Watkins Rapier 22

3.0 (1)

1 Review

Find out who is using Watkins Rapier 22

0 wishlisted

1 saved

Page last updated Aug 10, 2025

Pricing and availability

Store

Reviews

Price

^* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Edit description

The Watkins Rapier 22 is a classic solid body electric guitar that harks back to the golden era of British guitar craftsmanship. Known for its distinct tonal character and vintage appeal, this model has been cherished by enthusiasts for its authentic sound and unique styling. Featuring a double-cutaway design, the Rapier 22 provides excellent access to higher frets, making it a versatile choice for both rhythm and lead players.

Equipped with dual single-coil pickups, the Rapier 22 delivers a bright and dynamic output, perfect for genres ranging from rock and blues to surf and pop. The simple yet effective control layout includes a three-way pickup selector, master volume, and tone controls, allowing players to effortlessly sculpt their sound. The guitar's neck is crafted for comfort, ensuring smooth playability across the fretboard.

The Watkins Rapier 22 stands out not only for its striking looks but also for its robust build quality. Its solid body construction contributes to a full-bodied tone with excellent sustain. Whether you're a seasoned musician or a budding guitarist, the Rapier 22 offers a timeless playing experience that’s deeply rooted in musical heritage.

Key Features:

Solid body electric guitar with a vintage-inspired design
Double-cutaway for easy access to higher frets
Dual single-coil pickups for a bright, dynamic sound
Three-way pickup selector for versatile tonal options
Comfortable neck for smooth playability
Simple control layout with master volume and tone knobs

Reviews

Add review

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Watkins Rapier 22.

Features and functionality

0 0

The original Hi Lo vibrato is retained, offering a unique blend of Jazzmaster and Strat tremolo characteristics.
Source
0 0

The quirky zero fret is preserved, maintaining the vintage design quirk of the original.
Source
0 0

The Watkins Rapier 22's pickup selector is described as being from a 60s hairdryer, featuring a spring-loaded mechanism that adds a unique tactile feel.
Source
0 0

The bridge pickup is out of phase, which contributes to a unique tonal character, particularly noticeable in high-gain settings.
Source
0 0

The rhythm solo switch on the Watkins Rapier 22 primarily impacts sound when used with high-gain effects, offering a distinct tonal shift.
Source

Build quality

0 0

Some report early failure of the 3-way toggle switch, potentially indicating a quality control issue.
Source

User experience

0 0

Owners appreciate the small, light body for comfortable playability over extended sessions.
Source
0 0

Owners highlight the guitar's feather-light weight, which enhances playability and provides a distinctive feel compared to heavier models.
Source
0 0

The guitar's vintage charm is emphasized by its worn, faded red finish and cartoonishly long headstock, adding to its appeal as a storied instrument.
Source

Add review

3.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

kaden_summers

426

over 8 years ago

Meh

British guitars are pretty... meh, and this one is no different.

Artist usage

Add artist

Tony Iommi

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Black Sabbath

Verified via YouTube

His first guitar was a Watkins Rapier 22 LH. He talks about it at 2:10 in the interview.

Paul Weller

Singer, Guitarist

The Style Council

Verified via Rickresource

Paul Weller is seen performing with his Watkins Rapier 22 guitar while playing with The Jam. This is documented in a discussion on the Rickresource Forum, where a photo is shared in the topic "The Jam - Going Underground."