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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
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What type of pickups does the Rickenbacker 381v69 feature?
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The Rickenbacker 381v69 is equipped with two vintage single-coil pickups, which deliver a classic, bright, and jangly tone characteristic of Rickenbacker guitars.
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Is the Rickenbacker 381v69 suitable for playing live performances?
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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.
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How does the body material of the Rickenbacker 381v69 affect its sound?
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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.
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What is the neck profile of the Rickenbacker 381v69 like?
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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.
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Does the Rickenbacker 381v69 come with a case?
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Yes, the Rickenbacker 381v69 includes a case, ensuring protection and easy transport for the guitar.
Videos
Chicago Music Exchange
Rickenbacker 381V69 Jetglo | CME Gear Demo | Brian Westfall
Reviews
PROS
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Effortlessly nails iconic Beatles and Brit Invasion tones
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Versatile sound from jazzy neck to country twang
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Powerful jangle with a unique chime quality
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Beautifully crafted with heirloom quality
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Wide variety of tones from toaster pickups and blend knob
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German body carve adds a distinct aesthetic appeal
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Great balance despite not being the lightest guitar
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Compatible with both Fender and Gibson style sounds
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Perfect for serious musicians and home studio use
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Instantly recognizable sound with a compressor
CONS
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Vintage tuners may lack modern accuracy
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Traditional strap buttons may need replacement for some users
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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
Features and functionality
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings
Artist usage
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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.
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.
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
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/
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.
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.
Genre Usage
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Rickenbacker 381V69, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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