I Found The Best $500 Guitar! (It Surprised Me)

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[@RobertBakerGuitar]

Ok gang let me know what guitar you would have picked?

[@canyoncarver]

I liked how rowdy the Les Paul sounded with the P90s. Good choice anyway. Love what you picked!

[@RunningWithScissors765]

I really liked the clean tone of the casino. But absolutely drooling over p90 les Paul sustain

[@RobertBakerGuitar]

@@canyoncarver Rowdy is such a good way to describe that guitar!

[@nbenning25]

Blue Casino!

[@BenjaminRoethig]

I've never wanted a casino until that one. There's just something about the blue finish and silver dogears that vibes with me.

[@RuthlessMojo]

I love the fact that not only are you a champion for classic rock and blues but you're also a very down to earth and generous person. Much respect.

[@robjgolde3221]

I don’t know what the secret sauce is with the p90s in these Epi Casinos, but I swear for the last 15 years, any time I’ve played one in a store, the p90s have always sounded phenomenal. Punchy, clear, high output, fat. I’m sure the hollow construction of the guitar helps a little, but the pickups have always seemed so consistently good. I regret never pulling the trigger on buying one of these.

[@ravenslaves]

The construction is a major part of that great Casino sound. ...pull the trigger...it's not too late!!!

[@whenvioletsturngrey9597]

The right pickup for the right guitar. I had a few guitars with P90’s, a few years back. I had the idea to swap the pickups around to see what, if any, difference it would make. Surprisingly, the pickups did not all go back to their original homes. Some of those pickups sounded better in other guitars.

[@stricknine8623]

Try scatter-wound, low output PAFs, like Tonerider AC2. They have a very similar tone even in a solid body Les Paul.. Airy, with that bark and punch, while having the greatest sustain and great clarity, note separation and dynamics..All while being much less noisy.

[@_Yep_Yep_]

I think Epiphone is probably the only Gibson i would buy and feel like the quality and price were good. I played a 339 for a month and really enjoyed it, finding zero flaws (except my own). The Casino looks rad. The hollow body is something i took for granted while using the 339 and waiting for a strat to ship, and i now have it on my radar for the next one. The body is comfy, looks nice, neck/frets are good, hardware and tuners are all good enough to not give me anxiety over. If the Casino behaves anything like the 339, then its predictable and tuning stable in my area where we go from humid to dry rapidly (SC Coast). Im going to have a mental duke-out with a casino or an acoustasonic (used), but that next purchase is prolly a year out and the Asian manufacturers might just completely own the sub-500 dollar guitar segment by then.

[@devinsinderwitcz9134]

Agreed 100%. I'll pay the money for an Epi and no worries about getting my money's worth. A Gibby at $3k no thanks. And it's not the matter of not having the money either!

[@murphmurph2124]

You could not have said it better

[@jvin248]

Les Paul Junior with a chunky neck is one of my favorites. The old "$80" LP Junior Specials (those bolt on neck ones, often with laminated bodies) are awesome to find. That 'Contemporary Squier HT' is designed like the Robbie Robertson signature Strat with the middle single coil moved back next to the bridge (a build style I keep on my short list of future projects).

[@thestereoclub6735]

Totally agree with your comment about the Specials. The body material is often laminate when MIK, but recent examples are a trans color over a respectable multi-piece mahogany slab. Sand the color off just the top for a very different look. The poly is mostly clear coat with a bit of trans red or yellow on top. I have a Special body from about 15 years ago that has insanely gnarly figuring in the mystery wood. And adding a Bigsby is super easy.

[@DonzTattoozGarage]

The Epiphone Junior with the Tobacco burst rocks!

[@richardclark.]

Yeah. That would have been my second choice. The finish is awesome. Looks a lot like the smoke house they put on studio's.

[@PawpawJamz]

That tobacco junior sounded great. I've played some Epi LP's that played and sounded absolutely brilliant. Great video showing you don't need to spend 1k or more on a guitar. A mid level guitar with a pro setup can be magic.

[@scottmacphee35]

I have this same guitar coming to me in olive drab. I'm glad you liked it.

[@g.mantua1195]

Steve Marriott played a Wilshire when he was fronting Humble Pie. Epiphone started reissuing them a few years back.

[@walkingtruck]

Yes! And I’m pretty sure Johnny Winter played one occasionally as well.

[@g.mantua1195]

@@walkingtruck Yes. He did.

[@frankcunnigham220]

When I was a baby boy back in 68 and 69 my dad would play his Wilshire and sing Johnny Cash and what not, so I would choose what he played.

[@dragonpundit.6443]

Wilshires are horrible thin unimpressive guitars. They are the Coronado's of solid bodies.

[@g.mantua1195]

@@dragonpundit.6443 well, we all have our opinions and as my grandfather used to say; "If everybody liked the same thing, everybody would be after your grandmother."

[@TheGuitarMan71]

I own an Epiphone Riviera with three p90s and it’s clean tones are phenomenal. Jazz and blues sound sexy as hell.

[@phillippitts6294]

Thanks Robert ! 30 days in the hole would probably be an appropriate first song! Happy New Year ! And congratulations to someone!

[@ChrisPuckett]

Great music store! I bought a Yamaha RGX at Metronome in 1989, it was my first guitar, and I still play it today.

[@anthonypayne5628]

Wow, that is so cool that you went to Metronome Music and filmed a video there! I love that store, and have bought many things from them.

[@johnboleyjr.1698]

That Wilshire sounded amazing. Eventually I'll get P90 guitar. That Casino sounds great too, and is one of the styles of guitar I'm actually in the market for.

[@charlesbranch4120]

Happy New Year, Mrs. Baker (great camera work and audience effects) and Robert! I like the Wilshire dual p90s, but Casinos are so good. I like the Ibanez AS73FM-TAF that I picked up for $449 (added a Custom Pickguards replacement in black pearl ~$50 after mailing in the tracing). The reviews of the pickups are so good, the suggestions for replacement are very limited (but they're in my Sweetwater wish list). - Acoustic fan of Breedlove and Cole Clark.

[@markskrocki2184]

I follow Metronome Music on Reverb (I live in Ohio) and it’s great to see you support a local music store with your business.

[@joeysham]

I respect the hell out of the fact that you can outright say that you don't understand how stuff works. It's refreshing and human and speaks to a reality in you

[@ivanwesley8182]

Good choice, such a cool guitar 👍. I’m wanting an LPJ personally, never considered the epiphone version, but it sounded great

[@These_go_to_eleven_1959]

I thought that LP jr sounded best of all the guitars he tried.🤘

[@PC85X]

Your Billy Gibbons course is the ONLY time I have ever bought an online course. All I can say is thank you! I really enjoy digging in and learning some BFG chops. Really great structure and breakdown of each note. I recommend to anyone who always sat on the fence like myself. Not a shill, just need to let others know that when the courses are like the cost of a coffee and a sandwich it's a no brainer.

[@ZakareeRandol]

I have been borrowing my late Grandpa's Casino from my dad, and it honestly works so well in any genre. The punky tones are fantastic too. The cleans are so amazing though! I will be sad when I have to give it back.

[@uncle_ike]

Robert, I grew up in your neck of the woods and was in Metronome EVERY time I came to Mansfield. Awesome to see they're still there! You should ask some of the old timers there if they ever remember a kid bringing in a mid 60's Gibson round shoulder acoustic for some bridge pins. They offered me any guitar in the shop in trade--I said NOPE. 😆

[@friedrudibega6384]

I had a Coronet in the 90s. Came with OBL pickups that were way too hot. One humbucker in the bridge and a single coil rail pickup in the neck. It was purple. A buddy bought it from me and puta PAF in it. He still has it. I miss it sometimes.

[@ginowillems714]

I had a green one. I put a lipstick in the neck and then gave it away to my daughter's then boyfriend. I wish I stil had it...

[@PochiTham]

The casino was definitely my favorite. A super underrated guitar that looked super unique.

[@sydwynd]

I would have picked that Yamaha RG! I LOVE those things. But of the others, probably the Jackson. Those are cool guitars.

[@minuano08]

I'd take the Wilshire. Sucker for red & P90's. But the Casino is great also, and has the ability to go to another level, with a little tinkering. 🎸🎶

[@gratao25]

Robert you GOTTA try this guitar dirty before the giveaway, I'm sur you'll be impressed

[@denisebarrett6983]

I’ve got one of those single P90 juniors and it’s an awesome guitar, my only criticism is that the P90 pickup tends to be a little bit on the noisy side. Glad you chose the Casino so I could enter the contest because I don’t have one of those. 🤞

[@AQMusic10]

The middle to higher end Epiphone’s have been phenomenal in the past few years. Great choice. 🤘🏽🎸

[@AlexKubacki]

I've got that same blue Casino, and the Epi SG 60's Vibrola with probuckers...and I totally agree with you. I've got my eye out for a used Epi LP now to complete my trio.

[@borjapostigosanchez2641]

The level of mojo of the Casinos, Sheratons, Rivieras, etc is huge

[@claudevieaul1465]

Epiphone have really stepped up the versatility and quality of their instruments in recent years - so much so that I bought a Firebird and a Les Paul Alex Lifeson signature, and they're both amazing!!!

[@waynewhiteside]

Great choice. I own the Epiphone junior. It's fantastic.

[@Scottiej41]

Just got the RUT BUSTER. and added the Speed course. Hope everyone had a good Christmas. Happy New Year. End it bluesy. Start it speedy.

[@tobins6800]

Manufacturing methods and practices have had a phenomenal jump in quality. Not to mention the quality of materials chosen have improved a lot. I think the first few years of any new production is hampered by wood that hasn't properly aged yet, so we as consumers end up with less than mature end product. Within a couple of years,, the body splitting and/or the neck twisting will happen. Properly aged wood, e.g. low moisture, will have had those flaws identified and worked around

[@Maxreverse]

Epiphone stepped up their game in the last few years. The Epi LP Custom and Epi LP Modern are amazing for the price. Upgraded electronics and much better QC.

[@scottross9270]

I gotta say... I'm a gruff old paratrooper and I get a lot of enjoyment out of your videos. Thanks for what you do Brother. I appreciate your always upbeat attitude.

[@Geetarpicker1]

I played one of these at Guitar Center awhile back, been on my mind ever since ! Green colored one, couldn't believe how well it handled overdrive on dsl 40 ! Great guitar !

[@kolchak357]

The Wilshire and the Casino were my favorites. Cool that you picked the Casino. It sounds great. Hope you make a couple vids with it before you send it to a lucky winner.

[@tylerepple5440]

Really is one of the often forgotten but not forgotten versatile beast of a guitar. I see why a lot of early rock legends owned or used one

[@Trog]

The Epi Juniors are nice, but If they would've had an Epi Special in there, I bet you would've brought that home! The casino definitely has a broader appeal. Fun video!

[@MattGabel]

Gotta love the curious old guy in the background at 1:48

[@damienheath341]

I have the LP special in tv yellow. I think they all have insane amount of sustain.

[@davidwesthoff9615]

One of my first guitars was a 61 Gibson ES-330, which is what the casino is. There's pics out there of Jimi playing a Wilshire...lots of people at least were seen playing them at one point, Steve Mariott, Johnny Winter, Pete Townsend

[@usagi2988]

Love the 202x Epiphone Casinos... good choice!

[@redalertcavy]

You came up on my feed and I clicked on this video randomly. I'm about an hour north of Mansfield. Didn't expect a local place in good old Ohio. I've never been to Metronome but I might have to check that out. I just recently got to play a Casino, they're really cool guitars.

[@MrCgregd]

That Jackson also comes in an emerald burst that is absolutely beautiful!

[@These_go_to_eleven_1959]

Yeah that version is even nicer looking!

[@tylergreen9888]

I totally thought you were gonna pick the Jackson… I am really stoked on your Epi pick!! Truly the real winner of the pack! Well done, my friend.

[@mcfaddenjosh]

One of the best guitars I’ve found over the last year is a 2017 Epiphone 339 p90 pro . There is so much variety in the tone

[@j.b.l.tones33]

YES! 😍 I was rooting for that Casino! Great choice! ✌️

[@JosePineda-jn8jk]

I just got a Squier Contemporary Strat before this was posted and I was sold once I heard it in person. 3 single coils but, position 1 are the 2 pickups closest to the bridge in series (like a pseudo-humbucker), position 2 is just the middle pickup which is very straty sounding but, a bit fatter because of the position, position 3 is middle and neck in parallel (very tele middle sounding), position 4 is all three pickups in parallel (this sounds is really nice on cleans IMO and is something I also had on a Kiesel bolt but, through a mini switch), and position 5 is just neck. They are alnico so not as harsh or aggressive as ceramic pickups. Really has just been an all around amazing piece of gear especially for the studio!

[@duanefromjustice316]

As a normally high output, overdriven player, I still liked the Casino the best. Those cleans are so crisp.

[@arrivingsexagenarianguitar6001]

0:54 Steve Marriot played Epiphone Wilshires, Coronets, etc. with P90s in early Humble Pie. One of the Epiphone models even had a "Bat Wing" headstock.

[@rikkousa]

If you like the Wilshire, check out the Epiphone E-270. They made them for 2 years in the 1970s…..Cobain used to play them on his earliest albums and concerts. Definitely a sweet and affordable guitar. I have not look at prices since I bought mine in 2017-but they play and sound killer.

[@Dzamora612]

I knew you would pick an Epiphone as soon as I saw the options. They have really great picks in that price range and the whole vibe is awesome like you said

[@johnpellegrino3089]

Great choice Robert and I think it’s so awesome that you’re going to give it away. Whoever gets it going to be so lucky. Keep up the good work. We appreciate what you do for us from New Jersey.

[@TheRockatude]

The casino had such a great clean sound. The LP junior was nice too.

[@mtacoustic1]

Bought a new build Silvertone off the sale rack at the local music store for $250. Nice finish, great set-up, well intonated, nice neck and great tone. Only downside was the low output of the two lipstick pickups. Used it at my next gig to great reviews!

[@dannymoore7751]

Casino is an absolute classic. Unbelievable value at that price.

[@mikeberg5003]

Got an Epi Casino for Christmas last year and I love it. The neck had issues but a quick adjustment of the truss rod took care of that. I love it.

[@briankrzyzowski7907]

That thing is sweeeet! The baby blue and the super bluesy tones!!!

[@thufirhaw]

I'd have gone with the casino too. Never played one. But it certainly has the best looks amongst all of them, at least for my taste.

[@wheelchairtestdummy3059]

I think you chose well. The Junior looked like a child’s guitar in your lap. The Casino sounded and looked amazing. Thanks again for the great year of videos, content and courses.

[@WallyBoots]

Thank you for giving back to the fans. This is always appreciated and we are grateful. But more importantly thank you so much for making this easy to enter which a lot of channels do not do. God bless.

[@Street-Shred82]

I have 3 of those old Yamaha rgx's. Absolutely great guitars and they play amazingly well.

[@tomtesfaye8040]

Do u have any problems with seting up RM pro tremolo... and any input problems... or is 35 years of age made an influence there...

[@tblx2675]

I had a feeling the Casino was going to be picked. Rhett Shull did a video on a Casino awhile back and his reaction to it was similar to yours Robert. A fine choice indeed…

[@thestereoclub6735]

I had the same 2 finalists in my head, but figured the Jr. neck would win the decision. Excellent choice though- the Casino won the ear test without a doubt, it looks great, and you have me Casino curious. Hollow body guitars are a niche too often ignored. If you ever stumble into a good deal on a vintage MII Hohner, EKO or Vox check it out.

[@jralanmorgan]

That Wilshire is very cool looking. It's almost got an Fender Offset vibe too it.

[@jimperry4420]

Just found your channel. I’m next door in Massillon so I had to sub. Have to make a trip to Metronome too.

[@joejackson2388]

As soon as I heard it, I knew you were going to pick it! It's beautiful.

[@mrsparefox3704]

Schecter C-1 Platinum 499.99 at guitar center for guitarathon. You cannot beat that price for a $750 guitar new.

[@devinsinderwitcz9134]

The Epi Casino (I think) with the P90's. Hard to walk away from that one!!!

[@pskully57]

The Epiphone Casino was the go to electric guitar for John Lennon.

[@jasonrussell5624]

It looks and sounds great - I do love these Epiphone designs and especially the Casino

[@keithmcduffie7182]

The quality & detail on the tailpiece in addition to everything else presented ....... that Casino KICKS ASS!!!!

[@paulengland7236]

Had to watch this one twice, the casino sounds cool, looks cool, i have to admit it I have never played a hollow body. Thats why i like the Jackson. but Robert you got my attention, next time i am at the guitar store I am picking up a hollow body and am going to try it at the store. thanks for what you do.

[@LARPSMOTHER]

7:14 As a Red Casino hangs on the Wall Behind him lol Love it,, Can you send me that ?? hahaha

[@micemr76]

If I only had $500 I would definitely go used and would have been looking at a whole different category of guitars. Of the ones you picked, good choice. Sounds amazing

[@joermnyc]

That’s the early Wilshire, later ones are asymmetrical, have Mini-Humbuckers and the bat wing headstock.

[@jimmpanik3402]

I bet that would fit into most everyone's collection easily. It covers so many different styles.

[@danepaulstewart8464]

Wow! What a great set of four finalists! Reeeeeally good stuff. This turned out better than I thought it would. And you picked MY FAVE! I thought you were going to go for the LP Junior. I am soooo pleased how this turned out. 😎👍👍

[@redrocker1055]

I have a bunch of sub $500 guitars Kramer Focus VT-211S $129 Kramer Baretta Special $199 Squier Affinity Jazzmaster(humbucker model) $249 Squier Affinity Telecaster $249 Squier Affinity Starcaster $299 Gretsch Guitars G2622 Streamliner Center Block $449 The Gretsch is the best out of the box. The Baretta is the best bang for the buck and the Focus is the best value. The only one I really had to mess with was the Tele. The frets were sharp and chalky feeling. Point is you kids just beginning have no idea how lucky you are. 25 years ago anything less than $500 got you a guitar looking object and anything less than $1200 wasn't much better.

[@riteshshahi156]

Man if you would have bought 2nd hand guitar it would be just awesome, 2nd hand guitars are really underrated .

[@nicklemaster6752]

No way Metronome music!!! I Use to go up to mansfield every summer to hang out with my grandpa, when I started taking guitar lessons over the course of like 5 summers hed take me to metronome music and ended up getting my 50th anniversary usa standard strat, srv signature strat, and my prs ce24 from that same store. Man I miss those summers in ohio. thanks for the cool video and the flashbacks bud, im glad to see the store is still doing well after all these years, happy new year from va.🤘

[@texanfournow]

The year is almost over, but it is still 2022, and Robert Baker just discovered what a Epi Wilshire is. Dude, Hendrix played a Wilshire.

[@BadHorsie2]

The Casino. I would have lo picked the Wilshire.

[@kmajor44]

Love everything about that Casino!! The finish is awesome and those p90’s are 😎

[@offbeatbassgear]

I actually expected the Epi Wiltshire would win, just because I like its oddball looks.

[@RobertBakerGuitar]

It was super funky and sounded great. But it say on my lap kind of strange.

[@pwlebrun4573]

@@RobertBakerGuitar I own an Epi Wiltshire, in cherry like the one you played. Love the P90s, but it has a serious case of neck dive. If you squint it’s sort of SG-shaped, and it’s head-heavy like a lot of SGs are, unfortunately. Unlike an SG, though, you can move the strap pin to the upper bout, which helps.

[@Jeffy2n]

The Casino is best known as "The Beatles guitar", as George and John played them, and Paul had one as well, they really liked them.

[@camilo1455]

👍Gary Clark, Jr. these days.

[@SilverPaladin]

good luck homies!

[@Beans113]

It’s always goofy seeing giveaways 1 year later but imma watch damnit.

[@Krullmatic]

Beautiful guitar! I've been watching you for a few years now, and you're phenomenal at guitar! It's wild at how many styles you know. Plus, you're a really kind soul, and I used to have a best friend with your same demeanor. With that being said, I just purchased your Rutbuster course. It's the first time I've ever taken any courses, or had a guitar teacher, I'm self taught, and have been playing for 40 years now. I am majorly stuck in a rut, and I feel since I can relate to you, I can be able to pay attention, and do what's required. I'm so excited to start! Plus, I couldn't pass up that price! Thank Robert for everything you do!

[@kevinalfrey2633]

Spent a lot of time there as a teenager back in the day, still visit when I’m in town

[@JonathanGasper]

The Wiltshire sounded super cool, but the Casino looks like it balances better in the lap.

[@ericsimonsen6027]

That's a tough decision. But you made the right one! I would have picked the Casino, too! Great video....as always!

[@primaskateboutique]

Dude! I never noticed it before but your jawline is connected directly to your B bender thats incredible! Ive been holding my mouth wrong this whole time! 🤘🏼🎸

[@johnhelphinstine6915]

I love the look of that casino!

[@toneydavis9802]

I bought that same guitar this week. It caught my eye and I played it. Still playing it.

[@johnmcdonald8943]

The Casino was the one that stood out to me, love that blue / aqua colour.

[@RolandSpecialSauce]

That Jackson was super cool looking. I have a problem where I'll get a guitar just because it looks cool, even though it doesn't sound all that great and I'm trying to stop that. But it would have been hard not to get sucked in by that cool looking Jackson.

[@andrij.demianczuk]

I played a Wilshire the other day and it was amazing. Definitely loved it, and would have been a top contender for me

[@stephensaunders01]

Hah! Those were the two guitars I picked. Deciding between the Junior and Casino would have been hard. But, I haven't a hollow body guitar so I would've likely picked the Casino just to have something different. Options are always good!