Riviera vs Sheraton (Mini-HB)
- Arthon
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Riviera vs Sheraton (Mini-HB)
I made a deposit for a Epiphone Riviera last week. The traditionnal model with Mini-HB and a Frequensator. The are a great bargain right now in Canada.
I just saw that Epiphone have released a traditionnal Sheraton with the Mini-HB and Fequensator. They are 500$ more!!
Is the diffence only cosmetics and neck profile or is their a real difference in quality. 500$ seems a big strech for only binding and fancy headstock.
I just saw that Epiphone have released a traditionnal Sheraton with the Mini-HB and Fequensator. They are 500$ more!!
Is the diffence only cosmetics and neck profile or is their a real difference in quality. 500$ seems a big strech for only binding and fancy headstock.
The Blues Cartographer
(sorry for the spelling, I speak french)
(sorry for the spelling, I speak french)
- wproffitt
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Re: Riviera vs Sheraton (Mini-HB)
I’ll preface this by saying that I’m not an expert on the reissues, but traditionally, the construction and materials (and perhaps the type of plywood used for the body) were actually different between the two models, so it’s not just cosmetic. Whether these differences are something you can feel or hear when you play is another story. I think they both look cool!
- Arthon
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Re: Riviera vs Sheraton (Mini-HB)
Oh... nice to know. I read the specs on Epi websit and they are no information about construction. Both are layered maple without much details. I also saw the tuning machine are not the same; probably better on the Sheraton.wproffitt wrote: ↑Fri Oct 13, 2023 6:44 amI’ll preface this by saying that I’m not an expert on the reissues, but traditionally, the construction and materials (and perhaps the type of plywood used for the body) were actually different between the two models, so it’s not just cosmetic. Whether these differences are something you can feel or hear when you play is another story. I think they both look cool!
The Blues Cartographer
(sorry for the spelling, I speak french)
(sorry for the spelling, I speak french)
- rexter
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Re: Riviera vs Sheraton (Mini-HB)
I think the new expensive Sheratons might have USA Gibson mini humbuckers but I might be wrong.
I’ve only heard great things about the Rivieras tbh and think they are the coolest looking of the Epiphone line - apparently with a more rounded C profile neck too which sounds good to me.
I know that Epi Sheraton reissues normally have a maple neck over a mahogany neck (again not sure about this new model) but to me that’s always put me off. If I’m buying a Gibson/epiphone set neck I’m stubbornly wed to a mahogany neck - ok, even it’s not real mahogany
I’ve only heard great things about the Rivieras tbh and think they are the coolest looking of the Epiphone line - apparently with a more rounded C profile neck too which sounds good to me.
I know that Epi Sheraton reissues normally have a maple neck over a mahogany neck (again not sure about this new model) but to me that’s always put me off. If I’m buying a Gibson/epiphone set neck I’m stubbornly wed to a mahogany neck - ok, even it’s not real mahogany
- efiug
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Re: Riviera vs Sheraton (Mini-HB)
I believe its just 150th Anniversary Sheraton that has the Gibson Mini-Hums actually, which is an additional few hundred dollars more.rexter wrote: ↑Sun Oct 15, 2023 2:00 amI think the new expensive Sheratons might have USA Gibson mini humbuckers but I might be wrong.
I’ve only heard great things about the Rivieras tbh and think they are the coolest looking of the Epiphone line - apparently with a more rounded C profile neck too which sounds good to me.
I know that Epi Sheraton reissues normally have a maple neck over a mahogany neck (again not sure about this new model) but to me that’s always put me off. If I’m buying a Gibson/epiphone set neck I’m stubbornly wed to a mahogany neck - ok, even it’s not real mahogany
A quick run through the specs really reminds me how inconsistent they are the 150th Sheraton tells you that the in addition the the body being layered maple so are the top, bottom, and sides of that body too! It looks like besides the cosmetic differences the Sheraton gets different tuners and a gig bag and that might be it.
I do agree with the Rivieras looking rather nice, its nice to see an Epiphone that looks like it has its own identity rather than just being a cheap copy.
- seenoevil II
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Re: Riviera vs Sheraton (Mini-HB)
Ok, just checked out the specs on Epiphone's website. Go with the Riviera unless you absolutely love the Sheraton's aesthetics...like love it hundreds of dollars more.
They both have the same Epiphone Pro-bucker mini hum buckers. No difference there. Although, by all reports, these are excellent pickups. Epiphone upgraded their pickups majorly in 2020 and now there really isn't any substantial difference between these and the Gibson versions.
Unfortunately, the Sheraton has the same "slim 60's C" profile as the rest of Epiphone's line. If you like that shape, that's great. However, I feel it's a rather drastic choice of neck profiles that might bug a lot of players (especially more seasoned players. Beginners tend to think thinner is better.) I suspect that these shredder thin necks are the last remain way that Gibson "nerfs" these guitars to keep people hungry for the American made product. The Riviera has a "rounced C" profile, which makes me think it's a bit beefier (normal) than the Sheraton. For me, that's a plus.
At the neck is made of something like mahogany. I personally really enjoy the maple neck in my older Sheraton, but to each their own.
The only other major difference that there might be between these guitars is that material used for the center body block. On older Sheraton's like mine, it's made of mahogany to contrast the maple ply shells and maple neck. While other Epiphone semi hollows had spruce center blocks to be more similar to their Gibson counterparts. I don't know what kind of block was used in Rivieras or if, having switched the Sheraton necks to mahogany, Epiphone has put spruce in this newest version of the Sheraton.
As for the ply wood used for the body. I highly doubt that they use any different types of ply wood between the models. The only exception is if the guitar has a figured top. The species and construction of ply wood is purely a question of cost and availability for Epiphone.
I compared several different epiphanies from difference eras and factories, and the amount of variation is huge. 3-ply, 5-ply, 4mm, 6mm. Some have thick central plies while others have thicker outer plies.
I do not think the ply wood has a major impact on the tone of the final instrument. At least not when compared to every other factor there is.
So yeah, with the sheraton, I think you're paying for inlay, fancy tuning machines, and maybe (though I doubt it) a higher degree of finishing. Honestly, I suspect the higher price is simply about collectability. I'm honestly a little baffled by this pricing scheme from Epiphone.
They both have the same Epiphone Pro-bucker mini hum buckers. No difference there. Although, by all reports, these are excellent pickups. Epiphone upgraded their pickups majorly in 2020 and now there really isn't any substantial difference between these and the Gibson versions.
Unfortunately, the Sheraton has the same "slim 60's C" profile as the rest of Epiphone's line. If you like that shape, that's great. However, I feel it's a rather drastic choice of neck profiles that might bug a lot of players (especially more seasoned players. Beginners tend to think thinner is better.) I suspect that these shredder thin necks are the last remain way that Gibson "nerfs" these guitars to keep people hungry for the American made product. The Riviera has a "rounced C" profile, which makes me think it's a bit beefier (normal) than the Sheraton. For me, that's a plus.
At the neck is made of something like mahogany. I personally really enjoy the maple neck in my older Sheraton, but to each their own.
The only other major difference that there might be between these guitars is that material used for the center body block. On older Sheraton's like mine, it's made of mahogany to contrast the maple ply shells and maple neck. While other Epiphone semi hollows had spruce center blocks to be more similar to their Gibson counterparts. I don't know what kind of block was used in Rivieras or if, having switched the Sheraton necks to mahogany, Epiphone has put spruce in this newest version of the Sheraton.
As for the ply wood used for the body. I highly doubt that they use any different types of ply wood between the models. The only exception is if the guitar has a figured top. The species and construction of ply wood is purely a question of cost and availability for Epiphone.
I compared several different epiphanies from difference eras and factories, and the amount of variation is huge. 3-ply, 5-ply, 4mm, 6mm. Some have thick central plies while others have thicker outer plies.
I do not think the ply wood has a major impact on the tone of the final instrument. At least not when compared to every other factor there is.
So yeah, with the sheraton, I think you're paying for inlay, fancy tuning machines, and maybe (though I doubt it) a higher degree of finishing. Honestly, I suspect the higher price is simply about collectability. I'm honestly a little baffled by this pricing scheme from Epiphone.
If it wasn't for disappointment, I wouldn't have any appointments.
- Arthon
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Re: Riviera vs Sheraton (Mini-HB)
Thank you guys. No way I will pay 500$ more for the same quality Epiphone with better tuners.
The Rounded C profile of the Riviera is a plus. A slim taper is not a deal breaker for me, but I prefer a beefier neck. I really the Rounded C profile when I tried the Riviera.
On the cosmetics side, both have cool features. I like the Sheraton binding and inlays, but I prefer the Royal Tan burst of the Riviera, and I prefer the « open book » Casino-like headstock.
The Rounded C profile of the Riviera is a plus. A slim taper is not a deal breaker for me, but I prefer a beefier neck. I really the Rounded C profile when I tried the Riviera.
On the cosmetics side, both have cool features. I like the Sheraton binding and inlays, but I prefer the Royal Tan burst of the Riviera, and I prefer the « open book » Casino-like headstock.
The Blues Cartographer
(sorry for the spelling, I speak french)
(sorry for the spelling, I speak french)
- Arthon
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Re: Riviera vs Sheraton (Mini-HB)
I have the Noel Gallagher Riviera and the Humbuckers on it are surprising; to my ears at least. I have a heard a lot worst in cheap humbuckers.seenoevil II wrote: ↑Sun Oct 15, 2023 9:28 amThey both have the same Epiphone Pro-bucker mini hum buckers. No difference there. Although, by all reports, these are excellent pickups. Epiphone upgraded their pickups majorly in 2020 and now there really isn't any substantial difference between these and the Gibson versions
The Blues Cartographer
(sorry for the spelling, I speak french)
(sorry for the spelling, I speak french)
- Dok
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Re: Riviera vs Sheraton (Mini-HB)
Don't know if you have the option, but if it's possible to compare different versions of the same model, you really should do that. I've had a bunch of Epiphones go through my hands the past couple of years, and some of them were superlative, and some others were not. Recently I was in a Guitar Center and played all 7 or 8 of the Epi semi/hollowbodies on the wall and while they were all decent there was ONE that was absolutely killer, and it was the regular, cheapest 335 copy. Just left all the others in the dust for whatever reason. And if I hadn't been in the midst of traveling I would have bought it!
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- Arthon
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Re: Riviera vs Sheraton (Mini-HB)
I have compared the two Rivieras in the shop. Didnt found a difference, so I choose the Royal Tan because I prefer that color.Dok wrote: ↑Sun Oct 15, 2023 9:34 pmDon't know if you have the option, but if it's possible to compare different versions of the same model, you really should do that. I've had a bunch of Epiphones go through my hands the past couple of years, and some of them were superlative, and some others were not. Recently I was in a Guitar Center and played all 7 or 8 of the Epi semi/hollowbodies on the wall and while they were all decent there was ONE that was absolutely killer, and it was the regular, cheapest 335 copy. Just left all the others in the dust for whatever reason. And if I hadn't been in the midst of traveling I would have bought it!
I found the Epi from the last couple of years very very good for the price. I think they increased consistency considerably. Squier and low-end Fender needs to do the same think IMHO.
The Blues Cartographer
(sorry for the spelling, I speak french)
(sorry for the spelling, I speak french)
- seenoevil II
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Re: Riviera vs Sheraton (Mini-HB)
My favorite part of this story is that you were traveling one day and said to yourself, I'm going to guitar center and playing all the epiphones because I'm bored. No criticism. I'm genuinely impressed.
If it wasn't for disappointment, I wouldn't have any appointments.
- rexter
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Re: Riviera vs Sheraton (Mini-HB)
When I have some money I definitely want to pick up one of the recent Rivieras. Miss my old USA one I sold last year
WIll be cool to hear how yours is when it arrives!
WIll be cool to hear how yours is when it arrives!
- Dok
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Re: Riviera vs Sheraton (Mini-HB)
I do that all the time! I think there are some really great guitars within their offerings the past few years. Honestly what they always should have been.seenoevil II wrote: ↑Mon Oct 16, 2023 5:57 amMy favorite part of this story is that you were traveling one day and said to yourself, I'm going to guitar center and playing all the epiphones because I'm bored. No criticism. I'm genuinely impressed.
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- dezb1
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Re: Riviera vs Sheraton (Mini-HB)
I have my Epiphone Riviera (The 90s model with full sized HB and Frequensator) since 1994 one of the best guitar purchases I've ever made absolutely beautiful instrument