United States · Est. 1931
Rickenbacker
The brand of The Beatles and Tom Petty, Rickenbacker's jangly, chiming tone is one of the most immediately recognisable sounds in all of popular music.
About the brand
Rickenbacker was founded in 1931 by Adolph Rickenbacker and George Beauchamp in Los Angeles — making it one of the first companies to manufacture electric guitars. The company produced the 'Frying Pan' lap steel guitar in 1932, often cited as the first commercially produced electric guitar.
The 300 and 600 series solid and semi-hollow guitars became defining instruments of the 1960s British Invasion and American folk rock. John Lennon played a 325, George Harrison a 360, and Roger McGuinn's 12-string 360/12 created the jangly sound that defined The Byrds. The bass models — particularly the 4001 — were played by Paul McCartney and Chris Squire of Yes.
Rickenbacker continues to manufacture in Santa Ana, California using the same basic designs and construction methods as the 1960s originals. The brand deliberately resists modernisation, producing limited quantities to maintain quality and exclusivity. The result is that genuine Rickenbackers remain highly desirable and command significant prices on the vintage and new instrument markets.
Key facts
- Founded in 1931 — among the first companies to manufacture electric guitars commercially
- John Lennon's 325 and George Harrison's 360 defined the British Invasion sound
- Roger McGuinn's 12-string 360/12 created the jangle pop sound of The Byrds
- Still manufactured in Santa Ana, California using largely original methods
Iconic models
Rickenbacker 360
Rickenbacker's most iconic semi-acoustic guitar, with its bell-like 12-string tone that defined the sound of 60s rock with the Beatles and The Byrds.
Rickenbacker 4003
Rickenbacker's most recognizable electric bass, with its crisp, distinctive sound adopted by Lemmy Kilmister, Chris Squire, and Paul McCartney.
Rickenbacker 325
John Lennon's iconic guitar, with its short scale and semi-acoustic body that became a defining visual symbol of Beatlemania.
Rickenbacker 620
The solid-body version of Rickenbacker's 600 series, with the brand's crystalline tone but greater sustain and less feedback.