A superb 1983 Epiphone Riviera, finished in Antique Sunburst and built by Matsumoku in Japan during what is now widely regarded as one of the great periods of Japanese Epiphone production.

This is the classic “Bonehead spec” Riviera: double cutaway semi-hollow construction, stop bar tailpiece, twin Maxon humbuckers and that the very attractive dark "antique sunburst" finish. Famously associated with Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs of Oasis these early ’80s Japanese-built examples have become increasingly sought after in recent years.

This one carries all the hallmarks of Matsumoku manufacture, including the serial number style, fret nibs, distinctive body shape and the overall quality of build that has made these guitars so respected. The body features laminated maple top, back and sides, with single-ply binding to both body and neck. It retains its original three-ply pickguard with printed black “E” logo, along with the correct rectangular tan label visible inside the body beneath the upper f-hole. Body width is 16”, with a body depth of 1.75”.

The neck is a three-piece maple construction with volute, paired with a rosewood fingerboard, parallelogram inlays and 22 frets over a 24.75” scale length. The fingerboard joins the body at the 19th fret, and the guitar retains the correct three-screw single-ply white truss rod cover with black “E” logo. It has been refretted and fitted with a changed nut, and plays very nicely as a result.

Electronics comprise a pair of Maxon MMK-61 humbuckers, controlled by the traditional two volume, two tone layout with witch hat-style knobs and a three-way selector switch. These pickups suit the guitar perfectly, with plenty of clarity and bite, while still giving the warm, open semi-hollow character you would hope for from a Riviera.

Hardware is chrome throughout, with Epiphone/Gotoh-style machineheads, stop bar tailpiece and a replaced Schaller Tune-o-matic bridge. Overall condition is excellent, particularly considering this guitar is now over 40 years old. It is clean, attractive and very well preserved, with only light signs of age and use.

The guitar comes with its period-correct hard case with gold “Epiphone” logo.

A fantastic example of a Matsumoku-built Epiphone Riviera, combining vintage feel, excellent build quality and a great look, with that all-important Bonehead/Oasis association.

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1983 Epiphone Riviera, Antique Sunburst, MIJ - Bonehead Model