Riviera or ES-330L? Any opinions?

[dougg330]

Full disclosure: I very recently picked up a mauve metallic Sorrento (OK, it's sparkly pink) and an awesome trans black Howard Roberts. In fact, got them so recently, I haven't had time to put up pix yet). These two will be moving into my guitar closet alongside my IBJL Casino, my Riviera ('95 Peerless with mini humbuckers), and my '62 Gibson ES-120 (converted to a 125TD w/2 GFS P-90's.

Now I've got a possibly good deal going on a new Gibson ES-330L. I've read mostly good things (some bad) about the 330L, but have never had the chance to play one. Reason for my hesitance: to buy the 330L, I would have to sell one of other guitars and the most likely candidate is the Riv.

Does anyone have any experience owning or just demoing one of the new 330L's?

I'd love some advice from this august group.

And quickly! My trigger finger is itchy.

 

Thanks -

Dougg330

[charlie brown]

Well, from a long term "investment" standpoint, the Gibby ES-330 would be the best way to go, there.

However...it won't "Sound" much different, than your IBJL Casino, most likely...though it would have better

upper fret access. The Riviera...I don't know, I think "I" would hang on to that one, as the Semi-hollow body,

and "mini-humbucker pickups" is a deadly tone combo...IMHO. I have one, and a AISUA Sheraton, with mini's

too. Both are Tone Monsters! But, ultimately, it's up to you, and which one really appeals to you, the most.

 

Good, luck...on your decision, and we'll want Photos, on ALL those "new" guitars, you mentioned. ;>)

 

CB

[dougg330]

Well' date=' from a long term "investment" standpoint, the Gibby ES-330 would be the best way to go, there.

However...it won't "Sound" much different, than your IBJL Casino, most likely...though it would have better

upper fret access. The Riviera...I don't know, I think "I" would hang on to that one, as the Semi-hollow body,

and "mini-humbucker pickups" is a deadly tone combo...IMHO. I have one, and a AISUA Sheraton, with mini's

too. Both are Tone Monsters! But, ultimately, it's up to you, and which one really appeals to you, the most.

 

Good, luck...on your decision, and we'll want Photos, on ALL those "new" guitars, you mentioned. ;>)

 

CB[/quote']

 

 

Thanks, CB. If I were in better economic straits, I'd just add the 330L. I do love the Riv's semi-hollow/mini hbs combination and would hate to lose that. And as you said, the 330L will probably sound very similar to the IBJL Casino - big difference being the extended fret access and the thin nitro finish. So if I got the 330L and loved it, I could always sell the Casino, instead.

But to me, the Casino is more like the REAL 330 - the original, Grant Green kind.

And there's no way I'm parting with the Sorrento or the Howard Roberts.

Sounds more and more like I'm talking myself into standing pat.

[charlie brown]

Good idea, dougg...330L's are nice gutiars, but you have that sound covered. ES-335 might be something

to look into (used, but not abused, even)? IF you don't already own one, that is. That way, you'd have

the double cutaway Semi with Full Humbucker tone, and good upper fret access, as well. Then, there's always

Ric and Gretsch, to explore! LOL! It Never Stops! ;>)

 

CB

[Pumpkinhead]

I bought - and sent back - two of the new 330Ls. Very disappointed with the leaning tune-o-matic studs and (in one case) a great chunk of loose wood in the body that had come detached from the centre block. I really wanted to like these guitars but I would never touch a new Gibson again based on my experiences. You may have better luck but I'd say try before you buy if you can.

 

EDIT: Sorry about this!

I'm aware that the 330 doesn't have a centre block. I meant that the wood had come out of the main central brace running just underneath the top of the guitar. A chunk of it had come loose and fallen into the hollow body. I was prepared to accept this as maybe a shipping accident and asked for a replacement. This was OK as far as the bracing but the neck angle was suck that the tuneomatic was only just stitting on top of the studs and it rocked about when string bending!

Like I said - I was very disappointed with the two 330Ls I had - which I desperately wanted to like.

[Hungrycat]

I bought - and sent back - two of the new 330Ls. Very disappointed with the leaning tune-o-matic studs and (in one case) a great chunk of loose wood in the body that had come detached from the centre block. I really wanted to like these guitars but I would never touch a new Gibson again based on my experiences. You may have better luck but I'd say try before you buy if you can.

 

Probably 'cause a 330 doesn't have a center block...

That would probably do it.

[charlie brown]

Had another thought....there is (or was) an ES-335 with P-90's! Not cheap, of course, but another "option."

On the other hand, the Riviera P-93LE is an awesome guitar, especially for the price!!! I got one, when they first

came out, and it's amazing. I was (and still am) astounded, by the quality, for $499.00! My Only, very minor

"carp," is the way the truss rod is situated, in the headstock. Just wish it was like a regular Epi or Gibson. But,

it works fine, so...no big deal, really. Tonally, the P-93 does "Casino" (pretty well!), and with some interesting

tweaking, can get almost "Gretsch" like tones, as well. Plus, it has 335/Riviera type upper fret access, as well.

I'm tempted, to get another one, and take the Bigsby off, and put on a Frequensator tailpiece...just for "grins!"

 

Cheers,

CB

[twofeets]

The prices have gone up but with a little patience and a little luck, you can still score an old wood 60's ES330 for around the same price they're asking for the spotty-quality new 330L's.

[jonny_2_owls]

I've heard a few bad things about those new 330's. But they had a couple in my local shop and they sold in a weekend. The cherry looked stunning. Not sure about the black p90 covers though.

 

But for what my opinion's worth I'd keep the Riviera, as everybody else has said you've more or less got that sound covered with your Casino.

 

If you want the p90 tone why not look for a Valensi Riviera? They are still in production and have the p94s. I've seen a few elitist versions up for sale recently too.

 

I have an '84 Matsumoko Riviera that I love, other guitars come and go but that one is a keeper, although it's much nearer to a 335 than a traditional riviera with it's full sized humbuckers and stop tail piece, which I've swapped for a bigsby.

 

I very nearly pulled the trigger on one of those limited UK edition chinese made Riviera's for £299 (a bargain I thought!).

[dougg330]

Thanks, guys - good points, all around.

I've been dumb enough to sell several '60's ES-330s in the last few years during an extended economic crisis. Have to say, I miss the last one... but the IBJL Casino is starting to get broken in, and it's making me regret the last sale less every day.

I think I got spoiled by all those P-90's, tho - I just find standard humbuckers too bland now. Maybe I like the mini hb's because they seem to fall somewhere between a P-90 and a HB?

Anyway, after playing all my stable thru 3 different amps last night, I decided to pass on the 330L.

The P-93 Riviera, on the other hand, has been on my radar for a while now. My only concern was dealing with the 3 pickups. I found it too much of a hassle on the Epi ZBD I had for a while a couple of years back; maybe I'm ready to accept more knob twisting now.

I am amazed at how much I've enjoyed my growing group of Epiphones - but I have to say that I've had another good chunk of my enjoyment from the Forum.

 

Best to all -

 

Dougg330

[charlie brown]

Thanks' date=' guys - good points, all around.

I think I got spoiled by all those P-90's, tho - I just find standard humbuckers too bland now. Maybe I like the mini hb's because they seem to fall somewhere between a P-90 and a HB? Dougg330[/quote']

 

Exactly! Mini-humbuckers have plenty of "Humbucker" tone, but with added mid-range and upper end "sparkle!"

So, it IS a nice cross, between the full-sized Humbuckers, and a P-90.

 

As to concerns, about the 3 pickup configuration, on the Riviera P-93? Only You, will know how much of a "problem"

it might be. I've never found it, to be any problem, at all...save getting used to the wiring, and tone selection, because

of it. Like anything else, just takes experimenting, and getting used to.

 

Cheers,

CB

[twofeets]

The Riviera P93 has an advantage over the ZBD in that it has a selector switch. It will allow you to quickly isolate the neck or bridge pickup - very useful.

(I think the pup selection is neck only - all on - bridge only.

 

Of course the only way to isolate the middle pickup is via the volume controls, but still it's a little better than the ZBD.

 

I know two people who have picked up real mid-60's Rivieras for $2200-$2500 in the last few months...

[Hungrycat]

The Riviera P93 has an advantage over the ZBD in that it has a selector switch. It will allow you to quickly isolate the neck or bridge pickup - very useful.

(I think the pup selection is neck only - all on - bridge only.

 

The middle pickup has a volume control so you can roll it in or out.

[twofeets]

The middle pickup has a volume control so you can roll it in or out.

 

Yeah man, I think I said that in my post, though perhaps not as clearly as I could have.

[Hungrycat]

Yeah man' date=' I think I said that in my post, though perhaps not as clearly as I could have.

[/quote']

 

Oh... Yep, there it is...