Up for sale is a remarkably well-preserved 1968 Epiphone Al Caiola Standard, manufactured during the highly sought-after Kalamazoo era at the Gibson factory in Michigan. As the signature model for the legendary American session guitarist Al Caiola, this guitar pairs traditional late-1960s craftsmanship with unique tonal engineering. This instrument is in exceptional near-mint condition and comes complete with its original hardshell case.
​Design and Construction:

• ​Body: Thinline hollow maple body. A standout feature of the Al Caiola model is the sealed top with no f-holes. This design was specifically engineered to eliminate feedback at high stage or studio volumes while maintaining the warm, resonant acoustic character of a true hollowbody.
• ​Finish: Classic Sunburst. The original nitrocellulose lacquer has retained its deep gloss and vibrant shading, showing virtually no notable wear, scratches, or weather checking.
• ​Neck: Set mahogany neck featuring a 25.5-inch long scale length, which is highly uncommon for Gibson-made hollowbodies of this era. This longer scale provides a tighter string tension, superb note articulation, and extra acoustic clarity.
• ​Fretboard: Premium dark rosewood with classic dot inlays and original frets in fantastic shape.

​Electronics and Hardware:
The electronics assembly is the heart of this model's versatility and remains completely untouched from the factory:

• ​Pickups: Two original pickups with chrome covers. They offer an exceptionally clear, dynamic tone capable of delivering everything from woody jazz textures to sparkling clean note definition.
• ​Switching: The prominent "Tonexpressor" circuit on the lower bout. Five separate switches engage different capacitors and frequency filters, allowing for a vast array of preset tonal variations. This system is rounded out by master volume and master tone controls. All wiring and solder joints are factory original.
• ​Hardware: Original trapeze tailpiece with the signature wooden insert and engraved "Al Caiola Model" plate. Original bridge and highly reliable original tuners.

​Condition and Playability:
This guitar is in collector-grade near-mint condition. It has been cared for meticulously over the decades, showing absolutely no modifications, breaks, or repairs. The neck profile is highly comfortable, and the ergonomics of the thinline body make it a joy to handle. It is highly resonant and responds beautifully to the finest nuances of your picking dynamics.
​The instrument includes its original vintage hardshell case and will be packed professionally and shipped securely. For more high-resolution images and our full inventory of premium vintage instruments, please visit Oysterguitars.de.