Epiphone Serial numbers

[bigmo1]

I have an Epiphone Riviera ea-250 guitar. The serial number is partially missing on the neck. The numbers are still there (1235135) but the prefix letters are worn off. Can someone tell me if there is a way to determine what I have as far a value is concerned. There is sentimental value involved but I would like to know it's worth right now. Thankyou in advance for any feedback!

[Guest]

I have an Epiphone Riviera ea-250 guitar. The serial number is partially missing on the neck. The numbers are still there (1235135) but the prefix letters are worn off. Can someone tell me if there is a way to determine what I have as far a value is concerned. There is sentimental value involved but I would like to know it's worth right now. Thankyou in advance for any feedback!

 

There were no prefix letters on those serial numbers and that number is useless in dating that line of guitars (The early imported Matsumoku-made Arias re-labeled as Epiphones). I can tell you that the model originated as an Epiphone model 5102T/E in 1971 and had previously been an Aria model 5102T and had been around since about 1969. In about 1972 the model number was changed to EA-250 (sometimes with either "Riviera" or "Casino" attached to the model number but these guitars had absolutely nothing remotely in common with the Epiphone models bearing those names either before or since) and it stuck around until the late 70's so the closest you can date it is to 1972-1977 (or so). Value? Do you want the fantasy value people on E Bay ask for these guitars or what it's actually worth? In 1972 they sold on the street for around $125. Today I've seen them on E Bay for as much as $500 (one can ask whatever they want for something...what they actually get is often a very different story) but...there are also two local shops that each have one and have had them for literally years. One shop wants $250 with a chipboard case and the other wants $300 with a much nicer SKB molded case so figure probably around $225-$250 for an actual value. There's a local flea market shop that has a gutted one with no case and they want $150 for and it hasn't moved either. Some people are fond of the model for whatever reasons they may have but unless you already own the guitar and it has, as you've said, sentimental value I wouldn't necessarily go seek one out. Good luck.

...and Al's your uncle.