Epiphone Riviera, Frequensator Tailpiece - Sparkling Burgundy

The Epiphone Riviera – Frequensator Tailpiece – Sparkling Burgundy is one of those guitars that just oozes character. It’s got that unmistakable semi-hollow warmth, a slightly offbeat vintage vibe, and enough personality to stand out in any lineup — both sonically and visually.

Originally introduced in the early ’60s, the Riviera has always sat a little to the side of the ES-335 family — familiar, but with its own twist. This modern version keeps that identity intact, pairing classic design with a few standout features that give it a unique feel.

You’ve got a semi-hollow body with a centre block, so it hits that sweet spot between warmth and control. There’s plenty of resonance and air in the tone, but with enough focus and feedback resistance to handle higher volumes and gain. It’s a really versatile platform — great for clean, expressive playing, but just as capable when you push it.

The pickup pairing is where things get interesting. Instead of standard humbuckers, you’re getting Epiphone PRO Mini Humbuckers, which bring a bit more clarity, bite and articulation. They’ve got a tighter low end and a slightly brighter top compared to full-sized humbuckers, which helps chords stay defined and leads cut through nicely.

Then there’s the Frequensator tailpiece — and it’s not just for looks (though it does look seriously cool). It subtly changes the feel and response of the strings, giving a slightly different tension and resonance between bass and treble strings. It’s one of those features you don’t see every day, and it adds to the Riviera’s unique character.

The neck has a comfortable, easy-going profile, paired with a laurel fingerboard, 22 frets and classic block-style inlays, making it smooth and familiar under the fingers.

And visually — the Sparkling Burgundy finish is an absolute standout. Deep, rich, and just the right amount of flash, especially paired with gold hardware. It’s got that vintage glamour without feeling over the top.

At Musicmaker, this is the kind of guitar we’d point to when someone wants something a bit different from the usual semi-hollow options — something with its own voice and style.

Specifications

Body

• Body Shape Riviera

• Body Material Layered Maple

• TopLayered Maple

• Back Layered Maple

• Side Layered Maple

• Centerblock Maple

• Binding Single ply cream - top, back and fretboard

• Finish Gloss

Neck

• Material Mahogany

• Profile Rounded C

• Scale Length 24.724"

• Fingerboard Material Indian Laurel

• Fingerboard Radius 12.01"

• Number Of Frets 22

• Frets Medium Jumbo

• Nut Material Graph Tech® NuBone®

• Nut Width 1.693"

• Inlays Trapezoid

• Joint Glued in; Set Neck

Hardware

• Finish Nickel

• Tuner Plating Nickel

• Bridge LockTone™ Tune-O-Matic™

• Tailpiece Frequensator

• Tuning Machines Epiphone Vintage Deluxe metal button with press in bushing

• Pickguard Riviera with foil "E" logo, 3-ply

• TrussRod Dual Action

• Control Knobs Black Top Hat knobs with metal inserts

• Switch Tip Black

• Switchwasher None

• Jack Plate Cover None

• Plastic Parts Black; PVC

• Strap Buttons 2 - bottom and back of heel

• Mounting Rings Black

• Pickup Covers Nickel

Electronics

• Neck Pickup Epiphone PRO Mini Humbucker™ R

• Bridge Pickup Epiphone PRO Mini Humbucker™ T

• Controls 2 Volume, 2 Tone, CTS® potentiometers

• Pickup Selector 3-way Epiphone toggle

• Output Jack Heavy Duty Epiphone 1/4" Output Jack

Miscellaneous

• Strings .010, .013, .017, .026, .036, .046

• Case Optional 335/Casino-Type Hard Case (6 & 12 string) 940-E519; Casino/ES-335 EpiLite™ Case 940-E519HG