The Guitar Gallery Forums - The Guitar Legacy of Matsumoku

Hi there,

I have been in Tokyo for ten months now. Perfect place for guitars lovers ! I did not resist to get myself these two beauties, which I found visiting some local vintage instruments retailers.


They appear to be late 70's models (both have the blue Kalamazoo label with "Made in Japan" mention). Well, some of you obviously know much more about that kind of clues. I have yet no doubt about the Riviera: it is a Japan-restricted model, exactly the same as the that is shown on Tad's 1978 Epi catalog. I assume that the Casino is as well. I am not aware of exported production of such set-neck instruments on that time (?). Its serial number is 101099 and it bears a small sticker in the back of the head that states "Epiphone, Authorized Instrument, Nihon Gibson"; just in case it rings a bell to someone...

Anyway, quite fantastic looking and sounding instruments. Indeed, they have much more personality than my Korean Sheraton (pretty nice one though). I can't wait having them sounding through my JCM 900 as soon as I go back home in April (Of course I take them over !). These are already part of my favorite gear and are likely to become the most valuable memory of my Japanese experience.

Thanks for sharing the enthusiasm !
Cheers,

Gabe

Hi Gabe,I Think the serial number denotes a 1981 origin,and your guitars were made by Terada or Matsumoku,for the home market.Japanese set neck epis were available for export from 83 to 85.Gabe!

Hello and Welcome Angel

I never saw this post from feb 09 so sorry if some of us didn't reply.

These are total babes. Look to be in excellent condition too?

John Lennon played a Casino in the day.

If you are still around could you post a few more pics so we can drool a bit more? Thanks

Thanks for bumping this one bluejeannot

I never saw this either. Very nice. Post more pics?

Thank you guys for your feedback.

As requested, here you get some more pics of the Riviera :

... and the Casino :




Well, I have to get the neck pickup repaired. It basically does not sound anymore ; must be a glitch with the connection. I assume it is due to the long journey from Japan to Europe... Despite her fresh appearance, she is an old lady now.

The bridge PU remains a racer though !

You shall notice that the pickguard has gone off somewhere on the run. Let's say that it is pure Lennon style that way (although Paul Weller is definitely my favorite reference on the Casino).

I cannot refrain from sharing an ultimate shot, just for the thrill...


Please do not hesitate to comment and ask/give any further information.

Best,

Gabe

May I test drive the Riviera?


Wouldn't the Riviera be an '80 and the Casino an '81?

Those are great looking Epi's.

Hi, my wife and I are thinking about goint to Japan this fall.
How did you get them back to the states?
I am hoping to do a little Epi shoping while there.
Did you ship them separate, or put them on the plane?

Mark

Hi Mark,

I actually did ship them by airmail (JP post). It was something like USD 300 to get them sent to Switzerland. The rate applies to a 30 kg box, which is supposed to be enough for two guitars (Look out ! JP post doesn't accept heavier units). It took about 3 weeks to get them knocking on my door. No disease to observe. Just a pretty convenient solution as I had much more staff to carry back home.

However, in you specific case and with respect to the incredibly heavy administrative duty that Japanese officer carry out all along the shipping process, I would suggest you to take your treasure with you on the plane.

Here you get my suggestions about the best shops a vintage guitars enthusiastic should visit in Tokyo :

TC Gakki in Shin-Okubo (http://www.tcgakki.com/) : If there is only one shop to visit, this is the one. The place I found the Casino, along with four other guitars for me and my friends. They have a stunning choice of vintage and used equipment (guitars, amps, effect units, ...), some you will probably never find anywhere else. Don't forget to visit the high end collection downstairs (small entrance on the right of the building). It will blow your mind off !

G-Club in Ochanomizu (http://www.kurosawagakki.com/sh_g_club/index_eg.html) : Ochanomizu is the spot where most of the music shops are located. There are so many of them, spread all over the area. I suggest G-Club as the guys are fluent english speakers (at least the ones I met) and that counts. The shop is a favorite for some famous international musicians. Most of the stuff is new, but you might find some very nice bargains. I hesitated to buy a brown Riviera (same period as my red one but with a stopbar) just before leaving Japan. The guys at the Gibson Custom Shop (3rd floor) might be of great help to point out the place you shall eventually find your perfect toy. It would take you quite a long time to visit them all otherwise... and you will obviously have something better to do during your stay in Japan... Well, if your wife gets sick and you have nothing else to do but hanging around, Shibuya area has many nice music shops as well.

I hope that helps. Please get back with some feedback and photos of your new babe !

Gabe