The Epiphone Caiola is one of the most distinctive signature models from the Epiphone era of the 1960s. The model was introduced in 1963 for American session and studio guitarist Al Caiola, known for countless recordings and popular instrumental hits such as the themes from "Bonanza" and "The Magnificent Seven." The guitar was built in the famous Gibson factory in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and remained in production until 1969.What immediately distinguishes the Caiola from other Epiphone models of that time is its striking design. The guitar features a fully hollow thinline body without f-holes, a long 25.5-inch scale length, a rare zero fret, and a characteristic curved control panel on the top of the body. The model also featured five so-called Tonexpressor switches, which allowed various tone filters to be activated. This made the Caiola one of the most versatile electric guitars Epiphone produced in the 1960s. There were two main versions, of which the Al Caiola Standard, introduced in 1966, featured two P90 pickups, dot inlays, and a slightly plainer finish. Construction-wise, the Caiola is often described as a cross between an Epiphone Sheraton and a Gibson ES330. The fully hollow maple body delivers an open, resonant sound with plenty of acoustic response, while the long, Fender-style scale length provides extra definition and clarity. As a result, a Caiola often sounds slightly tighter and more direct than many other Gibson or Epiphone models from the same period.This 1967 Caiola is a particularly clean instrument and is in excellent condition. The electronics have been checked and are working well, and the output has been replaced. Furthermore, the guitar is very playable, and you will turn heads when you appear on stage with it!Consignment.
