Scott Walker on the cover of the March 1966 issue of Beat Instrumental, with a Natural Rivoli bass EB-232N
The Rivoli has got to be the most famous of all Epiphone's bass guitars, and could even be a contender for one of the best known basses of all time. It was widely used in the 1960s, especially by the British beat groups, and later blues rock bands, of the 1960s: Chas Chandler of the Animals, Paul Samwell-Smith of the Yardbirds, Ronnie Lane of the Small Faces and Andy Fraser of Free.
All-electric, semi-acoustic with the ultimate bass sound.
This is the great bass; the pace-maker. Light to hold, easy to play, rich in tone. This is the bass.The Rivoli bass, or variously EB V232 or EB-232, was produced by Gibson in their Kalamazoo plant, after Gibson bought the brand from the Stathopoulos family in the late 1950s. Most of the Gibson-made Epiphones took their names from equivalent existing Epiphone models. Pre-Gibson Epiphone had not produced an electric bass, but they did produce a Rivoli mandolin; one that had the same headstock inlay and branding, and ultimately gave the bass it's name.
In 1950s and 60s USA, only limited numbers of guitar stores were awarded the privalege of a Gibson dealership; many more hoping, one day, to stock these higher end instruments. When Gibson bought it's rival Epiphone, it had the opportunity to expand it's dealership network. They could supply new dealers with a product of equal standing, but branded Epiphone. The Rivoli bass was based on Gibson's electric acoustic EB2 model. Identical in every way, with the exception of the headstock and inlays. The original Kalamazoo-built Rivolis were single pickup instruments and no dual pickup equivalent to the EB2D is listed in shipping stats.
In the UK, Epiphone were distributed by Rosetti, whilst Gibson were distributed by Selmer - it would seem Rosetti did better with the Rivoli, than Selmer the EB2 - or perhaps it was jut a question of availability; the Rivoli shipping figures show over 571 Rivolis produced in 1963 and '64, yet they are not listed in US Epiphone price lists. Perhaps they were primarily for export? This would be attested by the number of British bass players seen to be using them during the early to mid 1960s.
New from Epiphone, an electric bass, notable for its fine sustaining bass tone, full rich bass volume, and fast, easy-playing action... ideal in combos and orchestras. A thin body, double cutaway, it is light and easy to hold, and easy to play on the full 20-fret range on all four strings. Powerful Alnico magnetic pick-up has individually adjustable screw-type pole pieces and Royalite cover. Styling is modern with arched maple top and back matching maple rims and ivoroid binding. Honduras mahogany neck with adjustable truss rod. Rosewood fingerboard with pearl dot inlays. Pearl inlaid peghead and nickel-plated machine heads. Specially designed combination bridge-tailpiece.
The Rivoli was shipped between 1961 and 1968 (except 1962) and was available, initially, in sunburst and natural finishes, with cherry added from 1968 - see Rivoli shipping figures. Early examples had a black plastic (Royalite) pickup cover on the EB humbucker. The pickup itself did no change over the course of production, though the cover changed to nickel and finally chrome, with subtle differences in precise dimensions with each change. Other hardware was nickel plated initially, again changing to chrome around 1965: Kluson 538 tuners, bar bridge 1st version, 2nd version and hand rest. All hardware was also routinely fitted to other Epiphone and Gibson basses: EB0, EB3, Melody Maker bass and the various incarnations of the Epiphone Newport.
As the 1960s drew to a close Gibson decided to cease US Epiphone production, instead buying in guitars built in Japan. The 'Rivoli' was discontinued, though in some Epiphone literature of the time, the bolt-on necked EA260 is given the name Rivoli.
A more accurate reissue became available in the 1990s, Korean-made and available as a single, or dual pickup instrument for the first time.
More
- 1967 Epiphone Rivoli a closer look at a middle period EB-232C (Cherry finish)
- Rivoli shipping figures production totals for the period 1961-69
- Rivoli publicity original prices in US and UK. Original adverts and catalogue appearances
- Rivoli circuit schematic and simplified wiring diagram for the Rivoli and single pickup EB2
- Rivoli forum posts got a question? ask here
Epiphone Rivoli bass for sale
1970s BASS HUMBUCKER PICKUP JAPAN EPIPHONE RIVOLI ARIA UNIVOX MATSUMOKU ERA 9 0K
Berlin, New Hampshire, 035**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$79
These came as standard equipment on Japan Epiphone Rivoli, Aria and Penco EB Series basses and some Univox & Greco models. It's quite hard-to-find these days as a result of limited production. This is a very strong pickup with 2-conductor wiring so it's very easy to install. It registers a very strong 9 00k on my trusty meter so you know it means business. The bezel measures 3 7 / 8" by 1 15 / 16" and the pickup itself measures 2 3 / 4" by 1 1 / 2 " . Mounting screw ... more
Vintage Epiphone Rivoli Bass EB232 C 1967 In Original Translucent Cherry Finish
London, SW6***, UNITED KINGDOM
£3750
An outstanding extremely rare original in Collector??s Grade Condition vintage model bass guitar
The original 1960s Rivoli was available in Sunburst and Natural finishes, with Cherry added in 1966. Just 312 instruments (out of a total US production of 1864) shipped in Cherry between 1966 and 1968. This only amounted to 17% of the total US production. The vast majority of Rivolis had the ... more