Rickenbacker 350 LIverpool

89 model mapleglo with black pickups and trim. 24 frets, varnished rosewood fingerboard with dot inlays. 3 Hi-Gain pickups, Schaller tuners, 3-way toggle, volume and tone knobs with blender 5th knob. I noticed that there are some reviews for this guitar in the 350v63 section but from what I can see there are at least 4 differences. The 350v63 has vintage tuners, toaster pickups, 21 frets and a vintage trapeze tailpiece which make it more expensive and more like a real 325. I believe this model was created in the 80s for people who don't like the 3/4 size of the Lennon guitar but the body is the same.

This is my first Rickenbacker and even before I plugged it in just playing it almost sounded jangly. I've never played one with the toaster pickups but with the Hi-Gains you can still get the vintage sound. Very clear mid-range and quite a choice of tones come through depending on what pickup selection you have. I like the blender knob which is basically a pan-pot between the first two pickups and thd bridge one. You can balance the tone quite easily with it. I was surprised how well it carried a load of distortion. I run Digitech RP200 through a Mesa Boogie 50 Caliber head with a Marshall 1936 cab and it doesn't soumd 'tinny' or over distorted. You can play good leads with it but for coil tapping and that sort of thing better to your Les Paul or Ibanez or whatever. It seems that most people that own a Rick aren't looking for that kind of performance from it anyway.

Very well made guitar Neck is fast and narrow. Not the greatest for someone with big mitts but I have a Gibson which is very similar to it so it is easy for me. The first neck pickup seems to be a bass pickup without much output. The middle pickup seems to be more like a regular neck pickup with warm, clear, tone and the bridge pickup is bright and well-defined. The maple they used has some birdseye and a lot of grain so it looks very attactive. Action is low and confortable and has quite a bit of sustain.

Everything is solid on this guitar. I would gig with a back up but would be confident with it by itself. Nice glossy finish.

Got some background on these guitars at the Rickenbacker factory. I know parts are tough to get but I had a good experience with them.

Been playing close to a decade now. If it were stolen I would want another. I also own a Carvin DC400, Gibson ES325, and an Epiphone Spotlight as well as a Washburn HB35. It is very light and easy to play and I really like the different tone it has. It's not like a Gibson or Fender but that's what makes it what it is. These are on Ebay once in while and can be had sometimes for under $1000.00. If you want a Lennon guitar but can't afford one this is a great alternative. Try to get one with a case. The silver reissue ones are close to $280.00 new.