Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $1,100
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 4 merchants for "B.C. Rich ST-3 Electric Guitar". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Unleash your inner rock god with the B.C. Rich ST-3 Electric Guitar, a modern nod to the iconic super S-style guitars that dominated the soundscape of the '80s. This electric guitar is a powerhouse of style and sound, crafted with a lightweight alder body that offers both comfort and durability. Engineered for speed, the Shredzilla Ultra Slim Contour neck ensures lightning-fast playability, allowing you to glide effortlessly across its 22 jumbo frets.
This guitar is not just about looks; it's a sonic titan equipped with a trio of USA-made Seymour Duncan pickups. The SH-6 bridge humbucker delivers raw, distortion-laden power perfect for hard rock and metal, while two SSL-6 single-coil pickups add versatility, providing warm, rich tones suitable for a variety of genres. The Floyd Rose 1000 Series double-locking tremolo ensures that your dive-bombs and harmonic squeals remain in perfect tune, no matter how wild your performance gets.
Designed for players who demand precision and reliability, the ST-3 features a straightforward control setup with a 3-way blade switch and master Volume and Tone knobs, making tonal adjustments quick and intuitive. The Grover locking tuners offer exceptional tuning stability, ensuring you stay in tune through every riff and solo.
Key Features:
- Lightweight alder body with comfortable contours
- Bolt-on maple neck with Shredzilla Ultra Slim Contour
- 14" fingerboard radius with 22 jumbo frets
- SSH configuration of USA-made Seymour Duncan pickups
- Floyd Rose 1000 Series double-locking tremolo for tuning stability
- Grover locking tuners
- Simple control scheme with 3-way blade switch and Volume/Tone knobs
Product specs
| Model | ST3 Retro II |
| Number of Strings | 6 |
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Body Type | Solidbody |
| Body Shape | BC Rich Doublecut |
| Body Material | Alder |
| Body Finish | Gloss |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Neck Shape | Shredzilla Ultra Slim Contour |
| Neck Joint | Bolt-on |
| Radius | 14" |
| Fingerboard Inlay | Dots |
| Number of Frets | 22, Jumbo, Nickel |
| Scale Length | 25.5" |
| Nut Width | 1.625" |
| Nut Material | Floyd Rose |
| Bridge/Tailpiece | Floyd Rose 1000 Series Double Locking Tremolo |
| Tuners | Grover Locking, 18:1 |
| Neck Pickup | Seymour Duncan SSL-6 Single-coil |
| Middle Pickup | Seymour Duncan SSL-6 Single-coil |
| Bridge Pickup | Seymour Duncan SH-6 Humbucker |
| Controls | 1 x volume, 1 x tone |
| Switching | 3-way blade pickup switch |
| Strings | D'Addario NYXL, .009-.042 |
| Case/Gig Bag | Sold Separately |
FAQs
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What is the neck profile of the B.C. Rich ST-3 Electric Guitar like?
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The B.C. Rich ST-3 features a Shredzilla Ultra Slim Contour neck, designed for fast and comfortable playing, making it ideal for shredding and complex solos.
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What kind of pickups does the B.C. Rich ST-3 Electric Guitar have?
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The B.C. Rich ST-3 is equipped with Seymour Duncan SSL-6 single-coils in the neck and middle positions and a Seymour Duncan SH-6 humbucker in the bridge, providing versatile tones suitable for rock and metal.
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Is the B.C. Rich ST-3 Electric Guitar suitable for beginners?
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While the B.C. Rich ST-3 is beginner-friendly due to its comfortable neck and versatile pickups, it is particularly appealing to intermediate and advanced players who appreciate its high-performance features.
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Does the B.C. Rich ST-3 Electric Guitar come with a case?
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The B.C. Rich ST-3 does not include a case or gig bag, so you will need to purchase one separately to protect your guitar.
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What type of bridge does the B.C. Rich ST-3 Electric Guitar use?
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The B.C. Rich ST-3 features a Floyd Rose 1000 Series Double Locking Tremolo, offering excellent tuning stability and allowing for expressive pitch manipulation.
Videos
JaPanHouseGuiTarVintage
Bc Rich ST-3 Japan / Japanhouse
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about B.C. Rich ST-3 Electric Guitar.
Mods and upgrades
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Owners recommend swapping EMG Select single coil pickups for Seymour Duncan Classic Stacks for a balanced tone in classic rock and blues.
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The mention of a licensed Floyd Rose, rather than an original, suggests potential limitations in stability and performance, affecting overall resale value.
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Features and functionality
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The headstock of the B.C. Rich ST-3 is affectionately known as the "harpoon," adding a distinctive aesthetic appeal.
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Some ST-3 models may come with a Bend Master bridge, often mistaken for a Kahler, influencing tremolo performance.
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The B.C. Rich ST-3 features independent toggle switches for each pickup, allowing any combination of pickups to be activated.
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Build quality
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Older B.C. Rich models are noted for using higher-quality woods and hardware compared to post-late 90s versions, which saw a decline in material quality.
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Value and pricing
User experience
4.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating
Artist usage
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Assuming this is the guitar he used in this video due to the style of the headstock
Mustaine was a B.C. Rich user between 1983-1987, he played various models like the Bich, Mockingbird, and ST's
Here is a really rare photo of a young Matt using a superstrat, which it seems to be an 80s Platinum Series B.C. Rich ST3 MIJ (circa 1991).
Then I went and bought a BC Rich ST3 - the Strat because I wanted a wammy bar and more pickups and I just wanted the versatility. I could only afford to have one guitar so I wanted something that would do more things. I wound up putting different pickups in it and splitting the coils, just thirsty to get into things. But I regretted it - it felt like a downgrade of quality but it was an upgrade in accessibility. Then I wound up stripping all the paint off of it with a belt sander and drilling holes through it and then I started dipping it into liquid rubber, you know that stuff you put on screwdrivers to make the handles. So that guitar is sitting in my storage unit right now just sort of Frankensteined and half an art project. It actually plays OK.
In the 1987 Japanese TV broadcast "Pure Rock Studio Live," Tony MacAlpine is seen playing a B.C. Rich ST-3 Electric Guitar, contributing to his distinctive 80s lead tone.
Dan Swanö utilizes a B.C. Rich ST-3 Electric Guitar, equipped with a Roland GK3 pickup, as part of his guitar rig. This setup is integrated with a Roland VG-99 guitar system, allowing for versatile sound modifications. The detailed configuration of his gear, as outlined in the Musicians-navigator article "Dan Swanö - Guitar Gear Rig Update," highlights the ST-3's role in his dynamic live performances and recording sessions.
In a Facebook post by B.C. Rich, Craig Goldy of Dio is pictured holding a B.C. Rich ST-3 Electric Guitar.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use B.C. Rich ST-3 Electric Guitar, it is most commonly used with the following gear.