batwing Posted November 25, 2015 Share Posted November 25, 2015 I've owned many Riviera's over the last 20 years, MIJ, MIK MIC, and after my getting my 1968 I thought I'd had enough... Recently purchased this one from Japan. Black, stop tail with factory fitted minihumbuckers. Orange label: Serial number - 671## W/MH Made in Japan on the back of the headstock. This is the first MIJ Riviera I've seen with mini's except for Elite /Elitist and the current 66 RI, and according to some info on the net a 6 as a first digit in a serial number may represent a custom order. I have flipped the white truss rod cover over. Any info would be much appreciated. Thank you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sleeko Posted November 25, 2015 Share Posted November 25, 2015 Very nice. And interesting as I've not seen a Riv without a frequensator. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted November 25, 2015 Share Posted November 25, 2015 Interesting! All this time, I thought the "Crown" head-stock inlay, started with the Korean Riviera models. But, apparently, it started in Japan! Always wondered why they did that?! To more closely mimic the appointments of the 335? I always preferred the "oval" inlay, on the Riviera...like the original '60's USA versions had, and which the new '66 Elitist version has, once again. As I have mentioned, many times, I have NO (real) problem, with country of manufacture...but I have never understood not adhering to original spec's. UNLESS, it was to further marginalize/differentiate, "Epiphone" from Gibson. Construction, and playability wise, I'm sure your MIJ Riviera is excellent! CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve112 Posted November 25, 2015 Share Posted November 25, 2015 Very nice Matsumoku Riviera, batwing. Interesting mini-humbuckers, how do they compare to full size HBs? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted November 26, 2015 Share Posted November 26, 2015 To me, Mini-Humbuckers (in general) have an edgier, crisper, character, but still with the warm, humbucker tone! I especially like the mini in the neck position, as it seems to have more clarity, and definition, all settings being equal. Almost like a compromise, between single coil, and full sized humbucker tone, and character. But, that's must MY opinion/observations. Other's here, may have differing experiences. CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve112 Posted November 26, 2015 Share Posted November 26, 2015 To me, Mini-Humbuckers (in general) have an edgier, crisper, character, but still with the warm, humbucker tone! I especially like the mini in the neck position, as it seems to have more clarity, and definition, all settings being equal. Almost like a compromise, between single coil, and full sized humbucker tone, and character. But, that's must MY opinion/observations. Other's here, may have differing experiences. CB Thanks CB, I like some of the Epi pups. Being a relative noob with Epiphones, I'd just assumed that the first thing to do was swap out the pups. So I really paid attention to all the various demos of them and it quickly became apparent that when the tone was set right on the amp and guitar, not only did they sound acceptable, in many cases they sounded great, as good as on many Gibbys Ive heard over the years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted November 26, 2015 Share Posted November 26, 2015 Great amps, and...knowing how to best use it/them, are essential...IMHO. Regardless of size, wattage, "American Sound", or "British Sound," etc. CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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