Pricing and availability

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

Sweetwater
5.0 (15)
$2,149.00
Guitar Center
4.5 (7)
$2,149.00
Amazon
$3,240.00
Reverb
5.0 (71)
$1,819.00 New
$1,695.00 Used
Thomann
4.8 (4)
$2,299.00
Gear4Music
£2,199.00

Average Price: $2,225

High-end/Boutique

$500

$1201+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Rickenbacker 330 Electric Guitar". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Experience the classic magic of the Rickenbacker 330 Electric Guitar, a coveted instrument that has won the hearts of renowned artists like Tom Petty, Pete Townshend, and Johnny Marr. This model boasts the iconic semi-hollow crescent moon body, crafted from premium maple for a rich, resonant tone. Whether you're chasing the distinctive Beatles-esque sound with the vintage Rickenbacker Toaster pickups or aiming for The Smiths' vibe with the modern Hi-Gain pickups, the Rickenbacker 330 delivers a uniquely jangly, British-inflected sound that's sure to elevate your music.

Key Features:

  • Iconic semi-hollow crescent moon body
  • Premium maple construction
  • Vintage Rickenbacker Toaster pickups
  • Modern Hi-Gain pickups
  • Distinctive jangly, British-inflected tone
  • Favoured by renowned artists like Tom Petty, Pete Townshend, and Johnny Marr.

Product specs

Brand Rickenbacker
Model 330
Finish Burgundy, Fireglo, Jetglo, Mapleglo, Matte Black, Midnight Blue, Midnight Purple, Ruby
Year 2012 - 2025
Made In United States
Categories Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
Body Material Maple, Poplar
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Semi-Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Black, Blue, Natural, Purple, Red, Tan
Finish Features Matching Headstock
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Fretboard Radius 10"
Model Family Rickenbacker 330
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 6-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

What type of music is the Rickenbacker 330 Electric Guitar best suited for?

The Rickenbacker 330 is renowned for its bright, jangly tone, making it ideal for genres like rock, pop, and jangle pop. Its distinctive sound has been favored by artists in bands such as The Byrds and The Beatles.

How does the neck profile of the Rickenbacker 330 affect playability?

The Rickenbacker 330 features a narrower neck with a 1.625" nut width, providing a comfortable grip for players with smaller hands and facilitating fast chord changes and lead playing.

What is the pickup configuration on the Rickenbacker 330, and how does it influence the sound?

The Rickenbacker 330 is equipped with two single-coil pickups, delivering a bright, clear tone with a strong midrange presence, making it suitable for cutting through a mix in both studio and live settings.

Is the Rickenbacker 330 Electric Guitar suitable for beginners?

While the Rickenbacker 330 offers a unique sound and quality build, its specific tonal character and narrower neck may be better appreciated by intermediate to advanced players familiar with its distinct playability.

What are the finish options available for the Rickenbacker 330 Electric Guitar?

The Rickenbacker 330 is available in a variety of finishes, including Fireglo, Jetglo, Mapleglo, and Midnight Blue, allowing players to choose a style that suits their aesthetic preferences.

Wildwood Guitars

Wildwood Guitars

Rickenbacker 330 • SN: 1211550

Video thumbnail for Rickenbacker 330  •  SN: 1211550 by Wildwood Guitars

Rickenbacker 330 • SN: 1211550

Wildwood Guitars

Wildwood Guitars

Video thumbnail for Rickenbacker 330 Jetglo Overview - Review - Demo with a Fender Blues Junior Amp by Jeff Wirtzfeld

Rickenbacker 330 Jetglo Overview - Review - Demo with a Fender Blues Junior Amp

Jeff Wirtzfeld

Jeff Wirtzfeld

Video thumbnail for Rickenbacker 330 Electric Guitar | Reverb Demo Video by Reverb

Rickenbacker 330 Electric Guitar | Reverb Demo Video

Reverb

Reverb

Video thumbnail for Rickenbacker 330 Fireglo by N Stuff Music

Rickenbacker 330 Fireglo

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Video thumbnail for Rickenbacker 330 at The Fellowship of Acoustics by The Fellowship of Acoustics

Rickenbacker 330 at The Fellowship of Acoustics

The Fellowship of Acoustics

The Fellowship of Acoustics

Video thumbnail for Rickenbacker 330 in Mapleglo Demo by Guitar Center

Rickenbacker 330 in Mapleglo Demo

Guitar Center

Guitar Center

Video thumbnail for No Talking...Just Tones | Rickenbacker 330 Mapleglo by Peach Guitars

No Talking...Just Tones | Rickenbacker 330 Mapleglo

Peach Guitars

Peach Guitars

Video thumbnail for New Rickenbacker 330 Jetglo by IrishBog

New Rickenbacker 330 Jetglo

IrishBog

IrishBog

Video thumbnail for 1961 Fireglo Rickenbacker 330 Capri | CME Vintage Demo | Nathaniel Murphy by Chicago Music Exchange

1961 Fireglo Rickenbacker 330 Capri | CME Vintage Demo | Nathaniel Murphy

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

Video thumbnail for Rickenbacker 330 Limited Edition Demo by Guitarist

Rickenbacker 330 Limited Edition Demo

Guitarist

Guitarist

Video thumbnail for "Pick of the Day" - 1997 Rickenbacker Fireglo 330  and 1965 Super Reverb by Emerald City Guitars

"Pick of the Day" - 1997 Rickenbacker Fireglo 330 and 1965 Super Reverb

Emerald City Guitars

Emerald City Guitars

Video thumbnail for Rickenbacker 330  •  Wildwood Guitars by Wildwood Guitars

Rickenbacker 330 • Wildwood Guitars

Wildwood Guitars

Wildwood Guitars

Video thumbnail for Rickenbacker 330 - clean by Estúdio 218

Rickenbacker 330 - clean

Estúdio 218

Estúdio 218

Video thumbnail for Why the Rickenbacker 330 changed everything for me by The Pinfields

Why the Rickenbacker 330 changed everything for me

The Pinfields

The Pinfields

Video thumbnail for Rickenbacker 330 Mapleglo: King Of The Jangle!! by Joe Perkins

Rickenbacker 330 Mapleglo: King Of The Jangle!!

Joe Perkins

Joe Perkins

Video thumbnail for Rickenbacker 330: Beautiful But A Pain In The A$$ by Woodeso's Guitar Mods

Rickenbacker 330: Beautiful But A Pain In The A$$

Woodeso's Guitar Mods

Woodeso's Guitar Mods

Video thumbnail for The Jam - Away From The Numbers  (cover) by stanhopeplace

The Jam - Away From The Numbers (cover)

stanhopeplace

stanhopeplace

Video thumbnail for Demo of a 1991 Rickenbacker 330 by The Local Pickup

Demo of a 1991 Rickenbacker 330

The Local Pickup

The Local Pickup

Video thumbnail for Rickenbacker 330 Jetglo 1993 USA by Loud Lemon Demo

Rickenbacker 330 Jetglo 1993 USA

Loud Lemon Demo

Loud Lemon Demo

Video thumbnail for New 2020 Rickenbacker 330 Jetglo Unboxing by Riffs4U

New 2020 Rickenbacker 330 Jetglo Unboxing

Riffs4U

Riffs4U

Video thumbnail for Rickenbacker 330 1995 Fireglo demo and review by Foxy's Guitar Show

Rickenbacker 330 1995 Fireglo demo and review

Foxy's Guitar Show

Foxy's Guitar Show

Video thumbnail for The Jam - Sounds From The Street  (cover) by stanhopeplace

The Jam - Sounds From The Street (cover)

stanhopeplace

stanhopeplace

Video thumbnail for Rickenbacker 330 Mapleglo / Jim Harley Violin Bass - The Beatles Sound by Drop D

Rickenbacker 330 Mapleglo / Jim Harley Violin Bass - The Beatles Sound

Drop D

Drop D

Video thumbnail for Rickenbacker 330 de 2005-Headbanger Rare Guitars-Demo by Headbanger rare guitars

Rickenbacker 330 de 2005-Headbanger Rare Guitars-Demo

Headbanger rare guitars

Headbanger rare guitars

Video thumbnail for 2003 Rickenbacker 330 Mapleglo by krispood

2003 Rickenbacker 330 Mapleglo

krispood

krispood

Video thumbnail for Rickenbacker 330 jetglo by Ryan's guitar stuff

Rickenbacker 330 jetglo

Ryan's guitar stuff

Ryan's guitar stuff

Reviews

PROS

  • Iconic sound, perfect for various music genres from jangle to hard rock

  • Eye-catching finishes, with colors like Ruby and Mapleglo

  • Notable build quality, solid neck and body

  • Lightweight and well-balanced, comfortable for extended playing

  • Unique chimey sound with Hi-Gain pickups, great for rhythm and lead tones

  • Indestructible finish compared to other brands

  • Distinctive, recognizable tone that stands out in mixes

  • Versatile sound, performs well with fuzz and overdrive

  • Great resonance, audible even without amplification

CONS

  • Some may find the neck size too big

  • Smaller frets require more attention while playing

  • Metal guard on bridge can complicate restringing

  • Narrower nut width might not suit players used to other brands

  • Weight can be taxing after long sessions

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Rickenbacker 330 Electric Guitar.

Mods and upgrades

  • Some users have switched from Hi-gains to Rickenbacker humbuckers to achieve a heavier, crunchier tone.

    Source
  • Some users recommend narrow-tall and crowned frets to replace the default small, flat frets, enhancing playability.

    Source
  • Owners installing an Accent vibrato suggest a deeper body tailpiece carve, similar to the 360/12c63, to prevent string movement on roller bridges.

    Source
  • Some owners replace stock pickups with balanced-wound pairs to eliminate the need for the 5th knob adjustment and improve sound.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Poly finished fretboards, returning on the 2023 model, offer a distinctive playing experience that some players appreciate.

    Source
  • The new thin neck profile is described as a blend between D and C shapes, better suiting players with smaller hands due to reduced shoulder.

    Source
  • The Rickenbacker 330's 5th knob acts as a secondary volume control for the neck pickup, not a blend knob, to balance pickup outputs.

    Source
  • Owners suggest playing the Rickenbacker 330 like an acoustic guitar to maximize its tonal potential, as it excels in clean sound applications.

    Source
  • New Gotoh machine heads are praised for their smooth operation and aesthetic appeal on the 2023 model.

    Source

User experience

  • Fingerboard dot inlays can be hard to see during nighttime gigs, with suggestions for brighter materials like clay dots for better visibility.

    Source
  • Some players find the narrow neck and low frets uncomfortable, affecting playability, particularly for lead guitar parts.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The new dual-action truss rod allows for smoother adjustments, making setups easier compared to previous models.

    Source
  • Owners suggest using painter's tape across the tailpiece during string changes to ease the process.

    Source
  • Raising the bridge pickup can cause wobbling and gaps due to the foam underneath, complicating pickup height adjustments.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some owners have observed orange peel finishes mainly at the body edges, suggesting a potential inconsistency in the finishing quality.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Rickenbacker 330 is often compared to Fender and Gibson guitars in terms of tone versatility, though it tends to retain its unique Rickenbacker sound regardless of settings.

    Source
  • The Rickenbacker electronics package is considered less sophisticated compared to Gibson 330's simpler wiring, leading to potential confusion for new users.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Hi-gain pickups are praised for their ability to deliver sounds ranging from classic clean jangle to fuzzed-up stoner and metal tones.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 9 Reviews and 75 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
thiswillhavetodo

Go to

People say ricks only are good for a jangly tone; that is mostly said by people who have never owned or experimented with a Rick. It sounds great with fuzz, it has great rhythm tones, and I absolutely love its lead tones. Will never get rid of mine, it’s far too versatile.

Preferred Settings + Usage:

Bridge pickup for leads.

Genres:
From Gear Setup
skylinerr

Dream guitar

A short Story.

With a heavy heart I sold my 1958 Hofner President for £900 and added some extra money to that sum to purchase a 1976 Rickenbacker 330/6 (my dream guitar) the guitar came in the FIreglo sunburst finish and had been modified which reduced the price I knocked a few pounds off the price by it having an unoriginal tailpiece as it had been removed and replaced by the seller with the vibrola from a Rickenbacker 335 and the guitar plays amazingly and I love it so much this I feel will be my only guitar to never see a studio. EDIT found an origonal tailpiece

Genres:
skylinerr

I'm loving this thing it sounds so good through AC30 which I have set fairly dirty thanks jimmarchi1 for that suggestion

skylinerr

I put up an image of this beauty

skylinerr

looking for a "76 330 tailpiece cannot find one ;)

tmiramon1969

My Favorite to play

This is the third rickenbacker I've owned and it never lets me down. Love the jingle jangle tone and is perfect for a lot of the british pop stuff we do in The 80's Underground.

charlessband

No words...

I picked up this guitar second hand from a guy in Melbourne for $2000. I saved up my pennies and drove all the way there from Sydney just to pick it up. Got it home and got her set up and by god does it play amazingly and also sound great. This thing is a real tone machine as well as being extremely comfy to play for hours on end!! Very light weight makes it an awesome live guitar as well as a studio whore.

ault

Nice sound

I've had this guitar for about 2 years, has a nice twangy sound. Really good with some overdrive.

wdstephenson

Beautiful Guitar

This guitar is a real joy to play. It looks absolutely stunning too. I use it for recording in my home studio and it sounds fantastic plugged directly into my interface.

marcus_bowden

Versetile

The whole guitar just fits to my body perfectly and is extremely comfortable to play

paul_m_burke

Rickenbacker

1992 semi acoustic 330 Custom Midnight Blue, not red like the pic

jay_sharp

Feels like I'm gonna break it

My godly grinding hands shred and this dainty baby is too delicate to take out to play anymore.

jimmarchi1

I'll take her off your hands if you want, I've never owned a ric!

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Neil Halstead uses Rickenbacker 330 Electric Guitar

Neil Halstead

Singer, Guitarist

Slowdive

...
Unverified
See how Shavo Odadjian uses Rickenbacker 330 Electric Guitar

Shavo Odadjian

Guitarist, Bassist

System of a Down

...
Verified via YouTube

In a video titled "Shavo Jamming" on his YouTube channel, Shavo Odadjian can be seen with a Rickenbacker 330 Electric Guitar in the background.

See how Mk.gee uses Rickenbacker 330 Electric Guitar

Mk.gee

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Instagram

In a video on Instagram posted by deadmau5, Mk.gee is seen playing a Rickenbacker 330 Electric Guitar. The guitar is clearly visible from 1:35 to 1:55, where the Rickenbacker branding can be identified on the headstock, confirming its make and model.

See how Steve Lacy uses Rickenbacker 330 Electric Guitar

Steve Lacy

Singer, Guitarist

The Internet

...
Verified via WIRED

He picked up his new black-and-white Rickenbacker guitar, then reached into his Herschel backpack and yanked out a mess of cables.

See how Jeff Tweedy uses Rickenbacker 330 Electric Guitar

Jeff Tweedy

Singer, Guitarist

Wilco

...
Verified via Photo

He uses this guitar, according to Guitar World's interview.

"TWEEDY: I have a 1965 SG, which is pretty much my main guitar. I also used an Epiphone Wilshire, the mini-humbucker model, a little bit. Those were my two main electrics, but I have so many guitars. I've been buying them forever. I did a few overdubs here and there with a Rickenbacker 330, and also some with a Tele. But for the most part, almost everything is on the SG."

Original article here:http://www.guitarworld.com/interview-jeff-tweedy-and-nels-cline-discuss-guitars-and-gear-behind-wilcos-latest-album-whole-love?page=0,2

See how Daniel Kessler uses Rickenbacker 330 Electric Guitar

Daniel Kessler

Guitarist

Interpol

...
Verified via Photo
See how Mike Campbell uses Rickenbacker 330 Electric Guitar

Mike Campbell

Guitarist

Fleetwood Mac

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Campbell is seen playing the mapleglo Rickenbacker 330.

See how Paul Weller uses Rickenbacker 330 Electric Guitar

Paul Weller

Singer, Guitarist

The Style Council

...
Verified via Photo

In this image, Paul Weller can be seen playing a red Rickenbacker 330 at Soho Market 1976.

See how Peter Buck uses Rickenbacker 330 Electric Guitar

Peter Buck

Guitarist

R.E.M.

...
Verified via Photo

In a 1984 performance at The Rat in Boston, Peter Buck is pictured playing a Rickenbacker 330 Electric Guitar, as shown in a user-uploaded photo on Thethinair.

See how Dallas Green uses Rickenbacker 330 Electric Guitar

Dallas Green

Singer, Guitarist

Alexisonfire

...
Verified via Twitter

Dallas Green is seen using a Rickenbacker 330 Electric Guitar in a tweet posted by his band, City and Colour, during the first day of recording their sixth album.

See how Cook Craig uses Rickenbacker 330 Electric Guitar

Cook Craig

Singer, Guitarist

King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard

...
Verified via Photo

The latest edition to Cookie's arsenal. His has a natural finish with tortoise pickguard and tuned to C#

See how Phil Collen uses Rickenbacker 330 Electric Guitar

Phil Collen

Guitarist

Def Leppard

...
Verified via Guitar

"And I got the chance to use my ’54 Gibson 175 on the song “Whiskey.” And I’ve also got this 330, a ’63 330, which -- it’s broken. Only one of the pickups works, which is luckily the neck one."

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Rickenbacker 330 Electric Guitar, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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4
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3
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3
Vox AC30 Guitar Combo Amp
Vox AC30 Guitar Combo Amp Combo Guitar Amplifiers
3
Boss CE-2 Chorus
Boss CE-2 Chorus Chorus Effects Pedals
3
Fender Jaguar
Fender Jaguar Solid Body Electric Guitars
3
Gibson ES-330 Electric Guitar
Gibson ES-330 Electric Guitar Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
3
Strymon El Capistan dTape Echo
2

Community setups

Show yours
lazarus

lazarus

Gear IQ 2595

sergiol1979

sergiol1979

Gear IQ 153

tommy_perkins

tommy_perkins

Gear IQ 343

thom_uerlaine

thom_uerlaine

Gear IQ 197

tommy_perkins

tommy_perkins

Gear IQ 343

tommy_perkins

tommy_perkins

Gear IQ 343

thiswillhavetodo

thiswillhavetodo

Gear IQ 553

radek_sys

radek_sys

Gear IQ 101

gregoryfrost

gregoryfrost

Gear IQ 176

folpon

folpon

Gear IQ 119

tristan_wright

tristan_wright

Gear IQ 166

tristan_wright

tristan_wright

Gear IQ 166

yohann_bdc

yohann_bdc

Gear IQ 69

1 alternative for Rickenbacker 330 Electric Guitar, curated by the Equipboard community.

Fender Telecaster Deluxe

$2,699.99 - $2,900.00

similar sound

Similar trebly bridge pick ups, resonant peak is similar to that of a Rick, but the high-end roll of can be a bit harsher

More Rickenbacker Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars

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