strokingit Posted February 29, 2008 Share Posted February 29, 2008 Hey there, im looking to buy my first guitar!! :) haha and the one guitar ive been searching for is the epiphone riviera, now there is a local dealer than has one from the 1980s. It is a sweet finish and there really isnt too much wrong with it considering its age. However, i know that there are some fake epiphones out there, and the one thing that leads me to suspect this is the lack of a serial number inside the f key. It has all the rest of the labels "Kalamazoo" and the official looking decals on the inside. When i asked him about the lack of the serial # he said that these were manufactured in japan and during this time (the 80s) this model did not have a serial #. Now i am not familiar with any of this, can someone help me out or verify any of this? Any help is much appreciated for this new guitarist! I just dont want to get ripped on my first guitar, you know? here are some pics i took. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted February 29, 2008 Share Posted February 29, 2008 Well, it looks legit enough. And, if he's a reputable dealer, he (hopefully) won't rip you off, with a known forgery. That would not be good, for his business. If he's an independent, or out of the back of the car, "dealer," then "beware!" Pricing, ' might be the only thing that might be on the "high" side, with some otherwise reputable music store/dealers. I've seen that same model (with the full sized humbuckers) go, on E-bay for anywhere from 450 to 800 bucks. So...??? The cleaner, the more expensive, usually...but, not always. Maybe Uncle Al, or RotcanX will know more about this? Charlie B. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parabar Posted February 29, 2008 Share Posted February 29, 2008 That label is consistent with the Epiphones from that period, and it's also true that Japanese Epiphones from that time often lacked serial numbers --- I don't see anything in your photos to contradict that description. There's a recent post here from Iconoclast (Uncle Al) that gives a great overview of Epiphone manufacturing history and practices from Kalamazoo through the present day if you want to get deeper into the lore. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
strokingit Posted February 29, 2008 Author Share Posted February 29, 2008 Yeah ive done some research and so far everything looks good, the guy seems trustworthy but i really want to make sure before i throw down a couple paychecks on this thing (im in college for cryin out loud!). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted February 29, 2008 Share Posted February 29, 2008 Also, the Japanese manufactured Epi's of that era, are (usually) quite good! Stay away from the "bold on" neck versions, but the later ones (set neck), are usually decent-excellent. CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vic Flick Posted February 29, 2008 Share Posted February 29, 2008 Hey there' date=' im looking to buy my first guitar!! :D haha and the one guitar ive been searching for is the epiphone riviera, now there is a local dealer than has one from the 1980s. It is a sweet finish and there really isnt too much wrong with it considering its age. However, i know that there are some fake epiphones out there, and the one thing that leads me to suspect this is the lack of a serial number inside the f key. It has all the rest of the labels "Kalamazoo" and the official looking decals on the inside. When i asked him about the lack of the serial # he said that these were manufactured in japan and during this time (the 80s) this model did not have a serial #. Now i am not familiar with any of this, can someone help me out or verify any of this? Any help is much appreciated for this new guitarist! I just dont want to get ripped on my first guitar, you know?[/quote'] That is the proper label for a MIJ early '80s Epiphone. It should not have a serial # on the label, but there should be one on the back of the head stock. 7 digits, the first is the year (2 would nake it 1982), next two are the month (01 - 12), and the last 4 the production number. Here's a label from a 1982 MIJ Riviera I had: The AN stands for Antique Natural, I believe yours should be Riviera AS (Antique Sunburst). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lerxst1281733995 Posted February 29, 2008 Share Posted February 29, 2008 It's real... And a beauty, too! Buy it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 29, 2008 Share Posted February 29, 2008 Hey there' date=' im looking to buy my first guitar!! :D haha and the one guitar ive been searching for is the epiphone riviera, now there is a local dealer than has one from the 1980s. It is a sweet finish and there really isnt too much wrong with it considering its age. However, i know that there are some fake epiphones out there, and the one thing that leads me to suspect this is the lack of a serial number inside the f key. It has all the rest of the labels "Kalamazoo" and the official looking decals on the inside. When i asked him about the lack of the serial # he said that these were manufactured in japan and during this time (the 80s) this model did not have a serial #. Now i am not familiar with any of this, can someone help me out or verify any of this? Any help is much appreciated for this new guitarist! I just dont want to get ripped on my first guitar, you know? here are some pics i took. [img']http://i11.ebayimg.com/03/i/000/dd/d6/9ada_1.JPG[/img] The guitar pictured is in deed a Japanese Epiphone Riviera and appears to be authentic. There should however be a serial number on the back of the headstock. I wouldn't be too concerned if there isn't because all else seems to be in order with the guitar. The guitar was part of a higher end line of instruments made in Japan by Matsumoku (the parent company of Aria guitars) from 1975 until 1986 and are of pretty high quality, arguably superior to what is now sold as the standard line of Epiphones and perhaps approaching the level of the Elitist line of Epiphones. Having a "Kalamazoo" label would indicate that it was made before 1984 (when the Kalamazoo factory was closed). These are known as "Matsumoku Epiphones" and there are quite a few forum members who own these and are big fans of them. While these are nice guitars I wouldn't get too carried away and pay too much for them. They usually go for between $600 and $750 depending upon condition. I wouldn't pay more than $750 for one but anywhere in that range should be considered reasonable and as I said, there are people here who swear by them and you'll no doubt be hearing from them. Good luck... and the color by the way is "Wine Red" and will be indicated as such by "Riviera WR" on the label....ooops I looked too quickly Jerry is correct...that's "antique sunburst and will be indicated by "Riviera AS" on the label. ...and Al's your uncle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vic Flick Posted February 29, 2008 Share Posted February 29, 2008 Also' date=' the Japanese manufactured Epi's of that era, are (usually) quite good! Stay away from the "bold on" neck versions,but the later ones (set neck), are usually decent-excellent. CB[/quote'] Let me 2nd that. These Matsumoku made Epis are as close as your going to get to a Gibby 335. In fact, Gibson was at a low point in the "80s, and some might say these were as good as the ones Gibson was putting out at the time. I have 3 Matsumokus (Sheraton Casino & Emperor all 1982s), and they are all superb. Hey stroker, if you don't buy it let me know what he wants for it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
strokingit Posted February 29, 2008 Author Share Posted February 29, 2008 Wow, seriously, thanks for all the help fellas. you all are fine gentlemen and i wish you all a merry weekend. Cheers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dubstar Posted February 29, 2008 Share Posted February 29, 2008 that dealer have any leftys? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
strokingit Posted February 29, 2008 Author Share Posted February 29, 2008 Rivieras? im not sure but i didnt see any last time i went. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dubstar Posted February 29, 2008 Share Posted February 29, 2008 actually, anything...leftys are hard to find...thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
strokingit Posted March 1, 2008 Author Share Posted March 1, 2008 yeah sorry dude there wasnt any lefties there for sale. and yeah good lefties are really hard to find, best of luck with that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frenchie1281734003 Posted March 1, 2008 Share Posted March 1, 2008 Hi,Strokingit. I totally agree with Uncle Al & Jerrymac on this,i would be interested to know exactly what year this one is,owing to it having the Frequensor tailpiece,most of this version by Matsumoku,have a stop tailpiece.I`m also unsure whether the pickups are original(they may just be missing their covers!).If they are the originals,they should have MMK 61,marked on the bottom of the pickups.It looks a nice guitar,i`ve always been a fan of 80`s Matsumoku/Aria Pro II,guitars,they have great wood,and are well put together,plus any shortcomings(pickups or electrics)can easily be addressed.Assuming you buy it,welcome to the club!. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sdgails Posted March 1, 2008 Share Posted March 1, 2008 its a 77-78. i have one Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted March 2, 2008 Share Posted March 2, 2008 So, "Strokingit," did you get your Riviera?! Charlie B. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 2, 2008 Share Posted March 2, 2008 So' date=' "Strokingit," did you get your Riviera?! Charlie B.[/quote'] The original poster is full of ****. It's not a local dealer (they are local for me though) selling it and he didn't take the photos...it's a current E Bay auction #3000203084513 and it's currently at $300 with two and a half days to go. I don't mind helping people out but I don't like it when someone runs BS on me. It's the same when someone comes on here wanting information and value about their very near and dear, precious family heirloom guitar and then you find out the guitar is on E Bay and they just want to know how much it's actually worth but don't want anyone else to know about it...or they're selling it and want a free appraisal....yeah, like none of us check out E Bay...No one has bid on it yet so it's still available. I also question there being no serial number unless the seller doesn't want to reveal it for whatever reasons...which usually is because it's hot...anyway, I don't mind answering questions but don't concoct some BS story...just say "there's a guitar I'm checking out-can you help with some information about it" You don't have to say where it's for sale, just don't make up some lie. ...and Al's your uncle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sdgails Posted March 2, 2008 Share Posted March 2, 2008 I dont think he was being a turd or anything, i think he wanted info on the guitar and wanted an opinion. HELL, he probably didnt want everyone going to ebay and risk it being snagged. I saw it there too before you mentioned it. I don't point it out because I like these people to give me "guitar alerts" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suho Posted March 2, 2008 Share Posted March 2, 2008 I dont think he was being a turd or anything' date=' i think he wanted info on the guitar and wanted an opinion. HELL, he probably didnt want everyone going to ebay and risk it being snagged. I saw it there too before you mentioned it. I don't point it out because I like these people to give me "guitar alerts"[/quote'] No, I agree with Al. Don't insult our intelligence by making up some cocka doodoo story. Omitting details is one thing, but if he is fabricating... go somewhere else.:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
strokingit Posted March 4, 2008 Author Share Posted March 4, 2008 The original poster is full of ****. It's not a local dealer (they are local for me though) selling it and he didn't take the photos...it's a current E Bay auction #3000203084513 and it's currently at $300 with two and a half days to go. I don't mind helping people out but I don't like it when someone runs BS on me. It's the same when someone comes on here wanting information and value about their very near and dear' date=' precious family heirloom guitar and then you find out the guitar is on E Bay and they just want to know how much it's actually worth but don't want anyone else to know about it...or they're selling it and want a free appraisal....yeah, like none of us check out E Bay...No one has bid on it yet so it's still available. I also question there being no serial number unless the seller doesn't want to reveal it for whatever reasons...which usually is because it's hot...anyway, I don't mind answering questions but don't concoct some BS story...just say "there's a guitar I'm checking out-can you help with some information about it" You don't have to say where it's for sale, just don't make up some lie. ...and Al's your uncle.[/quote'] okay i understand what you are saying if i was wondering how much i should sell it for, thats just messed up. but its my first guitar and i wanted to make sure i would buy it at a fair price, i know yall look at ebay and if you did find it congrats, but i didnt mean any harm in it i just didnt want to say "hey everybody this is the guitar i want, ebay auction # xxxxxxxx". believe me im not trying to bs you guys or whatever i just wanted to get some help buying my guitar. i dont think me changing one detail is a sacrilege, but i digress. again i appreciate your help but i just wanted to clarify that. thanks for the help again everyone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sdgails Posted March 4, 2008 Share Posted March 4, 2008 dont hold against you--this aint church Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
strokingit Posted March 4, 2008 Author Share Posted March 4, 2008 amen brother, haha. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
strokingit Posted March 4, 2008 Author Share Posted March 4, 2008 anyway, i just wanted to let you all know i did win that guitar!!! (Wooooooooo!!!!) and i am very excited to be able to play such a great instrument. Ill let you guys know how it plays and such! Great to actually have my first electric! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daneman Posted March 4, 2008 Share Posted March 4, 2008 (new) PICTURES ? Is thee rule aro'n here senor Strokingit. When you get it,if you haven't just yet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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