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Average Price: $4,500

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$500

$1201+

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Standard

High-end

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Description

The Epiphone Elitist 1966 Riviera is a harmonious blend of vintage allure and modern craftsmanship, designed for musicians who appreciate the nuances of a semi-hollowbody electric guitar. This exquisite instrument is not just a nod to its iconic 1966 predecessor but a reinvention, capturing the spirit of the original while incorporating contemporary enhancements. Built in a dedicated Japanese factory, the Elitist Riviera stands out with its Gibson USA electronics, ensuring a pristine and adaptable tonal range that caters to both classic rock and jazz enthusiasts alike.

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this guitar boasts a semi-hollow maple body that delivers warm, resonant tones. The neck, made from mahogany, provides a comfortable grip for smooth playability, while the rosewood fretboard offers a luxurious feel under your fingers. The Elitist Riviera’s mini humbucker pickups are particularly noteworthy, offering a rich, dynamic sound that is both versatile and powerful. Whether you're on stage or in the studio, this guitar’s impeccable construction and sound quality make it a reliable companion for any musician looking to elevate their performance.

Key Features:

  • Semi-hollow maple body with mahogany neck
  • Rosewood fretboard for comfortable playability
  • Gibson USA electronics for superior sound quality
  • Mini humbucker pickups for versatile tonal range
  • Vintage-inspired design with modern enhancements
  • High-quality craftsmanship from a dedicated Japanese factory

Product specs

Brand Epiphone
Model Elitist Riviera
Year 2001 - 2006
Made In Japan
Categories Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
Body Material Maple
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Semi-Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Brown, Red
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Epiphone Riviera
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Nut Width 1.625"
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"
Series Epiphone Elitist
Top Material Maple
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the Epiphone Elitist 1966 Riviera like?

The Epiphone Elitist 1966 Riviera features a comfortable set-neck construction with a mahogany neck, providing a smooth and accessible playing experience suitable for various playing styles.

What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on the Epiphone Elitist 1966 Riviera?

The Epiphone Elitist 1966 Riviera is equipped with humbucker pickups that deliver warm, articulate tones, making it ideal for genres ranging from blues and jazz to rock.

Is the Epiphone Elitist 1966 Riviera suitable for beginners or advanced players?

The Epiphone Elitist 1966 Riviera is well-suited for both intermediate and advanced players, offering high-quality craftsmanship and versatile tonal options that can accommodate a wide range of musical styles.

Does the Epiphone Elitist 1966 Riviera have a center block?

Yes, the Epiphone Elitist 1966 Riviera features a semi-hollow body with a center block, which enhances sustain and reduces feedback, making it ideal for live performances.

How does the Epiphone Elitist 1966 Riviera handle feedback?

The semi-hollow design with a center block in the Epiphone Elitist 1966 Riviera helps minimize feedback, making it a reliable choice for stage performances without compromising on tone quality.

Deluxe Tone

Deluxe Tone

2014 Epiphone Elitist Riviera '1966' Reissue

Video thumbnail for 2014 Epiphone Elitist Riviera '1966' Reissue by Deluxe Tone

2014 Epiphone Elitist Riviera '1966' Reissue

Deluxe Tone

Deluxe Tone

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Epiphone Elitist 1966 Riviera.

Build quality

  • Owners report that the Riviera’s wiring uses high capacitance cable, affecting tone significantly, but rewiring with lower capacitance wire improves sound quality.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Raising Riviera's polepieces to a quarter-inch from the strings and swapping metal pickup covers for plastic can enhance treble and overall tone clarity.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Riviera features a center block, offering a more solid-bodied electric sound compared to the fully hollow-bodied Casino's woody, percussive tone.

    Source

Comparisons

  • While both the Casino and Riviera have P90s, the Casino lacks a center block, making it prone to feedback, which some players find creatively useful for bands like Radiohead.

    Source

User experience

  • Players note that the Riviera's neck joint at the 16th fret offers superior upper fret access compared to the Casino's 14th fret joint, affecting playability and balance.

    Source

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Artist usage

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See how Robben Ford uses Epiphone Elitist 1966 Riviera

Robben Ford

Guitarist, Composer

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in this still image you can see Robben Ford using his Epiphone 1966 Riviera.

Genre Usage

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