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Average Price: $5,500

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$500

$1201+

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Description

Step back in time with the Rickenbacker 335, a semi-hollowbody electric guitar that embodies the spirit and sound of the 1960s. Revered for its distinctive "cat's-eye" soundhole and unmistakable aesthetic, this guitar is a staple for those who seek both vintage charm and modern versatility. Constructed from a blend of maple and walnut, the body offers a resonant tone that is complemented by the sleek padouk fingerboard, providing a smooth playing experience.

Equipped with dual "toaster top" pickups and a 5-knob control system, the Rickenbacker 335 allows for a wide range of tonal possibilities, from jangly highs to robust mids. This guitar's craftsmanship ensures a solid neck-body joint, leading to superior playability that surpasses many of its predecessors. Whether you're channeling the sounds of The Beatles or capturing the raw energy of The Who, the Rickenbacker 335 delivers an iconic sound that remains relevant today.

Its understated elegance is further accentuated by Kluson Deluxe tuning keys and a striking white Rickenbacker logo headplate. Whether you're a collector, a performer, or simply a lover of timeless music, the Rickenbacker 335 stands as a testament to enduring quality and classic design.

Key Features:

  • Semi-hollowbody construction with distinctive "cat's-eye" soundhole
  • Maple/walnut body with padouk fingerboard
  • Dual "toaster top" pickups with 5-knob control system
  • Kluson Deluxe tuning keys
  • Iconic white Rickenbacker logo headplate
  • Superior neck-body joint for enhanced playability

Product specs

Brand Rickenbacker
Model 335
Finish Autumnglo, Azureglo, Burgundy, Fireglo, Jetglo, Mapleglo, Walnut, 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 335
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 21
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration SS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Rickenbacker 300 Series

FAQs

What makes the Rickenbacker 335 unique compared to other semi-hollowbody guitars?

The Rickenbacker 335 features a distinctive tremolo tailpiece and a narrow neck, offering a unique feel and playability. Its semi-hollow maple body and rosewood fretboard contribute to its bright, jangly sound, which is characteristic of Rickenbacker guitars.

How does the Rickenbacker 335 handle different music genres?

The Rickenbacker 335 is well-suited for rock, pop, and jangle pop genres due to its bright tone and resonance. Its unique pickup configuration and semi-hollow design provide a versatile sound that can be adapted for various musical styles.

Is the Rickenbacker 335 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Rickenbacker 335 is ideal for live performances due to its robust construction and distinctive sound. The semi-hollow body design offers a balanced tone with good sustain, making it a reliable choice for stage use.

What type of pickups does the Rickenbacker 335 use?

The Rickenbacker 335 is equipped with two single-coil pickups, which deliver a bright and clear sound. These pickups are known for producing the classic Rickenbacker jangle that suits a variety of musical styles.

How does the tremolo tailpiece on the Rickenbacker 335 affect its sound?

The tremolo tailpiece on the Rickenbacker 335 allows for subtle pitch modulation, adding expressive capabilities to your playing. It enhances the guitar's versatility, enabling smooth vibrato effects without significantly altering the guitar's inherent tone.

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1966 Rickenbacker 335 Mapleglo | Norman's Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1966 Rickenbacker 335 Mapleglo | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1966 Rickenbacker 335 Mapleglo | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1966 Rickenbacker 335 Mapleglo / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars by GuitarPoint

1966 Rickenbacker 335 Mapleglo / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars

GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

Video thumbnail for Rickenbacker 335 Mapleglo 1966 played by Milo Groenhuijzen | Demo @ The Fellowship of Acoustics by TFOA Demos

Rickenbacker 335 Mapleglo 1966 played by Milo Groenhuijzen | Demo @ The Fellowship of Acoustics

TFOA Demos

TFOA Demos

Video thumbnail for 1966 Rickenbacker 335 semihollow electric guitar by Jake Wildwood & Co

1966 Rickenbacker 335 semihollow electric guitar

Jake Wildwood & Co

Jake Wildwood & Co

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Rickenbacker 335.

Mods and upgrades

  • Rickenbacker Toaster pickups, Gemini Pickups, and Creamery Pickups are recommended options for modifying sound on a 330 to match a 335.

    Source
  • To convert a 330 to a 335, seek out Rickenbacker Toasters from their website, noting they may be infrequently restocked.

    Source
  • Winfield Vintage offers a full vibrato with the correct adapter for a 330, allowing installation without additional drilling.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Rickenbacker 335 is distinguished by its Vibrato Accent Tailpiece and Roller Bridge, differentiating it from the 330.

    Source
  • The 1966 Rickenbacker 335 includes a vintage tremolo system, enhancing its value for collectors and players seeking authentic vintage features.

    Source
  • The Winfield/Accent vibrato design, similar to Gibson Maestro, requires proper setup to avoid tuning issues after use.

    Source
  • A Rickenbacker 330 can retain its stock bridge even when upgrading to a vibrato tailpiece, avoiding the need for additional modifications.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Rickenbacker 335 from 1966 features a notably thin neck profile, contributing to its unique playability and feel.

    Source
  • It has been noted for its beautiful quilting, which adds an aesthetic touch not commonly found on newer models.

    Source

User experience

  • A 1966 model was used by the punk band Executioner, highlighting its appeal in punk music scenes and durability over decades.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Effective vibrato use may require cleaning and deburring the saddle with sanding string to smooth burrs.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some users find Rickenbacker's vibrato placement less ergonomic compared to Gibson 335s, though both share similar vibrato design limitations.

    Source

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Kevin Parker uses Rickenbacker 335

Kevin Parker

Singer, Guitarist

Tame Impala

...
Verified via Photo

Kevin used a 1967 Rickenbacker 335 Jetglo as his main guitar after recording Innerspeaker. Originally purchased around 2009/2010 in Japan. He then after applied white graffer tape with the sea foam blue paint we see today. Link for full context: https://www.premierguitar.com/artists/guitarists/tame-impala-psych-wunderkind-kevin-parker

See how Thomas DeLonge uses Rickenbacker 335

Thomas DeLonge

Singer, Guitarist

Blink-182

...
Verified via YouTube

The writing and recording of Asthenia, in 0:31 in the video you can see Tom

See how Pete Townshend uses Rickenbacker 335

Pete Townshend

Singer, Guitarist

The Who

...
Verified via Photo

In this user-uploaded photo from Thewho, Pete Townshend is pictured restringing his Fireglo Rickenbacker 335, highlighting his use of this iconic semi-hollowbody electric guitar.

See how Tom Petty uses Rickenbacker 335

Tom Petty

Guitarist, Singer

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

...
Verified via reverb.com

In this link, Tom Petty describes his 1964 Rickenbacker Rose-Morris 1993-12 string in Fireglo finish. The 1993 was a variation of the 330 created for The Rose-Morris company in the UK.

See how Dominic Simper uses Rickenbacker 335

Dominic Simper

Guitarist, Bassist

Tame Impala

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo Dom's Rickenbacker 335 can be seen in a live performance.

See how Mura Masa uses Rickenbacker 335

Mura Masa

Drummer, Keyboardist

...
Verified via Photo

Can be seen playing Rickenbacker 335 in this photo. Given that the guitar has a tremolo arm, it is likely to be a model manufactured in the period 1963-1975. (Ex. https://reverb.com/p/rickenbacker-335-1963-1975?utm_source=rev-ios-app&utm_medium=ios-share&utm_campaign=csp&utm_content=62342)

See how Paul Waaktaar-Savoy uses Rickenbacker 335

Paul Waaktaar-Savoy

Guitarist, Composer

A-ha

...
Verified via YouTube

1:53 in music video

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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