B.C. Rich is an American guitar and bass manufacturer founded in 1969 by Bernardo Chavez Rico (known as Bernie Rico Sr.) in East Los Angeles, California. Rico grew up building classical guitars, banjos, and ukuleles alongside his father before establishing himself as a boutique electric guitar builder in the early 1970s. The company released its first production models in 1974 and quickly earned a reputation for unconventional body shapes and high-quality craftsmanship, including neck-through construction and a heel-less joint that allowed easier upper-fret access.

The brand's most iconic instruments — the Mockingbird, Warlock, Ironbird, Bich, Eagle, and Stealth — became defining visual symbols of heavy metal. The Bich, a ten-string design by Neal Moser, and the angular Warlock are among the most recognizable guitar shapes in rock history. B.C. Rich also pioneered custom active electronics with coil taps, phase switches, and defeatable preamps, giving players significant tonal flexibility. A Custom Shop continues to produce hand-built instruments alongside the production line.

The brand has been closely associated with hard rock and metal artists across decades. Kerry King of Slayer, Mick Thomson of Slipknot, Dave Mustaine of Megadeth, and Trey Azagthoth of Morbid Angel have all been prominent users of B.C. Rich guitars. Joe Perry of Aerosmith helped popularize the Mockingbird and the ten-string Bich early in the brand's history. The company continues to produce guitars spanning entry-level to professional tiers, maintaining the aggressive aesthetic and heavy-music focus that defined its original identity.

B.C. Rich has 254 products cataloged on Equipboard, including Solid Body Electric Guitars, Electric Basses, and Extended Range Guitars. Their gear is featured by 336 artists, with the strongest followings in Rock, Metal, and Electronic. Notable users include Paul Stanley, Kerry King, and Dave Mustaine. Most B.C. Rich products sit firmly in the high-end, boutique range.