Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $2,350

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Rickenbacker 425 is a classic in the realm of solid body electric guitars, known for its unique sound and vintage appeal. Originally debuted in the 1960s, this guitar has been a staple for musicians seeking that distinct, ringing tone that Rickenbacker is famed for. Its simple yet elegant design is perfect for guitarists who appreciate a straightforward, no-frills instrument that delivers great performance.

The single-coil pickup is a defining feature of the Rickenbacker 425, providing a bright and clear sound that cuts through the mix, making it ideal for both rhythm and lead playing. The body is crafted from high-quality wood, ensuring durability and a resonant tone that enhances its sonic characteristics. The slim neck offers a comfortable playing experience, allowing for smooth transitions across the fretboard.

Whether you're playing rock, pop, or indie, the Rickenbacker 425 is versatile enough to handle a variety of styles, making it a valuable addition to any guitarist's collection. With its vintage charm and modern playability, this guitar continues to capture the hearts of musicians around the world.

Key Features:

  • Solid body construction for robust tone and sustain
  • Single-coil pickup for bright, clear sound
  • Slim neck for comfortable playability
  • Iconic vintage design
  • Ideal for various music styles including rock, pop, and indie

Product specs

Brand Rickenbacker
Model Combo 425
Finish Fireglo
Year 1958 - 1965
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Maple
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Top-Load
Color Family Red
Finish Features Matching Headstock
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Rickenbacker 425
Neck Construction Neck-Through
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration S
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Rickenbacker Combo 400 Series

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Rickenbacker 425?

The Rickenbacker 425 features a sleek neck-through construction with a comfortable and slim profile, making it suitable for fast playing and easy access to higher frets.

What kind of tones can I expect from the Rickenbacker 425's pickup?

The Rickenbacker 425 is equipped with a single pickup that delivers a bright, jangly tone characteristic of Rickenbacker guitars, ideal for rock, pop, and jangle-pop genres.

Is the Rickenbacker 425 suitable for beginner guitarists?

While the Rickenbacker 425 offers excellent build quality and unique tones, its vintage appeal and specific sound might be better suited for intermediate to advanced players familiar with single-pickup guitars.

What is the body material of the Rickenbacker 425, and how does it affect the sound?

The Rickenbacker 425 features a solid maple body, which contributes to its bright, resonant tone with a strong midrange presence, ideal for cutting through a mix.

Does the Rickenbacker 425 have a gloss finish, and what are its benefits?

Yes, the Rickenbacker 425 has a gloss finish that enhances the guitar's visual appeal and provides a protective layer, contributing to its durability and long-lasting shine.

Carter Vintage Guitars

Carter Vintage Guitars

1967 Rickenbacker 425 played by RJ Ronquillo

Video thumbnail for 1967 Rickenbacker 425 played by RJ Ronquillo by Carter Vintage Guitars

1967 Rickenbacker 425 played by RJ Ronquillo

Carter Vintage Guitars

Carter Vintage Guitars

Video thumbnail for JOHN PLAYS GEORGE'S RICKENBACKER 425 – Weird Moments in Beatles History #2 by Nick Martellaro

JOHN PLAYS GEORGE'S RICKENBACKER 425 – Weird Moments in Beatles History #2

Nick Martellaro

Nick Martellaro

Video thumbnail for (Almost) George Harrisons 1962 Rickenbacker by ZIMM'S GUITARS

(Almost) George Harrisons 1962 Rickenbacker

ZIMM'S GUITARS

ZIMM'S GUITARS

Video thumbnail for 1965 Rickenbacker 425 by ZIMM'S GUITARS

1965 Rickenbacker 425

ZIMM'S GUITARS

ZIMM'S GUITARS

Video thumbnail for Beatles Collection: Video #7 - Rickenbacker 425 from JL by JL JL

Beatles Collection: Video #7 - Rickenbacker 425 from JL

JL JL

JL JL

Video thumbnail for SOLD 1976 Rickenbacker 425 George Harrison Style Guitar by Chingonas Guitars

SOLD 1976 Rickenbacker 425 George Harrison Style Guitar

Chingonas Guitars

Chingonas Guitars

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Rickenbacker 425.

Features and functionality

  • The 1980s Rickenbacker 425 likely features an 80s TRC, case, and pickup, which differ from 60s models and might contribute to a better sound.

    Source
  • The guitar might have a three-way toggle switch for the tone circuit, possibly a unique feature compared to other era models.

    Source
  • The Rickenbacker 425 is often characterized by its single "toaster pickup," which is noted for its distinctive 60s garage psych sound.

    Source

User experience

  • Some owners suggest that the pickup in the 1980s models sounds superior to those from the 1960s versions.

    Source
  • Owners highlight that the Rickenbacker 425 was originally built as a "student model," which contributes to its lightweight and user-friendly design.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The neck of the Rickenbacker 425 is described as quite small and easy to play, which contrasts with the larger necks found on guitars like the Jazzmaster.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The guitar is known to excel with fuzz effects, making it ideal for those seeking a vintage 60s sound.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some users have swapped the original toaster pickup with a P90 for a different tonal experience, although this is not a stock feature.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how George Harrison uses Rickenbacker 425

George Harrison

Ukulele Player, Guitarist

The Beatles

...
Verified via Gstatic

In this photo, Harrison can be seen playing a Rickenbacker 425

See how Tom Petty uses Rickenbacker 425

Tom Petty

Guitarist, Singer

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

...
Verified via Photo

Tom Petty can be seen with a Rickenbacker 425 in this photo.

See how Johnny Ramone uses Rickenbacker 425

Johnny Ramone

Guitarist

Ramones

...
Verified via Photo

Here is Johnny using a Rickenbacker 425.

See how Courtney Love uses Rickenbacker 425

Courtney Love

Guitarist, Singer

Hole

...
Verified via Photo

Love can be seen using a Rickenbacker 425 in this photo.

See how Finn Wolfhard uses Rickenbacker 425

Finn Wolfhard

Singer, Guitarist

Calpurnia

...
Verified via Photo

Finn has used the Rickenbacker 425 in many live performances at his recent shows. This is one of the many photos of him playing it on stage. (Its actually a Rickenbacker 950, but they are very rare and have no selection on here)

See how Carrie Brownstein uses Rickenbacker 425

Carrie Brownstein

Guitarist

Sleater-Kinney

...
Verified via YouTube

In the official music video for "Entertain", Carrie can be seen playing a 425 at :23s.

See how Kat Bjelland uses Rickenbacker 425

Kat Bjelland

Guitarist

Babes in Toyland

...
Verified via Photo

Shortly after graduating from high school in 1982, Bjelland moved to Portland, and at age 19, bought her first guitar, a Rickenbacker 425, from a local pawn shop for $200, which she played throughout the 1990s and into the 2000s.

See how Ichiro Yamaguchi uses Rickenbacker 425

Ichiro Yamaguchi

Singer, Guitarist

Sakanaction

...
Verified via YouTube

Ichiro Yamaguchi is seen using a black Rickenbacker 425 guitar at the 0:30 mark of the video titled "サカナクション / ワンダーランド from 『SAKANAQUARIUM 光 ONLINE』," which is provided by サカナクション sakanaction on YouTube.

S

Stuart Moxham

Guitarist

Young Marble Giants

...
Verified via YouTube

Stuart Moxham is confirmed to use the Rickenbacker 425 as his main guitar during Young Marble Giants' original run. This is evidenced by the video footage from "Young Marble Giants Live at the Western Front, November 6, 1980," captured by Eric Rhodes on YouTube, where Moxham is seen playing the Rickenbacker 425 throughout the performance, with a clearer view at the 6:35 mark.

Album Usage

The Rickenbacker 425 has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

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

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    austinmw

    Gear IQ 5227