Epiphone Riviera 360TD

[Glee]

I read some really good, qualified responses regarding early Epiphone (Uncle A I think). I have my grandfather's guitar. He was a fine player and would not have bought a Japanese piece of crap. So, I'm looking at a serial number on the label which states it is a E360TD made in Kalamazoo serial number 092989. I can't find this serial number anywhere. I'd hate to sell it but really want another acoustic electric (I also have grandpa's Alvarez 1977 which is big body blondie).

 

Thanks for the help. G

[brianh]

That is a highly sought after vintage Epiphone from the 60's and should be taken to a reputable appraiser for a valuation.

 

http://www.epiphonew...p?title=Riviera

 

Here is one for sale right now for $2500: http://www.guitarcenter.com/In-Store-Vintage-VINTAGE-1967-EPIPHONE-RIVIERA-E360TD-HERITAGE-CHY-W-TREM-106769158-i2086060.gc

 

Here is the Blue Book value, but it could be worth more (or less) depending on condition and current market supply and demand.

 

 

PS, Japanese guitars are also highly sought after these days and many are considered every bit as good as their American counterparts.

[Hungrycat]

would not have bought a Japanese piece of crap.

 

[jonnyg]

You can find info on 60's (and earlier) US made Epiphone serial numbers here > http://home.provide.net/~cfh/epiphone.html#serial

Here's just a part of it

 

Number Range Year

------------ ----

0100 to 42440 1961

42441 to 61180 1962

61450 to 64222 1963

64240 to 71040 1964

71041 to 96600 1962, a few from 1963/1964

96601 to 99999 1963

000001 to 099999 1967 (all 6 digit numbers

starting with "0" are 1967)

100000 to 106099 1963 or 1967

 

So it would seem that your Riviera is a 1967 model.

 

In fairness to what you said about "Japanese crap" it's probably true that Japanese guitars weren't particularly good in 1967, but then it's not very likely that you'd find a 1967 Japanese made Epiphone. However, they got very much better later on. You should compare an early 80's Tokai to some of the dreadful instruments that were coming out of Fender's Fullerton plant at the time. Let's face it, Carlos Santana played a Japanese guitar for a while, and I've heard that he's a guy who can pull a few licks out of the hat. Judge a guitar with your ears not by the country of origin.