Beauchamp and Rickenbacker began selling the lap steel in 1932, but it was not awarded a patent until 1937, which allowed several other builders to copy the idea and produce their own variants of the electric guitar in those years. In 1931, a prototype for the new electric lap steel was created that has become widely known since as the “frying pan” although Beauchamp preferred to call it the “pancake”. The first industry shattering invention came when Beauchamp and fellow National engineer Paul Barth designed the first electric magnetic pickup – commonly referred to as the “horseshoe pickup”. The work they would do together would inadvertently change the musical landscape forever. Their earlies guitars were branded as “Electro” but soon after they changed the name to Rickenbacker. So in 1931, Beauchamp, Paul Barth, Rickenbacker and several other individuals banded together and splintered off to form Ro-Pat-In. When The Great Depression hit the US in 1929, management at National was unwilling to branch out and try anything new. Generally these guitars tend to hold their value so you should keep yours safe in a case when not in use to maintain its worth.1931 Rickenbacker Frying Pan. Most Rickenbackers should come with a hard case included, however if your model does not you should look at buying a case for its protection. Over the 60s and 70s popular artists known to use Rickenbacker guitars included: Many bands that were part of the British invasion in the mid 1960s favoured Rickenbacker guitars for their tonal characteristics.

Rickenbacker electric guitars are known to have a very chimey and jangly tone that creates the distinctive sound they are well known for. “Rick o sound” stereo output jack system allows two pickups on the guitar to individually be connected to separate amplifiers or effects.Two truss rods as opposed to only one like the majority of guitars.Models from the 1970s onwards featured high output pickups – introduced when rock music was becoming popular.Early designs featured low output pickups.Classic design staying true to Rickenbacker heritage.Large double cutaway bodies – easily recognizable.They used multiple Rickenbacker guitars over the course of their career, which has been attributed to the longevity and success of the company.ĭistinctive features and common specifications of Rickenbacker electric guitars

Rickenbacker electric guitars became particularly well known and saw a boost in popularity during the 1960s when the Beatles played them. Rickenbacker is a manufacturer of stringed instruments including guitars and basses credited with introducing the production of the first modern electric guitars in the 1930s.

Rickenbacker 325 copy for sale