Overview
Brand name:
Product:
- electric guitars
Series name:
Variant of:
Dates of manufacture:
1965 to 1984
The RICKENBACKER 420 was introduced in 1965 when a Boyd vibrato tailpiece was added to the model 425. The non-vibrato version of the 425 guitar was then given the model number 420 (although non-vibrato 425s had been around since 1958 - as played in 1963 by George Harrison of the Beatles). The 420 had a cresting wave shaped maple body with neck-though-body construction, a single pickup controlled by single volume & tone controls. The Rickenbacker discontinued the 420 model in 1984.
Specifications (16)
Controls
Tone controls | 1 tone control |
Volume controls | 1 volume control |
Electronics
Pickups brand and model | Rickenbacker Single Coil Toaster Top pickup(s) |
General
Finish effects | sunburst finish |
Made in | USA |
Number of strings | 6 strings |
Body
Body material | maple body |
Body style | cresting wave style |
Pickguard material | white pickguard |
Hardware
Bridge | fixed bridge |
Hardware color | chrome hardware |
Fretboard
Fingerboard material | rosewood fingerboard |
Fingerboard position markers | dot fingerboard position markers |
Neck
Neck joint | neck through body |
Neck material | maple neck |
Number of frets | 21 fret |
Prices (4)
Date | Price | Condition | Name | Comments |
---|---|---|---|---|
1981 | $450 | new | List price | |
2015 | $1300 | good | ||
1976 | £125 | new | Paul W | Bought when I was 17 as my first real-brand guitar. Previously had Columbus Les Paul copy. Though beautiful to play I found it disappointing becuse, not having a valve amp I found it difficult to get much punch out of it. 40 years on I still have it and appreciate it much more as a rather sweet little gem, with fresh and soulful sound which fits more with my years! I always had problems getting it to stay in tune with the original bridge. Had it replaced a few years ago with something more sophisticated and now much happier. Would be interested how much it is worth. |
1973 | $275.00 | excellent | Peter | Natural maple clear Finnish. Replaced white pick guard with a black one 30 years ago. |
Reviews (1)
RICKENBACKER 420 reviewed by Anonymous
Anonymous
Great little lightweight guitar.
Good Rickenbacker ringing tone.
The neck is narrow with good action.
I recently purchased a 1965 420 and am impressed with how well it withstood the the perils of time.