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Average Price: $2,679

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$400

$1001+

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High-end

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Description

The Epiphone Rivoli was a semi-hollowbody electric bass guitar designed by Gibson and built by Epiphone in Kalamazoo, Michigan from 1959 until 1970. From 1993 until 1999, the model was reissued as a part of the Korean-Japanese Epiphone line.

Product specs

Brand Epiphone
Model Rivoli EBV232
Year 1962 - 1970
Made In United States
Categories 4-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp No Preamp
Body Material Maple
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Color Family Red, Tan
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Epiphone Rivoli
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 4-String
Nut Width 1.65"
Pickup Configuration HS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the Epiphone Rivoli Bass like?

The Epiphone Rivoli Bass features a comfortable neck profile made of mahogany, providing a smooth playing experience suitable for both beginners and experienced players.

What kind of sound can I expect from the Epiphone Rivoli Bass?

With its passive pickup configuration and maple body, the Epiphone Rivoli Bass delivers a warm, vintage tone ideal for rock and blues genres.

Is the Epiphone Rivoli Bass suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Epiphone Rivoli Bass is well-suited for live performances, offering a rich, full sound and a classic look that stands out on stage.

How many frets does the Epiphone Rivoli Bass have?

The Epiphone Rivoli Bass comes with 20 frets, allowing for a wide range of notes and versatility in playing styles.

Does the Epiphone Rivoli Bass have active electronics?

No, the Epiphone Rivoli Bass is equipped with passive pickups and does not feature an active preamp, contributing to its classic tonal character.

Vintage 'n' Rare Guitars

Vintage 'n' Rare Guitars

1964 Epiphone Rivoli

Video thumbnail for 1964 Epiphone Rivoli by Vintage 'n' Rare Guitars

1964 Epiphone Rivoli

Vintage 'n' Rare Guitars

Vintage 'n' Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Epiphone Rivoli 2 Bass Demo by Samuel Paul

Epiphone Rivoli 2 Bass Demo

Samuel Paul

Samuel Paul

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • The Rivoli Reissue has a heavier build than expected, with a small/narrow D-profile neck.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Known for its big, full, warm, woolly tone, ideal for genres requiring a classic sound.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Suitable for country music and versatile across indie and psych rock, although not as rugged as a solid-body bass.

    Source
  • Roundwound strings enhance playability for Peter Hook-style sounds but may require reverting to flats for more familiar tones.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Gotoh GB528 Res-o-lite tuners alleviate neck dive with higher tuning gear ratio and lightweight build.

    Source
  • Hipshot SuperTone bridge improves intonation and balances weight, reducing neck dive.

    Source
  • Curtis Novak EB-0 Mudbucker with thicker wire reduces mids for an even tone.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Lighter Rotosound RS66S strings recommended for improved playability and neck relief.

    Source
  • Modified wiring excludes the baritone switch for reduced noise; uses x2 500k RS Guitarworks pots and a .047 cap.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Epiphone Rivoli | Vintage Guitar® magazine

vintageguitar.com

The Epiphone Rivoli Bass is a nostalgic nod to the past, boasting classic design elements reminiscent of its Gibson counterpart, the EB-2. While its semi-hollow body and thinline maple construction offer a lightweight, playable experience favored by 1960s British bands, the lack of an intonatable bridge might limit its appeal to modern players. Its vintage charm and the unique sound may entice collectors and enthusiasts of classic rock history, but the outdated hardware could be a drawback for those seeking versatility and modern playability. Overall, it’s a piece of history that shines more for its legacy than its practicality.

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 6 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jimmy Page uses Epiphone Rivoli Bass

Jimmy Page

Guitarist

Led Zeppelin

...
Verified via Photo

Page can be seen in this photo playing an Epiphone Rivoli Bass.

See how Paul McCartney uses Epiphone Rivoli Bass

Paul McCartney

Bassist, Singer

The Beatles

...
Verified via Photo

Seen in 2021's Get Back Documentary Part 2. Paul's Epiphone Rivoli shows up along side his other basses when he tries out his Rickenbacker Bass

1960's model

See how Ed O'Brien uses Epiphone Rivoli Bass

Ed O'Brien

Singer, Guitarist

Radiohead

...
Verified via Photo

In this article that discusses the process of making O'Brien's debut solo album, "Earth", he shows the instruments that he used to record the album.

One of them is Epiphone Rivoli semi-hollow bass guitar. Ed says this about the instrument:

I played my 1964 Epiphone bass with a single pickup, which sounds really dubby, fat and thick.

See how Troy Van Leeuwen uses Epiphone Rivoli Bass

Troy Van Leeuwen

Guitarist

Queens of the Stone Age

...
Verified via YouTube

Can be seen playing an Epiphone Rivoli bass here, and likely used it on Lullabies to Paralyze and Era Vulgaris when Troy played bass.

See how John Entwistle uses Epiphone Rivoli Bass

John Entwistle

Singer, Bassist

The Who

...
Verified via Thewho

Ca. 1964, as the High Numbers at the Scene Club, John with early Marshall 4x12 and sunburst Epiphone Rivoli semi-acoustic bass.

See how Simon Gallup uses Epiphone Rivoli Bass

Simon Gallup

Bassist

The Cure

...
Verified via YouTube

In the music video for "Just Like Heaven," Simon can be seen playing an Epiphone Rivoli bass in black. The headstock shape confirms it is the Epiphone, rather than a Gibson EB-2, or the custom Dick Knight bass that Simon sported later.

See how Billy Sheehan uses Epiphone Rivoli Bass

Billy Sheehan

Guitarist, Bassist

UFO

...
Verified via Photo

This is an old, all original collectors item that Yamaha got me for my birthday several years ago, when they found out I was looking for one. It's one of my most valued instruments.

See how Tony Levin uses Epiphone Rivoli Bass

Tony Levin

Bassist

King Crimson

...
Verified via Steveadelson

"I have a wonderful Epiphone Rivoli and, with the same sound, a Gibson EB2 (that one I found in Austin, painted like a confederate flag, so I refer to it as "Billie Bob Bass") which are very useful for certain types of tracks. I don't remember every instance I've used them, but a bit on Paula Cole's album, KMax's album, Peter Gabriel's upcoming (if those tracks make it to the record) and on a couple of tracks on my new "Pieces" cd."

See how Adam Clayton uses Epiphone Rivoli Bass

Adam Clayton

Bassist

U2

...
Verified via Photo

Clayton can be seen playing an Epiphone Rivoli bass in this photo.

See how Paul Simonon uses Epiphone Rivoli Bass

Paul Simonon

Singer, Bassist

Gorillaz

...
Verified via YouTube

in the music video for "London calling" you can see paul simonon playing an epiphone rivoli most notably at 0:23 . you can tell its an epiphone because it has an arch on the head instead of gibsons singular rounded head

See how Peter Hayes uses Epiphone Rivoli Bass

Peter Hayes

Guitarist

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club

...
Verified via Google

Guitar owned by Robert, Peter uses the guitar mostly with a capo on the 3rd fret during the songs: American X, As Sure As The Sun, Returning.

See how Robert Levon Been uses Epiphone Rivoli Bass

Robert Levon Been

Singer, Guitarist

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Robert Levon Been can be seen playing an Epiphone Rivoli bass.

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 Rivoli Bass, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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