The Epiphone Forum

Yes, there are some unique features that I characterize as prototype. One is the differing cut to pickguard up by the end of the fingerboard. The other is the use of plastic as opposed to metal buttons on the tuners.

Those big jazz boxes are "saw-weet!"

I never tire of seeing this cherry red masterpiece. Interesting, I see the bridge is nearly down "on the deck." My '62 blonde Sheraton was the same way as is my '62 Riviera. Pretty flat neck angles were common on thinlines back in those days...

I did request serial numbers from Gibson Customer Service. I seem to recall the Wilshire shipped in early October 1963, believe the Riviera shipped in August 1962. I have the exact dates in a file...will try and post those...

Here's my baby...I've owned three 1962-63 short headstock Rivieras and this is the best of the lot...a "to the grave" guitar because I am unlikely to find a better example. I used it on 10/12 tracks on our band's CD.

I have to agree with your listing! Also, the 1963-64 Wilshires with minibuckers and factory stop tailpiece are "hella good" (as the kids might say) fiddles for the buck, great for Rock and Blues! I have a mid-1963 myself and it is a wonderful axe!

My small stable includes vintage Gibson and Epiphones featuring full size and mini humbucking pickups. I noted in another post on this forum that the mini buckers are louder and punchier than the full sized pups. And of course have more treble response. This requires some tone and volume control twe...

I am not associated with Gruhn Guitars in any way but wanted this forum's readers to know there is a killer deal right now on their site. They are advertising a "1964" Sheraton for $11K. It isn't a '64, it is in all probability a '61; it has the short headstock, the multi ply old style Epi...

I agree with you about the nut thickness timeframe. The nut on my mid-1963 Wilshire is fairly narrow. However, it is quite beefy front to back so that helps provide a good, solid playing feel!

The mini-PAF pickups in my '62 Riviera are louder than any of the full size PAFs in my Gibsons! I found this out when using the Riv in our band's recording session. The Riv pups measure about 6.99K ohms, pretty strong for a mini!