Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hi;
I have an Epiphone Rivoli bass. 1964 Kalamazoo. Two pickups model which I have never seen like this, because all Rivolis I have seen so far were one pickup configuration. I have pics but first I should know if this is admittable in this specific forum. Or can you help me where I can get information abut it? You know I live in Turkey, so I may be in need of your help about this very rare collectible bass.

I am sorry if I made something wrong. If so, moderator's can erase this topic, sure.

Best thought would be taking it to the "Second Strum" forum at the bottom of the forum lists.

Metin it would help if you can post some pictures. If you have trouble with that let me know and I will be happy to help.

Thank you for correction ken_j. So, I think it's time to change the topic also. I have some photos. Any information abour it will be appreciated. I want to sell it in USA. It seems sometime ago there was a switch in upper horn of the body. Besides that it looks all original. Do you have any idea about it's price etc..?

The control layout makes me think the bridge p/u, corresponding V and T controls, and p/u switch(which appears to have replaced the original "baritone" switch) were added to a stock one p/u Rivoli. You can see the two original(chrome cap) knobs(tho' one is not in its original position), and the two added knobs. Also looks like possibly they tried to place the p/u switch on the upper bout at one point, and the tuners are probably not original.

Tho' not a standard model(it has factory dual large humbuckers and stereo outs) my Gibson EB-2 will give you an idea of the usual EB-2/Rivoli dual p/u control layout.

Although many of the books on basses and guitars are not the definitive answer to all of the specs, The Bass Book by Tony Bacon and Moorhouse list the Rivoli as being available from 1960-70 with one pickup. They don't list two pickups as an option.

Although I am not an expert at vintage instruments, I would think that you would get a higher price selling in Europe or the Mid-East. These are far more plentiful in the US.

Thanks Ron and Ken for great explanations. Ron, except tuners, you seem completely right. Tuners should be original because I saw some Rivoli basses which have exactly same tuners, on ebay. But again, I am not expert.
So, have you got any idea about it's price range at this condition? Thanks.

This example shows that you are right Ron. According to this bass on ebay, can I think my bass would go for around 2K?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-1964-EPIPHO ... .m20.l1116

That bass on ebay has replacement tuners. I was just thinking yours might not be original as I usually see those basses with the tuners that have the "brad" thru the post to hold the "ear" on, here's mine.

I would post here for an idea of value.
http://www.vintageguitars.org.uk/phpBB/ ... um.php?f=7

Gibson did make a 2 pup version,the Eb 2 D or Eb2 DC in cherry.That's not to say that there was a corresponding Rivoli, but if there was the layout would likely be the same.

fatcat wrote:Gibson did make a 2 pup version,the Eb 2 D or Eb2 DC in cherry.That's not to say that there was a corresponding Rivoli, but if there was the layout would likely be the same.

1964_Gibson_EB-2_sunb.jpg

Wow, a bass designed to be tuned to E♭

fatcat wrote:Gibson did make a 2 pup version,the Eb 2 D or Eb2 DC in cherry. That's not to say that there was a corresponding Rivoli, but if there was the layout would likely be the same.

1964_Gibson_EB-2_sunb.jpg

Thanks guys for the information.
Hımm, mine has different knob configuration but I still hope it is original. I realized my bass name is little different than one pickup config. ones. Mine is Epiphone EBV-232 and one pickup config. ones are EB-232. What do youthink about that?

I want to sell it in US and buy another Rick for that money. Or maybe I can trade it with a Rick.

The plot thickens, I found a picture of one with a control placement similar to ypur Rivoli.

fatcat wrote:The plot thickens, I found a picture of one with a control placement similar to ypur Rivoli.

Nope, plot's not so thick, that's an EB-2D, a standard Gibson model, and the control layout is the standard EB-2D layout which is different than the OP's modded Rivoli.

iamthebassman wrote:That bass on ebay has replacement tuners. I was just thinking yours might not be original as I usually see those basses with the tuners that have the "brad" thru the post to hold the "ear" on, here's mine.

I would post here for an idea of value.
http://www.vintageguitars.org.uk/phpBB/ ... um.php?f=7

Ron a voice inside my head says that you are right. It may have been moded to make it look like gibson 2 pickup models. Even if so, it is a great mod. Anyway I would be very happy if you post and ask it's value to vintageguitars.org thank you all my friends for your help again.