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1963 Epiphone Rivoli (Blonde) bass Valuation

1963 Epiphone Rivoli (Blonde) bass Valuation
« on: April 06, 2013, 08:59:11 PM »
Hi all,

I'm new here so please excuse my lack of introduction. If you really want to know, I'm a signwriter by trade and my hobbies are hot rods and Rockabilly music and all that goes with it. I have a '32 Ford model B roadster and the wife has a '29 Ford model A roadster.

Many moons ago I played (yes you guessed it) double bass for about 12yrs and decided to buy an electric bass for the odd 'sit down' practice sessions.

Well I haven't played now for over 13 years and have decided that the bass needs to go to someone else and be used for the purpose it was intended, plus I could use the cash for my hobby funds.

Question is...does anybody have a general idea of value for this bass? I know there is a book available on Amazon etc but I don't really want to fork out £13+ on a book I'll never need again.

I remember doing a serial number search some years ago and it stated it was a '63 (with the black plastic pick-up unit). I can take some pictures if it helps but really a general price guide would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers for now,
Ian

Edit: just took it down...here's some pics. It needs a clean and I forgot about the stickers. It is missing the scratchplate (never had one while I own it) plus I think there's a hand rest or something missing at the bottom as you can see there's two original holes there.
The numbers match on the headstock area.

Hope this works.....








« Last Edit: April 06, 2013, 10:11:44 PM by BigBossMan »

jules

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1963 Epiphone Rivoli (Blonde) bass Valuation
« Reply #1 on: April 07, 2013, 01:51:37 AM »
Is this stripped and refinished natural? I would suggest anywhere between £800 and £2500 depending on condition, originality, playability and of course where you sell, to who, and how long you are prepared to wait. That's not much help I know, but to get the full price you'll need to establish quite a few facts. 1) is it a refin? 2) is it fully working? (truss rod/electronics/baritone button) 3) headstock repair? 4) original case? 5) will the stickers clean off without a trace? 5) good playability? (low action/undamaged neck). Might be worth taking to a London vintage store and sell on consignment through them. Could take months though.

1963 Epiphone Rivoli (Blonde) bass Valuation
« Reply #2 on: April 07, 2013, 11:59:04 AM »
Hi Jules,

Many thanks for the reply, in answer...

1) How can you tell if it's been refinished? I remember when I bought it (early-mid 90's) that it looked to have a really dull finish and the luthier put a glossing finish to bring the shine up, which looked lovely.
2) As far as I know it is fully working but I haven't got an amp now to try it. I believe the bass had new controls fitted at the time too.
3) No headstock repair but one of the machine head paddles pivots slightly on its rivet, I think due to a poor fitting carry case.
4) Case was discarded as poor fitting so the bass has been up on the wall on guitar hangers.
5) The rear stickers should come off with the aid of a hairdryer just fine but I haven't a clue how to remove the waterslide sticker on the front, any ideas on this?

The action is nice and low, frets all look pretty good.
I re-varnished the neck two years ago as it was looking flaky and I was going to put it on eBay then but didn't get round to it.

I'm not really desperate to sell, just seems a shame it's there and not being used. Maybe I'll just be best to put it on eBay and see what it fetches with a reserve.

I don't rate it as a cricket bat, nor a pristine nos attic find, so as you say 'somewhere in between'

jules

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1963 Epiphone Rivoli (Blonde) bass Valuation
« Reply #3 on: April 08, 2013, 12:56:21 PM »
Spotting a good refin can be hard - things to look out for are hard to read serial numbers, slightly over sanded edges etc. If you are in any doubt (well you should do this anyway), get a decent camera take 20-40 really clear close up images of EVERY part of this bass. (don't forget under the truss rod and pickup covers) Then let the buyer decide. They need to be clear, well lit (outside is good) and a good size. It is a hassle and might take an hour, but it could mean several hundred pounds difference in sale price - definitely worth doing.

MGEEK

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1963 Epiphone Rivoli (Blonde) bass Valuation
« Reply #4 on: April 22, 2013, 07:02:12 PM »
Quote from: BigBossMan;17729



I re-varnished the neck two years ago as it was looking flaky and I was going to put it on eBay then but didn't get round to it.

'



That's a shame! Dunno if the neck finish was original before that, but if it was you'll have basically cut the value/desirability in half.

ezra1

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1963 Epiphone Rivoli (Blonde) bass Valuation
« Reply #5 on: April 28, 2013, 06:26:00 PM »
What are you doing with her ?

 

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