Epiphone VINTAGE Caiola Custom '67 Modify Walnut

Epiphone, now a familiar sister brand to Gibson, was a historic brand that, before being acquired by Gibson in the late 1950s, was a major rival to Gibson, particularly in the archtop guitar market. After the acquisition, Epiphone began producing solid-body models in addition to archtop and hollow-body guitars, resulting in the creation of many attractive models that are loved by guitar fans around the world.

The Epiphone brand's first artist model, the "Al Caiola," is a signature model of Al Caiola, a popular session guitarist at the time. Featuring unique controls and mini-humbuckers, this model first appeared in 1963, and when the "Caiola Standard" with P-90 pickups was released in 1966, its name was changed to "Caiola Custom." Although it was a noteworthy model that appeared on the first page of the 1966 catalog alongside the Sheraton and Emperor, the total number of units produced, including the standard model, was less than 400 by the time production ended in 1969, making it an extremely rare model.

This particular guitar, which has just arrived, has been modified with a Bigsby tremolo unit and simpler controls, making it ideal for players.

【body】
The total weight is approximately 2.95 kg. The hollow body, made of laminated maple and without a soundhole, is about 2 inches thick, slightly thicker than the ES-330 or Casino, and features a luxurious multi-ply cell binding on the body top. Walnut (mahogany red), a standard color in the 1970s, must have looked new in 1967. The tailpiece has been replaced with a Bigsby B-6 tremolo unit. The control panel has been replaced due to a change in controls. Overall, there is some weather checking, minor dents, and tarnishing of the metal parts, but it remains in relatively good condition. Additionally, the pickup ring screws have been replaced.

【neck】
The neck is made of mahogany, and the fingerboard is made of rosewood. The neck section is distinctive, featuring a 17-fret joint set neck, no volute, zero fret, and a 25-1/2 inch scale, giving it the feel of an artist model. Beautiful inlay work can be seen on the headstock. There is some weather checking at the joints of the materials on the headstock top and back of the neck, some touch-ups on dents, and some tarnishing on the metal parts, but like the body, it is in relatively good condition. The tuners are Grover "102" and function properly, although there is some slight variation in the winding tension. There is some wear on the frets and nut, but there is no extreme buzzing and the playability is good at the moment. The nut width is 42.7mm. The neck shape is thin around the lower frets and gradually thickens towards the higher frets.

[Electrical System]
The original had a unique control scheme, but it has now been changed to a simpler one with a master volume, 3-way pickup selector, and master tone. It features two mini-humbucker pickups, which are a great match for hollow-body models. The potentiometers and tone capacitors have also been replaced to accommodate the control change.

It offers a cleaner range and crisper articulation than a full-sized humbucker, and combined with the hollow body, it produces a clear and responsive sound. The front position provides a moderately warm and deep tone, while the rear position delivers a sharp and clear tone, resulting in a distinct and lively sound character that won't get lost in an ensemble.

Accessories: Non-original hard case, original assembly

Weight: 2.95kg
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/254.0mm (10inch)
Nut Width/Fret Size (Width): 42.7mm/2.6mm, 20 Fret
Neck Thickness (1F/7F/12F): 20.3mm/23.0mm/25.0mm
Bridge/Tail: Gibson ABR-1 wired w/brass saddle, chrome/Bigsby B-6 unit (replaced)
Pickup (Neck/Bridge): Gibson PU-120 mini humbucking pickup for Epiphone, stickered numbered, Chrome Cover (6.8kΩ/6.8kΩ)
*The DC resistance value of the pickup is measured through the control section.

Heartman Vintage Guitars is a specialty store for vintage guitars and basses operated by Ikebe Musical Instruments.