charlie brown Posted December 9, 2011 Share Posted December 9, 2011 I know these are all over Europe. But, I'm wondering if anyone in the "Good Old USA," stocks this "vintage correct" version, of the wonderful Riviera? I really don't want to pay import duty/taxes, on one, from Europe. And, a true "Vintage USA" guitar, is (totally) out of my price range! Any ideas? Thanks, CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mgrmatt Posted December 9, 2011 Share Posted December 9, 2011 When these first came out there was a statement in one of the official Epi press releases stating they would be available in the US through the Alliance of Independnt Music Merchants, so I got my hopes up that I might be able to locate one. I then called Gib/Epi cs and was told that Model wasn't even listed on there North American inventory list ( Ugh!!! ). I truly appreciate the offerings of the last couple of years but could we please get a Sheraton or Riviera made to original specs ( headstock shape,inlays, body shpe etc...). since they did the 61 Casino maybe there is hope?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brianh Posted December 9, 2011 Share Posted December 9, 2011 I called my local AIMM dealer about those too. They're listed as an Epi dealer (but stock mostly Ibanez) and had no idea how to get one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted December 9, 2011 Author Share Posted December 9, 2011 Sheesh!!! Why doesn't Epiphone just release these, to all the Epi dealers! Is this more of Gibson's ("Elitist" pun intended) "marketing" strategy?! CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpruceTop Posted December 9, 2011 Share Posted December 9, 2011 I got a used '09 "LTD Edition Custom Shop" MIC Cherry Riviera off Ebay a few months ago. Was I lucky to find one here - US? I thought it just a liminted run that I had missed when it would have been available. I put GFS Fat mini's in it with coil cut switching and added a Bigsby B60. Great guitar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Summerisle Posted December 12, 2011 Share Posted December 12, 2011 Are you talking about one of these? I was going to suggest just ordering one from Thomann in the UK, as they offer a flat rate for shipping to the US via the carrier DHL for €30. Carriers such as DHL, UPS etc are great at acting as customs brokers, and the import duty on that guitar wouldn't be very high. There's a handy little tool called Duty Calculator, which I always find useful when contemplating a purchase from Europe: http://www.dutycalculator.com/ Basically, the import duty on a $1000 electric guitar, shipped from the UK, is $52. So, OK, your guitar would be a little more expensive with the international shipping of €30 (about $40) and the duty of $52, but $92 is still not too bad for obtaining a guitar that can't be found stateside. (btw I used the figure of $1000 as a "worse case scenario" - I suspect the actual price would be a little cheaper?) Trouble is, if that is the Riviera you were thinking of, it seems as though they are no longer for sale in Europe: http://www.thomann.de/gb/epiphone_rivera.htm I checked a couple of other online (European) dealers too, with the same result. For example: http://www.dv247.com/guitars/epiphone-riviera--37193 As an aside, I often get frustrated with the variety of guitars available in Europe that are never distributed in the United States. Hagstrom, for example, has many interesting offerings that, for whatever reason, never seem to be sold over here. Their take on a double-cut (Swede) looks especially tempting: But my favourite (US) dealer says that isn't something he can obtain. I thought about looking in England when I went to visit my Dad a couple of months ago, but then one has to deal with the nightmare of transporting a valuable guitar on a Trans-Atlantic flight, leaving it to the tender mercies of the baggage apes at Heathrow and sundry US airports. I guess if I really want one then I'll have to go down the route of online purchase and international shipping, too. Anyway, I digress. Good luck with finding your Riviera, Charlie. But I wouldn't be put off by the thought of buying online from a reliable foreign dealer and importing via a big postal carrier. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RaSTuS Posted December 12, 2011 Share Posted December 12, 2011 Anyway, I digress. Good luck with finding your Riviera, Charlie. But I wouldn't be out off by the thought of buying online from a reliable foreign dealer and importing via a big postal carrier. +1 I've imported over 50 guitars, never had a problem, one caveat, NEVER use UPS, they are useless at negotiating customs and always end up costing more and taking longer than any other courier service. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted December 12, 2011 Author Share Posted December 12, 2011 Well, I'm sorry to hear, that they aren't even available, in Europe?! Damn! As much interest as there seems to be, HERE, on this very forum, for a Vintage correct Riviera, I really don't understand WHY they'd make one, and then severely limit it's distribution??? It's not like it's a (real) collector's item. Most Asian made guitars, for American Companies, just aren't. Yet, anyway. So, why not release them, to markets that they would sell well, in...all OVER the world. Even if they were, in fact, "Limited Editions," why not fairly distribute them, to all markets? I really don't "get" Gibson/Epiphone logic, at times. Guess I'll have to find a "used but not abused," Elitist version. Talk about "hen's teeth," or "needle in a Hay Stack!" Compound that, by a preference for the "Vintage Burst" version (although Red, would be OK), and you're talking an even more rare item. CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mgrmatt Posted December 12, 2011 Share Posted December 12, 2011 Well, I'm sorry to hear, that they aren't even available, in Europe?! Damn! As much interest as there seems to be, HERE, on this very forum, for a Vintage correct Riviera, I really don't understand WHY they'd make one, and then severely limit it's distribution??? It's not like it's a (real) collector's item. Most Asian made guitars, for American Companies, just aren't. Yet, anyway. So, why not release them, to markets that they would sell well, in...all OVER the world. Even if they were, in fact, "Limited Editions," why not fairly distribute them, to all markets? I really don't "get" Gibson/Epiphone logic, at times. Guess I'll have to find a "used but not abused," Elitist version. Talk about "hen's teeth," or "needle in a Hay Stack!" Compound that, by a preference for the "Vintage Burst" version (although Red, would be OK), and you're talking an even more rare item. CB Yeah "Vintage Burst" 6 string Elite/Elitist seem to be non-exsistent, the few used one that co me available are cherry. Good luck in your search! The Epi marketing stratengy does make you scratch your head. The Japanese market seems to be a higher quality market ( the laquer series Les Pauls, Riviera reissue, Riviera II,335's w/openbook headstock ) with more variety. I hate to complain much here in the US because I know our friends from abroad have a harder time getting some models than we do here in the US. There have been a few model that have been out there but nearly impossible to find, the Riviera reissue in the US, the 59 DOT reissue ( the one with binding, tulip tuners and some gorgeous finishes. ) I was unable to find either model. I like the 345 & 355 reissues but would really like seeing a vintage correct Sheraton or Riviera but that's me. Sorry if this got a bit long winded! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted December 12, 2011 Author Share Posted December 12, 2011 And, when the "Elitist" versions DO come around, as rare as that is, I never seem to have any "extra" money, to be able to buy one! Timing, is everything!! "C'est la Vie!!" CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mgrasso Posted December 13, 2011 Share Posted December 13, 2011 CB, I know the new ones have the correct body shape and headstock logo, but I was able to get an '07 from Korea for $495 with hard case. An Elitist is desirable, but don't overlook the Koreans if one comes up. One of my best players. This one ever came with the stickers on the pickups. So they do come up. Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted December 13, 2011 Author Share Posted December 13, 2011 CB, I know the new ones have the correct body shape and headstock logo, but I was able to get an '07 from Korea for $495 with hard case. An Elitist is desirable, but don't overlook the Koreans if one comes up. One of my best players. This one ever came with the stickers on the pickups. So they do come up. Mark Yeah, they are nice! I had one, already, a couple of years ago. Probalby should have kept it, but...there was something else, I wanted more, at that time. Story of my life! LOL I just figure, that now that I'm looking at them, again...I'll go for a used Elitist, or the current (or recently discontinued) MIC version, with all the "correct" spec's. I'm really in no hurry. So, if one comes along, and I have the funds for it...that's what I'll get, most likely. CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mgrmatt Posted December 13, 2011 Share Posted December 13, 2011 CB, I know the new ones have the correct body shape and headstock logo, but I was able to get an '07 from Korea for $495 with hard case. An Elitist is desirable, but don't overlook the Koreans if one comes up. One of my best players. This one ever came with the stickers on the pickups. So they do come up. Mark Mark was yours made at the Unsung Plant? I have an 07 ( MIK Unsung ) that looks like yours, It is more of a bright cherry red as apposed to the darker ones from the Peerless plant. Really the only difference between the MIK 07 and the MIC re-issues is the headstock inlay and the trc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted December 13, 2011 Author Share Posted December 13, 2011 Mark was yours made at the Unsung Plant? I have an 07 ( MIK Unsung ) that looks like yours, It is more of a bright cherry red as apposed to the darker ones from the Peerless plant. Really the only difference between the MIK 07 and the MIC re-issues is the headstock inlay and the trc. Interesting. The MIC versions I've seen photos of, look more like the original body shape, with the horns being somewhat narrower/more "pointed" and the waste area being slightly different, as well. BUT, I've never seen one "in person," so I don't know if they were using an Elitist model, in the photo, to sell the Chinese version, or not. The Korean versions, have the more "generic" body shape...at least the one I had, did. So...??? CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpruceTop Posted December 13, 2011 Share Posted December 13, 2011 Interesting. The MIC versions I've seen photos of, look more like the original body shape, with the horns being somewhat narrower/more "pointed" and the waste area being slightly different, as well. BUT, I've never seen one "in person," so I don't know if they were using an Elitist model, in the photo, to sell the Chinese version, or not. The Korean versions, have the more "generic" body shape...at least the one I had, did. So...??? CB Here's my '09 MIC Riviera. To me it seems to have the Gibson 335 body shape. It's my '09 Epi DOT that to me has the different body shape - it's narrower in the cutaway's and maybe a bit wider in the waist. Tell me what you think. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted December 13, 2011 Author Share Posted December 13, 2011 Here's my '09 MIC Riviera. To me it seems to have the Gibson 335 body shape. It's my '09 Epi DOT that to me has the different body shape - it's narrower in the cutaway's and maybe a bit wider in the waist. Tell me what you think. OK...now your's is different still, than the Elitist version, which has the somewhat narrower and slightly more pointed horns, than even the Korean version. Your's does have the older 335 style body. Which, as mentioned, is different than the "generic" body, on the Korean version. This, of course, has little to do with tone, if anything. And, is only cosmetic, in nature. So, some folks, absolutely, won't care, one way or the other. That's fine! But, at this point, I think "I" will search out, a "used but not abused" Elitist version. I just love/prefer the body shape, and other "vintage" appointments, it has. But, they're all great guitars, really. See my AIUSA Sheraton (below) for the body shape, I'm referring to. CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mgrmatt Posted December 13, 2011 Share Posted December 13, 2011 Interesting. The MIC versions I've seen photos of, look more like the original body shape, with the horns being somewhat narrower/more "pointed" and the waste area being slightly different, as well. BUT, I've never seen one "in person," so I don't know if they were using an Elitist model, in the photo, to sell the Chinese version, or not. The Korean versions, have the more "generic" body shape...at least the one I had, did. So...??? CB When I get home tonight I'll do a comparison,I have a 66, 96 and an 07. I know I am probaly being picky but why does historical seem to be so difficult? The current Sheraton is back to a 5pc neck but a generic body, I guess my point is there are certain appointment that make a Sheraton a Sheraton or a Riviera a Rivera. i understand that there sales market and price point is different than what it was in the 60's but I don't think that era correct headstocks and body shapes are too much to ask for or would change the price point that much? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted December 13, 2011 Author Share Posted December 13, 2011 When I get home tonight I'll do a comparison,I have a 66, 96 and an 07. I know I am probaly being picky but why does historical seem to be so difficult? The current Sheraton is back to a 5pc neck but a generic body, I guess my point is there are certain appointment that make a Sheraton a Sheraton or a Riviera a Rivera. i understand that there sales market and price point is different than what it was in the 60's but I don't think that era correct headstocks and body shapes are too much to ask for or would change the price point that much? I totally agree, Matt...that's a question I have always wondered (and asked) about, here. For instance, WHY did they put the "Riviera" inlay, on the "Dot," and not the crown, where it belongs. Then, they put the crown inlay, on the Riviera??!! :angry: LOL As to the various body shapes...I know of at least 2 variances, in the '60's. One, is like my '66 Casino, which is different, than any of the afore mentioned, or displayed (on this thread) version. As you can see, it has a wider space, between the neck, and the inside of the horns, less curved, and more pointed, too. So, there was this version, and the ones that looked like my AIUSA Sheraton body. Just to confuse us all the more! LOL CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mgrasso Posted December 14, 2011 Share Posted December 14, 2011 Mark was yours made at the Unsung Plant? I have an 07 ( MIK Unsung ) that looks like yours, It is more of a bright cherry red as apposed to the darker ones from the Peerless plant. Really the only difference between the MIK 07 and the MIC re-issues is the headstock inlay and the trc. Yes, mine is an Unsung from 07. Mine looks brighter in the photos than in person. The headstock inlay and body are not like the new MIC versions. The neck is thinner than my Dot and 355. More like my Peerless Casino. Great guitar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpruceTop Posted December 14, 2011 Share Posted December 14, 2011 OK...now your's is different still, than the Elitist version, which has the somewhat narrower and slightly more pointed horns, than even the Korean version. Your's does have the older 335 style body. Which, as mentioned, is different than the "generic" body, on the Korean version. This, of course, has little to do with tone, if anything. And, is only cosmetic, in nature. So, some folks, absolutely, won't care, one way or the other. That's fine! But, at this point, I think "I" will search out, a "used but not abused" Elitist version. I just love/prefer the body shape, and other "vintage" appointments, it has. But, they're all great guitars, really. See my AIUSA Sheraton (below) for the body shape, I'm referring to. CB Dam that Sheraton is beautiful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted December 14, 2011 Author Share Posted December 14, 2011 Dam that Sheraton is beautiful. Thanks! Here's a Full length shot. CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mgrasso Posted December 14, 2011 Share Posted December 14, 2011 Thanks! Here's a Full length shot. CB Simply beautiful! Now that is how a bound tortise shell pick guard is supposed to look. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RaSTuS Posted December 14, 2011 Share Posted December 14, 2011 Simply beautiful! Now that is how a bound tortise shell pick guard is supposed to look. That's a black pg surely, not a tortise shell pg. It's black/white/black/white/black actually, with the black ending up on the top and bottom, it is not bound, the edge pattern comes from the alternating layers of black and white. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted December 15, 2011 Author Share Posted December 15, 2011 AAAAHNT!! Sorry, RaSTuS...It IS a bound (dark) Tortise Shell pick-guard. Standard fare, on AIUSA Sheri's. CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RaSTuS Posted December 15, 2011 Share Posted December 15, 2011 AAAAHNT!! Sorry, RaSTuS...It IS a bound (dark) Tortise Shell pick-guard. Standard fare, on AIUSA Sheri's. CB Damn, my eyes are getting worse, my bad,. That last pic just looks black to me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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