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Average Price: $3,300
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$500
$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
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What kind of pickups does the Epiphone Riviera 1965 have and how do they affect the sound?
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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.
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Is the Epiphone Riviera 1965 suitable for jazz music?
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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.
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What is the neck profile of the Epiphone Riviera 1965?
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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.
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How does the body material of the Epiphone Riviera 1965 contribute to its tone?
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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.
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What finish options are available for the Epiphone Riviera 1965?
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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.
Videos
Chicago Music Exchange
Epiphone Riviera Sunburst 1965 | CME Vintage Demo | Joel Paterson
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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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Critic Reviews
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Artist usage
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