bjsa06 Posted April 6, 2009 Share Posted April 6, 2009 Hi, received my new (2005 been in storage) Riviera. Has mini Hums, cherry red made in Korea. I've been playing for 30 years and this is a GREAT guitar. Are there any other players of this guitar out there. Any modifications done? The finish and action are excellent. What do you think of the Frequensator tail piece? Do you think it adds to tone? Cheers, Brett cut and paste to get a look at it! http://s717.photobucket.com/albums/ww176/bjsa06/?action=view¤t=P1050724.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted April 6, 2009 Share Posted April 6, 2009 I have one, a 2006 model. Same specs, and color! GREAT guitar! I love the Mini's, but then I always have, as I also own a 1976 Gibson LP Deluxe, and a "Assembled in USA" Epi Sheraton, and both have Mini's, as well. The only "mod" I've made, was on the Sheraton, and it was just to change the tuning keys (not the whole machine head, just the keys) to Grover Imperial (Stairstep/Art Deco) buttons. And, that was just for my "aesthetic" reasons...just love the look, on that guitar. Otherwise, mine are all "stock!" The stock "Korean" mini's seem quite close, to Identical, in tone and output, to my LP's American Mini's. So, didn't feel there was any need to change them...IMHO. But, to each his/her own. The Riviera's neck, is one of the more "playable" I have. The fret work was great, right out of the box, too. Something Gibson could take some notes from, although maybe their newer "Plecked" guitars are better? I think if I WAS to "mod" the Riviera, in any way, it would be to add a Bigsby, at some point. But, again, that would be just something I might want to do, for that feature. The Freguenstor tailpiece is kind of unique, and interesting. Seems to hold tuning, as well as any, too. Also...whenever I take the Riviera to "jams" or gigs, where other players may join us, if they play that guitar, they always comment on how great it plays, and sounds. So, I guess it's not just me, you know? Cheers, CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clarkuss Posted April 6, 2009 Share Posted April 6, 2009 Before buying my Casino I had looked at both but could only afford one and it's been one of those guitars I've always wanted. Some lucky bugger got to this before me last week: Buy It Now £250 with Bigsby!! Seller must have had no clue what he was thinking. Perfect unmarked condition 1997. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HarpBoy Posted April 6, 2009 Share Posted April 6, 2009 Hi' date=' received my new (2005 been in storage) Riviera. Has mini Hums, cherry red made in Korea. I've been playing for 30 years and this is a [i']GREAT[/i] guitar. Are there any other players of this guitar out there. Any modifications done? The finish and action are excellent. What do you think of the Frequensator tail piece? Do you think it adds to tone? Cheers, Brett cut and paste to get a look at it! http://s717.photobucket.com/albums/ww176/bjsa06/?action=view¤t=P1050724.jpg I just recently bought an '08 MIK Riviera Valensi and am smitten by it. The action and intonation were perfect right off the wall. This model has "vintage natural" finish, and the wood front and back actually has about 50% coverage of a nice quilt to it. It also came with Gibson's P94s, which are outstanding pickups in my view. It is great to play acoustically as well, and it seems that the tailpiece gives it a certain ring I don't hear with a stop tail. I sold a like new Ric 330 last year and I can honestly say I like the Riviera much more than the Ric. The Ric was flawless finish-wise, but not nearly as musical as this Epiphone. I haven't kicked the tires on enough Epi semis and hollows to know how mine compares, but this one is truly a keeper. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vic Flick Posted April 6, 2009 Share Posted April 6, 2009 ...I love the Mini's' date=' ...The stock "Korean" mini's seem quite close, to Identical, in tone and output,to my LP's American Mini's. So, didn't feel there was any need to change them...IMHO. But, to each his/her own. [/quote'] I agree, that's what's make the Riviera superior to the Dots & the Sherrys with the full sized 'buckers. IMO. Are there any other [Riviera] players of this guitar out there... I've had a few Rivieras' date=' but the only one I have now is my 12-string Elitist. I had a Korean one just like yours, I foolishly sold it when I got an Elitist Riviera. The Elitist just didn't have the same mojo, I can't put my finger on it. I ended up selling the Elitist, but I plan on getting another Korean model someday. I sold a like new Ric 330 last year and I can honestly say I like the Riviera much more than the Ric. I sold my Ric 12, the Elitist Riviera 12 is the best 12 string I've ever played. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HarpBoy Posted April 6, 2009 Share Posted April 6, 2009 Jerrymac Out of curiousity, what is the explanation for the two styles of pickguard found on the 335s, Dots, Casinos, Sheratons and Rivieras? I notice your Riviera has the long style as does the OP's, but mine has the short one. Is there any rhyme or reason to this? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clarkuss Posted April 6, 2009 Share Posted April 6, 2009 I think because it's Nick Valensi's sig guitar so they decided to do something different. More of the Gibson look about it although I believe NV's riviera was playing sans pickguard Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mgrmatt Posted April 6, 2009 Share Posted April 6, 2009 JerryMac, Your 12 string Riviera is gourgeous, that is exactally what Vintage Sunburst is suppose to look like,thanks for sharing the pics! I too have an 06 Riviera with mini's and CB is dead on the output is very comprable to Gibson's I've played with mini's and the neck profile is perfection for me. I was able to pick up a 95 last week ( suppose to be here tomorrow) but it has full size humbuckers, I'm hoping it's going to have the mojo that my 06 has we'll see. mgm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matthewk Posted April 6, 2009 Share Posted April 6, 2009 Brett, if that's the auction I was watching the other week, you got a steal! Beautiful instrument, enjoy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted April 6, 2009 Share Posted April 6, 2009 Well, Jerrymac...I've played some Riviera 12-strings, and they ARE "great!" However, being a Rickenbacker 12-string lover, from way back, I'd never sell my Ric's, even if I bought an "Elitist" Riviera 12. There's just something about the Ric's "sound/tone, that I've always LOVED! But, that's just Me! Ric necks are notoriously narrow, but it really doesn't take much effort, to get around that. You have to alter some chord fingerings (to use 2 fingers instead of the normal 3), but once you get used to it, it's really easier (and "cleaner," too)! But, yeah...Riviera 12-strings are "Awesome," in playability and sound. Every time I see one, up for auction, I'm VERY tempted! LOL! CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Buffalo Posted April 6, 2009 Share Posted April 6, 2009 Twins. (Actually, half-sisters). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clarkuss Posted April 6, 2009 Share Posted April 6, 2009 ^^Wow!! What are the details of those two? Year/factory etc. Lovely! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vic Flick Posted April 6, 2009 Share Posted April 6, 2009 Jerrymac Out of curiousity' date=' what is the explanation for the two styles of pickguard found on the 335s, Dots, Casinos, Sheratons and Rivieras? I notice your Riviera has the long style as does the OP's, but mine has the short one. Is there any rhyme or reason to this?[/quote'] I can only guess. The long one is the typical Epi style, the shorter one more Gibson-like. My Lucille has the shorter, but it was originally a Gibson model and they probably wanted to keep the look. I imagine Nick might have preferred the look of the Gibson style better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hiberna Posted April 6, 2009 Share Posted April 6, 2009 I also have the pleasure of owning two rivieras, both made within the same month of the same year, same factory in korea. yet both very different and Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vic Flick Posted April 6, 2009 Share Posted April 6, 2009 Well' date=' Jerrymac...I've played some Riviera 12-strings, and they ARE "great!" However, being a Rickenbacker 12-string lover, from way back, I'd never sell my Ric's, even if I bought an "Elitist" Riviera 12. There's just something about the Ric's "sound/tone, that I've always LOVED! But, that's just Me! Ric necks are notoriously narrow, but it really doesn't take much effort, to get around that. You have to alter some chord fingerings (to use 2 fingers instead of the normal 3), but once you get used to it, it's really easier (and "cleaner," too)! But, yeah...Riviera 12-strings are "Awesome," in playability and sound. Every time I see one, up for auction, I'm VERY tempted! LOL! CB[/quote'] Don't get me wrong, I've played Rics on and off since the '70s, and I've had 3 different Ric 12-strings. Probably buy one or two more before I pack in in. The problem is that I had a bunch of 12s and I always reached for the Riviera. The Rick was not getting any use, the prices jumped up a lot, so I took a nice profit on it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted April 6, 2009 Share Posted April 6, 2009 Don't get me wrong' date=' I've played Rics on and off since the '70s, and I've had 3 different Ric 12-strings. Probably buy one or two more before I pack in in. The problem is that I had a bunch of 12s and I always reached for the Riviera. The Rick was not getting any use, the prices jumped up a lot, so I took a nice profit on it. [center'][/center] Nice Collection! COOL!! CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbrooks0711 Posted April 6, 2009 Share Posted April 6, 2009 A guy just put up one in the trading post on this forum. It's under the title "several guitars for sale" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bjsa06 Posted April 7, 2009 Author Share Posted April 7, 2009 Brett back again, great forum, heaps of activity. I got the Riviera on Australian ebay for AUD$800 inc case. IN Australia the RRP is about AUD$1350 without case. The seller said "new 2005" and yes it was (plastic bits, shine, books, smell). After being on Fenders for years, this baby has come home! It's great to know there is a tribe of devoted EPI SEMI blokes out there. ............Got to go and plug in.................... Brett Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twodice Posted April 7, 2009 Share Posted April 7, 2009 i own a 2005 Elitist Valensi Riviera in Vintage Sunburst, IMO it's the best guitar ive ever played or will ever own. It's so rare, like i've never seen one in a shop or any pics of anyones on the internet. i'm a huge libertines, cribs and strokes fan, so the P-94s are perfect for my sound. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clarkuss Posted April 7, 2009 Share Posted April 7, 2009 Hey, Another Glasgow member! They're cool guitars indeed. I haven't seen an Elitist Valensi in VSB. Any pics? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twodice Posted April 7, 2009 Share Posted April 7, 2009 yeh, hey!!! i'll try and put pics up soon, i need a better camera, my phone is not the best! yeh i got the guitar for my 21st birthday in December there. here is a pic from when i played it at my 21st party: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twodice Posted April 7, 2009 Share Posted April 7, 2009 here is another, it might work: http://file048b.bebo.com/17/original/2009/01/24/14/843418060a9942464249o.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clarkuss Posted April 7, 2009 Share Posted April 7, 2009 That's lovely! You play in a band up here? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twodice Posted April 7, 2009 Share Posted April 7, 2009 That's lovely! You play in a band up here? nope not really, i muck around with friends or my brother but thats about it. i play for fun, ill maybe try and start a band soon. are you in a band? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clarkuss Posted April 7, 2009 Share Posted April 7, 2009 I play in a band called The Down & Outs. We're into the same sort of stuff as you. My favourite bands when I started Uni were The Libertines, Strokes and Cribs (that was 2004-2005 though). I stay in Ibrox, just finishing up my degree at Glasgow Uni. Here are my two favourites (soon to be adding an Elite Casino) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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