Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $2,451
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1501+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Rickenbacker 330/12 12-String Guitar". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Dive into the rich, resonant world of the Rickenbacker 330/12 12-String Guitar, a timeless classic that has been strumming its way into the hearts of musicians since the 1960s. This iconic piece of musical craftsmanship is more than just an instrument; it's a piece of history. With its distinctive double-cutaway design and semi-hollow maple body, the 330/12 delivers a unique blend of warmth and clarity, making it a favorite among legendary artists like Tom Petty and Johnny Marr.
The magic of this guitar lies in its ability to produce that unmistakable, jangly sound associated with countless hit songs across genres. Whether you're crafting intricate melodies or bold, rhythmic chords, the Rickenbacker 330/12 offers a sonic palette that is both broad and inspiring. Its 12-string configuration adds depth and dimension, creating lush, harmonic layers that elevate any performance.
Ideal for those who seek a guitar that merges classic aesthetics with unmatched tonal versatility, the Rickenbacker 330/12 is a testament to the enduring appeal of quality craftsmanship. Its sleek and comfortable neck allows for effortless playability, making it perfect for both seasoned musicians and aspiring artists eager to explore new musical horizons.
Key Features:
- Classic Rickenbacker double-cutaway design
- Semi-hollow maple body for rich, resonant tones
- Distinctive 12-string configuration for lush harmonics
- Favored by iconic musicians like Tom Petty and Johnny Marr
- Sleek, comfortable neck for effortless playability
Product specs
| Brand | Rickenbacker |
| Model | 330/12 |
| Finish | Burgundy, Fireglo, Jetglo, Mapleglo, Matte Black, Midnight Blue, Ruby |
| Year | 2012 - 2025 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | 12-String Electric Guitars, Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars |
| Body Material | Maple |
| Body Shape | Double Cutaway |
| Body Type | Semi-Hollow Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Stop-Bar |
| Color Family | Black, Blue, Natural, Red, Tan |
| Finish Features | Matching Headstock |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Fretboard Radius | 10" |
| Model Family | Rickenbacker 330 |
| Model Sub-Family | Rickenbacker 330/12 |
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Number of Frets | 24 |
| Number of Strings | 12-String |
| Nut Width | 1.625" |
| Offset Body | Non-Offset Body |
| Pickup Configuration | SS |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 24.75" |
| Series | Rickenbacker 300 Series |
FAQs
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What kind of sound can I expect from the Rickenbacker 330/12 12-String Guitar?
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The Rickenbacker 330/12 is known for its distinctive jangle and chime, often associated with 1960s rock and pop music. Its reversed string order contributes to its unique sound, making it ideal for genres that benefit from rich, harmonic textures.
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Is the Rickenbacker 330/12 suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the semi-hollow body design of the Rickenbacker 330/12 provides excellent resonance and sustain, making it a great choice for live performances. Its comfortable neck and lightweight body also make it easy to play for extended periods.
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How does the Rickenbacker 330/12 handle different musical genres?
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While the Rickenbacker 330/12 excels in jangle-pop and rock, its versatile tone can complement various styles, including folk and indie music. However, it may not be the best choice for heavy metal or genres requiring high-gain distortion.
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What are the main features of the Rickenbacker 330/12's construction?
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The Rickenbacker 330/12 features a semi-hollow maple body, a set maple neck, and a rosewood fretboard with a 10" radius. It has a double cutaway design, 24 frets, and a scale length of 24.75 inches, which contributes to its playability and unique sound.
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Does the Rickenbacker 330/12 require any special maintenance?
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Like any 12-string guitar, the Rickenbacker 330/12 requires regular tuning and string changes to maintain optimal performance. Its gloss finish and quality materials make it relatively low maintenance, but periodic cleaning and fretboard conditioning are recommended.
Videos
ConeHead productions
My DREAM Guitar - Rickenbacker 330/12: MATTE BLACK 4K (Unboxing & Review)
Reviews
PROS
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Unmistakable jangly tone featured in iconic pop songs
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Slim neck with finished fingerboard for comfortable playability
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High gain pickups rival original toaster pickups in sound quality
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Distinct, lighter tone compared to deeper-sounding guitars like Les Paul
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Vintage and new models offer consistently fantastic sound
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Enhances sound range when played through a tube amp or quality compressor
CONS
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Re-stringing is challenging due to tailpiece design
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Toggle switch may develop intermittent short, causing static or sound loss
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Narrow fretboard at the nut may require adjustment for some players
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Rickenbacker 330/12 12-String Guitar.
Setup and maintenance
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Changing strings one at a time is recommended to maintain bridge and tailpiece alignment; stringing is difficult due to tight headstock spacing.
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Some owners recommend replacing the nut with one from Rickysounds for improved string spacing, enhancing playability.
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A 12-saddle bridge is suggested to improve tuning stability and eliminate the "out of tune" charm often associated with the stock setup.
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The 2023 model's single dual-action truss rod allows for smoother adjustments, enhancing the ease of setup.
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User experience
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Owners highlight the guitar's iconic sound, referencing its use by Edge from U2 for deep tone drops on songs like "Mysterious Ways."
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An owner found the neck too narrow for clean playing, suggesting that players who prefer wider necks might struggle with this model.
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The new thin neck profile, described as a D/C blend, suits players with smaller hands due to reduced shoulder width.
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Use cases and applications
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Highly desired by fans of artists like Tom Petty; considered essential for achieving jangling 12-string tones in rock music.
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Build quality
Features and functionality
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Models from 2024 feature a headstock routed all the way through, simplifying string changes compared to earlier models.
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The new 2023 Rickenbacker 330 models include Gotoh Tuners, offering smoother operation compared to the previous Schaller models.
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The 2023 Rickenbacker 330 has reintroduced poly finished fretboards and 21 frets, aligning with previous classic designs.
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Comparisons
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The necks on Rickenbacker 330/12s are notably thin, which can make playing challenging. Some suggest considering models like the 660/12 for wider necks.
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4.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 10 Ratings
103
A thing of beauty..
I am simply in love with this guitar. It is simply amazing, it has completely unique sound and it looks gorgeus. Jeff Buckley introduced me to Rickenbacker and I am so glad he did. It is not the easiest guitar to play because it's a 12 string, but it's very worth the effort if only because of that Rickenbacker sound. You can see it in my profile pic
Artist usage
Add artist
At 0:25 in this live performance of The Smith's This Charming Man on Top Of The Pops in 1983, Jhonny Marr can be seen playing this guitar.
Brian Setzer, known for his affinity for Gretsch guitars, has been seen playing a Rickenbacker 330/12 12-String Guitar, as evidenced by images available through a Google search.
Daniel Johns was first seen using the Rickenbacker 330/12 12-String Guitar at the Big Day Out festival in 2002. Some sources suggest he purchased it in Sydney in 2000. The guitar was last used live in 2010. Notably, Daniel plays this guitar on songs like "The Greatest View" and "World Upon Your Shoulders." The proof photo is user-uploaded.
Used while in the band The Contenders. Pick up a copy of Mick Mercer's book Gem Archer to find pictures of Gem wearing a white, one-piece jump-suit! Photo by Mick Mercer from 1988.
In this video Mark Gardener can be seen playing a Rickenbacker 330/12, and can be found playing it on other videos of OX4
There are lots of images with Miki playing a Rickenbacker all over the web. 12-string guitar was an important part of Lush's sound, especially in the 'shoegaze' era.
In this video at the timestamp 1:37 (and in most of the live shows after the release of Everything Harmony) Brian D'Addario can be seen using this guitar.
During the 1977 HEPTADE tour, Serge Fiori used a Rickenbacker 330/12 12-String Guitar, as documented in the Montreal Gazette.
In this Instagram video, Newell performs a stripped-down version of "Girl on a Swing" using a 12-string 330
…and by the way, that shimmering guitar sound…that´s from a Rickenbacker 330 12-string… I borrowed it for the Loma Ranch Sessions…one of the sessions musicians brought it along..Brian Wood, I think..and we used it on "Talk to Me"… I finally decided it was the right time to get one…A thing of beauty! Can´t wait to use it!!!
Album Usage
The Rickenbacker 330/12 12-String Guitar has been featured on the following albums:
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 330/12 12-String Guitar, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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