Pricing and availability

Average Price: $900

Standard/Professional

$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

Following up on the success of the Rivolta Guitars Combinata comes the latest addition to the family: The Mondata XVIII. The tradition of offering fresh takes on classic Dennis Fano designs continues with this offset design, incorporating elements of the Fano JM6 and the classic non-reverse Firebird.

Like the Combinata, the Mondata features a double-bound chambered mahogany body with bound neck and vintage pearloid block inlays. This DLX version also includes a B-50 Bigsby.

You can expect a punchy and clear tone from the Firebird pickups, think 'humbuckers that sound like FAT single coils' and you're there. If versatility is your thing, the two switch configuration gives you every possible pickup combination.

Product specs

Brand Rivolta Guitars
Model Mondata XVIII
Finish Burgundy Mist Metallic, Colomba White, Fuoco Burst, Ice Blue Metallic, Laguna Blue, Laguna Blue Metallic, Mogano Glow, Rosso Red, Toro Black
Year 2010 - 2021
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar, Tremolo Tailpiece
Color Family Black, Blue, Brown, Natural, Pink, Red, Tan, White
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss, Metallic
Fretboard Material Ebony, Pau Ferro, Rosewood
Fretboard Radius 12"
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 6-String
Nut Width 1.687"
Offset Body Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HHH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25"

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the Rivolta Mondata XVIII like?

The Rivolta Mondata XVIII features a comfortable set-neck construction with a medium C profile, making it suitable for a variety of playing styles and providing a smooth playing experience.

How does the HHH pickup configuration affect the sound of the Rivolta Mondata XVIII?

The HHH pickup configuration offers a versatile range of tones, from warm, thick humbucker sounds to brighter, more articulate tones, making it ideal for genres like rock, blues, and jazz.

Is the Rivolta Mondata XVIII suitable for beginner or advanced guitarists?

The Rivolta Mondata XVIII is designed for both intermediate and advanced players, offering high-quality construction and versatile sound options that can inspire and challenge musicians as they develop their skills.

Does the Rivolta Mondata XVIII come with a tremolo system?

Yes, the Rivolta Mondata XVIII is available with a tremolo tailpiece option, allowing for expressive pitch modulation and adding dynamic performance capabilities.

What type of wood is used for the body of the Rivolta Mondata XVIII?

The body of the Rivolta Mondata XVIII is crafted from mahogany, which provides a warm, resonant tone with excellent sustain.

Eastwood Guitars

Eastwood Guitars

Rivolta Mondata XVIII Guitar by Dennis Fano - RJ Ronquillo demo

Video thumbnail for Rivolta Mondata XVIII Guitar by Dennis Fano - RJ Ronquillo demo by Eastwood Guitars

Rivolta Mondata XVIII Guitar by Dennis Fano - RJ Ronquillo demo

Eastwood Guitars

Eastwood Guitars

Video thumbnail for Rivolta Guitars MONDATA XVIII by Coleman's Music

Rivolta Guitars MONDATA XVIII

Coleman's Music

Coleman's Music

Video thumbnail for I got the Rivolta Mondata XVIII for my 40th Birthday! by Hey Worship Leader

I got the Rivolta Mondata XVIII for my 40th Birthday!

Hey Worship Leader

Hey Worship Leader

Video thumbnail for Rivolta Mondata XVIII Rosso Red played by Rogier Brink | Demo @ The Fellowship of Acoustics by TFOA Demos

Rivolta Mondata XVIII Rosso Red played by Rogier Brink | Demo @ The Fellowship of Acoustics

TFOA Demos

TFOA Demos

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional finish enhances visual appeal

  • Versatile mini humbuckers provide diverse tone options

  • Excellent build quality ensures durability

  • Suitable for surf, rockabilly, and punk rock genres

  • Flat neck facilitates playability for specific techniques

CONS

  • Double switching system lacks clear instructional guidance

  • Wider neck may not suit all players

  • Middle pickup position can obstruct picking hand

  • Nut could benefit from better cutting

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Rivolta Mondata XVIII.

Setup and maintenance

  • Action is setup ultra-low by default, which may require adjustment for those who prefer higher action.

    Source
  • One owner reported their Mondata XVIII weighs 8.5 lbs, which is heavier than the often cited 7.5 lbs, indicating variability in weight due to wood differences.

    Source
  • Tight nut slots can affect tuning with tremolo use; slightly filing slots (G, B, E strings) improves stability without altering the nut depth.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The middle pickup switch offers off, in-circuit, and only-on options for versatile tonal control.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the unique sound of nylon saddles, which offer a different tonal character compared to metal saddles.

    Source
  • The guitar's 7-way switching system allows for every possible combination of its three pickups, offering extensive tonal versatility.

    Source
  • Bigsby tension bar issues resolved by adding a higher-sitting string spoiler, enhancing tuning stability after string changes.

    Source

Build quality

  • Despite being chambered, the guitar is perceived as large and visually impressive.

    Source
  • The Mondata XVIII features a 1-piece roasted maple neck noted for its immaculate appearance, adding to the guitar's premium feel.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Rivolta Mondata XVIII shares a Jazzmaster-like body style, providing a familiar feel for players accustomed to Jazzmasters.

    Source
  • Some users prefer the older configuration with giant block inlays and multiple knobs over the newer streamlined design, which they find less unique.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the Mondata XVIII's ability to hold tune well, even when using the Les Trem vibrato system.

    Source
  • Some owners find Mondata XVIII pickups too dark, prompting pickup swaps for brighter tones.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some users are considering swapping out the stock pickups for Seymour Duncan models to achieve a better tone.

    Source
  • Swapping D’Urbano pickups requires replacing pickup rings due to hex nut threading; Wilkinson P90-sized mini humbucker rings recommended, but need custom M2 x 100mm screws.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Rob Graham uses Rivolta Mondata XVIII

Rob Graham

Bassist

Drenge

...
Verified via Eastwood Guitars

According to Eastwood official website (but also this video: https://youtu.be/Axg9Q7HP4PM), "Rob has chosen Eastwood: first, playing our Sidejack Bass 32, and now the Rivolta Mondata XVIII which fits perfectly with the sound of his noisy rock band."

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 Rivolta Mondata XVIII, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Rivolta Combinata XVII
Rivolta Combinata XVII Solid Body Electric Guitars
1

1 alternative for Rivolta Mondata XVIII, curated by the Equipboard community.

More Rivolta Solid Body Electric Guitars

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Gear Guides