Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (8)
$3,649.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (10)
$3,649.00
Amazon
$3,649.00
Reverb
$7,713.39 1 available Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (35)
$3,599.00
Thomann
4.9 (7)
$4,399.00 $4,390.00 $9.00 · All time low

Average Price: $4,442

High-end/Boutique

$500

$1201+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Rickenbacker 325". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Rickenbacker 325 is an iconic piece of musical history that brings a piece of the vintage era into your hands. With its signature short scale, this semi-hollowbody electric guitar is renowned for its distinct sound that has captivated audiences since its inception in the late 1950s. Crafted with a meticulous attention to detail, the 325 features a unique double cutaway design that not only enhances playability but also adds a touch of classic style to your performance.

The body of the 325 is composed of maple back and sides, which pairs harmoniously with a three-ply Maple/Walnut neck and a Rosewood fingerboard. This combination of woods contributes to a rich and warm tone that is both clear and resonant. The guitar is distinguished by three toaster-top pickups, offering a versatile range of sounds from smooth cleans to gritty overdrives. A vibrato tailpiece and dot inlays add to its vintage charm, while the white pickguard provides a striking contrast against the classic Fireglo finish, a staple of 1960s Rickenbackers.

This guitar is not just an instrument but a statement piece, revered by legendary musicians like John Lennon. Whether you're a collector, a performer, or a dedicated fan of the era, the Rickenbacker 325 is a timeless addition to your musical arsenal.

Key Features:

  • Short scale semi-hollowbody design
  • Double cutaway for enhanced playability
  • Maple back and sides
  • Three-ply Maple/Walnut neck
  • Rosewood fingerboard
  • Three toaster-top pickups
  • Vibrato tailpiece
  • Dot inlays
  • White pickguard
  • Classic Fireglo finish

Product specs

Brand Rickenbacker
Model 325
Finish Autumnglo, Azureglo, Burgundy, Fireglo, Jetglo, Mapleglo, White
Year 1963 - 1975
Made In United States
Categories Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
Body Material Maple
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Semi-Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Tailpiece
Color Family Black, Blue, Brown, Natural, Red, Tan, White
Finish Features Matching Headstock
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Rickenbacker 325
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 21
Number of Strings 6-String
Nut Width 1.625"
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration SSS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Rickenbacker 300 Series

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Rickenbacker 325?

The Rickenbacker 325 features a set neck with a comfortable and fast-playing profile, making it suitable for both rhythm and lead playing. Its short 20-3/4" scale length is ideal for players who prefer a compact and easy-to-handle guitar.

What kind of tones can I expect from the Rickenbacker 325's pickups?

The Rickenbacker 325 is equipped with three vintage single-coil pickups, delivering a bright and jangly tone that is iconic for rock and pop music. This setup provides a versatile range of sounds, suitable for both clean and slightly overdriven tones.

Is the Rickenbacker 325 suitable for beginners?

While the Rickenbacker 325 is a high-quality instrument, its unique features like the short scale length and specific tonal characteristics may be better suited for intermediate to advanced players familiar with its distinct playability and sound.

How does the Accent Vibrato tailpiece affect the playability of the Rickenbacker 325?

The Accent Vibrato tailpiece on the Rickenbacker 325 allows for subtle pitch modulation, enhancing expressive playing. It offers smooth operation for adding vibrato effects without significantly altering tuning stability.

What are the finish options available for the Rickenbacker 325?

The Rickenbacker 325 is available in several finishes, including Autumnglo, Azureglo, Burgundy, Fireglo, Jetglo, Mapleglo, and White, each providing a unique aesthetic to match the player's style.

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The Trogly's Guitar Show

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Video thumbnail for You're NOT Allowed to Know the Price! | 2020 Rickenbacker 325 C64 Jetglo | Review + Demo by The Trogly's Guitar Show

You're NOT Allowed to Know the Price! | 2020 Rickenbacker 325 C64 Jetglo | Review + Demo

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

Video thumbnail for Review of the Rickenbacker 325c64 by ForeverFabFour

Review of the Rickenbacker 325c64

ForeverFabFour

ForeverFabFour

Video thumbnail for Rickenbacker 325C64 Miami C-Series Electric Guitar by Musician's Friend

Rickenbacker 325C64 Miami C-Series Electric Guitar

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Video thumbnail for 1989 Rickenbacker 325 Black | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

1989 Rickenbacker 325 Black | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Rickenbacker 325C64  •  SN: 2240700 by Wildwood Guitars

Rickenbacker 325C64 • SN: 2240700

Wildwood Guitars

Wildwood Guitars

Video thumbnail for John Lennon Rickenbacker 325C64 Walkthrough and Demo! by Boechler Guitars and Repair

John Lennon Rickenbacker 325C64 Walkthrough and Demo!

Boechler Guitars and Repair

Boechler Guitars and Repair

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Rickenbacker 325.

Comparisons

  • A player noted that the Rickenbacker 325's 20.75-inch scale length feels significantly smaller compared to a typical Fender scale of 25.5 inches or Gibson's 24.75 inches.

    Source
  • The Rickenbacker 350, while slightly larger, still achieves the Lennon sound and aesthetically resembles the 325 when equipped with an Accent vibrato.

    Source

User experience

  • Players accustomed to narrow necks may struggle with the 325’s cramped feel beyond the 9th fret, impacting playability.

    Source
  • Some players over 6 feet tall find the 325 appears too small, resembling a ukulele in size, which can affect its visual appeal for taller individuals.

    Source
  • Owners often describe the 325 as a rhythm machine, ideal for chord transitions rather than lead playing, aligning with John Lennon's rhythm-focused style.

    Source
  • Shortscale necks are ideal for rhythm, allowing easy chord transitions and thumb-over fretting, often preferred by players with small hands.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The 325 is mentioned as an expensive purchase, with emphasis on its value for Beatles enthusiasts seeking authenticity.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • To simulate the 325's scale, one can capo a full-scale guitar at the 3rd fret and tune down, illustrating the looser string tension.

    Source
  • Accent vibrato requires aftermarket springs, like Winfield Vintage, to maintain proper string height and prevent high action.

    Source
  • Some owners mention a cramped feel when playing cowboy chords due to the short scale and slim neck, which may not suit players with larger hands.

    Source
  • Rickenbacker 325s often need 12s or 13s gauge strings for tuning stability and to avoid pitch variation due to tall frets.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • It's noted that the 325 is nearly impossible to play lead on due to its scale and tuning stability, making it more suited for rhythm.

    Source
  • The 325's short scale and weight distribution make it comfortable to hold and play, with no issues of neck dive, enhancing its use for rhythm playing.

    Source
  • The guitar excels at rock and roll riffs, making songs like "All My Loving" easy to play with its unique scale length.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Rickenbacker 325 is reported to be extremely small and light, with a total length of approximately 34.5 inches from headstock to base.

    Source
  • Despite its quirks, the Rickenbacker 325 is noted for its iconic look and robust build, setting it apart visually and structurally from other guitars.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Modern V-series bridge with notched saddles is preferred over vintage roller saddle bridge to reduce buzzing.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Rickenbacker 325 is known for its distinct, scratchy, jangly tone, particularly when using the bridge pickup.

    Source

Critic Reviews

The Iconic Rickenbacker 325 Has a Story Like No Other Electric Guitar | GuitarPlayer

guitarplayer.com

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Yegor Letov uses Rickenbacker 325

Yegor Letov

Singer, Guitarist

Grazhdanskaya Oborona

...
Verified via Photo

In the provided image, Yegor Letov is seen using a Rickenbacker 325 guitar.

See how Donovan uses Rickenbacker 325

Donovan

Guitarist, Singer

...
Verified via Photo

Donovan's main electric following the tail end of the 60's, was a rare 6-string Rickenbacker.

See how Martin Rotsey uses Rickenbacker 325

Martin Rotsey

Guitarist

Midnight Oil

...
Verified via Photo

As close as I could match. He does have another Rickenbacker, dark 12 string. Anyone know what it is?

See how Paul Draper uses Rickenbacker 325

Paul Draper

Singer, Guitarist

Mansun

...
Verified via Photo

In this undated live image from a performance by Mansun, Draper can be seen performing with a 325.

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 Rickenbacker 325, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

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alexjb

alexjb

Gear IQ 352

alexjb

alexjb

Gear IQ 352

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