New Epi Riviera

[GGJaguar]

I really want one of these, but my OCD won't let me get past the fact that the parallelogram inlays are slanted the wrong way (if you compare to vintage examples). Yes, I have issues.

Riviera | Epiphone

The Epiphone Riviera, one of Epiphone’s original, most enduring classics makes a comeback! First introduced in the early ‘60s, the Epiphone Riviera’s semi-hollow design has been a favorite of players from all genres and generations including blues greats Robben Ford and Otis Rush, Lou Reed of...

www.epiphone.com

 

[bobouz]

I really want one of these, but my OCD won't let me get past the fact that the parallelogram inlays are slanted the wrong way (if you compare to vintage examples).

GG, there's a gorgeous Elite Riviera (preceded the Elitist name change) on Reverb right now. Built by Terada in Japan, USA-made mini-humbuckers, and the parallelograms are going in the right direction!

I would have jumped on this if I didn't already have a AIUSA-JLH Sheraton with essentially the same pickups, hardware, and semi-hollow body (also built by Terada, but shipped to Gibson-Nashville for pickups, hardware, & final assembly). One major difference is that the Elite Riviera has a poly finish, while the Sheraton is nitro.

Anyway, it's a super nice looking Elite Riviera, and they rarely become available as they were only produced for a few years.

 

[GGJaguar]

The OCD kicks in with that one, too. The Rotomatics are harder to take than the inlays. I had a Casino Elite, but couldn't get passed the Rotomatics and it was gone within a year. The Japanese-made Elites were very nice guitars, though.

 

[bobouz]

The OCD kicks in with that one, too. The Rotomatics are harder to take than the inlays.

On my Elitist Casino, I was able to get past the look of the Grovers by swapping out the kidney buttons with oval Hipshots, and also replaced the TRC. Much more soothing to my own version of aesthetic OCDness!

 

[F30]

I was looking at these:

but I didn't even notice that the Fretboard markers were reversed...
At the made in USA price point - you would think they would do it correct to vintage look.
The Riviera is super cool though. I really like the mini hums.

Oh well....Still thinking about an Guild M20 or M40 Burst
for the future - which is frankly where I'd rather be anyway.

 

[DrumBob]

I bought a new Riviera in sparking burgundy and so far, so good. The workmanship is flawless, no issues, played great right out of the box, once I lowered the action a bit. I especially like the immaculate fretwork. I know Epiphones are hit & miss, but I got lucky and got a hit. Generic photo.