Epiphone Bonehead Riviera DTSB

Epiphone Bonehead Riviera DTSB: Signature Semi-Hollow Meets Premium Craft

The Epiphone Bonehead Riviera DTSB is a signature model made for Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs, known for his work with Oasis. Falling into the ES-style semi-hollow category, the Riviera DTSB sits in the mid-premium price range at 877 and ships with a hard case. It combines classic looks with a nod to vintage build quality and tonal versatility.

Materials, Structure, and Playability

The body and top are constructed from maple, providing a sturdy yet resonant backbone. Maple brings clarity to the guitar's projection, supporting a semi-hollow body structure that resists feedback while allowing the instrument to breathe. The mahogany neck, set directly into the body, gives a smoother transfer of vibration for enhanced sustain. Its rosewood fretboard delivers a warm touch and smooth fingering, and the 22 medium jumbo frets line up cleanly under your fingers with no sharp edges, an area often overlooked in this price segment. Players report not having to file the fret ends, indicating excellent factory finishing.

• Body: Laminated maple, semi-hollow, cream binding
• Neck: Set-in mahogany, slim taper C profile, scale 629 mm (24.75"), nut width 42.9 mm (1.69"), Graph Tech nut
• Fretboard: Rosewood, pearloid parallelogram inlays, 22 frets
• Color: Dark Tobacco Sunburst with Riviera-style white pickguard

The slim taper C shape of the neck provides a modern, fast feel without excess chunkiness. Combined with the moderate 24.75-inch scale, it supports quick chord changes as well as expanded lead playing. The set-in neck joint also enhances upper fret access, which is often a weak point in semi-hollow designs.

Bridge, Tuning, and Hardware

Holding everything in tune is a Locktone Tune-O-Matic bridge and a set of premium die-cast tuners with the Epiphone logo, further anchored by an oval button design for smooth adjustments. Players note the hardware's stable feel, with the bridge and machines keeping intonation and tuning steady even after prolonged sessions. The chrome plating throughout the hardware not only adds to the instrument's classic visual identity but also promises longevity and resistance to wear.

Sonic Profile: Pickups, Controls, and Noise Performance

The Riviera DTSB is loaded with two Alnico Classic Pro humbucking pickups: one at the bridge, one at the neck. This HH (humbucker/humbucker) configuration is the natural fit for players looking to capture everything from vintage crunch to clean, detailed rhythms. Alnico magnets offer a rounder top end and fuller midrange compared to ceramic versions, while the semi-hollow maple structure dampens out-of-control feedback without sacrificing sustain.

The three-way toggle switch allows straightforward pickup selection, bridge, neck, or both, while two volume and two tone knobs let you shape your output to fit a range of styles. Field feedback notes a remarkable absence of microphonic squeal at higher volumes or with heavier gain. The internal sustain block, not always standard in semi-hollow guitars, plays a crucial role here, providing extended sustain, reducing unwanted resonance, and making higher gain settings viable for more aggressive music.

• Pickups: Two Alnico Classic Pro humbuckers
• Controls: Two volume, two tone, three-way toggle
• Noise Resistance: Internal sustain block effectively prevents feedback and squeal

Action, Intonation, and Feel

This model is set up to allow precise action adjustment. User experiences point out the possibility of achieving a low string action with no fret buzz, a sign that both neck preparation and fretwork are up to a high standard. The nut (made by Graph Tech) further helps the action to stay buzz-free while enhancing tuning stability. Intonation holds well up the neck, permitting both barre chords and solo lines without complaint or dead spots.

Design, Looks, and Extras

The dark tobacco sunburst finish brings vintage appeal, complemented by the triple-layer white Riviera pickguard featuring a foil Epiphone "E" logo. Pearloid parallelogram inlays and cream binding tie the look together, and all chrome hardware matches the retro-flavored aesthetic. The included hard case adds authentic value, making the instrument ready for gigging or transport straight out of the box.

Conclusion: Who Is the Bonehead Riviera DTSB For?

This model stands out as a reliable, stage-ready semi-hollow that pays tribute to Oasis's legacy without losing sight of modern build expectations. Players looking for a signature aesthetic, quality fretwork, and a feedback-resistant ES-style guitar will find the Epiphone Bonehead Riviera DTSB delivers on its promises. Stable hardware, versatile electronics, and excellent playability combine for a well-rounded instrument that resists the most common faults of its class.