Watkins Rapier 33

3.0 (4)

1 Review

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Page last updated Mar 30, 2026

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Description

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Step into the world of vintage electric guitars with the Watkins Rapier 33, a solid body electric guitar that captures the essence of the classic British sound. Known for its distinctive style and rich history, the Rapier 33 offers a unique blend of nostalgia and modern playability. Originally crafted in the 1960s, this guitar has been a favorite among enthusiasts for its distinctive three-pickup configuration, providing a versatile tonal palette perfect for various music genres.

The Watkins Rapier 33 features a lightweight and comfortable body, making it ideal for extended playing sessions without causing fatigue. Its sleek neck is designed for smooth playability, allowing both beginners and seasoned players to explore complex chord progressions and fast solos with ease. The guitar’s vintage-style bridge ensures stable tuning, while its single-coil pickups deliver iconic, crisp tones that are perfect for everything from rock to blues.

Whether you're looking to recreate the sounds of the past or carve out your own musical path, the Watkins Rapier 33 stands as a testament to enduring design and sound quality. This guitar is not just an instrument but a piece of music history that continues to inspire musicians around the world.

Key Features:

Solid body electric guitar with vintage British design
Distinctive three-pickup configuration for versatile sound
Lightweight and comfortable body for extended play
Smooth neck for easy playability
Single-coil pickups for iconic, crisp tones
Vintage-style bridge for stable tuning and classic sound

Videos

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Ade Miller

WATKINS RAPIER 33 DEMO - A Slice of British Rock'n'Roll History!

Ade Miller

Rapier 33 Demo

Guitarist

Watkins Rapier 33 'played live on BBC TV. Guitar Files #8

TheGuitarCollection

Watkins Rapier 33 (1967) - vintage guitar review

Gavin Lazarus

Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Watkins Rapier 33.

Build quality

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The 3-way toggle switch is prone to failure, breaking within the first week for some users.
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Some Rapiers featured switches repurposed from modified British hair dryers, contributing to their unique character.
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Features and functionality

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The guitar's design gives off Mustang vibes due to its small, thin body and punchy mini-humbuckers, offering versatile pickup combinations.
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Comparisons

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While cosmetically similar to a Highflyer, its feel is more akin to a Mustang despite its 25.5" scale length.
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Other

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Originally a modern reissue of the 1960s Watkins Rapier from England, it shares design similarities with the old Hagstrom I.
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Setup and maintenance

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Owners report that the original floating bridge often causes issues with intonation and string slippage, particularly with the high E string.
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Mods and upgrades

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The Teisco knock-off Gretsch 'space control' bridge is recommended for improved intonation and easier string changes, requiring drilling for mounting.
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Some versions feature a two-post bridge similar to an ABR-style setup, suggesting potential compatibility with these components for replacement or modification.
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User experience

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Issues with bridge modifications can lead to buzzing and slipping strings, indicating a common challenge with maintaining stable tuning and playability.
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3.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings

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rubbersoulrick

almost 12 years ago

My piece of British Rock 'n' Roll history.

3 diverse pick-ups, a vibrato arm, and the super lightweight design give this guitar a charming appeal. The neck is a little too thick for my liking and the chunky frets reduce finger speed.

rubbersoulrick

11 years ago over 11 years ago

Sounds like a bear when you play in open tunings with a slide.

Artist usage

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George Harrison

Singer, Guitarist

The Beatles

Verified via Photo

The image shows George Harrison using a Watkins Rapier 33, suggesting he found its tone beneficial for studio recordings.

Danny Kirwan

Guitarist

Fleetwood Mac

Verified via Fender Stratocaster Guitar Forum

Look the picture in article

"I was going by memory of something I read a while back. It could have been a much later model for all I know. Wikipedia lists Danny's guitars as such:

Watkins Rapier 33, 1960s British-made Fender Stratocaster-style guitar, with a chambered body. Kirwan's was red, and he used it when in Boilerhouse, and during early Fleetwood Mac performances (e.g. Hyde Park, London, free concert 1968). Fender Telecaster Standard Blonde. Used on "Like Crying". 1956 Gibson Les Paul Standard, Goldtop, P-90 pickups, no pickguard, later refinished to red. 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard, Cherry Sunburst, no pickguard. 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard, Tobacco Sunburst, no pickguard. 1957 Gibson Les Paul Custom, 3 pickup Black Beauty, no pickguard. Orange Matamp 100W valve (vacuum tube) amplifier, usually used with two 4 x 12 Orange speaker cabinets (used by the whole band for a period) and separate Orange (valve) spring reverb unit. Fender Dual Showman amplifier No mention of the Strat, but as I understand it, it belonged to the band and they passed it around as needed. I believe I saw a photo of Jeremy Spencer playing it as well." *

Simon Tong

Guitarist

Gorillaz

Verified via YouTube

At 25:51, brief clip of Simon using a vintage Watkins Rapier 33. This is his own guitar, and he has used it live aswell. Damon Albarn used it a couple of times aswell.