Vintage Epiphone Riviera Matsumoku BlueLabel Late 70s, Rare Split Parallelograms

Description: Truly a collectible that rocks! Extremely rare VINTAGE version of this model in EXCELLENT condition. A vintage Matsumoku-made Epiphone Riviera (Blue-Label) in Cherry Red, built in 1975-1980 exclusively for the Japanese domestic market, these were the same guitars used by OASIS in developing their iconic 90s sound. It features beautiful mother-of-pearl split parallelogram fretboard inlays, similar to those found in higher-end Gibsons and very hard to find in Vintage Rivieras. Few of these ever left Japan, and I'm yet to find one in this condition, with these features, being sold commercially in the US. Hard to precisely date, the serial points to mid 70s to early-80s, which is recognized as the golden era of production at the famous Matsumoku facility. Guitars made during this specific period are known for their incredible build quality and amazing playability. The body has laminated maple top, back, and sides with a 16” wide lower bout and 1.75” overall depth. The neck is made of three-piece maple with volute. The rosewood set neck joins at the 19th fret and has parallelogram inlays with 22 frets at 24.75” scale length. The binding over the body and neck is 1-ply with the binding going over the fret ends; which are intact and in great condition considering its age. The binding along the body is in great shape, with very little hairline cracking, and a single inch-long spot where there are visible, yet stable, cracks (see photo) - which again is extremely rare to find in such great condition versus comparable guitars of this time. The pickups are Maxon MMK-61 HBs, with 2 volume & 2 tone witch hat style knobs. There is also a standard 3-way pickup selector switch. The hardware is chrome with Grover Machine head tuners (also rare for this time period) and a MIJ Tune-o-Matic style bridge with a stop-bar tailpiece. Other than minor swirls and light marks from normal playing, the finish is in amazing shape. Just as important, it’s super comfortable to play - it feels solid in your hands, and the vintage sound is simply mesmerizing.

Price: 2495 USD

Location: Pottersville, New Jersey

End Time: 2024-09-05T01:00:18.000Z

Shipping Cost: 0 USD