Pricing and availability

Average Price: $2,160

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Step into the world of classic rock with the Rickenbacker 650S, a solid body electric guitar designed for musicians who crave both style and substance. Known for its distinct sound and robust build, the 650S offers a versatile platform for any genre. Its sleek, ergonomic design ensures comfortable playability, allowing you to perform for hours without fatigue. The guitar is equipped with a dual humbucker configuration, delivering powerful tones that range from clear and bright to deep and resonant. The neck-through-body construction enhances sustain and stability, making it a reliable companion for both studio recordings and live performances.

Crafted with precision, the Rickenbacker 650S features a maple neck and body, providing a balanced tonal quality that appeals to both rhythm and lead guitarists. The 24-fret fingerboard offers a wide range of notes, expanding your musical creativity. This guitar is a favorite among musicians who appreciate its unique blend of vintage aesthetics and modern playability. Whether you're an aspiring guitarist or a seasoned pro, the Rickenbacker 650S is a valuable addition to your collection.

Key Features:

  • Solid body electric guitar design
  • Dual humbucker pickups for versatile sound
  • Neck-through-body construction for enhanced sustain
  • Maple neck and body for balanced tonal quality
  • 24-fret fingerboard for extended playability
  • Ideal for a range of musical genres
  • Vintage aesthetics with modern playability

Product specs

Brand Rickenbacker
Model 650S "Sierra"
Finish Walnut
Year 1993 - 2025
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Maple
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Top-Load
Color Family Brown, Natural
Finish Features Matching Headstock
Finish Style Satin
Fretboard Material Maple
Fretboard Radius 12"
Model Family Rickenbacker 650
Model Sub-Family Rickenbacker 650S
Neck Construction Neck-Through
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Rickenbacker Combo 600 Series

FAQs

What kind of tones can I expect from the Rickenbacker 650S pickups?

The Rickenbacker 650S features a dual humbucker (HH) configuration, delivering a rich, warm tone with a balanced output. This setup is versatile, providing clear cleans and robust overdriven sounds suitable for rock, blues, and more.

Is the Rickenbacker 650S suitable for advanced players?

Yes, the Rickenbacker 650S is well-suited for advanced players due to its high-quality craftsmanship, neck-through construction for enhanced sustain, and 24-fret maple fretboard offering a wide range of playability.

What is the neck profile like on the Rickenbacker 650S?

The Rickenbacker 650S features a comfortable neck-through maple construction, providing smooth access to all 24 frets and a sleek profile that accommodates fast playing styles.

How does the Rickenbacker 650S handle different music genres?

The Rickenbacker 650S is versatile, handling genres like rock, blues, and jazz with ease. Its dual humbucker pickups offer a wide tonal range, making it adaptable to various playing styles.

What materials are used in the construction of the Rickenbacker 650S?

The Rickenbacker 650S is crafted with a maple body and neck, a maple fretboard, and a satin walnut finish, offering durability and a classic aesthetic.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Rickenbacker 650S.

Features and functionality

  • The walnut construction offers good sustain and bright tones without feeling thin; the low-end is tight, and the guitar is notably heavy due to its dense wood.

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Comparisons

  • The Rickenbacker 650S's pickups were noted to sound similar to DeArmond single coils, described as honky and lifeless by one user when compared to their Fender Bassman experience.

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  • The main difference between the Dakota and Sierra models lies in hardware color: silver versus gold.

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  • One user compared the aesthetic of the Rickenbacker 650S to classic American cars from the 1950s, noting its vintage appeal.

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  • The neck of the Rickenbacker 650S is wider than typical Rickenbackers and even wider than a Gibson, with a chunky "D" shape and a slightly flat back.

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User experience

  • One owner found the Rickenbacker 650S to have a unique tightness and brightness, suitable for diverse sound palettes, yet struggled with the specific pickup tones.

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  • An owner expressed a preference for darker fretboards but found the lighter wood of the Rickenbacker 650S to be unexpectedly appealing.

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  • Some players find the Rickenbacker 650S's weight distribution slightly off, causing it to shift during play, especially when standing.

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Use cases and applications

  • The Rickenbacker 650S was seen on stage with the screamo band Gospel, indicating its suitability for live performances in high-energy music genres.

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  • The guitar's distinctive look and unique finish are highlighted as major draws, appealing to those who value standout visual design in their instruments.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Some owners mention that accessing the truss rod on the Rickenbacker 650S is straightforward via the headstock's large tear-shaped trussrod cover.

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  • The neck thickness ranges from .84" at the 1st fret to .88" at the 12th, offering a fast feel due to its non-varnished surface.

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Build quality

  • It's reported that the finish on some Rickenbacker 650S guitars can be sticky, affecting playability for certain users.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Owners suggest replacing the chrome pickguard with a cream pearloid or black pickguard, with Pickguardian recommended for custom replacements.

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Value and pricing

  • These models are scarce and have seen prices from $850 to over $3,000, though they originally sold for around $800 new.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Todd Jones uses Rickenbacker 650S

Todd Jones

Singer, Guitarist

Nails

...
Verified via YouTube

he plays on a rickenbacker with blacklisted in 2007 at the sound and fury fest

See how Adam Dooling uses Rickenbacker 650S

Adam Dooling

Singer, Guitarist

Gospel

...
Verified via Photo

Seen here playing a 650S with Gospel

Genre Usage

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

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