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Description

Step into the world of vintage allure with the Epiphone Elitist '66 Custom Riviera, an electric guitar that effortlessly blends nostalgic charm with modern craftsmanship. Crafted in Japan, this semi-hollowbody beauty is a tribute to the elegance and sonic versatility of the 1960s, making it a prized possession for any guitarist who values both aesthetics and performance.

Featuring a '60s slim taper profile mahogany neck, this guitar ensures comfortable playability across all styles, whether you're strumming chords or shredding solos. The Gibson USA mini-humbuckers deliver a rich and articulate tone, offering the warmth and clarity that make the Riviera a favorite among discerning musicians. Its gold reflector knobs add a touch of sophistication, perfectly complementing its classic design.

Beyond its striking appearance, the Riviera is designed for the player who demands both form and function. The semi-hollowbody construction provides a balanced tonal range with a hint of acoustic resonance, making it ideal for genres like jazz, blues, and rock. Whether you're performing on stage or recording in the studio, the Riviera's exceptional build quality and sound versatility ensure that your musical expression is never compromised.

Key Features:

  • Made in Japan for superior craftsmanship
  • '60s slim taper profile mahogany neck for comfortable playability
  • Gibson USA mini-humbuckers for rich, articulate tones
  • Gold reflector knobs for classic aesthetic appeal
  • Semi-hollowbody construction for balanced tonal range and resonance

Product specs

Brand Epiphone
Model Elitist '66 Custom Riviera
Year 2014 - 2018
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
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Fretboard Radius 12"
Model Family Epiphone Riviera
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Nut Width 1.69"
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 type of music is the Epiphone Elitist '66 Custom Riviera best suited for?

The Epiphone Elitist '66 Custom Riviera, with its semi-hollow body and dual humbucker pickups, is versatile and well-suited for genres like blues, jazz, and rock, offering warm, resonant tones with excellent sustain.

How does the neck profile of the Epiphone Elitist '66 Custom Riviera affect playability?

The set-neck construction and 12" fretboard radius provide smooth playability, ideal for comfortable chord transitions and fast lead playing, making it suitable for both rhythm and lead guitarists.

Is the Epiphone Elitist '66 Custom Riviera suitable for live performances?

Yes, the semi-hollow body design offers a rich sound that projects well in live settings, while the stop-bar tailpiece ensures stable tuning, making it reliable for gigging musicians.

What materials are used in the construction of the Epiphone Elitist '66 Custom Riviera?

The guitar features a maple body and top with a rosewood fretboard, providing a balanced tone with clarity and warmth, characteristic of high-quality semi-hollowbody guitars.

How does the pickup configuration of the Epiphone Elitist '66 Custom Riviera influence its sound?

The HH (humbucker-humbucker) pickup configuration delivers a thick, full-bodied sound with reduced noise, making it ideal for a variety of music styles that require a robust tonal presence.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Epiphone Elitist '66 Custom Riviera.

Build quality

  • One owner noted cracks in the finish on the neck extending across three frets, a common issue with both Epiphones and Gibsons.

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  • Some owners find the Casino's neck finish sticky, requiring sanding for smoother play during sweaty sessions.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Frequent setup issues include sharp fret ends and mis-cut nuts; replacing the nut with bone or TUSQ is recommended to improve tuning stability.

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  • Changing strings on a Casino without a Bigsby is often considered easier compared to the hassle of restringing a Bigsby-equipped Gretsch.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Owners suggest swapping stock pickups for Seymour Duncan SH-2 and SH-4 to enhance tonal quality.

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Features and functionality

  • The Epiphone Les Paul Custom neck is described as chunky, which may take time to adjust to if transitioning from a thinner neck profile.

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  • Bigsby tremolos are noted to affect tuning stability and can absorb vibrations, potentially altering the guitar's resonance.

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Comparisons

  • The Epiphone Dot is praised for its clean, jazzy tone at mid volume, despite dull humbucker performance with distortion.

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  • Owners highlight the Gretsch's humbuckers and center block as superior for controlling feedback compared to the fully hollow body of the Casino.

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User experience

  • Some users report that Epiphones play and feel as good as sub-$1000 guitars, with long-term satisfaction despite initial affordable purchase.

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  • The Casino's P90 pickups are praised for dynamic sound and resonance, suitable for jazz, country, rock, and blues.

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