The Epiphone Riviera is a semi-hollow electric guitar introduced in 1962, designed as a modern counterpart to the Gibson ES-335, and has evolved through multiple production eras while remaining a very popular semi-hollow archtop guitar.
The Matsumoku-built Epiphone Riviera of the late-1970s and early-1980s are a great way to get a 335-type instrument and make for a great alternative to Norlin-era Gibson ES-335s. The guitars produced from 1975 - 1979 were Japanese Domestic models while the guitars produced from 1980 - 1984 were distributed worldwide.
This 1977 Riviera is from the first period of models produced for the Japanese Domestic market and is in near mint condition, complete with its original hard case. This guitar may look like a Riviera from the early 1980s with its stop-bar setup, however this was an after-market change with the original frequensator tail piece included in the case – you can see the original filled in holes on the base of the guitar. The original Maxon pickups have also been replaced, with Gibson humbuckers, with the original pickups included in the sale. The original Witches Hat knobs have also been replaced with some nice amber speed knobs, but with the original knobs included you could easily put these back on if desired. Despite the changes this is still a superb example of this much sought after late ‘70s Epiphone.
Shipping within mainland UK using fully insured 24-hour courier service @ £35.00.
Shipping to US/Canada, using UPS, is £185.00. Shipping to EU is £65.00
Customers outside of UK/EU/US/Canada should contact Vintage Rare & Retro Guitars for a shipping quotation. Free pick-up is always available at our Gullane shop.
