How to Date Your Vintage Epiphone Riviera, Sheraton, and Casino: Complete Pre-1970 Authentication Guide

Why Dating Your Vintage Epiphone Semi-Hollow Matters

Learning how to date a vintage Epiphone Riviera, Sheraton, or Casino accurately is essential for authentication, proper valuation, insurance documentation, and understanding your instrument's place in rock history. These American-made Epiphone semi-hollow and hollow-body guitars represent some of the finest instruments ever produced—crafted in Gibson's Kalamazoo factory with meticulous attention to detail and quality.

Whether you own a rare 1959 first-year Sheraton, a mid-1960s Casino that became famous with the Beatles, or a stunning Riviera with mini-humbuckers, determining its exact manufacturing year affects everything from market value to restoration approaches. The pre-1970 American-made era (before production moved overseas) commands premium prices, particularly early examples with distinctive features and original appointments.

This comprehensive guide teaches you how to date your vintage American-made Epiphone semi-hollow guitars using multiple authentication methods, focusing exclusively on the pre-1970 Kalamazoo, Michigan production era.

Understanding the Vintage Epiphone Semi-Hollow History

Before diving into dating methods, understanding these models' evolution provides crucial context:

Gibson's Acquisition of Epiphone (1957)

Gibson acquired Epiphone in 1957 and moved production from New York to the Gibson factory in Kalamazoo, Michigan:

Strategic Purpose:

• Compete at different price points

• Offer alternative designs to Gibson models

• Maintain Epiphone's historical prestige

• Expand market presence

Production Era: 1958-1970 (Kalamazoo, Michigan)

• Same factory as Gibson ES models

• Gibson quality control standards

• Premium American craftsmanship

• After 1970, production moved overseas

The Three Classic Semi-Hollow Models

Epiphone Casino:

• Fully hollow body (no center block)

• P-90 pickups

• Thin body design

• Associated with the Beatles

• Introduced 1961

Epiphone Riviera:

• Semi-hollow with center block

• Mini-humbucker pickups

• Thin body design

• Elegant appointments

• Introduced 1962

Epiphone Sheraton:

• Semi-hollow with center block

• Mini-humbucker pickups (standard) or humbuckers (some)

• Premium appointments throughout

• Block inlays and elaborate binding

• Introduced 1959

Major Pre-1970 Evolution Periods

1959-1961: Introduction Era

• Sheraton introduced (1959)

• Casino introduced (1961)

• Riviera introduced (1962)

• Establishing premium semi-hollow lineup

• New York pickups transitioning to Kalamazoo production

1961-1965: Classic Era

• All three models in production

• Peak quality construction

• Mini-humbucker pickups standard (Riviera, Sheraton)

• P-90 pickups on Casino

• Pre-CBS competition with Gibson ES models

• Most collectible period

1965-1970: Late American Era

• Continued Kalamazoo production

• Beatles association elevates Casino

• Various specification changes

• Final years of USA production

• Before overseas move (1970+)

How to Date Your Vintage Epiphone: Serial Number Systems

Understanding Epiphone's serial number systems is foundational for dating. However, serial numbers alone cannot definitively date these guitars—always use multiple verification methods.

Important Resource: Since Gibson acquired Epiphone in 1957 and moved production to Kalamazoo, vintage Epiphones follow Gibson's serial number systems. Use our Gibson Serial Number Lookup Tool to cross-reference your Epiphone's serial number, as USA-made Epiphones used Gibson's numbering conventions.

1959-1961: Early Epiphone Serial Numbers

Location: Inside guitar (visible through f-holes) or on back of headstock

Format: Various formats during transition period

• Some inside guitar (stamped on bracing or label)

• Some on back of headstock (impressed)

• Transitional numbering systems

Approximate Serial Number Ranges:

• 1959: 9xxxx-0xxxx range (numbering restarted during year)

• 1960: 0xxxx-1xxxx range

• 1961: 1xxxx-2xxxx range (some with A prefix)

Critical Notes:

• Serial number systems inconsistent during early years

• Gibson acquisition created numbering transition

• Epiphones follow Gibson serial ranges

• Factory Order Numbers more reliable

How to Find Serial Number:

1. Look through f-holes (treble side)

2. Serial number stamped inside on bracing or label

3. Or check back of headstock (impressed into wood)

4. Use flashlight for better visibility

5. May need to adjust viewing angle

6. Record complete number exactly

Pro Tip: Use our Gibson Serial Number Lookup Tool since Kalamazoo-made Epiphones share Gibson's serial number system.

1961-1970: Gibson-Style Serial Numbers

Integration with Gibson System:

• Epiphone follows Gibson serial number system

• Same numbering conventions

• Produced in same Kalamazoo factory

Location: Back of headstock (impressed into wood) - most common

Format: 5-6 digits

Approximate Ranges:

• 1961: 1xxxx-2xxxx range (some with A prefix)

• 1962: 2xxxx-3xxxx range

• 1963: 3xxxx-4xxxx range

• 1964: 4xxxx-7xxxx range

• 1965: 7xxxx-9xxxx range

• 1966: 0xxxx-1xxxx range (numbering restarted)

• 1967: 1xxxx-8xxxx range

• 1968: 8xxxx-0xxxx range (restarted again)

• 1969: 0xxxx-9xxxx range

• 1970: 0xxxxx range (six digits)

Critical Challenge: Extensive overlap and duplication

• Same serial numbers appear across multiple years

• Extremely unreliable for precise dating

• Must use Factory Order Numbers and physical features

Reference: Use our Gibson Serial Number Lookup Tool for serial number ranges.

Factory Order Numbers (FON): The Most Reliable Dating Method

For vintage Epiphones, Factory Order Numbers provide the most accurate dating:

What FON Tells You: Production batch and year of manufacture

Location: Inside guitar

• Visible through f-holes

• Stamped on bracing, top, or label

• Orange label (late 1950s-early 1960s) or white label (1960s+)

Format: Letter followed by 3-4 digits

• Letter indicates year

• Numbers indicate production batch

FON Letter Codes (1959-1970):

• S = 1959

• R = 1960

• Q = 1961

• P = 1962

• O = 1963

• N = 1964

• M = 1965

• L = 1966

• K = 1967

• J = 1968

• I = 1969

• H = 1970

Example: FON "P 2847" = 1962 production, batch 2847

How to Find FON:

1. Look through f-holes (both sides)

2. Check orange or white label inside

3. FON may be stamped on bracing

4. Use flashlight and mirror

5. May require string removal for better visibility

6. Photograph for documentation

Why FON Is Critical for Epiphone:

• Most reliable dating method for 1960s guitars

• Minimal overlap between years

• Essential for accurate year identification

• Same system used by Gibson ES models

Dating Vintage Epiphone by Physical Features: Model-by-Model Guide

Physical characteristics provide crucial dating evidence:

Epiphone Sheraton (1959-1970)

The Premium Semi-Hollow:

1959-1960 Sheraton (First Years)

Body Construction:

• Semi-hollow body with solid center block

• Thin body design (similar to ES-335)

• Laminated maple top, back, and sides

• 16" lower bout width

• Double cutaway design

Cutaways:

• Rounded "Mickey Mouse ear" cutaways (1959-1962)

• Elegant, symmetrical design

Pickups (1959-1960):

• New York pickups (1959 transitional)

• Mini-humbucker pickups (1960+)

• Two pickup configuration

• Chrome or nickel covers

Neck and Fingerboard:

• Mahogany neck

• Rosewood fingerboard

• Block inlays (mother of pearl)

• Multiple binding

• Bound fingerboard

• 22 frets

Headstock:

• "Epiphone" script logo

• Crown inlay (elaborate)

• Bound headstock

• Multi-ply binding

• Gold or nickel tuners

Appointments:

• Multi-ply binding on body (5-ply or 7-ply)

• Bound f-holes

• Block inlays on fingerboard

• Elaborate binding throughout

• Premium construction

Hardware:

• Tune-o-matic bridge

• Stop tailpiece or Bigsby vibrato

• Frequency Resonator (early examples)

• Gold-plated hardware (standard)

• Grover Imperial tuners

Frequency Resonator:

• Unique tone modifier

• Mounted on pickguard

• Early Sheraton feature (1959-mid 1960s)

• Mechanical switching system

• Highly collectible

Finish Options:

• Natural (blonde maple)

• Sunburst

• Cherry

• Royal Tan (some years)

Label:

• Orange label inside (1959-early 1960s)

• "Sheraton" designation

• Visible through f-holes

Serial Numbers: 9xxxx-1xxxx range

FON: S, R prefixes

Why 1959-1960 Sheratons Are Most Valuable:

• First production years

• New York pickups (1959 - extremely rare)

• Frequency Resonator (some)

• Premium appointments

• Mickey Mouse ear cutaways

• Orange labels

• Limited early production

1961-1964 Sheraton (Classic Era - Highly Collectible)

Refined Specifications:

• Semi-hollow with center block

• Mini-humbucker pickups standard

• Mickey Mouse ear cutaways (through 1962)

• Pointed cutaways (1963-1964)

Cutaway Transition:

• Rounded Mickey Mouse ears (1961-1962)

• Sharp pointed cutaways (1963-1964)

• Dating indicator

Pickups:

• Mini-humbucker pickups standard

• Two pickup configuration

• Chrome or gold covers

• Through-body mounting to center block

Appointments:

• Block inlays

• Multi-ply binding throughout

• Bound f-holes

• Gold hardware standard

• Frequency Resonator (early examples)

Hardware:

• Tune-o-matic bridge

• Stop tailpiece or Bigsby vibrato

• Grover Imperial tuners

• Gold-plated hardware

Finish Options:

• Natural (most desirable)

• Sunburst

• Cherry

• Royal Tan

• Wine Red (some years)

Label:

• Orange label (through early 1962)

• White label (1962+)

• Label transition helps dating

Serial Numbers: 1xxxx-7xxxx range

FON: Q, P, O, N prefixes

Why 1961-1964 Sheratons Are Peak Value:

• Classic era specifications

• Mini-humbucker tone

• Pre-CBS quality

• Frequency Resonator (some)

• Premium appointments

• Excellent construction

1965-1970 Sheraton (Late American Era)

Continued Production:

• Semi-hollow with center block

• Mini-humbucker pickups

• Pointed cutaways standard

• Premium appointments continue

Changes:

• Frequency Resonator discontinued (mid-1960s)

• Some specification variations

• Hardware changes

• Finish options evolve

Serial Numbers: 7xxxx-0xxxxx range

FON: M, L, K, J, I, H prefixes

Epiphone Casino (1961-1970)

The Fully Hollow Beatle Guitar:

1961-1962 Casino (First Years)

Body Construction:

• Fully hollow body (no center block unlike Sheraton/Riviera)

• Thin body design

• Laminated maple top, back, and sides

• 16" lower bout width

• Double cutaway design

Critical Distinction: Fully hollow vs. semi-hollow

• No solid center block

• Completely hollow interior

• Different tone (more acoustic, feedback-prone)

• Lighter weight

Cutaways:

• Rounded "Mickey Mouse ear" cutaways (1961-1962)

• Elegant, symmetrical design

Pickups:

• Two P-90 single-coil pickups

• NOT mini-humbuckers (key Casino feature)

• Dog-ear mounting to top

• Black covers standard

• Alnico magnets

Why P-90 Pickups:

• Traditional single-coil tone

• Brighter, more cutting than humbuckers

• Classic rock sound

• Beatles tone

Neck and Fingerboard:

• Mahogany neck

• Rosewood fingerboard

• Dot inlays (standard Casino)

• Bound fingerboard

• 22 frets

Headstock:

• "Epiphone" script logo

• Crown inlay

• Bound headstock

• Nickel tuners standard

Appointments:

• Single-ply or double-ply binding on body

• Bound f-holes

• Dot inlays

• Less elaborate than Sheraton

• Functional design

Hardware:

• Tune-o-matic bridge

• Trapeze tailpiece (most common)

• Stop tailpiece (some)

• Bigsby vibrato (rare)

• Nickel hardware standard

Finish Options:

• Natural (blonde maple)

• Sunburst

• Cherry

Label:

• Orange label inside (1961)

• White label (1962+)

Serial Numbers: 1xxxx-3xxxx range

FON: Q, P prefixes

Why Early Casinos Are Valuable:

• First production years

• Mickey Mouse ear cutaways

• P-90 pickups (original spec)

• Pre-Beatles but same design

• Orange labels (1961)

• Limited early production

1963-1965 Casino (Pre-Beatles Peak Era)

Cutaway Change:

• Pointed cutaways introduced (1963)

• Sharp, angular design

• Different appearance from rounded

Pickups:

• P-90 single-coil pickups continue

• Two pickup configuration

• Dog-ear mounting

• Black covers

Appointments:

• Dot inlays

• Bound fingerboard

• Bound f-holes

• Nickel hardware

Beatles Connection:

• John Lennon acquired Casino (1965)

• George Harrison acquired Casino (1965)

• Paul McCartney acquired Casino (1964)

• Beatles association begins

Finish Options:

• Natural

• Sunburst

• Cherry

Serial Numbers: 3xxxx-9xxxx range

FON: O, N, M prefixes

1966-1970 Casino (Beatles Era - Iconic)

Beatles Fame:

• Extensive Beatles use (1965-1970)

• Rooftop Concert (1969)

• Abbey Road sessions

• Casino becomes iconic

• "Beatle bass" association

Specifications:

• Fully hollow body

• P-90 pickups (essential Casino feature)

• Pointed cutaways

• Dot inlays

• Nickel hardware

John Lennon's Modified Casino:

• Stripped to natural wood (removed sunburst)

• Inspired many Casino modifications

• "Stripped Casino" look

Serial Numbers: 0xxxx-0xxxxx range

FON: L, K, J, I, H prefixes

Why Beatles-Era Casinos Are Collectible:

• Beatles association

• Cultural significance

• P-90 tone

• Fully hollow construction

• Rock history importance

Epiphone Riviera (1962-1970)

The Elegant Semi-Hollow:

1962-1963 Riviera (First Years)

Body Construction:

• Semi-hollow body with solid center block

• Thin body design

• Laminated maple top, back, and sides

• 16" lower bout width

• Double cutaway design

Cutaways:

• Rounded "Mickey Mouse ear" cutaways (1962)

• Pointed cutaways (1963+)

• Dating indicator

Pickups:

• Two mini-humbucker pickups

• Chrome or nickel covers

• Mounted to center block

• Distinctive Epiphone tone

Neck and Fingerboard:

• Mahogany neck

• Rosewood fingerboard

• Dot inlays (standard) or block inlays (custom)

• Bound fingerboard

• 22 frets

Headstock:

• "Epiphone" script logo

• Crown inlay

• Bound headstock

• Nickel or gold tuners

Appointments:

• Less elaborate binding than Sheraton

• Bound f-holes

• Dot inlays typical

• Elegant but simpler than Sheraton

Hardware:

• Tune-o-matic bridge

• Bigsby vibrato (standard on many)

• Stop tailpiece (some)

• Tremotone tailpiece (rare)

• Nickel hardware standard (gold optional)

Tremotone Tailpiece:

• Unique Epiphone vibrato system

• Rare feature

• Collectible when present

Finish Options:

• Natural

• Sunburst

• Cherry

• Royal Tan

• Sparkling Burgundy (rare)

• Other custom colors (rare)

Serial Numbers: 2xxxx-4xxxx range

FON: P, O prefixes

1963-1965 Riviera (Classic Era)

Cutaways:

• Pointed cutaways standard (1963+)

• Sharp, angular design

Pickups:

• Mini-humbucker pickups

• Two pickup configuration

• Chrome or nickel covers

Appointments:

• Dot inlays standard

• Block inlays available

• Bound fingerboard

• Elegant design

Hardware:

• Bigsby vibrato common

• Tremotone (some)

• Tune-o-matic bridge

• Nickel or gold hardware

Finish Options:

• Natural

• Sunburst

• Cherry

• Royal Tan

• Custom colors (rare)

Serial Numbers: 3xxxx-9xxxx range

FON: O, N, M prefixes

1966-1970 Riviera (Late American Era)

Continued Production:

• Semi-hollow with center block

• Mini-humbucker pickups

• Pointed cutaways

• Dot or block inlays

Changes:

• Specification variations

• Hardware options change

• Finish options evolve

Serial Numbers: 0xxxx-0xxxxx range

FON: L, K, J, I, H prefixes

Potentiometer Date Codes: Essential Verification

Potentiometer codes provide crucial verification:

Understanding Pot Codes

Standard Format: XXYYZZ

• XX = Manufacturer code

• YY = Year of manufacture

• ZZ = Week of manufacture

Common Manufacturers:

• 137 = CTS

• 134 = Centralab

• 140 = Clarostat

How to Check Pot Codes on Epiphone Semi-Hollows

Access Challenge: Semi-hollow/hollow construction makes access difficult

Methods:

1. Look through f-holes with flashlight and dental mirror

2. Some pots visible from certain angles

3. May require professional access for complete inspection

4. Four pots total (two volume, two tone)

Example Codes:

• 137 6128 = CTS pot, 1961, 28th week

• 134 6415 = Centralab pot, 1964, 15th week

Interpreting Pot Dates

Dating Rules:

• Pots date component manufacture

• Guitar assembled weeks/months after pots made

• All four pots should date similarly

• 1963 Epiphone might have late 1962 or early 1963 pots

Red Flags:

• Pots dated after supposed guitar year

• Mixed pot dates from different years

• Modern pots on supposedly vintage Epiphone

Identifying Key Features by Model

Understanding distinctive characteristics:

Casino: Fully Hollow with P-90s

Unique Features:

• Fully hollow (no center block)

• P-90 single-coil pickups (NOT mini-humbuckers)

• Dog-ear mounting

• Lighter weight than semi-hollow

• More acoustic resonance

• Feedback potential at high volumes

Tone: Bright, cutting, classic rock

Sheraton: Premium Semi-Hollow

Premium Features:

• Semi-hollow with center block

• Mini-humbucker pickups

• Block inlays

• Multi-ply binding (5-ply or 7-ply)

• Gold hardware standard

• Most elaborate appointments

• Frequency Resonator (early examples)

Tone: Warm, balanced, jazz/rock versatile

Riviera: Elegant Semi-Hollow

Distinctive Features:

• Semi-hollow with center block

• Mini-humbucker pickups

• Dot inlays (typically)

• Less binding than Sheraton

• Bigsby vibrato common

• Tremotone tailpiece (rare)

• Nickel hardware standard

Tone: Balanced, versatile, semi-hollow warmth

Cutaway Styles: Critical Dating Feature

Cutaway shape helps date all three models:

Mickey Mouse Ears (Rounded Cutaways)

Periods:

• Sheraton: 1959-1962

• Casino: 1961-1962

• Riviera: 1962 only

Characteristics:

• Rounded, symmetrical cutaways

• Softer appearance

• Traditional ES-style look

What It Indicates:

• Early production period

• More collectible era

• Pre-pointed cutaway change

Pointed Cutaways

Periods:

• Sheraton: 1963-1970

• Casino: 1963-1970

• Riviera: 1963-1970

Characteristics:

• Sharp, angular cutaways

• More aggressive appearance

• Modern look

What It Indicates:

• 1963 onward production

• Mid-to-late era

Verification: Combine cutaway style with other features for accurate dating

Label Colors: Orange vs. White

Interior labels help date guitars:

Orange Labels

Era: Late 1950s-early 1960s (approximately)

Appearance:

• Orange/gold colored oval label

• "Gibson" and "Epiphone" text

• Model designation

• "Kalamazoo, Michigan"

What Orange Labels Indicate:

• Early production (1959-1962 approximately)

• Mickey Mouse ear cutaways

• Most collectible period

• Sheraton: 1959-early 1962

• Casino: 1961 only

• Riviera: possibly early 1962

White Labels

Era: 1962 onward

Appearance:

• White oval or rectangular label

• Model information

• Production details

What White Labels Indicate:

• 1962+ production

• Transition from orange labels

• Later production era

Special Features: Frequency Resonator and Tremotone

Rare features increase value:

Frequency Resonator (Sheraton)

What Is It:

• Mechanical tone modifier

• Mounted on pickguard

• Engages/disengages tone circuit

• Changes resonant frequency

Years Available: 1959-mid 1960s (primarily early Sheratons)

Value Impact: Substantial premium for original units

Authentication:

• Period-correct construction

• Original mounting

• Functional or non-functional (both collectible)

Tremotone Tailpiece (Riviera)

What Is It:

• Unique Epiphone vibrato system

• Different from Bigsby

• Rare feature

Years Available: Early-mid 1960s (limited)

Value Impact: Rare and desirable

Mini-Humbuckers vs. P-90s: Critical Distinction

Understanding pickup types:

Mini-Humbuckers (Sheraton, Riviera)

Characteristics:

• Smaller than regular humbuckers

• Larger than single-coils

• Humbucking (noise-canceling)

• Chrome or nickel covers

• Distinctive Epiphone tone

What They Indicate:

• Sheraton: Standard pickups

• Riviera: Standard pickups

• NOT on Casino

P-90 Single-Coils (Casino Only)

Characteristics:

• Single-coil design

• "Soap bar" shape

• Dog-ear mounting to top

• Black covers

• Brighter than mini-humbuckers

What They Indicate:

• Casino only (defining feature)

• Never mini-humbuckers on vintage Casinos

• Beatles tone

Critical: Casino with mini-humbuckers is incorrect or modified

Red Flags: Identifying Non-Original or Modified Epiphones

Recognizing modifications:

Refinished Vintage Epiphone

Indicators:

• Overspray inside through f-holes

• Paint on bracing visible through f-holes

• Wrong finish characteristics

• Lack of proper checking

• Modern paint types

Impact: Refinished American Epiphones lose 40-60% of value

Replaced Pickups

Original Pickup Importance:

• Mini-humbuckers essential on Sheraton/Riviera

• P-90s essential on Casino

• Wrong pickups destroy value and authenticity

Common Modifications:

• Casino with mini-humbuckers (incorrect)

• Modern pickups in any model

• Wrong mounting style

Verification:

• Casino should ALWAYS have P-90s

• Sheraton/Riviera should have mini-humbuckers

• Check pickup construction and mounting

Top Cracks and Repairs

Concerns:

• Semi-hollow/hollow bodies vulnerable to cracks

• Top cracks near f-holes common

• Visible through f-holes or on top

Assessment:

• Professional repairs minimize value impact

• Multiple cracks concerning

• Stable repairs preferred

Modified "Stripped" Casinos

John Lennon's Influence:

• Lennon stripped finish to bare wood

• Many Casinos subsequently stripped

• Significantly reduces collector value

Originality: Original finish essential for maximum value

American vs. Foreign: Critical Distinction

Understanding production location:

American-Made (1959-1970)

Kalamazoo, Michigan Production:

• Same factory as Gibson

• Gibson quality control

• "Made in USA" or no country marking

• Premium construction

• Highly collectible

Identification:

• Serial numbers match Gibson system

• FON stamps present

• Construction quality matches Gibson

• Period-correct features

• Premium materials

Foreign Production (1970+)

After 1970:

• Production moved overseas

• Japan, Korea, China production

• Different serial systems

• Lower collector value

• Different specifications

Not Covered in This Guide: This guide focuses exclusively on pre-1970 American-made Epiphones

When You're Ready to Sell Your Vintage Epiphone

How Dating Affects Epiphone Value

Era-Specific Premiums:

• 1959-1962 early years: Highest values (Mickey Mouse ears, orange labels)

• 1963-1965 classic era: Strong premiums

• 1966-1970 Beatles era Casinos: Cultural significance premium

• All-original examples command highest prices

Feature-Specific Value:

• Mickey Mouse ear cutaways more valuable than pointed

• Orange labels indicate early production (premium)

• Frequency Resonator adds substantial premium (Sheraton)

• Tremotone tailpiece rare and desirable (Riviera)

• Original P-90s essential on Casino

• Original mini-humbuckers essential on Sheraton/Riviera

• Natural finish often preferred over sunburst

Model Hierarchy:

• Sheraton: Most premium appointments, highest values

• Casino: Beatles association, cultural significance

• Riviera: Elegant middle ground, excellent values

Why Choose Edgewater Guitars

Our Epiphone Expertise:

• American vs. foreign authentication

• Mini-humbucker vs. P-90 verification

• FON analysis using Gibson system

• Frequency Resonator identification (Sheraton)

• Tremotone tailpiece recognition (Riviera)

• Cutaway style dating (Mickey Mouse vs. pointed)

• Label color identification (orange vs. white)

• Beatles-era Casino authentication

• Understanding of Kalamazoo production era

Premium Offers: 30-40% higher than guitar shops

Streamlined Process:

• Expert authentication

• Immediate fair offers

• No fees or commissions

• Professional service

Contact: (440) 219-3607

Service Area: Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, West Virginia

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a Casino and Sheraton/Riviera?

The Casino is fully hollow (no center block) with P-90 single-coil pickups, while the Sheraton and Riviera are semi-hollow (with center block) and have mini-humbucker pickups. The Casino is lighter, more acoustic-sounding, and prone to feedback at high volumes. Use our Gibson Serial Number Lookup Tool to check your serial number range.

Did the Beatles really use Casinos?

Yes! John Lennon, George Harrison, and Paul McCartney all played Epiphone Casinos extensively from 1964-1970. John used his Casino on the famous rooftop concert (1969), and it became his main guitar. The Beatles association significantly elevates Casino collectibility and cultural importance.

Should a vintage Casino have mini-humbuckers or P-90s?

Vintage Casinos should ALWAYS have P-90 single-coil pickups. Any Casino with mini-humbuckers has been modified and is not original. P-90s are the defining Casino feature and essential to authenticity.

What is a Frequency Resonator on a Sheraton?

The Frequency Resonator was a unique mechanical tone modifier mounted on the pickguard of early Sheraton models (1959-mid 1960s). It changed the resonant frequency of the tone circuit, creating distinctive tonal variations. Original Frequency Resonators add substantial premium to Sheraton values.

Are Mickey Mouse ear cutaways more valuable than pointed?

Yes, Mickey Mouse ear (rounded) cutaways (1959-1962 depending on model) are more collectible than pointed cutaways (1963+). Early examples with rounded cutaways and orange labels represent the most valuable era.

How can I tell if my Epiphone is pre-1970 American-made?

Check for: Gibson-style serial numbers, FON stamps inside guitar, construction quality matching Gibson standards, appropriate pickups (mini-humbuckers on Sheraton/Riviera, P-90s on Casino), "Made in USA" or no country marking, and period-correct features. Use our Gibson Serial Number Lookup Tool.

What's the most valuable vintage Epiphone semi-hollow?

Early Sheraton models (1959-1962) with Mickey Mouse ear cutaways, original Frequency Resonator, natural finish, and orange labels command the highest prices. Beatles-era Casinos with documented provenance can also bring premium prices due to cultural significance.

Can I date my Epiphone just by serial number?

Not reliably for 1960s models. Epiphone used Gibson's serial system which has significant overlap. Use our Gibson Serial Number Lookup Tool for the range, then verify with FON, pot codes, cutaway style, and physical features.

Additional Resources

• Gibson Serial Number Lookup Tool - Epiphone serial numbers follow Gibson's system

• Complete Epiphone Dating Guide

• Vintage Guitar Authentication Guide

• Sell Your Vintage Guitar

Learning how to date your vintage Epiphone Riviera, Sheraton, or Casino accurately requires understanding serial numbers, Factory Order Numbers, pot codes, and physical features specific to each era. These American-made Epiphones evolved from 1959 through 1970, with the early era (1959-1962) commanding the highest values, particularly models with Mickey Mouse ear cutaways, orange labels, and special features like Frequency Resonators.

Whether you own a rare first-year Sheraton with Frequency Resonator, a Beatles-era Casino, or an elegant Riviera, proper authentication ensures you understand your instrument's history and value. Use our Gibson Serial Number Lookup Tool as a starting point (Epiphone followed Gibson's system), then verify with Factory Order Numbers, pot codes, cutaway style, and physical feature identification for definitive dating.

Edgewater Guitars specializes in vintage American-made Epiphone authentication and purchasing throughout the Midwest. Our comprehensive knowledge of Epiphone semi-hollow dating—from Casino P-90 verification to Sheraton Frequency Resonator identification—ensures accurate assessments that reflect your guitar's true age and value.

Contact us today at (440) 219-3607 for expert Epiphone authentication or professional valuation.

John Thompson, Vintage Guitar Specialist
Edgewater Guitars - Ohio's Premier Guitar Buyer