Rickenbacker 1957 Rickenbacker Combo 400

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Page last updated Mar 07, 2026

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Price

Average Price: $5,375

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Solid Body Electric Guitars category, 1957 Rickenbacker Combo 400 is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

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High-end

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Description

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Step back into the golden age of rock 'n' roll with the 1957 Rickenbacker Combo 400. This iconic solid body electric guitar is a cherished piece of history, offering a classic design and authentic sound that captures the essence of the late '50s. Built with precision and care, the Combo 400 showcases Rickenbacker's commitment to quality and innovation during an era that set the stage for modern music. Its unique tonal character and playability make it a favorite among collectors and musicians alike.

The 1957 Combo 400 features a sleek, streamlined body that not only looks stunning but also enhances the guitar's resonance and sustain. The single-coil pickup is designed to deliver a bright, jangly tone that cuts through the mix, ideal for genres spanning from rockabilly to early rock. Its comfortable neck profile provides an effortless playing experience, whether you're strumming chords or picking out intricate melodies. As a piece of musical history, the Combo 400 is a testament to Rickenbacker's pioneering spirit and a must-have for any vintage guitar enthusiast.

Key Features:

Solid body construction for enhanced resonance
Single-coil pickup for bright, cutting tones
Comfortable neck profile for easy playability
Iconic 1957 design, capturing the spirit of early rock 'n' roll
Highly collectible for its historical significance

Product specs

Brand	Rickenbacker
Model	Combo 400
Finish	Cloverfield Green, Jet Black, Montezuma Brown
Year	1956 - 1959
Made In	United States
Categories	Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material	Maple
Body Shape	Double Cutaway
Body Type	Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type	Top-Load
Color Family	Black, Brown, Green
Finish Features	Matching Headstock
Finish Pattern	Sunburst
Finish Style	Gloss
Fretboard Material	Rosewood
Model Family	Rickenbacker 400
Neck Construction	Neck-Through
Neck Material	Maple
Number of Frets	24
Number of Strings	6-String
Offset Body	Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration	S
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Series	Rickenbacker Combo 400 Series

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the 1957 Rickenbacker Combo 400?: The 1957 Rickenbacker Combo 400 features a neck-through construction with a slim, comfortable profile, making it easy to play for extended periods, ideal for those who prefer a fast-playing neck.
What kind of tones can I expect from the 1957 Rickenbacker Combo 400 for rock music?: The 1957 Rickenbacker Combo 400 delivers a bright, jangly tone characteristic of Rickenbacker guitars, making it well-suited for rock and pop music genres.
Is the 1957 Rickenbacker Combo 400 suitable for beginner guitarists?: While the 1957 Rickenbacker Combo 400 is a high-quality instrument, its historical significance and unique tone may be more appreciated by experienced players or collectors.
What are the standout features of the 1957 Rickenbacker Combo 400's design?: The 1957 Rickenbacker Combo 400 features a double cutaway solid maple body with a distinctive "tulip" style and a matching headstock, offering both aesthetic appeal and playability.
Does the 1957 Rickenbacker Combo 400 have a distinctive finish?: Yes, the 1957 Rickenbacker Combo 400 is available in finishes like Cloverfield Green, Jet Black, and Montezuma Brown, each with a glossy sunburst pattern that enhances its vintage look.

Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1957 Rickenbacker Combo 400.

Features and functionality

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A unique saxophone strap holder was used instead of regular strap buttons, reflecting a rare design choice from the era.
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The guitar might include a custom back guard made of plexiglass, which was an option in custom orders.
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The presence of a large plexiglass piece on the back is highlighted as unusual compared to other models.
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The guitar’s original headstock is missing two screws for the truss rod cover, which is a minor but specific issue noted by owners.
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Comparisons

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Some owners compare its feel to a 50’s Telecaster, highlighting its vintage tonal and playability qualities.
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The single coil pickup at the neck is noted for its potential to rival a Telecaster-type sound.
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Owners equate the neck feel to a 50's Telecaster, indicating a preference for those accustomed to smaller necks before transitioning to larger models like the Jazzmaster.
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Value and pricing

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If it is an original finish in Fireglo, it could be a custom order, significantly increasing its collector value.
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A restoration expert suggests that an original finish could make it a custom order, potentially increasing its collector value significantly.
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Some owners have seen these guitars sell for $2k-$3k, making a $1700 purchase notably below market value.
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User experience

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Owners with experience in other Rickenbacker models are concerned about the rarity affecting resale potential despite its rare status.
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Owners have expressed concern over the ability to recoup investment due to its rarity and unique features.
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An owner with a background in Rickenbacker restoration believes an original finish could mean a unique custom order, potentially increasing its value significantly.
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Build quality

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It’s noted that the guitar has a large plexiglass piece on the back, a feature not commonly found in other models, suggesting custom order possibilities.
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Critic Reviews

Rare Guitars: Rory Gallagher's 1957 Rickenbacker Combo 400

guitar.com

Rory Gallagher’s 1957 Rickenbacker Combo 400 is a fascinating exploration into the unconventional. This guitar stands out with its unique features like the gold anodized scratchplate and a quirky grey non-slip back, making it a delightful oddity in Gallagher's collection. However, it has undergone some modifications that purists might find controversial, such as the additional single-coil pickup. While it lacks the fame of Gallagher's other guitars, it’s a testament to his relentless pursuit of the perfect sound. This piece is more of a collector's curiosity than a must-have for players seeking versatility or iconic tones.

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Joe Bonamassa

Singer, Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

Verified via Photo

"This is a 1957 Rickenbacker Combo 400. One of the rarest and perhaps most unusual in my collection. This 3/4 guitar sports the horseshoe pickup. Most commonly found on lap steels. 1950?s Rickenbackers epitomize what quality and innovation that make vintage guitars so desirable." Joe Bonamassa displays his guitars on his website.

Preston Hazard

Guitarist

Strange Sense of Comfort

Verified via YouTube

Preston Hazard is seen using a 1956 version of the Rickenbacker Combo 400 in the official music video for "Don't Cancel Me," as well as in numerous promotional photos. This is confirmed by the video distributed by MarvMent and available on the PrestonHazardVEVO YouTube channel.