Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $1,324
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$500
$1201+
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Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Epiphone Riviera Not sure of year 70's". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Step into the golden era of rock with the Epiphone Riviera from the '70s, a guitar that embodies the essence of vintage craftsmanship and iconic tone. Known for its versatility and rich tonal palette, this semi-hollow marvel offers a unique blend of warmth and clarity. Crafted during the renowned Matsumoku era, this Riviera boasts a reputation for quality that rivals its more famous counterparts.
The Riviera's heart lies in its full-size Maxon humbuckers, delivering a robust and dynamic sound that's perfect for genres ranging from blues to rock. These pickups ensure that every note sings with clarity, whether you're strumming soulful chords or shredding electrifying solos. The guitar's semi-hollow body design adds a resonant depth to its sound, making it a favorite among musicians who crave both power and subtlety.
A testament to its era, the Riviera transitions from a Frequensator tailpiece to a standard stopbar in certain models, offering varied experiences for discerning players. Its heritage as a Japanese Domestic model from 1975 to 1979, with subsequent models distributed globally, speaks to its enduring appeal and international acclaim.
Key Features:
- Full-size Maxon humbuckers for a rich, dynamic sound
- Semi-hollow body design for enhanced resonance and tonal depth
- Crafted during the sought-after Matsumoku era
- Transition from Frequensator tailpiece to a standard stopbar (post-1982 models)
- Available as both Japanese Domestic and global models depending on the production year
Product specs
| Brand | Epiphone |
| Model | Riviera (Japanese Domestic), Riviera with Frequensator Tailpiece, Riviera with Stop-Bar Tailpiece |
| Finish | Antique Sunburst, Cherry, Vintage Sunburst, Wine Red |
| Year | 1975 - 1984 |
| 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, Red |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Fretboard Radius | 14" |
| Model Family | Epiphone Riviera |
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| 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" |
| Series | Epiphone Japanese Domestic Models |
| Top Material | Maple |
| Wood Top Style | Plain |
FAQs
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What kind of pickups does the Epiphone Riviera from the 70s have?
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The Epiphone Riviera from the 70s is equipped with Epiphone PRO mini humbuckers, which deliver a bright, clear tone with a balanced output, suitable for a variety of genres including rock and blues.
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How does the Frequensator tailpiece on the Epiphone Riviera affect its sound?
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The Frequensator tailpiece on the Epiphone Riviera helps enhance sustain and provides a unique tonal character, contributing to the guitar's rich and resonant sound.
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Is the 70s Epiphone Riviera suitable for jazz music?
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Yes, the 70s Epiphone Riviera's semi-hollow body and mini humbuckers make it well-suited for jazz, offering warm, mellow tones with a smooth response ideal for jazz guitarists.
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What materials are used in the construction of the 70s Epiphone Riviera?
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The 70s Epiphone Riviera features a maple body and top, with a rosewood fretboard, providing a combination of durability and a bright, resonant sound.
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Does the 70s Epiphone Riviera have a set-neck construction?
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Yes, the 70s Epiphone Riviera has a set-neck construction, which enhances sustain and provides a seamless transition between the neck and body for comfortable playability.
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Epiphone Riviera Not sure of year 70's.
Build quality
Features and functionality
Comparisons
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The Riviera is compared to the Epiphone Dot, which offers a similar style but comes without a Bigsby, appealing to those who prefer a different tailpiece.
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User experience
Use cases and applications
Setup and maintenance
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Owners advise against stringing a guitar with visible cracks due to potential tension damage; professional assessment is recommended.
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Mods and upgrades
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A 1967 Gibson ES-335 12-string trapeze tailpiece is recommended as a period-correct replacement, available for around $275.
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3.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
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