Epiphone Riviera 1971 MIJ Matsumoku Cherry Red Vintage Semi-Hollow Frequensator

I am offering a very early Japanese-made Epiphone Riviera from 1971, produced at the legendary Matsumoku factory in Japan.

This is one of the first generation Japanese Rivieras built shortly after Epiphone production moved from the USA to Japan in the early 1970s. Instruments from this era have become increasingly desirable among collectors and players due to their excellent craftsmanship, lightweight semi-hollow construction, and unique vintage character.

The guitar retains its original interior “Epiphone Kalamazoo, Michigan” label and serial number consistent with 1971 production. The overall construction, hardware and specifications fully match early Matsumoku-built Rivieras from this period.

Visually, the instrument presents exactly as a well-preserved vintage guitar should. The original Cherry Red finish has aged beautifully and developed a deep natural patina over the decades. The body shows honest vintage wear, light scratches and natural signs of age, but overall remains in very good condition and looks fantastic for a 50+ year old instrument.

The neck is straight and stable with no cracks or repairs. The neck joint is solid. The rosewood fingerboard remains in very good condition, the binding is nicely preserved, and the frets are still in very good shape with plenty of life remaining.

One of the most desirable Riviera features is still present here — the original Frequensator tailpiece. Besides being visually iconic, it gives the guitar a slightly different feel and resonance compared to standard stop-tailpiece semi-hollows.

The guitar is equipped with its original full-size Epiphone humbuckers from the early 1970s. The sound is warm, open and extremely dynamic with excellent midrange character and impressive acoustic resonance.

Specifications:

• Model: Epiphone Riviera
• Year: 1971
• Factory: Matsumoku, Japan
• Construction: Semi-Hollow with center block
• Body: Laminated maple
• Neck: Mahogany set-neck
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Inlays: Block inlays
• Scale length: 24.75"
• Pickups: Original Epiphone humbuckers
• Bridge: Tune-O-Matic
• Tailpiece: Original Frequensator
• Tuners: Original Epiphone tuners
• Finish: Cherry Red

The guitar has been professionally checked and is fully functional.

This is not a modern reissue trying to recreate vintage aesthetics. It is a genuine early Japanese Epiphone from the beginning of the Matsumoku era — a period increasingly appreciated for its quality, feel and authenticity.

Safe worldwide shipping available.

For more detailed photos, additional listings, and better prices, feel free to visit my official site – mozartguitars.pl.