The Riviera is a perfect example of Epiphone’s ability to rival parent Gibson in quality and playability. It’s a kissing cousin to the Gibson ES-335, set apart by its mini-humbuckers and “Frequensator” tailpiece. Our review model’s unfigured maple body and mahogany neck came with an amber-tint natural finish, giving this brand-new guitar a warm vintage vibe. (Other available finishes include cherry, ebony and vintage cherry sunburst). Appointments are tastefully restrained and neatly executed, and the headstock’s long, slim shape is accentuated with chamfered edges that reveal elongated crescents of mahogany. The wide, oval frets are neatly finished, and the chrome hardware includes Kluson-style tuners.
The Riviera was strung with .011-.049 strings, including a wound G. The Frequensator tailpiece is designed to brighten strings relatively dark, and, yes, it really does work. The increased length of the three bass strings adds to their vibrancy, while the treble strings are slightly, but nicely subdued due to their shorter length.
The Riviera’s mini-humbuckers sound a couple of pounds thinner than their full-bodied kin, revealing a clean tone full of wood grain, with a nice bite in the attack. The neck and combination positions are strum-friendly, while the bridge pickup has a jaggedness in the high end that would d Albert Collins proud. On overdrive, this translates to a very aggressive lead tone, with long and slow-blossoming overtones. The neck pickup, however, was probably in need of wax potting or replacement; overdrive sent it squealing.
THE END LINE
Mini-Buckers can be a tighter, more focused alternative to their full-sized parental units. If big-buckers are your preference, consider that this pretty guitar, with its fine natural sound (and economical price), could be easily upgraded with a set of replacement pickups.
If you’re like me, then you’re probably not into the deep read. I love these axes in all-white. You can see a sexy one at Gibson’s website, though that one is a P93 Royal. Gosh they’re sweet!
heyy they didn’t continue manufacturing those again did they??? I noticed that your posting date was 2 days ago….i’m guessing you reviewed an older model. let me know -ryan
You are correct Ryan. This Riviera article is mearly a blast from the past… and a wonderful axe worth revitalizing again. I’m reading on the epi forums from some members making “Frequensator” and mini-humbucker modification to Dot and also to the Cansino. Here is the link if you wish to take a look at some neat mods. http://forums.epiphone.com/Default.aspx?g=posts&t=101
Just watched Jorma Kaukonen play one of these last night on a “Blues Tour”. It was great. I listen, but don’t play guitar. But I was impressed with his playing (which I’ve heard before, but not his electric blues) and the sound. It was amazing. He details his equipment on his website at: http://jormakaukonen.com/
You are correct Ryan. This Riviera article is mearly a blast from the past… and a wonderful axe worth revitalizing again. I’m reading on the epi forums from some members making “Frequensator” and mini-humbucker modification to Dot and also to the Cansino. Here is the link if you wish to take a look at some neat mod
@bluesmeister09 Agree on holding value, but upper end Epi’s sound betetr than lower end new Gibson’s(IMO), I usually Buy used gear anyway(you can get like new Gear for half the cost), Acoustically Gibson don’t hold there value, Martin is a betetr choice. Heritages also hold they’re value fairly well with Les Paul’s in mind, If you ever get a chance to try one do it, they are Basically vintage Gibson’s made today. anyway I buy based on sound and buy for a lifetime.