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Average Price: $3,300

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$1201+

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Description

The Epiphone Riviera 1965 is a celebrated semi-hollowbody electric guitar that blends vintage style with modern craftsmanship, making it an ideal choice for musicians seeking a classic tone and aesthetic. Originally introduced in the mid-1960s, the Riviera quickly gained recognition for its unique sound, versatility, and elegant design. This reissue faithfully captures the essence of the original, featuring a laminated maple body paired with a solid center block to reduce feedback, offering a balanced blend of warmth and clarity.

Equipped with Epiphone's renowned Alnico Classic PRO humbuckers, the Riviera 1965 delivers a rich, full-bodied sound that suits a wide range of genres, from jazz and blues to rock and pop. Its smooth mahogany neck and Indian laurel fingerboard provide an exceptional playing experience, with a comfortable feel that encourages hours of performance. The guitar's aesthetic is completed with vintage-inspired appointments, including a trapeze tailpiece and classic F-holes, which contribute to its timeless appeal.

Whether you're performing on stage or recording in the studio, the Epiphone Riviera 1965 is a reliable companion that offers both visual and sonic excellence. Its combination of historical significance and modern updates ensures it stands out in any collection, making it a must-have for discerning guitarists.

Key Features:

  • Semi-hollowbody design with laminated maple construction
  • Solid center block for enhanced sustain and reduced feedback
  • Alnico Classic PRO humbuckers for versatile tonal range
  • Mahogany neck with a comfortable Indian laurel fingerboard
  • Vintage trapeze tailpiece and classic F-holes for an authentic look
  • Reflects the iconic design of the original 1965 model

Product specs

Brand Epiphone
Model Riviera E360TD
Finish Cherry, Royal Tan, Sparkling Burgundy, Sunburst
Year 1962 - 1969
Made In United States
Categories Archtop 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, Tan
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
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"

FAQs

What kind of pickups does the Epiphone Riviera 1965 have and how do they affect the sound?

The Epiphone Riviera 1965 features mini humbucker pickups, which provide a bright, clear tone with reduced hum compared to single-coils. This makes it versatile for genres ranging from blues to rock.

Is the Epiphone Riviera 1965 suitable for jazz music?

Yes, the Epiphone Riviera 1965 is well-suited for jazz due to its semi-hollow body design, which offers warm, resonant tones ideal for jazz guitarists seeking a rich sound.

What is the neck profile of the Epiphone Riviera 1965?

The Epiphone Riviera 1965 features a set-neck construction with a comfortable mahogany neck, providing smooth playability and a classic feel that appeals to both rhythm and lead players.

How does the body material of the Epiphone Riviera 1965 contribute to its tone?

Made from maple, the semi-hollow body of the Epiphone Riviera 1965 enhances sustain and brightness, offering a balanced tone that suits a wide range of musical styles.

What finish options are available for the Epiphone Riviera 1965?

The Epiphone Riviera 1965 is available in several finishes, including Cherry, Royal Tan, Sparkling Burgundy, and Sunburst, allowing players to choose a look that matches their personal style.

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

Epiphone Riviera Sunburst 1965 | CME Vintage Demo | Joel Paterson

Video thumbnail for Epiphone Riviera Sunburst 1965 | CME Vintage Demo | Joel Paterson by Chicago Music Exchange

Epiphone Riviera Sunburst 1965 | CME Vintage Demo | Joel Paterson

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

Video thumbnail for 1965 Epiphone Riviera ( Lukáš Martinek ) by Music City CZ

1965 Epiphone Riviera ( Lukáš Martinek )

Music City CZ

Music City CZ

Video thumbnail for 1965 Epiphone Riviera played by Hudson Davis by Carter Vintage Guitars

1965 Epiphone Riviera played by Hudson Davis

Carter Vintage Guitars

Carter Vintage Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1965 Epiphone Riviera GE Smith Owned Mini Humbuckers Original by Lawman Guitars

1965 Epiphone Riviera GE Smith Owned Mini Humbuckers Original

Lawman Guitars

Lawman Guitars

Video thumbnail for Epiphone Riviera 1965  - Anth Purdy - Scottish Guitar Show by sidneyandherbie

Epiphone Riviera 1965 - Anth Purdy - Scottish Guitar Show

sidneyandherbie

sidneyandherbie

Video thumbnail for Epiphone Riviera from 1965 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg and Tobias Hoffmann by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Epiphone Riviera from 1965 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg and Tobias Hoffmann

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Video thumbnail for Epiphone Riviera 1965 - Guitare Village by Guitare Village

Epiphone Riviera 1965 - Guitare Village

Guitare Village

Guitare Village

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Epiphone Riviera 1965.

Features and functionality

  • The Riviera's frequensator tailpiece creates a tighter feel on high strings compared to the ES335, impacting string gauge choices.

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  • The Riviera is only available in red, which might be a deal-breaker for those who prefer other colors.

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  • The guitar comes with CTS pots, which are noted for high-quality and reliable performance.

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  • The Frequensator tailpiece creates a unique tension, offering an almost acoustic feel while maintaining smooth neck playability.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Mini humbuckers on the Riviera might require routing if upgrading to full-sized humbuckers, but P90s can be added without this modification.

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  • Mr. Fabulous Alnico 2 pickups are favored by some owners for their excellent tone, especially when replacing stock mini humbuckers in MIK models.

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User experience

  • Some users note the Riviera's mini humbuckers offer a unique sound, blending PAF clarity with P90 warmth, which can be more distinctive than standard humbuckers.

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  • Hybrid strings (10-52) are favored by some for their playability; adjustments to pickup height and pole height are crucial for optimal sound.

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  • The frequent mention of the guitar's weight and neck shape suggests these features can be polarizing among players.

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Build quality

  • The Riviera may have its frequensator tailpiece installed backwards, but this can be easily corrected by swapping the pieces during string changes.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Factory setups often feature slightly high nuts; professional adjustment can enhance playability, especially with the frequensator tailpiece.

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  • Pickup height adjustments can reduce harsh treble; some owners recommend setting mini humbuckers around 7/64ths to 8/64ths for a sweeter tone.

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  • Luthier adjustments can significantly improve action and playability, suggesting potential variability in factory setups.

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  • Owners sometimes struggle with string rattling and scale adjustments, requiring professional setup to resolve these issues.

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Comparisons

  • The Noel Gallagher Riviera features full humbuckers and a deeper red finish, differing from the standard model's mini humbuckers.

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  • Some find the middle P90 on the P93 model excessive, impacting playability and tonal clarity, compared to other models.

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Critic Reviews

Classic gear: Epiphone Riviera | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

The Epiphone Riviera 1965 is celebrated for its rich history and unique design that resonates with jazz and rock players alike. With its mini-humbuckers and thinline construction, it delivers a warm, articulate tone that's perfect for various genres. However, some critics note that its lack of modern features may deter players seeking versatility in their setups. Overall, the Riviera remains a compelling choice for those who appreciate classic aesthetics and vintage charm, despite its limited adaptability for contemporary styles.

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Artist usage

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See how Skyler Skjelset uses Epiphone Riviera 1965

Skyler Skjelset

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Fleet Foxes

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Verified via Photo

In the photo you can see him using the guitar. Notice the golden volume and tone controls and the specific bridge.

Genre Usage

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