RIVOLTA

Regata VII

- DAVE HUNTER

MARRYING A NUMBER of popular styles, the new Rivolta Regata VII will present some familiar visual reference points for many players, not least of which is clear evidence of the design prowess of Dennis Fano, formerly of his own eponymous brand and currently head of the popular Novo Guitars. Representing a more affordable offshore offshoot for Fano, Rivolta guitars are manufactured at the highly regarded Mirr Music Co. factory in South Korea, which also makes guitars for Reverend, Danelectro, Baum and other respected brands with western design roots.

SPECIFICATIONS

Regata VII

CONTACT rivoltaguitars.com

PRICE $1,499 street, with premium gigbag

NUT Bone, 1 11/16” wide

NECK Mahogany, 25” scale length, slim leaning rounded “C+” profile

FRETBOARD Ebony, 12” radius

FRETS 24 medium-jumbo

TUNERS Wilkinson Deluxe Brand (Kluson style)

BODY Laminated maple top and back with mahogany sides and solid mahogany center block

BRIDGE Nashville-style Tune-o-matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece

PICKUP Two Rivolta Brevetto humbuckers

CONTROLS Volume, tone, three-way switch

FACTORY STRINGS D’Addario OEM .010–.046 (non-colored ball ends)

WEIGHT 7.8 lbs (as tested)

BUILT Korea

KUDOS Hip styling, good build quality and easy playability from a well-priced alternative to the ES-335-inspired norm