This Upgrade Made A HUGE Difference

[@mikeaustin4138]

It would be nice to know the total cost: guitar + pickups + wiring harness + labor. I've often thought it makes sense to search for a well-built "budget" guitar and then upgrade it rather than buying a brand new "standard" model.

[@richardwheeler3768]

This comment needs more likes! Great comment.

[@phillipsouthard8285]

Depends. If you’re going to keep it, it’s worth it. You’ll never see that money again if you try to sell it. The cost of the pickups, the wiring harness, and the labor should all be considered as a “loss” because most people aren’t going to pay you more for a guitar just because it’s upgraded to what you like.

[@mikeaustin4138]

@@phillipsouthard8285 I've owned roughly 20 guitars in the past 7 years. I now have 6. None of them were "upgraded" significantly. Of the 14 guitars, 10 sold for $100-200 less than I paid for them and 4 sold for the same or more. I don't have an issue with this because I look at it as the cost of finding a guitar that I can bond with. A rental fee, if you will. I should also mention that included in those 14 guitars was a Strat, a SG, and an ES-339. The rest were G&L and Godin. None of these guitars were "bad." Mostly, I sold them because they weren't my cup of tea or I needed to thin out the herd a bit.

[@phillipsouthard8285]

@@mikeaustin4138 yeah, that’s about how much I lose each time I sell one (I’ve been through a lot in the past few years). But I’m talking about the loss when you do upgrade one. I would not suggest upgrading a guitar unless you absolutely love it and plan on keeping it. I’ve found that it’s better just to buy a better guitar than to upgrade a cheaper one.

[@ratwynd]

@@phillipsouthard8285 To a knowledgeable player, good quality upgrades may or may not get you a bit more on resale. But what they will do is make it a more appealing purchase to a player, particularly if you keep the work receipts or have a good series of photos of the work if you do it yourself, as I do. It IS your guitar after all. It is worth the upgrades for the joy of better playing. I have no fear of drilling holes in a $3,000 instrument if it makes it better for me to play. My favorite mod is a master volume on the lower horn, like Gretsch has.

[@twelthstring]

The first I thought when I heard the stock Casino: give the eq-knobs on the amp a tiny twist and than compare it to the Lollars.

[@squirelova1815]

Wow! This tech is like an "E.R." guitar surgeon with his hands and skills! Thank You to this guitar Doctor for his gracious demonstration of his wonderful skills and knowledge. Absolutely great. I would go to this store in a heartbeat just to visit.

[@randyallen4959]

Thanks Rhett for being online. I have been playing off and on for over 5 decades but, I have found I can always improve my skills, by listening and learning. Keep up the good work.

[@dr.buzzvonjellar8862]

The build quality of many inexpensive guitars has gotten so good, just choosing great pickups and optimum electronics yields a wonderful sound. I did the same with a Chinese set neck LP Jr = Fantastic. And also with an older Korean made Hamer 335. The Hamer build quality was superb. Thank you Rhett

[@RaptorV1USA]

I've been on a mission the last 30 mo to build a clean variety of nice playing generally no-name guitars that happen to have excellent chassis i learned to make and install custom electronics upgrades...to astonishingly excellent effect! Not worried about recouping $ spent. Interested in learning and understanding what works best with what, and how to make what's not working anymore work again better than ever... Great episode, nice to see how you can upgrade a $700 guitar into something very special, figure there is what? $1100+- in real money invested in that casino now,...? and it plays like a $2500+ guitar.... One can work absolute wonders on - $200 - $400 guitars, that meet a basic criteria of quality and performance...chassis wise : wood, construction materials, with a cpl hundred $ in pups, electronics and a little ( or ALOT if yr Rhett...) time and care.

[@squirelova1815]

I think that Today is another "Golden Age" for (broke) guitarists. I mean, right now even Harley Benton has a very, very good quality Fusion Pro III series with well executed, name brand 'Blacksmith' Stainless Steel frets, with "flame" roasted maple necks or very nice Ebony fingerboard options and flamed maple (veneer) tops with Wilkinson tremolos standard to boot?! I've got one and it is VERY GOOD and I'm comparing it to my American Standard Fender Strat, Gretsch Electromatic Jet, G&L Tribute Doheny or even my Mexican Charvel. I've got the Ebony board on mine and it is very nice. This for just about $350? Even the Roswell pups sound good and well rounded, not too trebly, but, those with hearing loss will perceive them as "dull" since they've lost some of their higher frequency hearing perception.

[@Asp0321]

I would love a full series of Ben just fixing and modding guitars!

[@michaeljoyce3286]

Ben made that look so easy

[@alecalfaras5936]

Yup 🤟😎🍻🔥💯

[@harveycan5820]

That was indeed very interesting to a non-tech person.

[@DMSProduktions]

Dover?

[@jamesmartis744]

@@DMSProduktions Ben from Dover

[@craigthomson3621]

I have also fitted Lollar dogear P90’s and upgraded the wiring on my (lefty) Chinese Epiphone Casino. I have also upgraded the bridge and the tuners. Very pleased with the results.

[@asbury29]

Really liked that you followed him through every step of the upgrade -- so many good tips and tricks, especially when working with hollows/semis. After my own DIY attempt on a 335 copy several years ago I said "never again" -- and that's still pretty much the case -- I learned a lot about what I did wrong and how I might do better if I ever dare attempt it. Thanks!

[@RazorDirt]

Been considering doing this to my casino for a while now. Awesome seeing/hearing the difference in this vid

[@gavinw5469]

He is literally playing through a different amp. Its a dumble clone. They got a lot of mids and they sound amazing.

[@zacksovine6923]

I purchased a brand new Epiphone Wildcat a couple years ago. That's basically the same guitar with a Bixby and slightly different wiring diagram. I absolutely loves the way it it played. It was so comfortable and as a guy that plays mainly acoustic guitars it felt a little more like home plus I love P90s. I don't know what I had plugged it into at this little country jewelry store with a guitar problem but it even sounded great through the lil amp. The problem came when I brought it home and hooked it up to my rig and then subsequently hooked it up to almost a dozen different amps and even straight in to my PA through my board and there was 1 common problem and that is it was such a dark, muddy no shitty sounding in everything i plugged it into unless I completely tweeked the tone to some extremes throughout the chain and it still wasn't ideal. It just didn't make sense and sure did not sound like a P90 hollow body should sound. I tried new strings NYXLs and threw on a roller bridge. That still did not make much difference. After some digging, research and testing I found out the problem was the crap coaxial cable the factory wires them with. These guitars are wired so that each pickup has a volume and there is a master volume that is located toward the bottom horn and the switch is on top like a les paul. That is a lot of wire, a lot of bad wire that has an extremely high impedance. This curcuit doesn't need anymore help in that department but it is that wire that robs all the tone and makes them sound so dark and shitty. Seriously the stock pickups are actually pretty good but most would never know that. The parts are even decent, not exactly ideal but if you want it to sound as it should and are on a budget all that must be done is just change out the wire. I upgraded the pots and switch because I was there but I kept the stock pickups because I had heard they were just fine with the proper wire and good P90s can be expensive unless you make them. I haven't once considered new pickups since the rewire and I ended up using those stock parts else where and they seem alright. Long story short just change the wire. If Epiphone would just spend an extra dollar or 2 and wired these with a better wire from the factory I Garauntee they would sell a whole lot more of them. Then they wouldn't need anything exept new strings and a roller if it has a trem/vib and these guitars would be impossible to rival at this price range. I am Glad to see that you appreciate them too and knowing that you also found them to sound too dark and really muddy is reassuring because now I am certain I didn't just loose my mind. Lol

[@zacksovine6923]

@Syd McCreath who cares. 🤷🏼‍♂️ doesn't matter what kind of tremolo, well technically Vibrato, that a guitar has I never use them anyway. However, I once had a Hagstrom super swede tremar with their version of a bigsby and it was so smooth and balanced you could operate it with your pinky. That one I should have kept. I may have started using it.

[@wdbmusicchannel3849]

After reading this I'm hoping to upgrade the wiring on my Casino.. love the guitar and it's playability but the overly dark, muddy tone make it difficult to use live. Thanks for posting your findings, you may have given me a solution.. 👍

[@zacksovine6923]

@@wdbmusicchannel3849 that's great. I'm happy to hear that. Let us know how it works out for you. I swear if epiphone had only spent between .50cent and $2 more on the wiring they would have a couple monsters on their hands. I just can't believe I didn't notice it when I first tried it out. That must have been one terrible amp I was plugged into.

[@eddienebula6084]

nope. Epi Wildkat is semi hollow. Casino is hollow. totally different animal

[@zacksovine6923]

@@eddienebula6084 regardless of hollow or semi hollow it likely has the exact same shitty coaxial wiring issue.

[@violinmiata]

I’ve found that with Epiphone hollow bodies that a violin soundpost setter is really handy for pushing the pots through the body. New pots and caps will improve the stock pickup’s sound, new pickups improve the stock pots ands caps sound, but together makes a huge difference. Doing a fret level and polish really wakes these things up a surprising amount.

[@grahamreddel5682]

I actually liked the original Epiphone sound. People tend to rate an improvement using the tone range of their favorite “other guitar” as a benchmark eg it sounds closer to my XXX now. I’m currently in the process of buying a standard Epiphone Casino natural. So long as all the hardware is functional I’ll keep it standard. Don’t want it to mimic my other guitars.

[@MrAdopado]

Yes, just go and listen to the sound on Rhett's first video after receiving the Casino ... the original pickups don't sound "muddy" at all. The amp settings on this video sound different.

[@jeffthompson1869]

@@MrAdopado Agree 100%. However, I also agree to each their own. But, I do like the original pick-ups on his first video on this guitar. I think that is because of his amp. The quality of Chinese guitars is often better than American made guitars and at a lower price - yet I think he may have found fault with the original because Loller has a better reputation than some "Chinese" pick-up. The authentic sound of a Casino was made to sound very generic to my ear. Funny how price or where a guitar is built will change a person's perception or favorability of sound quality.

[@bobaldo2339]

I agree. The original PU's are less aggressive and more "gentle" to my ear, which suits a hollow body IMO. I like them better than the new ones.

[@grahamreddel5682]

So I have my John Lennon style Casino now. I did s much better upgrade: I had a bone nut put in. Had the guitar PLEKed, frets polished, action and intonation set up by my guitar tech in Switzerland. Result: great mellow hollow body. To get the sound in the video of the Lollars I just switch guitars to my Gibson 336 custom shop and turn the bright switch on for my Fender Amp.

[@jerbear7952]

You can't make a video if you leave it alone

[@stringdoc]

Several years ago, I put Lollar P-90s in an Inanez AS-73 semi-hollow and that one upgrade turned a $300 guitar into a $3,000-sounding guitar. Jason Lollar knows his stuff! You really turned this Casino into a righteous beast, Rhett, with these upgrades

[@stratmad]

I did the exact same mods on my Casino and the difference was night and day. I love the sound of the Lollar P-90s. That snarly nasally tone the harder you dig in is just fun.

[@jordanwilkinson1]

I clicked on the notification on my phone and it tells me this video is unavailable on this device. All the other videos I've watched of yours have worked perfectly fine on my phone before.

[@scottcooper6147]

Same here.

[@emilolguin3087]

Awesome swap. The clarity and drive of the new pickups are amazing.

[@taviswardlaw]

I had one of those 90s Mexican super strats and one of the first mods I did was to put some suhr V60 low wind pickups in. The difference was pretty big but I really didn’t get the full value out of the pickups until I replaced the wiring harness with an Emerson. If you’re going to bother spending a decent amount on pickups it is always worth making sure the wiring harness is doing them justice.

[@NicholasTripp]

Did a very similar swap with an Epiphone 335-Pro. New pots, orange drops, and new humbuckers. Turned a good guitar into an unbelievable value and gave my local shop some business. It’s the one I pick up every time.

[@garrettmundy4914]

Rhett's assessment of how he would handle the job matches exactly my experience of doing it. Retrying it a couple times over several months, with the guitar just sitting unused between each attempt. Eventually gave in and paid an expert to do it, for less than the cost of the parts I'd purchased.

[@alangunn3850]

same here, I'll never attempt that with a semi hollow again!

[@larryn2682]

Grounding the strings makes your body function as a capacitor that reduces some noise. There are also shock hazards as a trade off. I would much prefer keeping the stock metal pickup covers, unless that was the main cause of the stock pickups being less bright. A comparison could have been done with each type cover on the new Lollar pickups. The metal covers would have some noise shielding properties when grounded, and I prefer their look over black plastic.

[@geogi_bodies]

I've heard plastic PU cover doesn't affect tone like metal cover but I think ever if they do, the difference is insignificant.

[@KeolaDonaghy]

That is amazing Brett, from mud to sparkle. I had the same experience with my China-made Ibanez AS-73 - played great but sounded like there was a pillow over the amp. Threw in a set of Fralin's Pure PAFs (that cost me more than the guitar), used an RS Guitarworks wiring harness, and magic! Congrats.

[@MrAdopado]

If you watch/listen to Rhett's first video on this Casino (with original pickups) you will notice that the sound is quite different. I really think the amp settings on this second video are substantially different and tend to emphasise the supposed muddiness of the original pickups. On the first video the Casino doesn't sound muddy at all (to me). I'm not saying this is intentionally biased but I suspect the amp settings are not the same. Given that Rhett's opinion is very reliable I am happy to go by that! However, I'm not confident that the comparisons we actually hear on this video necessarily give the full picture.

[@Fernando-zd9uz]

when you remove the metal cover from a pickup you get a brighter sound and more volume, which is why jimmy page removed the cover from the hambuckers on his double neck. Pickups with metal covers have a more vintage sound. Personally I prefer the original pickups. Yes I like more the chinese pickups than the lollars!

[@jrm2fla]

So cool to see a pro at work… amazing skill and knowledge!

[@LMacNeill]

WOW!! That was a *HUGE* difference!! The A/B stock-vs-Loller portion of the video totally blew me away! I honestly don't think I've ever heard such an impressive difference like that!

[@rodnyg7952]

upgrading things that already work is fine if it satisfies you psychologically. In the case of pickups, I would tend to learn how to work with what I already have in order to find an acceptable compromise. I'd put more emphasis on pickup height, guitar/amp settings, pickup tone blend, etc... before buying a new set to solve the problem

[@kevinmcleod2366]

To be fair, the original ones are pretty muddy and the switch in mine is going out.

[@rodnyg7952]

​@@kevinmcleod2366 to be fair, there isn't any one ideal pickup tone that everyone should strive for. If you think they're too 'muddy' for you (which basically means too much mid/low frequency), then that's your thing. If you have a faulty switch then fix it. That has nothing to do with what I said.

[@BIGBOPPER41]

I'd have to agree with this immensely. My example would be an Epiphone SG, the neck pickup is a bit odd, and it compresses alot, but I've learned how to work it out for something very good.

[@BIGBOPPER41]

@@rodnyg7952 pretty sure that's part of a scam going on alot. Idk, but I have been hearing alot of shady stuff from other guitar channels

[@rodnyg7952]

@@BIGBOPPER41 perhaps, I guess it could be used as a way to scam. Most likely it's just a really uncreative marketing technique to get more people to sup the channel, collect more dedicated viewers, & sell more stuff ....ya, that would be a scam

[@BoxinaBand]

I changed out the pups on my stock Epiphone Sheraton II (335) with Seymour Duncan JB and Jazz Set and the the result was astonishing. The sustain and depth of the sound changed a nice guitar into a beautiful guitar that never ceases to amaze me (and I also have a PRS Custom 24 so it is in good company). Also changed out the pots and it was very challenging as everything has to fit through the f-holes. Fishing wire is your friend.

[@popogejo7245]

Just save a few old strings, (they work even better), and use the fishin line for fishing. LOL

[@esmfotoz]

Rhett, I think changing out the stock pickups for Lollars IS Plan B, and it is awesome, worked out great. I've never done a pickup replacement on a hollow body and it looks like a tougher job for sure, done lots of solid bodies. Sounds great, much more articulate and more punch through! Good work...

[@westernrider100]

I've got an old Sapphire Studio and didn't care for the stock P-90's. After discussions and trying other guitars, I selected a pair of Lollar P90's with a slight overwound bridge pickup. The pickups and entire harness was replaced. [ kept old pickups and original harness ] These pickups made an incredible difference. clear, firm, almost a smooth top end. Its been many years since I had the work done, and I am very satisfied with the electronics. As the changes are completely reversible, there was no damage to the guitar.

[@martinmartin8871]

Awesome upgrade. Lollar is so clearer and funner. Cut thru the mix. Sounds so good! (I love Lollar Wide Field PU' S on hollow body teles). Great tech Ben. Nice Rhett very good upgrade.

[@RobertNolan]

There's a tremendous amount of clarity in the upgraded pickups. I did SD antiquity in mine. It's a completely different sounding instrument. Also, I upgraded the bridge to a new ABR style with raw brass saddles that I needed to file myself. Now they're cut correctly for the strings I play on it . That was a big upgrade to consider as well.

[@alangunn3850]

loving the lollar p90's in my lp special tribute, such a huge upgrade. also dropped their imperials in my 335 and so much more clarity compared to the 57 classics.

[@darrellstyner0001]

Agree 100% with your assessment of the improvements in sound. Way better now. No more muddiness. I've got an Eastman hollow body that needs the same treatment. You've inspired me to get it done soon.

[@alexcorona]

Dark and Muddy is not a cheap epiphone pickup problem. Even Gibson P90s are like this. I personally love it because it pair so well with fuzz, makes it sound evil.

[@arno-luyendijk4798]

I go fully with your opinion. Since 5 days, I am the loving owner of such a Chinese casino and the punch and clarity of its sound still make it hard to lay this beauty down.

[@Glensully]

Rhett is just super fussy and needs content

[@MrBallynally2]

That is becausecan A5 standard nagnet like Gibsons really do not pair well w the full hollow body Casino. Lollar uses de-gaussed magnets. Otherwise A2/A3 magnets yield better results especially in the neck pickup. Btw, it's very easy to swap an A5 magnet w an A2/A3 in a P90. Ive done it on one guitar but have Lollars as standard. I used an A2 in the Casino i bought that now has Lollars in it. Swapped the pickups. Already sounds much better. So, if you have a standard Casino buy an A2/A3 magnet for the neck P90 and swap. That already is an improvement. Saves you ablot of money. Magnets are cheap.

[@michaeld.mcclish]

great video! I did something similar. I bought a new Epiphone Melody Maker E1, and put 2 Lindy Fralin stock p90's and new CTS 500 pots with Emerson PIO cap, selector switch, and it sounds absolutely beautiful. I chose the Melody Maker because: 1-the nostalgia of the name, the look of the classic sunburst satin finish; 2-the mathematics were true to scale and the neck is 42.67mm almost 43mm, but slim contour; mahogany neck, rosewood fingerboard, poplar body, which is actually weighty enough. 3-all the electronics are on the pickguard, so I just bought a new pickguard and built everything on it, then swapped out the old to the new. The old can be put back in no problem. I put Kluson locking tuners on, kept the wraparound bridge(for now), classic gold knobs. It has that perky yet mellow jazz sound at the neck, chimey sound with both, and the classic bridge p90 from the 50's-60's. I call it my Poor Boy 50's Les Paul. For about $600 total I have a classic sound that is easy to play, very stylish looking, and....I love it. Coming from cheap 60's Japanese and foreign guitars as a teen, they have really improved the general quality, but they still can't beat a good set of electronics. Better electronics + a new foreign made guitar and you have a killer combination for half the cost. It would be nice if America would make even the same quality for a competetive price, but they are always more.

[@eplecor]

The Lollars sound amazing! The stock ones are a vibe though.

[@blakjack3053]

Yeah I think Epiphone got it right with their stock pickups which sounded warmer, more mellow and that is what I'd expect from a hollow body, but nevertheless the Lollars are fine no doubt and I'm sure that guitar would howl when driven in a cranked tube amp.

[@Lowtech14]

Agreed. I kinda liked that swampy tone. But if it’s not what you’re after, it’s not what you’re after

[@picksalot1]

I preferred the stock pickups as well. Buying a guitar specifically for the vibe, then gutting the vibe with different pickups and electronics doesn't make sense to me. But Rett had a particularly sound in mind, so it's up to him. 🤷

[@picksalot1]

@@Lowtech14 That "swampy" tone is what made the guitar sound cool. With the new pickups, it's too "refined" and the vibe is gone. 😢

[@be8965]

I also like the stock ones, I have a Casino Coupe and the stock pups are very good to me. I would maybe get better electronics to see if that I owns the tonal dynamics, but I don’t think is needed, is not a necessity for me at the moment.

[@Fisch269]

A couple of months ago, I did something similar with my 2004 Epiphone Les Paul that I fell out of love a little bit. I replaced the pots and switches with CTS and Switchcraft, and the pick ups with Seymour Duncan Seth Lovers. It turned the guitar into a completely different beast and it sounds absolutely fantastic. If you like the feel of your instrument, I recommend to give this a go.

[@jeewilly321]

I have seth lovers in my epi les paul as well. They sound great.

[@manuelindacochea8662]

I wanted to see the video and got a black screen saying "This video is unavailable on this device". I tried my phone. Same message. I really love your videos Rhett. I got a KZbin Premium account and live in Lima, Peru. I never had problems watching your videos. I'm starting to get anxious because I fear KZbin will not allow me to see your videos anymore and I really do not know why.

[@arnolddealiii4259]

It’s not just you buddy! I think he must have taken it down or something. I’ve tried it on 3 devices and it’s not working.

[@sagittated]

I got the same message just now in the USA; also premium subscriber. weird. Probably just a glitch.

[@manuelindacochea8662]

@@arnolddealiii4259 Thanks for your response. Hope it gets solved shortly.

[@manuelindacochea8662]

@@sagittated Thanks for responding. Hopefully is a glitch like you said.

[@ericunderwoodmusic]

I had Lollar build out the P90s using the existing chrome casing. Didn’t want to loose the vibe. Didn’t mess with wiring. It sounds killer!

[@badGamr]

I get "This video is unavailable on this device" when I try to play this. Other KZbin vids all play fine. This one gives that message on all devices I tried (desktop/table/phone).

[@PAHVID]

Same for me!

[@jonlavigne3270]

Same.

[@pauldavid2407]

Same

[@JensHilzensauer]

Same

[@stevemyers2092]

same here - i checked the one i watched yesterday and same notice came up but disappeared in 1 sec. then the video played...not so with this new vid still not playing after 3 min. hmmmmmmmm

[@e1Skeleto]

When doing such comparison, you need to adjust gain to be the same. The amp was set at the edge of breakup which original pickups didn't fully reach and this influences the tone at higher frequencies.

[@TranscendentBen]

13:26 I've shielded the cavity (pickups and control area, AND most of the pick guard) of several Strat clones and it basically gets rid of any hum (or "noise") that otherwise showed up when I don't touch the strings. A problem with a hollow body is it looks pretty hard to do that. I didn't look close but it looks like most wires carrying signal are shielded, though those two capacitors are exposed. But yeah, the Lollar pickups are much brighter.

[@rabokarabekian409]

It is unconscionable pigheadedness that semis don't come with an access cover in the back, as I easily made for my Chibson. This eased tremendously placing all the pots in a plastic envelope covered with aluminum tape. HUGE improvement, though, along with ground wires for everything.

[@danielstoddart]

There are several ways to shield it. I prefer using shielding paint instead of copper because it's neater. But don't forget to ground the guitar before you put all the electronics back in.

[@williamwild915]

I did the exact same thing with Fralin p-90s and it’s a whole new guitar. They sound fantastic and it gives it a whole new life. I highly recommend changing out the entire electronics setup. You’ll get a whole lot of guitar for a reasonable price

[@earlycuyler8719]

I would have liked to see what the old pickups sound like with a new harness.

[@danielbertola7868]

Classic Gibson/Epiphone player. Just bought it and I love it. Now I'm headed to replace all the essential components.

[@jasonserpent4214]

So much brighter with the Lollars, really nice sound. Stock sounds a bit too muffled. More mod videos please !

[@pugforce8315]

i think it’s mostly the 50s wiring rather than the pickups

[@mjc4art]

I’ve always been a Fender player. Recently got the Epiphone ES-335 and with a proper setup could not be happier. Over time I plan on changing out the hardware and electronics to the specs I want. I’m sure it will turn into one of my favorites to play. Great video!

[@NicholasTripp]

I had my local shop do this with an Epiphone 335-Pro and it was extremely worth it. They only charged $250 for swapping pots, caps, pickups, jack and switch. It really took the guitar up a level and couldn’t be more happy with it. Even just swapping for Gibson PUs is worth it IMO.

[@rylieriley]

The Casino sounds beautiful with the Lollar's, but, to be fair, the tone with the original pickups is definitely usable, so I would probably have two Casino's, one stock and one modded. It could be useful for recording purposes (I'm talking like I could actually afford two Casino's 😄).

[@jerbear7952]

How many sounds do you need?

[@nottaller1993]

I did this with my Casino last year - Lollar 50s wind P90s in there really make a big difference. New electronics/wiring set up, new bridge, swapped the trapeze for a frequensator tailpiece and also upgraded to locking tuners. It. Is. Sickkkkkkkkk.

[@philf4086]

Yep, I can definitely hear a difference with the new pickups. Really, though, as far as stock pickups go, the originals weren't too bad.

[@john564holloway]

I like the warmer sound so I'd left it as stocked. That had to be at least a $200 labor upgrade, not counting parts.

[@billiousbogg844]

I did this upgrade to the Lollars and new wiring loom in my cheapo Casino after seeing Mick Taylor doing the same thing on the TPS channel back in lockdown. Its taken it from an average guitar to an instrument I now utterly love playing and gives it a surprisingly flexible sound. Wholeheartedly recommend this upgrade.

[@tl6058]

Huh. "This video is unavailable on this device" .... Never had that before.

[@tl6058]

same on my phone, iPad, and my work PC.

[@NEILBSMITH]

I did the same thing with my 2004 Korean Epi SG. Treble bleed, new CTS pots, bumble bee caps and Seth Lover humbuckers. BUT, I added a Schaller roller bridge and Schaller tailpeice. ( paid 200 for the guitar). SWEET SWEET SWEET. Thanks so much, Rhett. LOVE your channel

[@andrefludd]

I love when you can take an affordable guitar and easily make it A LOT better. Would you bring this one on tour? I always worried about P90s in a live setting because they can be a bit noisy. Speaking of tours...are we getting any tour vlogs sometime soon?

[@amidthefight6915]

I'd be more worried about the full hollow than the P90s in a live setting. That said, I use a full hollow with a Marshall stack live. You've got to be on your game with controlling your volume from the guitar, but the tone is so worth it! So warm and rich, stands out from the norm, and the controlled feedback can be incredible!

[@andrefludd]

@@amidthefight6915 That’s a great point about the hollow body. Your rig sounds intense in the best way.

[@Bob-of-Zoid]

Only if it doesn't have a rollercoaster fret job, which very many cheap guitars of any brand do, making that myth absolute nonsense! Playability, buzz free, dead note free comes first! I get them in all the time wanting everything but fret work because of the cost, and even having had several techs... setup the damned thing to no improvement, and charging for it without ever addressing the real issue: Uneven frets, that no adjustment of any hardware can fix! And yes, it can easily cost more than what one payed for the instrument in the first place, and may still not be worth doing if the neck woods are not dry enough or settled yet, as it will go back out of speck in doing so.

[@PedroAsfora]

He used the pink Novo as his main guitar for so long and that has P90's, I don't see a reason he wouldn't take this out as well. Especially being so much less expensive in case something happens!

[@andrefludd]

@@PedroAsfora That's a good point. Idk why I assumed Novos had a center block like 335s.

[@Livi_Noelle]

I did the same thing with a $140 import Epi SG. I put in a set of Seymour Duncan 59s, a set of Orange Drops, Bourns pots, a Switchcraft switch and a high end jack all set up with 50s style, pushback wire and a Peter Greene pickup/magnet flip on the neck pickup. That, some Graphtech locking tuners and a fret level turned a bottom shelf instrument into something that plays and sounds phenomenal. Too many people overlook import guitars as a build platform. Epiphone's import QC is better than what Gibson's was for many years. The bodies and necks are really well made and assembled, they just use junk, Chinese electronics to sell them cheaply. After dropping $250 and a few hours into an Indonesian SG, I have an instrument that most guitarists would have a good time playing. A Casino is my next victim, so this video was awesomely informative and super helpful.

[@Livi_Noelle]

I was paranoid about screwing up things up though, so I hand reamed everything. It took me a long while to open up the pot, switch and tuner holes and the new output jack hole. Yeah, that was nerve wracking, even on a el cheapo import.

[@LexanderMiller]

Rhett KZbin is saying this video is “unavailable on this device” for my iPhone

[@vayabroder729]

I have a 1996 Korean Casino made by Peerless that I bought new and I swapped the pickups for Jason Lollar made (and signed personally by him before he became big) many many years ago. He custom made the bobbins to fit the chrome covers (I had to send him the covers) because the string spacing is different on the American style vs imported. I swapped the wiring loom and switch. Came out great and I still have it after all these years. That is a great shop; where you took the guitar for servicing. They really know their stuff.

[@landguitar]

Very cool, Ben did a very nice job, clearly a worthwhile upgrade visually and sonically. Almost makes me want one...You didn't play any Beatles, what the heck! :+)

[@jkta97]

Rhett better teach us the "Drive My Car" solo in his new mini-course!

[@marcofioravanti4176]

He might get in "copyright" problems, or however it´s called. But at least gets the video "demonetized"...

[@Bob-of-Zoid]

Sorry, but the person doing the wiring has nothing to do with "Sonic" anything, unless they make poor contact and get dirt in the pots! All of that "Matching capacitors" and "Brand X vintage capacitors" bullshit is bunk, and a huge money making scam! Matching is nonsense because your everything else isn't matched, nor would anyone want that, you want differences between bridge and neck, or else just use a single pickup! I mean what would the point be? THERE IS NONE! Film capacitors do have slight advantages over ceramic caps, but brand and age make no other difference than old ones may no longer be within original tolerance for good, or worse, or even noisy, and it's only their frequency value that counts, and a matter of taste for the player, so the notion that one must have a specific values for the caps, or even the potentiometers is also bullshit! There's all kinds of room and reasons to use different values, as anyone understanding audio circuit design knows. Your biggest factor for "Sonic value" are the pickups, and their positions under the strings between bridge and neck! The rest of the circuit should take them into account, and from there, and again a matter of taste. Of course their size and shape matters too if you don't want to need and pay for additional woodwork... to use them.

[@landguitar]

@@Bob-of-Zoid I am talking about the overall difference in tone, before and after, not any one piece. Clearly pickups makeup a large part of that; but I know from experience that just replacing a wiring harness can make a big difference. If I were doing this work (having it done), I’d go ahead and replace all the wiring too, just because it seems easier to do that all at the same time because of the hollow body wiring setup. As you mention, the same pickups sound different depending on which position they are installed, and having them “match” means the tones and volume won’t be drastically different. I’m just used to - and like - it that way.

[@rickjason215]

This guy does everything in the store. Most guys who do repairs are in the back room and you never see them.

[@wheresmywrench3219]

this video is unavailable on this device according to youtube

[@austinledley]

I upgraded my Casino with Lollar 50s Wind P-90s and a Tone Man casino wiring kit with orange drop capacitors. It sounds incredible. I’m glad you did almost the same exact thing to good results as well!

[@russellesimonetta3835]

Definitly sounds much better. I think the vintage lower output p 90's sound best!

[@maxpeck4154]

They always do

[@samringwald]

I have a early-2000's Casino and I guess I'm lucky that it's not so dark. I did have the jack drop at a gig one night (before the show), and we spent 30 minutes trying to get it out. That was 2005 and I finally took it in and got it fixed in 2017 or so. I just used it for practicing, as it is easy to hear but you can play it at 2 AM in an apartment. Now I use it mostly for recording. They are great guitars.

[@DanielBrophyMusic]

Sweet guitar! Pretty attainable for many. Also.... MISSING PLUGIN haha, had to replay that part a few times as I thought my computer was messing up.

[@M0M...]

I guess he fixed it, because I never saw anything

[@Rockfish66]

Did exactly the same to my Korean Casino - Lollars plus all new wiring harness and pots. Welcome to the Casino club!

[@ivanpop6565]

Stock pickups sound great, I would imagine the Beatles sounding more like the stock pups. The Lollars are different, brighter, but not necessarily better. Of course from a purely listener's POV I can not comment on the Lollars' feel and response to the player. If I had listened to each pup set without the comparison I'd have said both have I great sound. As you said, I suppose it's the preconceived sound you have in your head that matters.

[@toneseeker4968]

This video was perfect timing for me. I just made the decision yesterday (Father's Day) to look into replacing the pickups on my 2 Epiphone ES 335 Pro's. I have a Cherry one and a Limited Edition Honey Burst that is stamped from the Epiphone Custom shop. I own many electrics, but these 2 are my absolute favorite guitars to play. Fit and form, the neck, frets, body size and weight, are all perfect for my hands and 6'7" body. So, not only are they perfect ergonomically for me, but they also make me look like a normal sized guy playing a normal sized guitar. The only weak link is the electronics. And, I'm glad Ben suggested to have the guts changed out as well...that's what I'll do, then. Now, I guess I just have to figure out the best pickup choice for each one. Maybe some P-90's on one and some kind of Humbuckers on the other one... but which ones?! Uh, oh...I feel a ton of research hours coming up in my near future. Anyway, Thanks for posting, Rhett! I hope you do another video on this setup on this guitar in the future for an update and if you are still satisfied and that it was worth it all.

[@edcataldo7019]

The Casino sounds great with the Lollars thinking of a set to replace the stock pickups on my Korean Sorrento reissue. I am looking into purchasing your slide course since Josh Scott doesn’t offer one even though his slide tone is far superior 😂

[@jpalberthoward9]

Sounds like you got yourself a live one. Definitely a keeper! The neck can probably go to Santana land with the right anp, the middle sounds like a big Telecaster with attitude through a smaller Tweed, and the bridge is ready to rock the country thang! You're getting 3 of my favorite sounds. My estimation is that you are successful in this endeavor. I'm betting that you're gonna have fun with it. One friendly word of advice, though. If you ever decide to strip it to the bare wood, you might want to get different glasses. This will prevent everyone from wanting you to climb up on the roof and play "Get Back" and "One After 909" in the freezing cold. I'm an Atlanta native, and I haven't forgotten how damp and raw and windy it gets down there in the winter. CHEERS!

[@ablacon64]

"This video is unavailable on this device." Never seen this error before. Using the same devices I always use (tablet, smartphone, notebook, PC, all the same error).

[@TarkMcCoy]

Yeah, WTF? Tried it in another browser and same message, too.

[@tl6058]

@@TarkMcCoy @albacon64 Same

[@martin_schwarz]

Same here. Where are you guys? I'm in Vienna, Austria, EU.

[@ablacon64]

@@martin_schwarz Brazil. Still the same error.

[@tl6058]

@@martin_schwarz I am in Virginia, USA. I see the video got pulled entirely from Rhett's page.

[@tedevans2095]

Those Lollar pups truly made the scene. Good tech tips in changing the wiring too. Thanks for the video.

[@MashaT22]

Anyone else getting a KZbin error that says, “This video is unavailable on this device?” I’m on an iPhone XS Max using the KZbin app. The same thing happens when I try playing this video with iOS Safari. All other videos are playing. Did Rhett accidentally click something that prevents mobile viewing in his settings when he uploaded?

[@PaulPauliePabloPaolo]

Doesn’t work with Chrome either... not sure whats going on???

[@iamroberty]

I'm getting the same thing 😭

[@redaben9936]

Same issue

[@cycologist71]

doesn't work for me on anything - PC/Android/TV

[@belmontbutty4143]

Hi Rhett, I've seen a number of KZbin channels cover this pickup upgrade on the Chinese-made Casinos. Have to say, while the upgrade gives a crisper delivery, I'm not too sure that is what I would want from my Casino (prefer 'vintage'), despite the obvious improvement in the wiring. Of course, beauty is in the ear of the beholder, and I'm glad it has given you more enjoyment of the instrument. Just subscribed, all the best.

[@garywium]

I can't watch the video. I get the message: "This video is unavailable on this device" ?? BTW, in case it matters, I'm in Canada.

[@ronsweet9802]

I have an older Epi Dot that had the same muddy problem. About 12 years ago I took the original humbuckers out and installed Seymour Duncan Phat Cat P-90's. WOW, definitely punches way above its weight class.

[@ohpotatoesandmolasses]

FYI dude getting a "This video is unavailable on this device." error with this video Edit: fixed!

[@hermar3656]

Huge difference. I just picked up a casino recently. This upgrade is now a must ... the tone is bliss

[@allanflippin2453]

What happened? The "video is unavailable on this device"?? It's a PC for crissakes :D Everything should be available, right?

[@rondelio8562]

I have a 2007, made in China, Epi Les Paul, and I swapped out the pups for Seymour Duncan- 59n, SH-5b and it definitely improved the sound. Later, I redid the wiring with CTS and Orange. The axe is now waaay better!!

[@brian95]

Anyone else getting a, "this video is unavailable on this device"? All his other stuff will play without any issues

[@dlux703]

Way better than before to my ears. I did a similar swap on a Washburn Delta King a couple yrs ago. In my case I repaced the humbuckers with same sized Phat Katt P 90s from Seymour D. Totally revoiced the guitar and made it much nicer to play, although it still weighs a ton. I used 500k pots as they are supposed to enhance brightness as well.

[@OilCanHarry2U]

For some reason, “This video is unavailable on this device” comes up and is unplayable. I’m in Australia.

[@20flstfi01]

Me to

[@OilCanHarry2U]

Working now.

[@docrobert5996]

I agree so much with you, Rhett! I am Seventy years old and have had so many guitars in search of the sound and playability which I think only comes in a vintage Gibson 330 or and Epiphone Casino with Lollar P90s! The Beatles found this out and unfortunately when I was young some of my friends told me they played 335s which I bought and never liked the sound! So after years of being dissatisfied I saw Paul McCartney doing an interview saying that he thought they were the perfect guitar! So I thought about it for about a second then I bought one of the Inspired by John Lennon Vintage sunburst Casino which the original owner had replaced the pickups with Lollars which I found to be my favorite guitar so then I bought a second Natural Casino. Definitely replace the switch! Epiphone switches suck!

[@BeesWaxMinder]

TBH changing the pick up covers and adding one meg pots would've achieved fairly similar results in a fraction of the cost IMO

[@steverolfeca]

Probably true, but the stock Chinese P90's are a pig to modify. Good luck getting the covers off without butchering at least one of the pickups.

[@BeesWaxMinder]

@@steverolfeca fair enough!

[@mcneilno]

What a difference. I put Lollar P90’s in my LP special and humbuckers in my partscaster. I love how articulate they are.

[@NeoComicus]

Well, tried to watch it, but KZbin keeps telling me "!This video is unavailable on this device." Ah, well...

[@dudehuh5491]

been a humbucker guy for years had my buddies LP classic for a bit when he moved and now im shoppin for a P90 guitar. awesome sound !

[@mikeparler]

Anyone else having playback issues with the video? Keep getting this message: "This video is unavailable on this device." Tried it on multiple devices...

[@stewartjazz]

yes. same here

[@PAHVID]

Same

[@dtkincaid]

Same here. Must have gotten taken down or something

[@thegreatgarrett1]

Same

[@ddmoit]

Same here.

[@bekilcourse3928]

I installed Lollars in my Chinese Casino too, and the difference was day'n'night. Great video!

[@lammyjammer6670]

This setup is similar to the stock Eastman T64/v. It's currently my favorite guitar. I found one close to $1k last year and had to buy it. I purchased a Casino and returned it a few days later because the pickups didn't hit the spot for me. The Eastman on the other hand is a class instrument right up there with the 330.

[@hkguitar1984]

The Eastman is a far superior guitar, even at almost double the price of the Epiphone. The poly finish of the Epiphone will always be a deal breaker for me. I've had both poly and lacquer finish guitars that I've owned and played for almost 30 years, I will never purchase another poly finish. After decades of use the poly finish looks like an old toy.

[@maggieo]

Another lover of her T64/v. Handmade with a lacquer hand-applied finish, makes it a guitar that only the Gibson Custom Shop is delivering, but better.

[@hkguitar1984]

@@maggieo True

[@lammyjammer6670]

@@maggieo I wholeheartedly agree. I'm typically not fond of relic'd finishes but this one is so tastefully done. The instruments feels like it can breathe with the shellac and the attention to detail is amazing as well.

[@Purezshock]

+1 for the Eastman. I played one with a bigsby at a shop and was certainly tempted to get it. Already have a '63 330 though but for the money the Eastman is great.

[@martygould5114]

I have a Stratocaster I bought in 1987. I replaced all of the pickups with Seymour Duncans, blocked off the floating tremolo so it only goes down instead of up (floating tremolos are a tuning nightmare), and I added a drop D flip switch because I was in a punk rock band, so it made power chords easier. It's still my main axe to this day. I've beat the crap out of this guitar and it's still solid. I have four guitars, but this one is still my favorite.

[@retalt]

Why is this video unavailable on my device? Is it broken somehow?

[@jmc2567]

Sounds a lot better,nice and crisp and clear,Best wishes to you and all your viewers and subscribers, from, Auckland, New Zealand.

[@chrissargentguitar8265]

For some reason I keep getting a “this video is unavailable on this device” error, regardless of the device.

[@redaben9936]

Same problem with this video, not the old ones though

[@MrAyla]

I put Gibson p90s in my epiphone sorrento years ago. It’s the single cut sister to this guitar. The original pickups were super microphonic. Total game changer.

[@bobrg1459]

I am getting "This video is unavailable on this device." message on both my imac and iphone. Other videos play normally. Is the problem on my end?

[@kevincourcey813]

Beautiful workmanship and MUCH improved high end tone. Congrats Rhett!

[@dep1001]

Cool vid, Rhett! I wonder if Epiphone did a few upgrades to the Casino line. My 2022 Casino in Worn Ebony comes with CTS pots from the factory. And I only payed 465USD brand new from Thomann - It really does punch way above it's weight class - love it! Those Lollars sound great... but I actually think the Epiphone PUs sound more to the vintage side whereas the Lollars sound a bit more modern - but that's all a matter of taste what one likes more. Thanks, man!

[@iainfreeman5112]

I have what Rhett has the “shiny” Casino & know those p90s were hot. Yours has the p90 Pros & are a huge improvement over the older ones. I put Lindy Fralins in as I couldn’t find the Epi Pros (for price).

[@dep1001]

@@iainfreeman5112 Oh I see. Yes, mine indeed has the Epi p90 Pros. So there really has been some awesome upgrades done to the Casinos. I also read that some people tried to upgrade the Epi Pros to the Gibson P90's but found no improvement... sounded very similar. Thanks

[@sirchtheworld]

@@iainfreeman5112 I put chrome Fralins in mine. Took a little while to dial in and I wound up shimming both of them, but the improvement has been major. With a tuner upgrade, this Casino is now easily my #1 among USA strat, tele and LP.

[@davidstrickler6623]

Great video, Rhett, and probably the best commercial ever for any Guitar Tech Who Knows What He's Doing. The bonus is you got out of it a real keeper to make cool sounds with.

[@john564holloway]

I like the Lollars but I prefer the wamer sound of the stock pups. Adjusting your tone knobs can make a difference, too.

[@StringWh1z]

WOW! What a difference! The new pickups sound FANTASTIC!