LA RICKENBACKER : UNE GUITARE LÉGENDAIRE

THE RICKENBACKER: A LEGENDARY GUITAR

The Rickenbacker guitar, an icon of musical excellence, boasts a timeless design and a distinct, chimey sound that has captivated musicians across various genres, from rock to pop, country, and jazz.

Delve into the illustrious heritage of the Rickenbacker guitar and embark on a journey to build your very own personalized Rick-style guitar using our DIY guitar kits.

A Legacy in the Making

The story of the Rickenbacker guitar begins in 1924 when Swiss-born engineer Adolph Rickenbacker founded the Rickenbacker company. A true pioneer in the realm of electric guitars, Rickenbacker developed one of the earliest commercially successful electric guitars in the early 1930s.

The 1950s and 1960s marked a turning point for Rickenbacker, as their guitars gained popularity among rock and roll legends like John Lennon, George Harrison, and Pete Townshend. The allure of Rickenbacker also extended to country music, with notable artists such as Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings embracing the distinctive sound.

Today, Rickenbacker guitars continue to shine across musical landscapes, celebrated for their exceptional quality, durability, and unique tonal character.

John Lennon and his Rickenbacker guitar

Evolution of a Classic

Throughout its storied history, Rickenbacker guitars have seen various transformations, but the core design remains steadfast. These guitars typically feature a solid alder or ash body, a maple neck, and two single-coil pickups.

In the early 1960s, Rickenbacker introduced the 12-string guitar, which found favour among folk and rock musicians. The company also unveiled several other groundbreaking models, including the 4001 bass guitar and the 360/12 guitar.

The 1970s ushered in a new era for Rickenbacker guitars, featuring innovations such as humbucker pickups, active electronics, and stereo outputs. New models, including the 4003 bass guitar and the 330 guitar, added to the brand's diverse lineup.

The 1980s and 1990s saw Rickenbacker's continued success, with the introduction of models like the 650 guitar and the 5001 bass guitar. Rickenbacker remained a top choice for musicians of all genres, thanks to its enduring quality and signature sound.

George Harrison and the Rickenbacker

Explore the Distinctive Characteristics

Rickenbacker guitars boast a set of iconic features that set them apart from the rest. Rickenbacker has produced over 2 million guitars since its founding in 1931. They are considered to be some of the best-made guitars in the world, and their sound is instantly recognizable.

One of their most distinctive attributes is their unique "hourglass" body shape, a blend of style and playability that remains visually striking. The pickups in Rickenbacker guitars are celebrated for their bright, chimey sound—a hallmark of the Rickenbacker experience. Additional distinguishing features include the "R tailpiece" and the "Rick-O-Sound" stereo output, contributing to the guitar's unparalleled sonic versatility.

Shaping the Soundscape

Rickenbacker guitars have left an indelible mark on the music world. Legendary musicians such as John Lennon, George Harrison, Pete Townshend, Johnny Cash, and Waylon Jennings have all wielded Rickenbacker guitars to create timeless classics.

These guitars have graced the soundtracks of iconic songs and albums, including "A Day in the Life" by The Beatles, "Purple Haze" by Jimi Hendrix, and "Ring of Fire" by Johnny Cash. Furthermore, Rickenbacker guitars have made notable appearances in popular movies and TV shows.

In essence, the Rickenbacker guitar is not merely an instrument; it's a symbol of musical excellence and an enduring legacy that continues to inspire musicians and captivate audiences worldwide.

Tom Petty has chosen Rickenbacker as his favourite guitar, and he had been playing it for most of his career. John Lennon admitted that the Rickenbacker guitar was perfect for the kind music that he played. While Pete Townshend and Johnny Marr chose Rickenbacker guitars for its flexibility to adapt to different type of music and ability to ‘cut through a mix’ (Johnny Marr).

Carl Wilson of the Beach Boys with the Rickenbacker:  "My favourite Rickenbacker is my 12-string. It's a 1965 model and it's got a beautiful sound. It's perfect for playing the kind of music we play. I've used it on many of our biggest hits, like 'God Only Knows' and 'Good Vibrations.' 

Pete Townshend once said: "The Rickenbacker is a very versatile guitar. It can be used to play a wide range of musical styles, from rock to pop to country." 

Build Your Unique Rick-style Guitar

Just as with the Rickenbacker's legendary history, you too can shape your own unique Rick-style guitar. Our RB guitar kits offer endless possibilities, allowing you to make your creative vision into reality.

Explore a wide array of body shapes, neck profiles, and finishes, enabling you to design a guitar that's uniquely yours. Dive into various bridge systems and tuning options as you assemble your own instrument using our DIY guitar kits.

Our DIY guitar kits enhance your creativity, allowing you to express your unique style and vision. Choose from a selection of guitar kits designed for easy assembly, tailored to fit your needs and budget.

Once you've put together your Rickenbacker guitar, customize it further with your chosen finish, pickups, hardware, and even add personal touches like custom stickers or inlays.

The stage is set for your creativity to shine, just like our customers who have built exceptional Rickenbacker-style guitars using our kits.

For those aspiring to capture the essence of the classic Rickenbacker experience, our RB guitar kits offer an excellent opportunity. These kits empower guitar builders, guitar players to assemble their own Rick-style instruments, preserving the spirit of the original design.

Stories from Our Customers

Let's take a moment to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our valued customers who have brought their musical dreams to life with our Rickenbacker guitar kits.

This stunning Rick-style embodies the passion and commitment of yet another satisfied customer. We're truly honored to have played a role in bringing their musical vision to life. 

Another remarkable achievement by one of our valued customers! This striking Rick-style guitar showcases their dedication and creativity, and we're thrilled to have been a part of their journey in making this exceptional instrument.

And last but not least:

The Rickenbacker guitar is not merely an instrument; it's a symbol of musical excellence and an enduring legacy that continues to inspire musicians and captivate audiences worldwide. Start building your custom Rickenbacker guitar today, and share your musical story with us. We can't wait to see what you create!

(Source: Rickenbacker website)