Epiphone VINTAGE Caiola Custom '67 Walnut

Epiphone is now well known as Gibson's sister brand, but before it was acquired by Gibson in the late 1950s, it was a historic brand that was active as a rival to Gibson, particularly in the archtop field. After the Gibson acquisition, Epiphone began producing solid-body models in addition to archtop/hollowbody models, and many attractive models were born that are loved by guitar fans around the world.

The Al Caiola was Epiphone's first artist model. It was a signature model for Al Caiola, a popular session guitarist at the time. Featuring special controls and a mini-humbucker, this model debuted in 1963. With the release of the Caiola Standard with a P-90 pickup in 1966, the name was changed to the Caiola Custom. While this noteworthy model appeared on the front page of the 1966 catalog alongside the Sheraton and Emperor, by the time production ceased in 1969, fewer than 400 units were produced, including the standard model, making it an extremely rare model.

【body】
The overall weight is approximately 3.1 kg. The hollow body without a soundhole is made of laminated maple and is approximately 2 inches thick, slightly thicker than the ES-330 or Casino. It features a luxurious multi-ply cell binding on the top. The walnut (mahogany red) finish, a standard color in the 1970s, probably looked new in 1967. While there is some weather checking, dents, and tarnish on the metal parts, the guitar remains in relatively good condition. The bridge base is currently glued to the body. The pickguard and set screws have also been replaced at our shop.

【neck】
The neck is made of one piece of mahogany without a volute. The fingerboard is made of rosewood. The neck section features a 17-fret set joint, a 0-fret, and a 25-1/2-inch scale, giving it the distinctive artist model look. The headstock features beautiful inlay work. The tuners are Grover "102" and function well with little winding variation. The frets and nut have been replaced in our shop, boasting outstanding playability. The nut width is 43.0mm. The neck profile is thin near the low frets and thickens significantly toward the higher frets.

[Electrical system]
The controls are unique compared to other models, with a Master Volume, Pickup Select, Master Tone, and five preset tone selects. The pickups are two mini humbuckers, a perfect match for hollowbody models. You'll enjoy the richness of the stock sound along with a unique tone selection.

Included case: Non-original hard case

Weight: 3.1kg
Body Material：Laminated maple top ／Laminated maple rim（2inch） ／Laminated maple back
Neck Material/Scale Length: Mahogany 1 piece non Volute/646mm (25-1/2inch)
Fingerboard/Fret Marker/Radius: Rosewood/Pearloid Block/304.8mm (12inch)
Nut Width/Fret Size (Width): 43.0mm (replaced)/2.6mm (replaced), 20 Fret
Neck Thickness (1F/7F/12F): 20.0mm/22.8mm/25.1mm
Pickup (Neck/Bridge): Gibson PU-120 mini humbucking pickup for Epiphone, stickered numbered, Chrome Cover

-------Heartman Vintage Guitars is Ikebe Music's vintage guitar and bass specialty store-------