The Most Popular Rickenbacker Guitar, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the guitar you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 7, 2024 06:47
For guitar enthusiasts and newcomers alike, choosing the right instrument can be a critical decision that significantly influences their musical journey. Rickenbacker guitars, known for their distinct sound and quality, have been a popular choice among musicians. Having a ranked list of the most favored Rickenbacker guitars aids in highlighting the models that resonate best with players, based on a variety of factors including playability, tone, and aesthetics.
This dynamic ranking is constantly updated and shaped by your input. Every vote helps fine-tune the order, reflecting current trends and preferences within the community. By participating, not only do you get to see where your favorite Rickenbacker stands, but you also contribute to a broader musical dialogue, assisting fellow enthusiasts in making informed choices.
What Is the Most Popular Rickenbacker Guitar?
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185votes
Outerrealm · CC BY-SA 3.0This guitar is often associated with the sound of The Beatles and has become a classic in its own right. The 12-string version is particularly popular. -
243votes
Rickenbacker 330
Adolph RickenbackerThis model has been used by many famous guitarists, including John Lennon, Pete Townshend, and Tom Petty. It has a distinctive sound and style that has made it a favorite among musicians.The Rickenbacker 330 is a highly acclaimed electric guitar known for its stylish design and distinctive sound. It is commonly used in various genres including rock, indie, and alternative. The guitar features a semi-hollow body construction and a unique blend of single-coil pickups, delivering a vibrant and twangy tone. Its iconic aesthetic, with its large triangular-shaped body and slash soundhole, has made it an instantly recognizable instrument among musicians and fans alike.- Body Type: Semi-Hollow
- Top Wood: Maple
- Back Wood: Maple
- Neck Wood: Maple
- Fingerboard Wood: Rosewood
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327votesThis bass guitar is known for its unique tone and has been used by many notable bassists, including Geddy Lee of Rush and Chris Squire of Yes.The Rickenbacker 4003 is a popular electric bass guitar model. It is known for its distinctive shape, versatile tone, and vintage aesthetics. The guitar has been used by numerous iconic bassists across different genres of music.
- Body Type: Solid
- Body Material: Maple
- Neck Material: Maple
- Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
- Number of Frets: 20
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416votes
Brian Krashpad · CC BY-SA 3.0Rickenbacker 620
RickenbackerThis guitar has a similar look and feel to the 330, but with a slightly different shape and sound. It has been used by many famous guitarists, including Peter Buck of R.E.M. and Johnny Marr of The Smiths.The Rickenbacker 620 is a highly sought-after and iconic guitar that boasts a vintage design and exceptional craftsmanship. It is known for its distinctive tone and playability, making it a favorite among musicians across different genres.- Body Type: Solid
- Body Material: Maple
- Neck Material: Maple
- Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
- Number of Frets: 21
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521votes
CasinoKat · CC BY-SA 3.0Rickenbacker 325
Adolph RickenbackerThis guitar is closely associated with John Lennon, who used it extensively during the early days of The Beatles. It has a unique sound and style that has made it popular among musicians.The Rickenbacker 325 is a popular electric guitar that was first introduced in the late 1950s. It is widely recognized for its compact size and unique design, making it a beloved choice among musicians.- Body Shape: Semi-Hollow
- Scale Length: 20.75 inches
- Number of Frets: 21
- Pickups: Three Single-Coil
- Bridge: 6-Saddle Vintage Tremolo
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611votes
Rickenbacker 381
RickenbackerThis guitar has a similar look and feel to the 360, but with a different body shape and sound. It has been used by many notable guitarists, including Roger McGuinn of The Byrds and Tom Petty.The Rickenbacker 381 is a highly regarded electric guitar known for its iconic design and distinct sound. It is part of Rickenbacker's 300 Series and is considered one of the most popular models in their lineup. The guitar was first introduced in the late 1960s and has since gained a strong following among guitarists across various genres.- Body Shape: Semi-hollow body with a double cutaway design
- Body Material: Maple
- Neck Material: Maple
- Fretboard Material: Rosewood
- Scale Length: 24.75 inches
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77votes
Rickenbacker 4001
RickenbackerThis bass guitar was used by many famous musicians in the 1970s, including Paul McCartney and Lemmy Kilmister of Motorhead. It has a distinctive sound that has made it a favorite among bassists.The Rickenbacker 4001 is a legendary bass guitar known for its distinct tone and iconic design. It was originally introduced in 1961 and quickly gained popularity among bassists of various genres. The 4001 model is often associated with prominent bass players such as Paul McCartney of The Beatles.- Body Material: Maple
- Neck Material: Maple
- Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
- Scale Length: 33 1/4 inches
- Number of Frets: 20
Rickenbacker 4001 in other rankings- Position 5 of 10 in Most popular bass guitar
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84votesThis guitar is similar to the 620, but with a 12-string configuration. It has been used by many famous musicians, including Peter Buck of R.E.M. and Roger McGuinn of The Byrds.The Rickenbacker 620/12 is a highly sought after electric guitar known for its distinctive sound and iconic design. It is particularly revered for its ability to produce rich and jangly 12-string tones. The guitar features a double-cutaway design with a solid body made of maple and rosewood. It has a set neck construction and a rosewood fretboard with 21 frets. The 620/12 is equipped with two high-gain single-coil pickups that contribute to its unique and chiming sound. The creator of the Rickenbacker 620/12 is Rickenbacker International Corporation, an American guitar manufacturer founded in 1931. The following are ten important specifications of the Rickenbacker 620/12:
- Body Material: Maple
- Neck Material: Maple
- Fretboard Material: Rosewood
- Number of Frets: 21
- Pickups: 2 high-gain single-coil
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96votes
Rickenbacker 370
RickenbackerThis guitar is similar to the 360 and 381, but with a different body shape and sound. It has been used by many famous musicians, including Tom Petty and Johnny Marr of The Smiths.The Rickenbacker 370 is a highly sought-after electric guitar known for its iconic design and exceptional tone. It is one of the most popular models produced by the Rickenbacker company.- Body Type: Semi-hollow
- Top Wood: Maple
- Back/Side Wood: Maple
- Neck Material: Maple
- Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
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107votes
Rickenbacker 381V69
RickenbackerThis guitar is a reissue of the 381 from 1969 and has become a favorite among collectors and players alike. It has a unique sound and style that has made it popular among musicians.The Rickenbacker 381V69 is a vintage-style semi-hollow body electric guitar known for its iconic design and rich, unique tones. It is a part of the Rickenbacker Vintage Series which pays homage to their classic models from the 1960s. The 381V69 is highly coveted by musicians for its exceptional craftsmanship, distinctive sound, and stunning aesthetics.- Body Shape: Semi-hollow
- Body Material: Maple
- Top Material: Maple
- Neck Material: Maple
- Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
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Ranking factors for popular guitar
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Model and SeriesRickenbacker has different models and series of guitars, such as the 300 series, 600 series, and signature models. Each model has its own features and attributes.
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Design and ConstructionThe materials used in the guitar's construction, as well as factors such as the design of the body, neck, and pickups, can impact its popularity. Consider body shape, pickup configuration, and hardware material.
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Sound and ToneThe sound produced by the Rickenbacker guitar is a significant factor in its popularity. The quality of the pickups, as well as how the guitar is made, can affect the guitar's tone. Consider the types of music that the guitar is best suited for and how versatile it is for different genres.
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PlayabilityFactors like the guitar's weight, neck profile, and fretboard radius can impact the playability of the instrument. Does the guitar feel comfortable to hold and play for extended periods?
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Aesthetic AppealThe visual appeal of the guitar, including its color, finish, and overall design, could also contribute to its popularity.
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Price and ValueThe price of the guitar and the value it offers for the money spent can impact its popularity. Keep in mind both the market price and the used and vintage market for the specific guitar model.
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Artist AssociationsSignificant artists who have played and endorsed Rickenbacker guitars can impact the popularity of the instrument. Investigate if there are any notable musicians associated with a specific model or series.
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Rarity and CollectabilityLimited edition and rare vintage models of Rickenbacker guitars can generate more interest among collectors and players, thus impacting the popularity of a specific model.
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Consumer Reviews and RatingsCheck reviews from users and professional publications to get a sense of the general perception of a particular Rickenbacker guitar's quality and popularity.
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History and LegacyThe history and legacy of the Rickenbacker brand can also play a role in the popularity of a specific model. Consider any significant milestones or innovations associated with the guitar, as well as its overall place in the company's history.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Rickenbacker guitar. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Guitar is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 3012 views
- 223 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Guitar once every 24 hours. The rank of each Guitar is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular rickenbacker guitar
Rickenbacker guitars are known for their unique design, distinctive sound, and the loyalty of their fans. The Rickenbacker company was founded in 1931 by Adolph Rickenbacher and George Beauchamp, and their guitars quickly became popular among musicians in a variety of genres. In particular, the Beatles were known for their use of Rickenbacker guitars, and their influence helped to cement the instruments' place in music history.
Today, Rickenbacker guitars continue to be highly sought after by musicians and collectors alike. From the iconic 12-string sound of the 360/12 model to the sleek design of the 4003 bass, Rickenbacker guitars offer a range of options for players of all styles and preferences. With so many great options to choose from, it's no wonder that fans of the brand are passionate about their favorite models and are always eager to weigh in on which one is the most popular.
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