Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $4,442
High-end/Boutique
$500
$1201+
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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
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What is the neck profile like on the Rickenbacker 325?
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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.
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What kind of tones can I expect from the Rickenbacker 325's pickups?
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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.
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Is the Rickenbacker 325 suitable for beginners?
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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.
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How does the Accent Vibrato tailpiece affect the playability of the Rickenbacker 325?
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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.
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What are the finish options available for the Rickenbacker 325?
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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.
Videos
The Trogly's Guitar Show
You're NOT Allowed to Know the Price! | 2020 Rickenbacker 325 C64 Jetglo | Review + Demo
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Rickenbacker 325.
Comparisons
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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.
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The Rickenbacker 350, while slightly larger, still achieves the Lennon sound and aesthetically resembles the 325 when equipped with an Accent vibrato.
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User experience
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Players accustomed to narrow necks may struggle with the 325’s cramped feel beyond the 9th fret, impacting playability.
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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.
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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.
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Shortscale necks are ideal for rhythm, allowing easy chord transitions and thumb-over fretting, often preferred by players with small hands.
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Value and pricing
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The 325 is mentioned as an expensive purchase, with emphasis on its value for Beatles enthusiasts seeking authenticity.
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Setup and maintenance
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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.
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Accent vibrato requires aftermarket springs, like Winfield Vintage, to maintain proper string height and prevent high action.
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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.
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Rickenbacker 325s often need 12s or 13s gauge strings for tuning stability and to avoid pitch variation due to tall frets.
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Use cases and applications
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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.
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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.
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The guitar excels at rock and roll riffs, making songs like "All My Loving" easy to play with its unique scale length.
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Build quality
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The Rickenbacker 325 is reported to be extremely small and light, with a total length of approximately 34.5 inches from headstock to base.
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Despite its quirks, the Rickenbacker 325 is noted for its iconic look and robust build, setting it apart visually and structurally from other guitars.
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Mods and upgrades
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Modern V-series bridge with notched saddles is preferred over vintage roller saddle bridge to reduce buzzing.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
Artist usage
Add artist
Donovan's main electric following the tail end of the 60's, was a rare 6-string Rickenbacker.
As close as I could match. He does have another Rickenbacker, dark 12 string. Anyone know what it is?
In this undated live image from a performance by Mansun, Draper can be seen performing with a 325.
Genre Usage
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Rickenbacker 325, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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