Pricing and availability
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
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Is the Epiphone Elitist Riviera 12-String Hollowbody a fully hollow guitar?
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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.
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What type of pickups does the Epiphone Elitist Riviera 12-String Hollowbody have?
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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.
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Is the Epiphone Elitist Riviera 12-String suitable for beginners?
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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.
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What is the neck profile of the Epiphone Elitist Riviera 12-String Hollowbody?
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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.
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How does the Epiphone Elitist Riviera 12-String Hollowbody perform for live performances?
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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
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An owner reports the Epiphone Elitist Riviera 12-string can hold its own against several Gibson ES models, emphasizing its impressive quality.
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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.
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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.
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Build quality
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The finish and overall building quality of the Epiphone Elitist Riviera are considered on par with Gibson, with no detectable flaws noted by owners.
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Value and pricing
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Used Epiphone Elitist Riviera models typically sell for a little over a grand, offering a high-quality alternative to more expensive Gibson models.
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Use cases and applications
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The Epiphone Elitist Riviera 12-string is appreciated for its versatility and is suggested for those seeking a semi-hollow guitar with excellent craftsmanship.
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The Dot, with its chunkier neck, is often preferred by players for open tunings, contrasting with the Riviera's standard tuning preference.
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Features and functionality
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The Riviera 12-string features mini-humbuckers, differing from the full humbuckers on the Sheraton, offering a unique tonal character.
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User experience
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
Artist usage
Add artistGenre Usage
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Epiphone Elitist Riviera 12-String Hollowbody, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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