electric since 1931
The history of
Rock and roll is rickenbacker
Rickenbacker instruments stand as some of the most iconic of all time, as one of the true early innovators of the electric guitar.
our handcrafted sound
The distinctive instrument renowned for quality craftsmanship and the rickenbacker name
Each instrument passes through exhaustive inspections. Rickenbacker is proud of its set-up and testing procedures, resulting in the many compliments from musicians that the guitars are ready to play.
New for 2024
Welcome back a new old classic!
The 4005V
Perhaps the most anticipated re-issue in Rickenbacker history. The 4005V is inspired by the iconic 4005 semi-acoustic body introduced in 1965. The updated version of this classic boasts two vintage pickups, crushed pearl inlays, checkered binding, and Rickenbacker’s new single dual-action truss rod. Built with the same slimmed down neck profile of the 4003 and an X braced semi-acoustic body that provides the same deep warm tone as its 60’s predecessor.
find a rickenbacker near you
Find a dealer OR distributor
New RIC guitars are only available for purchase through an authorized RIC dealer. Find the dealer or distributor nearest you by clicking the Find Dealers button below. If you would like to order parts directly from our factory, you can do so by visiting the Boutique section of our website.
Where every rickenbacker begins
The factory
As one might expect, the creation of every Rickenbacker guitar begins in the wood shop. After a shipment of lumber is received, experienced woodworkers carefully inspect each piece of wood to ensure a proper match of grain and quality of material. Eastern hardrock Maple is our wood of choice for necks and bodies, while other woods such as walnut, vermilion and shedua are used for decorative details. Though some of our newer instruments sport maple fingerboards, our more traditional models have rosewood fingerboards.
full line of instruments
From 4 strings to 12
From the legendary 4000 series bass guitar to the unmistakable 12-string jangle of the 620 series guitars, Rickenbacker covers the gamut of all your favorite tones from your deserted island records.
a long history of quality
read the rickenbacker story
The Rickenbacker International Corporation (RIC) grew out of the first company founded for the sole purpose of creating and manufacturing fully electric musical instruments and amplifiers-the Los Angeles-based Electro String Instrument Corporation. Founded in 1931 by Adolph Rickenbacker and George D. Beauchamp, this pioneering firm produced “Rickenbacker Electro Instruments”, the first modern electric guitars. RIC’s history now spans 93 years in business on the leading edge of music trends that have changed popular culture forever.