Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I don't post NGD threads very often - but I just got in a real gem and had to share.

Just received a 1964 Epiphone Riviera from a friend in Canada. Basically an ES-335 with mini humbuckers.

These are built to the same quality as period Gibson ES-335 models, and are a fraction of the price - a total bargain. Plus, like Gibsons, pre-'65 models have the wide neck profile. Perfect medium width neck. This one has been well-played over the years and had a Bigsby at one point, but it's a great player and TONE for days.

I highly suggest trying one out if you get a chance!

...lovely looking burst on that one Collin...well done! I am sure she sounds great too....

Dammit! Now you've got me dreaming about a mid-60's Casino...very few bargains to be had on those....

Nice, Collin! In your mind, how do the mini-humbuckers compare to their larger cousins? And what's the cool Vox amp in the background?

Btw, your neck pickup is on upside-down

Congrats Collin that's a great looking guitar. What colour do (did) Epiphone call that?

k43rover wrote:...lovely looking burst on that one Collin...well done! I am sure she sounds great too....

Dammit! Now you've got me dreaming about a mid-60's Casino...very few bargains to be had on those....

Thanks Ed! She sounds as good as she looks. Luckily, Riviera prices have escaped the rapid inflation of Beatledom so it's still possible to find a good one for less than a Casino (and it's a better guitar, I promise!)

JakeK wrote:Nice, Collin! In your mind, how do the mini-humbuckers compare to their larger cousins? And what's the cool Vox amp in the background?

Btw, your neck pickup is on upside-down

Thanks Jake. The mini-hums have their own tone. My best comparison right now is the '59 335 pictured next to it, and the mini hums can do the fat sounding humbucker thing, but also a single coil type tone with the volume rolled back.

The Vox is a Rose Morris era V15. Basically like an AC15, but much better for humbucker type guitars, overdrive

Just found out the frequensator tailpiece is backwards too...I've got some work to do!

godber wrote:Congrats Collin that's a great looking guitar. What colour do (did) Epiphone call that?

Thanks Mark. Epiphone called it "Royal Tan," but it's informally known as iced-tea burst in some circles.

The frequensator was designed to be used either way based on your preference.

Nice guitar Collin!!!!!

Good Score Collin! As you know, I'm a fan of this style of guitar. I had my eye on a Riviera at a guitar show last year but the price was way too high. Can't wait to hear the Mini Humbuckers

Danotron wrote:Good Score Collin! As you know, I'm a fan of this style of guitar. I had my eye on a Riviera at a guitar show last year but the price was way too high. Can't wait to hear the Mini Humbuckers

Thanks Dano!

Sounds like we need another micro-con. I'll bring the beers.

jdogric12 wrote:The frequensator was designed to be used either way based on your preference.

Nice guitar Collin!!!!!

Thanks JDog. Every photo I can find of tbe Frequensator has it the other way around, so mine looks wrong at least. Besides, I can't really tell any difference..?

Great score man, definitely looking forward to seeing it at the next mini-con

collin wrote:

jdogric12 wrote:The frequensator was designed to be used either way based on your preference.

Nice guitar Collin!!!!!

Thanks JDog. Every photo I can find of tbe Frequensator has it the other way around, so mine looks wrong at least. Besides, I can't really tell any difference..?

I've never messed with one myself, but apparently having a longer section of string between the bridge and tailpiece changes the tonal quality a bit. Jazz players would want to dull the higher pitched strings, while rockers would be vice versa.

This thread, however, discusses the differences in tension. http://www.strat-talk.com/forum/tech-ta ... stion.html

edit:
mo':
http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showth ... p?t=614350