Epiphone Jorma Kaukonen Signature 

Riviera Deluxe  (SOLD)

 

They don't make this anymore.

This is one of the earliest editions -  I purchased it new in 2000.

I don't know if they ever changed the specs, 

but these are the current specs from the Gibson Spec page:

Pickups 2 '57 Classic humbuckers
Hardware Gold
Scale 24.75"
Nut Width 1.62"
Neck Joint Set
Neck Material Maple
Fingerboard RW/Dot
Binding Body/Neck
Body Material    Lam. Maple
Top Lam. Maple
Finishes Cherry
Other Vibrotone Tailpiece

 

Basically unplayed

Switches & pots all seem to work, but I'm not sure which switch is supposed to do what! :-(

A couple of small abrasions on the top of the headstock + the fretboard glue down pictured below.

No case.

 

 

 

 

                                                                                        Jorma signed it for me on the interior label

                                                                                        at a Tuna show at the Rams Head in Annapolis

                                                                                        a few years ago

 

When I got it (new), there was a slight fretboard separation.

Repaired at 12th Fret in Toronto, but left a slight mark just below the binding.

Never any separation since - I assume it occurred during shipping.

 

Here's a Review I found online:

Wednesday, February 13, 2002

Jorma Kaukonen Riviera Deluxe

Epiphone's Jorma Kaukonen signature model Riviera is a straight-up pleasure to look at. For starters, there's

the beautiful maple top and striking gold hardware appointing the cherry-finished semi-hollow body. But the

joys of the instrument go far beyond aesthetics.

Indeed, right out of the case the Jorma is a dream to play, even un-plugged. The action on our review

instrument was very low, yet strings were easy to bend, even with the stock wound .019 G (the guitar was

strung .011-.052). The guitar stayed in tune perfectly, even with heavy pushing and bending. The headstock,

equipped with Grove tuners, has Kaukonen's signature under the Epiphone logo. The fretboard, top and back

are all bound.

Electronically, the Jorma employs Epiphone's wonderful '57 Classic Alnico V pickups, manipulated via the

standard two volume/two tone setup with three-way toggle. Plug the Jorma into an all tube amp with a little

added grit and reverb, flick to the bridge pickup, and roll the tone off a bit, and behold! The sound of Hot

Tuna's "Keep Them Lamps Trimmed And Burnin'." With the amp dirtied up, the pickup screams with a creamy

distortion, funky and cutting edge.

With the amp cleaned up a bit, we dialed in a close rendition of The Rolling Stones' "19th Nervous

Breakdown" and Jefferson Airplane's Volunteers!

Changing to the neck pickup and tossing in a little delay and preamped overdrive produces tone reminiscent

of Eric Johnson's "Ah Via Musicom."

Adjusting the tone control of the neck pickup creates a soulful, jazz-like presence that gives the Jorma an

earthy character. Utilizing the pickups together, and with a clean amp sound, can lead to inspired solo

instrumental playing. And with the Vibrotone tailpiece, one can accent (a la Chet) every now and again. The

vibrato is similar to the old big-spring Bigsbys, with the strings going over the bridge then wrapping under the

tailpiece.

With the Vibrotone, subtle bends will keep the Jorma in tune. Bending down (loosening the strings) works

http://www.epiphone.com/reviews.asp?ProductID=7 (1 of 2)9/8/2005 9:21:07 AM

Epiphone Musical Instruments - Reviews

best. The Vibratone will bend up, but that's not its forte'. And it is not a divebomber unit! The tri-layered

pickguard keeps the finish sage from aggressive strummers.

--Guy Lee

Vintage Guitar Magazine

March 2002

http://www.