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Average Price: $5,000

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

In the realm of extended range guitars, the Epiphone Elitist Riviera 12-String Hollowbody stands as a testament to exceptional craftsmanship and tonal versatility. Crafted during a special production run from 2001 to 2006, this guitar is a prized possession for those seeking rich, full-bodied sound with the shimmering quality only a 12-string can provide. The Riviera’s distinctive semi-hollow body design not only enhances its resonant quality but also ensures a comfortable playing experience. Equipped with premium Gibson USA electronics, it delivers a crisp and articulate sound that is perfect for everything from intricate fingerpicking to bold strumming.

The Riviera’s construction utilizes select "premium" wood stock, providing both durability and an elevated aesthetic appeal. The neck features a comfortable slim taper, making it easy to navigate across the fretboard, while the legendary Epiphone build quality ensures this instrument can withstand the rigors of the road. Whether you’re performing in an intimate setting or recording in the studio, the Elitist Riviera promises a sound that is both timeless and captivating.

Key Features:

  • 12-string configuration for a rich, layered sound
  • Semi-hollow body for enhanced resonance
  • Gibson USA electronics for superior tonal clarity
  • Crafted with premium wood stock for durability and aesthetics
  • Slim taper neck for comfortable playability
  • Limited production run (2001-2006) for added exclusivity

Product specs

Brand Epiphone
Model Elitist Riviera 12-String
Finish Cherry, Vintage Sunburst
Year 2001 - 2006
Made In Japan
Categories 12-String Electric Guitars, 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 12-String
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

Is the Epiphone Elitist Riviera 12-String Hollowbody a fully hollow guitar?

The Epiphone Elitist Riviera 12-String Hollowbody is a semi-hollow body guitar, featuring a maple body with a center block for enhanced sustain and reduced feedback.

What type of pickups does the Epiphone Elitist Riviera 12-String Hollowbody have?

The Epiphone Elitist Riviera 12-String Hollowbody is equipped with a pair of humbucking pickups, providing a rich and warm tone suitable for a variety of music genres.

Is the Epiphone Elitist Riviera 12-String suitable for beginners?

While the Epiphone Elitist Riviera 12-String offers high-quality construction and sound, its 12-string setup may be challenging for beginners. It is better suited for intermediate to advanced players familiar with 12-string guitars.

What is the neck profile of the Epiphone Elitist Riviera 12-String Hollowbody?

The Epiphone Elitist Riviera 12-String features a comfortable mahogany neck with a set-neck construction, providing smooth playability and easy access to higher frets.

How does the Epiphone Elitist Riviera 12-String Hollowbody perform for live performances?

The semi-hollow design and humbucking pickups of the Epiphone Elitist Riviera 12-String make it well-suited for live performances, offering a balance of resonance and feedback control.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Epiphone Elitist Riviera 12-String Hollowbody.

Comparisons

  • An owner reports the Epiphone Elitist Riviera 12-string can hold its own against several Gibson ES models, emphasizing its impressive quality.

    Source
  • The Riviera is noted for having a neck similar to the ES-335, while the Sheraton offers a thinner neck with more intricate inlays and coil-splitting capabilities.

    Source
  • The frequensator tailpiece on the Riviera distinguishes it from models like the Noel Gallagher Riviera, which uses a stop bar, aligning it visually closer to the ES-335.

    Source

Build quality

  • The finish and overall building quality of the Epiphone Elitist Riviera are considered on par with Gibson, with no detectable flaws noted by owners.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Used Epiphone Elitist Riviera models typically sell for a little over a grand, offering a high-quality alternative to more expensive Gibson models.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Epiphone Elitist Riviera 12-string is appreciated for its versatility and is suggested for those seeking a semi-hollow guitar with excellent craftsmanship.

    Source
  • The Dot, with its chunkier neck, is often preferred by players for open tunings, contrasting with the Riviera's standard tuning preference.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Riviera 12-string features mini-humbuckers, differing from the full humbuckers on the Sheraton, offering a unique tonal character.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners suggest trying different models personally, as preferences can vary widely, especially regarding neck feel and tuning comfort.

    Source
  • Some players with jazz backgrounds found the Sheraton II's pickups too muddy for their style, leading them to explore other brands like D'Angelico.

    Source

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Nick Valensi uses Epiphone Elitist Riviera 12-String Hollowbody

Nick Valensi

Guitarist

The Strokes

...
Verified via YouTube

In this live video you can clearly see Nick Valensi using a 12-string Epiphone Riviera at 26:22 while playing "Electricityscape" with the Strokes.

See how Tim Rutili uses Epiphone Elitist Riviera 12-String Hollowbody

Tim Rutili

Singer, Guitarist

Califone

...
Verified via YouTube

An Epiphone E360TDC Riviera 12-string guitar can be seen in this video.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Epiphone Elitist Riviera 12-String Hollowbody, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Epiphone Riviera 12-String Guitar
1

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