This two-owner 1967 Epiphone E60TD Riviera isn't just a looker and a player, but it's got one of the coolest ephemeral accessories we've seen paired with a 60s electric.
Lightly lacquer-checked, minimally faded, and completely original throughout, it's a premier example of the Gibson-made semi-hollow. It's also quite lightweight for an ES, coming in just a few ounces over the 7 1/2 lb mark.
The original mini-humbuckers are some of the sweetest and most balanced we've heard in this model. Slightly lower in output and very well-matched given their respective locations in the guitar, they have a near-perfect combination of warmth and chime. The neck pickup is clear and bell-like in its response, and the bridge pickup is full and present without any harshness in the trebles. If there's any consistency in critique of these pickups, it's that they can be a little "pokey" with certain amps. This one seems to be the exception to the rule.
The neck profile is a super comfortable Medium C with a nice moderate taper, and the original frets have plenty of life left in them. The original wiring harness remains untouched, with all factory solder joints intact. Hardware and plastics are also original.
The cherry on top, however, is the case. Not only does it come with its original (and rare) Geib-made blue-gray Epiphone ES hardshell case, the case itself has been "glam"ed up with a unique paint job. A white rocket ship ablaze, with the assumed acronym 'BWAP' across its body, complete with a fuselage loaded with head-only cutouts of Richard Nixon and others, it's unlike anything we've ever seen! On the bottom side of the case, stenciled in red, is the name 'Speedway Johnny', who we can only assume was the original owner. The folk art element of the hand-painted case top makes this a real standout and conversation starter.
The guitar and case were exposed to some prolonged high-moisture environment at some point. The guitar itself is structurally sound, but the case inherited some of that vintage must that found its way into the guitar. We've appropriately aired out the guitar and case, but there's still some of that odor present in the case.
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