Rickenbacker Instrument Buying & Used Sales

Rickenbacker Model 620 Fire Glo

Appraisal Value: ¥120,000

Rickenbacker Model 325V59 Jet Glo

Appraisal Value: ¥220,000

Rickenbacker Model 4001 Maple Glo

Appraisal Value: ¥200,000

Rickenbacker's history dates back to 1931.
Originally named Law Pat-In, the company released the world's first electric guitar, the A-22 (commonly known as the Flying Pan), the following year in 1932.
This guitar was designed for lap steel playing but featured the Horseshoe Pickup, which is still used in Rickenbacker guitars today.
This Horseshoe pickup is often called the progenitor of the magnetic pickups found in modern electric guitars.
In 1954, they released the combo 600.800 solid-body guitar, followed by the 4000 Bass in 1957.
In 1958, the 330 series, now a standard model, appeared.
In 1961, the 4001, a model featuring the 4000's front pickup, was released.
Its popularity exploded when The Beatles used Rickenbacker guitars during their mid-period.
Building on these models, Rickenbacker continued to expand its lineup, and to this day, it continues to captivate countless players.

The appeal of Rickenbacker lies in the fact that it isn't perfect in every way.
While "imperfect" might sound a bit negative, Rickenbackers have elements that require you to truly engage with the instrument to master them—like the fretboard painted over the frets or controls that make you wonder how to use them when you first pick it up.
That's the Rickenbacker's character and charm.

Rickenbacker guitars and Bass are characterized by a sound with a very strong personality, unlike any other brand.
Unique designs like hollow-body guitar models, floating tailpieces, and the through-neck construction used in Bass produce metallic, sharp highs, rich harmonics, a crisp attack, and excellent sustain.
This sound allows you to "express your individuality through sound" regardless of genre, whether it's rock, pop, prog, alternative, punk, or beyond.
However, due to its strong character, it doesn't pair well with every amplifier or Effector.
That's precisely why, when you find the right combination of gear that suits your style, the Rickenbacker delivers a presence unmatched by other instruments.
The reason it has been cherished for so long lies beyond its sound and specifications, in the romance and aesthetics inherent to the instrument itself.
For players who value their own sound and aesthetic, the Rickenbacker will become a powerful partner.

Among Rickenbacker guitars, the Model 330 is considered a classic.
Featuring a larger body and medium scale length, it's comfortable to play whether seated or standing.
This is the recommended model for those wondering, "What kind of guitar is a Rickenbacker?"
Other models include the compact-bodied 620 and the shorter-scale 325.
Furthermore, with numerous reissue models available, acquiring the exact same model used by your favorite musician is another viable option.

The "4001" is often cited as the quintessential Rickenbacker, with the "4003" continuing its legacy.
While the two models look identical, the 4003—released as a truss rod-reinforced version of the 4001—still reigns as a RickenbackerBass staple.
Additionally, the standard version models like the 4001S and 4003S feature dot position markers without binding.
Discovering your ideal Rickenbacker through these subtle specification differences is part of the fun.