Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $2,679

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

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

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Andy Fraser uses Epiphone Rivoli Bass

Andy Fraser

Bassist

Free

...
Verified

In an interview featured on FlyGuitars, a photograph of Andy Fraser with an Epiphone Rivoli Bass is presented at the end of the article, providing visual confirmation of his use of this instrument.

See how Barry Fratelli uses Epiphone Rivoli Bass

Barry Fratelli

Bassist

The Fratellis

...
Verified via Photo

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

D

Didz Hammond

Bassist

Dirty Pretty Things

...
Verified via Photo

Hammond can be seen playing an Epiphone Rivoli in this image.

See how Eric Haydock uses Epiphone Rivoli Bass

Eric Haydock

Bassist

The Hollies

...
Verified via Gettyimages

Eric Haydock is seen with a Epiphone Rivoli on Top of the Pops in 1964.

See how Józef Skrzek uses Epiphone Rivoli Bass

Józef Skrzek

Singer, Bassist

SBB

...
Verified via Photo

Józef Skrzek played an Epiphone Rivoli Bass during his time with Breakout, Niemen, and in the early years of SBB, as shown in a user-uploaded photo.

See how Les Chadwick uses Epiphone Rivoli Bass

Les Chadwick

Bassist

Gerry & the Pacemakers

...
Verified via Photo

In this photograph of Les Chadwick, he is seen holding an Epiphone Rivoli in a sunburst finish.

See how Tony Jackson uses Epiphone Rivoli Bass

Tony Jackson

Singer, Bassist

The Searchers

...
Verified via YouTube

In this short documentary about the Mersey beat movement, from 8:10, Tony Jackson is seen playing his Epiphone Rivoli in a sunburst finish while recording "Sugar and Spice" in 1963. He used this bass live on many occasion, such as on "the Ed Sullivan Show" and the New Musical Express (NME) Poll-Winners' All-Star Concert in 1964.

See how Tommy Taylor uses Epiphone Rivoli Bass

Tommy Taylor

Bassist

Black Honey

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video titled "Black Honey - Hello Today - Vevo dscvr (Live)" by VevoDSCVR, Tommy Taylor is clearly using an Epiphone Rivoli Bass. The bass can be distinctly seen at the 0:25 mark and is seen close up at the 1:51 mark.

C

Chip Douglas

Music Producer

The Turtles

...
Verified via YouTube
Color/Finish: Vintage Sunburst Satin

In the video titled "The Turtles • 'Can I Get To Know You Better?' • 1966 [Reelin' In The Years Archive]" on YouTube, Chip Douglas can be seen using an Epiphone Rivoli Bass. This footage is provided by ReelinInTheYears66.

See how Len Hawkes uses Epiphone Rivoli Bass

Len Hawkes

Bassist

The Tremeloes

...
Verified via YouTube

In a live performance of The Tremeloes in Beat Beat Beat, Chip Hawkes is seen playing an Epiphone Rivoli bass. The setlist of songs include a medley, of Here Comes My Baby, Silence is Golden, and many more. 1967 may be the last time we will see Chip with the Epiphone Rivoli as he would move to other basses like his Fender Precision or Harmony H22.

See how Trevor "Dozy" Ward-Davies uses Epiphone Rivoli Bass

Trevor "Dozy" Ward-Davies

Bassist

Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich

...
Verified via YouTube

Throughout 1966, Trevor or Dozy would tour with an Epiphone Rivoli bass, as seen in the performance above. Throughout the time of the band's stay in Germany, appearing in both Beat Club and Beat Beat Beat, Trevor is seen playing his Epiphone Rivoli bass. The specifications of the bass seem simple, probably an early to mid-60s' model. Along with that, his bass is covered with stickers, best seen in their performance during Beat Club, through its close-ups.

See how Paul Samwell-Smith uses Epiphone Rivoli Bass

Paul Samwell-Smith

Bassist, Music Producer

The Yardbirds

...
Verified via YouTube

This was Samwells main bass while in the Yardbirds. It's just about the only bass I've seen him use. In this video Billy Sheehan talks about how Samwell influenced his playing and plays the same bass as Samwell. You can also see him playing the bass in many photos with Yardbirds.

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.

Fender Telecaster Bass
Fender Telecaster Bass Electric Basses
1
Guild Ashbory Bass
Guild Ashbory Bass Electric Basses
1
Ovation Magnum
Ovation Magnum Electric Basses
1
Fender Bass VI
Fender Bass VI Electric Basses
1
Traynor Mono Block B
Traynor Mono Block B Bass Amplifier Heads
1
Fender Mustang Bass
Fender Mustang Bass Electric Basses
1
Fender Jazz Bass
Fender Jazz Bass Electric Basses
1
Vox AC15
Vox AC15 Combo Guitar Amplifiers
1

Community setups

Show yours
seedystrums

seedystrums

Gear IQ 896

More Epiphone Electric Basses

Accessories & Related Items

Similar

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    haas123
    haas123

    Gear IQ 21966