Rivolta Combinata VII

#knowyourgear
00:00 Intro
00:30 Unboxing
01:56 Inspection
08:31 Set up/ repair
13:36 Play demo
18:06 final thoughts
19:42 Thank you to the viewer of the day
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[@ChrisLau90]

Phil doing the sickest John Petrucci impression at 3:47

[@jw152]

Your reviews are so good and thorough. I don’t know what else to say other than thanks!

[@judih.8754]

I agree, always an honest review.

[@Russell_Optics]

I agree 100%. Phil has a superb format for his reviews.

[@simonb2738]

This is such an awesome, objective and detailed walk-through. Really helps doing an informed purchase decision. Much appreciated!

[@rbutler5355]

I bought one of these about 12 months ago and it instantly became my #1 guitar. I love the pickups and how it looks like a Rickenbacker but sounds and plays more like an SG. I had the same issues with the nut binding and some pointy frets (easy fix). The one thing I will say is it came set up so well out of the factory, incredibly low action with no fret buzz, but I took it apart to install locking tuners, change the pickup covers for cream ones file the nut and fret ends, and I just cant get the action as good as it was. My bad. Still it's the best guitar I've played, the middle position with a fender amp is beautiful and the neck with crunch really growls. Ebony fretboard is beautiful. I cant recommend highly enough. Lastly - as a big guy, I really appreciate the bigger body size. I love strats etc but they look like i have a peanut stuck on my shirt. Good one Dennis Fano - I'll be buying the other Rivolta models too.

[@phillippevence2056]

Pics with the cream covers??

[@elenbrandt290]

You can take Phil's reviews to the bank, honest and thorough - Thank You!

[@denishaberley2509]

One of my Eastwoods also had a small nut problem resulting from a change in string gauge. Michael was very good to deal with & sent the repair cost to me in Australia.

[@fk1028]

Just bought one and now it is the only guitar I play. All the PRS, Fender, Godin, Hallmark etc.... go to storage.

[@craig.encinitas]

Great to hear. You still enjoying it? There’s one local that I want to check out. 🎸

[@oldmanzen6682]

Because I think it's important for builders to know that YTers have influence, I hadn't seriously considered an Eastwood until I'd seen that interview you did a while back. Now, I'm watching each video to see which model I like the most, as I definitely want to support them. Thanks for the video, Phil.

[@glennthompson6868]

Excellent review and thanks for the tips. I really appreciate the level of detail in your reviews, amount the best on KZbin. Thanks again!

[@ejstar8917]

I’m impressed with how quiet the P90’s in that guitar are. Some P90’s can be very buzzy. It’s a really nice guitar.

[@johnwalsh9507]

i have a Rivolta Combinata XVII in Toro Black; the same guitar but with a roller bridge and Duesenberg Les Trem it came with white plastics; i bought the gold plate and metallic P90 covers from Rivolta. note : the pickup covers are not metal. they are plastic with a metal foil covering when i changed the plate, i did my own loom with CTS pots, switchcraft switch & jack and a russia PIO cap it plays and sounds great. and it looks awesome very happy with it

[@ronhigdon3581]

I bought one and other than it came with no case of any kind I am in love with it. The minute you pick it up you feel like you have held it forever

[@victormarinelli5660]

I watched Ron's video and your video with Mike's interview. Mike made a few comments that inspired me to purchase this model but with the Bigsby trem. After tuning the guitar I literally couldn't put it down. It feels great in my hands and plays extremely well from the factory. I took the guitar to my guitar tech for refinement, basically to get the Bigsby working its best. (all my guitars, new or used, get refined by my tech) I think the guitar is an absolutely wonderful instrument and I would encourage anyone who is thinking of purchasing one to do so. I'm completely satisfied with the guitar and I believe you will be too. I was also very impressed by how quickly the company responded to my emails....great experience. My credibility.... I've probably owned about seventy guitars. The ones I have at this time are all high end Martin, Gibson, Fender and Guild guitars along with a few other brands. If nothing else, check out Phil's interview with Mike.

[@EricEsenwine]

I own the version of this guitar with a Duesenberg Les Trem on it. It is simply fantastic and is my absolute favorite instrument. Rivolta makes damn good guitars.

[@Eric_K_Sr]

Agreed, I too have one with the Deusenberg Les Trem, and it absolutely sings. Love these guitars!!!

[@nellayema2455]

Great tip using the sandpaper and the next smaller diameter string to clean up a nut slot. Thanks!

[@carsgunsandguitars]

Indeed

[@axelytreberg5427]

Man, this is such a thorough review! Well done!

[@fabriziodicarlo2591]

Questa si che è una vera recensione. COMPLIMENTI. Amo la Rivolta, soprattutto il modello Regata. 👍🏻

[@Zed1984US]

love the new review format, excellent

[@fredhystair5789]

Great in depth and objective review. Thx also for the nut filing trick !

[@russellives6069]

Clicked only because I check out pretty much any video Phil does, but dang, that guitar sounded great and looks good too! For some reason, that surprised me.

[@jeshely]

Love the way you do reviews and specially how you show somethings can be easily address by the end user so they have that choice/option if the don’t want to deal with sending guitars across the country for minors things. Count me on that group.

[@vicdelapaz]

Just got a Combinata VIII & man, it's impressive. High quality, great playability & attention to detail. Inspired so far 👍🏽👍🏽

[@kernjames]

Wow, a Burr test, to see if there are any Burr's sticking out on the frets. A very impressive inspection with all your other things you did. I doubt I will ever buy this guitar, but you do such a great job of inspecting and telling others how to do an inspection, I can't stop watching this video.

[@dangreving1094]

Love the pickup balance! Sound’s great.

[@Nonexistanthuman]

3:43 Broke my brain, thanks KnowYourGear :) Love the new name change

[@brantsky]

I've was GASing for a Novo Serus until I saw how much they go for... now I'm thinking "Rivolta, yeah, that's the ticket!"

[@Alexanderzzzzon]

Yeah they're about 1/2 and 1/3 of the Novo price

[@robfern66]

That guitar looks sick and sounds awesome. Old school rock machine.

[@CheddarKungPao]

Way cool guitar. Great, super thorough review. really enjoyed your playing in this one, Phil! 😄

[@jray5363]

Eastwood’s entire line is cool! Been on the list for a while. Gonna have to add Revolta. It looks and sounds great!

[@vicdelapaz]

Lovely work here as always 🔥🔥🔥

[@judih.8754]

Phil, again an honest review. Thanks. I like the balanced sound and it looks great. I'm glad you brought up the point of minor nits at the end and that people making these (and other) instruments are working to fill a lot of demand while trying to stay safe themselves. I recognize this is a $1k + guitar but remember we buy cars that cost many multiples of this that need warranty work as well. Its not an excuse, just reality.

[@Xhaso817]

I wanna say thank you for the review cause after I knew I wanted one so I got the model with the trem and it’s become my main guitar and the playability is beyond anything I’ve had before

[@VintageRadius]

Love the finer details Phil! Including stuff like neck depth measurements at 1st and 12th 😀👌

[@firecrackerheart]

just picked up a Combinata XVII in Acero Glow, and i must say, i am in love with this guitar. the neck is just a touch chunky and so comfortable, and the P90s sound incredible. i am mostly a flat top acoustic player, but needed something for my home studio, and the neck, size proportions, and semi hollow body aspect of this guitar, make it a nice transition from my OM or Dread to add electric guitar tracks and frills. i recommend it highly! (thanks, phillip, for another honest and detailed demo!)

[@bradshannon862]

Awesome! I just scored that neck P90 on Reverb for my clone build of this guitar. Great review! Thanks!

[@strat0871]

Very nice mix between an old Rickenbacker and a Hofner, I like it.

[@timbuktu7753]

10+ on the review 10+ on the playing and that tonage👍 Win Win!

[@buzzfretwear2906]

Great video and demo - well done!

[@bobpedone6168]

I own an early one in Palmadoro Red Mettalic (discontinued color), ebony fretboard, and deluxe hardshell case. After the first couple years they now ship with Pau Ferro fingerboards and a Bag instead of Hard case. These guitars are a steal, very Rickenbacker like, they play and sound as good as anything Made IMHO. Build quality is impeccable. Good stuff, love mine, get one today! @ 1100 bucks new with a bag. Hard case now cost extra,ebony no longer available on this model.

[@edesbalazs]

I have no interest in the guitar itself, but loved the way you reviewed it. Very analytical and goes through all the important points for the player!

[@carlwolf4547]

Great review Phillip! Just purchased mine in Burgundy Mist Metallic!

[@blackiewheeler4706]

I have owned this model for about a year and absolutely love it. I ordered it with the optional Duesenberg Tremolo which operates smooth as silk. This guitar is high quality and has great tones available as you have shown here. If you are looking for a versatile guitar that looks like no other I recommend this one.

[@tjnugent62]

That is a really good guitar. Dennis Fano's flagship Novo is out of this world. The Serus T is my favorite. Perfect in every way. love the body size.

[@bayramtounsi2982]

i love you, i love your personality, I love what you do, I just am very very happy to live in the same age as you, you're a wonderful human being, each time I watch ur videos I almost tear up thinking: this man changes the guitar industry/ world without even getting paid for it.... i love you man, god bless and protect what/who you love, you are an indispensable asset/ help to the guitar world... and the human world too through protecting and keeping your integrity. God words cannot explain, all I can say this: every second of your existence on this planet is a divine gift... thank you so much for existing, thank you for being you and doing what you do. You're one of history's greats!

[@DavidHBurkart]

Love Rivoltas. One of these days..

[@nicholassalohcin2351]

I love the new setup you have

[@agonyoblivion]

Love the new background. I’m sure it will come up Friday.

[@teerexness]

LOVE these guitars! I'd have one if I hadn't have just bought a Bill Nelson Astroluxe Cadet guitar from Eastwood. I seriously applaud what Eastwood is doing. Making reasonably priced guitars interesting again. Voted most dangerous guitar company by my wife!

[@TheMerc1950]

Beautiful!

[@altbouch]

Great video Phil. I have the RJ Ronquillo custom baritone of this guitar. It is one of the nicest guitars I've ever played, certainly the nicest baritone. There was a small issue with the out-of-phase switch but they sent a new one, I soldered it in and problem gone.

[@longjaw-1]

Another great review 👍👍👍

[@rob808]

these are great guitars, had my pomodore red one for awhile now and love it. It is a bright guitar so I usually run the tone knob at 50% for clean but then if needed on the gain you have the extra to relieve any muddyness that a tone of gain can give you. The neck is the best I've ever held.

[@jlore6344]

Looks and sounds great.

[@jwstout007]

I have a Rivolta Mondata with 2 mini-bucks from the Eastwood company. Aside from feeling a little heavy after a Bigsby install, it looks great, plays great, & feels great too.

[@gorlagOv]

I have a Rivolta baritone and I absolutely love it. I have been eyeing the 12 string version of this guitar.

[@stephenhawkingsfootballboo7885]

I'm interested in the 12-string too... but there are zero videos of those (at least I can't find any).

[@gorlagOv]

@@stephenhawkingsfootballboo7885 that’s one reason I want to get it. The regular ones sound great. After getting a Rivolta I know they are solid. If I do get that one I will make a video before I do terrible things to it.

[@seanbrooks2583]

That body/headstock look so amazing. i want that in the blue color they have

[@johnSmith-yn7dg]

Beautiful tones.

[@spotmfd9431]

Great tip on fret wire and sandpaper for nut.

[@BrentAdams]

Great tones! Very cool....

[@chrishinkle1764]

Would like to see you compare a Rivolta, a Novo and a Fano.

[@francischang]

Thanks for the review! Two questions: 1. Is it hum cancelling in the middle position? 2. Do you know if the tremelo on the Combinata is good? Cheers!

[@davidhollowelljr949]

This is unrelated but I've always wanted to see what a 7 string with P90's would sound like Also: 3:46 Phil plays Rings of Saturn

[@danosnanos1817]

Got a dealer special Sonic Blue one coming from the UK to Florida this week!

[@robertovillegas7677]

I bought the same Combinata but the XVII model in Burgundy Mist, real workhorse!

[@MDK2323]

I have a Combinata XVII that I love. But the roller bridge caused tuning issues, so I replaced it with a Compton that I had on hand, and it works great! Also I replaced the vintage tuners with a set of Ratio locking tuners. Took a little work, but fully worth it!

[@Russell_Optics]

Awesome looking, and sounds great ! If it had a 1.650" nut-width it would be everything I wanted. If the fretboard has rolled edges though I could easily live with the bit wider nut. I love the looks.

[@drothberg3]

Great sounding guitar!

[@chrisw1460]

This has been on my wish list for a long time, and this review is definitely keeping the Combinata on that list. BUT - do I really want to pay $1200 and still have to mess with the nut? After it's supposedly been set up at Novo???

[@MishazBts]

Well yea.. i got a mexican fender a luthier made it the best guitar ever but it was cheaper

[@abcrx32j]

Well, yeah. I don't know what makes you think guitars in that price range don't come with problems. I would be worried if it wasn't an easy fix

[@gdfnfaicecoldphattie3047]

Beautiful guitar and beautiful playing. Would love to hear u in a band setting brother

[@RobertNolan]

Currently a/b'ing the Mondata and the Combinata, this was a very helpful overview. Still don't know which one I'd like to go with because they both seem like a great choice but it's gonna be one or the other.

[@williamdesilva67]

Those rivoltas are super classy

[@chrisggoodwin777]

The shape isn't for me, but it sounds great, and I love the full block inlays. They're right up there with my favorites, the Jackson 80s style, and yes, PRS birds lol

[@shaalis]

THAT is beyond cool

[@michaelolz]

And Kluson-style tuners. I love it.

[@Alexanderzzzzon]

Btw, where are you sitting in this particular shoot? Is it another room at the shop or have you redecorated?

[@Rixster1217]

1st thought, $1,200+ for a guitar they setup themselves and the string was binding like that during tuning? Definitely points off for that. Great body shape & sound, not sure I like the block inlays, they're so dang big.

[@MoHogany1]

Well done video. Rivolta is not for me, but still enjoyed the review. Thanks Phil.

[@ericbgordon1575]

Puts me in mind of the earlier budget models that were played by up-and-coming musicians in the 60s and 70s.

[@micwiz78]

thank u sir

[@Alexanderzzzzon]

You made that piece of wood sound sooo sexy! Well done Philip. Well done indeed.

[@rickhill6277]

Nice Review Phil! Would you please tell me, do you use a Noise Gate with Single Coil Pickups? Thanks Sir. Have a Great Day! Cheers from Salem, Ohio.

[@lamsonian]

That's one good looking guitar!

[@paulohalloran6715]

I have the same guitar except mine has the factory fitted Duesenberg Les trem. Great guitar, the P90s sound great and not noisy at all. It stays in tune probably the best of all my guitars.

[@kirkscobey3031]

That vaguely reminds me of some of the 80s Washburns..

[@RJW14]

head turners, they look really cool

[@bthalko]

I have a Reverend Contender HB made in the Mirr Music factory, and it's a phenomenal guitar. I'd pick up a Rivolta in a heartbeat, thanks for the review Phil!

[@allenstowe660]

I'm interested the Reverend Contender HB, seems like a good mix of Gibson and Fender. Are you able to get some LP like tones out of it? Thanks

[@bthalko]

@@allenstowe660 The pickups are nice, full-character humbuckers - roll off a bit of the bass contour and tone and it fattens up really well. Sadly they discontinued the Contender HB model this year, but Reverend makes great guitars, and other models (Roundhouse) are offered with a 2 HB configuration. 100% recommend.

[@lothar34]

Been looking for a deal on one for a year. Not gonna happen now. Thanks Phil 🤣

[@curtdupriez3775]

I almost pulled the trigger on a Combinata VII at xmas. Had to travel interstate (no dealers here in Sydney Australia) to try one, only one in stock and not the colour I'd like (want the Ice Blue). But... It was $2k off a list of $2200 in a market where Player Strats street for around $1100 (not $3k has Phil might've suggested in podcast once). Man, it was close call. So much about the Combinata VII, as an alternative to my small army of T- and S-style guitar, is so appealing as its own unique thing. If I can just get one closer to $AU1500 in the cooler I want...

[@cliffb2454]

I bought one of these for the body shape. Wanted a Gibson style neck, P90s and the controls way away from the strings. I love telecasters and find Les Paul bodies feel too small. This body shape is great. The Wilkinson tuners rattled so I switched those out. I find myself playing this guitar more and more.

[@minisurfbanana]

I love my Fano guitars.

[@ZackRamsey14]

Dude RJ is a beast

[@Paul_Lenard_Ewing]

The Rivolta Combinata 1 is a single PU model and it is coming soon and it is just $880.00 USD. It comes in red, black, blue or pink in shades that are very similar to classic Fender colors. A serious Pro alternative to all the usual choices of guitars and affordably priced too. Best of all nothing about the guitars to soon go out of fashion. Even the shape is very near a 60's Supro.

[@butterknight37]

I kinda want to get one after this

[@ImNotOld_ImVintage]

My dual P90 guitar feels close to 10lbs.. I should have bought one of these. I really like this guitar :-/

[@denverrandy7143]

What type of "SG" model is that to your left,my right with the natural sunburnt finish? Beautiful,almost looks like a g400 model by the body shade.As per usual,thanks for the great content.👍

[@lilivi4301]

its a a Gibson SG standard, he's had it on the channel in older videos

[@denverrandy7143]

@@lilivi4301 Thank you so much,wasn't sure cause it looked a little longer to me at first.Beautiful color!👍

[@obriendp21]

I bought a Rivolta Mondata XVIII with the bigsby a couple of years ago (pre covid). It also had a nut binding problem from the factory. With the bigsby, that makes it very difficult to keep in tune. I like the look and sound of the Rivolta guitars but I think they don’t do a good job with their nuts.

[@JesseLeeKing]

Looks like the same charvel pro San dimas in metallic deep purple that I got hanging up there.

[@JesseLeeKing]

My fretboard is ebony tho that ones looks brown ish like rosewood

[@gtr1952]

Hey Phil, the $10 and $25 are sold out on Patreon, have you thought about adding any more?? --gary

[@steveyankees1]

Great video as always. This is the third video of this guitar I’ve watched. The pickups don’t sound pleasant to me. Hard to describe what I’m not liking about them. Obviously to each his own. Love the look and workmanship seems very good.

[@ryanandring2688]

I thought you were going to pop that string playing with it lol 😂 Also the guitar looks great!