Rickenbacker Guitars

Rickenbacker Electric Guitars

Chime, jangle, and attitude—shop new, used, and vintage Rickenbacker at Chicago Music Exchange

If you’re searching for Rickenbacker guitars, you’re chasing a sound with its own vocabulary: shimmering 12-string jangle, articulate mids, piano-like attack, and unmistakable style. From the iconic Rickenbacker 330 and Rickenbacker 360 to short-scale legends like the 325, sleek 620 solid-bodies, and boutique-grade 660/12, we curate one of the best selections of Rickenbacker guitars for sale—including used Rickenbacker and vintage Rickenbacker—each inspected, photographed, and set up by our techs.

Why Players Choose Rickenbacker?

  • Signature sound: Brilliant top end, tight lows, fast transient response, and that famous 12-string jangle that cuts through any mix.
  • Distinct construction: Maple bodies and necks, semi-hollow “carved” rims (330/360), lacquered fingerboards, slim nut widths, and classic triangle (sharkfin) inlays.
  • Electronics that matter: Vintage-style “toaster” pickups for airy chime; modern Hi-Gain pickups for more output and bite; stereo Ric-O-Sound on select models.
  • Design DNA: Cresting-wave body shapes, bound edges, checkerboard binding on select runs, and unique pickguards—truly recognizable on stage and on record.

Most Popular Rickenbacker Models & What They Do

  • Rickenbacker 330 (and 330/12): Semi-hollow with unbound body and open, immediate response—classic jangly rhythm and articulate leads.
  • Rickenbacker 360 (and 360/12): Rounded edges, bound body, often stereo Ric-O-Sound—a little smoother and more refined than the 330.
  • Rickenbacker 325: Short-scale, compact body—famously tied to early British Invasion tones.
  • Rickenbacker 620: Solid-body with neck-through feel, more sustain and focus; a great studio companion for high-gain clarity.
  • Rickenbacker 660/12: Wider nut for comfortable 12-string work, vintage-style toasters—the ultimate jangle machine.

Use cases:

  • 330/360: Indie rock, jangle pop, Americana, Brit rock, power pop.
  • 325: Vintage rock ’n’ roll chime and compressed rhythm work.
  • 620: Higher-gain contexts needing a precise top end.
  • 660/12: Iconic double-octave shimmer for layered arrangements.

Artists & Famous Recordings

The Beatles put Rickenbacker on the map—John Lennon’s 325 and George Harrison’s 360/12. The Byrds’ Roger McGuinn (370/12) cemented the 12-string jangle; Tom Petty (660/12) carried that torch. R.E.M.’s Peter Buck (360), The Jam’s Paul Weller (330), The Smiths’ Johnny Marr, The Who’s Pete Townshend, The Stone Roses’ John Squire, and countless indie bands have turned to Rickenbacker electric guitars for tones you can spot in a second.

Specs That Shape the Rickenbacker Sound

  • Tonewoods: Maple bodies and necks for brightness, definition, and percussive attack.
  • Pickups:
  1. Toaster Top: Lower output, airy highs, vintage sweetness.
  2. Hi-Gain: More output/push, tighter lows, modern edge.
  • Electronics: 3-way toggle, independent volume/tone, and on many models a blend control; selected models include Ric-O-Sound (stereo) for dual-amp routing.
  • Neck & Scale: ~24.75" scale with slim nut widths and lacquered fingerboards—fast, snappy feel with a distinctive attack.
  • Bodies: Semi-hollow (330/360) for resonance and air; solid-body (620) for cut and sustain.

Year & Era Notes (What Buyers Ask)

  • 1960s “toaster” era: Lower-wind pickups with glassy chime; thinner necks on many examples; highly collectible.
  • 1970s–1980s: Hi-Gain pickups become common; cosmetic and hardware updates; some models gain 24-fret variants.
  • Modern era: Improved consistency, finishes, and playability while retaining classic Rickenbacker tone.
  • Reissues & limited runs: Checkerboard binding, vintage-spec wiring, and special colors appear periodically—watch our listings.

Why Rickenbacker Exists (and Still Thrives)

Rickenbacker—one of America’s oldest electric-guitar makers—helped define the very idea of the electric guitar, then differentiated itself with semi-hollow designs, unique electronics, and a sound no one else could copy. The company’s commitment to Made in USA, restrained production, and iconic styling created a loyal following among players who want an instrument that sits perfectly in a mix yet never sounds generic.

Price Ranges (Plan Your Buy)

  • New Rickenbacker guitars: typically $1,999–$3,999+ depending on model (330/360/620/660, 6- vs 12-string, finishes).
  • Used Rickenbacker guitars: save while staying close to new spec—our listings include weights, detailed photos, and in-hand notes.
  • Vintage Rickenbacker: values vary by year/spec/condition; ’60s pieces with toasters and rare finishes command premiums.

Quick Chooser (Match Your Use Case)

  • Indie/Alt rhythm & studio jangle: 330 or 360 (choose toasters for air, Hi-Gains for push).
  • Ultimate 12-string shimmer: 360/12 or 660/12 (wider nut).
  • High-gain articulation: 620 solid-body.
  • British Invasion vibe: 325 short-scale.

Why Buy Rickenbacker at Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange is the #1 destination for vintage, used, and boutique electric guitars. Trusted by touring artists, collectors, and enthusiasts worldwide.

  • Curated inventory, pro setups, and accurate, transparent specs
  • Used Rickenbacker and vintage Rickenbacker with verified details
  • Trade-in, financing, and fast, insured shipping
  • A team that understands toaster vs. Hi-Gain, Ric-O-Sound, neck shapes, and era differences

Rickenbacker

Rickenbacker guitars are synonymous with distinctive sound and timeless style, celebrated by generations of rock, pop, and indie musicians. Known for their jangle-rich chime, punchy midrange, and unmistakable tone, Rickenbacker electrics and basses have shaped the sound of bands from The Beatles and The Byrds to modern indie trailblazers. Each instrument blends innovative design with meticulous craftsmanship, offering both visual flair and stage-ready performance.

At Chicago Music Exchange, our Rickenbacker collection features a curated selection of guitars and basses, including classic 300-series, 4000-series basses, and limited editions. Crafted with premium tonewoods, custom pickups, and signature Rickenbacker hardware, these instruments deliver unmatched clarity, sustain, and playability. Whether you’re chasing vintage chime, bright rhythm tones, or fat, driving bass lines, a Rickenbacker provides a unique voice that stands out in any mix.

Rickenbacker guitars are as much a statement of style as they are a musical instrument. From sleek semi-hollow bodies to iconic solid-body designs, each guitar is engineered for comfort, balance, and responsiveness. Perfect for collectors, performers, and recording artists alike, these instruments maintain the brand’s reputation for innovation and reliability.

Shop Now!

Rickenbacker Electric Guitars FAQ

What are the most popular Rickenbacker guitars?
Top searches include Rickenbacker 330, Rickenbacker 360, Rickenbacker 360/12, Rickenbacker 620, and Rickenbacker 660/12.

Rickenbacker 330 vs 360—what’s the difference?
Both are semi-hollow. The 330 is unbound with a slightly more immediate feel; the 360 adds binding/rounded edges, and many include Ric-O-Sound and a smoother overall response.

Toaster vs Hi-Gain pickups—which should I choose?
Toasters = lower output, vintage chime and air. Hi-Gains = more punch and mid focus. Choose to taste (and to your amp).

Are Rickenbacker 12-strings hard to play?
Ricks have slimmer nuts than many brands; the 660/12 offers a wider nut for comfort. Proper setup at CME makes any Rickenbacker 12-string stage-ready.

Do modern Rickenbackers sound like the classics?
Yes—modern builds retain core construction and pickup voices. If you want maximum vintage chime, look for toaster sets or vintage-spec reissues.

What’s a good first Rickenbacker guitar?
The Rickenbacker 330 is a perfect entry—versatile, iconic, and instantly “Rick.” For 12-string, try the 360/12 or 660/12 if you prefer a wider nut.

Do you sell used and vintage Rickenbacker guitars?
Absolutely. We list used Rickenbacker and vintage Rickenbacker with high-res photos, exact weights, and detailed notes.

Rickenbacker Bass Guitars

Rickenbacker bass guitars are world-renowned for their distinctive growl, punchy low end, and clear, cutting tone that has defined the sound of rock, progressive, and indie music for decades. From the classic 4000-series to limited editions, Rickenbacker basses are built for players who demand both iconic style and stage-ready performance. Whether you’re laying down melodic lines, driving rhythm, or creating fat, punchy grooves, a Rickenbacker bass delivers the precision, clarity, and character that makes it instantly recognizable.

At Chicago Music Exchange, our collection of Rickenbacker bass guitars includes vintage-inspired models, modern refinements, and rare finds. Each instrument features premium tonewoods, dual truss rod necks, and signature Rickenbacker pickups, ensuring a perfect blend of playability, resonance, and sustain. Known for their slim neck profiles, ergonomic designs, and iconic body shapes, Rickenbacker basses feel as good as they sound.

Shop Now!