. It also comes from the same year as the Casinos famously adopted by John Lennon and George Harrison, helping cement the model's place in the sound and imagery of The Beatles. A factory black stinger on the back of the headstock makes this particular example even more striking.

The original Royal Tan finish is exceptionally well preserved, with lots of cherry remaining in the sunburst and moderate, even checking throughout. Beyond that, there is remarkably little wear to speak of. The original nickel hardware shows light tarnishing, the headstock remains very clean, and there are no breaks or structural repairs. The original factory stinger on the back of the headstock is an uncommon but very cool addition to this Casino.

The mahogany neck has a very comfortable Medium C profile measuring .82" at the 1st fret and 1.02" at the 12th. Its 1 5/8" nut width reflects the narrower dimensions appearing during this transitional period, but the substantial neck depth gives it plenty to hold onto and makes for a surprisingly full, comfortable feel. The Brazilian rosewood fretboard is especially dark, and following a trip to Gibson Repair & Restoration for a refret and replacement bone nut, this is an exceptionally easy and enjoyable guitar to play.

The original electronics remain untouched with clean solder throughout. Both original dogear P-90 pickups remain in place, measuring 8.32k ohms in the neck and 8.85k ohms in the bridge. The original CTS potentiometers carry 1376525 date codes from the 25th week of 1965 and are paired with their original Sprague Black Beauty capacitors and Switchcraft® components. The original gold reflector knobs also remain, with gold inserts on the volume controls and silver inserts on the tone controls. While mismatched, their condition and wear lead us to believe they have been together on the guitar for a very long time and are likely original.

The original Epiphone Tremotone remains in place, although its arm and mounting bracket were missing when the guitar arrived. We sourced a period-correct arm and bracket, along with a reproduction screw, nut, and nylon washers, returning the assembly to its original configuration. The Tremotone is not the most precise vibrato system ever devised, but it looks exactly right back on the guitar and functions as intended. The original Kluson® Deluxe double-line tuners with metal buttons function well and are in good condition. The original wired ABR-1 bridge with nylon saddles remains in place, and an aged-to-match Gibson Custom ABR-1 bridge with nylon saddles is included in the case.

At just 6.43 pounds, this Casino is lightweight, loud, and resonant acoustically. The fresh fretwork and full-feeling neck make it effortless to play, and plugged in, the two original P-90s deliver exactly the open, lively response we want from a great fully hollow Casino. This is a tremendously clean, honest guitar that feels every bit as good as it looks and is simply a lot of fun to play.

The guitar includes a non-original but vintage-correct Epiphone five-latch gray and blue hardshell case that is an exceptional match for the instrument. Inside the case is a Jack's Music badge from Scottsbluff, Nebraska, along with a non-original but vintage-correct Epiphone hangtag stamped “SPECIAL, E230TD, CASINO DBL.” and a non-original vintage black leather guitar strap. Together, they make for a particularly fitting group of period accessories.

This instrument has received a professional setup and thorough inspection from Gibson Certified Vintage and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, Letter of Appraisal, new Limited Lifetime Warranty, and exclusive Gibson Certified Vintage accessories including a leather guitar strap, matching leather luggage tag, and vintage-style Gibson pick container.