Epiphone Riviera
A stunning old Riviera. In the 70's Epiphone stopped building guitars in America and switched production over to Japan. These early MIJ Epiphones are branded with a Blue Label in the sound hole and a hand written serial number. Built at the legendary Matsumoku factory, these were some of the best Epiphone guitars ever built, especially in the early years were the numbers produced were more limited.
We are happy to offer this 1975 Epiphone Riviera for sale. It certainly has had a colourful history in it's nearly 50 years on the planet, we'll do our best to tell its story in this description.
It's had a break by the base of the neck at some point (pictured), the repair is solid and well done. Someone ditched the Frequensator tailpiece and installed a stopbar (probably) to make it look more like a 335, again a professional job. The bridge pickup has been replaced with a 70's Gibson PAT NO. 2737842 humbucker.
But how does it play? In short, incredibly. The neck is one of the best 335 necks we've ever had in our hands, and we've played MANY over the years. This guitar has IT, that vibe and charm that only a vintage guitar gives you. It's not a collectors piece, it's not 100% original and unmolested, but it is an absolute peach of an electric guitar.
Spec:
- Maple Top, Back and Sides
- Mahogany neck
- Rosewood fingerboard
- 22 frets
- Split Inlays
- 1x Gibson PAT NO. 2737842 in the bridge
- 1x Epiphone humbucker in the neck
- Tune-o-matic bridge
- Stopbar tailpiece
- 3-way selector
- 2x Volume control
- 2x Tone control
- Epiphone tuners
- Original hardcase
Our Riviera is in good condition for a players guitar of this age. There's obviously scratches, dings and dents here and there (pictured) but nothing major. The binding is all there but definitely on the turn. We've replaced the knobs with brand new All Parts witch hats, 3 originals are included in the case. Freshly set up with Daddario 10's and ready to go!