Reviewer Tim Rhodes
Manufacturer Epiphone
Model Rivoli
Price Retail anywhere from $400-600, I got mine in a trade with a store.

Neck Type Maple, short scale, set in neck
Fingerboard Rosewood
Body Type 335 semi-hollow, Laminated Maple
Finish Sunburst
Pickup(s) One Sidewinder Humbucker
Controls Volume, Tone, 1 Switch

I traded for this bass, having never played it before. I thought it would be a fun piece, and I wanted to unload some gear for sometime, so I took a chance on it.

Pros: It has been a nice little surprise. It clearly excels at what I am using it for, playing the blues. That large humbucker can really rattle some walls played through a 15. The finish is attractive. Action can go nice and low. The short scale is a change for me, but it really feels nice on this piece.

Cons: The semi-hollow body is a little akward at first, and is still not exactly perfect feeling while being played. There is a lack of thumb rest spots, so you must get used to a varied picking attack. Whenever I adjust the bridge I feel like I am going to cave in the top! I really don't like the 3 prong bridge! The switch does not to much for me, either way.

On my first Rivoli, it developed a heel crack. I sent it back to Gibson, it was lost for 2 weeks. then they found it, and said they were sending a new one back. 2 weeks later, still no bass, another call, then it was sent. 1.5 weeks later, it arrives, without it's case. Another 2 weeks for that to ship. So as you can see, although I am satisfied with the end result, the Repair/shipping depart at Gibson is slow!

Overall I would have to recommend this bass for bluesy rock situations. If you want to thump and slap, this bass is not for you. It is a very solid design, with a solid sound. It is not the most verstile bass, but it is a fun piece to have around.


Construction 85%
Playability 85%
Appearance 89%
Sound 93%
Value 85%
Cust. Service 85%
Overall 86%

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