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Average Price: $4,312

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Description

Step into the world of legendary sound with the Rickenbacker 381v69, a semi-hollowbody electric guitar that marries vintage allure with modern craftsmanship. Rooted in a classic 1957 design, this guitar is a testament to Rickenbacker's enduring legacy. At first glance, the bound crescent sound hole and shark-fin inlays immediately capture attention, while the double-cutaway design provides seamless access to higher frets, making it as functional as it is beautiful.

Crafted from high-grade, "charactered" maple, the 381v69's body and neck deliver a bright, sustained tone that is quintessentially Rickenbacker. The lush rosewood fingerboard not only adds a visual warmth but also enriches the sonic palette, creating a harmonious balance of brightness and depth. This guitar is equipped with two vintage single-coil Toaster Top pickups, renowned for their sweet and smooth tonal quality. Each pickup features independent volume and tone controls, alongside a blend knob and a 3-way pickup selector, offering a myriad of tone-shaping possibilities.

What sets the Rickenbacker 381v69 apart is its mono and stereo output options. Whether you're aiming for a classic mono sound or want to experiment with stereo output to drive two amps simultaneously, this feature provides endless creative opportunities, making it a favorite among studio guitarists for crafting rich, layered tracks.

Key Features:

  • Based on a classic 1957 Rickenbacker design
  • Iconic bound crescent sound hole and shark-fin inlays
  • Charactered maple body with a high-gloss catalyzed polyester finish
  • Maple neck with a rosewood fingerboard, 10-inch radius, 21 frets
  • 2 vintage single-coil Toaster Top pickups
  • Independent volume and tone controls for each pickup, blend control, and 3-way pickup selector
  • Mono and stereo outputs for versatile sound options
  • Rickenbacker 6-saddle bridge and deluxe vintage tuners

Product specs

Brand Rickenbacker
Model 381/V69
Finish Fireglo, Jetglo, Mapleglo, Natural
Year 2012 - 2025
Made In United States
Categories Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
Body Material Maple
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Semi-Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Black, Natural, Red, Tan
Finish Features Matching Headstock
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Fretboard Radius 10"
Model Family Rickenbacker 381
Model Sub-Family Rickenbacker 381/V69
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

FAQs

What type of pickups does the Rickenbacker 381v69 feature?

The Rickenbacker 381v69 is equipped with two vintage single-coil pickups, which deliver a classic, bright, and jangly tone characteristic of Rickenbacker guitars.

Is the Rickenbacker 381v69 suitable for playing live performances?

Yes, the Rickenbacker 381v69 is suitable for live performances, offering both stereo and mono output options for versatile sound routing and a semi-hollowbody design that provides resonance and sustain.

How does the body material of the Rickenbacker 381v69 affect its sound?

The Rickenbacker 381v69 features a maple body, which contributes to its bright and articulate tone with a strong midrange presence, making it ideal for genres like rock and jangle pop.

What is the neck profile of the Rickenbacker 381v69 like?

The Rickenbacker 381v69 has a set-neck construction with a 10" fretboard radius, providing a comfortable and smooth playing experience suitable for various playing styles.

Does the Rickenbacker 381v69 come with a case?

Yes, the Rickenbacker 381v69 includes a case, ensuring protection and easy transport for the guitar.

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

Rickenbacker 381V69 Jetglo | CME Gear Demo | Brian Westfall

Video thumbnail for Rickenbacker 381V69 Jetglo | CME Gear Demo | Brian Westfall by Chicago Music Exchange

Rickenbacker 381V69 Jetglo | CME Gear Demo | Brian Westfall

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

Video thumbnail for Rickenbacker 381V69 Vintage Series Electric Guitar by Musician's Friend

Rickenbacker 381V69 Vintage Series Electric Guitar

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Video thumbnail for Unboxing a Rickenbacker 381v69 by Brian Jepson

Unboxing a Rickenbacker 381v69

Brian Jepson

Brian Jepson

Video thumbnail for Rickenbacker 381V69 Mapleglo Demo (Chris Martin) by Reidys Home Of Music

Rickenbacker 381V69 Mapleglo Demo (Chris Martin)

Reidys Home Of Music

Reidys Home Of Music

Video thumbnail for 1993 Rickenbacker 381V69 Demo by mrfett

1993 Rickenbacker 381V69 Demo

mrfett

mrfett

Video thumbnail for Rickenbacker 381v69 played by Rowdy Prins | Demo @ The Fellowship of Acoustics by TFOA Demos

Rickenbacker 381v69 played by Rowdy Prins | Demo @ The Fellowship of Acoustics

TFOA Demos

TFOA Demos

Video thumbnail for Rickenbacker 381V69 Electric Guitar | Elderly Instruments by Elderly Instruments

Rickenbacker 381V69 Electric Guitar | Elderly Instruments

Elderly Instruments

Elderly Instruments

Video thumbnail for Rickenbacker 381V69 Custom Shop Hollow Body Maple/Maple at Dream Guitars by Dream Guitars

Rickenbacker 381V69 Custom Shop Hollow Body Maple/Maple at Dream Guitars

Dream Guitars

Dream Guitars

Video thumbnail for Frank's Blog #53: The Rickenbacker 381V69 is one of the most gorgeous Ric's you'll ever see! by musicglryinc

Frank's Blog #53: The Rickenbacker 381V69 is one of the most gorgeous Ric's you'll ever see!

musicglryinc

musicglryinc

Reviews

PROS

  • Effortlessly nails iconic Beatles and Brit Invasion tones

  • Versatile sound from jazzy neck to country twang

  • Powerful jangle with a unique chime quality

  • Beautifully crafted with heirloom quality

  • Wide variety of tones from toaster pickups and blend knob

  • German body carve adds a distinct aesthetic appeal

  • Great balance despite not being the lightest guitar

  • Compatible with both Fender and Gibson style sounds

  • Perfect for serious musicians and home studio use

  • Instantly recognizable sound with a compressor

CONS

  • Vintage tuners may lack modern accuracy

  • Traditional strap buttons may need replacement for some users

  • Doesn't mimic Strat or Tele sounds

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Rickenbacker 381V69.

Mods and upgrades

  • Toaster covers can be fitted over Hi-Gain pickups by removing pole pieces; barrell set screws ensure flat laying and are available at Menards.

    Source
  • Adding a 0.0047uF capacitor on the bridge pickup, along with toasters and an Accent vibrato, can emulate a Kevin Parker tribute model.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Rickenbacker's 330 and 360 models have reverted to 21 frets, a choice praised for aesthetic appeal and reminiscent of their vintage designs.

    Source
  • The silver top knobs, previously standard on Rickenbacker guitars, are missed by users since the change back to 21-fret models.

    Source

User experience

  • Some owners express frustration over Rickenbacker's limited availability in Europe, noting high costs and scarcity of vintage-style models.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings

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1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Dan Auerbach uses Rickenbacker 381V69

Dan Auerbach

Guitarist, Keyboardist

The Black Keys

...
Verified via Guitars

Dan Auerbach's 2002 Rickenbacker 381 was a part of his personal collection before being sold as a part of the "Dan Auerbach Collection" at Gruhn's Guitars.

See how Dominic Simper uses Rickenbacker 381V69

Dominic Simper

Guitarist, Bassist

Tame Impala

...
Verified via Pinterest

As opposed to the 335 previously added, the 381 is thinner and has white outlines along the edges, as you can see in Simper´s guitar. At first I also believed it was the 335, but then I saw that it was thicker than Tame Impala´s guitarist.

See how Francisco Durán uses Rickenbacker 381V69

Francisco Durán

Singer, Guitarist

Los Bunkers

...
Verified via Photo

Francisco Durán used the Rickenbacker 381v69 guitar with Los Bunkers from 2009 to 2013 and resumed using it during their comeback in Mexico for all concerts from 2023 to 2024

See how Álvaro Henriquez uses Rickenbacker 381V69

Álvaro Henriquez

Singer, Guitarist

Los Tres

...
Verified via Photo

Álvaro has used this guitar since the 90s, used in the recording of the albums "fome" and "La Sangre en el Cuerpo", it was also used in the epic concert "Hecho en Chile" held in 1999 at the national stadium of Chile, this concert brought together Los Jaivas, Illapu and Los Tres together. Also, this guitar was used by Álvaro in the great concert in the main square of Concepción, the first of the return of the 4 original members of Los Tres, in turn it was used in the recording of the EP "revuelta". In turn, according to Guitarexpress, on Instagram and YouTube , after a meeting with Alvaro in his studio, he says that the guitar was made in the USA in 1960. According to Henriquez, the guitar belonged to Roger McGuinn of the Byrds. Álvaro bought it in 1996 at the Guitar Center in California. Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/Ca2SoVSOZTs/

See how Mauricio Durán uses Rickenbacker 381V69

Mauricio Durán

Singer, Guitarist

Los Bunkers

...
Verified via Photo

In a photo from 2020, Mauricio Durán is seen with a Rickenbacker 381v69 guitar, which may belong to his brother Francisco. There are no further details about its use.

See how Gonzalo López uses Rickenbacker 381V69

Gonzalo López

Bassist

Los Bunkers

...
Verified via Photo

Gonzalo López used the Rickenbacker 381v69 during the brief tour in Mexico in June 2024, specifically for the song "Quién Fuera." The guitar belongs to Francisco Durán. This is evidenced by a photo from Los Bunkers' concert in Toluca on June 15, 2024.

See how Glen Buxton uses Rickenbacker 381V69

Glen Buxton

Guitarist

Alice Cooper

...
Verified via Photo

In this image Glen can clearly be seen using a Rickenbacker 381 guitar.

See how J.B. Meijers uses Rickenbacker 381V69

J.B. Meijers

Singer, Guitarist

The Common Linnets

...
Verified via YouTube

J.B. shows the guitar at 8:48

  • JB uses the 12 string version.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Rickenbacker 381V69, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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