Rickenbacker 381JK John Kay Signature

$4,995.00 Price Tier: High-end

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Page last updated Nov 14, 2025

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$4,995.00 3 available Used

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Average Price: $4,995

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$500

$1201+

Price Tier

In the Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars category, Rickenbacker 381JK John Kay Signature is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

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Description

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The Rickenbacker 381JK John Kay Signature is a distinguished addition to the world of semi-hollowbody electric guitars, designed in collaboration with legendary Steppenwolf frontman John Kay. This guitar merges classic Rickenbacker craftsmanship with modern enhancements, providing musicians with a unique blend of vintage charm and contemporary playability. Its German carved body not only offers aesthetic elegance but also enhances tonal richness, making it a versatile instrument for various musical genres.

Equipped with Rickenbacker's proprietary humbucker pickups, the 381JK delivers a full-bodied sound that is both articulate and powerful, perfect for stage and studio settings. The guitar's neck features a comfortable profile, ensuring smooth playability across its 21-fret rosewood fingerboard. With a deluxe vintage-style tailpiece and Schaller tuners, the 381JK offers reliable tuning stability and precise intonation, making it an ideal choice for professional musicians seeking consistency and quality in every performance.

The Rickenbacker 381JK John Kay Signature is not just a tribute to a rock legend but a testament to Rickenbacker's enduring legacy in the guitar world. Whether you're chasing the iconic 60s jangle or exploring new sonic territories, this guitar stands ready to inspire.

Key Features:

German carved semi-hollowbody design
Rickenbacker proprietary humbucker pickups
21-fret rosewood fingerboard with comfortable neck profile
Deluxe vintage-style tailpiece
Schaller tuners for reliable tuning stability
Signature model designed in collaboration with John Kay

Product specs

Brand	Rickenbacker
Model	381JK John Kay Signature
Finish	Jetglo
Year	1988 - 1995
Made In	United States
Categories	Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
Artist	John Kay
Body Material	Maple
Body Shape	Double Cutaway
Body Type	Semi-Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type	Stop-Bar
Color Family	Black
Finish Style	Gloss
Fretboard Material	Rosewood
Fretboard Radius	10"
Model Family	Rickenbacker 381
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	SS
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Scale Length	24.75"
Series	Rickenbacker 300 Series, Rickenbacker Artist Signature

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Rickenbacker 381JK John Kay Signature?: The Rickenbacker 381JK features a set-neck construction with a maple neck, providing a comfortable and smooth playing experience typical of Rickenbacker's renowned craftsmanship.
What kind of tones can I expect from the Rickenbacker 381JK pickups?: The Rickenbacker 381JK is equipped with two single-coil pickups that deliver the classic Rickenbacker jangle and chime, ideal for rock and pop genres, while also offering a warm and full-bodied tone thanks to its semi-hollowbody design.
Is the Rickenbacker 381JK John Kay Signature suitable for live performances?: Yes, the Rickenbacker 381JK is well-suited for live performances, offering a distinctive sound and iconic look with its Jetglo finish, making it a standout choice for stage presence.
How does the semi-hollowbody design of the Rickenbacker 381JK affect its sound?: The semi-hollowbody design of the Rickenbacker 381JK adds resonance and depth to its sound, providing a rich, full tone that is both dynamic and versatile for various musical styles.
What is the scale length of the Rickenbacker 381JK John Kay Signature, and how does it affect playability?: The Rickenbacker 381JK features a 24.75" scale length, which offers a slightly shorter reach and facilitates easier bending and playability, making it comfortable for players of all levels.

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Rickenbacker 381JK John Kay Signature.

Features and functionality

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The Rickenbacker 381JK features HB1 humbuckers, typically found on bass models, and an active electronic circuit that boosts output and treble.
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Use cases and applications

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Owners often keep the master volume around 5 and treble at 4 to manage the amplified treble from the active circuit.
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User experience

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Known as a "boat anchor," this guitar is heavier, making it more suited for sit-down performances.
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Despite its rarity, owners express that the guitar is meant to be played and not just kept as a collectible.
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Álvaro Henriquez

Singer, Guitarist

Los Tres

Verified via Photo

Guitarra usada por Álvaro en el gran concierto en la plaza de armas de Concepción, el primero del retorno de los 4 integrantes originales, a su vez fue usada en la grabación del EP "revuelta"

John Kay

Guitarist, Singer

Steppenwolf

Verified via Photo

Here is a photo of John Kay playing his signature guitar. May have been used in recording JK's solo albums, but it has been stated that it includes parts used in the recordings of the early Steppenwolf albums.

Kazunobu Mineta

Singer, Guitarist

Ging Nang Boyz

Verified via Photo

In the "Singles Going Steady" band score book, Mineta is said to have used a Rickenbacker 381 guitar. The page states that he had purchased the guitar before Going Steady went on tour in 2001. The guitar's features — Jetglo finish, silver pick-guard, black truss rod cover, and Rickenbacker HB-1 pickups — identify it as a Rickenbacker 381JK John Kay Signature model. In the "DOOR" band score book, the Rickenbacker is said to used on the recordings for the debut Ging Nang Boyz albums, and in The Ging Nang Boyz 2007 documentary, this guitar is seen in the studio. With Ging Nang Boyz, Mineta would continue to use this guitar live, and it can be seen throughout the "Ai Jigoku" live DVD.