On my modified 339 the top sides and back are 5-ply they are slightly over a 1/4' thick, this may also make them slightly heavier than their Gibson built counterparts. I would absolutely upgrade the electronics in a MIM tele if I had a specific sound I was after. Posted J(edited) I think all of the current MIC Epiphone Archtops are 5-ply, semi hollow and hollow. I could fork out $3.3k for an USA made Casino or Gibson ES-330, but I don't want to. I'll have about $1k total into this guitar (including HSC). Custom wound WolfeTone P-90s, Emerson vintage wiring kit, Faber brushed nickel bridge and vintage tuners, Allparts long trapeze tail piece, custom paisley pickguard (that I'm making myself).

* Epiphone Casino Worn (my 2022 Christmas project baby to be started soon). Some of the best $ I've ever spent on guitar gear, and I'll put it up against any $3,000 Gibson. I have about $750 total into the guitar, with HSC. But the $300 I spent on a BCS vintage wiring kit and SD Antiquities made it a much, much better guitar. Sure, the original electronics were fine. Depending on the guitar, I am an upgrade proponent.

Epiphone casino pickups upgrade