Riviera questions

[mcvw]

Hi,

 

I am a noob to this forum and just yesterday I bought a used Epiphone Riviera

 

I had been deliberating over an Epi' semi for a very long time now, and eventually I kind of narrowed my choice down to either a Casino or a Riviera, and as luck would have it, I managed to snap up a Vintage sunburst Nick Valensi model (Elitist model) via eBay - so maybe best of both worlds :P

 

As per the serial number (verified by Gibson customer support), the guitar is a 2005 model built at the Terada factory in Japan.

 

The previous owner bought it from new and it really is in mint - original - condition. The guitar came in the original Elitist case - with all the 'elitist' tags/guarantee cards, an alternative 'E' truss-rod cover, truss rod allen key and spare keys for the case.

 

I believe it is also still fitted with the original strings - which are almost as dead as a dodo. The bottom E, A and D strings buzz like a fridge. The strings also seem very slack (bending on the D around the fifth fret is almost impossible due to the lack of tension), and the action appears to be very low. Would the action/old-strings be a cause of the slackness? What strings should I fit to this guitar (please consider that I have 9-42 d'Addarios on my Fender telecaster, so I dont particularly want some mega-heavy strings on this)?

 

Finally, the frequensator is of the non-stamped variety. Would this be correct for a 2005 model?

 

Thank you,

 

 

Mike

[brianh]

Hi MC, post up some pics, it's more likely to ellicit responses around here. In any case it sounds like you landed quite a nice guitar, congratulations. The Epi frequensators I have on my (non-Eltist) Riv and Emperor are not stamped.

 

Try some new good quality 10-46 strings - D'Addario, LaBella, Gibson, etc. and see how many of the neck problems go away. It may be that the previous owner installed something too light for the original neck set up, hence the flappiness. Or it may just be their age.

 

If you still are having problems, take it to a good luthier or guitar tech and have it set up properly. It will be worth it.

 

Oh, and welcome to forum!

 

Here's the how-to link for posting pics: http://forums.epiphone.com/default.aspx?g=posts&t=8886

[mcvw]

Hi brianh,

 

Thanks for the reply. Yes, we all like pictures, and I will endeavour to get some pics up later

 

Would 9's be too light for a Riviera? My guitar tutor always says that tone/volume comes from the amp - not the strings. I also do quite a lot of bends on the G string so I prefer a lighter set anyway.

 

Is there any actual difference between the stamped and non-stamped frequensators (other than the stamping)?

 

Thanks again,

 

 

Mike

[brianh]

That's your preference, and no I don't think 9s are too light if that's what you like.

 

But the guitar may not be set up for them, that's all.

[brianh]

Oops, double post.

 

Oh well, here are my two Rivs (on the ends).

 

[Vic Flick]

Would 9's be too light for a Riviera? My guitar tutor always says that tone/volume comes from the amp - not the strings. I also do quite a lot of bends on the G string so I prefer a lighter set anyway.

 

...(please consider that I have 9-42 d'Addarios on my Fender telecaster' date=' so I dont particularly want some mega-heavy strings on this)...[/quote']

 

The Riviera has a shorter scale than your Tele, so the .009s will have less tension on the Epi. Probably .010s will give you a similar feel.

[Chefman]

Congrats on your Elitist Riviera! Sound like a string change and proper setup are in order as already suggested, and you should be good to go.

 

Definitely post a few pics, we love the eye candy around here.

 

Here is my most recent acquisition, an 03 Elite Riviera Vintage Sunburst that had a Bigsby added.

[AS90]

It looks nice and £370 is an absolute steal!

 

 

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Epiphone-Valensi-Guitar_W0QQitemZ180481515253QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Guitar_Accessories?hash=item2a05895ef5#ht_500wt_1182

[mcvw]

Hi,

 

AS90: That's the one :) I thought 370 GBP was a total bargain too - I mean, I have seen standard Riviera's sell for over 450 GBP!

 

paruwi6172: I had exactly the same question about a Valensi in vintage sunburst. So I got the serial no. from the seller and contacted gibson/epi' customer support and they verified that vintage sunburst was available on the Elitist range, and they also verified my guitar as being a genuine Valensi Elitist. :)

 

I have now put the black 'Valensi' truss rod cover on too, but no pics today - the camera phone is rubbish in the artificial light.

 

I have got a spare set of 9's - but I'll get some 10's and see how it behaves (buzzing etc). Even though it's absolutely mint, it would still benefit from a proper setup.

 

Thanks again for all the comments :)

 

 

Mike

[jammybstard]

When did the Valensi-Riviera come up in that finish ???

 

Peter

 

I believe the elitist Valensi comes in Sunburst and Natural and the MIK Valensi (which I just payed £380 for you jammy sod) only comes in Natural.