The Complete Rickenbacker Model Identification Guide

Feb 11, 2025

I owe a huge debt of gratitude to Björn Eriksson’s rickbeat.com and Ron O’Keefe’s ronsvintage.com websites. I can’t begin to tell you how many hours—especially early in my quest to learn all there is to know about Rickenbacker guitars—I’ve spent poring over the pictures and information they contain. They’re fantastic resources.

But as fantastic as they both are, they were both…incomplete. I always wanted a page that showed me ALL of the guitars Rickenbacker had made, and gave me the key details on each. This is my attempt to do just exactly that.

This page will remain a work in progress for some time because not only does it endeavor to show “them all”, over time it will link to more and more pages that go into each model in more detail. Excruciating detail. But not here. This is just the overview.

You will find here a list of all models Rickenbacker has made since 1954. It shows you a picture and gives you a brief overview of the key specs and features of each. If a deeper dive into that model exists on this site, you will find a link to that as well. So what are ALL the models? Well, that’s a difficult question. Let’s just say it’s all models that have appeared on a pricelist (and were actually made, because there is vaporware on some pricelists!) or a press release or are well enough known in the community to warrant a mention. Have I missed some? Almost certainly. Let me know and I’ll add them. It’s a work in progress.

You’ll notice I show “produced between” for each item. Some items stayed in the catalog for a long time without being made. I’ve only included date ranges I can prove exist. Prove me wrong and I’ll update.

You’ll find the list divided into two categories: The Early Era (1954-1961) and The Modern Era (1962-Present). 1961 was a very pivotal year for the company, with many models dramatically changing over the course of the year. The product line as we know it today was more or less set in 1961. Dividing the list this way is my attempt to make things a little bit clearer for the models that made these changes, I’ve It will all make sense, I promise. Let’s go!

THE EARLY ERA 1954-1961

1000: A standard solidbody short scale (20.5”) 6-string guitar with a flat top and double convex “tulip” (early 1957) or convex upper/pointed lower (mid 1957-on) cutaways, an 18 fret through neck with dot inlays and a paddle headstock, 1 recessed pickguard mounted era appropriate pickup, a single level pickguard covering much of the guitar’s face, and a top-mounted bridgeplate with a one piece Bakelite lap steel bridge mounted on a standard bridge frame (early examples) or a standard 6-saddle adjustable bridge with ashtray cover. Features 2 knob/1 switch pickguard mounted mono wiring with face mounted output jack. Produced between 1957-1961. Click HERE to learn more about the short scale solidbody guitars.

310 Capri: A standard semi-hollowbody short scale (20.5”) 6-string guitar with a flat top and double pointed cutaways, a 21 fret set neck with dot inlays and a paddle headstock, 2 top mounted toaster pickups, a single level teardrop pickguard, a trapeze tailpiece with a standard 6-saddle adjustable bridge, and an unbound f-hole soundhole. Features either 2 knob/1 switch (very early examples) or 4 knob/1 switch pickguard mounted mono wiring with side output jack. Produced from 1958-1960.

315 Capri: A 310 with a Kauffman Vibrola and a 6-saddle adjustable roller bridge. Produced from 1958-1960.

325 Capri: A 310 with 3 toaster pickups and a Kauffman Vibrola with a 6-saddle adjustable roller bridge. May or may not have an unbound f-hole soundhole. Produced in 1958.

330 Capri: A standard semi-hollowbody 6-string guitar with a flat top and double pointed cutaways, a 21 fret set neck with dot inlays and a paddle headstock, 2 top mounted toaster pickups, a 2 level teardrop pickguard (1 level on very early examples), a trapeze tailpiece with a standard 6-saddle adjustable bridge, and a slash soundhole. Features 4 knob/1 switch pickguard mounted mono wiring (2 knob/2 switch on very early examples) with a side output jack. Produced between 1958-1961. Click HERE to learn more about the 330 Capri.

330 “New Capri”: A standard semi-hollowbody 6-string guitar with double pointed cutaways, a 21 fret set neck with dot inlays and a paddle headstock, 2 top mounted toaster pickups, a 2 level teardrop pickguard, a trapeze tailpiece with standard 6-saddle adjustable bridge, and a slash soundhole. Features 4 knob/1 switch pickguard mounted mono wiring with a side output jack. Produced between 1961-1963. Click HERE to learn more about the 330 New Capri.

330F: A standard full bodied semi-hollowbody 6-string guitar with a flat top and single rounded cutaway, a 21 fret set neck with dot inlays and a paddle headstock, 2 top mounted toaster pickups, a 2 level teardrop pickguard, a trapeze tailpiece with a standard 6-saddle adjustable bridge, and a slash soundhole. Features 4 knob/1 selector switch pickguard mounted mono wiring with side output jack. Produced between 1958-1961.

335 Capri: A 330 Capri with either a Kauffman Vibrola (early examples) or Accent vibrato (later examples) and a 6-saddle adjustable roller bridge. Produced between 1958-1961. Click HERE to learn more about the 335 Capri.

335 “New Capri”: A 330 “New Capri” with an Accent vibrato and a 6-saddle adjustable roller bridge. Produced between 1961-63. Click HERE to learn more about the 335 New Capri.

335F: A 330F with either a Kauffman Vib-rola (early examples) or Accent vibrato (later examples) and a 6-saddle adjustable roller bridge. Produced between 1958-1961.

340 Capri: A 330 Capri with 3 toaster pickups. Produced between 1958-1961. Click HERE to learn more about the 340 Capri.

340F: A 330F with 3 toaster pickups. Produced between 1958-1961.

345 Capri: A 340 Capri with either a Kauffman Vibrola (early examples) or Accent vibrato (later examples) and a 6-saddle adjustable roller bridge. Produced between 1958-1961. Click HERE to learn more about the 345 Capri.

345F: A 340F with either a Kauffman Vibrola (early examples) or Accent vibrato (later examples) and a 6-saddle adjustable roller bridge. Produced between 1958-1961.

360 Capri: A deluxe semi-hollowbody 6-string guitar with a flat top and double pointed cutaways, bound top and back, a bound 21 fret set neck with full width acrylic triangle inlays and a paddle headstock, 2 top mounted toaster pickups, a 2 level teardrop pickguard (1 level on very early examples), a trapeze tailpiece with a standard 6-saddle adjustable bridge, and a slash soundhole. Features 4 knob/1 switch pickguard mounted mono wiring (2 knob/2 switch on very early examples) with side output jack. Produced between 1958-1961.

360 “New Capri”: A deluxe semi-hollowbody 6-string guitar with a flat top and double pointed cutaways, bound top and back, a bound 21 fret set neck with full width acrylic triangle inlays and a paddle headstock, 2 top mounted toaster pickups, a 2 level teardrop pickguard, a trapeze tailpiece with a standard 6-saddle adjustable bridge, and a slash soundhole. Features 5 knob/1 switch pickguard mounted mono/stereo wiring with side output jacks. Produced between 1961-1963.

360F: A deluxe full bodied semi-hollowbody 6-string guitar with a flat top and single rounded cutaway, checkered top and back binding, a bound 21 fret set neck with full width acrylic triangle inlays and a paddle headstock, 2 top mounted toaster pickups, a 2 level teardrop pickguard, a trapeze tailpiece with a standard 6-saddle adjustable bridge, and a slash soundhole. Features 4 knob/1 switch pickguard mounted mono wiring with side output jack. Produced between 1958-1961.

365 Capri: A 360 Capri with either a Kauffman Vibrola (early examples) or Accent vibrato (later examples) and a 6-saddle adjustable roller bridge. Produced between 1958-1961.

365 “New Capri”: A 360 New Capri with an Accent vibrato and a 6-saddle adjustable roller bridge. Produced between 1961-1963.

365F: A 360F with either a Kauffman Vib-rola (early examples) or Accent vibrato (later examples) and a 6-saddle adjustable roller bridge. Produced between 1958-1961.

370 Capri: A 360 with 3 toaster pickups. Produced between 1958-1961.

370 “New Capri”: A 360 New Capri with 3 toaster pickups. Produced between 1961-1963.

370F: A 370F with 3 toaster pickups. Produced between 1958-1961.

375 Capri: A 370 Capri with either a Kauffman Vib-rola (early examples) or Accent vibrato (later examples) and a 6-saddle adjustable roller bridge. Produced between 1958-1961

375 “New Capri”: A 370 “New Capri” with an Accent vibrato and a 6-saddle adjustable roller bridge. Produced between 1961-1963.

375F: A 370F with either a Kauffman Vib-rola and roller bridge (earlier examples) or Accent vibrola and roller bridge (later examples)

Combo 400: A standard solidbody 6-string guitar with a flat top and double convex “tulip” cutaways, a 21 fret set neck with dot inlays and a paddle headstock,1 recessed pickguard mounted DeArmond pickup, a single level pickguard covering much of the guitar’s face, and a top-mounted bridgeplate with standard 6-saddle adjustable bridge and ashtray cover. Features 2 knob/1 switch pickguard mounted mono wiring with a face-mounted output jack. Produced between 1956-1958.

Combo 425: A standard solidbody 6-string guitar with a flat (1958-early 1961) or countoured (late 1961) top with 1 cresting wave/1 pointed cutaways, a 21 fret set neck with dot inlays and a paddle headstock, 1 recessed pickguard mounted toaster pickup, a single level pickguard covering much of the guitar’s face, and a top-mounted bridgeplate with a one piece Bakelite lap steel bridge mounted on a standard bridge frame (early examples) or a standard 6-saddle adjustable bridge with an ashtray cover. Features 2 knob/1 switch pickguard mounted mono wiring with a face-mounted output jack. Produced between 1958-1961.

Combo 450: A standard solidbody 6-string guitar with a flat (1957-early 1961) or contoured (late 1961) top with double concave “tulip” cutaways (1957-early 1958) or tulip/pointed cutaways (mid-1958) or cresting wave/pointed cutaways (late 1958-1961), a 21 fret set neck with dot inlays and a paddle headstock, 2 recessed pickguard mounted toaster pickups, a single level pickguard covering much of the guitar’s face, and a top-mounted bridgeplate with standard 6-saddle adjustable bridge and ashtray cover. Features 2 knob/1 switch (1957-late 1958) or 4 knob/1 switch (late 1958-1961) pickguard mounted mono wiring with a face-mounted output jack. Produced between 1957-1961. Click HERE to learn more about the 450.

4000: A standard solidbody bass with a flat top and double cresting wave cutaways, a 20 fret through neck with dot inlays and a cresting wave headstock, 1 recessed horseshoe pickup with mounting surround, a single level pickguard, and a top-mounted guitar bridgeplate with a standard 6-saddle adjustable guitar bridge modified for 4 strings plus a sliding bridge cover with attached mute. Features 2 knob pickguard mounted mono wiring with side output jack. Produced between 1958-1961.

4001: A deluxe solidbody flat top bass featuring double cresting wave cutaways, a checkered bound top, a bound 20 fret through neck with full width acrylic triangle inlays and cresting wave headstock, 1 recessed pickguard mounted toaster pickup and 1 recessed horseshoe pickup with mounting surround, a single level pickguard, and a top-mounted guitar bridgeplate with a standard 6-saddle adjustable guitar bridge modified for 4 strings plus a sliding bridge cover with attached mute. Features 2 knobpickguard mounted mono wiring with side output jack. Produced in 1961. Click HERE to learn more about the 4001.

Combo 600: A standard semi-hollowbody 6-string guitar with a German carved top and a single pointed cutaway, a 21 fret bolt-on neck with dot inlays and a wave-topped headstock, 1 recessed horseshoe pickup with mounting surround, a short (1954-1955) or long (1956-1959) single level pickguard, and a top-mounted bridgeplate with standard 6-saddle adjustable bridge and ashtray cover. Features 2 knob/1 switch top (1954-1955) or pickguard (1956-1959) mounted mono wiring with side output jack. Produced between 1954-1959.

Combo 800: A Combo 600 with a two coil recessed horseshoe pickup and 2 knob/2 switch wiring. Produced between 1954-1959.

Combo 850: A standard solidbody 6-string guitar with a German carved top and double pointed cutaways, a 21 fret set neck with dot inlays and a wave-topped headstock, 1 top mounted toaster pickup and 1 recessed horseshoe pickup with mounting surround, a long single level pickguard, and a top-mounted bridgeplate with standard 6-saddle adjustable bridge and ashtray cover. Features 2 knob/2 switch pickguard mounted mono wiring with side output jack. Produced between 1957-1959.

900: A standard solidbody short scale (20.5”) 6-string guitar with a flat top and double concave tulip-shaped cutaways, a 21 fret through neck with dot markets and a paddle headstock, 1 recessed pickguard mounted era-appropriate pickup, a single level pickguard covering much of the face, and a top-mounted bridgeplate with a one piece Bakelite lap steel bridge mounted on a standard bridge frame (early examples) or a standard 6-saddle adjustable bridge with an ashtray cover. Features two knob/one selector switch pickguard mounted mono wiring with face mounted output jack. Produced between 1957-1961. Click HERE to learn more about the short scale solidbody guitars.

950: A 950 with 2 recessed pickguard mounted era-appropriate pickups. Produced between 1957-1961. Click HERE to learn more about the short scale solidbody guitars.

THE MODERN ERA: 1962-PRESENT

1000: A standard solidbody short scale (20.5”) 6-string guitar with a contoured top and either 1 tulip shaped/1 pointed (through 1964) or double pointed (from 1965) cutaways, an 18 fret through (through 1964) or set (from 1965) neck with dot inlays and a paddle headstock, 1 recessed pickguard mounted toaster pickup, a single level pickguard covering much of the guitar’s face, and a top mounted bridgeplate with floating compensated bridge. Features two knob/one selector switch pickguard mounted mono wiring with face output jack. Also sold as the Ryder and Electro ES-16. Produced from 1962-1967. Click HERE to learn more about the short scale solidbody guitars.

1993: A standard semi-hollowbody 12-string guitar with a flat top and double pointed cutaways, bound top and back, a 21 fret set neck with dot inlays and a slotted paddle headstock, 2 top mounted toaster pickups, a 2 level teardrop pickguard, a trapeze (first production batch) or “R” (all subsequent examples) tailpiece with standard 6 saddle adjustable bridge, and an unbound f-hole soundhole. Features 5 knob/1 selector switch pickguard mounted mono wiring with side output jack. Produced for British distributor Rose Morris between 1964-1965.

1993Plus: A deluxe semi-hollowbody 12-string guitar with a flat top and double pointed cutaways, bound front and back, a bound 21 fret set neck with a wider 1 ¾” nut width, full width acrylic triangle inlays and a slotted paddle headstock, 3 top-mounted toaster pickups, a 2 level teardrop pickguard, a trapeze tailpiece with standard 6 saddle adjustable bridge, and an unbound f-hole soundhole. Features 5 knob/1 selector switch pickguard mounted mono/stereo wiring with side output jacks. Produced from 2015-present. Click HERE to learn more about the 1993Plus.

1995: A standard solidbody 6-string guitar with a contoured top and 1 cresting wave/1 pointed cutaway, a 21 fret through neck with dot inlays and a paddle headstock, 2 top mounted toaster pickups, a 2 level teardrop pickguard, and an Accent Vibrato tailpiece with 6 saddle adjustable roller bridge. Features 5 knob/1 selector switch pickguard mounted wiring mono wiring with side output jack. Identical to the 615. Produced for British distributor Rose Morris in 1964. Click HERE to learn more about the 1995.

1996: A standard semi-hollowbody short scale (20.5”) 6-string guitar with a flat top and double pointed cutaways, a 21 fret set neck with dot inlays and a paddle headstock, 3 top mounted toaster pickups, a 2 level teardrop pickguard, an Accent Vibrato tailpiece with a 6-saddle adjustable roller bridge, and an unbound f-hole soundhole. Features five knob/1 selector switch pickguard mounted mono wiring with side output jack. Guitars made in early 1964 featured a “2 o’clock” f-hole orientation; guitars made later in the year (and from that point forward) had a “1 o’clock” f-hole orientation. Identical to the 325. Produced for British distributor Rose Morris in 1964.

1997: A standard semi-hollowbody 6-string guitar with a flat top and double pointed cutaways, a 21 fret set neck with dot inlays and a paddle headstock, 2 top mounted toaster pickups, an Accent Vibrato tailpiece with a 6-saddle adjustable roller bridge, and an unbound f-hole soundhole. Features 5 knob/1 selector switch pickguard mounted mono wiring with side output jack. Sold in the US market as the 330S. Produced for British distributor Rose Morris between 1964-1967. Click HERE to learn more about the 1997.

1997: A vintage reissue model inspired by the Rose Morris 1997. A standard semi-hollowbody 6-string guitar with a flat top and double pointed cutaways, a 21 fret set neck with dot inlays and a paddle headstock, 2 top mounted toaster pickups, a trapeze tailpiece with a standard 6-saddle adjustable bridge, and an unbound f-hole soundhole. Features 5 knob/1 selector switch pickguard mounted mono wiring with side output jack. Produced between 1986-2001. Click HERE to learn more about the 1997.

1997SPC: A vintage reissue model inspired by the Rose Morris 1997. A 1997 with 3 toaster pickups. Produced sporadically between 1987-2001. Click HERE to learn more about the 1997SPC.

1997VB: A vintage reissue model inspired by the Rose Morris 1997. A 1997 with an Accent vibrato. Produced between 1987-1991. Click HERE to learn more about the 1997VB.

1998: A standard semi-hollowbody 6-string guitar with a flat top and double pointed cutaways, a 21 fret set neck with dot inlays and a paddle headstock, 3 top mounted toaster pickups, a two level teardrop pickguard, an Accent Vibrato tailpiece with a 6-saddle adjustable roller bridge, and an unbound f-hole soundhole. Features 5 knob/1 selector switch pickguard mounted mono wiring with side output jack. Sold in the US market as the 340S. Produced for British distributor Rose Morris between 1964-1967. Click HERE to learn more about the 1998.

1998PT: The Pete Townshend Signature Limited Edition 1997, inspired by the Rose Morris guitars he played in the early days of The Who. A standard semi-hollowbody 6-string guitar with a flat top and double pointed cutaways, a 21 fret set neck with paddle headstock, 3 top mounted toaster pickups, a 2 level teardrop pickguard with a Pete Townshend graphic screen printed on the upper guard, an “R” tailpiece with a standard 6-saddle adjustable bridge, and an unbound f-hole soundhole. Features 5 knob/1 selector switch pickguard mounted mono wiring with side output jack. Produced between 1987-1988. Click HERE to learn more about this guitar and the other Signature Limited Edition models.

1999: A standard solidbody bass guitar with a contoured top and double cresting wave cutaways, a 20 fret through neck with dot inlays and a cresting wave headstock, 1 inset pickguard mounted toaster and 1 inset horseshoe pickup with mounting surround, a single level pickguard, and a standard 4-saddle adjustable bass bridge with adjustable mute. Features 4 knob/1 selector switch pickguard mounted mono wiring with side output jack. Identical to the US market 4001S. Produced for British distributor Rose Morris between 1964-1966. Click HERE to learn more about the 1999/4001.

220 Hamburg v2: A standard solidbody 6-string guitar with a contoured top and double rounded cutaways, a 24 fret bolt-on neck with a maple fingerboard, dot inlays and a paddle headstock, 2 recessed HB-2 humbucking pickups , a 1 level teardrop pickguard, and a top mounted 6-saddle adjustable bridge. Features 2 knob/1 selector switch pickguard mounted mono wiring with side output jack. Produced between 1992-1994.

230 Hamburg: A standard solidbody 6-string guitar with a contoured top and double rounded cutaways, a bound 24 fret bolt-on neck with dot inlays and a paddle headstock, 2 recessed noiseless single coil (1984-1987) or HB-2 humbucking pickups (1988-1993), no pickguard, and a top mounted 6-saddle adjustable bridge. Features 4 knob/1 selector switch pickguard mounted mono wiring with side output jack. Produced between 1984-1993.

230GF: The Glenn Frey Signature Edition 230, built to Frey’s specifications and based on the 220 Hamburg. A standard solidbody 6-string guitar with a contoured top and double rounded cutaways, a 24 fret bolt-on neck with black painted fingerboard, small white dot inlays and a paddle headstock, 2 recessed HB-2 humbucking pickups, a 1 level teardrop pickguard with Frey’s signature screen printed on it, and a top mounted 6-saddle adjustable bridge. Features 2 knob/1 selector switch pickguard mounted mono wiring with side output jack. Produced between 1992-2000. Click HERE to learn more about this guitar and the other Signature Limited Edition models.

250 El Dorado: A deluxe solidbody 6-string guitar with a flat top and double rounded cutaways, bound top and back, a bound 24 fret bolt-on neck with dot inlays and a paddle headstock, 2 recessed noiseless single coil (1984-1987) or HB-2 humbucking pickups (1988-1993), and a top mounted 6 saddle adjustable bridge. Features 4 knob/1 selector switch top mounted mono wiring with inset side output jack. Produced from 1984-1992.

260 El Dorado v2: A deluxe solidbody 6 string guitar with a flat top and double rounded cutaways, bound top and back, an unbound 24 fret bolt-on neck with maple fretboard, dot inlays and a paddle headstock, 2 recessed HB-2 humbucking pickups, a single level teardrop pickguard, and a top mounted 6-saddle adjustable bridge. Features 2 knob/1 selector switch pickguard mounted mono wiring with inset side output jack. Produced from 1992-1994.

2020 Hamburg: A standard solidbody bass guitar with a countoured top and double rounded cutaways, a 20 fret bolt-on neck with a maple fingerboard, dot inlays and a paddle headstock, 2 recessed HB-2 humbucking pickups, and a top mounted 4-saddle adjustable bridge. Features 2 knob/1 selector switch pickguard mounted mono wiring with side output jack. Produced between 1992-1993.

2030 Hamburg: A standard solidbody bass guitar with a contoured top and double rounded cutaways, a bound 20 fret bolt-on neck with paddle headstock, 2 recessed noiseless single coil (1984-1987) or HB-2 humbucking pickups (1988-1993), no pickguard, and a top mounted 4-saddle adjustable bridge. Features 4 knob/1 selector switch top mounted mono wiring with inset side output jack. Produced between 1985-1992.

2030GF: The Glenn Frey Signature Limited Edition 2030 bass as specified by Frey and based on the 2030. A standard solidbody bass guitar with a contoured top and double rounded cutaways, no pickguard, a 20 fret bolt-on neck with a black painted fingerboard, small white dot inlays and a paddle headstock, 2 recessed HB-2 humbucking pickups, a single level teardrop pickguard with Frey’s signature screen printed on it, and a top mounted 4-saddle adjustable bridge. Features 4 knob/1 selector switch top mounted mono wiring with side output jack. Produced between 1985-1992. Click HERE to learn more about this guitar and the other Signature Limited Edition models.

2050 El Dorado: A deluxe solidbody bass guitar with a flat top and double rounded cutaways, bound top and back, a bound 20 fret bolt-on neck with dot inlays and paddle headstock, 2 recessed noiseless single coil (1984-1987) or HB-2 humbucking pickups (1988-1993), no pickguard, and a top mounted 4-saddle adjustable bridge. Features 4 knob/1 selector switch top mounted mono wiring with side output jack. Produced between 1985-1992.

2060 El Dorado v2: A deluxe solidbody bass guitar with a flat top and double rounded cutaways, bound top and back, a 20 fret bolt-on neck with dot marker, a maple fingerboard and paddle headstock, two HB-2 humbucking pickups, a single level teardrop pickguard, and a top mounted 4-saddle adjustable bridge. Features 2 knob/1 selector switch pickguard mounted mono wiring with side output jack. Produced between 1992-1993

310: A standard semi-hollow short scale (20.5”) 6-string guitar with a flat top and double pointed cutaways, a 21 fret set neck with dot inlays and a paddle headstock, 2 top-mounted era-appropriate pickups, a 2 level teardrop pickguard, and a trapeze (1964) or “R” (1965-on) tailpiece and standard 6-saddle adjustable bridge. May or may not have an unbound f-hole soundhole. Features 5 knob/1 switch pickguard mounted mono wiring with side output jack. Produced between 1964-1982 with a special run in 2009.

315: A 310 with an Accent vibrato and 6-saddle adjustable roller bridge, and an f-hole soundhole. Produced in 1967.

320: A 310 with 3 era-appropriate pickups. Produced from 1964-1995.

320B: The “B-Series” vintage reissue model inspired by John Lennon’s 1958 325. A period 320 with 3 toaster pickups, gold plastics, and 4 knob/1 switch mono pickguard mounted wiring with side output jack. Produced from 1982-1984. Click HERE to learn about all the Beatles inspired guitars and how to differentiate.

320/12V63: A vintage reissue model inspired by the one-off 325/12 produced for John Lennon in 1964. A 325V63 with 12 strings, a slotted paddle headstock, and a trapeze tailpiece with standard 6 saddle adjustable bridge. Produced between 1985-1986. Click HERE to learn about all the Beatles inspired guitars and how to differentiate.

325: A 320 with an Accent vibrato and 6 saddle adjustable roller bridge. Produced between 1964-1969.

325C58: A vintage reissue model inspired by John Lennon’s 1958 325. A standard semi-hollowbody short scale (20.5”) 6-string guitar with a flat top and double pointed cutaways, a 21 fret set neck with dot inlays and a paddle headstock, 3 top mounted toaster pickups, a single level teardrop pickguard, and both a trapeze tailpiece and Kauffman vibrato with a 6 saddle roller bridge. Features 4 knob/1 selector switch pickguard mounted mono wiring with a side output jack. Featured a body made of alder. Produced between 2002-2010. Click HERE to learn about all the Beatles inspired guitars and how to differentiate.

325C64: A vintage reissue model inspired by John Lennon’s 1964 325. A standard semi-hollowbody short scale (20.5”) 6-string guitar with a flat top and double pointed cutaways, a 21 fret set neck with dot inlays and a paddle headstock, 3 top mounted toaster pickups, a two level teardrop pickguard, and an Accent vibrato with standard 6 saddle adjustable bridge. Features 5 knob/1 selector switch pickguard mounted mono wiring with a side output jack. Produced between 2006-present. Click HERE to learn about all the Beatles inspired guitars and how to differentiate.

325JL: One of the three John Lennon Signature Limited Edition models inspired by Lennon’s 1964 325. A 325V63 (see below) with Lennon’s signature and a self-portrait doodle screen printed on the upper pickguard. Produced from 1990-1993. Click HERE to learn about all the Beatles inspired guitars and how to differentiate, and click HERE to learn more about this guitar and the other Signature Limited Edition models.

325V59: A vintage reissue model inspired by John Lennon’s 1958 325. A standard semi-hollowbody short scale (20.5”) 6-string guitar with a flat top and double pointed cutaways, a 21 fret set neck with dot inlays and a paddle headstock, 3 top mounted toaster pickups, a two level teardrop pickguard, and a Bigsby B5 vibrato with standard 6 saddle adjustable bridge. Features 4 knob/1 selector switch pickguard mounted mono wiring with a side output jack. Produced between 1984-2001. Click HERE to learn about all the Beatles inspired guitars and how to differentiate.

325V63: A vintage reissue model inspired by John Lennon’s 1964 325. A standard semi-hollowbody short scale (20.5”) 6-string guitar with a flat top and double pointed cutaways, a 21 fret set neck with dot inlays and a paddle headstock, 3 top mounted toaster pickups, a two level teardrop pickguard, and an Accent vibrato with standard 6 saddle adjustable bridge. Features 5 knob/1 selector switch pickguard mounted mono wiring with a side output jack. Produced between 1984-2001. Click HERE to learn about all the Beatles inspired guitars and how to differentiate.

325/12V63: A vintage reissue model inspired by the one-off 325/12 produced for John Lennon in 1964. A 325V63 with 12 strings, a slotted paddle headstock, and a trapeze tailpiece with standard 6 saddle adjustable bridge. Produced between 1999-2000. Click HERE to learn about all the Beatles inspired guitars and how to differentiate.

330: A standard semi-hollowbody 6-string guitar with a flat top and double pointed cutaways, an era-appropriate 21 or 24 fret set neck with dot inlays and a paddle headstock, 2 top mounted era-appropriate pickups, a 2 level teardrop pickguard, a trapeze (1962-1965) or “R” (1965-present) tailpiece with standard 6 saddle adjustable bridge, and an unbound slash soundhole. Features 5 knob/1 selector switch pickguard mounted mono wiring with side output jack. Produced between 1963-present. Click HERE to learn more about the 330.

330/12: A 330 with 12 strings and a slotted (through slotted from 2005) paddle headstock. Produced from 1965-present. Click HERE to learn more about the 330/12.

330S: A 330 with an Accent vibrato with 6 saddle adjustable roller bridge and an unbound f-hole soundhole. Identical to the export 1997. Produced from 1964-1967. Click HERE to learn more about the 330S.

330W: A 330 with a walnut body and maple fingerboard. Produced from 2014-present. Click HERE to learn more about the 330W.

330/12W: A 330W with 12 strings and a through-slotted paddle headstock. Produced from 2014-present. Click HERE to learn more about the 330/12W.

331: A standard flat top semi-hollowbody 6-string guitar with much of the top removed and replaced with a translucent material beneath which frequency modulated lights respond to what is being played, a bound 24 fret neck with dot inlays and a paddle headstock, 2 Higain pickups, no pickguard, and an “R” tailpiece with standard 6-saddle bridge. Features 6 knob/1 selector switch (with the 6th knob controlling the lights) top mounted wiring with side output jack, along with a side power source jack for the lights. Produced from 1970-1972.

335: A 330 with an Accent vibrato with 6 saddle adjustable roller bridge. Produced from 1964-1969. Click HERE to learn more about the 335.

336/12: A 330/12 with a 6/12 string converter assembly mounted to the top. Produced between 1967-1968. Click HERE to learn more about the “Convertible Guitars”.

340: A 330 with 3 era-appropriate pickups. Produced between 1965-2008. Click HERE to learn more about the 340.

340/12: A 340 with 12 strings and a slotted (through slotted from 2005) paddle headstock. Produced from 1965-2008. Click HERE to learn more about the 340/12.

345: A 340 with an Accent tremolo and 6 saddle adjustable roller bridge. Produced from 1964-1968. Click HERE to learn more about the 345.

350 Liverpool: A standard semi-hollowbody small bodied 6-string guitar with a flat top and double pointed cutaways, a two level teardrop pickguard, a 24 fret set neck with dot inlays and a paddle headstock, three top mounted Higain pickups, and an “R” tailpiece with standard 6 saddle adjustable bridge. Features 5 knob/1 selector switch pickguard mounted mono wiring with side output jack. Produced between 1983-1996. Click HERE to learn more about all the 350 variants.

350V63: A standard semi-hollowbody small bodied 6-string guitar with a flat top and double pointed cutaways, a 21 fret set neck with dot inlays and a paddle headstock, 3 top mounted toaster pickups, a 2 level teardrop pickguard, and an trapeze tailpiece with standard 6 saddle adjustable bridge. Features 5 knob/1 selector switch pickguard mounted mono wiring with side output jack. Produced between 1994-present. Click HERE to learn more about all the 350 variants.

350/12V63: A 350V63 with twelve strings and a slotted (through slotted from 2005) paddle headstock. Produced between 1993-2009. Click HERE to learn more about all the 350 variants.

350/SH: The Susanna Hoffs Signature Limited Edition 350, built to Hoffs’ specifications and based on the 350. A deluxe semi-hollowbody small bodied 6-string guitar with a flat top and double pointed cutaways, checkered top and back binding, a bound 24 fret set neck with full width acrylic triangle inlays and a paddle headstock, 2 top mounted toaster pickups in the neck and middle positions and 1 top mounted HB-1 humbucker pickup at the bridge, a 2 level teardrop pickguard with Hoffs’ signature screen printed on the upper guard, and an “R” tailpiece with standard 6 saddle adjustable bridge. Features 5 knob/1 selector switch pickguard mounted mono wiring with side output jack. Produced between 1989-1991. Click HERE to learn more about this guitar and the other Signature Limited Edition models. Click HERE to learn more about all the 350 variants.

355JL: One of the three John Lennon Signature Limited Edition models inspired by Lennon’s 1964 325. A 350V63 with Lennon’s signature and a self-portrait doodle screen printed on the upper pickguard. Produced from 1990-1993. Click HERE to learn about all the Beatles inspired guitars and how to differentiate, and click HERE to learn more about this guitar and the other Signature Limited Edition models. You can also click HERE to learn more about all the 350 variants.

355/12JL: One of the three John Lennon Signature Limited Edition models inspired by Lennon’s 1964 325. A 350/12V64 with Lennon’s signature and a self-portrait doodle screen printed on the upper pickguard. Produced from 1990-1993. Click HERE to learn about all the Beatles inspired guitars and how to differentiate, and click HERE to learn more about this guitar and the other Signature Limited Edition models. You can also click HERE to learn more about all the 350 variants.

360 OS (Old Style): A deluxe semi-hollowbody 6-string guitar with a flat top and double pointed cutaways, bound top and back, a bound 21 fret set neck with era appropriate triangle inlays and paddle headstock, 2 top mounted toaster pickups, a two level teardrop pickguard, a trapeze (1962-1964) or “R” (1965-1970) tailpiece and standard 6 saddle adjustable bridge, and a slash soundhole. Features 5 knob/1 selector switch pickguard mounted mono/stereo wiring with side output jacks. The Old Style was the “production” 360 between 1962-1964, when it was replaced by the “New Style” 360 (see below), and a special order from 1965-1970. Although never a catalog designation, this body style 360 is referred to as a 360 OS to differentiate it from the “production” rounded 360 “New Style”. Produced between 1962-1970.

360 (New Style): A deluxe semi-hollowbody 6-string guitar with rounded top and double rounded cutaways, back binding (checkered 1964-mid 1973), an era-appropriate 21 or 24 fret bound set neck with era-appropriate triangle inlays and paddle headstock, 2 top mounted era-appropriate pickups, an R tailpiece with standard 6 saddle adjustable bridge, a two level teardrop pickguard, and a bound slash soundhole. Features 5 knob/1 selector switch pickguard mounted mono/stereo wiring with side output jacks. The New Style replaced the Old Style as the “production” 360 in late 1964. Produced between 1964-present.

360/12: A 360 with 12 strings and a slotted (through from 2005) paddle headstock. Produced between 1964-present.

360/12 OS: A 360 OS with 12 strings and a paddle headstock. Produced between 1963-1970.

360/12BWB: The “B-Series” reissue model inspired by George Harrison’s 1963 360/12. A period 360/12WB (see below) with 2 toaster pickups. Produced from 1982-1984. Click HERE to learn about all the Beatles inspired guitars and how to differentiate.

360/C63: A vintage reissue model inspired by George Harrison’s 1963 360/12, albeit with only 6 strings. A deluxe semi-hollowbody 6-string guitar with a flat top and double pointed cutaways, top and back binding, a bound 21 fret set neck with full width acrylic triangle inlays and paddle headstock, 2 top mounted toaster pickups, a 2 level teardrop pickguard, a trapeze tailpiece with standard 6 saddle adjustable bridge, and a slash soundhole. Features 5 knob/1 selector switch pickguard mounted mono wiring with double side output jacks. Not a catalog item, runs were produced in 2009 and 2014. Click HERE to learn about all the Beatles inspired guitars and how to differentiate.

360/12C63: A vintage reissue model inspired by George Harrison’s 1963 360/12. A deluxe semi-hollowbody 12-string guitar with a flat top and double pointed cutaways, top and back binding, a bound 21 fret set neck with full width acrylic triangle inlays and slotted paddle headstock, 2 top mounted toaster pickups, a 2 level teardrop pickguard, a trapeze tailpiece with standard 6 saddle adjustable bridge, and a slash soundhole. Features 5 knob/1 selector switch pickguard mounted mono wiring with double side output jacks. Produced between 2005-present. Click HERE to learn about all the Beatles inspired guitars and how to differentiate.

360CW: The Carl Wilson Signature Limited Edition 360, inspired by the 1960’s 360 played by Wilson. A deluxe semi-hollowbody 6-string guitar with rounded top and double rounded cutaways, checkered back binding, a bound 21 fret set neck with full width acrylic triangle inlays and paddle headstock, 2 top mounted toaster pickups, an R tailpiece with standard 6 saddle adjustable bridge, a two level teardrop pickguard with Wilson’s signature screen printed on the upper pickguard, and a bound slash soundhole. Features 5 knob/1 selector switch pickguard mounted mono/stereo wiring with side output jacks. Produced between 1999-2001. Click HERE to learn more about this guitar and the other Signature Limited Edition models.

360/12CW: A 360CW with 12 strings and a slotted paddle headstock. Produced between 1998-2001. Click HERE to learn more about this guitar and the other Signature Limited Edition models.

360F: A deluxe full-bodied semi-hollowbody 6-string guitar with a flat top and a single rounded cutaway, top and back checkered binding, a bound 21 fret set neck with full width crushed pearl triangle inlays and paddle headstock, 2 top mounted toaster pickups, a single level pickguard, a long “R” tailpiece with standard 6 saddle adjustable bridge, and a bound slash soundhole. Features 5 knob/1 selector switch top mounted mono/stereo wiring with side output jacks. Produced between 1967-1968.

360F/12: A 360F with 12 strings and a slotted paddle headstock. Produced between 1967-1968.

360SF: A 360 with slanted frets. Not an official factory model, the term is a collectors’ designation for 360s produced with optional slanted frets. While technically an option on any guitar during this period, only a handful of guitars other than 360s thusly equipped have surfaced. Produced between 1970-1972.

360V64: A vintage reissue model inspired by George Harrison’s 1963 360/12, albeit in 6-string form. A deluxe semi-hollowbody 6-string guitar with a flat top and double pointed cutaways, double binding, a bound 21 fret set neck with full width acrylic triangle inlays and slotted paddle headstock, 2 top mounted toaster pickups, a trapeze tailpiece with standard 6 saddle adjustable bridge, a two level teardrop pickguard, and a slash soundhole. Features 5 knob/1 selector switch pickguard mounted mono/stereo wiring with side output jacks. Produced between 1985-2001. Click HERE to learn about all the Beatles inspired guitars and how to differentiate.

360/12V64: A vintage reissue model inspired by George Harrison’s 1963 360/12. A deluxe semi-hollowbody 12-string guitar with a flat top and double pointed cutaways, top and back binding, a bound 21 fret set neck with full width acrylic triangle inlays and slotted paddle headstock, 2 top mounted toaster pickups, a 2 level teardrop pickguard, a trapeze tailpiece with standard 6 saddle adjustable bridge,and an unbound slash soundhole. Features 5 knob/1 selector switch pickguard mounted mono wiring with double side output jacks. Produced between 1985-2001. Click HERE to learn about all the Beatles inspired guitars and how to differentiate.

360W: A 360 with a walnut body and maple fingerboard. Produced between 2014-present.

360/12W: A 360W with 12 strings and a through slotted headstock. Produced between 2014-present.

360WB: A deluxe semi-hollowbody 6-string guitar with flat top and double pointed cutaways, bound top and back, a bound era-appropriate 21 or 24 fret set neck with era-appropriate triangle inlays and paddle headstock, 2 top mounted era-appropriate pickups, a 2 level teardrop pickguard, an “R” tailpiece with standard 6 saddle adjustable bridge, and a slash soundhole that may or may not be bound after 1981. Features 5 knob/1 selector switch pickguard mounted mono/stereo wiring with side output jacks. Produced between 1971-2003.

360/12WB: A 360WB with 12 strings and a slotted headstock. Produced between 1971-1997.

362: A deluxe semi-hollowbody double neck 12/6 string guitar with a flat top and rounded double cutaways, checkered binding top and back, 2 24 fret set necks with slotted paddle/paddle headstocks, 2 top mounted Higain pickups per neck, a single level pickguard that covers most of the treble bout, twin “R” tailpieces with standard 6 saddle adjustable bridges, and a bound slash soundhole. Features 5 knob/2 selector switch (with the second selector switch allowing the choice of 12 string/6 string necks) pickguard mounted mono/stereo wiring with side output jacks. Produced between 1974-1993.

365: A 360 with an Accent vibrato tailpiece and 6 saddle adjustable roller bridge. Produced between 1964-1969.

365 OS: A 360 OS with an Accent vibrato tailpiece and 6 saddle adjustable roller bridge. Produced between 1964-1969.

366/12: A 360/12 with a 6/12 string converter attached to the top. Produced between 1967-1968. Click HERE to learn more about the “Convertible Guitars”.

366/12 OS: A 360/12 OS with a 6/12 string converter attached to the top. Produced between 1967-1968. Click HERE to learn more about the “Convertible Guitars”.

370: A 360 with three era-appropriate pickups. Produced from 1965-2018.

370 OS: A 360 OS with three toaster pickups. Produced between 1964-1969.

370F: A 360F with 3 pickups. Produced from 1967-1968.

370/12: a 370 with 12 strings and a slotted (through slotted from 2005) paddle headstock. Produced between 1965-2007.

370/12 “Byrd”: A 370/12 with factory installed 4 knob/2 switch wiring (the slider switch in photo is not original) that mimics Roger McGuinn’s modified 370/12. Not a production model, but a factory installed option on any guitar. Produced between 1966-1967.

370/12RM: The Roger McGuinn Signature Limited Edition 370/12, inspired by McGuinn’s 1965 370/12. A deluxe semi-hollowbody 12-string guitar with rounded top and double rounded cutaways, checkered back binding, a bound 21 fret set neck with full width acrylic triangle inlays and a slotted paddle headstock, 3 top mounted toaster pickups, 2 level teardrop pickguard with McGuinn’s signature screen printed on the upper pickguard, an “R” tailpiece with standard 6 saddle adjustable bridge, and a bound slash soundhole. Featured either standard 5 knob/1 selector switch or special 5 knob/1 selector switch with onboard compression pickguard mounted mono/stereo wiring with side output jacks. Produced between 1987-1991. Click HERE to learn more about this guitar and the other Signature Limited Edition models.

375: A 370 with an Accent vibrato tailpiece and roller bridge. Produced between 1964-1969.

375 OS: A 370 OS with an Accent vibrato tailpiece and roller bridge. Produced between 1964-1969.

380L “Laguna”: A deluxe semi-hollowbody 6-string guitar with a rounded top and double rounded cutaways, a walnut body with checkered back binding and maple fingerboard, no pickguard, a 24 fret set neck with dot inlays and a paddle headstock, two recessed HB-1 pickups, a top mounted 6-saddle adjustable roller bridge, and a bound slash soundhole. Features 5 knob/1 selector switch top mounted mono/stereo wiring. Produced between 1995-2006. Click HERE to learn more about the 380L “Laguna”.

380L PZ “Laguna”: A 380 with a piezo pickup equipped bridge. Produced between 1995-2006. Click HERE to learn more about the 380L PZ “Laguna”.

381: A deluxe semi-hollowbody 6-string guitar with a German carved top and back, double pointed cutaways, checkered top and back binding, a bound 21 fret set neck with full width crushed pearl triangle inlays and a paddle headstock, two top mounted Higain pickups (with toasters on very early/prototype examples), a 2 level pickguard, an “R” tailpiece with standard 6-saddle adjustable bridge, and a bound slash soundhole. Features 5 knob/1 selector switch pickguard mounted mono/stereo wiring with side output jacks. Produced between 1968-1973.

381V69: A “vintage reissue” model inspired by the 1969 381: a deluxe semi-hollowbody 6-string guitar with a German carved top and back and double pointed cutaways, checkered top and back binding, a bound 21 fret set neck with full width acrylic triangle inlays and a paddle headstock, 2 top mounted toaster pickups, an “R” tailpiece with standard 6-saddle adjustable bridge, and a bound slash soundhole. Features 5 knob/1 selector switch pickguard mounted mono/stereo wiring with side output jacks. Produced between 1987-2021.

381/12V69: A 381V69 with 12 strings and a slotted (through slotted from 2009-2012) paddle headstock. Produced between 1988-2021.

381JK: The John Kay Signature Limited Edition 381, built to Kay’s specifications and based on the 381V69. A deluxe semi-hollowbody 6-string guitar with a German carved top and back with double pointed cutaways, checkered top and back binding, a bound 21 fret set neck with full width acrylic triangle inlays and a paddle headstock, 2 top mounted HB-1 humbucking pickups, an “R” tailpiece with standard 6-saddle adjustable bridge, and a bound slash soundhole. Features 5 knob/2 selector switch (with the second switch putting the pickups in and out of phase) pickguard mounted mono active/passive wiring with side output jacks. Produced between 1989-1995. Click HERE to learn more about this guitar and the other Signature Limited Edition models.

3000: A standard solidbody short scale (30.5”) bass guitar with a contoured top and double rounded cutaways, a 21 fret bolt on neck with dot inlays and a paddle headstock, 1 recessed pickguard mounted pickup new for the 3000 series basses, a single level pickguard, and standard 4-saddle adjustable bass bridge with adjustable mute. Features 2 knob pickguard mounted mono wiring with face mounted output jack. Produced from 1974-1979. Click HERE to learn more about the 3000.

3001: A standard solidbody bass guitar with a contoured top and double rounded cutaways, a 20 fret bolt on neck with dot inlays and a paddle headstock, one recessed pickguard mounted pickup new for the the 3000 series, a single level pickguard, and a standard 4-saddle adjustable bass bridge with adjustable mute. Features 3 knob pickguard mounted mono wiring with side output jack. Produced between 1974-1979. Click HERE to learn more about the 3001.

3261: A deluxe semi-hollow bass with a rounded top and double rounded cutaways, bound back (checkered 1965-1970), a 20 fret set bound neck with crushed pearl inlays and cresting wave headstock, 2 top mounted toaster pickups, a single level teardrop pickguard, an R tailpiece with standard 4 saddle adjustable bridge, and an unbound f-hole soundhole. Features 5 knob/1 selector switch pickguard mounted mono wiring with side jack. Essentially a 4005 with a f-hole. Produced for British distributor Rose Morris in 1967.

3262: A deluxe semi-hollowbody 6-string guitar with rounded top and double rounded cutaways, checkered back binding, a bound 21 fret bound 12-string set neck with crushed pearl triangle inlays and a slotted paddle headstock with the slots plugged with a black plastic insert, 2 top mounted toaster pickups, a 2 level teardrop pickguard, an Accent vibrato with a 6 saddle adjustable roller bridge, and an unbound f-hole soundhole. Features 5 knob/1 selector switch pickguard mounted mono/stereo wiring with side output jacks. Produced for British distributor Rose Morris in 1967.

420: A standard solidbody 6-string guitar with a countoured body and cresting wave upper/pointed lower cutaways, a 21 fret neck that could be either through or set from 1965-1968 and then almost always set from 1969-1984 with dot inlays and a paddle headstock, one inset pickguard mounted era-appropriate pickup, a single level pickguard covering much of the guitar’s face, and a top mounted bridgeplate with a floating compensated bridge. Features 2 knob/1 selector switch pickguard mounted mono wiring with face mounted output jack. Produced between 1965-1984. Prior to 1965 this model was referred to as the 425.

425: From 1962-1964, a standard solidbody 6-string guitar with a countoured body and cresting wave upper/pointed lower cutaways, a single level pickguard covering much of the guitar’s face, a 21 fret through neck with paddle headstock, one inset pickguard mounted era-appropriate pickup, and a top mounted bridgeplate with a floating compensated bridge. Features 2 knob/1 selector switch pickguard mounted mono wiring with face mounted output jack. This iteration of the 425 would be renamed the 420 in 1965. From 1965-1967 the 425 featured a different and smaller pickguard, through or set necks, and a slightly inset Japanese 3-spring tremolo system (often incorrectly referred to as a “Boyd Tremolo”) with a floating compensated bridge and no bridgeplate. Produced between 1962-1967.

425V63: A “vintage reissue” model inspired by George Harrison’s 1963 425. A standard solidbody 6-string guitar with a contoured top and cresting wave upper/pointed lower cutaways, a 21 fret through neck with dot inlays and a paddle headstock, one recessed pickguard mounted toaster pickup, a single level pickguard covering much of the guitar’s face, and a top mounted bridgeplate with a floating compensated bridge. Features 2 knob/1 selector switch pickguard mounted mono wiring with face mounted output jack. Produced in 1999. Click HERE to learn about all the Beatles inspired guitars and how to differentiate.

430: A standard solidbody 6-string guitar with a flat top and double rounded cutaways, a 24 fret bolt-on neck with dot inlays and a paddle headstock, 2 top mounted pickups unique to the model, a single level teardrop pickguard, and a top mounted bridgeplate with standard 6 saddle adjustable bridge. Features 4 knob/1 selector switch pickguard mounted mono wiring with face mounted output jack. Also available with a mahogany body. Produced between 1975-1976. Click HERE to learn more about the 430.

450: A standard solidbody 6-string guitar with a flat top and cresting wave upper/pointed lower cutaways, a 21 fret through neck with dot inlays and a paddle headstock, 2 recessed pickguard mounted era-appropriate pickups, a single level pickguard covering much of the guitar’s face, and a top mounted bridgeplate with a floating compensated bridge. Features 4 knob/1 selector switch pickguard mounted mono wiring with face mounted output jack. Produced between 1962-1984. Click HERE to learn more about the 450.

450/12: A 450 with 12 strings and a slotted paddle headstock. Set neck examples can be found on the 450/12 from 1966-1967. Produced between 1965-1984. Click HERE to learn more about the 450.

450V63: A “vintage reissue” model inspired by the 1963 450. A standard solidbody 6-string guitar with a contoured top and cresting wave upper/pointed lower cutaways, a 21 fret through neck with dot inlays and a paddle headstock, two recessed pickguard mounted toaster pickups, a single level pickguard covering much of the guitar’s face, and a top mounted bridgeplate with a floating compensated bridge. Features 4 knob/1 selector switch pickguard mounted mono wiring with face mounted output jack. Produced in 1999. Click HERE to learn more about the 450.

456/12: A 450/12 with a 6/12 string converter attached to the top. Produced between 1967-1968. Click HERE to learn more about the 450 or HERE to learn more about the “Convertible Guitars”.

460: A deluxe solidbody 6-string guitar with a flat top and cresting wave upper/pointed lower cutaways, a bound top, a bound 21 fret through neck with era-appropriate triangle inlays and paddle headstock, two recessed pickguard mounted era-appropriate pickups, a single level pickguard covering much of the guitar’s face, and a top mounted bridgeplate with a floating compensated bridge. Features 5 knob/1 selector switch pickguard mounted mono wiring with face mounted output jack. Produced from 1963-1982.

480: A standard contoured top solidbody 6-string guitar featuring double cresting wave cutaways, a bound 24 fret bolt-on neck with dot inlays and a cresting wave headstock, 1 recessed pickguard mounted and 1 top mounted Higain pickups, a single level pickguard, and an “R” tailpiece with standard 6 saddle adjustable bridge. Features 4 knob/1 switch pickguard mounted mono wiring with side output jack. Produced between 1972-1982. Click HERE to learn more about the 480.

480XC: 90^thAnniversary model. A deluxe solidbody 6-string guitar with a flat top and double cresting wave cutaways, checkered top binding, a bound 24 fret through neck with full width crushed pearl triangle inlays and cresting wave headstock, 2 recessed “hot toaster” pickups, a single level pickguard, and a top mounted 6-saddle adjustable bridge. Features 4 knob/1 switch pickguard mounted mono wiring with side output jack. Produced between 2021-2022. To learn more about the 90th Anniversary models, click HERE.

481: A deluxe solidbody 6-string guitar with a flat top and double cresting wave cutaways, a bound top, a bound 24 fret bolt-on neck with poured inset triangle inlays and cresting wave headstock, 2 recessed pickguard mounted humbucker pickups unique to the model, a single level pickguard, and an “R” tailpiece with standard 6 saddle adjustable bridge. Features 4 knob/2 switch pickguard mounted mono wiring (2nd switch puts pickups in/out of phase) with side output jack. Slanted frets came standard, but normal frets could be ordered. Produced between 1974-1982.

483: A 480 with 2 recessed pickguard mounted and 1 top mounted Higain pickups. Produced in 1974. Click HERE to learn more about the 483.

4000: A standard solidbody bass with a contoured top and double cresting wave cutaways, a 20 fret set neck with dot inlays and cresting wave headstock, 1 horseshoe (1962-1968) or covered Higain (1968-1983) pickup with mounting surround, a single level pickguard, and a standard 4-saddle adjustable bass bridge with adjustable mute. Features 2 knob pickguard mounted mono wiring with side output jack. A number of examples with bound necks were produced in early 1974. Produced between 1962-1983.

4001: A deluxe solidbody bass with a flat top and double cresting wave cutaways, a bound top (checkered through mid 1973), a bound 20 fret through neck (a number of 21-fret neck examples were produced between 1969-1972) with era-appropriate triangle inlays and cresting wave headstock, 1 recessed pickguard mounted era-appropriate pickup and 1 horseshoe (1962-1968) or covered Higain (1968-1983) pickup with mounting surround, a single level pickguard, and standard 4-saddle adjustable bass bridge with adjustable mute. Features 4 knob/1 switch pickguard mounted mono/stereo wiring with side output jacks. Produced between 1963-1985. Click HERE to learn more about the 4001’s evolution and all its variants.

4001/8: A deluxe solidbody bass with a flat top and double cresting wave cutaways, a bound top, a bound 20 fret through neck with dot inlays and a “potato-head” headstock, 1 recessed pickguard mounted Higain pickup and 1 recessed covered Higain pickup with mounting surround, a single level pickguard, and a modified standard 4-saddle adjustable bass bridge with adjustable mute. Features 4 knob/1 switch pickguard mounted mono/stereo wiring with side output jacks. Not a production model, 2 prototypes were built in 1973 that were acquired by John Entwistle and Chris Squire. Click HERE to learn more about the 4001’s evolution and all its variants.

4001CS: The Chris Squire Signature Limited Edition 4001, inspired by Squire’s 1964 1999. A standard solidbody bass guitar with a contoured top and double cresting wave cutaways, a 20 fret through neck with dot inlays and a cresting wave headstock with, 1 recessed pickguard mounted toaster and 1 reproduction horseshoe pickup with mounting surround, a single level pickguard with Squire’s signature screen printed on it, and a standard 4-saddle adjustable bass bridge with adjustable mute. Features 4 knob/1 selector switch pickguard mounted mono wiring with side output jack. Produced between 1991-2000. Click HERE to learn more about this guitar and the other Signature Limited Edition models.

4001C64: A vintage reissue model inspired by Paul McCartney’s 1964 4001S. A standard solidbody bass guitar with a contoured top and double cresting wave cutaways, a 20 fret through neck with dot inlays and an “upside down” cresting wave headstock, 1 recessed pickguard mounted toaster and 1 reproduction horseshoe pickup with mounting surround, a single level pickguard, and a standard 4-saddle adjustable bass bridge with adjustable mute. Features 4 knob/1 selector switch pickguard mounted mono wiring with side output jack. Produced between 2002-2011. Click HERE to learn about all the Beatles inspired guitars and how to differentiate.

4001C64S: A vintage reissue model inspired by Paul McCartney’s 1964 4001S as modified during the Wings era. A standard solidbody bass guitar with a contoured top and double rounded-off cresting wave cutaways, a 20 fret through neck with a zero fret, dot inlays and a cresting wave headstock, 1 recessed pickguard mounted toaster and 1 reproduction horseshoe pickup with mounting surround, a single level pickguard, and a standard 4-saddle adjustable bass bridge with adjustable mute. Features 4 knob/1 selector switch pickguard mounted mono wiring with side output jack. Produced between 2002-2011. Click HERE to learn about all the Beatles inspired guitars and how to differentiate.

4001FL: A 4001 with a fretless neck with dot inlays. Produced between 1972-1985. Click HERE to learn more about the 4001’s evolution and all its variants.

4001S: A standard contoured top solidbody bass featuring double cresting wave cutaways, a 20 fret through (1963-1972) or set (1973-1984) neck with cresting wave headstock, 1 recessed pickguard mounted and 1 horseshoe or 1 covered Higain pickup with mounting surround, a single level pickguard, and standard 4-saddle adjustable bass bridge. Features 4 knob/1 switch pickguard mounted mono wiring with side output jack. Produced between 1963-1984. Click HERE to learn more about the 4001’s evolution and all its variants.

4001SB: The “B-Series” reissue model inspired by Paul McCartney’s 1964 4001. A period 4001S with a toaster pickup in the neck position. Produced between 1982-1984. Click HERE to learn about all the Beatles inspired guitars and how to differentiate.

4001V63: A vintage reissue model inspired by Paul McCartney’s 1964 4001S. A standard solidbody bass guitar with a contoured top and double cresting wave cutaways, a 20 fret through neck with dot inlays and cresting wave headstock, 1 recessed pickguard mounted toaster and 1 reproduction horseshoe pickup with mounting surround, a single level pickguard, and a standard 4-saddle adjustable bass bridge with adjustable mute. Features 4 knob/1 selector switch pickguard mounted mono wiring with side output jack. Produced between 1984-2001. Click HERE to learn about all the Beatles inspired guitars and how to differentiate.

4002: A deluxe solidbody bass with a flat top and double cresting wave cutaways, a checkered bound top, a bound 21 fret through neck with an ebony fretboard, dot markers and a bound cresting wave headstock, 2 recessed pickguard mounted humbucking pickups unique to the model, a single level pickguard, and a standard 4-saddle adjustable bass bridge with adjustable mute. Features 4 knob/1 switch pickguard mounted mono/stereo wiring with side output jacks including a low impedance XLR jack (treble pickup only) for direct recording. Produced between 1977-1984.

4003: A deluxe solidbody bass with a flat top and double cresting wave cutaways, a bound top, a bound 20 fret through neck with era appropriate triangle inlays and a cresting wave headstock, 1 recessed pickguard mounted Higain and 1 covered Higain pickup with mounting surround, a single level pickguard (2 pieces 1979-1985), and standard 4-saddle adjustable bass bridge. Features 4 knob/1 switch pickguard mounted mono/stereo wiring with side output jacks. Produced between 1979-present. Click HERE to learn more about the 4003’s evolution and all its variants.

4003AC: The Al Cisneros Signature Limited Edition 4003, built to Cisneros’ specifications and based on the 4003SW. A standard solidbody bass with a contoured top and double cresting wave cutaways, a 20 fret through neck with maple fingerboard, full-width green acrylic triangle inlays and a cresting wave headstock, a single level teardrop pickguard, 2 covered Higain pickups with mounting surrounds, and standard 4-saddle adjustable bass bridge. Features 4 knob/1 switch pickguard mounted mono wiring with side output jack. Produced between 2018-2023. Click HERE to learn more about this guitar and the other Signature Limited Edition models.

4003FL: A fretless 4003 with dot inlays. Produced between 1984-2008. Click HERE to learn more about the 4003’s evolution and all its variants.

4003S: A standard solidbody bass with a contoured top and double cresting wave cutaways, a 20 fret through neck with dot inlays and a cresting wave headstock, 1 recessed pickguard mounted Higain and one covered Higain pickup with mounting surround, a single level pickguard, and a standard 4-saddle adjustable bass bridge. Features 4 knob/1 switch pickguard mounted mono wiring with side output jack. Produced between 1984-2002 and 2015-present. Click HERE to learn more about the 4003’s evolution and all its variants.

4003S/5 (Version 1): A standard solidbody 5-string bass with a countoured top and double cresting wave cutaways, a 20 fret through neck with dot inlays and a cresting wave headstock, 1 recessed pickguard mounted toaster and 1 covered 5-polepiece Higain pickup with mounting surround, a single level pickguard, and a standard 4 saddle adjustable bass bridge modified to accommodate 5 strings. Features 4 knob/1 switch pickguard mounted mono wiring with side output jack. Produced between 1982-2002. Click HERE to learn more about the 4003’s evolution and all its variants.

4003S/5 (Version 2): A standard solid body 5-string bass with a countoured top and double cresting wave cutaways, a 20 fret through neck with dot inlays and a cresting wave headstock, 2 recessed pickups unique to the model, a single level pickguard, and a top-mounted 5 saddle adjustable bass bridge. Features 4 knob/1 switch pickguard mounted mono wiring with side output jack. Produced between 2018-2022. Click HERE to learn more about the 4003’s evolution and all its variants.

4003S/5W: A 4003S/5W with walnut body wings and a maple fingerboard. Produced between 2018-2023. Click HERE to learn more about the 4003’s evolution and all its variants.

4003S/8: A 4003S with 8 strings. Produced between 1986-2002, to 1985. Click HERE to learn more about the 4003’s evolution and all its variants.

4003SW: A 4003S with walnut body wings and a maple fingerboard. Produced between 2014-present. Click HERE to learn more about the 4003’s evolution and all its variants.

4003W: A 4003 with walnut body wings and a maple fingerboard. Produced between 2014-present. Click HERE to learn more about the 4003’s evolution and all its variants.

4004 Cheyenne/Ci: A standard contoured top solidbody bass featuring double cresting wave cutaways, a 20 fret through neck with cresting wave headstock, two recessed HB-1 pickups, no pickguard, and a top mounted/top loaded 4-saddle adjustable bass bridge. Features 2 knob/1 switch top mounted mono wiring with side output jack. The Ci featured body wings made of walnut and a maple fingerboard. Produced between 1993-1998

4004 Cheyenne II/Cii: A deluxe contoured top solidbody bass featuring double cresting wave cutaways, no pickguard, a 20 fret through neck with cresting wave headstock, two recessed HB-1 pickups, and a top mounted/top loaded 4-saddle adjustable bass bridge. Features 2 knob/1 switch top mounted mono wiring with side output jack. The Cii featured body wings made of a maple/walnut/maple sandwich. Produced between 1999-2017

4004 Laredo: A standard contoured top solidbody bass featuring double cresting wave cutaways, no pickguard, a 20 fret through neck with cresting wave headstock, two recessed HB-1 pickups, and a top mounted/top loaded 4-saddle adjustable bass bridge. Features 2 knob/1 switch top mounted mono wiring with side output jack. Produced between 1993-2017.

4004LK: The Lemmy Kilmister Signature Limited Edition 4004, built to Kilmister’s specifications and based on the 4004. A deluxe solidbody bass featuring a hand carved top with double cresting wave cutaways, walnut body wings, a checkered bound top, a bound 20 fret through neck with star inlays and cresting wave headstock, 3 recessed HB-1 pickups, no pickguard, and a top mounted 4-saddle adjustable bass bridge. Features 2 knob/1 switch top mounted mono wiring with side output jack. Produced between 2001-2006. Click HERE to learn more about this guitar and the other Signature Limited Edition models.

4005: A deluxe semi-hollow bass with a rounded top and double rounded cutaways, bound back (checkered 1965-1970), a bound 20 fret set bound neck with era appropriate triangle inlays and cresting wave headstock, 2 top mounted era-appropriate pickups, a single level teardrop pickguard, an R tailpiece with standard 4 saddle adjustable bridge, and a bound slash soundhole. Features 5 knob/1 selector switch pickguard mounted mono (1965-1974) or mono/stereo (1975-1982) wiring with side jack(s). Produced between 1965-1982.

4005/6: A 4005 with 6 strings and an extended cresting wave headstock. Produced between 1965-1968.

4005/8: A 4005 with 8 strings and a unique “potato head” headstock. Not a catalog item, produced in very limited numbers in 1967-1968.

4005/8WB: A 4005 with 8 strings, flat top with front and back binding, and a unique “potato head” headstock. Not a catalog item, produced in very limited numbers in 1967-1968.

4005V: A “vintage reissue” model inspired by 1960’s 4005s. A deluxe semi-hollow bass with a rounded top and double rounded cutaways, checkered back binding, a bound 20 fret set neck with crushed pearl inlays and cresting wave headstock, two top mounted toaster pickups, a single level teardrop pickguard, an”R” tailpiece with standard 4 saddle adjustable bridge, and a bound slash soundhole. Features 5 knob/1 selector switch pickguard mounted mono/stereo wiring with side jacks. Produced between 2024-present.

4005WB: A 4005 with a flat top and top and back binding. Produced between 1965-1974.

4005XC: 90^thAnniversary model. A deluxe semi-hollow short scale (30.5”) bass with a flat top and double pointed cutaways, checkered binding top and back, a bound 24 fret set neck with crushed pearl triangle inlays and cresting wave headstock, 2 top mounted toaster pickups, a 2 level teardrop pickguard, a trapeze tailpiece with standard 4 saddle adjustable bridge, and a bound slash soundhole. Features 5 knob/1 selector switch pickguard mounted mono/stero wiring with side jacks. Produced between 2021-2022. To learn more about the 90th Anniversary models, click HERE.

4030: A deluxe short scale (30.5”) solidbody bass with a flat top and double cresting wave cutaways, checkered top binding, and bound neck, a single level pickguard, a bound 24 fret through neck with a Richlite fingerboard with acrylic triangle inlays and a cresting wave headstock, 2 inset hot toaster pickups, and standard 4-saddle adjustable bass bridge with adjustable mute. Features 4 knob/1 switch pickguard mounted mono/stereo wiring with side output jacks. Not a catalog item, produced in limited numbers between 2018-present. Click HERE to learn more about the 4030.

4080: A deluxe flat top solidbody double neck bass/6 string guitar featuring double cresting wave cutaways, top binding, a single level pickguard that covers most of the treble bout, two 24 fret set necks with slotted paddle/ paddle headstocks, two top mounted Higain pickups per neck, twin “R” tailpieces with standard 6 saddle adjustable bridges, and a bound slash soundhole. Features 5 knob/2 selector switch (with the second selector switch allowing the choice of 12 string/6 string necks) pickguard mounted mono/stereo wiring with side output jacks. Produced between 1975-1987.

4080/12: A 4080 with a 12-string neck instead of a 6-string neck. Produced between 1975-1987.

610: A standard solidbody 6-string guitar with a contoured top and cresting wave upper/pointed lower cutaways, a 21 fret through neck with dot inlays and a paddle headstock, 2 top mounted Higain pickups, a 2 level teardrop pickguard, and an “R” tailpiece with standard six saddle adjustable bridge. Features 5 knob/1 selector switch pickguard mounted mono wiring with side output jack. Produced between 1984-1996. Click HERE to learn more about the 610.

610/12: A 12 string 610 with a slotted headstock. Produced between 1984-1996. Click HERE to learn more about the 610/12.

615: A 610 with 2 top mounted toaster pickups, an Accent vibrola and a roller bridge. Identical to the 1995. Produced 1962-1969. Click HERE to learn more about the 615.

620: A deluxe solidbody 6-string guitar with a flat top and cresting wave upper/pointed lower cutaways, a bound top, a bound 21 fret through neck with era appropriate triangle inlays and a paddle headstock, 2 top mounted era-appropriate pickups, and an “R” tailpiece with standard 6 saddle adjustable bridge. Features 5 knob/1 selector switch pickguard mounted mono/stereo wiring with side output jacks. Produced between 1970-present. Click HERE to learn more about the 620.

620/12: A 12 string 620 with a slotted (through from 2005) paddle headstock. Produced between 1980-2022. Click HERE to learn more about the 620/12.

625: A 620 with an Accent vibrola and a roller bridge. Produced from 1962-1968. Click HERE to learn more about the 625.

650A Atlantis: A standard solidbody 6-string guitar featuring a contoured top and crested wave upper/pointed lower cutaways, a 24 fret through neck with a wider 1 ¾” nut width, a maple fingerboard with dot inlays and a paddle headstock, two recessed HB-1 pickups, a single level chrome pickguard, and a one piece top mounted bridge or optional “Hitek” Strat-style pivot/spring vibrato. Features 4 knob/1 selector switch pickguard mounted mono wiring with side output jack. Produced between 1992-2002.

650C Colorado: A standard solidbody 6-string guitar featuring a contoured top and crested wave upper/pointed lower cutaways, a 24 fret through neck with a wider 1 ¾” nut width, a maple fingerboard with dot inlays and a paddle headstock, two recessed HB-1 pickups, a single level chrome pickguard, and a one piece top mounted bridge or optional “Hitek” Strat-style pivot/spring vibrato. Features 4 knob/1 selector switch pickguard mounted mono wiring with side output jack. Produced between 1992-2015

650D Dakota: A standard solidbody 6-string guitar featuring a contoured top and crested wave upper/pointed lower cutaways, oil-rubbed walnut body wings, a 24 fret through neck with a wider 1 ¾” nut width, a maple fingerboard with dot inlays and a paddle headstock, two recessed HB-1 pickups, a single level chrome pickguard, and a one piece top mounted bridge or optional “Hitek” Strat-style pivot/spring vibrato. Features 4 knob/1 selector switch pickguard mounted mono wiring with side output jack. Produced between 1992-2009.

650E/F Excalibur/Frisco: A deluxe contoured top solidbody 6-string guitar featuring crested wave upper/pointed lower cutaways, vermillion body and headstock wings, a 24 fret through neck with a wider 1 ¾” nut width, maple fingerboard with dot inlays and a paddle headstock, 2 recessed HB-1 pickups, a single level gold teardrop pickguard, and a one piece top mounted 6 saddle bridge or optional “Hitek” Strat-style pivot/spring vibrato. Features 4 knob/1 selector switch pickguard mounted mono wiring with side output jack. The name was changed from “Excalibur” to “Frisco” during its production run due to trademark issues. Produced between 1992-2002

650S Sierra: A standard solidbody 6-string guitar featuring a contoured top and crested wave upper/pointed lower cutaways, oil-rubbed walnut body wings, a 24 fret through neck with a wider 1 ¾” nut width, a maple fingerboard with dot inlays and a paddle headstock, two recessed HB-1 pickups, a single level gold pickguard, and a one piece top mounted bridge or optional “Hitek” Strat-style pivot/spring vibrato. Features 4 knob/1 selector switch pickguard mounted mono wiring with side output jack. Produced between 1992-2008.

660: A deluxe solidbody 6-string guitar with a flat top and cresting wave upper/pointed lower cutaways, checkered top binding, a bound 21 fret through neck with wider 1 ¾” nut width, full width acrylic triangle inlays and a paddle headstock, two top mounted toaster pickups, a 2 level teardrop pickguard, and a trapeze tailpiece with standard six saddle adjustable bridge. Features 5 knob/1 selector switch pickguard mounted mono wiring with side output jack. Produced between 1998-present.

660/12: A 660 with 12 strings and a slotted paddle headstock. Produced between 1998-present.

660/12TP: The Tom Petty Signature Limited Edition 660/12, inspired by the 1963 620/12 owned by Mike Campbell as worn by Petty on the cover of the “Damn the Torpedos” album. A 660/12 with a charactered maple top and Petty’s signature screen printed on the upper pickguard. Actually predates the 660 and served as the template for that model. Produced between 1991-1997. Click HERE to learn more about this guitar and the other Signature Limited Edition models.

6000 Bantar: A deluxe solidbody 5-string electric banjo featuring a rounded top, checkered back binding, a 21 fret set neck with full width crushed pearl inlays and a paddle headstock, 2 top mounted toaster pickups, a round pickguard that covers the instrument’s entire face, and an “R” tailpiece with a standard 6-saddle adjustable bridge. Features 5 knob/1 switch pickguard mounted mono wiring with side output jack. Produced between 1967-1968. Click HERE to learn more about the Bantar.

6005 Banjoline: A standard semi-hollowbody 6-string cross between a banjo and a mandolin featuring a rounded top with double rounded cutaways, checkered back binding, a 24 fret bound set neck with dot inlays and a paddle headstock, 2 top mounted toaster pickups, a 2 level pickguard, an Accent vibrato with a modified standard 6 saddle bridge, and a bound slash soundhole. Features 5 knob/1 switch mono/stereo pickguard mounted wiring with side output jacks. Produced in 1968.

6006 Banjolone: A deluxe 6-string cross between a banjo and a mandolin featuring a German carved top with double rounded cutaways, checkered top and back binding, a 24 fret bound set neck with crushed pearl triangle inlays and paddle headstock, 2 top mounted toaster pickups, a 2 level pickguard, an Accent vibrato with a modified standard 6 saddle bridge, and a bound slash soundhole. Features 5 knob/1 switch mono/stereo pickguard mounted wiring with side output jacks. Produced in 1968.

900: A standard short scale (20.5”) 6-string guitar with a flat (1962-1963) or contoured (1964-1967) top and two unusual convex pointed cutaways that give the guitar a “tulip” shape, a 21 fret through neck with dot inlays and a paddle headstock, one recessed pickguard mounted toaster pickup, a single level pickguard covering most of the guitar’s face, and a top mounted bridgeplate with a floating compensated bridge. Features 2 knob/1 selector switch pickguard mounted mono wiring with face mounted output jack. Produced between 1962-1967. Click HERE to learn more about the short scale solidbody guitars.

950: A 900 with 2 toaster pickups and 4 knob/1 switch mono wiring with a face mounted output jack. Produced between 1962-1971. Click HERE to learn more about the short scale solidbody guitars.

ES-16: A model 1000 with Ryder or Electro branding. Produced between 1963-1967, with a special run of ES16s in 1983. Click HERE to learn more about the short scale solidbody guitars.

ES-17: A 420 with Ryder or Electro branding. Produced between 1963-1972.

Symfonia Grand/Contello: A standard solidbody guitar with a flat top and 1 rounded/1 pointed cutaway, a 21 fret set neck with dot inlays and headstock with a concave top, 1 recessed pickguard-mounted toaster pickups, a 1 level pickguard that covers much of the guitar’s face, and a trapeze tailpiece with a floating compensated bridge. Features 2 knob/1 switch pickguard mounted mono wiring with side mounted output jack. A modified 425 produced for a local music school, a handful were produced with Contello branding before switching to Symfonia Grand. Produced in 1962.

The Complete Rickenbacker Model Identification Guide

THE EARLY ERA 1954-1961

THE MODERN ERA: 1962-PRESENT

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