I have become quite partial to Epiphones. Own a MIK casino and a MIJ Les Paul (the "LQ" model, made for the japanese domestic market). But the one that I want most has eluded me for years. The Riviera.
The fascination started long ago. Tried out a 60s original Epi Riviera at a local shop. Even then, no way I could afford it. But man, that guitar had a feel and vibe I could not shake. Several years later, one of my favorite musicians - Bobby Radcliff - released "Live at the Rynborn", recorded on a vintage Riviera he'd borrowed from the guy who owned Blacktop Records. That CD is a tutorial in the unique benefits of minihums in a semihollow body. I can hear the similarities to my old ES-335 ... especially in the depth and twang in the middle p/u position, but the Riviera has less bass, a little brighter.
Was looking mostly for the MIK versions when an Elitist Riviera popped up not too far away. MIJ. This is not the guitar, but it looks much the same;
http://www.elderly.com/vintage/items/40U-4040.htm
About 10 seconds after picking it up, this was a done deal. Even with old strings, too high action, it felt GREAT. Plugged in, I heard enough to know this one had that sound. Got it home, all cleaned up, new strings, lowered the action and plugged into the Allen Encore. And there it is. The sound I've been chasing for years. This guitar is heavier than my ES-335 (which is a light one), heavier than the vintage one I had tried. But not too heavy. Solid, quality build, so easy to feel. A 1 11/16 wide neck. As comfy and easy a player as I've ever encountered.
Well worth the wait!!
MD
The fascination started long ago. Tried out a 60s original Epi Riviera at a local shop. Even then, no way I could afford it. But man, that guitar had a feel and vibe I could not shake. Several years later, one of my favorite musicians - Bobby Radcliff - released "Live at the Rynborn", recorded on a vintage Riviera he'd borrowed from the guy who owned Blacktop Records. That CD is a tutorial in the unique benefits of minihums in a semihollow body. I can hear the similarities to my old ES-335 ... especially in the depth and twang in the middle p/u position, but the Riviera has less bass, a little brighter.
Was looking mostly for the MIK versions when an Elitist Riviera popped up not too far away. MIJ. This is not the guitar, but it looks much the same;
http://www.elderly.com/vintage/items/40U-4040.htm
About 10 seconds after picking it up, this was a done deal. Even with old strings, too high action, it felt GREAT. Plugged in, I heard enough to know this one had that sound. Got it home, all cleaned up, new strings, lowered the action and plugged into the Allen Encore. And there it is. The sound I've been chasing for years. This guitar is heavier than my ES-335 (which is a light one), heavier than the vintage one I had tried. But not too heavy. Solid, quality build, so easy to feel. A 1 11/16 wide neck. As comfy and easy a player as I've ever encountered.
Well worth the wait!!
MD
