Epiphone Riviera Custom P93 Wine Red Semi-Hollow Guitar, (Used, Comm)

The Epiphone Riviera Custom P93 in Wine Red is a distinctive semi-hollow electric guitar combining classic Epiphone styling with a unique three-pickup configuration and expressive Bigsby vibrato system. Inspired by the original Riviera models of the 1960s, the Custom P93 offers warm, resonant semi-hollow tones, excellent versatility and an unmistakable vintage-inspired appearance.

At the heart of the Riviera Custom P93 are three Epiphone Dogear P-90 single-coil pickups, delivering everything from warm, rounded jazz and blues tones to bright, articulate rhythm sounds and gritty rock overdrive. Unlike traditional dual-pickup semi-hollow guitars, the P93 features individual volume controls for all three pickups, allowing players to experiment with a wide variety of tonal combinations.

The maple semi-hollow body produces a lively, resonant response, while the SlimTaper D-profile mahogany neck and 22-fret fingerboard provide comfortable playability. A Bigsby vibrato tailpiece adds expressive pitch modulation, making the guitar particularly appealing for blues, rockabilly, indie and vintage-inspired rock.

Finished in a rich Wine Red, with contrasting black pickup covers, decorative parallelogram fingerboard inlays and gold-coloured appointments, the Riviera Custom P93 combines elegant styling with practical musical versatility.

This particular example is presented in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition and is supplied without a hardcase or gig bag.

For guitarists seeking something different from the conventional ES-335-style semi-hollow guitar, the Epiphone Riviera Custom P93 offers an inspiring combination of three P-90 pickups, classic looks and expressive Bigsby vibrato.

At A Glance

Pre-Owned Condition Report

Very Good Condition

This Epiphone Riviera Custom P93 Wine Red is presented in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition, indicating some cosmetic wear consistent with careful previous ownership.

The guitar features an attractive Wine Red finish, distinctive semi-hollow double-cutaway body and traditional decorative appointments. Its three black Dogear P-90 pickup covers contrast with the finish, while the Bigsby vibrato and decorative hardware contribute to its classic appearance.

Specific scratches, dents, finish marks, hardware tarnishing or fret wear have not been individually documented. Please study the product photographs carefully for an assessment of this particular guitar.

Case Not Included

This Epiphone Riviera Custom P93 is supplied without a hardcase or gig bag.

Because of its semi-hollow construction and Bigsby vibrato, a suitable protective case is recommended for transportation and storage.

Originality & Hardware

The Riviera Custom P93's factory specification includes three Epiphone Dogear P-90 pickups, individual pickup volume controls, a master tone control, a Tune-O-Matic bridge and Bigsby vibrato.

Hardware specifications have varied between production versions, including references to Bigsby B70 and B700 tailpieces.

The production year and originality of the individual pickups, electronics, bridge, vibrato and tuning machines on this guitar have not been independently confirmed.

What's Included

- Epiphone Riviera Custom P93 Wine Red Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar

Not Included: Hardcase or gig bag.

No additional accessories, documentation or original packaging have been confirmed.

Service & Setup

The Epiphone Riviera Custom P93 features an adjustable truss rod, Tune-O-Matic bridge and Bigsby vibrato, allowing adjustments to neck relief, string action, intonation and vibrato operation. Particular attention should be given to the nut, bridge saddles and string installation to help maintain tuning stability during Bigsby use. Routine checks should also include fret condition, pickup response, control functionality and the condition of the semi-hollow body. No recent servicing, individual setup measurements or functional test results have been supplied for this guitar. Please note that guitar setups can naturally change due to fluctuations in humidity, temperature and environmental conditions, potentially affecting neck relief, string action and overall playability.

Key Features

• Classic Riviera Semi-Hollow Design: Traditional Epiphone double-cutaway styling.

• Wine Red Finish: A rich, elegant appearance with vintage appeal.

• Maple Semi-Hollow Body: Warm resonance, clear attack and excellent tonal versatility.

• Three Epiphone Dogear P-90 Pickups: Distinctive single-coil character with strong midrange presence.

• Three Individual Pickup Volume Controls: Blend the pickups for a wide selection of sounds.

• Master Tone Control: Shape the overall brightness of the instrument.

• Three-Way Pickup Selector: Familiar neck, combined and bridge switching.

• Bigsby Vibrato: Expressive pitch modulation for blues, rockabilly and atmospheric playing.

• LockTone Tune-O-Matic Bridge: Adjustable intonation and traditional semi-hollow construction.

• Set Mahogany Neck: Comfortable, familiar playing response.

• SlimTaper D Neck Profile: Designed for accessible rhythm and lead playing.

• 22 Medium Jumbo Frets: Suitable for expressive bends, chords and melodic guitar.

• 24.75-Inch Scale Length: Traditional Gibson and Epiphone playing feel.

• Decorative Parallelogram Inlays: Classic Riviera fingerboard styling.

• Very Good Pre-Owned Condition: An appealing alternative to purchasing new.

Why You'll Love It

The Epiphone Riviera Custom P93 offers a distinctive combination of traditional semi-hollow character and an unusually flexible pickup configuration.

Its three P-90 pickups provide an impressive range of sounds, from warm and mellow neck pickup tones to bright, articulate bridge pickup attack.

The individual volume controls are particularly useful, allowing players to introduce the middle pickup independently and explore tonal combinations unavailable on many conventional semi-hollow guitars.

Its Bigsby vibrato provides another dimension of expression, allowing subtle pitch movement that works beautifully with blues, rockabilly, vintage pop and atmospheric guitar styles.

The Wine Red finish and decorative appointments complete the experience, making the Riviera Custom P93 a visually striking instrument that feels equally at home on stage or in the recording studio.

Detailed Features & Benefits

Classic Maple Semi-Hollow Construction

The Riviera Custom P93 features a semi-hollow maple body, combining the acoustic character of a traditional archtop guitar with the practical control of an electric instrument. The laminated maple construction provides a lively, articulate response, while the semi-hollow design contributes to the warmth and resonance associated with classic blues, jazz and rock guitars. Its double-cutaway body also offers good access to the upper frets, making it versatile for both rhythm and lead playing.

Beautiful Wine Red Finish

The Wine Red finish gives the Riviera Custom P93 a rich, elegant appearance, highlighting the instrument's graceful double-cutaway body and traditional semi-hollow styling. Contrasting black pickup covers and pickguard details provide visual definition, while the decorative hardware and pearloid fingerboard inlays create a distinctly vintage-inspired aesthetic. The result is a guitar with considerable stage presence, suitable for musicians who appreciate classic designs with a slightly more unusual appearance.

Triple Epiphone Dogear P-90 Pickups

The defining feature of the Riviera Custom P93 is its three Dogear P-90 pickups. P-90s are traditional single-coil pickups, positioned tonally between the bright, articulate character often associated with Fender-style single-coils and the thicker midrange of conventional humbuckers. They offer strong attack, excellent note definition and a responsive overdriven sound. The three-pickup configuration provides additional flexibility, allowing players to explore warm neck tones, balanced combinations and punchy bridge pickup sounds.

Independent Pickup Volume Controls

Unlike many conventional semi-hollow guitars, which feature two volume controls and two tone controls, the Riviera Custom P93 uses three independent pickup volume controls alongside a master tone control. This allows the middle pickup to be introduced into the sound independently of the main three-way selector. Guitarists can therefore experiment with different pickup balances, adding extra brightness, body or complexity to the sound. This flexible arrangement is one of the most appealing features of the P93 design.

Three-Way Pickup Selector

The familiar three-way selector provides conventional neck, neck-and-bridge and bridge pickup combinations. However, the dedicated middle pickup volume control allows the centre pickup to be blended into any of these settings. This arrangement creates additional tonal possibilities beyond a standard two-pickup Riviera, making the instrument particularly versatile for guitarists who regularly switch between different playing styles and amplifier settings.

Bigsby Vibrato System

The Riviera Custom P93 features a Bigsby vibrato tailpiece, providing smooth, expressive pitch modulation. Unlike systems intended for extreme pitch changes, the Bigsby excels at subtle movement, allowing players to introduce gentle chord shimmer, expressive note movement and the characteristic vibrato associated with rockabilly, blues and vintage pop. Its traditional appearance also complements the Riviera's semi-hollow body design and decorative hardware.

LockTone Tune-O-Matic Bridge

The factory specification includes an Epiphone LockTone Tune-O-Matic bridge, providing independent string intonation adjustment and conventional electric guitar setup flexibility. The bridge works alongside the Bigsby vibrato system to maintain a familiar playing response, while correct nut preparation, bridge condition and string installation help support tuning stability. This arrangement makes the P93 particularly appealing to musicians seeking traditional semi-hollow construction with the added expression of a vibrato tailpiece.

Comfortable SlimTaper Mahogany Neck

The Riviera Custom P93 uses a set mahogany neck with Epiphone's SlimTaper D profile, providing a comfortable balance between traditional neck shape and modern playability. Its 24.75-inch scale length gives the instrument a familiar feel for players accustomed to Gibson and Epiphone guitars, while the relatively slim profile makes chord changes, melodic passages and upper-fret playing approachable. The set-neck construction also complements the traditional semi-hollow design.

Decorative Fingerboard Inlays

The fingerboard features distinctive parallelogram inlays, reflecting the decorative character of classic Epiphone Riviera models. Its 22 medium jumbo frets provide a comfortable playing surface for rhythm and lead work, while the 12-inch fingerboard radius offers a useful balance between comfortable chord fingering and expressive string bending. The exact fingerboard timber can vary by production year and should be confirmed on this particular instrument.

Dynamic P-90 Overdrive

P-90 pickups are especially appealing to players who enjoy expressive overdrive and natural amplifier breakup. Their strong midrange and articulate attack can provide thick, gritty sounds without sacrificing the definition of individual notes. Through a clean amplifier, the Riviera Custom P93 can sound bright and open, while through a driven valve amplifier it produces rich harmonics and an expressive, slightly raw character. This makes it particularly well suited to blues, classic rock, garage rock and alternative music.

Who Is It For?

Blues Guitarists: Expressive P-90 tones and Bigsby vibrato provide a wide range of traditional blues sounds.

Classic Rock Players: The three pickups deliver articulate rhythm tones and rich, gritty overdrive.

Rockabilly Musicians: Semi-hollow construction and Bigsby vibrato suit vintage-inspired playing.

Indie & Alternative Guitarists: The unusual pickup configuration offers plenty of tonal experimentation.

Jazz & Soul Players: Warm neck pickup tones and semi-hollow resonance are ideal for mellow chords and melodic arrangements.

Recording Musicians: Three independently adjustable pickups provide useful tonal flexibility in the studio.

Playing Styles & Applications

The Epiphone Riviera Custom P93 is particularly well suited to blues, classic rock, rockabilly, jazz, soul, indie, alternative rock and vintage-inspired pop.

Its neck pickup offers warm, rounded clean sounds, while the bridge pickup provides extra definition and attack for rhythm playing and overdrive.

The middle pickup can be blended into different settings to create additional tonal variation.

The Bigsby is particularly effective for subtle vibrato, making the guitar appealing for melodic playing and atmospheric arrangements.

How It Compares

Epiphone Riviera Custom P93 vs Epiphone Riviera

Traditional Epiphone Riviera models commonly feature two pickups, with specifications varying across production years. The Riviera Custom P93 stands apart through its three Dogear P-90 pickups, independent volume controls and Bigsby vibrato. This gives the P93 a more unusual appearance and additional tonal flexibility, particularly for players interested in classic single-coil character.

Epiphone Riviera Custom P93 vs Epiphone Casino

The Epiphone Casino is a fully hollow guitar traditionally equipped with two P-90 pickups. The Riviera Custom P93 features semi-hollow construction and a third P-90, providing a different acoustic response and additional pickup-blending options. Players seeking the traditional airy response of a fully hollow guitar may prefer the Casino, while those wanting a semi-hollow body and more flexible electronics may favour the Riviera Custom P93.

Epiphone Riviera Custom P93 vs Epiphone ES-335

The Epiphone ES-335 typically features two humbuckers and a conventional stopbar tailpiece. The Riviera Custom P93 instead uses three single-coil P-90s and a Bigsby vibrato, giving it a different tonal character and playing experience. The ES-335 is particularly appealing for smooth humbucker sounds, while the Riviera Custom P93 offers more pronounced single-coil attack and additional vintage-inspired features.

Epiphone Riviera Heritage

The Epiphone Riviera was introduced in the early 1960s, becoming part of the company's respected range of semi-hollow electric guitars.

Combining traditional archtop styling with electric guitar versatility, the Riviera appealed to musicians seeking a responsive instrument suitable for jazz, blues, rock and popular music.

Over the decades, the Riviera family has appeared in numerous configurations, incorporating different pickups, finishes and hardware arrangements.

The Riviera Custom P93 represents one of the more distinctive interpretations, combining classic semi-hollow construction with three P-90 pickups and a Bigsby vibrato.

Its unusual electronics and elegant vintage-inspired styling have helped establish it as a particularly recognisable member of the Riviera family.

Technical Specifications

The following details reflect Epiphone's published Riviera Custom P93 specification. Some components, including fingerboard materials and Bigsby model designations, can vary by production year.

Power Requirements

The Epiphone Riviera Custom P93 uses three passive P-90 magnetic pickups and conventional guitar electronics.

It does not require a battery or external power supply.

The guitar connects to a suitable amplifier, effects processor or audio interface using a standard ¼-inch instrument cable.

🎵 Fair Deal Music Expert Verdict ★★★★★

The Epiphone Riviera Custom P93 Wine Red is a particularly appealing semi-hollow electric guitar that combines traditional style with an unusually versatile pickup configuration.

Its three P-90 pickups provide a broad range of expressive sounds, from warm clean tones to bright, gritty overdrive.

The independent pickup volume controls make it possible to explore combinations unavailable on many conventional semi-hollow guitars, while the Bigsby vibrato adds an additional layer of expression.

Its Wine Red finish, decorative fingerboard inlays and traditional Riviera body shape make it an attractive instrument for players who appreciate vintage-inspired design.

This particular example is presented in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition and is supplied without a case.

Best Suited For: Blues, classic rock, rockabilly, indie and alternative guitarists seeking a distinctive semi-hollow guitar.

Customers Usually Upgrade From: Epiphone Dot, ES-335-style guitars, conventional dual-pickup semi-hollows and entry-level P-90 instruments.

Most Commonly Paired With: Fender-style valve amplifiers, vintage overdrive pedals, analogue delay, spring reverb and suitable semi-hollow guitar cases.

Our Tip: Start with the middle pickup volume turned down and explore the conventional neck and bridge settings. Gradually introduce the middle pickup to hear how it changes the balance, definition and character of the sound.

Showroom Advice: When trying the Bigsby, use gentle vibrato movements rather than extreme pitch changes. A well-adjusted nut and bridge are particularly important for consistent tuning performance.

Why Buy Pre-Owned From Fair Deal Music?

Buying a pre-owned Epiphone Riviera Custom P93 from Fair Deal Music provides an opportunity to own a distinctive semi-hollow electric guitar with versatile electronics and timeless styling.

Our experienced team understands the importance of accurate condition descriptions, clear specifications and transparent information about included accessories.

This particular guitar is presented in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition and comes without a case.

Choosing pre-owned equipment can offer excellent value while extending the useful life of quality musical instruments.

Warranty, Returns & Delivery

This is a pre-owned electric guitar, with its condition and confirmed accessories described above.

Applicable warranty and returns arrangements are governed by Fair Deal Music's current terms, with available UK delivery and showroom collection options provided at checkout.

As no case is included, suitable protective packaging is particularly important during transportation.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

As Birmingham's largest independent music store, we specialise in new, used, vintage and collectable guitars, basses, amplifiers, effects pedals and professional audio equipment.

Our experienced team of musicians provides knowledgeable advice and personal service, helping customers select instruments suited to their playing styles and requirements.

Customers benefit from competitive pricing, secure online ordering, UK delivery options, our Birmingham showroom and part-exchange services.

Part Exchange – Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Fair Deal Music buys and part-exchanges a wide range of musical equipment, including Epiphone and Gibson electric guitars, acoustic guitars, basses, amplifiers, effects pedals and keyboards.

Your existing equipment could help towards the cost of this Epiphone Riviera Custom P93.

Frequently Asked Questions

What condition is this Epiphone Riviera Custom P93 in?

This guitar is presented in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition, indicating some cosmetic wear consistent with careful previous ownership.

Does the guitar come with a case?

No. This example is supplied without a hardcase or gig bag.

What colour is this Riviera Custom P93?

It is finished in Wine Red.

Is the Riviera Custom P93 a semi-hollow guitar?

Yes. It features a semi-hollow maple body.

How many pickups does it have?

It has three Epiphone Dogear P-90 single-coil pickups.

Are P-90 pickups humbuckers?

No. P-90 pickups are single-coil designs, generally producing a stronger midrange character than many traditional Stratocaster-style single-coils.

Does the guitar have a Bigsby?

The factory Riviera Custom P93 design features a Bigsby vibrato.

What does the Bigsby do?

It allows players to introduce gentle pitch variation and expressive vibrato.

Does the Riviera P93 have three volume controls?

Yes. The factory design provides an individual volume control for each pickup.

How does the middle pickup work?

The middle pickup has its own volume control and can be blended into any of the three selector positions.

Does it have a master tone control?

Yes. One master tone control adjusts the overall high-frequency response.

What is the scale length?

It has a 24.75-inch scale length.

How many frets does it have?

The model features 22 medium jumbo frets.

What neck profile does it have?

The factory specification features a SlimTaper D-profile mahogany neck.

What fingerboard material does it have?

Riviera Custom P93 versions have been produced with different fingerboard woods, including rosewood and pau ferro. The material fitted to this individual guitar has not been confirmed.

Is it suitable for blues?

Yes. Its P-90 pickups and semi-hollow construction are particularly well suited to expressive blues playing.

Is it suitable for rockabilly?

Yes. The Bigsby vibrato and responsive P-90 pickups make it a strong choice for vintage-inspired rockabilly sounds.

Can it play classic rock?

Yes. The bridge pickup delivers articulate, gritty tones suitable for classic rock rhythm and lead playing.

Is it suitable for jazz?

Yes. Its neck pickup and semi-hollow construction can produce warm, rounded tones suitable for jazz.

Can I use it with distortion?

Yes. Its P-90 pickups work well with overdrive and distortion, although single-coil pickups can produce some electrical hum.

Does it have locking tuners?

The original specification features Wilkinson 14:1 tuners rather than locking tuners.

Does it require a battery?

No. Its passive pickups do not require battery power.

Is the Riviera Custom P93 still in production?

The Wine Red Limited Edition version is listed as discontinued in Epiphone's archived product information.

Can I part-exchange another guitar towards this Riviera?

Yes. Fair Deal Music considers guitars and other musical equipment for part exchange.