Rickenbacker Instrument Buyback and Used Sales

Rickenbacker Model 620 Fire Glo

Appraised Value: 120,000 yen

Rickenbacker Model 325V59 Jet Glo

Appraised Value: 220,000 yen

Rickenbacker Model 4001 Maple Glo

Appraised Value: 200,000 yen

Rickenbacker’s history dates back to 1931.
In 1931, the company was known as Low-Pat-In, but the following year, in 1932, it released the world’s first electric guitar, the A-22 (commonly known as the Flying Pan).
Although this was a lap steel guitar, it was equipped with the horseshoe pickup that is still featured on today’s Rickenbackers.
This horseshoe pickup is often referred to as the progenitor of the magnetic pickups found in modern electric guitars.
In 1954, the company released the solid-body Combo 600 and 800 models, and in 1957, the 4000 model.
In 1958, the 330 series—which remains a standard model today—made its debut.
In 1961, they released the 4001, a model of the 4000 equipped with a front pickup.
Furthermore, the brand’s popularity exploded when The Beatles began using Rickenbackers during their mid-career period.
Since then, the company has released a wide range of models based on the ones mentioned above, and Rickenbacker continues to attract many players to this day.

The appeal of Rickenbacker lies in the fact that it isn’t perfect in every way.
Saying it’s not perfect might sound a bit harsh, but Rickenbackers have elements—such as a fingerboard painted over the frets and controls that leave you wondering how to use them when you first pick one up—that require you to truly engage with the instrument to master it.
That is Rickenbacker’s unique character and charm.

Rickenbacker guitars and Bass are characterized by a sound with a very strong personality that you won’t find in other brands.
Unique designs—such as hollow-body models, floating tailpieces, and the through-neck construction found in the Bass and Recruit—produce metallic, piercing highs, rich harmonics, sharp attack, and excellent sustain.
This sound allows you to "express your individuality through sound" regardless of genre, whether it be rock, pop, prog, alternative, or punk.
On the other hand, due to its strong character, it does not pair well with every amplifier or Effector.
That is precisely why, when you find the right combination of gear to match your style, the Rickenbacker exudes a presence that cannot be achieved with any other instrument.
The reason it has been loved for so long lies in the romance and aesthetics inherent in the instrument itself, beyond just its sound and specifications.
For players who value their own sound and aesthetic, a Rickenbacker is sure to become a trusted partner.

The Model 330 is considered a classic among Rickenbacker guitars.
Featuring a larger body and a medium scale length, this model is easy to play whether you’re sitting or standing.
This is the model we recommend for anyone wondering, “What kind of guitar is a Rickenbacker?”
There are also other models, such as the compact 620 and the 325 with its shorter scale.
There are also many reissue models available, so getting a model with the exact same specs as the one used by your favorite musician is another option.

The "4001" is often cited as the quintessential Rickenbacker, and the "4003" carries on that legacy.
While the two models look nearly identical, the 4003—released as a reinforced truss rod version of the 4001—still reigns as a RickenbackerBass staple today.
Additionally, the standard versions—the 4001S and 4003S—feature dot position markers without binding.
Part of the fun lies in finding the Rickenbacker that suits your taste by exploring these subtle differences in specifications.