1987 Epiphone Casino Violin Burst, Made in Japan Terada Factory, MIJ, Pre-Elitist

Offered for sale is a beautiful example of a 1987 Epiphone Casino, built at the highly respected Terada Factory in Japan. Finished in the rare and striking Violin Burst, this guitar embodies vintage character with a beautifully aged appearance and feel. It comes complete with an aftermarket Japanese brown leather gig bag.

Japanese-market Casinos from this era are highly regarded for their exceptional craftsmanship and build quality, often considered among the finest Casino reissues ever produced. Many enthusiasts (us included!) view them as superior to later production models, and this example certainly lives up to that reputation. The attention to detail, fit, and finish rival—and arguably surpass—many of its American-made counterparts.

Overall, the guitar remains in very good condition for its age, reflecting years of careful ownership. It shows honest signs of use, including various surface marks and scratches, primarily on the back of the body, but is structurally excellent with no repairs or modifications. Everything functions exactly as it should.

The neck and fretboard are in excellent condition, providing a smooth and comfortable playing experience. All 22 frets display only minimal wear. There is some cosmetic wear to the tip of the headstock, where the finish has been scraped away to reveal the bare wood beneath; however, this is purely superficial.

The original hardware has aged gracefully, developing a desirable vintage patina that complements the guitar’s overall aesthetic. The factory electronics remain fully functional, and the original P-90 pickups deliver the warm, articulate, and growling tones for which the Casino is renowned.

A series of photographs has been taken under various lighting conditions to showcase the unique character of the finish and how its appearance can change depending on the environment. This highlights the depth and richness of the Violin Burst, which can display noticeably different tones and hues under different lighting.

It’s been expertly cleaned and setup by Ben of Beej Guitar Repairs with a fresh set of 10-46 strings.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch and thanks for looking!

WHY BUY FROM IN BLOOM GUITARS?

Every guitar that is sold, is carefully and lovingly cleaned, setup and restrung, primed for its new owner. We source only the finest and rarest of guitars so you can be assured that each and every instrument upholds the strict standard of quality here at In Bloom Guitars. We offer international delivery and can assure you all guitars are packed sufficiently for a safe transit.

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