Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $4,025

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Discover the Rickenbacker 481-SF Electric Guitar, where classic design meets innovative craftsmanship. This iconic piece marries the beloved 480 body shape with cutting-edge features that cater to the modern musician. The slanted frets offer a distinctive playing experience, aligning naturally with your fingers for enhanced comfort and precision. This unique fret design, a hallmark of Rickenbacker ingenuity, ensures every chord and note is as effortless as it is impactful.

Equipped with dual humbuckers, the 481-SF delivers a rich, full-bodied tone that can shift from mellow warmth to sharp clarity with ease. The addition of a pickup phase reversal switch allows players to explore a broader sonic landscape, providing versatility for various music genres. Designed for both stage and studio, this guitar offers unparalleled sound quality and playability, making it a must-have for musicians seeking a blend of tradition and modernity.

Perfect for seasoned players and aspiring artists alike, the Rickenbacker 481-SF stands out not only for its sound but also its aesthetic appeal. Its sleek finish and meticulous craftsmanship reflect the brand's commitment to quality and style.

Key Features:

  • Slanted frets for natural finger alignment
  • Dual humbucker pickups for versatile tone
  • Pickup phase reversal switch for expanded sound options
  • Classic 480 body shape with modern enhancements
  • Sleek, durable finish for long-lasting appeal

Product specs

Brand Rickenbacker
Model 481, 481 Slant Fret
Finish Azureglo, Burgundyglo, Fireglo, Jetglo, Mapleglo, Walnut, White
Year 1974 - 1979
Made In United States
Categories Electric Travel Guitars, Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Maple
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Black, Blue, Brown, Natural, Red, Tan, White
Finish Features Matching Headstock
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Fretboard Radius 12"
Model Family Rickenbacker 481
Neck Construction Neck-Through
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration SS
Right / Left Handed Left Handed, Right Handed
Series Rickenbacker Combo 400 Series

FAQs

What makes the Rickenbacker 481-SF Electric Guitar unique compared to other Rickenbacker models?

The Rickenbacker 481-SF features slant frets, which are designed for enhanced playability and comfort. It also sports a double cutaway body shape and neck-through construction, providing excellent sustain and access to higher frets.

What type of pickups does the Rickenbacker 481-SF use, and what tones can they produce?

The Rickenbacker 481-SF is equipped with single-coil pickups, known for their bright and clear tone. These pickups are ideal for achieving the classic jangle and chime associated with Rickenbacker guitars, suitable for genres like rock, folk, and pop.

Is the Rickenbacker 481-SF suitable for both left-handed and right-handed players?

Yes, the Rickenbacker 481-SF is available in both left-handed and right-handed configurations, allowing players of either orientation to enjoy its unique features and tonal qualities.

What are the finish options available for the Rickenbacker 481-SF Electric Guitar?

The Rickenbacker 481-SF comes in a variety of finishes, including Azureglo, Burgundyglo, Fireglo, Jetglo, Mapleglo, Walnut, and White, allowing players to choose a look that suits their personal style.

How many frets does the Rickenbacker 481-SF have, and what is the fretboard material?

The Rickenbacker 481-SF features a 24-fret rosewood fretboard, offering a smooth playing surface and a wide range of notes for versatile playing styles.

Reviews

PROS

  • Slanted frets alleviate strain, great for players with hand issues

  • Flamed maple body adds a unique visual appeal

  • Pickups offer a wide variety of usable tones

  • Coil tap on neck pickup enhances sound versatility

  • Fast neck and low action improve playability

  • Comparable to high-end vintage Fenders and Custom Shops

CONS

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Rickenbacker 481-SF Electric Guitar.

Features and functionality

  • The Rickenbacker 481-SF features Rickenbacker's own humbuckers, which are distinctive and not commonly found on other models.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Unlike the Rickenbacker 480, the 481-SF includes humbuckers, offering a different tonal character suitable for fans of bands like Kasabian.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Finding a Rickenbacker 481non slanted version can be challenging, with prices typically starting at $2500 due to its rarity.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Sergio Pizzorno uses Rickenbacker 481-SF Electric Guitar

Sergio Pizzorno

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Kasabian

...
Verified via Photo

When asked what guitar and amp combination he gravitates towards, Sergio Pizzorno responds, "A Watkins amplifier and a Rickenbacker SF – side-fretted from 1975. It's just the baddest sound. It's my sound – nobody else really uses it."

The editor notes that the Rickenbacker Sergio is referring to is the Rickenbacker model 481-SF, "with slanted frets." The original article from March 2012 can be found here.

See how TIm Christensen uses Rickenbacker 481-SF Electric Guitar

TIm Christensen

Singer, Guitarist

Dizzy Mizz Lizzy

...
Verified via Photo

Tim Christensen is seen playing a Rickenbacker 481-SF Electric Guitar in a user-uploaded photo from Rickresource.

See how R. Stevie Moore uses Rickenbacker 481-SF Electric Guitar

R. Stevie Moore

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

According to various threads on his website and this live picture, R Stevie uses this Rickenbacker 481 guitar a lot..

W

Walter Piancioli

Los Tipitos

...
Verified via Photo

Walter Piancioli is seen with his Rickenbacker 481-SF Electric Guitar in a photo from Paranaturismo, highlighting it as one of his favorite guitars.

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