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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
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What makes the Rickenbacker 335 unique compared to other semi-hollowbody guitars?
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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.
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How does the Rickenbacker 335 handle different music genres?
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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.
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Is the Rickenbacker 335 suitable for live performances?
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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.
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What type of pickups does the Rickenbacker 335 use?
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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.
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How does the tremolo tailpiece on the Rickenbacker 335 affect its sound?
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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.
Videos
Normans Rare Guitars
Guitar of the Day: 1966 Rickenbacker 335 Mapleglo | Norman's Rare Guitars
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
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Rickenbacker Toaster pickups, Gemini Pickups, and Creamery Pickups are recommended options for modifying sound on a 330 to match a 335.
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To convert a 330 to a 335, seek out Rickenbacker Toasters from their website, noting they may be infrequently restocked.
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Winfield Vintage offers a full vibrato with the correct adapter for a 330, allowing installation without additional drilling.
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Features and functionality
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The Rickenbacker 335 is distinguished by its Vibrato Accent Tailpiece and Roller Bridge, differentiating it from the 330.
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The 1966 Rickenbacker 335 includes a vintage tremolo system, enhancing its value for collectors and players seeking authentic vintage features.
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The Winfield/Accent vibrato design, similar to Gibson Maestro, requires proper setup to avoid tuning issues after use.
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A Rickenbacker 330 can retain its stock bridge even when upgrading to a vibrato tailpiece, avoiding the need for additional modifications.
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Build quality
User experience
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A 1966 model was used by the punk band Executioner, highlighting its appeal in punk music scenes and durability over decades.
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Setup and maintenance
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Effective vibrato use may require cleaning and deburring the saddle with sanding string to smooth burrs.
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Based on 0 Reviews and 5 Ratings
Artist usage
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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
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.
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.
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)
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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