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My old Epiphones
In the 80's, walking home from work, I noticed a decidedly older looking Riviera in the window of We Buy Guitars where I regularly drooled. Being a huge L. Carlton fan at the time, and not having the $$$ for a nice older 335, I checked out the Riviera going for $475.00
Well, I played it acoustically first, and was knocked by the action, resonance and general beauty and vibe. Amplified, it sang to me. I couldn't put it down, or leave without it. Turns out it is a 1964. Original case, changed to Grover tuners, stop tail piece pro - installed, honeyburst, and a gorgeous patina with real aged nickel hardware. I have since located a similarly aged nickel Frequensator tailpiece, and self-aged a nickel stop tailpiece to match the rest of the hardware - original p/ups. Players tell me it is one of the finest sounding guitars out there, and I've had many offers !
I have always loved the English invasion groups, Yardbirds being my fave, and always dug the Rivoli basses they used. I now have a '63, Cherry Red. All original except for the 2 killing EMG p/ups, no case. What a thumper! Great for jazz too, as it sings in every register. Round wounds or short scale flat wounds. WoW.
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