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
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What kind of tones can I expect from the Rickenbacker 650S pickups?
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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.
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Is the Rickenbacker 650S suitable for advanced players?
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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.
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What is the neck profile like on the Rickenbacker 650S?
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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.
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How does the Rickenbacker 650S handle different music genres?
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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.
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What materials are used in the construction of the Rickenbacker 650S?
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
Build quality
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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
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Owners suggest replacing the chrome pickguard with a cream pearloid or black pickguard, with Pickguardian recommended for custom replacements.
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Artist usage
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