DATE :
Monday, May 26, 2025
1965 Epiphone Riviera: The Vintage Market's Best-Kept Secret
1965 Epiphone Riviera: The Vintage Market's Best-Kept Secret
The Pinnacle of Kalamazoo Semi-Hollow Craftsmanship
The 1965 Epiphone Riviera represents one of the vintage guitar market's most undervalued treasures—a semi-hollow masterpiece built in Gibson's legendary Kalamazoo facility using identical construction methods, materials, and craftsmanship as its more famous Gibson ES-335 sibling. From 1958 until 1969, both brands were made side by side in the same facility in Kalamazoo, Michigan, using the same woods, construction methods and much of the same hardware.
What makes the 1965 Riviera particularly special is its timing in Epiphone's golden era—built three years after the model's 1962 introduction when production processes had been perfected, yet still featuring the coveted wide 42mm nut width and premium appointments that would change in later years. It still has the beloved wide 42mm nut width, the neck feels amazing! This transitional year also marks the shift from Royal Tan to the new Shaded (sunburst) finish as the standard option, making certain finish combinations particularly desirable today.
Historical Context: Epiphone's Renaissance Under Gibson
When Gibson acquired Epiphone in 1957, they transformed the historic New York brand into a premium alternative line. Some specific examples of Gibson-era Epiphone instruments from this period includes the Epiphone Sheraton (co-developed with the Gibson ES-335 & sharing its semi-hollow body, but with, Epiphone's pre-Gibson "Frequensator" tailpiece and "New York" mini-humbucker pickups, and significantly fancier inlays) By 1962, the Riviera was introduced as Epiphone's answer to the ES-335, featuring the same semi-hollow construction with distinctive Epiphone appointments.
The year 1965 was significant in the guitar industry—it marked the end of the pre-CBS era for Fender and represented peak production quality at Gibson's Kalamazoo facility. During this time, Gibson was using premium old-growth woods, hand-wound pickups, and time-tested construction techniques that would change significantly in the following decade.
Notable artists who embraced semi-hollow guitars during this era included Chuck Berry, B.B. King, and members of The Beatles, who famously used Epiphone Casinos. While the Casino received celebrity endorsement, the Riviera offered superior versatility with its humbucking pickups and solid center block construction.
Current Market Value (2025 Update)
The 1965 Epiphone Riviera presents exceptional value in today's vintage market, typically selling for 30-50% less than comparable Gibson ES-335s from the same year despite nearly identical construction quality. While it is not wise to expect the vintage market to behave in an orderly manner, it is reasonable to view vintage Rivieras as undervalued, with excellent future investment potential
Key Value Factors:
Originality Premium: All-original examples command 40-60% more than modified guitars
Wide Nut Appeal: The wide nut (43mm) and all nickel plated hardware are highly sought after by players
Hardware Condition: Original nickel-plated hardware significantly affects value
Finish Rarity: Royal Tan examples from 1965 are particularly desirable
Documentation: Original case and paperwork can add 10-15% to value
Recent Market Trends: Recent dealer asking prices have ranged from $6,995 for excellent condition examples, with some reaching higher levels for exceptional specimens. Here is one of the best kept secrets of the vintage guitar world and is still a very much bargain buy
Note: At Edgewater Guitars, we consistently pay 30-40% more than typical guitar shops for premium vintage Epiphones, recognizing their true market value and investment potential.
Detailed Identification Guide for 1965 Rivieras
Serial Numbers
1965 Epiphone Rivieras typically feature 6-digit serial numbers stamped on the white label inside the top f-hole. From 1961 to early 1970, Epiphone used 6-digit serial numbers. However, many serial numbers were duplicated during this period, making the exact production year difficult to trace. Serial numbers alone are not definitive for dating—always cross-reference with other features.
Typical 1965 Serial Number Ranges:
6-digit numbers (example: 856040 confirmed 1966)
Numbers may overlap with other years due to Gibson's serial number system
Finish Identification
1965 was a transitional year for Riviera finishes:
Royal Tan: Two-color red-to-yellow sunburst, sometimes called "iced tea burst"
Shaded: Three-color black-to-red-to-yellow sunburst (introduced as standard in 1965)
Cherry: Not available until 1966
Royal Tan was a two-colour burst, basically red to yellow. Shaded was typically three colour, black to red to yellow.
Hardware Specifications
1965-Specific Hardware:
All nickel-plated hardware (transitioning to chrome/nickel mix in later years)
Frequensator tailpiece with distinctive Epiphone "E" logo
Mini-humbucker pickups (smaller than full-size Gibson humbuckers)
Kluson Deluxe tuners with oval buttons
Tune-o-matic bridge with nickel plating
Headstock and Neck Features
Identifying 1965 Characteristics:
Traditional Epiphone headstock shape (longer than Gibson)
"Epiphone" script logo with two patent numbers
Oval flowerpot inlay at headstock
Wide nut (42-43mm/1 5/8")
Bound rosewood fingerboard with parallelogram inlays
Set mahogany neck construction
Detailed Physical Specifications
Construction Details
Body: Semi-hollow with solid maple center block
Top/Back/Sides: Laminated maple
Weight: Typically 7.9-8.2 lbs
Scale Length: 24.75" (same as Gibson)
Body Width: 16" at lower bout
Neck Specifications
Nut Width: 1 5/8 inches (42-43mm)
Neck Profile: Medium C-shape (0.89" at 1st fret, 1.01" at 12th fret)
Fretboard Radius: 12" radius
Frets: 22 frets, medium wire
Binding: Single-ply white binding on neck and body
Electronics Specifications
Pickups: Two mini-humbucker pickups
Resistance: Typically 6.5-7.5k ohms
Controls: Two volume, two tone controls
Switch: Three-way pickup selector
Wiring: Vintage cloth-covered wire
Pots: Typically CTS potentiometers with 1965 date codes
Hardware Details
Bridge: Tune-o-matic with rosewood or bone saddles
Tailpiece: Frequensator trapeze tailpiece
Tuners: Kluson Deluxe with oval buttons
Knobs: Reflector cap style (black with chrome centers)
Pickguard: White single-ply with beveled edge
Tonal Characteristics of the 1965 Riviera
The 1965 Riviera offers a distinctive voice that bridges the gap between the woody warmth of a full hollow-body and the focused attack of a solid-body guitar. It's an amazing playing and sounding guitar, one of the best semi hollow body's I've played!
Sonic Profile:
Mini-Humbuckers: Although they're not as desirable as the full-size versions, Gibson did think enough of them to make them standard equipment on the original Gibson Firebird line and Les Paul Deluxe model
Clarity: The smaller pickup size provides enhanced clarity and definition compared to full-size humbuckers
String Separation: Excellent note definition in chord work
Sustain: The solid center block provides sustain while the hollow wings add warmth
Frequency Response: Balanced across the spectrum with slight midrange emphasis
Playing Characteristics:
The wide nut provides comfortable fingerpicking and complex chord work
Always sounds good according to long-term owners
Excellent for jazz, blues, rock, and country styles
Responsive to playing dynamics and pickup height adjustments
Common Issues & Modifications to Watch For
Typical Problems Found in 1965 Rivieras
Tailpiece Modifications: Many examples have had the Frequensator replaced with stop tailpieces
Tuner Replacements: The tuners are changed to a set of Gibson deluxe tuners on many examples
Pickup Swaps: Some have had pickups replaced with full-size humbuckers
Electronics Modifications: Wiring harnesses often replaced or modified
Finish Touch-ups: Minor finish repairs are common on 60-year-old instruments
Warning Signs of Non-Original Parts
Modern pickup rings or pickup mounting
Non-period correct potentiometer date codes
Screw holes that don't align with original hardware
Finish repairs in tailpiece area from hardware changes
the "E" on the guard is a raised plastic thingy first seen post 65 (rather than the mirrored decal)
Evaluation Tips for Condition
Check for original Frequensator tailpiece and hardware
Verify pickup originality (mini-humbuckers should have proper mounting)
Examine finish for authenticity and touch-ups
Confirm neck attachment and headstock integrity
The nickel hardware is in excellent condition, the original tailpiece has not broken
Why Players and Collectors Value the 1965 Riviera
Playing Appeal
Why is it that with some guitars it is only love for a few weeks-months, while with other guitars you can still look at it after 5-10-20-... years and thinking what an awesome guitar....and this riviera is an awesome guitar
Player Benefits:
Kalamazoo build quality at a fraction of ES-335 prices
Basically, a 64 spec ES-335 with min humbuckers at a bargain price
Distinctive tone that cuts through a mix
Comfortable wide neck for complex playing styles
Reliable gigging instrument with vintage character
Collector Value Factors
Rarity: Limited production compared to Gibson models
Historical Significance: Represents Epiphone's golden era under Gibson
Undervaluation: Unfortunately, though, while the ES-335 continued through Gibson's Norlin years (1970-'85) and into current production, the Riviera went away with the entire Epi line when Gibson sent Epi production to Japan in 1970
Investment Potential: Rivieras are a well kept secret, but i see prices are going up since 65 gibsons es 335s are really becoming expensive
Market Position
The 1965 Riviera represents exceptional value because it offers:
Gibson Kalamazoo construction quality
Premium materials and craftsmanship
Distinctive appointments and character
Significantly lower entry cost than comparable Gibsons
Strong potential for appreciation as collectors recognize their quality
Selling Your 1965 Epiphone Riviera
If you own a 1965 Epiphone Riviera, you're holding a piece of American guitar-making history that deserves proper evaluation and fair compensation. At Edgewater Guitars, we recognize the true value of these underappreciated classics.
Why Choose Edgewater for Your Vintage Epiphone
Expert Valuation: Our team understands the nuances that affect Riviera values, from original hardware configurations to finish variations that many dealers overlook.
Premium Offers: We consistently pay 30-40% more than typical guitar shops because we recognize the true market value of quality vintage instruments.
Streamlined Process: No consignment fees, no waiting periods—we provide immediate cash offers for qualified instruments.
Proper Authentication: We can help verify the originality and condition of your Riviera, ensuring you receive maximum value.
Geographic Coverage: We serve guitar owners throughout Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and West Virginia with in-person evaluations for high-value instruments.
Recent Purchase Example
We recently acquired a beautiful 1965 Riviera in Royal Tan finish from a collector in Columbus. After providing detailed authentication and condition assessment, we made an immediate cash offer that exceeded the seller's expectations by more than $2,000 compared to quotes from local music stores. The transaction was completed within 48 hours, demonstrating our commitment to fair, efficient service.
Ready to sell your vintage Epiphone? Get your free valuation today by calling (440) 219-3607 or visiting our website's quote form.
Related Resources for Vintage Epiphone Owners
Authentication Guides
Complete Epiphone Serial Number Dating Guide
Kalamazoo vs. Later Production Identification
Hardware Dating and Authenticity Verification
Finish Authentication and Touch-up Detection
Model Comparisons
Additional Selling Resources
Expert Consultation Available
Don't let the vintage guitar market's complexity prevent you from realizing your instrument's true value. The 1965 Epiphone Riviera represents one of the best opportunities in today's vintage market—both for players seeking premium quality at reasonable prices and for sellers looking to capitalize on an undervalued classic.
Edgewater Guitars specializes in vintage guitar authentication and fair-market purchasing throughout the Midwest. Our expertise in Kalamazoo-era instruments ensures that you receive the recognition and compensation your vintage Epiphone deserves.
Contact Edgewater Guitars today:
Phone: (440) 219-3607
Website: Get Your Free Quote
Service Area: Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, West Virginia
About the Author: This guide was prepared by the vintage guitar experts at Edgewater Guitars, specializing in the authentication, valuation, and purchase of premium vintage instruments throughout the Midwest region. Our team combines decades of experience with market knowledge to ensure fair, accurate valuations for guitar owners considering sale.
