DATE :
Monday, September 1, 2025
1966 Epiphone Riviera: The Gibson-Built Semi-Hollow Beauty That Rivals the ES-335
1966 Epiphone Riviera: The Gibson-Built Semi-Hollow Beauty That Rivals the ES-335
The 1966 Epiphone Riviera stands as one of the finest semi-hollow guitars ever produced during the golden era of Kalamazoo manufacturing. Built side-by-side with Gibson ES-335s in Gibson's legendary Kalamazoo factory, these instruments represent exceptional craftsmanship and tone at a time when Epiphone was establishing its identity as Gibson's premium second brand. For vintage guitar collectors and players seeking the warmth and clarity of a premium thinline semi-hollow, the 1966 Riviera offers all the quality of its Gibson counterpart with distinctive character traits that make it uniquely desirable.
What makes the 1966 model year particularly significant is its position during peak production years for the Riviera line, when Gibson had perfected the construction techniques and was using the finest materials available. This was also the year that new finish options like Cherry and Sparkling Burgundy were introduced, expanding beyond the traditional Royal Tan sunburst finish. These guitars embody the sophisticated manufacturing standards that made Kalamazoo-built instruments legendary among collectors and professional musicians alike.
Historical Context: When Gibson Perfected the Thinline Formula
By 1966, Gibson's acquisition and transformation of the Epiphone brand was in full swing. At the same time, Gibson president Ted McCarty was leading the Kalamazoo plant into a particularly fertile period of innovation, and while some of the most groundbreaking designs in guitar building history were developed, Gibson and Epiphone thrived under the same roof. The Riviera had been in production for four years by this point, allowing Gibson to refine the manufacturing process and establish consistent quality standards.
The Epiphone range of the 1960s closely followed the Gibson guitars of the same time. 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. This parallel production meant that 1966 Rivieras benefited from the same quality control and craftsmanship standards as their Gibson ES-335 siblings.
The year 1966 was particularly notable for the Riviera line as it marked the introduction of new finish options. By 1966, Royal Tan was no longer listed, and Cherry became a second option with the model designation E360TDC – Thinline Dual (pickup) Cherry. That same year, Sparkling Burgundy metallic finishes frequently began to appear, also labelled as E360TDC models. This expansion of color choices reflected growing demand for the model and Gibson's confidence in the Riviera's market position.
Notable artists of the era were beginning to embrace semi-hollow guitars for their versatility. While the Beatles had made the Casino famous, many session musicians and jazz players were gravitating toward the Riviera for its superior sustain and feedback resistance compared to fully hollow instruments. This period represented the height of American guitar manufacturing excellence, before cost-cutting measures and ownership changes began affecting production quality in the early 1970s.
Detailed Identification Guide
Serial Numbers and Dating
1966 Epiphone Rivieras typically feature 6-digit serial numbers impressed into the back of the headstock. 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. Common 1966 serial number ranges include 400,000-499,999 and 800,000-899,999, though overlap with other years requires cross-referencing with other features.
For semi-hollow guitars like the Riviera, you'll also find a paper label inside the top f-hole. This label typically shows the model designation (E360TD for sunburst, E360TDC for cherry/burgundy finishes) and may include penciled notations indicating shipping dates or dealer information.
Neck Dating
The most reliable dating method for 1966 Rivieras is the penciled neck date on the neck heel, visible when the neck is removed from the body. Look for notations like "3-66" or "8-66" indicating month and year of neck completion. These penciled dates are typically more accurate than serial numbers for precise dating.
Potentiometer Dating
1966 Rivieras used Chicago Musical Instrument (CMI) or Centralab potentiometers that can be dated through their code markings. The pot codes follow the standard format:
First three digits: Manufacturer code (304 for Stackpole, 137 for Centralab)
Next digit or digits: Year (typically "66" for 1966)
Last two digits: Week of manufacture
Hardware and Visual Identifiers
Distinctive 1966 Features:
Headstock: Long "cola bottle" shape with pearl script Epiphone logo
Pickups: Mini-humbuckers with "Patent Applied For" or "Patent Number" stickers
Tailpiece: Chrome Frequensator tailpiece with graduated string posts
Pickguard: White beveled pickguard with stylized "E" logo
Tuners: Kluson Deluxe tuners with double-line "Kluson Deluxe" stamps
Bridge: Chrome ABR-1 Tune-o-matic bridge
Finish Identification:
Royal Tan/Sunburst: Traditional sunburst finish, gradually being phased out in 1966
Cherry (E360TDC): Deep red cherry finish, introduced in 1966
Sparkling Burgundy: Rare metallic burgundy finish, highly collectible
Binding and Inlays:
1966 Rivieras feature single-bound top and back with unbound f-holes. The fingerboard is bound Brazilian rosewood with single parallelogram inlays - a distinctively Epiphone feature that differentiates it from Gibson's dot or block inlays.
Detailed Physical Specifications
Body Construction:
Width: 16 inches at lower bout
Depth: 1 3/4 inches
Weight: Typically 8.0-8.5 pounds
Body: Laminated maple with solid maple center block
Bracing: Same internal bracing pattern as Gibson ES-335
Neck Specifications:
Material: One-piece mahogany
Scale Length: 24 3/4 inches (same as Gibson)
Nut Width: 1 9/16 inches (transitioned from earlier 1 11/16" width)
Neck Profile: Medium C-shape, comfortable for most hand sizes
Fingerboard: Brazilian rosewood with single parallelogram inlays
Frets: Original narrow-low frets, typical of the era
Electronics:
Pickups: Two mini-humbuckers with chrome covers
Pickup Output: Typically 6.5-7.5k ohms neck, 7.0-8.0k ohms bridge
Controls: Two volume, two tone knobs with black "reflector" or "witch hat" tops
Switch: Three-position toggle switch
Wiring: Cloth-covered wire with period-correct capacitors
Hardware:
Bridge: Chrome ABR-1 Tune-o-matic
Tailpiece: Chrome Frequensator trapeze tailpiece
Tuners: Kluson Deluxe sealed tuners with double-line stamps
Strap Buttons: Chrome strap buttons (back only - no front strap button originally)
Case: Original 1966 Rivieras came with Epiphone-branded brown/gray hardshell cases with dark blue plush lining and gold Epiphone script logo inside the lid.
Tonal Characteristics
The 1966 Epiphone Riviera delivers a distinctive voice that bridges the gap between the warmth of a hollow-body and the sustain of a solid-body guitar. The patent mini humbuckers in this guitar sound particularly sweet and clear and have the clarity of PAF's to my ear. This tonal quality makes them exceptionally versatile instruments.
Sonic Profile:
The mini-humbuckers provide a brighter, more articulate tone than full-size PAF humbuckers, with excellent note separation and clarity. The smaller coil size reduces the typical humbucker muddiness while maintaining excellent noise rejection. Players often describe the tone as having "single-coil clarity with humbucker warmth."
The maple center block construction provides sustain and feedback resistance superior to fully hollow guitars, while the laminated maple body adds acoustic resonance that solid-body guitars cannot achieve. This combination creates a unique voice that excels in jazz, blues, rock, and country applications.
Frequency Response:
1966 Rivieras exhibit excellent midrange presence with clear highs and controlled bass response. The Brazilian rosewood fingerboard adds warmth and complexity to the tone, while the mahogany neck contributes to sustained notes and harmonic richness. The Frequensator tailpiece's graduated posts provide improved intonation and string tension balance compared to standard stop tailpieces.
Amplifier Response:
These guitars respond exceptionally well to both clean and overdriven amplifier settings. The mini-humbuckers break up more gradually than single-coils, providing excellent dynamic response to pick attack. When pushed, they produce a singing sustain with musical harmonic content that made them favorites among jazz fusion and rock players of the 1970s.
Common Issues & Modifications
Typical Problems Found in 1966 Rivieras:
1. Finish Issues: The nitrocellulose lacquer finishes commonly show checking and crazing, especially around the f-holes and binding areas. While this is normal aging, extensive checking can affect value. Cherry finishes may show fading, particularly on the back and sides exposed to light.
2. Hardware Problems:
Frequensator tailpieces sometimes develop loose or worn string posts
Original Kluson tuners may require rebuilding for smooth operation
Chrome plating on hardware often shows corrosion or wear
ABR-1 bridges frequently have worn or replaced saddles
3. Electronics Issues:
Original potentiometers may be scratchy or intermittent
Mini-humbucker pickup covers sometimes crack with age
Original capacitors may drift in value, affecting tone controls
Ground connections can become intermittent due to age
4. Structural Concerns:
Binding separation, particularly around the f-holes
Neck joint looseness (though less common than on Gibson instruments)
Bridge post wear or movement in extreme cases
Fret wear requiring professional attention
Common Value-Affecting Modifications:
Modifications That Significantly Impact Value:
Refretwork with incorrect fret wire sizes
Replacement of original mini-humbuckers with full-size humbuckers
Conversion from Frequensator to stop tailpiece
Refinishing or touch-up work
Replacement of original tuners with modern alternatives
Acceptable Modifications:
Professional re-fretting with period-correct wire
Electronic restoration with period-appropriate components
Professional setup and adjustment
Authentication Red Flags:
Be cautious of 1966 Rivieras with mismatched serial numbers, anachronistic hardware, or finish work that appears too perfect. This guitar left the factory as a special order 12 string example, fitted with Patent Number humbuckers as opposed to the mini humbuckers that were standard. Some guitars were factory specials or had later modifications that can affect authenticity verification.
Why Players and Collectors Value This Model
Playing Characteristics:
The 1966 Riviera offers exceptional playability with its comfortable C-shaped neck profile and well-balanced 8.5-pound weight. With its warm, powerful mini-humbucking pickups and slimline body, the Riviera is the thinking player's alternative to the now extremely spendy 60's ES-335. The semi-hollow centerblock construction adds sustain and feedback resistance, and combined with it's sleek sixties neck profile and generous medium jumbo frets, the Riviera is a highly versatile instrument.
Professional Applications:
Many session musicians gravitated toward Rivieras during the late 1960s and 1970s because they provided the tonal versatility needed for diverse recording situations. The guitar excels in jazz contexts where clarity and articulation are paramount, while also delivering the sustain and power needed for rock applications.
Collector Appeal:
Historical Significance: As products of Gibson's legendary Kalamazoo factory during the golden era of American guitar manufacturing, 1966 Rivieras represent a pinnacle of craftsmanship and design.
Rarity Factor: 1967 was the peak year for both models (in 6 and 12 string variations) but the Gibson version heavily outsold the Epiphone; a ratio of almost 8:1 for the 335, and 5:1 for the 335-12. This relative scarcity makes surviving examples increasingly collectible.
Investment Potential: The Riviera's similarity to the ES-335 makes it, in our opinion, a "sleeper" in the vintage market. 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.
Artist Connections:
While not as Beatles-famous as the Casino, the Riviera has been used by notable artists including Robben Ford, who has praised the instrument's versatility. "I love my 1968 ES-335 and my 66er Epiphone Riviera." The Riviera besitzt er bereits seit den 80er-Jahren demonstrates the lasting appeal these instruments have for serious players.
Selling Your 1966 Epiphone Riviera
If you own a 1966 Epiphone Riviera, you possess a piece of American guitar-making history that's increasingly recognized by collectors and players worldwide. At Edgewater Guitars, we specialize in providing fair market valuations for these exceptional instruments, consistently offering 30-40% more than typical guitar shops.
Why Choose Edgewater for Your Vintage Epiphone:
Expert Authentication: Our team has extensive experience with Kalamazoo-era Epiphones and can properly identify original features, appropriate modifications, and market value factors that affect your instrument's worth.
Premium Valuations: Unlike guitar shops that need significant retail margins, we offer direct collector pricing that reflects the true market value of your 1966 Riviera. We understand that these guitars often outperform their price guide values, especially rare finishes or exceptional original examples.
Immediate Cash Offers: We provide on-the-spot evaluations and can make immediate cash offers for qualified instruments. No waiting, no consignment fees, no auction uncertainties.
White-Glove Service: For high-value instruments, we travel throughout Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and West Virginia to provide in-person evaluations and secure transactions.
The Edgewater Advantage:
Unlike online marketplaces where you bear all the selling risks and costs, or local shops that may not understand vintage Epiphone values, Edgewater provides professional service with immediate results. We handle all logistics, provide secure transactions, and maintain strict confidentiality for high-value sales.
Ready to Get Your Free Valuation?
Contact Edgewater Guitars today at (440) 219-3607 or visit our website to request your free, no-obligation evaluation. Our vintage guitar experts are standing by to help you understand your 1966 Riviera's current market value and provide immediate purchase offers when you're ready to sell.
Related Resources
Authentication and Dating Guides:
Related Vintage Model Guides:
Conclusion
The 1966 Epiphone Riviera represents one of the finest semi-hollow guitars ever produced, combining Gibson's legendary Kalamazoo craftsmanship with distinctive Epiphone character. These instruments offer exceptional playing qualities and strong investment potential as collectors increasingly recognize their quality and relative scarcity.
Whether you're considering selling your vintage Riviera or simply want to understand its value and significance, Edgewater Guitars provides the expertise and fair pricing you deserve. We serve collectors throughout Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and West Virginia with professional evaluations and premium purchase offers.
Contact Edgewater Guitars today at (440) 219-3607 to discover what your 1966 Epiphone Riviera is really worth. Our vintage guitar specialists are ready to provide immediate assistance and fair market valuations for these exceptional instruments.
About the Author: The Edgewater Guitars team has over 30 years of combined experience in vintage guitar authentication, evaluation, and sales. Our expertise in Kalamazoo-era Gibson and Epiphone instruments is recognized throughout the Midwest vintage guitar community.
