dougg330 Posted November 10, 2008 Share Posted November 10, 2008 Oh, no. Holiday money is already tight this year - I don't need a temptation like this. Has anyone seen this guitar? Anyone know about it? Catalog says it's a Riviera body (with center block) in wine red, with C-shaped mahogany neck, 3 P-90's and a Bigsby. It wouldn't be duplicating my Casino or my ZBD because it has a center block. Can't find anything on Epi's site. Can anyone help me? Thanks - Dougg330#-o Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JefferySmith Posted November 10, 2008 Share Posted November 10, 2008 Oh' date=' no. Holiday money is already tight this year - I don't need a temptation like this. Has anyone seen this guitar? Anyone know about it? Catalog says it's a Riviera body (with center block) in wine red, with C-shaped mahogany neck, 3 P-90's and a Bigsby. It wouldn't be duplicating my Casino or my ZBD because it has a center block. Can't find anything on Epi's site.Can anyone help me? Thanks - Dougg330#-o [/quote'] It came out about a month ago. About five(?) of us have popped for one. Very nice guitar. [edit] Do consider one. It, my Sheraton, my '61 SG, and my Casino all have "favorite" status. And that used to be reserved for my Byrdland. Bottom line is that I'm smitten with all five of them and wouldn't sell any of them. Each is different in its own way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted November 10, 2008 Share Posted November 10, 2008 I have to add my enthusiasm, to Jeff's too, Doug. We got ours around the same time, as did several other members, and I can't say enough great things about "pulling the trigger," on this guitar! It will be with me, for as long as there is..Me! If you check the forum, under the search tab, and type in Riviera P-93LE, you should find some more info/evaluations, and photos, too. Here are some photos, of mine: http://i461.photobucket.com/albums/qq333/charliebrown1949/DSC_0043.jpg http://i461.photobucket.com/albums/qq333/charliebrown1949/DSC_0045.jpg http://i461.photobucket.com/albums/qq333/charliebrown1949/DSC_0042.jpg http://i461.photobucket.com/albums/qq333/charliebrown1949/DSC_0041.jpg http://i461.photobucket.com/albums/qq333/charliebrown1949/DSC_0044.jpg http://i461.photobucket.com/albums/qq333/charliebrown1949/DSC_0039.jpg CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davidg3333 Posted November 10, 2008 Share Posted November 10, 2008 I am not looking. I will not be tempted. I am strong. Damn! I looked and I'm hooked! Dear family, I will be buying my own present this year. I hope you are content with your lump of coal! At least it will keep you warm. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dougg330 Posted November 10, 2008 Author Share Posted November 10, 2008 Thanks, you guys. Damn that is an intriguing guitar. I was playing my Casino and my ES-330 tonight just to convince myself I didn't need anything else... but you may have moved me to the dark side. One more question: How does the switching work? I see four knobs and a selector switch. Is it two tone and two volume or a master tone or what? Thanks again for your help Dougg330 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted November 10, 2008 Share Posted November 10, 2008 Three volume, one (master) tone...upper back tone control. It's wired differently from 2 pickup versions, and the tones possible, because of that, are quite unique. Goes from the normal P-90 tones, to almost Gretsch like territory. Takes a bit of experimentation, but it's really quite intriguing. Played it "out" this weekend, at "stage volume," and was VERY excited/happy, with the result. Probably NOT what you want to hear, if you're trying NOT to buy one, but...I really love it! It's just enough different, too...from my Casino, and my regular (mini-humbucker) Riviera...that it fits nicely in-between them, with some tonal capabilities all it's own, in the process. CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TWANG Posted November 10, 2008 Share Posted November 10, 2008 I really like it. My wildkat jones is thoroughly attenuated by that thing. lord. stop it Rosenberg, *sp* stop it right now.. you demon! TWANG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eor Posted November 11, 2008 Share Posted November 11, 2008 that is doing things to me. funny things. to my no-no places. it combines things i like about other guitars and things i want to try on my guitars in one. i'm strong (and broke) enough to abstain, but i do have questions: -the middle pickup has to bug you, right? isn't it in the way? -the bigsby- thoughts? i always wanted to try one on a semi. what is the range of the thing, both up and down? stable tuning? i had p90s in my es333 and they were so super awesome. i yanked them and tucked them away for a special guitar someday and then this comes along. that sofa is a friggin optical illusion, man. like those things you stare at until your eyes cross and you see a picture. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted November 11, 2008 Share Posted November 11, 2008 LOL! (The Chair/Sofa)...I always get strange comments on it. It was my Mother's, and I inherited it, and all the other furniture, with the house. Just haven't gotten around to "re-decorating," as of yet for "financial" reasons, mainly. So, I guess I'll have find another "backdrop," or you all will have to suffer?! ;>) AS to the middle pickup...no problem, it's a bit lower, than the other two, and once you get used to the visual fact, that it's there...you quickly disregard it, as to being "in the way." And/Or...you end up picking in-between pickups. At any rate, it's never been a "problem" for me. I don't really use the "Bigsby" that much...so, it's hard to evalute it, other than what little I have done, it seems to return to pitch, pretty well. At first, I wasn't too sure, about it, but after the strings stretched a bit, and became more stable, on their own...they seemed to hold tension/tuning pretty well...as long as you don't try "Dive Bombing," with it. But then, it's not designed for that kind of action, anyway. The P-90's are strong, and toneful! No problem...there! CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dougg330 Posted November 11, 2008 Author Share Posted November 11, 2008 Three volume' date=' one (master) tone...upper back tone control. It's wired differently from 2 pickup versions, and the tones possible, because of that, are quite unique. Goes from the normal P-90 tones, to almost Gretsch like territory. Takes a bit of experimentation, but it's really quite intriguing. Played it "out" this weekend, at "stage volume," and was VERY excited/happy, with the result. Probably NOT what you want to hear, if you're trying NOT to buy one, but...I really love it! It's just enough different, too...from my Casino, and my regular (mini-humbucker) Riviera...that it fits nicely in-between them, with some tonal capabilities all it's own, in the process. CB[/quote'] Thanks, CB. My ZBD has master tone and 3 separate volumes for the 3 P-90's, and I'm always amazed at the range of sounds available from it. But it's a big hollow body with no Bigsby... and I find I'm more comfortable playing the thin bodies than the big one. So the ZBD might become the one that goes out to let this new one in. (Yeah - just like the Zephyr Regent was going to go to make room for the ZBD - which now sits next to it in my guitar closet.) Have to help both my post-college-but-currently-unemployed kids with their rent this month - so it will be a squeaker. I'll let you know if I make the leap. And thanks again for your help - it's much appreciated. Dougg330 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dougg330 Posted November 11, 2008 Author Share Posted November 11, 2008 I am not looking.I will not be tempted. I am strong. Damn! I looked and I'm hooked! Dear family' date=' I will be buying my own present this year. I hope you are content with your lump of coal! At least it will keep you warm.[/quote'] You're right! There IS an upside to my taking all the money this Christmas - it will help the rest of the family stay warm. So I would really be doing the right thing for us all.... yeah, that's the ticket!#-o/ Thanks, David - that's the kind of reinforcement sick people like us need. Dougg330 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twiggy Posted November 11, 2008 Share Posted November 11, 2008 sorry, just putting charlies photos properly, as it's so ****ing beautiful I can't wait to get mine finally... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dougg330 Posted November 11, 2008 Author Share Posted November 11, 2008 You guys are killing me. That is so freaking beautiful. And I am so weak. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twiggy Posted November 11, 2008 Share Posted November 11, 2008 Dougg330, you're lucky you're in states. I'm from UK and still pulled the trigger on this one as it's not coming to europe for sure. Mine now rests in me cousins corridor still packed and waiting for me to save enough money to send it all the way here. So imagine my heartache looking at those pictures.... If you can afford it, buy it as even if it wouldn't sound that good, it looks so bloody amazing! unfortunately it sounds as good as it looks (according to Charlie Brown) so don't let it go.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted November 11, 2008 Share Posted November 11, 2008 Thanks' date=' CB. My ZBD has master tone and 3 separate volumes for the 3 P-90's, and I'm always amazed at the range of sounds available from it. But it's a big hollow body with no Bigsby... and I find I'm more comfortable playing the thin bodies than the big one. So the ZBD might become the one that goes out to let this new one in. (Yeah - just like the Zephyr Regent was going to go to make room for the ZBD - which now sits next to it in my guitar closet.) Have to help both my post-college-but-currently-unemployed kids with their rent this month - so it will be a squeaker. I'll let you know if I make the leap. And thanks again for your help - it's much appreciated. Dougg330[/quote'] Well, if you have a ZBD, then you're familiar with the tonal possibilities. This was my first 3 pickup Gibson style guitar. I have Strats, and a 320 Rick, so 3 pickup guitars are not alien to me, exactly. But those are wired differently, to this one...so, that was a bit different. But I got familiar with it, very quickly. The Riviera will be "tighter" sounding, being a semi-hollow body, and thin-line, too. But, it can still do "jazz" stuff, very well. The "Blues" or "Blues Rock," will be NO problem, at all! LOL! And "clean," it's quite articulate and round/warm sounding! CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dougg330 Posted November 11, 2008 Author Share Posted November 11, 2008 Charlie Brown, you're killing me. It sounds too good to pass up. I'm gonna sit on the decision for a day or two and see how I hold up - then decide to pass or play. Yours is so beautiful - and your description of the sound is pretty much what I would want: a little tighter than my Casino, but not so compressed it sounds like a 335. I'll let you know the final outcome of the battle for my soul. Dougg330 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted November 11, 2008 Share Posted November 11, 2008 Another intesting thing is, that when the volume control (bottom back one) is in the "0" position, then the tone is like a normal 2 pickup version, with all the growl associated with it. Bright treble, nice mids, and good articulate bass (but, not muddy). When that same volume control is in the "10" positon (full on)...it has an almost muted "in-between" pickups sound...kind of Strat like, but not exactly. Rounder, somewhat "Gretschy," but not as "bright" sounding. So, for some rhythm (or even "lead") work, it gives 3 more intesting alternative tones. And, of course, you can vary it, by how you roll that same volume control, and the master tone control, as well. Fun stuff! CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted November 11, 2008 Share Posted November 11, 2008 Charlie Brown' date=' you're killing me. It sounds too good to pass up. I'm gonna sit on the decision for a day or two and see how I hold up - then decide to pass or play. Yours is so beautiful - and your description of the sound is pretty much what I would want: a little tighter than my Casino, but not so compressed it sounds like a 335. I'll let you know the final outcome of the battle for my soul.Dougg330[/quote'] Well, don't want to cause you any "pain," Doug. The only (small) down side, is because it's P-90 single coils, there is the every present 60-cycle hum/hiss. But, with your other guitars, you're already familiar with that, so...??? Not a problem, anyway, in normal playing situations. I may (eventually) change tuners to direct replacement Grovers or Schallers? But, so far, the stock ones are fine...nice and tight, and pretty smooth, too. So, that's not a priority, at this time. Have fun, wrestling your GAS demon! This forum is notorious, for inducing that! LOL! CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bluesbrekr1281734000 Posted November 11, 2008 Share Posted November 11, 2008 After having GAS for this, I just ordered from MF. A scratch'n'dent but a bit cheaper and free shipping. I missed the first offering of the s'n'd a few days ago. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stone1281734000 Posted November 11, 2008 Share Posted November 11, 2008 After having GAS for this' date=' I just ordered from MF. A scratch'n'dent but a bit cheaper and free shipping. I missed the first offering of the s'n'd a few days ago.[/quote'] Yeah. $434 fro the s'n'd! Nice score, congrats!:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tulsaslim Posted November 11, 2008 Share Posted November 11, 2008 I'm one of the guys who bought one & am very pleased with it. It is such an unusual combination that I couldn't resist. Normally I hate 3-pickup guitars because I tend to hit the middle pickup when I pick but have not had that trouble with this one. The 3 position switch is just right. Position 1 is neck & middle, position 2 is all three pickups, and position 3 is middle & bridge. I swapped out the tuners for some Grover Imperials, which look fantastic on the huge Epi headstock. (I'll post some pics soon). It's a great guitar at a great price. I'm pretty convinced that when this batch is gone there won't be any more but don't know for sure (obviously). All in all I'd certainly recommend it if you're into blues and/or jazz. It's a great blues machine. It's a real knockout looks-wise, too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dougg330 Posted November 11, 2008 Author Share Posted November 11, 2008 Thanks, man. Is the middle PU always on because it's hum-canceling? I'm tipping dangerously close to doing this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted November 11, 2008 Share Posted November 11, 2008 I'd really like to see those photos, slim...I was thinking of doing the same thing..but worried that the stairstep keys might be too close together? But, if you did it...they must be OK, right? I have Grover Super Rotomatics, on my "Assembled in USA Sheraton, which has the same buttons, as the imperials! They looks fantastic...well, it's the same setup the Elitist has, but the headstock on the USA one, is different...the bookend top it a bit shallower and wider. Still, the tuners really set it off, nicely! So, I think you did the right thing, there! CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ricochet Posted November 11, 2008 Share Posted November 11, 2008 Good god, stop it with the pictures allready..you bastards! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TWANG Posted November 11, 2008 Share Posted November 11, 2008 I just noticed they come with kluson style.. so I'd like to see those pics, too.. the headstock looks long enough.. but it's hard to judge with Kluson style on there.. but boy, those stepped tuners sure do look sharp on the big sheri headstock! Sigh. I really didn't need another jones.... tWANG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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